Signature April 2012

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s i g n a t u r e mag a zi ne

Features APRIL 2012 Volume VII Issue 1

38

The story of us

Six years & counting

Sorry, but there’s no drama-filled, sexy story to how Signature Magazine was first published. But since then...

by David Gustafson

Happy birthday!

Since 2006, Signature magazine has been proud to be the Pine Belt’s Scene and Be Seen magazine.

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Girl meets boy Annette Turner and Anthony Herrin, who were dating at the time, attended a fundraiser, had their photo taken and wound up on the cover of Signature. They are now married, with a son.

by Beth Bunch

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A cult following?

Signature bloomed in the spring of 2006 and has been leaving its footprint across the Pine Belt ever since. It has a following.

by Beth Bunch

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Under Cover When Bonnie McNair of Hattiesburg went to Orlando, Fla., in 2010 she took along a copy of Signature magazine to share with some of her “friends,” including C3P0

Signature covers have run the gamut – from fashionistas to kings and queens to our Go Gold Southern Miss friends.

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APRIL 2012

Departments

13 Happenings

96: The Signature Q&A: Isaac Savin

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23 Neighbors

Cuisine

Scene

13 Zoo Bash: Party like an animal at April 14 birthday bash.

23 Meet: Hattiesburg City Councilman Dave Ware and his family.

30 On the barbie: Shaken, stirred and grilled to perfection.

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Elks Gift Exchange: The krewe kicks off the Mardi Gras season.

14 Events: Easter events, fashion shows, concerts and parties on tap.

24 HHNA: This quaint downtown neighborhood has Norman Rockwell feel.

33 Uncorked: Tips for navigating a wine list.

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Elks Queens Brunch: Former queens gather for carnival brunch.

17 Art Walk: Pottery, paintings and musical entertainment are on tap.

27 Crawfish Boil: Two tons of crawfish and a dynamic music lineup await you.

35 Q&A: Chris Hackbarth has been Southbound for the past 9 years.

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Cocktail Party: Party is prelude to Elks coronation.

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Red Carpet Event: FGH honors employees with awards show.

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Zeus Dinner Dance: Mystic Krewe kicks off Carnivale season.

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Chinese New Year: ‘She Dances’ charity is recipient of fundraiser

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Zeus Coronation: Mother Goose nursery rhymes were at play.

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Valentine Dinner: Simply TEAvine hosts five-course meal.

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Elks Coronation: New king and queen crowned during festivities.

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Court Party: Royalty gathers for revelry.

18 FestivalSouth: Music of the Beatles featured in Classical Mystery Tour.

Happy Birthday Signature!

21 Noteworthy: Springtime means music festival time.

ON THE COVER: Six years and counting for Signature Magazine cover design by DAVID GUSTAFSON

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– Page 38

111 King & Queen Fest: Royalty plays host.

Prologue:

Part of the HubCitySPOKES.com Network

103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 268-2331 -tel (601) 268-2965 -fax { STAFF }

DAVID GUSTAFSON | EDITOR/PUBLISHER david@HubCitySPOKES.com

BETH BUNCH | MANAGING EDITOR beth@HubCitySPOKES.com

BILL BENGE | ART DIRECTOR bill@HubCitySPOKES.com

MISSY AKINS | ADVERTISING MANAGER missy@HubCitySPOKES.com

JESSICA WALLACE, SHANNON FIELDER | ADVERTISING SALES SONYA JAMES | BOOKKEEPING EMILY HALL | GRAPHIC DESIGN DANA GOWER, JOSH MLOT | STAFF WRITERS { PHOTOGRAPHERS }

LEE CAVE, CHLOE ROUSE, CAROLYN CRITZ Reproductions in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., proud publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, Camp Shelby Reveille, HubCitySPOKES.com and PineBeltSPORTS.com and is distributed at more than 200 locations in and around Hattiesburg. Mail subscriptions are available for home delivery. For subscriptions or inquiries, write Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401, or call (601) 268-2331. Copyright 2012 by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc. Find us online at:

HubCitySPOKES.com

Everybody loves birthdays

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hen Isaac Savin of Hattiesburg celebrated his sixth birthday recently, it was a pretty big deal.

A special birthday dinner with his family. An afternoon with friends at Diddy Bops. Cake and presents. Everything you would expect at the birthday party of a six-year-old little boy. Of course when you’re that age, everything is a pretty big deal.

That’s how we sort of feel with this issue marking the sixth birthday of Signature Magazine. We’re not planning a trip to Diddy Bops (although we sort of wish we were), but we do want to take a few moments to celebrate the last six years and thank you, our readers, for helping us become the most popular publication in all of the Pine Belt.

I admit, it feels a little odd throwing yourself your own party, so to speak, but while talking with some of our community partners recently, they pointed out the importance of celebrating the success and accomplishments of area businesses – ours included.

Figuring out how to celebrate proved to be more difficult than we thought. Rather than go on and on about how popular we are or brag about how much we’ve grown through the years, we tried to focus on the things which have helped us grow and become popular – you, our readers.

Beginning on Page 38, you’ll find a Signature retrospective – a couple whose early courtship was first captured on the pages (and cover) of an early issue of our magazine; a spotlight on some of our “best” event photos featuring celebrities, costumes, women in hats, USM fan gear, families, and even the many bowties of former Southern Miss President Dr. Aubrey Lucas. We also take a moment to remember some of our friends who have departed this world, much to our dismay.

Then, to wrap things up, our Signature Magazine Q&A on Page 92 is our fellow birthday boy, six-year-old Isaac, who was busy being born about the same time we were busy publishing our first issue.

And we think that’s a pretty big deal, too.

David Gustafson, Publisher, Signature Magazine

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Happenings

“Party Like an Animal” is the theme for this year’s Hattiesburg Zoo Birthday Bash. The 62nd birthday celebration is set for 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, April 14. The Birthday Bash guarantees a wildly fun time for all who attend, complete with birthday festivities, enrichment activities and the unveiling of the Zoo’s newest attractions.

Guests of the Birthday Bash will be the first to experience the new Petting Zoo located inside the Zoo’s African exhibit. With this new attraction, guests will be able to touch and feed some of the domesticated animals found on the African continent, such as baby Nigerian dwarf goats and African sheep. Also to be revealed during the celebration is the addition of a new Mining Sluice sponsored by Parris Jewelers that will allow guests to pan for rubies, emeralds and other gems.

“Since the last Birthday celebration, the Zoo has seen many changes that we think will excite our customers,” said Executive Director Rick Taylor. “We have been so pleased with the community’s support of the Zoo and our efforts to move the Zoo forward.

From the Oak Grove Middle School, who raised $700 for the petting zoo, to a recent sponsorship by Parris Jewelers for the construction of a mining sluice, one of our newest attractions; the excitement surrounding the Zoo is contagious.”

Throughout the Birthday Bash, mini celebrations will take place at each of the Zoo’s four continent locations which include South America, Africa, Asia and North America’s Mississippi Habitat. At

noon, the headline celebration will feature Mississippi Miss Hospitality Ann Claire Reynolds, who will lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to the Zoo. In addition, Education Curator Krissy Hamilton will provide a special presentation with the Zoo’s education animals and birthday cake will be provided for all Birthday Bash guests.

The Hattiesburg Zoo’s regular admission prices will apply for the Birthday Bash: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 2 through 12, and free for children under 2.

The Hattiesburg Zoo’s story began in the early 1900s, when locals began bringing animals to Kamper Park for visitors to enjoy. The animals soon became a favorite feature of the park, and in January 1950, the Hattiesburg Optimist Club began a program to raise funds to build a Zoo. To the delight of the citizens of Hattiesburg, the Zoo officially opened with several small exhibits on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950. Today, 62 years after opening, the Zoo is home to more than 55 species of animals.

The Hattiesburg Zoo is a Hattiesburg Convention Commission Facility, in partnership with the City of Hattiesburg and the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. Since 1991, the Hattiesburg Convention Commission has been developing and operating tourism-related facilities for the Hattiesburg area.

For more information, visit www.ZooHattiesburg.com or call 601-268-3220.

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Best of the Pine Belt voting

THROUGH NOVEMBER

@ www.festivalsouth.org

Third Thursday programs

A ‘best of ’ competition returns to coincide with the release of season tickets to the third annual FestivalSouth, June 9 - 23.

The competition will determine the favorite people, places, and things that make the area great. Following an overwhelming response last year, a guide to the Pine Belt was created by its residents. The complete list of ‘best’ will be featured in the festival program that encompasses the June edition of Signature Magazine.

This year, the competition will take place in two phases. Nominations are currently being sought in categories. On April 1, the top vote getters in each category were put into the finalist competition and a current round of online voting determines the winners. But you only have until April 15 to speak your voice. To vote, simply log on to www.festivalsouth.org and click on the Best of the Pine Belt 2012 logo. Be sure and vote in the final round to make sure your favorites win. FestivalSouth offers events for music lovers of every taste. Tickets are on sale at www.festivalsouth.org, the Southern Miss Ticket Office, 601.266.5418.

4:30pm @ Main Street Books

www.festivalsouth.org

THROUGH APRIL 1

Downtown Farmer's Market kicked off in March with its new Third Thursday programs. These programs are presented at 4:30 p.m. at Main Street Books each month and are part of the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Upcoming programs include: • April 19, Anna Cagle, New Yokel Market, will demonstrate how to properly store fresh fruits and vegetables.

• May 17, Caroll Pearce, Dogwood Hollow Farms, Health Benefits of Goat’s Milk & Cheese • June 21, Stuart Gates, The Depot Coffee House & Bistro, using seasonal fruits and vegetables to make healthy delicious meals.

• July 19, Kim Conway, will demonstrate how to properly preserve tomatoes • Aug., 16, Melanie Dale, Beelicious Honey, will talk about the importance of bees in nature and the health properties of honey • Sept. 21, Anna Cagle, New Yokel Market, will talk about healthy, delicious smoothies from fresh fruits and vegetables • Oct. 18, Sandra Bender, what to plant in a fall garden • Nov. 15, Anna Cagle, New Yokel Market, will talk about preserving fermented vegetables

Live at Five Concert Series & Farmers Market at Town Square Park. www.liveatfivehburg.com. Every Friday night in April. Bring your family and friends and your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a free concert in Town Square Park. Every Thursday afternoon in Town Square Park, shop the products of local farmers at the weekly Farmers Market.

www.liveatfivehburg.com

www.hattiesburghabitat.org

FRI., APRIL 6 - SUN., APRIL 8

MONTH OF APRIL

Habitat Restaurant Tour Daily @ Hattiesburg restaurants The 2nd Annual Habitat Restaurant tour kicked off April 2. Each day during the tour, a different restaurant is featured as

fashion issue. Proceeds will benefit a local charity. Run-time for the show will be just under two hours and will include an intermission complete with quality entertainment. Tickets are $5 at the doors or are available from any of the models. For more information, call 601-450-0170 or visit www.cstudioinc.com.

www.cstudioinc.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

Student Art Exhibition 4:30pm - 5:30pm @ William Carey An opening reception for the William Carey University Art Student Exhibition will be held in the Lucile Parker Gallery on campus. The exhibit will hang through April 20.

www.wmcarey.edu

Easter Fun Run Barrel Race Daily @ Forrest Co. Multipurpose Center The Easter Fun Run Barrel Race returns to the Main Arena again this year. This event will bring in participants from around the South for exciting barrel racing action. For more information, visit downsouthpro.com or call 601-583-7500.

downsouthpro.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

Live at Five Concert Series 5-9pm @ Town Square Park

the "restaurant of the day." This restaurant will donate a percentage of their sales during the day to Hattiesburg Habitat. The money raised from this tour will be used to serve more families with affordable housing solutions in the Hattiesburg Area. So far, Hattiesburg Habitat has helped 57 families build and buy their first homes. Participation couldn’t be easier. Simply dine at the “restaurant of the day” and a percentage of sales will be donated to Habitat! To get the full tour schedule, visit www.hattiesburghabitat.org. Supporters can also like Habitat on Facebook at facebook.com/hattiesburghabitat or follow them on twitter @hahfh. Contact Lee Anne Venable at 601582-4663 ext.17 or email at lvenable@hattiesburghabitat.org if you have questions.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

C Studio Elite Fashion Show

The Perrys in Concert

7pm @ The Bottling Company

7pm @ Heritage United Methodist Church

Glitz, glamour, gorgeous girls!

