EDITOR’S LETTER By JESSE WRIGHT
W
ELCOME
Fall is almost here, and that means cooler days, longer nights and pumpkin-spice lattes are just around the corner. To kick off the season and get everyone into the spirit of things, we’ve got a great selection of stories and gift ideas. Fitting the season, we’ve got an up-close-andpersonal look at a professional gourd artist (get your orders in now). We profile a group of very different people who come together over the common language of music and we’ve got a look at a cake artist, a woman who brings joy into the lives of others, one slice at a time. But it’s not all sweet—we’ve also got some sour in here, with a profile of Mickey Fluitt, the man behind Mickle’s Pickles, the self-proclaimed second-best pickles in the world. Fluitt was a math teacher. Math isn’t everyone’s favorite subject, but his pickles are wildly popular. On the cover, feature the Moody family. The family, who live just outside of Poplarville, have a 100-year-old home that’s been the center of several generations. Buddy Moody and his son and daughter-inlaw talk about what that history means personally, and what they’re doing to make sure the house and land don’t change too much for future generations.
4 FALL 2015
Of course, as in every issue, we also have our Seven on 7, our page seven guide to what’s hot this season. If you’re in need of something fun to add a certain fall freshness to your home, our local merchants have got you covered. Last and certainly not least, we’ve got our Out and About photos. Were you out? Were you about? Maybe we got a shot of you. If not you, we’ve certainly got some of your friends and colleagues in here, so check it out. Sit back, grab a warm mug of spiced something-or-other and enjoy our stories, our photos and the ads. This magazine is just one more reminder that we live in a special, vibrant community.
CONTENTS 7 MUST-HAVES4
Fall into Autumn with these cool items.
334 WHERE?
Test your knowledge of Picayune & see if you can identify our secret locale.
10 PLANT, FOOD... ART Gourds are a versatile plant, and in the hands of one local artist, the autumn staple becomes art.
18 PLAYING IN THE BAND Despite their differences, local musicians lift spirits with their songs and laughter.
24 LET THEM EAT CAKE After years of working for others, a Pear River County woman is earning a sweeter living by baking.
30 PICKLED Mickey Fluitt gave up a stable teaching job to create Mickles Pickles, a boutique brand that’s taken off.
14 ON THE COVER
The Moody home, just outside of Poplarville, turns 100 years old this year. It’s been an important base for the family. Find out what the Moody family is doing to preserve their home, their traditions and the land itself for future generations. Photo by Jesse Wright
STAFF JEREMY PITTARI Publisher JESSE WRIGHT Managing Editor WRITERS Cassandra Favre Ashley Collins
ADVERTISING Molly Magee Ashley Gros Mark Adam COMPOSITION Debra Howell Duey Entrekin
INFORMATION: Picayune Living is published four times per year by Picayune Newsmedia, LLC. All content is subject to copyright. POSTMASTER: Please send any changes of address or undeliverable information attn: Picayune Item, P.O. 580, Picayune, MS 39466
ALSO INSIDE: 8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Browse the calendar page for a look at this season’s upcoming activities.
35 OUT & ABOUT
See who’s attending the city’s premier events.
42 WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE C. Randy Holland isn’t from Picayune, but he got here as quick as he could.
6 FALL 2015
SEVEN ON 7 B y A SHLE Y COLLINS
1
⬅︎
This flag from MeLinda’s Fine Gifts and More will add that perfect touch of fall to the outside of your home. Show the neighborhood you’re ready for cooler weather and colorful leaves with this bright and festive banner. The flag can be found at MeLinda’s Fine Gifts, located at 1 Sycamore Rd. in Picayune.
2
⬅︎ Prepare your home for autumn
⬅︎ Be the envy of
3
with this pumpkin and vanilla scented candle from Swan Creek Candle Co. Treat yourself with the fall-inspired candle perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. The candle is available at MeLinda’s Fine Gifts, located at 1 Sycamore Rd. in Picayune.
women everywhere as you walk down the street sporting this gold handbag. This bag allows you to be fashionable while still carrying all your essentials, including your makeup bag, wallet and credit cards. This purse is available at Bubbles and Bliss, located at 117 W. Canal St., Picayune.
⬅︎
4
⬅︎ This handmade, decorative birdhouse
displaying bright fall colors would make a charming addition inside or outside your home. Get in the seasonal spirit by adorning your home with fall decorations. This birdhouse can be found at the Rusty Roosta, located at 710 S. Main Street, Poplarville.
