Picayune Living Magazine - Winter 2014 by Picayune Item

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2 0 1 3

NOW

EDITOR’S LETTER By JEREM Y PIT TARI

ELCOME

Welcome to our first edition of Picayune Living. In these quarterly editions we highlight the people and places that make Picayune and Pearl River County a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Having lived in Pearl River County for more than 20 years I have experienced a lot of what this area has to offer and witnessed a number of changes. I’ve also witnessed the strength of this community as they strapped on their boots to rebuild and recover from what was the most devastating storm to hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005 and one of the worst floods in 2009. It’s evident that this county’s residents know about resilience, hard work, family ties and what it means to be an American. There’s no shortage of entertaining, informative and inspiring stories in this county, and this publication will aim to bring them to you. On our calendar of events page you will find a listing of what’s planned by our local organizations to provide quality entertainment to residents and tourists alike. Be sure to visit the “Where Am I” page and pose a guess as to where you can see that image. I will give you a hint, it represents part of the history of Pearl River County. If you happen to attend the many functions offered in our community, you may see your photo in our “Out and About” section. With so many events coming up you can expect to see one of our staff ready to take a photo of you. So be sure to put your best face forward, and we will as well.

4 WINTER 2014

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SEVEN ON 7 By C A SSANDR A FAVRE

1 2 3 WINTERTIME fun& function 4 5 The These ese gray faux fur lined boots will definitely keep your ffeett warm this winter. The buckle embellishments add style and sophistication to any outfit. You can also dress up your winter look with these tall cognac boots. Similar styles and more can be found at Poplarville’s Diamonds and Dirt Shoe Boutique, Inc. at 1624 South Main St.

When temperatures start to drop, you’ll want to grab this vest from Apple’s, Ltd. at 512 Main St. in Poplarville. The blonde and black faux fur vest can be easily paired with a turtleneck or a light sweater. These vests are available in sizes small to large and the vest is also in gray.

A good pair of jeans is a must for any winter wardrobe. Head on down to Lily’s Boutique at 615 S. Main St. in Poplarville to find a variety of Lucky Brand jeans available in a variety of washes suitable for any event including dark and stone. The store offers skinny, straight and bootleg cuts so the jeans can be worn with a variety of footwear. Lily’s carries jean sizes from 0 to 24W.

Picayune’s Bre’s Clothing and Accessories is home to an eclectic mix of fashions for women of all sizes. Find this bell-sleeved plus-sized tunic at the store located at 115 N. Main St. Blouses similar to these can be worn with jeans and leggings and nice pair of winter boots. Add a wool coat and you’ll be ready for a night on the town.

After you’ve come in from a long day at work and braved Mother Nature’s chill, there’s nothing better than grabbing your favorite cotton blanket and snuggling with a cup of hot cocoa in front of fire. Don’t have a cotton blanket? Find your new favorite blankie at Picayune’s Shabby Chic located at 505 S. Main St.

6 Wi Wintertime at the office can be a chilling experience. Some co-workers like it hot and some like it cold. If you don’t have a space heater at work, pick up this Holmes Ceramic oscillating product at Phillips Building Supply located at 2217 Hwy. 11 in Picayune. It features easy to use controls, an adjustable thermostat and auto off overheat protection. This little number will fit nicely under your desk and keep you warm all winter long.

Last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget what Old Man Winter’s freezing temperatures can do to our skin and lips. Protect your lips and skin with a variety of products that can be found at Picayune Drug Company located at 110 Hwy. 11 N. Keep your skin moisturized with products from Amlactin, Gold Bond, Lubriderm and Eucerin, just to name a few. Prevent those lips from chapping with lip balms made by Burt’s Bees, Carmex, ChapStick and Nivea.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 7

CONTENTS

THE ARTS

HOMEM ADE

By WILL SULLIVAN

By C A SSANDR A FAVRE

Local artist ﬁnds connection with her past

ART A LIFE-LONG LOVE

for

hen local artist Sally Edwards and her husband Bill moved to Picayune, little did she realize that she would eventually find a connection to another artist living in her own neighborhood, Carol Moses. Carol Moses first pursued her artistic ability in the late 1940s. After 60 years of ignoring her passion to paint, she began attending art classes at Picayune’s Senior Center of South Pearl River County in February and immediately showed a flair and skill that has fellow students and instructors often walking behind her chair to get a peek at what she’s working on. One of Moses’ completed paintings displays a tiger lying in some tall grass. She then painted LSU down one side of the canvas. That painting, along with some other tiger renditions, are on display in the “art window” on the north side of West Canal managed by Edwards. Edwards, who ovesees the window for the Greater Picayune Arts Council, said Moses and two other local artists, Jane Beard of Poplarville and Gail Sheasby who lives in Hide-A-Way Lake subdivision, are displaying their work there at the present. The space is donated to the arts council by Garland Crosby, who owns the building. Besides her tigers, Moses has two other works in the window: One is a view of her home from across Hide-A-Way Lake, and the other is her interpretation of a class project on painting a mountain. Louisiana State University was the first school she attended to study art, only to drop out and marry petroleum engineer William S. Moses who died in 1986. In his capacity as a petroleum engineer, her husband would carry her all around the globe. She took some classes at Louisiana Tech in Ruston just prior to