That’s what you’ll find at C Studio’s Elite Fashion Show set for 7 p.m. April 10 at the Bottling Company in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg. High school juniors and seniors from local schools will strut their stuff in this high-powered runway event featuring the latest spring 2012 fashion trends from local boutiques. Emceeing the show will be Jeff Krapf and Lauren Jones. Krapf of Los Angeles, serves as the voice of the San Diego Padres, and has experience with a variety of on-air productions – from radio and television shows to spokesman for such events as the U.S. Open Surfing Champions and NASCAR Phoenix International Raceway. Jones is CEO, artistic director and designer of Lauren Jones Footwear, a former Barker’s Beauty on The Price is Right, actress, model and news anchor. She was Signature’s cover model for the March

America’s favorite mixed gospel quartet, the award-winning Perrys will be in concert at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 13, at Heritage United Methodist Curch. Doors open at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge, but a love offering will be taken to support the Perrys’ ministry. The church is located at Hwy. 98 West and Baracuda Drive in Oak Grove. For more information, call the church office at 601-261-3371 or 601-297-7922.

www.heritage-umc.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Hattiesburg Zoo Birthday Bash 10am-4pm@ Hattiesburg Zoo Join the Hattiesburg Zoo in celebrating its 62nd Birthday! The Birthday Bash will be an all-day events with special festivities.

Several new things will be unveiled at the Zoo. Be among the first guests to experi-

ence the Animal Kingdom up close and personal at the new Petting Zoo featuring baby Nigerian dwarf goats and African sheep.

Also experience the Mining Sluice (sponsored by Parris Jewelers).

SAT., APRIL 21 - SUN., APRIL 22 FRI., APRIL 20-SAT., APRIL 21

Peter Pan @ Hattiesburg Saenger Theater

www.zoohattiesburg.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Spring Art Walk @ Historic Downtown Hattiesburg Enjoy shopping and dining with downtown merchants as retail shops and galleries feature local artists and musicians inside and along the streets of Historic Downtown.

Many will feature artists' demonstrations.

The HHDA is featuring a new exhibit at the Depot, The Secret Life of Walter Anderson, written by Hester Bass and illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Both will be in attendance for a public reception and book signing 5:30 - 7 p.m. that evening. The exhibit will be up through April. Hours are Wed., Thur., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun., 1 - 4 p.m. Oddfellows Gallery will feature the artwork of Dolly Kirk and her students. They are hosting a reception during Art Walk. Round out your evening downtown with Roots Reunion at the Saenger Theater, 7 9 p.m. This live radio show is in it's 14th year. Organized by USM's Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and the School of Music's entertainment industry program. Free concert.

www.downtownhattiesburg.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Roots Reunion 7pm @ Hattiesburg Saenger Theater Following Spring Art Walk, The Roots Reunion live radio show returns to the Saenger Theater for its 14th edition. Organized by the University of Southern Mississippi's Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and the School of Music's entertainment industry program, Roots Reunion gives local musicians an opportunity to share the musical traditions of Mississippi with a live audience. FREE Admission.

www.hattiesburgsaenger.org

StageStruck Theater presents Peter Pan at the Saenger Theater … Fly with Peter Pan and Wendy to Neverland where children never grow up as StageStruck Performance Studio brings this children's classic to life.

StageStruck is a children's theater than has been bringing quality entertainment to Hattiesburg since 2006. Showtimes are Friday at 7:30pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets: $12/$15

www.hattiesburgsaenger.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Downtown Crawfish Jam 11am-7 p.m. @ Walthall Park The Hattiesburg Historic District is tuning up its 14th Annual Downtown Crawfish Jam with an expanded lineup of musical acts organizers believe will be as pleasing to the ear as its mudbugs are to the palate. Set from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 21 at Walthall Park, located at 600 Walnut Street at the intersection with Rebecca Avenue, the Downtown Crawfish Jam will feature a family friendly atmosphere, great food and music. Admission is only $25 in advance and includes all you can eat and drink (Crawfish is guaranteed until 3 p.m. only), or $10 general admission, with food and drink sold separately. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Day-of tickets will be higher. Musical acts scheduled to perform include The Remnants, Wes Lee, King Fridays, Dr. E. and the Kings of Voodoo, Carey Hudson and The Soul Rebel Brass Band. The menu will include crawfish until 3 p.m., sausage dogs, hamburgers, Coke products, water and of course, beer. For the kids, there will be inflatable bounces, an art contest and other activities.

For more information, visit www.hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com or on Facebook follow “Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood,” or call Andrea Saffle at 601270-1371.

www.downtownhattiesburg.com

Hattiesburg Relay for Life 3pm @ Tatum Park Hattiesburg Relay for Life, which has previously been held on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, will be held at Tatum Park beginning at 3 p.m. April 21. For more information, contact Committee Chair Sheri Ezell at 601-606-1081.

tival chairman and proceeds benefit programs for students and staff at Oak Grove Lower Elementary. For more information or for sponsor or registration forms, visit www.oakgrovelower.com or www.bellegrass.com. Call 601-794-1030.

www.oakgrovelower.com

FRIDAY, MAY 4

Petal Relay for Life 6pm @ Hinton Park, Petal

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

HHS Band Reunion 6pm @ Elks Club, Hattiesburg A reunion of anyone who was in the Hattiesburg (Blair) High School Tiger Band will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Elks Club in Hattiesburg. Originally planned as a get-together of band members from 1963 to 1973, the reunion is open to anyone who was in the band. Former band members who have not been contacted should contact Tom O'Neal at tom.oneal@att.net or call 731-610-6681 for full details. O'Neal asks that former band members who cannot attend the reunion also contact him so that their current contact information can be included in a Tiger Band directory.

Petal’s Relay for Life is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. May 4 at Hinton Park behind Petal Civic Center. For more information, contact Committee Chair Katye Parker at 601-5439280.

Lamar County Relay for Life 6pm @ Sumrall High School Lamar County’s Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. May 4 at Sumrall High School. For more information, contact Committee Chair Kerri Mauldin at 601-543-8874.

SATURDAY, MAY 5

OGHS Black & Gold Revue 7pm @ William Carey University

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

USM Relay for Life @ Pride Field, USM Campus USM’s first independent Relay for Life event will be held at Pride Field beginning on Friday, April 27. For more information, contact Whitney Stubbs at 601-266-5074.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Dragonfly Festival, Acorn Run 7:30am @ Bellegrass community Oak Grove Elementary’s 5th Annual Dragonfly Festival and 5K Acorn Run kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with the run and continues until noon. The event, held in partnership with the Bellegrass community and local sponsors, includes entertainment, food, carnival games , health and wellness booths and works from area artisans. Entertainment will be provided by award-winning drummer Derrick Martin, the Choctaw Indian Dancers and others. Patti Permenter is Fes-

Oak Grove High School’s Choral Dept. presents its showchoir, CENTERSTAGE, in its annual Black & Gold Revue. The performance, which will be held at the William Carey University Auditorium, wil include a variety of musical selections as well as a performance of their award-winning competition show. The showchoir recently competed with schools across the country at FAME Orlando held at Hard Rock Live.

Their second place finish there advanced them to the FAME National Showchoir Finals in Chicago set for April 20-21. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 601-264-7231.

SAT., APRIL 28-SUN., APRIL 29

Hattiesburg Gun & Knife Show Daily @ Forrest Co. Multipurpose Ctr. Come out and buy, trade, sell, or just browse the hundreds of vendor tables made available. Guns, knives, jewelry, and many other items will be on display. 601-583-7500.

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Happenings

For art’s sake Paintings, pottery and picture books featured at Spring Art Walk

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owntown Hattiesburg will once again open her arms wide for this year’s Spring Art Walk set for April 14. Hub City residents are invited to sample local arts and crafts and explore the cultural cache as downtown merchants open their doors.

Visitors to the downtown area will enjoy retail shops and galleries which will feature local artists and musicians inside and along the streets of Historic Downtown. Many will feature artists' demonstrations. And don’t forget the wonderful dining experiences that await you – from the simple to the elegant.

Sit out under a warm afternoon sun and listen to the melodic tunes of a small bluegrass ensemble or watch the broad brushstrokes of an artist as the bright sun quickly dries the paint on his canvas.

A highlight of this year’s Art Walk will be a new exhibit, “The Secret Life of Walter Anderson,” written by Hester Bass and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner E. B. Lewis. Both will be in attendance for a public reception and book signing from 5:30 - 7 p.m. that evening.

The exhibit at the Depot will be up throughout the month of April.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

This award-winning picture book biography has introduced many new admirers to the life and work of this American artist. It is the story of a man who risked everything to bring himself and nature into one thing called art. He lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, often rowing 12 miles of open water to reach Horn Island, an uninhabited barrier island, where he lived under his boat for weeks at a time so he could paint the wildlife there.

Featuring nearly 50 original works by Lewis and 18 original Walter Anderson works, the exhibition is organized and guest-curated by

Clayton Bass, former director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and current president/CEO of the Huntsville Museum of Art in Alabama.

Those who view the exhibit will experience the inspired conversation between a 20th Century American master and a masterful 21st Century artist on a journey through the creative process — from photographs to sketches to paintings — illustrating the extraordinary life of Walter Anderson, the man “who needed to paint as much as he needed to breathe.”

Hester has studied his life and work for more than 25 years, The exhibition is traveling nationally to museums and other venues through mid-2012.

Oddfellows Gallery will feature an Artists in Action exhibit which will feature the artwork of Hattiesburg portrait artist Dollye Kirk and some of her top art students, all local women. “The majority of the work on display will be oils,” said Kirk. A reception will be held in conjunction with the exhibit. The gallery is located on Front Street.

Additionally, Benny's Boom Boom Room is hosting a benefit concert featuring The Remnants, a regrouping of seasoned rockers covering 50 years or rock and roll and who have been playing together on and off in the Hattiesburg area since the 60's. Proceeds will benefit the Debbie Shemper scholarship fund.

Round out the evening downtown with the 14th Annual Roots Reunion at the Saenger Theater from 7 - 9 p.m. This live radio show is organized by USM's Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage and the School of Music's entertainment industry program and is free and open to the public.

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Happenings Get ready for a...

