EDITOR’S LETTER By JEREM Y PIT TARI
W
ELCOME
As the temperatures of summer rise and preparations are made to clean the grill, fill the pool and get the boat ready for plenty of fun-filled weekends, take a break and peruse the pages of this edition of Picayune Living. This time of year is always filled with good times around a pot filled with mudbugs, activities to keep the body and mind cool and lazy days by the pool or beach. But, if an interesting project is more to your liking, you may be interested in starting a garden capable of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Staying fit may also be on the agenda as consideration is made on which swimsuit to purchase. But what about being able to stay safe as well? Then a self-defense course may be just the ticket. Inside, we have information on a martial arts oriented course that also trains women how to identify and protect themselves from potentially unsafe situations. One sure way to beat the heat is to stay inside where air-conditioning is plentiful, giving you a comfortable place to start an artistic endeavor. Whether it’s making jewelry from metal, or wood, inside you will find articles that may provide inspiration. One of the more beloved aspects of living in Pearl River
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County is the abundance of woodlands. That is where you can find some of the more unique homes, such as this issue’s house feature. The 1970’s style home sits on more than 100 acres and has its own nature trail that surrounds a spring-fed lake. If taking an adventure in the woods is your forte, why not collect a few mushrooms to go in tonight’s meal at the same time. A tour of Shroomdom outside of Poplarville will fit that bill. So grab a glass of iced tea, kick back on the porch swing and settle in to another edition of Picayune Living.
CONTENTS 7 MUST-HAVES4
For a little retail therapy, check out the offerings on page 7.
325 WHERE?
Test your knowledge of Picayune & see if you can identify our secret locale.
10 TWISTED STEEL: Sharon Smith Fink has found a hobby in making wearable art with wire and beads.
12 HOME IN THE WOODS: A rustic home that sits on more than 100 acres is a dream getaway from it all.
16 BUTTERFLIES: Interested in attracting butteries to your yard? Check out these tips and tricks.
19 FOREST FUNGI: Looking to tour a place where mushrooms are grown naturally? Look no further than Shroomdom.
22 ON THE COVER
Making rings out of wood is no easy task. Poplarville native Frank Ladner has found a way to not only create wearable rings made of wood, but has made them beautiful as well. See page 22 for the story. Photo by Cassandra Favre
STAFF LINDA GILMORE Publisher JEREMY PITTARI Associate Publisher WRITER Cassandra Favre
ADVERTISING Laci Lee Jeanelle Beck Susan Fradella COMPOSITION Debra Howell Duey Entrekin
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, Greater Picayune Chamber of Commerce, and the offices of the Picayune Item and The Poplarville Democrat.
8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Browse the calendar page for a look at this season’s upcoming activities.
30 OUT & ABOUT
See who’s attending the city’s premier events.
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
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26 ON GUARD: Knowing how to avoid a dangerous situation is just as important as knowing how to fight back.
34 WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE Pearl River County resident Lynn Barzé shares why she has come to love her new home.
SEVEN ON 7 By PIC AY UNE LIVING S TAFF
1.
Beautiful and affordable custom etched glassware is available at Barousse Designs. Glassware prices range from $35$65 each. Barousse Designs is located at 209 West Canal St., Picayune. 601-590-1745 Photo by Barousse Design
3.
Many indoor ovens cannot match the Big Green Egg’s temperature control and accuracy! You can grill, smoke and bake at exact temperatures by easily adjusting the patented air flow controls. Made in USA. Available at Phillips Building Supply. Accessories and options vary.
2.
This handmade cross is by Maranda Rester, owner of Doodlebugs Florist. See this and other cross designs at the shop located at 1026 S. Main St., Poplarville, MS 39470, 601-795-4848. $25 each.
Photo by Laci Lee
Photo by Susan Fradella
4. Your furever friend would
love a sparkly pink pet collar. This and other styles are available at Picayune Veterinary Clinic, 2507 Highway 43 South, Picayune. 601-798-7706.
5.