Carol Moses, right, looks on as Gail Sheasby peruses some of the books and art show programs that document Moses brother, famed artist Kendall Shaw, at Moses home in Hide-A-Way Lake. PHOTOS BY WILL SULLIVAN

14 WINTER 2014

Picayune’s Historic Hermitage House respectfully revived to its former glory

A LABOR OF LOVE PHOTOS BY DEBRA HOWELL & JEREMY PITTARI PICAYUNEITEM.COM 15

14 ARTIST FEATURE Local resident, Carol Moses picked up an old hobby. ON THE COVER

GET FIT

CROSSFIT

By DAR T SPIERS

The city of Picayune was named after the Spanish coin of the same name. The coin, worth about six and a quarter American cents, was considered legal tender in America due to an act passed in February of 1793, but demonetized in February 1857.

FITNESS

Yune Cross¼t provides members optimal core strength & conditioning

STAFF LINDA GILMORE Publisher JEREMY PITTARI Editor WRITERS Cassandra Favre Dart Spiers

ADVERTISING Molly Magee Ashley Gros Mark Adam COMPOSITION Debra Howell

INFORMATION: Picayune Living is published four times per year by Picayune Newspapers, LLC. All content is subject to copyright.

PHOTOS BY DART SPIERS

18 HERMITAGE Picayune’s historic home is lovingly restored. LET’S EAT

HOMEGROWN

f the traditional methods of getting in shape or losing weight have become frustrating or boring, then it may be time to look into something different. Fortunately for Pearl River County residents, a progressive new fitness gym has opened up in the heart of downtown Picayune. Yune Crossfit opened its doors as YuneIt Strength and Conditioning in 2012 and has grown substantially since then. After a year in business, the owners relocated to an 8,600 square foot building on Highway 11 where they

now hold workouts six days a week. “It’s about functional fitness, having fun and getting in shape,” said co-owner Dustin Thibodeaux. He and lifelong friend, co-owner Richard Imhoff, were driving to Slidell multiple times a week to attend a crossfit gym since it was the closest one available. They eventually grew tired of the commute and worked to receive their L1 certifications as crossfit trainers so they could open up their own gym in Picayune. After a year in business as Yune-it Strength and Conditioning, they received their official affiliation

with the Crossfit brand, and Yune Crossfit was born. Crossfit is a fitness regimen with constantly varied exercises that are performed at a high level of intensity. As Thibodeaux said, the movements are designed to be functional, and the workouts are done in a group environment with the assistance and supervision of licensed trainers. While the group workouts may sound slightly daunting to beginners, Thibodeaux insists that the camaraderie is what his clients love most about the gym. PICAYUNEITEM.COM 25

24 CROSSFIT This new fitness regimen is taking Pearl River County by storm. WHERE AM I? By JEREM Y PIT TARI

LIGHTING THE WAY

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.

7 MUST-HAVES Prepare for chilly weather with these locally sold products.

13 WHERE?

POSTMASTER: Please send any changes of address or undeliverable information attn: Picayune Item, P.O. 580, Picayune, MS 39466

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 13

8 WINTER 2014

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 19

By DAR T SPIERS

in PICAYUNE 24 WINTER 2014

18 WINTER 2014

Test your knowledge of Picayune & see if you can identify our secret locale.

by heroes

Local veteran starts microgreens business PHOTOS BY DART SPIERS

28 WINTER 2014

hen Ivory Smith finished his service with the United States Army National Guard, he set out to pursue a hobby that kept him relaxed while he worked with his hands. His mother-in-law introduced him to gardening and set him up with some raised beds; now, almost two years later, the Poplarville resident is the founder of one of the most unique agriculture businesses in Mississippi. Smith is a grower of microgreens – tiny seedlings of vegetables and herbs that are harvested less than 14 days after germination. The microgreens are used in a manner similar to bean sprouts, although they grow for a longer period of time and are believed to be much healthier. In fact, a 2012 study conducted by the University of Maryland’s Department of N Nutrition and Food Science re revealed that microgreens can cont contain anywhere from four to six times more nutrients than their ad adult counterparts. Smith background helps make his business unique. Smith’s After 10 years of military service and three deployments to Ir Iraq and Afghanistan, he traveled for a short time an then returned to his hometown. and “Poplarville is home,” said Smith, who does all of his growing from his house. His business, which he named Smithponics, was the first in the state of Mississippi to receive the “Homegrown By Heroes” label. It is a distinction originated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as a marketing initiative, designed to give veterans who have returned home to become farmers the public recognition and support they deserve. The Homegrown by Heroes initiative works in conjunction with the Farmer Veterans Coalition tto promote the authenticity of the product. Only ve veteran-owned products that have passed a legally m mandated food safety plan can receive the label. Smith microgreens were the first in Mississippi to be Smith’s sold with this distinction. The main three types of microgreens that Smith grows are rad red rambo and his elegance mix, which consists pea shoots, radish PICAYUNEITEM.COM 29