Classical Mystery Tour

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hat would The Beatles have sounded like if they had the chance to perform live in concert with a symphony orchestra? Find out when Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles performs with the FestivalSouthOrchestra as part of this year’s FestivalSouth, which runs June 9-23. The performance, which is presented by BancorpSouth and Brownstones, is set for opening night at the Saenger Theater. Show time is 7:30 p.m.

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look like John, Paul, George and Ringo and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and enjoy the classical/rock blend on "I Am the Walrus."

From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you've never heard them before. You might say it’s the best show the Beatles never did!

Since its initial show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in 1996, Classical Mystery Tour has performed with more

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than 100 orchestras across the United States and around the world, receiving accolades from fans and the media.

The Los Angeles Times called the show "more than just an incredible simulation...the swelling strings and soaring French horn lines gave the live performance a high goosebump quotient...the crowd stood and bellowed for more."

Classical Mystery Tour features David Leon (John Lennon) on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Alan LeBouef (Paul McCartney) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; David John (George Harrison) on lead guitar and vocals; and Joe Bologna (Ringo Starr) on drums and vocals.

"We really make an effort to sound exactly like the originals," explained Jim Owen, creator of Classical Mystery Tour. "The orchestra score is exact, right down to every note and instrument

that was on the original recording. On 'Got to Get You Into My Life,' we have two tenor saxes and three trumpets. That's what it was written for, and that's what we use. And on 'A Day in the Life,' that final big orchestra crescendo sounds amazing when it’s played live."

The recent release of The Beatles music on iTunes, and 2009’s release of The Beatles Stereo Box Set, Mono Box Set and Beatles Rock Band, set off a new wave of Beatlemania and proved that The Beatles are more popular than ever. Because many Beatles fans never had the opportunity to experience a live Beatles show, Classical Mystery Tour offers that live experience in the comfort of a concert hall.

"We have some real show-stopping numbers," says Owen. "The power of the emotional and nostalgic connection that audiences have with The Beatles is hard to put into words."

Classical Mystery Tour has several CDs and T-shirts available for purchase at the concert and on their website (www.classicalmysterytour.com).

Individual tickets to all FestivalSouth events go on sale April 15, but music lovers can avoid the risk of tickets being sold out by purchasing season tickets, known as the FestivalCircle, which are on sale now.

“A FestivalCircle pass will allow patrons the best seats to all ticketed events, including the finale with Sandi,” Mike Lopinto, event producer, said. “I would encourage people to act quickly, as on her last visit tickets sold out quickly.”

FestivalCircle passes may be purchased at 800-844-8425, 601266-5418 or www.festival-south.org.

South offers events for music lovers of every taste. Offerings include art, music, dance, food and fun for local residents, families and visitors.

A combination of free and ticketed musical events, FestivalSouth brings morning musicales to local coffee shops, bookstores and The Hattiesburg Public Library; musical luncheons to locally-owned eateries; afternoon recitals to worship facilities; and evening concerts and late-night events to signature downtown venues.

Children are not forgotten in the Festival schedule. Ivey Swan created a character named Artie, a multi-talented paintbrush who paints, of course, but also plays instruments, dances and loves anything to do with the arts. Swan and Artie return to FestivalSouth 2012 to present hands-on experiences in all areas of the arts.

“We have really expanded and improved the events for children this year,” Christina Hatch, Artie event coordinator, said. “I am not sure who is going to have more fun exploring the arts, me or the children!”

Headline events have become the spotlight of the three weekends of FestivalSouth. This year, guest artists bookend the festival with high-octane performances.

For more information on FestivalSouth visit www.festivalsouth.org.

Season tickets are also available at the Southern Miss Ticket Office, 601.266.5418 or www.southernmisstickets.com.

And then there was more....

The middle weekend of FestivalSouth will include performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the FestivalFinale will see the return of five-time Grammy Award-winner Sandi Patty to the Hub city. Patty will perform some of her greatest hits, patriotic and Broadway classics.

Presented by the Hattiesburg Concert Association, Festival-

Best of Pine Belt 2012

Coinciding with the release of season tickets, a ‘best of ’ competition, Best of the Pine Belt 2012, returns to determine the favorite people, places and things that make the area great. Following an overwhelming response last year, its residents created a guide to the Pine Belt. The complete list of ‘best’ will be featured in the festival program that encompasses the June edition of Signature Magazine.

This year, the competition is taking place in two phases. Nominations for “bests” were sought from Feb. 14 until March 31. On April 1, the top vote getters in each category were put into the finalist competition and another round of online voting, going on now through April 15, will determine the winners.

To vote, simply log on to www.festivalsouth.org and click on the Best of the Pine Belt 2012 logo.

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April showers bring May flowers, so strap on your rain boots ‘cause it’s...

Festival time

By David GUSTAFSON

S

pringtime in the south means one thing – it’s music festival time and Pine Belt residents are at the epicenter of three of the biggest and mosttalked about festivals in the country.

First up is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which kicks off Friday, April 27 with The Beach Boys’ 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour and continues through the weekend before firing up again the following Thursday, May 3 for two more days of some of the biggest names in the music business – and we’re not just talking about jazz.

Twelve different stages will feature all types of music including blues, gospel, cajun, country, and good ol’ fashioned rock and roll.

In addition to The Beach Boys, you’ll have a chance to hear Bon Iver, Cee Lo Green, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Feist, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Al Green, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Zac Brown Band, The Eagles, My Morning Jacket, and the Foo Fighters – not to mention New Orleans favorites Dr. John, Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint, The Neville Brothers, and much, much more.

Don’t forget to pack your rain boots. The fairground racetrack has a tendency to get muddy when it rains and

it almost always rains.

For those of you who would rather head north then fight the crowds in NOLA, the annual Beale Street Music Festival gets underway Friday, May 4 along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River in Tom Lee Park just off of Beale Street.

With three day passes costing just $75 ($55 if you buy them early enough), it’s by far the most affordable of the three major festivals and has a lineup which rivals its New Orleans and Gulf Coast counterparts.

Because it shares a weekend with the NOLA festival, it’s inevitable that many artists take advantage of the close proximity of the two events to double book and this year is no exception.

This year’s lineup also features My Morning Jacket, Florence + The Machine, Al Green, and others appearing at the NOLA festival, but also will headline Jane’s Addiction, Alison Krauss, The Civil Wars, The Cult, Son Volt, The Head & The Heart, Old 97’s, Three 6 Mafia, Buddy Guy, and others.

Music is peformed on three different stages as well as a blues-dedicated tent.

Rain and mud is also known to be a problem at the Memphis festival, but come prepared and you’ll fit in just fine. Plus, when the concerts are over each night, you can

stroll up the block to Beale Street and keep the music going until the wee hours of the morning.

The newest of the area festivals, the Hangout Music Fest, is now in its third year and was named one of the country’s top festivals last year by Pollstar.

Staged directly on the sand of the shores of the Alabama Gulf Coast, this year’s festival lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, Steve Winwood, Chris Cornell, Skrillex, and a slew of other national, regional, and local acts.

Also featuring three stages and a couple of enormous tents, the only thing you need to bring with you to this festival is sunscreen.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: n NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival: April 27 - May 6, 2012 @ Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

Tickets are $50 per day (plus fees) available at nojazzfest.com. n Beale Street Music Festival: May 4-6 @ Tom Lee Park in Memphis. Tickets are $75 for a 3-day pass (plus fees) available at memphisinmay.org/music. n Hangout Music Festival: May 18-20, 2012 @ The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Ala. General admission tickets are sold out, but VIP tix available at hangoutmusicfest.com

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neighborhood, including the former Walthall Elementary School which ix years ago, a photo of Dave and Amy Ware and their one-yearwas converted to residential condominiums. It was this involvement in old son, Ashton, was included in the August 2006 issue of Sigthe neighborhood and the neighborhood association that led to Dave's nature. They were attendees at the Hattiesburg Historic interest and eventual run for city councilman in Hattiesburg. He is curNeighborhood Association’s 30th Anniversary Reunion Picnic rently serving his second term representing the people of Ward 4. held on the grounds of the Walthall Center. And while still the The Wares are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where youngest, these days Ashton is an energetic seven year old. His siblings Dave serves on the Pastoral Council and Amy Jo assists with Pastoral are Keaton (13), Payton (11) and Olivia (8). meals. The kids, who attend Sacred Heart The family also consists of two dogs, School are involved as alter servers in the Zoe, a Great Dane and Caroline, a Gerparish and are involved in sports. man Shepherd mix, and one cat named Currently, all four are playing soccer in the Jude.

Hattiesburg Youth Soccer Association and Amy Jo grew up in Cameron Parish in Dave and Amy Jo, Hattiesburg Football Club where both Dave southwest Louisiana. She attended Keaton, Payton, Olivia and Ashton and Amy Jo have served as a coaches. Amy Jo Grand Lake High School and graduated also is currently involved with the Junior from McNeese State University with a Auxiliary of Hattiesburg.

BA degree in elementary education. Dave, who grew up in Smith This month the Wares are busy working with the organizing commitCounty, attended Jones County Junior College, the University of tee for the Downtown Crawfish Jam. This marks the 14th year that the Southern Mississippi and received his Masters degree from Xavier Unithey have been involved with the former Medical Mudbugs Crawfish versity in New Orleans, and works as a Certified Registered Nurse Boil. The event started as a way for Dave and his colleagues from the Anesthetist. The two met while Dave was attending graduate school operating rooms at Wesley Medical Center and Forrest General Hospiin New Orleans and married at the Van Benthuysen-Elms Mansion on tal to enjoy some food and fun away from work. This event has evolved St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District of New Orleans. That’s through the years and is now held in the Historic Neighborhood at the where their love of historic old homes comes from, according to Amy Walthall Park.

Ware.

This year the neighborhood association hopes to host approximately The Wares moved to the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood in 1999 1,500 people, who will gather to enjoy two tons of crawfish and grilled and renovated a century-old home, The Tally House, which at one time items and listen to six bands including both local talent and the headserved as a bed and breakfast in the downtown area, was built in 1907. liner, the Soul Rebels.

Since then the Wares have renovated many other properties in the

The Ware Family

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Historic Hattie T he picturesque tree-lined streets and welcoming sidewalks of Hattiesburg’s Historic Neighborhood (HHN) make this an inviting neighborhood which creates the atmosphere of days-gone-by. This wonderful place to live inspires a Norman Rockwell feeling as neighbors sit on their porches and residents take leisurely evening walks, while children ride their bikes up and down the streets or gather for a game of kick the can.

HHN is located south and southeast of Historic Downtown Hattiesburg, and west of the Leaf River. Within its borders is a smaller area that is the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. HHN is a well-maintained, 23-block area comprising approximately 450 structures within 115-acres that is remarkable because of its size, cohesiveness, compactness and the high percentage of architecturally significant structures.

In October 2011, under a shade of pecan trees on the grounds of the Walthall Center in Downtown Hattiesburg, the American Planning Association (APA) announced the designation of the HHN as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2011 under the organization’s Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.

The Hattiesburg designation was the first for the state with HHNA in competition with such cities as Natchez, Oxford and the Washington Ave.-area of Ocean Springs. “We were up against some stiff competition,” said Andrea Saffle, HHNA president. “We’ve always known we were the greatest neighborhood in America, now everybody knows. This is a tribute to the people who started this association back in the early ‘80s.”