5
A scarecrow’s job is to frighten crows away from a beautiful garden. However, scarecrows can also be used as a fun and festive way to ring in the fall season. This scarecrow girl from Burton and Burton will be something the whole family can enjoy. You can place the sitting scarecrow on a fireplace mantle or on the table for Thanksgiving Day. The scarecrow girl and boy can be found at MeLinda’s Fine Gifts, located at 1 Sycamore Rd. in Picayune.
6
7
⬅︎ No need to carve a real
pumpkin this season. This ceramic pumpkin is just as beautiful and requires no maintenance to stay festive all season long. The pumpkin from Transpac Imports can be found at MeLinda’s Fine Gifts, located at 1 Sycamore Rd. in Picayune.
⬅︎ This uniquely decorative fall piece, which in-
cludes an ornamental owl and duck, is perfect for the fall season. The handmade item will surely make everyone feel like fall is finally here. This decoration can be found at the Rusty Roosta, located at 710 S. Main Street, Poplarville.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 14 SIDEWALK SALE IN DOWNTOWN PICAYUNE Merchants throughout the downtown area will be selling their summer goods out on the sidewalk this weekend, making room for fall and winter offerings. Come on by and pick up that little something you’ve had your eye on all summer. OCTOBER 24 8th ANNUAL BLUES AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL Don’t miss out one of the most popular fall festivals in Picayune. This year there’s music featuring Vince Vance & the Valiants, the Group Remedy & Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. In addition, there’s the Classic Cruise on the boulevard, Fairy Tale Fall Festival by GPAC at the Jack Read Park and the PRC Arts League Art Walk & PRC Writer’s Group. NOVEMBER 7 & 8 FALL STREET FESTIVAL This two-day festival begins at 9 a.m. and wraps up each day at 9 p.m. and it is all about the arts and crafts of Picayune and a whole lot more. Vendors will line the streets of downtown offering everything from chainsaw demonstrations to a classic car show. But there will also be live music, martial arts demonstration, hot air balloon rides, giant slides, train rides, reenactments and even the Eurobungee. Don’t miss the fun! NOVEMBER 14 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Kick off the holiday season with a trip downtown as local store owners will be open late (from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) so you can get all your shopping done early, or maybe you can fill up your Christmas wish list. NOVEMBER 28 NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Beat the crowds and the big box stores and help support downtown Picayune during the annual Small Business Saturday. Held the weekend after Thanksgiving, the shopping event is the perfect way to unwind after too much turkey–with a leisurely stroll among your friends and neighbors.
DECEMBER 4 SHOP BY CANDLELIGHT & CHRISTMAS ON THE RAILS Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus come to town by firetruck at Jack Read Park. Also, take a stroll through downtown and check out the streets of Picayune, lit by luminaries. The event offers hayrides, refreshments and more.
8 FALL 2015
Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement
Call me today to discuss your options. Some people think Allstate only protects your car. Truth is, Allstate can also protect your home or apartment, your boat, motorcycle - even your retirement and your life. And the more of your world you put in Good Hands®, the more you can save. John Pigott
JohnPigott@Allstate.com
601-798-7005 915 Hwy. 43 N Picayune
601-795-2700
4656 Hwy. 53, Ste. B Poplarville
Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. Life insurance and annuities issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.
115849
Serving the community since 1976.