These polarized Coach sunglasses are available at Poplarville Eye Clinic, 1249 S. Main St, Poplarville, MS, (601) 872-0720. They are priced at $160. Photo by Susan Fradella
Photo by Jeremy Pittari
6.
The Teddy Bear Museum limited edition ornament features an adorable teddy bear sporting a Mardi Gras jester hat. Additionally, a Saints fleur-de-lis and pearl embellishment compliment the overall design of this keepsake ornament. 1299 S. Haugh, Picayune, 601-778-BEAR (2327) Photo by Linda Gilmore
7.
This Sippi Made necklace is crafted of 18-gauge copper and can be purchased at A Touch of Vintage, 605 S. Main St., Poplarville 39470 for $20. Photo by Susan Fradella
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 9 CROSBY ARBORETUM NATIVE WATER PLANT SALE Come early for the best selection of non-invasive native aquatic plants, including hardy water lilies, Texas star hibiscus, native iris, spider lilies, lizard’s tail, arrow arum, and golden club. Many of these plants are from our exhibits. Free admission! The sale will be in the Greenhouse area. Please use our Service Entrance. JULY 13-15TH CHRISTMAS IN JULY Picayune Main Street will be holding their annual Christmas in July shopping event. It’s a great chance to patronize local businesses, while getting in the holiday spirit, six months early. Santa will make a visit and businesses will offer special deals. AUGUST 6 WORKSHOP: FIELD WALK AND BUILDING WITH CLAY Children will walk the pathways to collect plants and dried material and will work with self-hardening clay to create lasting memories in this fun family workshop with Arboretum Director Pat Drackett. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Materials fee is $5 per child for members’ children, $6 for non-members’ children. Adults free. Register by Aug. 5. OCTOBER 22 9TH ANNUAL BLUES AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL From 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. bring your lawn chairs and enjoy beautiful downtown Picayune during Picayune Main Street’s annual Blues and Heritage Festival. The festival will feature live entertainment, an art market by the Pearl River County Arts League, and a Storybook Fest by the Greater Picayune Arts Council. You do not want to miss this event! OCTOBER 28 RUN WITH THE PIGS The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Run with the Pigs event combines great food and fitness. Participate in the 5K race, and sample delicious barbecue. NOVEMBER 5 & 6 PICAYUNE MAIN STREET BIANNUAL STREET FESTIVAL Picayune Main Street will hold their biannual Street Festival on Canal Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Local and regional vendors will be selling handmade crafts, candles, antiques, jewelry and food vendors will offer culinary treats. NOVEMBER 10 ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET Join the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce as they honor the Firefighter, Police Officer, Citizen and Business of the Year, among others. 8 SUMMER 2016
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INSPIR ATION By C A SSAN DR A FAVRE
10 SUMMER 2016
A Personal Touch Former educator turned jewelry designer
Last summer, Poplarville native Sharon Smith Fink wanted to travel with her mother to London, England. However, the trip was sponsored by Pearl River Community College. In order to ride the school van to the airport, she either needed to be enrolled in a class or be employed as a faculty member, so she decided to take a jewelry class. As a result of what she learned in the course, Fink was inspired to create Twisted Steel Designs, a jewelry collection filled with her handmade designs. In 2014, Fink retired after 28 years of teaching music and piano. Her love for piano began when she was years old and she continues to fulfill that passion by serving as organist and pianist at Poplarville’s First United Methodist Church. She also enjoys art, sewing, gardening and quilting, so it was only natural that Fink would be inspired to create her own wearable art. “I would see things that I would like
to try, works of art,” she said. “I made things that I liked and that people said they liked. Then I had tons of jewelry.” Her earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces are made with different gauge wire combined with beads. She uses a variety of colored wire, such as antique brass, copper and gold aluminum. “I like the idea of making something beautiful from wire and beads and I like being creative,” she said. At the kitchen table in her Poplarville home, Fink creates her unique designs. Once she started, she realized she had a “ton” of jewelry so she set up a booth at the PRCC’s Women’s Health Symposium. She also delivered her jewelry to local vintage stores. Then she decided to establish her website, www. twistedsteeldesigns.com. Customers can peruse the website and choose their favorite earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces. In addition to her website, Fink
hosts home parties. During a home party, guests can come and go, she said. “I set up a store with display pieces and make it look like a boutique,” she said. The hostess serves refreshments and also receives a gift. Door prizes are also awarded to those in attendance. It’s a good chance to get together, visit and try on jewelry, she said. According to her biography, the motto, “Live, Laugh, Love,” is one of her favorites. “The ability to create is in everyone,” she wrote. “Creativity is a way of expression. It gives a sense of accomplishment and gratification. Creating something from nothing is amazing and unique to each individual. Whether it is art, music, writing, crafting, cooking or many other interests, it is all a gift from God. It is a gift to enjoy and share. Find the thing you love to do and then take time to do the thing you love.”