APA singled out the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood for its sensitivity to and emphasis of the natural environment, outstanding architecture – including one of the best collections of Victorian-era houses in the state, and residents’ esprit de corps. It is the unique way in which these elements coalesce that evokes a consistent and charming sense of place.

“As one of Hattiesburg’s oldest neighborhoods and one of Mississippi’s treasured historic neighborhoods, Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood is a vital component to the Hattiesburg Community,” said Hattiesburg City Councilman Dave Ware. “Through the efforts of preservation and community involvement, HHNA serves

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esburg Neighborhood as an example of what neighbors can accomplish when they work together and support a strong neighborhood association.”

Ware said he and his family moved into the neighborhood about 10 years ago.

“This is a testament to those who came before us,” he said.

“Thank you to those for the thought and time put into preserving history.”

He recognized Red Bailey, a long-time neighborhood resident.

“We enjoyed 20 years living in this neighborhood,” Bailey said. “We lived a fairy tale life here, had lots of good parties, homemade beer, Oktoberfest and good food. We saw the neighborhood coming back and moving in the right direction. I’m thankful to have had a hand in participating at that time.

“Good people, good neighbors and a good place to be good neighbors and to be good neighborhoods is the type foundation this was built on. It’s justly deserved.”

Through Great Places in America, APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities – streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces.

APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live and are defined by many things including planning, architectural styles, accessibility and community involvement.

Since APA began Great Places in America in 2007, 50 neighborhoods, 50 streets and 40 public spaces have been designated in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“From its inception, this neighborhood has valued the beauty, utility and tranquility of the natural environment,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP. “The neighborhood’s design and architecture compliment its organic features, creating a place that radiates warmth and charm. These qualities have endured due primarily to residents who recognize both the economic and aesthetic value inherent in preservation.”

“It’s our responsibility as a city to preserve our history and protect it for future generations,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny L. DuPree. “ Preserving and protecting these neighborhoods is key to preserving the spirit and way of life in our community.”

“Historical buildings and districts are what set cities apart. They

has a Norman Rockwell feeling

put a face on a community that is unique and found nowhere else.

Visitors seeking authenticity start with award-winning historical areas,” said Rick Taylor, executive director for VISITHATTIESBURG. This picturesque neighborhood, lined with mature oaks and crepe myrtles, retains many of the bucolic features that helped define it as an urban treasure 127 years ago.

Featuring one of the finest collections of Victorian-era houses in Mississippi, the HHN was platted in 1884, shortly after the area and its lush forests were discovered by a rail company surveyor. It was expanded twice, in 1896 and 1897.

Roughly 80 years later, with signs of disinvestment on the rise, residents created the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association (HHNA). A stabilizing force, HHNA has purchased and renovated several properties. Efforts to protect the neighborhood’s character have led the group to seek redress both at city hall and in the courts. The result has been the restoration or continuous maintenance of 90 percent of the homes.

The neighborhood has been designated both a national and local historic district. Water oaks, initially planted along every street and right-of-way, were afforded protection, along with all other trees on private property, when the area was locally designated. While Hurricane Katrina devastated much of Hattiesburg’s tree cover, the neighborhood fared better. The regular replacement of aging trees left the canopy in this historic area largely intact, a legacy for future generations.

Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood presents a showcase of the development of a timber town in Southeast Mississippi.

In 1980 the neighborhood was listed with the National Register of Historic Places as the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood District.

Today residents of the neighborhood include descendants of the city’s first families as well as newcomers of all ages from retirees to newlyweds. The neighbors remain united in their objectives of preserving the architectural integrity of the neighborhood, attracting new residents and informing area citizens about the historic significance of the neighborhood and the importance of the revitalization and preservation of its houses.

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he Hattiesburg Historic District is tuning up its 14th Annual Downtown Crawfish Jam with an expanded lineup of musical acts organizers believe will be as pleasing to the ear as its mudbugs are to the palate.

Set from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 21 at Walthall Park, located at 600 Walnut Street at the intersection with Rebecca Avenue, the Downtown Crawfish Jam will feature a family friendly atmosphere, great food and music. Admission is only $25 in advance and includes all you can eat and drink (Crawfish is guaranteed until 3 p.m. only), or $10 general admission, with food and drink sold separately. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Day-of tickets will be higher.

This year’s Downtown Crawfish Jam will be the 14th edition of the event, said Andrea Saffle, president of the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Association. It began as a neighborhood fundraiser known as “Medical Mud Bugs.”

“Our menu has always been a big hit with visitors, and we’ve also received great feedback about the musical acts that have performed in the past,” Saffle said. “This year, we decided to offer even more of a good thing to those who want to get out and celebrate the great weather and natural beauty of springtime with an expanded music lineup and extended hours.”

Musical acts scheduled to perform include The Remnants, Wes Lee, King Fridays, Dr. E. and the Kings of Voodoo, Cary Hudson and The Soul Rebel Brass Band. The menu will include crawfish until 3 p.m., sausage dogs, hamburgers, Coke products, water and of course, beer.

For the kids, there will be inflatable bounces, an art contest and other activities.

Sponsors and supporters of this year’s Downtown Crawfish Jam include Millennium Music, Signs First, Ain’t Life Grand Productions, Old Athen’s Grill, Topher’s Rock ‘n Roll Grill,

Mugshot’s Grill and Bar, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Stokes Distributing, JMH Graphics, Clear Channel Radio, 206 Front, Polk’s Meat Products, J&J Produce, Taylor Rental, Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg, Davenport Specialty Foods, Bunny Bread Company, Big Star Grocery Store, Click Boutique and many others. Advanced tickets location are listed on HHNA’s website.

For more information, visit www.hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com or on Facebook follow “Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood,” or call Andrea Saffle at 601-270-1371

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Cuisine

Shaken, Stirred and Grilled to Perfection!

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rom mixed-drink marinades to spirit-spiked proteins, cocktails are doing double duty at the bar and on the grill this year, according to the first-ever Grilling Edition of the annual McCormick Flavor Forecast.

"Traditional cocktails are coming off the rocks and onto the grill.

Expect to see flavorful spirits in place of vinegars or other liquids and new combinations like martini marinated mahi mahi," said Kevan Vetter, Executive Chef at McCormick. "Take a cue from the margarita to give chicken wings a tangy twist or shake up steak with a bold kick of tequila."

Tasty tips to give your cookout a cocktail-inspired twist: • Bring out the essence of the grill in classic seasonal sippers. "Grill" your margarita by rimming glasses with smoked salt.

• Meld spices and spirits together on the grill by infusing traditional spirits like bourbon and whiskey into backyard favorites. Try the Brown Sugar Bourbon Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Cornbread and Peaches from McCormick.

• Create the perfect happy hour garnish by skewering fruit alongside meats. From the grill to the glass, cherry and pineapple kabobs are a fun, fruity accompaniment.

• Use your favorite cocktails as inspiration for marinades and sauces. For example, the flavors of a mojito make a delicious marinade for chicken, seafood and steak.

•Mix contemporary cocktails with savory flavors using spices and herbs such as basil and cilantro or pepper.

Find more grilling trends, recipes and flavors at www.flavorforecast.com.

Tips are also available at www.grillmates.com and www.lawrys.com.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Cornbread & Peaches Makes about 60 appetizers Brown sugar and bourbon can often be found in the barbecue sauce recipes of competitive grillers. Use this flavorful pair in both the marinade for pork tenderloin and in the grilled peaches.

1 package McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade Mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons bourbon 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each) 1/2 cup peach preserves 2 pans (13 x 9-inch each) cornbread

Grilled Peaches 1. Mix Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade Mix, oil, bourbon and orange juice in small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade for basting. Place pork in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add remaining marinade; turn to coat well.

2. Refrigerate 4 hours. Remove pork from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Prepare Grilled Peaches as directed in recipe below.

3. Grill pork over medium heat 25 to 30 minutes or until desired doneness, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade halfway through cooking. Discard any remaining marinade. Cut pork tenderloins into 1/4-inch thick slices.

4. Cut each cornbread into 1 1/2-inch strips, then cut each strip in half. Grill over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear, turning once with a wide spatula. (Do not use tongs as cornbread is fragile and tends to crumble.)

5. To serve, warm peach preserves. Spread evenly on cornbread strips. Cut each cornbread strip into 1 1/2-inch squares. Place 1 slice pork tenderloin and 1 grilled peach slice on each cornbread square.

Grilled Peaches: Mix 1 package McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Marinade, 1/4 cup each packed brown sugar and melted butter, and 1 tablespoon bourbon in large bowl until well blended. Add 2 peaches, each cut into 1/4-inch slices; toss to coat well. Let stand 1 hour.

Fold the edges of a sheet of heavy duty foil to form a shallow baking pan. Place on grill over low heat. Place peaches on foil. Cover with second sheet of foil. Grill 6 to 8 minutes or until peaches are browned and caramelized around edges, turning occasionally and brushing with marinade.

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Cuisine

Five Tips for Navigating a Wine List

By David WHITE

Navigating a wine list can be daunting.

Even wine geeks are intimidated by the leather-bound tomes that so many restaurants hand out. When the wine list doesn't land on the table with a thud, patrons are still met with unrecognizable regions and producers. Plus, no matter where you dine or how much you know, prices can be senseless.

Fortunately, deciphering a restaurant's list doesn't have to be stressful. Here are five simple tips.

Ask For Help The era of the snooty sommelier is over. Whereas yesteryear's sommeliers were glorified sales agents who intimidated their guests by pushing expensive, predictable wines, today's sommeliers are wine zealots, eager to share their passion and palates. So if the restaurant you're visiting employs a wine professional, ask for advice.

Most are keen to help patrons find the perfect wine, regardless of the price.

Be Brave If you're at a restaurant with an impressive wine list, seize the opportunity to be adventurous. Your dinner companions will be impressed with your courage, and you'll learn something new.

If you like Chardonnay, for example, consider Viognier. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, try Torrontes or Albarino. If you typically order California Cabernet, consider ordering Malbec or Sangiovese. And don't be afraid of Merlot. Even though it's become cool to bash the grape, Merlot can be as rich as Cabernet Sauvignon, and is generally more approachable.

If everyone at your table has ordered something different, opt for an unusual wine that'll pair with virtually everything. For white, think Austrian Gruner Veltliner. For red, think Sicilian Nero d'Avola.

Look For Value I recently chatted with Kathy Morgan MS – one of just 186 people worldwide to earn the "master sommelier" designation -- and she insisted that good deals can be found virtually everywhere.

"Don't be afraid to order cheaper wines, especially if the wine list was put together- by a sommelier or a wine professional," she explained. "If thought is put into the list, all the wines should be good."

If there isn't a sommelier, Morgan advises people to seek out wines from less popular regions. At steakhouses, for example, you can often find deals on Pinot Noir from France and the United States, as most patrons order bigger wines. And at every restaurant, wines from Spain typically offer a great value.

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Try Some Glasses Morgan is also convinced that skipping the bottle list can be a wise decision. "At restaurants with serious wine programs," she explained, "sommeliers see wines by the glass as an introduction to their programs – they know that's where people are going to get their first impression."

Ordering by the glass also enables patrons to try a wine before committing to it – it's not frowned upon to ask your server for a taste of something before ordering a full glass. Plus, ordering by the glass makes it easier to try a variety of wines at one meal.