Freshest l wers Flo Always
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 9
THE ARTS By A SHLE Y COLLINS
Creating magic ON NATURE’S CANVAS LOCAL ARTIST GROWS AND DECORATES GOURDS AS A HOBBY Gourds have been a part of Janet Conners Schlauderaff’s life since she was a little girl. Her fascination with gourds began when she shared a bedroom with her grandmother, who would
10 FALL 2015
store gourds inside her dresser drawer. “I remember going in there as a little kid, rattling those gourds and they just fascinated me,” Schlauderaff said. However, it would be years until Schlauderaff
would begin pursuing gourd art as a hobby. When she moved to Pearl River County in 1999 with her husband, Dave, they grew a garden at their home, which included gourds. Over the years, Schlauderaff learned more
about gourds and began creating works of art out of the fruit, which she refers to as “nature’s canvas.” Originally from Chalmette, Louisiana, Schlauderaff was always fascinated by nature. “Once upon a time, I was an office worker,” Schlauderaff said. Years later, she followed her
passion, which didn’t involve cubicles, and graduated college with a degree in wildlife management. Schlauderaff said she now considers her country home as her own “natural wildlife refuge” and spends hours at her home art studio, decorating gourds. Gourds, which vary in sizes, are members of the
Cucurbitaceae family, along with pumpkin, cucumber and summer squash. The oldest physical evidence of gourds was found in the highlands of Peru and date back to 23,00011,000 B.C. Since then, gourds have been used to create various useful items, including utensils, musical instruments, storage containers and crafts, Schlauderaff said. There are three types of gourds, including the cucurbita, which is
often used as an ornament; the lagenaria, known as the large, hardshelled gourds are utilized for crafts when dried; and the luffas, which are commonly known as sponges, according to the American Gourd Society’s website. Gourds, depending on their size, can take up to 100 days to grow and are typically harvested in the fall, Schlauderaff said. “Gourds are real earthy. I like
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 11
natural materials because that’s who I am,” Schlauderaff said. Over the years, Schlauderaff has developed an artistic eye for gourds and displays hundreds of her creations inside her studio. Schlauderaff said she learned how to decorate gourds through trial and error. “In the beginning, I would be sanding without a mask, on a moldy gourd. But the more I researched, the more I learned and the more I love it,” she said. Schlauderaff spends hours each week inside her studio
12 FALL 2015
working on her creations. Before she works on a gourd, she places them inside a cool storage unit near her studio to allow the gourd to dry properly. When it’s dry and ready for crafting, Schlauderaff takes time to figure out exactly how she wants to design it. “If you ask any gourd artist, they’ll tell you the gourd will tell them what it wants to be,” she said. She utilizes a hand-held rotary tool to buff, carve and sand her creation. In order to create a beautiful design, she uses a wood burner to design colorful objects on her unique canvas, including ocean waves, dolphins and flowers. Schlauderaff said one of the biggest challenges she’s faced when decorating a gourd is “designing something on it because it’s not a flat surface.” However, Schlauderaff enjoys the challenge and credits her husband for supporting her hobby over the years. “My husband always promoted my interests. He’s bought me different tools for gourds; most of them I’ve put to good use,” she said. Schlauderaff not only decorates gourds but is also an active member of the American, Louisiana and Mississippi Gourd Society. In the past, she’s won several gourd society competitions for her work. However, Schlauderaff said she prefers to create gourd art for her own enjoyment and neither money nor recognition could compete with that. Throughout the year, she also travels with her husband
to different shows across the region where she learns different art techniques and applies them to her own work. Now that she’s a professional gourd artist, Schlauderaff enjoys teaching others. For the past several years, she’s taught classes at the Crosby Arboretum. Last year, she taught locals how to
create Christmas gourd ornaments. Schlauderaff said as long as someone enjoys making crafts, “they don’t have to be a fine artist to appreciate anything with gourds.” She hopes to continue pursuing her passion and teaching more classes to spread the word about nature’s canvas.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 13
HOMEM ADE By JESSE WRIGHT
Moving
FORWARD
with the past intact 14 FALL 2015
A LOT CAN CHANGE IN A CENTURY, BUT THE MOODY FAMILY IS TRYING TO KEEP A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS THE SAME.
There is a lot of love in the Moody house. But, then, after a century of sheltering several generations of the family, it’s no surprise the house is more than a home. Out back, in a converted barn, dozens of pews line up, ready for the weekly nondenominational church service. Almost daily, someone comes by looking for a meal and Buddy Moody works with area residents and friends to collect food and meals for families less fortunate than his. Besides all that, there’s the fact the house is still the center of a working cattle farm, so it’s not unusual to have cattlemen drop off cattle at all hours of the day. The house is at once idyllic, a hardwood relic, nestled just off Highway 11, tucked beneath some spreading live oak limbs, and a hectic place of business, charity and family where something’s always happening. This activity at least has slowed
little in the last 100 years. Moody was born in 1947, and said some of his earliest memories were of all the people coming around the home. “As a child I was very fortunate, there was a lot of activity, a lot of livestock and farming going on,” said Moody. “And my daddy was very active in the community. He was coaching a lot of Little League and Pony League and he was active in the civic center.” In those days, the farm was dependent on more manual labor to manage the roughly 600acre farm, and Moody can recall his family raising hogs to help feed the men who worked on the farm. “They’d kill them, scald them and then literally use every piece of them,” said Moody. These days it takes fewer men to run the farm and there are no more hog pens. It’s harder now for independent, family-run cattle operations so the Moody
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 15
family is introducing new crops and new sources of revenue to keep the land profitable and, at the same time, keep it as it’s always been—native, natural and wild. To keep the land preserved, the Moody family has set up a land trust on part of the property that prohibits construction. The family can still raise cattle and hunt on the land, but no future Moody—or anyone else—will
16 FALL 2015
ever find a large chain store across the highway from their home. The Moodys still raise some cattle, but also trees, including poplar and long leaf pine, the giant tree that once grew from the Virginia coast into east Texas. The trees grow as high as 150 feet tall, and by the late 19th century, when railroads came south, they were clear cut and turned into board wood. And, to highlight the natural beauty of their land, the Moody family has also built some cabins on the land, which they rent to tourists. “We got two springs that produce 600 gallons a minute,” said Moody. “So I was self-employed, still trying to do something, so we built a 10-acre lake. We built that and then we built a cabin on that and we rented that out for fishing.” That became Swallow Fork Lake, which features three cabins and its own coffee blend. “Essentially they stay booked up all the time, and they’ve got a real good reputation,” said Moody. “They use them for everything, birthdays and anniversaries. People love it.”