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HOME M ADE By JEREM Y PIT TARI
12 SUMMER 2016
Peace and tranquility in the country Rustic homestead provides serenity in nature Bob Holman and his wife Kate Baragona purchased their dream retirement home just outside of Poplarville about two years ago. Renovations to their 2,115-squarefoot home and the surrounding buildings are ongoing. The home, which sits on more than 100 acres, was built in 1977, and features a number of amenities, such as a large springfed lake and a nature trail. “We really like the outdoors and nature so it’s nice,” Holman said. A wood-decked path winds through an area surrounding a spring-fed lake. Overlooking the lake is an in-ground swimming pool. On the other side of the large piece of property is a separate 1,200-square-foot home for their caretaker and a guesthouse, that is more like a small hotel, next to the main home. The guesthouse has two rooms, each with a bathroom. Holman is an avid hunter, so one of the projects he is working on is to grow trees that attract deer. He’s already planted a few chestnut trees, and has erected several deer stands throughout the property. He said 60 acres of the property will be used for that purpose.
But harvesting animals is not the only use for the land; the couple also cares for animal rescues, including a donkey and some horses. Game cameras on the property have captured several of the wild animals that inhabit the hilly land, including bearcats, foxes and armadillos. Holman is retired from the Army after serving in the branch of the military for 24 years; he now works for the Pentagon while Baragona works for World Bank. It’s not hard to know the history of the property. Holman said records kept by the original owner were meticulous, describing the number of bags of cement used to pour the slab, and the names of individuals who helped build the home and its outlying buildings. To Holman’s count, the lake is fed by at least four free flowing springs. So much water comes into the lake, a spillover is required to maintain the lake’s level. When the weather chills, staying warm won’t be a problem. There are three fireplaces, one in each of the bedrooms and another in the living room. If the couple decided to, they could be self sufficient on the
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property, only needing to go to a store for things they can’t grow or hunt. A covered garden employing wooden boxes provides ample room to grow fruits and vegetables, the pond is stocked with lots of catfish and the various wildlife gives them plenty of opportunities to hunt for fresh meat. When the sun sets, the secluded property is still easily navigated on foot due to the many moonlights perched high in the surrounding pine trees. Holman estimates about $60,000 worth of lighting is installed in those trees. There are also plans to renovate an existing structure on the property. An unfinished tool shed near the main house will soon be converted into a game room/man cave while construction of a storage facility is taking place near the main home, Holman said.