Remember That You're In Charge Is your wine too warm? Do you feel pressured to spend more than you'd like? Is your server refilling your glass too quickly? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," speak up!

Restaurants are notorious for serving red wine too warm – reds should always be served slightly cool, at about 60-65 degrees. So if your wine tastes like it's been sitting at room temperature, ask for an ice bucket or switch to a white wine – or beer.

If the sommelier is steering you towards something too expensive, there was probably a miscommunication. So say something. If you don't want to let your guests know how much you're spending, point to the price you're thinking and ask for something similar.

Finally, don't be embarrassed to ask your server to slow down. I always insist on finishing my glass of wine before it's refilled. That way, I can track the wine's evolution and better monitor how much I've consumed.

While there are countless other ways to navigate a restaurant's wine program, these five tips should be easy to remember -- and help elevate your next dining experience.

David White, a wine writer, is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com.

His columns are housed at Wines.com, the fastest growing wine portal on the Internet.

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Windy City Passions of the Palate brings Chicago chef to Hub City 8th Annual Passions of the Palate hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Casino, Hospitality and Tourism Management is excited to host the 8th Annual Passions of the Palate from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday, April 30. Guests are invited to the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center for an evening of indulgent tastes, exceptional libations and entertainment not to be missed!

The evening’s featured chef will bring a taste of the Windy City to the south as David Burke’s Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh delights guests with a unique five-course tasting menu. Located in The James Chicago’s David Burke’s Primehouse redefines the modern American steakhouse by pushing the envelope of culinary creativity.

Growing up in the Cleveland area, Rick earned his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at the nationally-renowned Culinary Institute of America. While in school, he landed an impressive externship at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and after graduation scored a spot on the line at Trio in Evanston. He then moved on to the Celebrity Café at the Hotel Nikko in Chicago before becoming consulting chef de cuisine at Tsunami, a contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.

At just 23, Rick accepted the executive chef position at Chicago’s hip jazz club, Green Dolphin Street, and won a three-star review from the Chicago Tribune. Being named executive chef of the year allowed the restaurant to thrive under his leadership. Pat Bruno of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, “This is serious food.” His next move was to The Wyndham Hotel Chicago and the award winning Caliterra Restaurant, where he proved himself once again and was quickly promoted to Regional Corporate Chef. In 2005 Gresh became the executive chef at the prestigious, private Saddle & Cycle Club where he oversaw the entire culinary operations.

Chef Gresh was named a “Rising Star of American Cuisine” by the James Beard Foundation in 2001. In 2004 and 2006 he was a USA competition finalist in the world’s premier culinary competition the Bocuse D’Or. In 2011, he was awarded the “Chef Humanitarian of the Year Award” by Plate magazine.

At 36, Rick’s unrivaled experience only compares to the most highly renowned chefs. Today Rick continues to document his adventures on his website www.rickgresh.com.

Chef Gresh can be seen hosting Chefs in the Kitchen streaming on Watch312.com, a new Chicago based website spearheading internet programming network. Chef Gresh’s unrivaled experience only compares to the most highly renowned chefs. Today he continues to

document his adventures on his website www.rickgresh.com.

Chef Gresh will co-host the evening with Chicago food lover Amanda Puck who is recognized as a leader in the hospitality, event and public relations industries in Chicago as the EVP of XA, The Experiential Agency. Amanda was the Managing Partner of Spago Restaurant and also the two-time Emmy Award winning host of “Check, Please” on WTTW Channel 11 for its first two seasons in 2001 and 2002. Most recently, Amanda continues her culinary journeys as the host of dishIT! with Amanda Puck also streaming on Watch312.com. Amanda documents her culinary adventures online via her blog www.TheFoodarazzi.com: the stalking, loving, overall obsession, and candid photography of prominent, mouth-watering, lipsmacking good food.

Prior to being seated, guests will have the chance to enjoy scrumptious hors d’oeuvres while bidding on silent auction prizes. Proceeds from the evening’s silent auctions and ticket sales benefit University of Southern Mississippi scholarships assisting students’ enhancements to the academic program enhancements.

The evening’s menu consists of Sweet Corn and Cheddar Cheese Spoon Bread Muffins; Surf & Turf Lobster Dumplings & Maple Glazed Bacon Sticks; an Asparagus Salad, egg, parmesan cheese, Lemon Confit, black olive baguette; Dry Aged Sirloin, Smoked Potato Gratin; Roasted Brussels Sprouts and for dessert, a Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie consisting of ghana chocolate sherbet, caramelized bananas and white chocolate cremeux.

Tickets are priced at $50 per person or per table of 4 ($200), 8 ($400 or 12 ($600). Limited seating is available and table placement is based on date of reservation. For more information call the Department of Casino, Hospitality & Tourism Management at 601.266.6762 or visit the Passions of the Palate website https://sites.google.com/site/passionsofthepalate/home

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The story of us

By David GUSTAFSON

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here’s no drama-filled, sexy story to how Signature Magazine was first published. We simply saw a void in the greater Pine Belt community and set out to fill that void.

It was a grand experiment of sorts with a simple strategy. Take lots of pictures of smiling people and publish them each month for the world to see.

Seventy-three issues later, we haven’t drifted much from that original vision. The magazine has changed, of course. We’ve shifted our focus to be more inclusive and a little more wellrounded.

We like to think that in the six years since our first issue was published, the magazine has matured slowly, but surely (and deliberately) into what it is today.

Now, in addition to the hundreds of smiling faces we spotlight each month, we serve as the go-to guide for Pine Belt residents to find out what’s going on in their communities – from charity balls and fundraisers to music and the arts as well as education and faith-based events.

Each month, we spotlight area chefs, musicians, families, and regular women (and men) on the street who have an interesting story to tell.

Our spring and fall fashion issues have developed into two of the most-anticipated issues of the year, but new favorites like our photography issue and new food issue are close on their heels.

Last year, we first partnered with FestivalSouth and devoted our entire June issue to the two-week event and we distributed thousands of copies to out-of-town visitors as the official

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guide of the “multi-genre music festival.”

From the very beginning, much of our success can be attributed to the quality people we have associated ourselves with.

In recent months, we have solidified our relationship with some of the area’s best photographers and in turn, our quality has improved drastically.

Lee Cave and Artie Rawls are two of the most-talented photographers around and without them we would still be trying to load the batteries in our point-and-click cameras.

With their help and along with Carolyn Critz (Abbey Road Photography), April and Paul Russell (April + Paul Photography), Bert and Connie King (King Photography),

From left: Emily Hall (graphic artist), Jessica Wallace (advertising sales), Sonya James (bookkeeper), David Gustafson (editor/publisher), Beth Bunch (managing editor), Bill Benge (art director), Dana Gower (staff writer), Shannon Wallace (advertising sales), Josh Mlot (sports editor) and Missy Akins (advertising sales manager).

Traci Goodwin Photography and Vaughn Wilson, our pages shine each and every month and for that, we’re grateful.

Internally, our managing editor, Beth Bunch, has been here since Day One – and so has Art Director Bill Benge, bookkeeper Sonya James, and staff writer Dana Gower. Thanks to these individuals and the other top-notch members of our staff, we are able to join forces each month to create this product.

Elsewhere, our community partners are too many to list and thank individually, but without them – and the support of their time, money, and resources – we would not be able to do what we

do.

Advertisers have come to rely on our help to deliver their message and our partnership with them is what continues to drive us each and every month.

So, on this occasion of the beginning of our seventh year of publishing Signature Magazine, let us take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and more importantly, where we’re headed.

Here’s to you, our readers. May we all enjoy many, many more years together of bringing you the Pine Belt’s “Scene and Be Seen” Magazine.

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You ought to be in pictures Couple finds love between the pages...

By Beth BUNCH

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as it a match made in heaven, or maybe on the cover of a magazine? Well, not exactly, but it might have spurred things on. Annette Turner and Anthony Herrin had been going out casually for a couple of months when they attended an Art for Heart preview party in March of 2006 at the Waterford home of Dr. Wendell and Kerry Helveston. They were among a plethora of guests on hand for the American Heart Association fundraiser.

Their photo taken that night appeared on the cover of the May issue of Signature Magazine, which was in its second month and still feeling its way around.

“It was the weekend following the fundraiser that we decided we were going to date exclusively,” said Annette. The couple had actually met and known each other casually for about a year and a half before they ever went out on a date, she said. “On our first date, we went out to dinner.”

When the May issue of the magazine hit the stands,º the couple was “surprised, to say the least!”

Annette explained that one of the people organizing the fundraiser was a friend of hers. “She came up to us with someone who had a camera and asked if we would let them take our picture,” Annette said. “ We said sure, thinking that it was someone who was taking pictures for the organization to commemorate the event.

We thought nothing more of it.

“At the time, I think the first issue of Signature may have just been published, so we had never heard of the magazine.”

When the magazine hit the stands, a friend of Anthony's called him and told him about it, so he picked up a copy, according to Annette, who was in Las Vegas on a business trip at the time.

“Anthony called me and told me he had a surprise for me when I got back,” she said. “I was definitely surprised! I would have been surprised to be IN the magazine, but ON THE COVER? Whoa!”

But she said things were going well in the relationship, so they didn't feel any pressure. “Family and friends gave us a little bit of a hard time, but mostly they thought it was cool,” she said. “ Funny thing about it was that I could tell the popularity of the magazine, because during the time it was out, I had several people – strangers – recognize me from it.

The couple continued dating for a little more than a year before they decided to get married. They tied the knot on March 12, 2007,

photograph by ARTIE RAWLS

at the Crawford House in downtown Hattiesburg.

Turner, now Herrin, said they have a few copies of the May 2006 issue tucked away, but “I also framed a copy and it’s hanging in our house,” she said.

Anthony, originally from Seminary, is a mechanical engineer and owns his own consulting firm, doing mechanical design for commercial construction. Annette, who hails from the Hub City, is a CPA and does business valuation and litigation consulting with Nicholson & Company. “Of course, being an engineer, Anthony went to school at Mississippi State and is a big Bulldogs’ fan, while I’m a Southern Miss grad and pull for the home team,” Annette said.

The couple hasn’t tallied how many times their photo has been included on the pages of Signature since that cover shot back in 2006, but they know they’ve been included several times.

“I'm not sure how many times we've been in the magazine,” Annette said. “A friend of ours who gave a wedding shower for us called the magazine, so we were in it for one of our wedding parties, April 2007.” Those photos appeared in the June 2007 publication. The couple was photographed another time during a wine-tasting fundraiser for the Mississippi Children's Home. (June 2008 Signature).

“We were expecting at the time, but had not told anyone,” said Annette. “ Several of our closest friends were there that night, so we decided that would be the night we would make the ‘big announcement. You would have thought they would have figured it out since I didn't taste any wine!”

Alex is now 3 years old and is in preschool at River of Life. His mom describes him as “all boy. He loves sports, trucks, airplanes, heavy equipment, dump truckes, etc,” she said. “Anyone who knows Alex very well know that if he goes anywhere, he usually has Penguin and Blue with him.” Penguin and Blue are a stuffed penguin and dog. “Penguin has been going everywhere with Alex since he was a year old,” said his mom.

The couple continues to pick up a copy of the magazine when they see it. “It's always fun to see what's been going on around town and who's pictured,” Annette said.