Moody no longer lives in the old house, although he does live on the property. Rather, his son, John Solomon Moody and John’s wife, April, live in the house while they build a new home on the land. John Solomon Moody, or Solomon Moody, as he’s known, was born in 1979 and he said he can remember the big dinners for the farm workers at the old house. But, within his lifetime, he’s watched the whole farming industry change and he understands the need to take the farm in a different direction. Still, he said, tradition is important and the old house is a symbol of what his family built, and he wants to preserve that. “When you think of five generations of men and women working hard to maintain what they had, you feel a responsibility to do your absolute best,” he said. “In some people, it’s just inherently important to you to be a part of the family or to be the part of the bigger picture. … I wouldn’t feel like I was in the right place if I was anywhere else but here.” And while Solomon Moody and April Moody are building a new house, they say the old homestead will continue to play an important role in their family, and in future generations, beginning with Solomon Moody’s own two children. “That’s special, not many kids get that. They might not appreciate that now, but when they’re our age,
they will. And this house will be here then,” said April Moody. The way Solomon Moody sees it, it’s not just the house that’s important or even keeping everything exactly as it was. What’s important is building traditions, knowing the land and remembering the family history. And, in that way, Solomon Moody said the old house will continue to serve as a touchstone for the family, no matter who’s living in it. “The goal is to be here and to create that for the next generation,” said Solomon Moody. “Hopefully their memories will be of us here and there doesn’t have to be an end to that. This is the center and the focal point of the home place but it’s so much bigger than the house.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 17
FIDDLIN’ AROUND By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
THE TEMPO OF
FRIENDSHIP
Local Musicians Lift Spirits with Their Songs and Laughter. 18 FALL 2015
“IN THE RHYTM OF LIFE, WE SOMETIMES FIND OURSELVES OUT OF TUNE, BUT AS LONG AS THERE ARE FRIENDS TO PROVIDE THE MELODY, THE MUSIC PLAYS ON.” – AUTHOR UNKNOWN
The rhythms of laughter, friendship and good times can be heard almost every Thursday evening in Pearl River County when a group of local musicians meet to strum their instruments and lift their voice in song. The Henleyfield Pickers is an eclectic group made up of people from various backgrounds and opinions with one common objective, playing the music they love alongside friends. There’s a former nurse, a police officer, a Vietnam veteran, a priest and a world traveled musician, just to name a few. They play a variety of musical genres including bluegrass, country and gospel. On a hot summer evening in August, nine of the players gathered to entertain a group at Holy Angels Anglican Church in Picayune. They were Gretchen Lee, Father Larry Wagoner,
Mike Oase, Mike Scott, Jesse Jones, Laura Ousset, Barbara Lane, Charles Cale and Paul Pellegrine. Lane, “the baby of the bunch” has been playing with the pickers for the past five years. She is a pianist, singer and she plays guitar. She has traveled
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 19
around the world entertaining and used to play at Pat O’Briens Piano Bar in New Orleans. When the mother of six attended events held by Greater Picayune Arts Council and the Pearl River County Arts League, she heard about the pickers who played bluegrass music. “I was in love,” she said. “We all come from many different avenues of life, have different views, but all come together to play music. I absolutely love them, they are my family.” Ousset started with the group in 2002 and plays bass guitar and sings. “I love to play music,” she said. “I like the people in this group, it’s a small family and we have a really good time.” Scott has been with the group for about a year and plays acoustic guitar. “Everyone works together so that everyone can achieve their best,” Scott said. “They are all very helpful.” Cale is one of the Pickers’ original members and joined the group because of his love of fun and music. He plays guitar as well as sings. “I really like the friendly atmosphere and the fact that we all enjoy playing music,” Cale said. “It’s a way of releasing pressures.”