28 MICROGREENS A veteran finds fulfilling work in growing sprouts. SEVEN ON 7 By C A SSANDR A FAVRE

1 2 3 WINTERTIME fun& function 4 5 These T hese gray faux fur lined boots will dewnitely keep your f t warm this winter. The buckle embellishments add feet style and sophistication to any outwt. You can also dress up your winter look with these tall cognac boots. Similar styles and more can be found at Poplarville’s Diamonds and Dirt Shoe Boutique, Inc. at 1624 South Main St.

A good pair of jeans is a must for any winter wardrobe. Head on down to Lily’s Boutique at 615 S. Main St. in Poplarville to wnd a variety of Lucky Brand jeans available in a variety of washes suitable for any event including dark and stone. The store offers skinny, straight and bootleg cuts so the jeans can be worn with a variety of footwear. Lily’s carries jean sizes from 0 to 24W.

After you’ve come in from a long day at work and braved Mother Nature’s chill, there’s nothing better than grabbing your favorite cotton blanket and snuggling with a cup of hot cocoa in front of wre. Don’t have a cotton blanket? Find your new favorite blankie at Picayune’s Shabby Chic located at 505 S. Main St.

6 Wintertime ime e aatt the ofwce can be a chilling experience. Some co-workers like it hot and some like it cold. If you don’t have a space heater at work, pick up this Holmes Ceramic oscillating product at Phillips Building Supply located at 2217 Hwy. 11 in Picayune. It features easy to use controls, an adjustable thermostat and auto off overheat protection. This little number will wt nicely under your desk and keep you warm all winter long.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 7

ALSO INSIDE: 35 OUT & ABOUT See who’s attending the city’s premier events. 42 PICAYUNE’S NOW HIS HOMETOWN Fr. Jonathan Filkins shares his tale of how Picayune became home

Christ Centered, Academically Rigorous, Classical Learning C Registration Begins in February for Kindergarten - Third Grade For More Information Visit: www.HCAPicayune.com

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 9

10 WINTER 2014

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 17 KREWE OF THE PEARL MARDI GRAS BALL Dress in your carnival best as you join the Krewe of the Pearl for their third annual Mardi Gras Ball. This year’s king and queen will be Mayor Ed Pinero Jr. and his wife Christie Pinero. For more information call 601-749-8078. JANUARY 31 KREWE OF THE PEARL MARDI GRAS PARADE Line the streets of Picayune in preparation of the Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Parade, set to begin at 2 p.m. along Goodyear Boulevard before turning left on Main Street and then right onto 4th Street towards U.S. 11. The route will then take the parade south on U.S. 11 towards Memorial Boulevard where it will turn left and end at the El Mariachi Mexican restaurant. JANUARY 31 LIVE BLACKSMITHING DEMONSTRATION Stop in at the Crosby Arboretum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see a live demonstration on blacksmithing. Attendees can even give the craft a try with their own hands. Local blacksmiths will even have some of their handmade items available for sale. Members of the Arboretum can attend for free, non-members can attend for $5 and their children can attend for $2. MARCH 5 CROSBY ARBORETUM’S WILDLIFE DAY Bring the children to the Crosby Arboretum’s Wildlife Day. From 9 a.m. until noon children and adults can marvel at the many displays of live and preserved animals while learning about wildlife protection and preservation. Admission is $2 per child, teachers and chaperones can attend for free. MARCH 21 PICAYUNE MAIN STREET’S SPRING PALOOZA Picayune Main Street will hold their annual Spring Palooza at Jack Read Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature minnow races sponsored by Gutter World and the Bait Shop, Fun Jumps by Wet and Wild, many games, face painting and more. Hot dogs, chili and grub worms will be available as well as Eliza Jane’s Frog Lemonade. There will also be a Silly Hat Parade, Pawdi Gras and Pals Parade, plus the Soggy Bottom Jambalaya cookoff which will take place in the 200 block of West Canal Street. Plates will be sold after the competition for $8 and entertainment will be available from 4 to 8 p.m. MARCH 28 & 29 PICAYUNE MAIN STREET’S BIANNUAL STREET FESTIVAL Picayune Main Street will hold their biannual Street Festival on Canal Street. Local and regional vendors will be selling hand made crafts, candles, antiques, jewelry and many other items. Food vendors will offer culinary treats ranging from Cajun, Greek, seafood, barbecue and south Mississippi dishes. There will be live music and entertainment, plus the kids can find many fun things to do including fun jumps and the euro bungee. PICAYUNEITEM.COM 11