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Through the years.

73 issues. 4,210 pages. 38,346 faces. But who’s counting?

Compiled by Dana GOWER

A

pril 2006 saw the stamp of a new Signature on the Pine Belt – a stamp of authority, to be sure, but also a rather stylish and festive Signature that signaled the Pine Belt was ready to celebrate in style.

As Beth Bunch, editor of Signature, wrote in the inaugural edition, “And that’s what Signature magazine wants to be for the Greater Hattiesburg area. A Signature of the things that leave a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of the area’s residents. Signature wants to be a keepsake of special and important events…Remember, that no matter what your signature looks like, what form it takes or where you put it, who you are is incomplete without it. We hope that in the months ahead you’ll let us help you leave your Signature on the Pine Belt.”

Those months have since grown into years.

Signature magazine kicks off its seventh year with this issue. Here is a look back at some of those Signature events we have celebrated during the past six years.

2006:

In the beginning

Garden Club show, Fleur de lis Garden Club picnic and Art Walk.

July 2006: Canebrake was front and center with the Ladies Society Luncheon, Champagne Brunch and Pool Fiesta. The Hattiesburg Country Club wasn’t far behind, however, with its celebration of Margaritaville.

The surprise 40th anniversary party for Andy and Peggy Moore at Big Creek Wildlife Refuge was photographed. Also included were Rockin’ at the Red Cross and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Pink Cotillion.

August 2006: Signature celebrated the wine culture of Hattiesburg, as well as catching up on July’s Independence Day events.

The August issue also was a time to celebrate reunions. The Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Assoc. celebrated a 30th and the Fordetra Club, made up of students from the Earl Travillion school, got together for a reunion during the Fordetra Club Ball.

September 2006: This month was all about entertaining – Fearless Entertaining – with the release of Hattiesburg’s own John David Williams’ and Catherine Hansen Strange’s book of tips for making entertaining fun.

Signature also acquainted the Pine Belt with Hattiesburg resident Suzanne Shelley, recent winner of the Ms. Mississippi Senior

April 2006: The cover of the inaugural issue featured King Zeus LXVI, Carl Lavelle Nicholson Jr., and his Queen, Currie Robertson Moore, and Zeus-reversal Studios!

Signature Magazine at Uni lated events, from the coronation party to the America title for 2006.

Carnival Ball. Some of the Pine Belt’s well-known names – who would, perhaps, become even better known through the pages of Signature as October 2006: the months passed – were included in that first issue.

Signature introduced the first of its annual Go Gold issues with a The first issue also introduced themes and features that would concover story on Tailgating at the Rock. From tailgating traditions to tinue through the years, such as introducing area homes of special inrecipes tailored for tailgating, this issue was packed with everything terest and profiles of chefs whose names might not have been as well needed to get fans ready to Go Gold. known as the restaurants where they worked. Hoyt Tanner was feaBut it wasn’t all gold that month. Signature also went pink in recogtured in the April issue and, having found a new venue for his talents, nition of National Breast Cancer Month, with information on “The was highlighted again in the January 2012 issue.

Pink Palate” cookbook to a reminder about the Second Annual Breast Cancer Survivors Luncheon.

May 2006: Gardening also returned to the magazine as a theme, with an article Art for Heart had a special meeting for Annette Turner and Anthony on the Chain Garden at William Carey University.

Herrin, who were featured on the cover. The annual event of the The October issue also had a new wedding to highlight – Virginia American Heart Assoc., raised $190,000 in auctions featuring artwork Fokakis and Gary Lee Williams, who were married in the Historic Bay

by Mississippi artists. The Herrins, who attended the event together, Street Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg. have since married. Their story is told in this issue.

June 2006: Gardens and Gardening continued with a tea party at the home of Jeanette Kennedy (Tibbetts). Kennedy also took readers on a tour of her garden in a photo feature. Spring was in the air with the Hub City

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November 2006: Pink ribbon events carried over into the November issue, with the Pink Ribbon Ball and the “Pink Palate” book signing being two highlighted events.

But November also was a time for Hattiesburg residents to strut their stuff, as Signature looked into the growing sensation of ballroom dancing in the Pine Belt.

December 2006: From Santa on the cover to the wreath on the last page, Signature was in the holiday mood. A holiday gift guide included the 12 days of Christmas gifts.

Signature covered the West Point Church Pastor’s Appreciation Banquet.

January 2007: While most people were celebrating a new year, Signature was just getting its second wind, with several months left to go in its first year of publication. And while many were looking ahead, Signature was wrapping up holiday parties from the month before, including the Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet and City of Hattiesburg Concert Band.

ered a wide range of Pine Belt activities.

“With this April 2007 issue, Signature celebrates its first birthday,” Editor Beth Bunch wrote. “It’s been an incredible year. We’ve developed a personality all of our own and have made a wealth of wonderful friends during year one. These days you’ll find us toddling around all over the place…We’re poised and prepared for every opportunity the future has to offer.”

King Zeus LXVII Ted Johnson Webb Jr. and his Queen, Patricia Chandler Speed, graced the first cover of Signature’s second year. The Krewe of Zeus Coronation, Zeus Maids Dinner and the Maids and Dukes also were featured.

Events included the City of Hattiesburg Black History Reception, Partners for the Arts Reception, and the Fore The Children Golf Tournament.

May 2007: May, of course, is the month for Mother’s Day, Signature Magazine at the and was also the month beach!

Dr. Martha Saunders was introduced as the new president of the UniverFebruary 2007: sity of Southern Mississippi. Signature brought With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love was its own take to the situation, asking how Saunin the air and daffodils were dancing in the ders’ skills at overseeing a blended family of breeze in this issue seven children had helped her in her career It was also a time for debutantes, with coveroverseeing thousands of students and faculty. age of the Hattiesburg Debutante Society’s May also was the month Signature featured Presentation Ball. the ADP’s Swan Ball, the unveiling of the first series of the Festival of Swans.

March 2007: Also in the issue were Former First Lady BarSignature closed out its first year with its first bara Bush’s attendance at the FGH Spirit of Spring Fashion issue, the first of what became Women Symposium, the Charley Pride Concert the magazine’s highly anticipated twice-annual and the National Jr. Spring Cotillion. fashion editions. The eight-page fashion spread set the tone for the years ahead, culminating June 2007: with March 2012’s largest-ever fashion edition.

The opening of the renovated Hattiesburg March also was the month for the Krewe of Train Depot was the occasion for a black tie Elks, with their Coronation Ball and Cocktail gala, the Hattiesburg Train Depot Ball. Kappa Party and Zeus Dinner Dance. Others celebratAlpha Psi also held their Black and White Ball ing Mardi Gras included the Revelers and the at the depot.

Delta Sigma Theta Mardi Gras Ball.

The 13th Annual Kentucky Derby Day at A variety of other events were ‘in the red,’ inNick’s Ice House brought out the big hats as cluding the American Heart Assoc.’s Go Red for residents celebrated the occasion in style. Big Women Luncheon, HeartSouth Wear Red Day, hats also were on display at Amanda Ellzey’s Wesley Medical’s Go Red for Women LunchSenior Luncheon. eon, the Red Shoe Reception, the Petal ChamEvents of all types were on display in June’s ber of Commerce Banquet and the Elks Super pages, including the Hub City Garden Club Bowl Party.

Show, and Annette Turner and Anthony Herrin’s Engagement Party.

2007:

First milestone

April 2007: As Signature began its second year, the magazine recognized traditions, reconnected with some of its favorite themes and, as always, cov-

July 2007: The much-anticipated opening of the Train Depot as a downtown cultural center also brought together the wedding party of Geralyn Datz and David Echevarria. The July Signature, took note of the fact that, yes, summer had ar-

But don’t take our word for it Signature Magazine.....It bloomed in the spring of 2006 and has been leaving its footprint across the Pine Belt ever since. It has a following.

Is it a cult? Well, maybe...People like to live vicariously through the lives of others and the magazine has allowed them to do that in one way or another. And for the most part, people are curious. They like to see who went where with whom, what the inside of some incredible house in town looks like or what people are wearing. “Have we seen them in that outfit before?” It’s just human nature. But that’s O.K. In that first issue in April of 2006, Managing Editor Beth Bunch said in her column, “Sentiments & Salutations,” we hope that in the months ahead you’ll let us help you leave your Signature on the Pine Belt. The magazine has definitely done that and continues to do so with more than 200 stops across the Greater Hattiesburg area and more than 1,400 Facebook friends.

Margaret Langford of Hattiesburg was the magazine’s fifth subscriber.

“I enjoy it and look forward to receiving it each month,” she said recently. “I would just forget to pick one up when I was out, so I subscribed.”

Langford said she has had numerous people tell her they'd seen her in the magazine after the monthly publication came out.

Langford loves to get the magazine and read about what's going on. “It's a complete magazine of local happenings – not of just one group of people, but a variety,” she said. “I enjoy it every month.”

And she does her part by recycling, sending the magazine to her daughter-in-law each month when she's finished with it.

“I think it's so good for the public to see what's going on through a good general mixture of everybody and everything. It’s for everybody. Not just high society,” she said.

And she especially likes looking at the photos.

“There were an awful lot of photos this month,” she said of the March issue.

Hattiesburg native Amy Peed has been living in Macon, Ga., for about 15 years. Her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Johnson live at Big Bay and have the magazine sent to her. A graduate of Hattiesburg High and Southern Miss, she said her mom has the magazine sent to her so she can keep with up with everybody back home.

James Snowden, who is 87 years young and lives in Ridgeland near his two daughters gets the magazine each month. “Here in Jackson I get to enjoy people from Hattiesburg through the pages of photos in the magazine,” he said.

Snowden moved to Jackson a couple of years ago following some health issues. “I lived in Hattiesburg and raised a family there,” said Snowden, who was a contractor

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rived in the Pine Belt.

Covered were such outdoors events as the Jeff Bower Eagle Golf Scramble and the Pine Burr Sporting Clay Challenge.

August 2007: As the mid-point neared of its second year, the magazine seemed to be everywhere, covering such events as the Salvation Army’s Civic Appreciation Dinner, a variety of Independence Day celebrations, from the Highpointe Neighborhood to the home of Pat and Ken Smith, Canebrake and the HCC, the Euro Luncheon and Ball, the Hattiesburg Realtors Banquet and the Hattiesburg Debutante Tea. Signature also started another tradition of its own, highlighting area charitable causes worth considering, ranging from Miss. Children’s Home Services and the American Cancer Society to Homes of Hope for Children, Southern Pines Animal Shelter and the many projects sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg.

September 2007: Signature followed up its Spring Fashion edition with a Fall Fashion guide. Far from the darker colors often seen as the fall and winter months approach, the guide was full of eye-popping, bright-colored fashions shown by local models.

There were also plenty of activities to cover as well, including Eagle Fanfare, Pine Belt Expo and Taste of the Pine Belt, Mississippi Miss Hospitality Welcome Party and Military Reception at the home of Bonnie and Lawrence Warren.

October 2007: October at Signature means the annual Go Gold issue, bigger and better than ever with such events as the USM Foundation After-Hours Social, Hub City Quarterback Club, Southern Miss Symphony’s Atlantis Gala and the Parris Jewelers Pride of the South Concert.