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NATURE STUDY By PATRICIA DR ACKE T T
16 SUMMER 2016
Butterflies in the garden
Attract these graceful insects with a garden of your own
By Patricia Drackett, MSU Extension Service and Director of the Crosby Arboretum
Starting a butterfly garden does not have to be complicated. Consider, for example, a friend who recently told me she just purchased some Salvia and Lantana and planted them together in a container. Bingo! She had a great start on a butterfly garden. Butterflies add movement to your garden, causing it to come alive, and making it, in some folks’ eyes, even more entertaining than television. Many flowers attractive to butterflies also draw hummingbirds. A favorite is the a variety of Penta known as Egyptian Starflower a virtual magnet for butterflies in the garden. In many gardens, the plant can be covered in giant swallowtail butterflies. Ideally, a butterfly garden should contain two types of plants - those that provide nectar, the food of adult butterflies, and “host” plants, which act as breeding sites. Many plants act as food for
butterflies. Colorful Lantana, Verbena, and Zinnias are common blooming plants found in many garden centers. Bee Balm, Coreopsis, Black-Eyed Susan, Shasta aisy, Purple Coneflower, Butterfly Bush, Phlox, and Ageratum are other popular nectar sources. Salvias offer many great choices to feed butterflies, including Indigo Spires, Mexican sage, Black and Blue and Pineapple sage. These large plants can soon grow far beyond the small containers in which they were purchased. Salvias may have flower spikes measuring over a foot in length. Pinching back the tips will cause the plant to grow bushy and compact. These clippings will also root easily. Most Salvias thrive in coastal Mississippi’s heat and humidity and do best in full sun although they will tolerate partial shade. Butterflies lay their eggs on specific host plants that can also provide nectar. Some host plants may already be present in nearby natural areas, such as forests and meadows. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly’s host plants
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Photo by Janine Conklin
include Black Cherry, Sassafras, and Red Maple, Sassafras is also a host plant for Spicebush Swallowtails. Host plants for Black Swallowtail caterpillars include Water Cowbane, parsley, dill, and fennel, so planting these easily available plants will provide food for the developing caterpillars. The native passionflower vine Passiflora incarnata, also called maypop, is another outstanding butterfly garden plant. It is the host plant of the Gulf Fritillary Butterfly. Even though it can be devoured by caterpillars, the result will be many butterflies. This perennial vine has attractive flowers and grows up to twenty feet or more. It does well in sun or partial shade and well-
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drained soil. Milkweed (Asclepias) is the only food source of the larval monarch butterfly, as well as being a great nectar-producing plant for butterflies and other pollinators. But it is important to provide milkweed that is pesticide free so it will not kill monarch or any other caterpillar. Systemic pesticides can remain in a plant for up to a year. One variety of milkweed well-suited for Mississippi gardens is Swamp Milkweed. It is an excellent substitute for the tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), which research has shown has an issue with harboring a disease harmful to developing butterflies when grown in climates with warm winters.
Photo by Patricia Drackett
Monarchs need to “tank up” on nectar in the fall to prepare for their long trip to winter in Mexico’ fir forests. When growing tropical milkweed it’s best to cut the plant back to stubble in the fall before the monarch migration begins. This eliminates development of caterpillars and chrysalises late in the season that often freeze in early winter weather. Butterflies also need wet places – either puddles where they can sip minerals and nutrients, or a low dish filled with sand or pea gravel that is kept moist. Because butterflies are cold-blooded, don’t forget to provide low, flat “basking” rocks or other surfaces where they can sun themselves.
Photo by Janine Conklin
Finally, provide nearby vegetation or other shrubs with sheltering, low branches, where butterflies roost for the night. Brush piles may also provide shelter from predators and the elements. As such, avoid locating butterfly gardens in areas where birds tend to feed. To avoid the use of chemicals in your garden, experiment with planting flowers and herbs that naturally repel insects, such as marigold, mint, chives, rosemary, and lemongrass. Marigold is a well-known aphid deterrent, while milkweeds attract aphids. Locate milkweeds to the back of the bed so aphids will not be seen. For more information visit http://extension.msstate. edu/.