12 WINTER 2014

WHERE AM I? By JEREM Y PIT TARI

LIGHTING THE WAY

Do you know where this picture was taken? If you do, then send your guess to news@picayuneitem. com or post it on Picayune Itemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page. We will unveil the location in the next edition of Picayune Living.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 13

THE ARTS By WILL SULLIVAN

14 WINTER 2014

Local artist ﬁnds connection with her past

ART A LIFE-LONG LOVE

for

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 15

the birth of her twin sons in 1950. Moses’ post-secondary education and early pursuit of art ended with the birth of her sons. LSU also happens to be the alma mater of Sally Edwards and of Moses’ brother, the well-known New York artist Kendall Shaw, now 90. Edwards and Shaw also both attended Tulane, though at different times. Moses and her brother were born and raised in New Orleans and for a time he taught at Tulane’s Newcomb College where he painted the piece, “Bomb Scare at Newcomb College” following a fake bomb threat call at the college. Moses said her older brother never had much praise for her art until she painted the tiger. Before the tiger painting he criticized her early efforts. “He told me he doesn’t think pretty pictures are the answer, you have to be creative,” Moses said. “My history with my brother was (that) I was a little pain in the neck.” She shared a story about when she was 3-years-old and a boy across the street broke her toys. “I filled an orange peel with mud and threw it at him, and I hit him!” Moses said. She said the other child wouldn’t try to take out his anger on her but started a fight

16 WINTER 2014

with her brother instead, who was proud of her for standing up for herself. Moses said following her stints at LSU and Louisiana Tech she gave up painting, that is until she joined the Senior Center’s art class. However, there were two paintings she completed in 1978 while traveling with her husband in the Ivory Coast for his job. There, Moses said, she painted two pictures on some paper to fill some time. Both of those paintings, along with some of her early work at LSU and Louisiana Tech, including her last painting of some irises in 1950, hang in her Hide-A-Way Lake home. She also displays some of her brother’s art. In addition, she proudly displays a rendition of Mickey Mouse done by her granddaughter at age nine. Some of Kendall Shaw’s better known works include “Down Home Blues,” his tribute to Civil Rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner following their murder in Philadelphia, Miss.; “The Concubine From Bethlehem,” based on Judges 19, which is part of his “Let There Be Light” series; “Another To Care For,” which is his vision of The Garden of Eden, and “Horse Drawn Police Wagon With Wire Screens to Prevent Rape of Prisoners by the Police.”

Will Sullivan | Picayune Living

CREATIVE SOUL: Top: Gail Sheasby, left, Sally Edwards and Carol Moses stand behind two of the paintings of Carol Moses in the “art window” on the north side of West Canal Street. Bottom: Carol Moses works on one of her more recently paintings at the Senior Center for South Pearl River County.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 17

HOMEM ADE By C A SSANDR A FAVRE

18 WINTER 2014

Picayune’s Historic Hermitage House respectfully revived to its former glory

A LABOR OF LOVE PHOTOS BY DEBRA HOWELL & JEREMY PITTARI PICAYUNEITEM.COM 19

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20 WINTER 2014

ast night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. I came upon it suddenly; the approach masked by the unnatural growth of a vast shrub that spread in all directions. There was Manderley, our Manderley, secretive and silent as it had always been, the gray stone shining in the moonlight of my dream, the mullioned windows reflecting the green lawns and terrace. Time could not wreck the perfect symmetry of those walls, nor the site itself, a jewel in the hollow of a hand.” This memorable and iconic opening to Daphne de Maurier’s haunting novel “Rebecca,” were the first words uttered by Lynne Burger’s daughter, Lucinda, when she first traveled through a black iron gate, a tunnel of trees and then laid eyes on one of Picayune’s most historic dwellings, the Hermitage House. Built in the mid-1800s, this vast 12-acre estate has survived a Civil War, two World Wars and countless natural disasters. The land, which was originally inhabited by Choctaw Indians, was owned by a number of notable Picayune residents including Moses Cook, Leonard Kimball, Lamont Rowlands and R.H. Crosby. Eliza Jane Poitevent, founder of the Times-Picayune newspaper, was also a Hermitage resident during her lifetime. The last owners of the home were Doug and Sally Abraham who left it in 2006.