Signature also highlighted some of USM’s top alumni, including Jimmy Buffett and Cat Cora, Kathleen Koch and the late Oseola McCarty. Also included was a Q&A with USM mascot Seymour, who was named for the second time to the Capital One All-America Mascot Team.

But there were also plenty of other activities to cover, including the Boy Scouts’s Distinguished Citizens Banquet, March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction and WCU’s Invocation Reception.

November 2007: As the calendar year started to wind down, Signature was gearing up with a variety of parties, receptions and other events.

Events highlighted included the Twentieth Star DAR 40th Anniversary Reception, the Presbyterian Christian School Fall Fest, Cat Cora book signing and the Pink Ribbon Ball.

The first Mississippi Children’s Home Services Holiday Tour of Homes also was featured.

It was also a big time for weddings in the Pine Belt. Among those highlighted were Emily Kathleen McPhail and Daniel Hardy Tynes, Abbie Foster and Kurt Sinclair and Lauren Elise Folks and Clay Wesley Palmer.

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December 2007: Wedding and engagement announcements kept coming. Among them were those of James Davion and Jennifer West, Amanda Claire Myers and Michael Isaac Hall, Carla Suzanne Kelly and David “Ryan” Hodge and Rhonda Ann Fortenberry and Jerry Hamilton.

Among the many events highlighted were the HHDA’s Thanksgiving, the USM Journalism Hall of Fame Induction, the JA “Under the Big Top” Charity Ball, Ms. Dupie Bishop’s Halloween Extravaganza and Boogie Nights Halloween party.

Signature also previewed the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Petal Civic Center.

who served areas both north and south of the Hub City.

“I do enjoy the magazine very much. I like to keep up with friends I knew in Hattiesburg and Signature allows me to do that, even two hours away,” he said. He also admitted that he enjoyed looking at “The pretty girls and everything.”

“My daughters enjoy seeing the magazine as much as I do. We all enjoy it.” His daughters get the magazine once he’s finished with it.

January 2008: Traditionally a time of New Year’s resolutions, Signature featured “A New You”this month, with a variety of tips for healthy living.

Holiday festivities also continued, including the Canebrake Ladies Society’s Holiday Luncheon, OLLI Holiday Social, Wesley Forever Young Holiday Tasting and Loyalton Open House.

February 2008: The February issue included Signature’s “I Do” Wedding Planner, with tips on everything from the wedding dress and cake to the caterer and honeymoon and even financial planning.

Weddings announced included Kelly Grace Koonce and James Talty Shannon. Engagements included Warren Schaeffer Smith and Allison Brooke Hearn, Jason Christopher Ainsworth and Amy Lynette Moore and Nichole Blackburn and Stephen Epperson.

Events highlighted were the McLemore Baby Shower and the Krewe of Elks Baby Party Gift Exchange and a variety of New Year’s Eve parties.

March 2008: Signature closed out its second year with two events close to its heart – Mardi Gras and the Spring Fashion Issue. A Splash of Spring (and even a hint of summer) decked out the pages of the fashion guide. Signature also was there for the 2008 Prom Fashion Show at Occasions.

The Krewe of Elks celebrated their 42nd Anniversary with the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLII, Mike Nobles and Amy Stromeyer, while the Mystic Krewe of Zeus crowned King and Queen Zeus LXVIII, Frank H. McWhorter Jr. and Candace Findlay Gullung.

A variety of events were included – the Shafer Center Benefit, Simply TeaVine Valentine Dinner and the Petal Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

2008:

Not the terrible twos...

April 2008: With a new slogan of “Hattiesburg’s (soon to change to The Pine Belt’s) Scene and Be Seen Magazine,” Signature launched into its third year.

Wedding announcements in the issue included Joannie Morgan Worley and Charles Cambre and Bette Davis and Dr. Matthew Blanding Jr. Among the events covered that month were the

Signature Magazine at NASA!

That’s the case with Betty Brown of Gulfport. But sometimes she has to fib to her daughters that she hasn’t received the magazine yet, so she can enjoy it before they take it off.

“I tell them I haven't gotten it sometimes, when I have, so they won't come and get it before I have a chance to look at it,” said Brown of her three daughters – Barby, Kevan and Jill. “They grew up in Hattiesburg, so they always know people in the magazine. It's definitely well used.”

Brown received the magazine as a gift from her good friend and Hattiesburg resident Dupie Bishop for several years.

“It has been a wonderful contact for me to keep up with old friends in the Pine Belt,” she said said. “When I received the March issue which featured the new royalty for the Mystic Krewe of Zeus, of which I am a member, I boohooed when I saw who the queen was. They are dear friends of mine and I was so happy for them.”

Brown received a Queen's invitation, but facing knee replacement surgery in about a month, wasn't able to make it up from the coast for the the recent festivities.

Brown and her late husband, Hollis, who worked for Mississippi Power, moved from the area a number of years ago, but said her friendship with Bishop has endured. “We’ve been able to maintain that friendship we developed in Hattiesburg,” said Brown. “Both Bishop and the magazine keep me in touch with all these people.”

Bishop has been a friend of Signature Magazine for a number of years.

Her Halloween bash, complete with garish makeup and costumes, has been featured in the magazine on several occasions and has

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Moore-Ainsworth Engagement Party, a Double Baby Shower honoring Caitlin Power and Gypsy Shemper. Wesley Medical’s Easter Egg Hunt and the Pennies for Heart Celebration.

May 2008: With Mother’s Day on the horizon, Signature highlighted mother-of-three Amy Sproles Smith, who, in addition to overseeing her own children, helped mentor youth as part of Main Street United Methodist Church’s Aldersgate Program.

Other events covered – Celebrity Waiter fundraiser, Art For Heart Preview Party, and a couple of teas – the Timberton Easter Tea and the Angela Johnson Graduation Tea. Weddings and engagements announced included Bridget Teresa Napier and Sano Joseph “Joe” Caradonna III and Kristen Leann Mitchell and Jonathan Harris Palmer.

dicted local fashionistas would be taking a walk on the wild side with animal prints.

The wedding of Heather Ann Wright and George Chrisman Odom was announced, along with the engagements of Karen Elizabeth Trussell and Jonathan P. Canard and Dr. Tai Ellen Curry and John Paul Fox III. Other events included the Taste of the Pine Belt and the Hattiesburg Area Assoc.of Realtors Awards Banquet.

October 2008: A year had flown by since Signature’s last Go Gold Issue and it was once again time to go tailgating and check out all things Southern. The Rock had a new look this year, as 34 premium suites had been added through the South End Zone project.

Among the many USM-related activities were the Symphony Guild Reception, June 2008: College of Education/PsyThis issue focused on William Carey University. chology Alumnus Banquet Among Carey’s programs that and the Center for Black Studies Dinner. were highlighted were its dinThis issue also announced ner theatre, which was celethe wedding of Meghan brating 33 years, and the Renee Davis and Raymond establishment of a College of Michael Johnson and the Osteopathic Medicine. tria!

Signature Magazine in Aus engagement of Colleen MadaSignature also continued to lene Donovan and Leif Erik Munkel. be the place to announce engagements, including Amanda Renee Pullen and Anthony Edward November 2008: Gammel, Ashley Benedict Johnson and Evan This Signature included a variety of events and Randall Henderson. articles, ranging from the Holiday Tour of Homes Events included were the Roc N Roux Street to A Night At The Museum, the Jr. Auxiliary’s Fest, Art for Heart Gala, USM Army ROTC Mili30th Annual Charity Ball. tary Ball and United Way Thank You Banquet.

Signature announced the weddings of Ashley Benedict Johnson and Evan Randall Henderson July 2008: and of Julie Gavin Sellers and Phillip David Summer was in full sizzle and it was time for Roberts in Costa Rica. summer movies. Signature was on hand for the There was also coverage of Hattiesburg’s first Sex and The City Party at The Martini Spot, Decorator Showhouse and the Krewe of Elks where fans gathered for pre- and post-party celeKing and Queen Fun Party. brations on opening night.

Signature also was there for the Tarzan and December 2008: Jane-themed wedding shower for Sarah Raychelle Anderson and Jeremy Kyle Graves, the baby Signature ended the calendar year with a wish shower of Christy Turner and the 50th anniverlist for local charities, including the Carpenter’s sary wedding celebration for Dr. Kimble and Anne Helper, Domestic Abuse Family Shelter and the Love.

Kindness Foundation , among others. Signature also recognized a myriad of community “stars” who perform acts of kindness on a daily basis.

August 2008: In August, Hattiesburg – and Signature – welJanuary 2009: comed contestants from across the state to the Miss Hospitality pageant.

Heading into a new calendar year, Signature Signature also marked the occasion of one wedwas once again there with suggestions for making ding, Dana Danae Rose and Christopher Cleo A New You. Myers and one engagement, Marita Dean There were also plenty of weddings and enMcArthur and Brian Robert Harris. gagements to announce in January, including the Among other events, Signature was on hand for weddings of Crystal Dianne Anderson and the 85th birthday bash of George Hensarling and Thomas Joseph McElhenney and Kimberly the 60th birthday party of Regertha Jordan.

Nicole Swan and Philip Joseph Gattuso Jr. and the engagement of Jaime Elizabeth Bruce and September 2008 Robert “Mac” McKinley Holliman Jr. Fall Fashion was back with a flare. Far from the Among events highlighted were A Night At quieter tones traditional for fall, Signature preThe Museum and HCC’s Christmas Party.

been enjoyed by the neighborhood children, as well as friends of hers and her children’s.

Bishop has also given other gift subscriptions to family and friends so they can keep you with people back in the Pine Belt. Now with advanced macular degeneration, she has someone stop at Signature’s offices on North 40th Ave. on a monthly basis, to pick up extra copies of the magazine to deliver to her “older” friends in the neighborhood who can't get out.

Bishop has also been kind enough to share stories of events such as Bacchanal, the Revelers and the Hub City’s oldest dinner club, Los Elegantes, (Feb. 2009), which have been featured in the magazine.

Her story as the wife of former Southern Miss basketball coach Lee Floyd was featured in the 2010 Go Gold issue in the story “Living under ‘The Rock.’ ” While not a subscriber, Regertha Jordan of Hattiesburg makes a point to pick up Signature each month, and not just one copy, but several. And then she sends them to family and friends all over the country – Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Dallas, Texas, as well as family members in state – in Meridian and Philadelphia.

Jordan said that family visiting last year from Long Beach, Calif., took some home with them. “We even took some copies to New York to give to friends,” said Jordan of a girl’s trip in the fall.

Jordan has had family reunions and birthdays featured. She's been an integral part of activities involving Waiting for a Cure and other breast cancer support groups and events that have found their way onto the magazine’s pages, as well as one of her daughter’s baby showers.

Recently, Jordan said she has had people come up to her in different places around town and say, “I haven't seen you in Signature Magazine in awhile, are you O.K.?” “I Tell them I'm taking a rest and letting somebody else get their fair share,” she laughed.

You make us smile...

Congratulations on your 6 years of publication of Signature Magazine in the Hattiesburg area! Over these years, your magazine has truly been right in the middle of the scene, capturing and highlighting events and illustrating our great community. You are to be commended on the quality of your work, the beautiful photographs, the advertisements, and the variety of events that are featured monthly.