20 FALL 2015
Lee joined the group in 2012 after serving for 48 years as a registered nurse. About six years ago, she started taking violin and fiddle lessons. “I really enjoy the music and people,” she said. Pellegrine, a retired NOPD police officer has been playing in bands most of his life. He plays guitar and is a singer and songwriter. In 2004, he released a Christian country album entitled “Hallelujah Train.” For more than 15 years, Pellegrine has played with the Pickers and enjoys the weekly social music gatherings. “One of the most interesting things is that we come from different backgrounds,” he said. “But music is the cohesiveness that brings us all together. Music can do great things.” Wagoner has been a member for the past seven years, but has been playing guitar for about 25 years.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 21
“We’re a group of diverse folks, some professional musicians and some amateur,” Wagoner said. “We manage, by the love of music, to become a whole greater than the parts.”
Jones is a former television repairman and started “picking” on the guitar in 1955, after leaving the Air Force. Later in life, he started playing the harmonica. “We’ve had a lot of good musicians and singers come and go onto something else,” he said. “We just have a lot of fun when we get together. I enjoy picking, playing, listening and singing when it comes my turn.” Oase has been with the Pickers for about a year and a half, but is no stranger to playing in a band. “Since I was 15-years-old, I played in bands in Colorado, Minnesota and Iowa,” he said. “Later in life, I started writing songs. I play a lot of different kinds of music and will enjoy it until the day I die. The Pickers have become very good friends of mine.” First-time listener Nancy Guidroz said she thought the group’s performance was terrific.
7th Annual Picayune Piney Woods 5K & One-Mile Run, October 31, 2015, 8 a.m. Cash Awards to Top Winners, Medals, Team Awards, and Costume Contest. Call for More Information.
22 FALL 2015
“I love the music they play, from old time blues to everything,” she said. “It makes you want to get up and dance.” Debbie Vaughn is also a fan of the Pickers, because they have ability to make the listener feel at home. “They are a big family who enjoy each other’s company,” Vaughn said. “They are always laughing, joking and enjoying the moment of peace music brings to people that is seldom realized. They are all from different backgrounds and just get together for the love of music, God and each other. It impresses me that they just want to get together, play and bring joy to people.”
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 23
HANDS ON By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
24 FALL 2015
“WHERE THERE IS CAKE, THERE IS HOPE. AND THERE IS ALWAYS CAKE.” – DEAN KOONTZ
There are many occasions when people consume cake. They range from weddings, birthdays, baby showers and many more. The hard part is not picking out a reason, but rather finding a baker who can bake the tasty delights just right. One of those bakers is Carriere resident Melissa Buras, owner of Cakes Etc. The Gretna, Louisiana native moved to Pearl River County in January and already her sweet concoctions are garnering attention. The mother, wife and grandmother began her journey into the confectionary world after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. “I was a single mom at the time and worked for a company that sold party supplies,” Buras said. “We sold to many businesses and got a lot of calls for balloon deliveries and party decoration setups. I asked the owner if I could buy my supplies from him and I started a decorating business called Balloons Beacoup.” She decorated for Mardi Gras events, proms and parties until the price of helium went up. She was a single mom until 2008, when she married her
husband Paul, but said starting Balloons Beacoup wasn’t hard because she already knew many of her clients from her previous employment. However, Buras said she always harbored a fascination with cakes. “I went to Michaels and took a basic cake class,” she said. “Shortly after, I baked my first cake for a birthday party and ever since then I’ve been baking.” Cakes Etc. was established in 2010.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 25
Buras relocated to Carriere from the Westbank to be closer to her grandchildren and she wanted her daughter to grow up in a better environment. Her parents soon followed and moved to the area in April, she said.
26 FALL 2015
She currently bakes in her home, but plans to look at a storefront in the near future. Buras’ cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cake balls and icing are made from scratch and can be decorated in almost every theme imaginable including Disney, wedding, superheros and popular television shows.
On Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, Buras can be found either in her kitchen or cake room baking and decorating a confection for the upcoming week. Deliveries and pick-ups are completed on Fridays and Saturdays. Not only do her culinary delights feature homemade icing, but homemade fondant, an edible frosting used to decorate, which she orders from a friend in Tennessee, she said. For decorations she also utilizes
plastic toys, handdrawn logos and photographs, which she makes using an edible printer. She also uses cutters and molds. She also creates shapes out of fondant.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 27
“There’s nothing I won’t touch,” she said. “I will try everything once. I like the finished product. I can’t draw a stick figure and don’t have much of an artistic ability, but I can do cakes.”
30 lb bags & up only • Exp 11/30/15
28 FALL 2015
Buras can make an array of cake flavors, including almond, chocolate, lemon, champagne, strawberry, red velvet, pumpkin and bubble gum. For icing, she creates a standard buttercream and chocolate. In April, Buras made her debut at Picayune’s Spring Street Festival, where she sold more than 400
cupcakes. “I have had a good response from the community,” Buras said. “I’m already getting bookings, orders and staying busy.” She also belongs to the group ICES Cakes, a yearly convention held in various states, where she participates in a week of cake classes. This year, her goal is to make handmade flowers. The biggest challenge Buras has faced has been attracting clients and networking. In an effort to reach a wider
audience, she utilizes all social media outlets, including Facebook and Instagram. Before her move to Carriere, Buras had never lived in a small town before and now she loves it. “It’s a quiet small town, there’s no crime and I like the overall friendliness of the people here,” Buras said.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 29
LET’S EAT By JESSE WRIGHT
30 FALL 2015
MICKEY FLUITT DOESN’T MAKE THE BEST PICKLES IN THE WORLD. ONLY THE SECOND BEST, SO HE SAYS.
But he’s also got a sign outside his shop that says his store is never open, even when it is. So, it’s possible his pickles are the best in the world. They’re certainly popular. His homemade pickles are so popular, in fact, that he sells them worldwide from his small shop in downtown Picayune. They’re so popular Fluitt once bought a newspaper ad that said, simply, “I don’t advertise.” Just to be safe, the ad included a phone number but even so, it’s unlikely anyone will see much more advertising for Mickle’s Pickles. “A guy tried to sell me a big old electric sign and I said, ‘Why do I need that?’ And he said, ‘you’ll get more business,’” Fluitt said. “And I said, ‘I don’t need more business.’” In another lifetime, Fluitt was a junior high school math teacher. “I like to say I taught hardly anything and hardly anyone,” he said. “But I did well.” He left the classroom to make boutique handmade pickles in September, 2001 and he’s not looked back. September 2001 would not seem like the most auspicious time to leave a stable job and launch a pickle business, but Fluitt said some of the worst times in our nation’s recent history have been some of the best times in the pickle business. “After Hurricane Katrina, business went up. After the financial crisis, business went up. After 9/11, business went up,” Fluitt explained. “This is what’s known as a comfort food.
A comfort food is, people think. ‘My God, I might die tomorrow. I’ll spend $7 dollars on a jar of pickles because I might die tomorrow.” That’s how good his pickles are. Fluitt’s pickles developed because of two things. First, Fluitt loved pickles. Fluitt grew up in New Orleans and back in the ‘70s, he remembers buying Upside Down Pickles. “It was out of New Orleans,” he said. “I loved them. I just loved them. I fell in love with those and I used to get them all the time but then they went out of business,” said Fluitt. “Years later, sitting in the teachers’ lounge in Slidell, a teacher came up and said, ‘You like pickles?’ and I said, ‘Yeah and she said try this.’ … And it was so close to the Upside Down Pickles.” In the ‘90s he began making his own pickles for friends and family.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 31
But beyond loving pickles and beyond even pickling at home, Fluitt loves people. He likes talking. “You know, Picayune has a street fair, and for years, I’d go to the street fair and for years I wanted a booth,” he said. “I just like talking to people. My wife said, ‘What are you going to do?’ And I thought I’d try to promote myself as a deejay.” Besides the pickling, Fluitt worked as a deejay at school dances and over the years, he developed quite the cassette tape collection, which he still has in boxes at his pickle