For five years, the notable home and property stood uninhabited. The grounds became overgrown with weeds, the house fell into a state of disrepair and a silence hung over the grounds that line the banks of the west Hobolochitto Creek. In 2009, Lynne and Frank Burger broke that silence. Before purchasing the Hermitage, the Burgers lived in a historic home in Ocean Springs, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Lynne, a Hancock County native, is no stranger to hurricanes and sought a home less vulnerable to Mother Nature’s destructive storms. Lucinda Pringle, Lynne’s daughter, found the real estate listing for the Hermitage on the Internet. “I wanted to find them a home that was both safe and interesting,” Pringle said. “They have special needs due to the fact that they rescue and provide havens for animals and my parents are also history buffs. The stars just aligned.” Frank, a marine engineer, said the Hermitage was a great buy with a lot of potential. An appraisal of the home concluded that repairs would cost in the neighborhood of $375,000, Frank said. Since 2009, the couple has repainted, completed plasterwork, refinished the oak floors and replaced six windowpanes.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 21

Renovations included updates to the climate control system and converting the wood burning fireplaces to natural gas. The exterior siding was also painted. Lynne, who has a master’s degree in history, said she has always been interested in historic homes. “It’s a pleasure to see the beautiful and original woodwork around this house,” Lynne said. “I also enjoy learning about all the great things former owners have done for the community and schools.” Along with newly acquired antiques, Lynne adorned the Hermitage with items from her former home in Ocean Springs. Lynne’s touch can be seen in My greatest hope each room of the house from the is that it would needlepoint rugs lining the curved be restored to its ceilinged hallway to the master original grandeur. bedroom entryway where her LYNNE BURGER Steinback Nutcracker collection is displayed. The sunroom boasts an English fireside chair and the drapes hanging in the dining room are original to the home, Lynne said. Chandeliers can be found in almost every room and some have been hanging since the home was built. There are nearly 20 rooms in the Hermitage including a library, foyer, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, half-baths, parlor, sunroom and a kitchen. The Abrahams, the former owners, installed outdoor fountains and almost the entire property can be seen while enjoying a stroll on the stone pathway installed by Crosby. There is also a guest and pool house on the property and a cemetery where former owners Cook and Kimball are buried. A child’s grave with only the engraving “Our Little Kat” can be found in the cemetery and according to Lynne, her true identity is unknown. Lynne said restoring the Hermitage has been an act of faith. “My greatest hope is that it would be restored to its original grandeur,” Lynne said. “I couldn’t ask for more in a home. It has the history, beautiful fireplaces, grounds and it’s single story.” Pringle said even though her parents aren’t young, they don’t act their age. “They love projects and this was a big undertaking to renovate the place,” Pringle said. “They saved the house. Without their efforts, it could have fallen into the wrong hands.”

“

22 WINTER 2014

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 23

GET FIT By DAR T SPIERS

FITNESS in PICAYUNE Yune Crossfit provides members optimal core strength & conditioning

24 WINTER 2014

PHOTOS BY DART SPIERS

CROSSFIT

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS: The workout sessions at Yune Crossfit include dynamic exercises that change daily to keep things interesting and effective.A certified trainer is there to help with coaching every step of the way.

26 WINTER 2014

“When you ask people why they do this, community always comes up,” said Thibodeaux, “That’s probably the biggest thing everybody gets out of it.” The diversity of the crossfit community is a remarkable aspect of the gym. Imhoff said he believed the female to male clientele ratio of Yune Crossfit to be close to equal, and classes could have men and women in attendance who vary

in age from 20 to 50. “There’s no one true goal for crossfit people,” said Imhoff, “Whether you want to get in shape, lose pounds, participate in competitions or just live healthier, there’s something for everybody here.” Yune Crossfit trainer Trevor Pitts is a good example of the flexible goals the workouts provide. Pitts said he weighed 230 pounds when he first started his workouts.

After a while, he had gotten down to 175 pounds, but said he did not feel comfortable at that weight, so he worked to regain about 15 pounds of muscle. Yune Crossfit is $85 a month, and the membership fee essentially includes certified personal trainers for every exercise. There are multiple classes at various times six days a week, so it is adaptable to almost any schedule. The gym also

offers a $10 per month discount to military members, police officers and firefighters, hospital employees and anyone who signs up as a couple. Yune Crossfit offers a free trial week membership as well. Imhoff and Thibodeaux have a clear passion for coaching and helping others get healthier, and they encourage anybody to give crossfit a chance.

We put members first in Picayune. At Nationwide, we have a long history of doing what’s right. That includes a tradition of personal attention, and being right here in Picayune to help you protect what’s most important. We put members first because we don’t have shareholders.SM Get in touch today.