LET’S EAT By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
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LEARN ABOUT EDIBLE FUNGI AT SHROOMDOM INC. Shroomdom’s Beginnings In 2011, the Rosenbaums, who are avid runners, began noticing mushrooms during their runs in the forest. Leilani began taking pictures and conducting research on the mushrooms they found. The pair now host educational walking tours through their 160-acre forest and cultivation classes. They are currently in the process of building a micropillar, where they will grow and house about 26 types of seasonal mushrooms. There are about one million types of mushrooms in the world, Leilani said, but only about one percent are known. There are ten types of chanterelle mushrooms on their property, which are choice edible mushrooms that cannot be cultivated artificially. Lion’s mane mushrooms also pop up during the winter months. They are the only known mushroom to help the brain, Leilani said. Slovenian Beekeeping This April, the Rosenbaums decided to add beekeeping to their resume. But not just any beekeeping. In July, the couple will travel to Europe to study with a Slovenian beekeeper. “They are the oldest known beekeepers in the world,” Leilani said. “That’s why we chose them.” Their bees will be housed in ten Slovenian bee hives on their property, which have never really been used in America, she said. They are the first in the South to receive them, she added. With the old style of bee hives, the keeper would have to disturb the bees, Leilani said. By utilizing a Slovenian bee house, she won’t have to. “It’s like opening a cabinet and removing a book off the bookshelf,” she said. Bees are the second-most studied species on the planet, lending to Leilani’s interest in them.
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In an effort to protect the mushrooms and her bees, the Rosenbaums requested that no agricultural waste be dumped within five or more miles away from Shroomdom and no one is allowed to spray pesticides or insecticides near the area. To Market The Rosenbaums sell dried, fresh mushrooms and fairy dust, which is made from ground-up dried mushrooms. “Fairy dust is a great way to get children to eat their mushrooms,” she said. They also sell seasonal produce and honey is sold during their “Fall Draw” and “Spring Fling.” Everything is trademarked with the Shroomdom Inc. logo and they also ship their products nationally. Shroomdom’s Future Next year, the Rosenbaums plan to add animals to the habitat, including mini cattle, goats and free-range chickens. The National Wildlife Federation has classified Shroomdom as a certified wildlife habitat, which means they are a safe site for any number of animals to find food, water and nesting sites, she said. Their 20-year plan includes the addition of houses
for wounded soldiers, firefighters and police officers, who will be offered a complimentary two-night stay at Shroomdom, she said. The pair also plan to convert a portion of their home into a bed and breakfast. Their land will also be left as a legacy for students and scientists to study the biodiversification of the area. The Rosenbaums manage their land with a light hand, she said. During the growing season, they perform controlled burns to help the wildflowers grow. Shroomdom is located at 23 Rosenbaum Dr. in Poplarville. To get “shroomed” contact the Rosenbaums at 601795-2611. The proper attire for a tour includes long pants, long-sleeved shirts, rain boots and mosquito spray. Shroomdom is also an “unplugged zone,” which means all cellphones must be put in airplane mode or they won’t be allowed in the forest, she said. The total tour time is about four to five hours and tours are given by appointment only and limited to about six guests. “It makes the experience more unique and memorable,” Leilani said. “Shroomdom Inc. has been listed by National Geographic as one of Mississippi’s 12 most incredible places to visit if you’re an explorer. We’re a learning farm and part of sustainable agriculture.”
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ART & CR AFT By C A SSANDR A FAVRE
POPLARVILLE MAN DESIGNS JEWELRY FROM WOOD In 2008, Poplarville native Frank Ladner found his unexpected niche, bentwood rings. Ladner is no stranger to woodwork. His father and grandfather also created handmade wooden furniture. At the time of his discovery, Ladner was already working with wood. He was building log furniture such as chairs, beds, stools and larger rustic pieces. “I was shaving the log and you get down to the wood and it curls off,” he said. “It was one of those weird moments where that spiral made me think of a ring. I started to wonder how long they would hold up and if I could achieve the right thickness.” Ladner conducted a bit of research, finding little information available about creating wooden rings. The only wooden ring makers he could find were utilizing a lathe, a machine for shaping wood. “Any piece of wood is always strongest in one direction, but in the other direction it can break easily,” Ladner said. “So if you cut it down to a ring, you’ve got two points it can easily snap. I knew the strongest way to do it would be bending it around itself.” After Ladner determined how he was going to make his rings, he put them through rigorous testing, which included throwing them in the washer and dryer. In March 2009, Ladner and his wife Janna were confident enough with their durability test results to open an online Etsy shop. Ladner was still working as a software