32 FALL 2015
store. “I got a collection of just about any song you can name from the ‘90s,” he said. “And I thought, maybe I can promote that. But no, I thought maybe I can promote public education. Let’s talk community involvement, and then teachers at that I was working with said, ‘Sell the pickles you make.’” Instead of promoting education, teachers urged him to sell pickles. That’s how good they are. That was in November of 1999, and he said at his first Fall Festival, the pickles were a hit. He remembered watching people try a sample and then grabbing their friends and family. “They’d put this in their mouth and in a second they were like, ‘Oh my God,’” Fluitt said. “My family’s
working the booth and I am stepping back, thinking I may have found it I may have found the way out of teaching.” His teacher colleagues inspired more than just that first foray into pickle sales. They also came up with the name. For years, he’d given away his pickles to his co-workers and the teachers soon found a way to rhyme his first name with the product. “They teased me, ‘hey you got any Mickles Pickles,’” he said. Soon after the fair, he began selling at other festivals and shows and it wasn’t too long until Fluitt realized he was at
a professional crossroads. “A year-and-a-half later, I said I’m leaving,” he said. The way he sees it, it was a safe choice. He’s a certified teacher in area in need of teachers. One of the reasons he became a teacher is because of some advice his mother gave him years ago. “‘You can get a job anytime, anywhere,’ she said. I can go back to teaching. It’s there,” he said. Not that he’ll be doing that anytime soon. Pins cover a small map of the US that hangs on a wall in the pickle shop. The pins represent everywhere he’s shipped his pickles, and the pins are grouped in thick, colorful clusters. The map hasn’t been updated in years. “We ran out of pins a long time ago,” he said. To buy some pickles, visit Fluitt’s website, www. micklespickles.com or call him at 601-798-0705.
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 33
WHERE AM I? By JESSE WRIGHT
STAMPED INTO THE FACADE Do you know where this picture was taken? If you do, then send your guess to news@picayuneitem. com or post it on Picayune Item’s Facebook page. We will unveil the location in the next edition of Picayune Living. LAST EDITION: The photo below was featured in our summer edition of Picayune Living. This possibly hard to find image is one of the many uni ue windows on the front of West Side Elementary in Picayune. Congratulations to those of you who recognized the location of this image. Main image by Jesse Wright, inset by Jeremy Pittari
34 FALL 2015
OUT & ABOUT
1
By JESSE WRIGHT
RUNNING (OR WALKING) FOR A GOOD CAUSE In August, men, women and kids showed up to support a high school dance team from Picayune who needed to raise money for their trip to New York to participate in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2
1. From left are Taylor Gregory and Haylee Davis. 2. From left are Patricia Burke and Tommy Burke. 3. From left are Aliciana Carter and Elizabeth Taggard. 4. From left From left are Chris Goar and Thomas McCorkle. 5. From left are Chase Frierson and Kassie Balsamo
3
4
5
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 35
OUT & ABOUT
2
By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
1
3
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW The Crosby Arboretum held an art exhibit opening for Bill Edwards’ photography. 1. From left, Lenita Cuervo, Frank Cuervo and Sarah Hirstius. 2. From left, Kim Johnson and Harriet Greulich. 3. From left, Jim Luke and Gail Sheasby. 4. From left, Bill and Sally Edwards.
36 FALL 2015
4
OUT & ABOUT 1
By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
2
3
BLUEBERRY JUBILEE The Blueberry Jubilee was held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 in Poplarville. Folks from all over the county attended the annual summer event. 1. From left, Sadie Martin and Jayden Ratcliffe. 2. From back left, Sean Beck and Jillian Hendrix. From front left, Chloe Beck and Gabriel Hendrix. 3. From left, Rhonda Davion, Laura Bowman and Avia Bowman.
4
4. From left, Dwayne Leonard, Cathy Lienemann, Katie Leonard and Mark Lienemann. 5. From back left, Jennifer Arenas. From front left, Jayleese V., Riley Arenas and Rosie Arenas. 6. From left, Charles and Rachel Stafford.