Join me in Picayune. Brian A Thigpen Pyron Group Inc (601)749-5383 thigpeb@nationwide.com

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Not all Nationwide affiliated ffi companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, Nationwide, Nationwide is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2014. NPO-0550AO.1 (9/14)

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 27

LET’S EAT By DAR T SPIERS

HOMEGROWN

by heroes

Local veteran starts microgreens business PHOTOS BY DART SPIERS

28 WINTER 2014

hen Ivory Smith finished his service with the United States Army National Guard, he set out to pursue a hobby that kept him relaxed while he worked with his hands. His mother-in-law introduced him to gardening and set him up with some raised beds; now, almost two years later, the Poplarville resident is the founder of one of the most unique agriculture businesses in Mississippi. Smith is a grower of microgreens – tiny seedlings of vegetables and herbs that are harvested less than 14 days after germination. The microgreens are used in a manner similar to bean sprouts, although they grow for a longer period of time and are believed to be much healthier. In fact, a 2012 study conducted by the University of Maryland’s Department of N Nutrition and re Food Science revealed that microgreens can contain cont anywhere from four to six times more nutrients than their ad adult counterparts. Smith Smith’s background helps make his business unique. After 10 years of military service and three deployments to Ir Iraq and Afghanistan, he traveled for a short time an and then returned to his hometown. “Poplarville is home,” said Smith, who does all of his growing from his house. His business, which he named Smithponics, was the first in the state of Mississippi to receive the “Homegrown By Heroes” label. It is a distinction originated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as a marketing initiative, designed to give veterans who have returned home to become farmers the public recognition and support they deserve. The Homegrown by Heroes initiative works in conjunction with the Farmer Veterans Coalition t promote the authenticity of the product. Only to ve veteran-owned products that have passed a legally m mandated food safety plan can receive the label. Smith microgreens were the first in Mississippi to be Smith’s sold with this distinction. The main three types of microgreens that Smith grows are rad red rambo and his elegance mix, which consists pea shoots, radish PICAYUNEITEM.COM 29

EATING CLEAN: Homegrown by a Poplarville native and military veteran, these microgreens are delicious, organic and packed with nutrients.

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of leaf broccoli, mizuna, red mustard and pac choi. He got the idea to grow the microgreens from a hydroponics convention he attended in Florida. Noticing the untapped potential of the market in South Mississippi, Smith began growing the greens in his backyard shed this past July. The process begins when Smith soaks the seeds for 24 hours before mixing them with peat moss and vermiculite. He then keeps the trays in the dark for three to five days before exposing them to the light for the leaves to develop. When the seedlings are ready, he harvests the microgreens with a pair of scissors and packages them for purchase. The entire process takes roughly 10-12 days, so he is able to make fresh orders on demand with very little notice. Despite only being in business for 5 or 6 months, Smith has already made significant progress. He has sold his microgreens in farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets and to various local buyers; he also makes greens for Patio 44, a casual dining restaurant in Hattiesburg. Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to provide fresh, local microgreens to Pearl River County and its surrounding areas. To order some of his products, visit smithponics.com.

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UNIQUELY PICAYUNE By JEREM Y PIT TARI

A GREEN SPACE FOR THE CO

Demolition leads to new purpose and old hospital site ﬁnds new life as Crosby Commons

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COMMUNITY ď&#x20AC;´

W CONCRETE PAVER MEDALLION DETAIL

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hile there are many parks in Picayune that offer a reprieve from the hard concrete and hot asphalt, the newest one will serve as a venue for exercise, entertainment and safety. Crosby Commons has been under development for the past several months, and already many changes are evident. The site was home to an old building everyone in Picayune knows well, the local hospital. After a new hospital was built to house Highland Community Hospital, the old building was demolished, and bricks from the aged building will find new life in the development of the green space. For a time it was unknown what would become of the old hospital building. After Forrest General bought the rights to the old Crosby Memorial Hospital and renamed it Highland Community Hospital, they built a state of the art facility across town. When the new medical facility was completed in 2012 the building was left empty along Goodyear Boulevard. Rumors of medical facilities or other uses never panned out, so the city eventually bought the property, demolished the building and set forth plans to build a green space on the five-acre lot. Removal of the building made way for the city to develop a place where residents can one day enjoy an outdoor play, live music or even just go for a walk or run while letting their children play worry free. While some work has already taken place at the green space, more is planned. A perimeter fence now surrounds the park, funded through a $100,000 grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. City Manager Jim Luke said there are also plans to add some decorative lighting, ensure the area is handicapped accessible, and install historic plaques that will denote important events in that area of town. Luke expects some of these plaques to be installed by the spring, and will outline events such as the first high school football game in the city. To ensure these markers are accurate the local Historical Society will be consulted. As for the bricks saved from the demolition of the old hospital, those will be used to construct two columns at the entrance of the park facing Goodyear Boulevard. Two gas