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engineer and figured ring making would just be a hobby. However, the concept soared, and now, Ladner makes rings full-time in his shop, which is nestled among the trees in his own backyard. It also affords him the opportunity to pursue his filmmaking career. Ladner makes wooden rings for men and women from size three to size 16. For the most part, Ladner said he makes the average sizes, which are between six and ten. He uses about 100 types of wood to make these unique
pieces of jewelry. “When I first started, I used hickory and oak, stuff that I found on my property,” he said. “Then I found walnut and pecan and a guy in Colorado who could get wood from overseas.” With just a tiny piece of wood, Lander can create about five to ten rings. He also discovered varieties of wood which were once unknown to him such as olive from Jerusalem, zebra, blood wood, purple heart and yellow heart. Customers can go to the Ladner’s website, www. bentwoodrings.com and search the online photo galleries, choose their size, width and type of wood. Ladner can make them very wide or very narrow, which make them perfect for stacking. He also can place an inlay on the rings such as Hawaiian koa or an ebony inlay. He also uses turquoise and or malachite and grinds the materials with a mortar and pestle. From start to finish, it takes Ladner about two days to make one ring. He begins with a thin strip of wood and steams it for about 15 minutes to make it pliable enough to bend into the desired radius. Once it’s bent to the correct size, Ladner lets the ring dry and then sands the ring until it’s smooth to the touch. “It’s pretty primitive actually,” he said as he stood in front of the dust collector. “They are truly handmade.” Next, Ladner uses medical grade glue, the type used to close open wounds, to bind the ring into a circle. “I did a ton of research into glues,” he added. “It’s going to be on somebody’s finger for a long time and I didn’t want to put any harmful solvents on it. It’s more expensive, but I feel way better about it.” He brushes about three coats of a thicker glue on the inside of the ring and puts about 10 thin coats of finish on the outside, which gives the rings their shine. Predominantly, he creates wedding rings. He and his wife have a matching set. The pair work together to ensure their rings are shipped to their rightful owners.
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“My wife runs the hard stuff, I just have to make the rings,” Ladner said. “She schedules everything and deals with shipping.” Ladner’s bentwood rings have been shipped to Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Jerusalem, India, Japan and France. To his knowledge, Ladner is the only bentwood ring maker in Mississippi. “They are meticulously made and truly handmade,” Ladner said. “We stand behind them. If anything happens to them within a year, we replace them, no questions asked. We’re grateful. Every day I wake up thinking it’s too good to be true and I don’t take it for granted.”
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WHERE AM I? By JEREM Y PIT TARI
IN MEMORY 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 spring edition of Picayune Living. This wall painting is on the rear of the building housing Crystal Gallery. Congratulations to those of you who recognized the feature of this building.
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TAKE ACTION By JEREM Y PIT TARI
CLASS HELPS WOMEN AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM For the most part, residents in Pearl River County enjoy the relative safety of close-knit communities. But that’s not to say that people shouldn’t learn to defend themselves. In that regard, self-defense is something everyone should consider. Guns, pepper spray and Tasers can provide a level of protection, but they do have drawbacks. “Weapons are good, but sometimes you don’t have it on you,” said Michelle Barnes, a third degree black belt who trains at Oriental Martial Arts College, a Korean oriented school that teaches traditional Tang Soo Do,
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Hapkido, Kobudo and Tae Kwon Do. Barnes helps people become aware of potentially dangerous situations, and how to avoid them, through a self-defense class she teaches at Bodies By Tonya, a new fitness training facility on Main Street in Picayune. Classes typically start at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and last about an hour. The fee is $10 per session. In the 10 years she’s been practicing at the local martial arts school, she’s learned about pressure points, holds, grabs and effective strikes to make an assailant think twice about continuing an assault. Her class includes a mixture of kickboxing with some easy-to-learn self-defense moves.