5
6
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 37
OUT & ABOUT
1
By A SHLE Y COLLINS
KATRINA REMEMBRANCE Covenant Health and Rehab celebrated its facility and staff on Sept. 1 during the “Hurricane Katrina Survivor Celebration” honoring those who served the facility during the storm. 2
1. From left, Mike Arnold and Efrain Morales 2. From left, Ernest Krieger and Wade McCormick 3. From left, Cynthia Kennard, Pearlie Robinson, Lena Bowens, and Asia Lewis 4. From left, Daisy Carmouche, Gabriella Johnson, Larry Johnson and Ellen Johnson. 5. From left, Vivian Joy and Nora Andrews
3
5
4
38 FALL 2015
OUT & ABOUT 1
By A SHLE Y COLLINS
FASHION FRENZY he first icayune Main Street, nc. Fashion Frenzy was held on Aug. 15 where local models showcased the latest fashion and accessories from local stores. 2
1: From left, Carolyn Terry, Mary Ellen Wheat and Carol Estopinal. 2: From left, Emma Rose Mensi, Colleen Mensi, Jared McCurnin, Juana Plaisance and Pat Nunez. 3: From left, Eileen Baker, Steven McDonald, Nance Stokes and Martha Ford. 4: From left, Glenn Ford and Lisa Gust. 5: From left, Molly Jo Stover, Kourtney Stover and Lee Stover.
3
5
4
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 39
OUT & ABOUT By A SHLE Y COLLINS
1
SENIOR PROM Senior citizens were able to rewind time and dance the day away at the Senior Center of South Pearl River County’s annual senior prom held on Aug. 25. 1. From left, Gladys Cruz, Earar Keller and Jamie Blanks
2
2. From left, Ray and Carolyn Simmons. 3. From left, Ruby Whitehead, Eskeletha Dorsey, Gussie Ott and Ruth McCaskill.
3
40 FALL 2015
OUT & ABOUT
1
By A SHLE Y COLLINS
POPLARVILLE LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE On August 19, the Friends of the Poplarville Public Library hosted an open house to celebrate the installation of new head librarian Eden Nitcher and the completion of recent renovations. 1. From left, Carole Lund and Erlene Smith. 2. From left, Byron Wells and Shirley Wiltshire.
2
3. From left, Kathy Holland, Missy Ellis and Cleon Dillard. 4. From left, Carol Phares and Eden Nitcher. 5. From left, Noel Bourdeu, Micah Ulmer, Sarah Hirstius and Linda Tufaro. 6. From left, Dana Taggart and Mary Beth Magee.
3 5
4
6
PICAYUNEITEM.COM 41
WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE By C . R ANDY HOLL AND
Advocating for LITERACY IN PICAYUNE
I WASN’T BORN AND RAISED IN PICAYUNE
or anywhere else in Mississippi, and, I’ve lived a number of other places (Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri) before coming to Picayune. In fact, I was planning on living out my life in Panama City, Florida, but life has a way of changing one’s plans. It was a business opportunity that brought the family and me to Picayune, and I’m sure glad it did. Now don’t get me wrong, Panama City is a good place to live but I think Picayune is even better. Let me explain why. We began moving into our home in Caesar Community two days before Christmas in 1977. Of course we didn’t know anybody in the neighborhood. The very next day a car came down our somewhat long driveway and out popped Forrest and Lois Goss. They lived up the road and had come down to welcome us to the community. We were most pleasantly surprised, as no one had even done such a kindness before. We became lasting friends with Forrest and Lois until their passing. We also
42 FALL 2015
later learned that we were surrounded by Forrest’s brothers, George, Carl, Roger, and Judson, all fine folks and great neighbors. In fact our road is named after their father, Dr. Forrest Z. Goss. We soon discovered that shopping in Picayune in 1978 was a bit challenging. The great
layoff at the Mississippi Test Facility, now the Stennis Space Center, in 1970-1973 left many houses empty and many businesses shuttered. We always like to buy locally if we can because the money then keeps circulating locally and helps everybody. When we were able to shop in Picayune,
we found the storeowners and managers to be very friendly and helpful. In many cases, over the years, they also became friends. We met and got to know many other interesting folks like Grandpa Thigpen, his son Grady, Homer Quick, Delois Burks, and many others. We also discovered,
thanks to the Crosby family, a wonderful library. And as many of you already know, we Hollands have been deeply involved with supporting the Library ever since. Our involvement with Friends of the Crosby Library has been richly rewarding and allowed us to meet many people in Pearl River County and to help make it better. We have found a wonderful ally in this regard in our local radio station WRJW. Picayune is ideally situated. It is close to the big city of New Orleans. Great medical facilities in Slidell and Hattiesburg and now a new hospital right here in town. It’s close to the coast for boating and deep-sea fishing. If you like bayou country freshwater fishing or piney woods hunting there is a lot of that close by, too. But, and this is very important to me, Picayune/ Caesar is small, friendly, and moves at a Southern speed that permits one to de-stress, refocus, and spend time with family and friends. Today we feel like natives and could not have been more accepted if we really were. We hope you feel the same.