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lanterns will adorn the columns and light the front of the entrance, while benches similar to those that line Canal Street are planned. Luke said that not all of these plans are set in stone. “It’s all dependent on cost,” Luke said. A paved walkway will provide a decorative entrance that will feature

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a concrete paver medallion. The medallion will have the words “Picayune Mississippi” and the year “2014” inscribed. City officials also received a $500,000 Mississippi Department of Transportation grant, which will be used to help build the outdoor amphitheater and walking track. The plan is to hold outdoor plays

and live music at the venue. Mayor Ed Pinero Jr., said construction of the walking track and amphitheater is waiting on acquisition of the MDOT grant. As soon as those funds come in, construction on the walking track and amphitheater will begin once a bid is approved. For active mothers who worry

about the safety of their children while exercising, the fence provides some peace of mind. Today, many fitness minded people run or walk along Goodyear Boulevard, and while it provides a local venue to exercise, the heavy traffic makes it unsafe. A fenced in park with a walking track will allow health conscious mothers the ability to exercise freely without the constraints of putting their children in strollers or worrying about them wandering into the street. “The fence was really an afterthought, but a lot of people were asking for it so they could get off the boulevard,” Pinero said. “It turned out to be a really nice perimeter for the park.” So far, only one event has been held at the park, the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce’s Run with the Pigs. The event featured a number of races, a barbecue competition and some fun for the kids. City officials hope that more events will be held there as development continues. “The city’s different organizations are looking for more ideas and new events,” Pinero said.

OUT & ABOUT 1

By JEREM Y PIT TARI

PUTTING ON THE PINK 3

Community members came out in force to support Breast Cancer Awareness during Puttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Pink event held in October, which raises funds to help women without access to insurance receive mammograms. 1. From left are Jessica Ladner, James Turnage, Abbie Turnage and Christie Goss. 2. From left are Ann Stanley, Rosie Barrett and Ann Hunt. 3. From left are Derek Turnage and Anna Turnage. 4. From left are Ann McDonald and Steve McDonald. 5. From left are Michael Brown, Sabrina Brown, Regina Odom and Katrina Munna.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 35

OUT & ABOUT By JEREM Y PIT TARI

1 2

BUG FEST Many children and adults from schools in and around Pearl River County attended the Crosby Arboretumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bug Fest held in October. 1. Pictured in the front row from left are teachers and student from Wee Wisdom Learning Center in Picayune; Julian Lala, Miles Jackson, Kensleigh Penton, Carson Slaydon and C.J. Hinman. In the back row from left are Grayson Smith, Wesley Garner, Hayden Dobson and teacher Kendra Owen.. 5. In the front row from left are teachers and students from Wee Wisdom Learning Center in Picayune; Cheyenne Jarrell, Keller Lowe, Tess Naquin, Baylei Morrell. In the back row are Hailee Ard, Evan Morales, Natalia Flores and Christian Clauss. The teacher pictured is Brittany Jordan.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL Crosby Arboretumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Festival is a great way to see how things were made in years past. 2. From left are Sheila Hansen, Nancy Crowe and Lucille Gasecki. 3. Selah Baamonde and her daughter Christine Baamonde 4. Hannah Pearson, Chloe Pearson, Jill Lombardo, Adelaide Lombardo, Sophia Lombardo and Elijah Lombardo. 4

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OUT OUT&&ABOUT ABOUT

By DAR T SPIERS

PANCAKE BREAKFASTS

Pearl River County residents enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and sausage to support Animal Advocates of PRC and Toys for Tots in December. 1. From left to right: Lisa Bochman and Cherie Vicknair. 2. From left to right: Lynda Garza, Jane Coleman and Martha Ford.

SHOP BY CANDLELIGHT County residents were lured to do a bit of night shopping in Historic downtown area of Picayune during Picayune Main Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Shop By Candlelight event. 3. From left to right: Marquita Porter and Belinda Porter. 4. From left to right: Cathy Tripp and Susan Luc.

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PICAYUNEITEM.COM 37

OUT & ABOUT

By JEREM Y PIT TARI

STREET FESTIVAL Food fun and shopping were to be had at Picayune Main Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biannual Street Festival. The event draws big crowds by featuring local crafts, varied cuisine and fun for the kids. 1. Pictured from left are Faith and Gary Cooper. 2. From left are Zoe Johnson, Roxanne Johnson, Regina Johnson and Keegan Johnson. 3. From left are Christy Little, Little Bit and Ray Little. 4. From left are Lydia Butista and Carmen Leon. 5. From left Emma Lamonte and Jessica Lamonte.