During the training, students learn about the correct methods to throw a punch and kick properly without sustaining injury to themselves. Students also learn about escaping neck, arm and hair grabs. Striking pressure points can break a number of grabs and cause an advancing assailant to recoil. Since pressure points can be found all over the body, when a person knows how to use them to their advantage, their use can make hands and feet as effective as a gun or knife, Barnes said. Barnes earned her instructor’s license five years ago, and has been holding the female self-defense course since February of 2016. After just one class students will be versed in the basics they need to defend themselves well enough to escape and seek help. But with additional training, students will eventually know the moves well enough so they can be implemented in a reactionary manner. Ordinary objects can also be weapons or a method to deter an attacker, such as keys. Not only can they cause injury when used in a strike, some people may forget about the panic button on their vehicle’s key fob. The class is open to women of any age, but minors will need to provide a consent form. Mature women may feel they need self-defense training as well. Barnes said that demographic is susceptible to an attack, because they are perceived as weaker and typically have more valuables on them. The moves Barnes teaches can be easily learned by people of any age, regardless of strength, because students are taught where to hit, not how
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to hit the hardest. “If you want to have a great time and learn a few moves to put on your husband, come join us,” Barnes said. She said she practices the techniques on her husband, whom she described as a “big guy.” Not only is the training great for protection, but it’s great exercise as well, Barnes said. In that regard students are required to stretch before training. Some of the training involves using a partner to try out pressure points, but there is also equipment. Barnes said the dummy affectionately named “Bob” is used to practice punches. Other equipment allows them work on dodging and performing other strikes. The reflex bag, double bungee and speed bag are all essential to build upon eye-hand coordination. Barnes said she has plans to add additional equipment, starting with floor mats so students can learn how to fall properly without breaking a bone or landing on their face. Anyone interested in signing up for the class can show up to a class about 10 minutes early to allow for time to fill out the proper paperwork, or contact Tonya Cialona at 601-347-7548.
For the Active Senior in You! We Offer Many Plans and Services for our age 50+ Participants • Meal and Nutrition Programs • Social and Recreational Activities • Educational and Arts Programs • Intergenerational Programs • Information and Assistance
• Health, Fitness, and Wellness Programs • Transportation Services • Volunteer and Civic Engagement Opportunities
To help defray our expenses, our beautiful center is available for rental. Call for more information regarding your special event. We’re the gateway to connecting older adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. Donors welcome. Learn how you can become a “friend of the Senior Center.”
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45 El Patch Parkway • Picayune, MS
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OUT & ABOUT By JEREM Y PIT TARI and C A SSANDR A FAVRE
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BLUE KNIGHTS SPRING RIDE
Blue Knights Mississippi Chapter IX held their spring ride in April to raise funds for March of Dimes’ March for Babies. 1. From left are Bear Dauenhauer, Gloria Necaise, Russell Ryals, Steve Tallman, Elisa Cowan, Rob Cowan, Ron Moore and Justin Smith. 2. From left are Mike and Rhonda Johnson, Bert Martin, Chad Dorn and Don Winters. 3. From left are Dallas Hill, Sue Bounds and Ernest Barnett.
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CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY GALA
Community members attended a gala in April to celebrate the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce’s 80th anniversary.
4. From left are Kenneth McDonald, Byron Hill, Nuria Arias and Delbert Hosemann. 5. From left are Reggie and Linda Hanberry. 3. From left are Pam and Terry Farr.
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DANCING WITH THE RELAY STARS Relay for Life of Pearl River County hosted the second annual Dancing with the Relay Stars of Pearl River County in Picayune this spring.
7.From left are Alexis Lanier, Gabby Lewis, Jacki McDunnnah and Angel Lobeless. 8. From left are Reva Stewart and Tonya Barnum. 9. From left are Ricki Page, Ann Pierce and Raymond Rivero.
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OUT & ABOUT 1
By C A SSANDR A FAVRE and JEREM Y PIT TARI
FIRE IN THE SWAMP Blacksmiths and metalworking enthusiasts attended the eighth annual Fire in the Swamp in the Pine Grove Community. 1. From left are Larry House, Austin Magee and Ed Scafiddeo. 2. From left are Evelyn Jenkins and Kayla Richardson.
KEEP POPLARVILLE BEAUTIFUL 2
Volunteers attended the Keep Poplarville Beautiful cleanup event held in April in Poplarville. 3. From left are Aimee Nunez and Rebecca Nunez. . 4. From left are Lisa Fowler and Ta’Kayla Ratcliff.