38 WINTER WINTER 2014 38 2014

OUT OUT&&ABOUT ABOUT By JEREM Y PIT TARI

GREATER PICAYUNE AREA CHAMBER AWARDS BANQUET The annual awards banquet is held to honor the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses, citizens and emergency responders with the city of Picayune. 1. From left are Capt. C. Ray Carlisle and Paige Carlisle. 2. From left are Ptl. Joshua Stockstill and Angie Smith. 3. From left are Ptl. Stephen Calvin and Fr. Jonathan Filkins. 4. From left are Capt. Lane Pittman, Detective Christa Groom and Detective Devin Williams. 5. From left are Stephanie Bolton and Capt. James Bolton. 6. From left are Shane Fitzgerald, Ashton Fitzgerald and Carol Bennett.

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OUT & ABOUT

By JEREM Y PIT TARI

RUNNING WITH THE PIGS Barbecue, fun and running were on order during the Greater Picayune Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chamber of Commerce Running with the Pigs. 1. From left are Dr. Debbie Moore and Keri Castleberry. 2. From left are Charles Scott, Debbie Scharff, Billy Geen and Dennis Scharff. 3. From left are Karl Brinkerhoff and Dana Brinkerhoff. 4. From left are Dr. Ed Pinero Jr., Reba Beebe and Freddy James.. 5. From left are Gay Bourg, Ray Bourg and Joe Lyn Berry. 6. From left are Stephanie Walker, Taylor Walker, Missy Griffith and Kailyn Walker.

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OUT OUT&&ABOUT ABOUT

By JEREM Y PIT TARI

PICAYUNE MAIN STREET MEETING Members of Picayune Main Street attended a meeting in November to hear from representatives of Mississippi Main Street. 1. From left are Brianne Barousse, Matt Barousse and Marlana Barousse. 2. Tana F. Cochran, Beth Lenior and Angelia Howell. 5. From left are . Benny Prestridge, Byron Hill and Chad Dorn. 2

JIM LUKE’S BOOK SIGNING Community members came out for Jim Luke’s book signing at Southern Char, sponsored by Nissan of Picayune. 3. From left are Jim Luke and Diane Miller. 4. From left are Tim Hart and Tom Milar. 6. From left are Buddy McDonald and Dan Crumpler.

PICAYUNEITEM.COM 41

WHY I LOVE PICAYUNE By FR . JONATHAN J. FILKINS

HOME In the extraordinary motion picture, “The Wizard of Oz,” Glenda the Good Witch instructs the ubiquitous ingénue Dorothy, on the methodology necessary to return to her home from the Land of Oz. The information is clear and the destination without doubt. She simply wants to go home, after her grand adventure. Dorothy is to click the heels of her ruby slippers together, while intoning, “There is no place like home…There is no place like home...” In the briefest of moments, the young girl is transported back to the depression era farm, somewhere in the dust-choked fields of Kansas, USA. She finds herself in repose, awakening in her bedroom and first seeing the care-worn faces of those who love her. It is here where her heart was, for she knew this as home. The philosopher Pliny the Elder, (23- 79 AD,) is ascribed as saying, “Home is where the heart is.” His words speak to all of us, through the millennia, as having a home is an integral part of our basic human needs. For many, being “home” is far more than just some abode, or even location. Our identity, of being at home, centers entirely on ourselves and the desires, within our hearts and minds to identify where we belong. In today’s mobile society, the definition of being home has become less distinct, less clear. Often, our extended relocations are viewed as temporary, bespeaking of the time to visit, or go back, home. From the discerning, Picayune, Mississippi is home. Some grew up here, have relatives and long memories. For others, they relocated here after The Storm, (Hurricane Katrina,) or blew in from other locales, and then stayed. Each has added to the nature of the whole. Picayune has become an exceptional 42 WINTER 2014

HEART

place to live and call home. Neither backwater hick, nor big city, Picayune is not known for its grand Antebellum homes, or being the important site of historical events. Picayune was, in essence, a company town, delivering timber products to our Nation. Now, Picayune maintains the neighborly friendliness of “How are y’all,” to the sophistication of municipal fiscal responsibility, to a full slate of community activities and a spirit of volunteerism. It is wholly reliant on standing on its own merits and maintaining, and expanding, a vibrant community, not reliant on the past, but on the present and focused on the future. Our Picayune is a place where the heart grows bolder and stronger. With Slidell, La., New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast an

easy drive away, any needs for larger city amenities are easily met. Low taxes, a temperate climate, and a positive business environment further enhance Picayune’s allure. There are many intangibles, given graciously by the citizens of Picayune, which defy any list. As for me, I have been much of a gypsy, having lived in many parts of the United States. Here, I find the people welcoming, and caring, for it is in the fiber of their very being to do so. They simply do not view their domain as some form of iconoclastic bastion of moldering thoughts and attitudes. As one, who blew in to Picayune over five years ago, I choose this is as my home, for here is my heart. I invite you to come, for Picayune will warmly welcome your heart too.