NAACP BANQUET
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The Pearl River County NAACP 6th annual Freedom Fund and 1st Mother of the Year banquet was held in May in Poplarville. 5. From front left are Alycea Jamison, Sade´Jamison, Semay Jamison and Lawrence Jamison III. From back left is La’kyria Jamison. 6. From left are Annette Armstrong, Pairlee Wash, Bridgett Poe and Cookie James.
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OUT & ABOUT 2
By JEREM Y PIT TARI and C A SSANDR A FAVRE
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PRC ARTS LEAGUE SHOW
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The Pearl River County Arts League held their annual art show in April at Picayune’s Knights of Columbus Hall. 1. From left are Brenda Case and Wanda Marcel. 2. From left are Marilyn and Jason Pigott. 3. From left are Linda DuPont and Mattie Kirschenheuter.
ROCKIN’ AND GRILLIN’ Community members turned out for good food and good music during Picayune Main Street’s annual Rockin’ and Grillin’ event.
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4. From left are Evan Cameron, Kate Hoffman, Emily Cameron and Dallen O’Briant. 5. From left are Barbara Salva, Melissa Wilson and Susan Atchley. 6. From left are Emily Fleming, Reba Beebe and Jim Hatten.
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OUT & ABOUT By LINDA GILMORE and JEREM Y PIT TARI
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SHAMROCK 5K, FUN RUN Community members and fitness enthusiasts attended the Rotary Club of Picayune’s annual Shamrock 5K, 1 mile fun run and walk, held in March. 1. From left are Cherry Britt and Amanda Hayes. 2. From left are Brittany Black, Carsen Black and Connie Dean. 3. From left are Elisha Pollitz and Mollie Wagner.
SPRING STREET FESTIVAL Hundreds of people stopped into Picayune for Picayune Main Street’s annual Street Festival held in April.
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4. From left are Rose Eldridge and Joseph McCord. 5. From left are Ruth Mathis, Bill Long, Robert Ulerich, Chris O’Brien and Kourtney Stover. 6. From left Nathaniel Bourgeois, Hannah Smith, Khristian Bourgeois, Emily Haynes and Michaela Bourgeois.
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WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE By LY NN BAR ZE
There are a number of things my husband and I like about living in Picayune. For instance, those who grew up here were generous enough to share with us the ways and means of life in the country. Lifelong residents and those who have lived here for more than 20 years shared with us the methods to successfully adjust from city life to maintaining property in the country. Another thing we appreciate is the religious faith represented in the region. We were instantly touched by the blue and white signs we saw around town that read “Jesus is Lord Over Picayune”. We sensed a respect that everyone here has for each other. Not only was our real estate agent helpful and informative during the nine months it took us
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to find the right property, but so was everyone else; even when we got turned around on a dead end road or mistook someone’s driveway for a county road. And everyone was patient while we learned to drop the term parish and pronounce Carriere and Kiln the Pearl River County way. It is also quite heartwarming to walk into a business or bank and be immediately addressed by name. My husband, Ted, and I officially moved to the area on October 31, 1999. We spent every weekend that year exploring Picayune and learning to love it more and more. We ended up purchasing a home in the suburb of Carriere because we needed unrestricted acreage to build a cottage for my mom so she could be near us.
Then two years later, we invested in the community by purchasing rental property within the city limits and then later opened a business in the Historic Downtown Picayune Business District in 2004. I love the safety and security I feel about living and doing business in the Picayune area. Not that there is no crime in Pearl River County, but I don’t live with a fear of being mugged, having my purse snatched, being assaulted or hit by a stray bullet. And when there is a serious crime or breech of someone’s rights or disrespect of county laws, our law enforcement officers’ quick response and professionalism are outstanding. We couldn’t feel safer or better served anywhere else. Another thing that made us feel comfortable about our choice for
our retirement community occurred after our business was burgled. Police were very responsive and community members and friends took time to see if they could provide any help.