As the director of The Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (The Arc), I would like to speak on a more personal level of what Signature Magazine has meant to our organization. Throughout the years, we have had numerous events ranging from socials to fundraisers that you have made the effort to attend. You provided us with such a professional level of coverage in multiple publications. This is huge for our organization because it provides an awareness

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February 2009: Signature got into the swing of a new year with a feature on “Los Elegantes,” Hattiesburg’s oldest supper club and was in the mood for love, highlighting wedding trends and planning.

A few of the many February events appearing were the Petal Relay New Year’s Gala and the Kappa Delta Cocktail Party.

March 2009: Signature closed out its third year in March with its ever-popular Spring Fashion issue with fashions for every age and occasion, including tips for getting ready for Prom Night.

There were also plenty of parties for Signature to attend, including the Krewe of Elks Dinner Dance, Cocktail and Court parties and Queens Luncheon and the Krewe of Zeus Dinner Dance.

2009:

Another year older, wiser

April 2009: Mardi Gras celebrations continued as Signature kicked off its fourth year in a party mood.

The Krewe of Elks celebrated with the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLIII, Mike James and Jeanette Baylis.

The Mystic Krewe of Zeus gathered for the coronation of King Zeus LXIX and his Queen, Dr. Steven M. Murphey and Susan Grace Roberts.

Maids and Dukes also were announced, and Signature was on hand for the Revelers Mardi Gras Bash and the Delta Sigma Theta Mardi Gras Ball.

Nurse of the Year and Physicians Hall Of Fame Induction and Wesley’s Celebration of Strong Women Luncheon and Awards presentation.

August 2009: The USM Symphony kicked off its newest season with Couture – the 89th Season calendar. Internationally-acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming was among the highlights of the season.

Some of the events included the wedding and reception of Dr. Jennifer Shank and Jake Harrison, the Delois Smith All-Star Team Picnic and the Euro Grand Reunion.

September 2009: September means Fall Fashion, with Signature presenting The Look for Fall.

September also marked the launch of “Fearless Flowers And Other Inspirations for Successful Entertaining,” by Catherine Strange and John David Williams, whose “Fearless Entertaining” was a runaway best seller when it debuted three years earlier.

Events included the Forrest Bridal Debutante Fashion Show and the Timberton National Night Out Against Crime Street Party.

October 2009: Transitioning from fashion to tailgating, Signature was ready to party back at The Rock. Recent construction on USM’s campus changed up the routine for many tailgaters.

Among the events highlighted during the month were Southern Bone and Joint’s Silver Anniversary and South Mississippi Children’s Home’s Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction.

May 2009: Signature’s focus shifted to babies and children with feaNovember 2009: tures on nurseries and supThe JA’s Annual Charity port groups.

Ball took on the flavor of A Among the events inBreakfast At Tiffany’s. cluded on its pages were the Kathryn Winter, an Oak Hattiesburg Police DepartSignature Magazine in Gul f Shores, Alabama!

Grove High School graduate, ment’s annual Policeman’s (then-)college freshman and Ball and the Oak Grove, Presbyterian Christian a former writer at Signature modeled for the cover.

High School and Sumrall proms.

Among the many events were the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Gala, a Girls Night Out and the June 2009: Canebrake Ladies Golf Assoc. All-Women TournaWilliam Carey took the spotlight as it marked its ment.

103rd year and was designated one of America’s Best College Buys. Also, Carey’s Dinner Theatre December 2009: celebrated its 34th season.

Signature ended the calendar year celebrating Signature also announced the wedding of the holidays, with shopping tips, holiday gift guide Rachelle Lenora Fortenberry and Anthony Dion and a wish list for area charities.

Steinhauer and featured a bridesmaids luncheon Among the events included were the Waiting honoring bride-elect Lindsay Conerly. Other For A Cure Midnight Masquerade, Partner For events included the Karnes Center 30th AnniverThe Arts Membership Party and the Canebrake sary Reception, Art For Heart Party and the Kappa Ladies Society’s Holiday Fashion Program.

Alpha Psi Black And White Ball.

July 2009: Signature took a look at some of the Pine Belt’s “hot” water venues to help residents keep cool during the summer in July’s issue Events included the announcement of FGH’s

January 2010: Signature rang in the new year with the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter’s Hats Off to Hattiesburg Benefit Gala, Hattiesburg Country Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and HCC’s Ladies Holi-

of individuals with disabilities as well as the services available in our community.

Furthermore, you have illustrated through pictures and captions that individuals with disabilities are really no differently than other community members…they love to have a night with “Elvis;” they are active with local fundraisers such as the annual helicopter golf ball drop; they are productive with their pottery emporium…they are a vital part of Hattiesburg.

The Arc publishes and distributes a monthly newsletter which is greatly anticipated despite its simplicity. You should see the level of excitement when they find themselves featured in Signature Magazine!

Thank you for your awareness of “the least of these” and making us an integral part of an outstanding magazine. We wish you continued success for many years to come. Remember, we always have beautiful smiles and exciting stories waiting on you!

Cindy L. Pennington Director of The Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities

Vehicle for creativity...

For VISITHATTIESBURG and the Hattiesburg Convention Commission's facilities, Signature Magazine has proven to be a great vehicle for promoting our various brands and different events.

But, above and beyond the return on investment we reap from advertising with the magazine is the pleasure of working with the great people who represent the publication David, Beth, Missy and Jessica.

We feel they not only desire to work with us, but strive to think creatively on our behalf to help us promote many different facilities and events. It is a relationship we trust and enjoy.

We congratulate the magazine on many successful years, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come!

Kristie Fairley Deputy Dir.of Marketing/Communication Hattiesburg Tourism & Convention Commissions

Connected from the first...

Congratulations on your 6th year of publication – and what fantastic years they have been! Hattiesburg and its unique culture of art, business and education have grown and evolved over the past six years, and Signature has been right there to cover it as it happened, inviting the Pine Belt to “see and be seen!”

Signature and Forrest General have been connected from the very first issue. Signature has helped us spread the word about countless events, serving as a co-sponsor of the 8th Annual Day of Dance and covering other Spirit of Women events, such as our Spirit Girls and Sweeteas and the Spring Event that featured Former First Lady Laura Bush. Forrest General and Signature celebrated the

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day Extravaganza.

It was also time to Make A New You, with Hattiesburg couch potatoes challenged to change for the new year.

February 2010: Love was in the air and February meant weddings, with everything from menu ideas and catering trends, wedding photography tips, an actual wedding and wedding treat recipes.

Signature also recognized Women At Work, including some of the Pine Belt’s most interesting entrepreneurs.

The magazine covered a variety of events, including the Extreme Home Makeover Wrap Party and AAA Answerphone Party.

July 2010: If it’s August in Hattiesburg, that means it is time for the return of the Miss Hospitalities, hopefuls of winning the top spot in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant held annually in the Hub City.

There were plenty of other activities to keep up with in the meantime, including the McLeod Crawfish Boil and the HC Sports Medicine Crawfish Boil, the Emily Foley and Matthew Hall wedding and the Carrie and Bandy Singh wedding reception.

August 2010: If Signature sometimes seems a little schizophrenic, it comes honestly from trying to keep up with past, present and future events. The cover of this month’s issue highlighted the upcoming 2010 Centennial Arts Gala, celebrating USM’s 100 years.

March 2010: At the same time, Miss Hospitality contestants Signature closed out its fourth year with its alwere scheduled to arrive in Hattiesburg. This issue ways-popular Spring Fashion issue, including the was packed with such recent activities as the FestiBreak Out High School Fashion Show and the LitvalSouth Winetasting, the Showstoppers Ball and the tle Black Dress fashionista event.

FestivalSouth Finale.

Also in March, the Mystic Krewe of Zeus anSignature’s own David Gustafson also covered the tria!

Signature Magazine in Aus nounced King and Queen Zeus LXX, Robert Jimmy Buffett concert held in Gulf Shores and remiWhite St. John and Margaret Alice McWhorter, and nisced about a 1994 journey covering three days, six states and 3,000 King and Queen Elk XLIV, Steve Oshrin and Richie Malone, of the Krewe miles, and which, in its own personal way, had something to do with Bufof Elks. fett.

The Hub Award presentation was included.

September 2010: Fall Fashion returned to Signature. Among the articles highlighting high We’re in to everything fashion were features on the upcoming Calendar Girls 2011 calendar, a fundraiser for Waiting for a Cure; Katrina Guevara, a professional model, April 2010: designer and Hattiesburg resident who was organizing a fashion show to Signature began its fifth year of publication by hitting the road. support charities around the world; and an interview with New York fash“We’re lucky here in the Hub City. Places within easy driving distance ion photographer Rachel Jerome Ferraro, formerly of Hattiesburg. are a dime a dozen,” Editor Beth Bunch wrote in the issue. In this Among the activities appearing were the Miss Hospitality Reception, month’s issue, Signature Destinations visits three venues – the Miss.

Miss Hospitality Brunch, Lamar County and Petal Junior Miss Trunk Delta home to the Blues, the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs Shows and Jamie Kittrell and Darren Welch Wedding Celebration. and NOLA’s Voodoo Museum” But there was also plenty to cover right here at home. Signature was October 2010: busy with the Jesse L. Brown Lodge Black History Banquet, Jr. Cotillion’s Signature had a special reason to celebrate its Go Gold issue as USM European Spring Ball and Friends of Carey Appreciation Dinner. celebrated 100 years. Among the features – Alice “Dupie” Bishop looked back at her association with the school that began in 1949; Father Tommy May 2010: Conway talked about his time as chaplain of the USM football team and The arrival of May meant graduation was near. Rudolph Giuliani, former Signature took a look at some of the school’s alumni.

New York City mayor, was the scheduled speaker for the University of Other events included the SPAS’s ASPCA $100,000 Challenge and the Southern Mississippi’s Centennial Celebration commencement.

ACS’s Character Dinner.

May, of course, also is the month for Mother’s Day, and Signature checked out some special mother/daughter graduations. At William Carey, November 2010: Hannah Dossett was scheduled to follow in her mother’s footsteps when Signature took a look at the Junior Auxiliary and its many initiatives in she graduated – by a matter of hours. this issue, which also highlighted a number of charitable organizations and For Cindy Hill Cofield, the upcoming graduation of her daughter, Jesactivities, such as the Red Kettle and Angel Tree projects of the Salvation sica Cofield, brought back special memories.

Army.

May’s issue also was packed with a variety of events, including the ExThe issue also introduced Signature Select, a magazine-within-a-magatreme Home Makeover Party, the “Rock Out Cancer” Lauree Mooney zine that showcased the Southern Miss. Centennial Arts Gala, the “Pink Benefit and the Shelby Little and Kyle Ladner Couples Shower.

Ribbon” Gala and a tour of the West Lamar County home of Hugh and Sonya Sanderson.

June 2010: This Signature also included a holiday gift guide and such events as the After years of recognizing mom on her special day, Signature decided it South Mississippi Medical Alliance and South Mississippi Medical Sociwas time to recognize dad and one of his – and the Pine Belt’s – favorite ety’s Newcomer Dinner and the Hub City Quarterback Club.

June activities – grilling. Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel and his father-in-law, William “Boots” Hughes, had plenty of stories to tell.

December 2010: Signature had lots to be excited about in June, including the inaugural What would December be without letters to Santa? Signature solicited season of FestivalSouth, Mississippi’s only multi-genre music festival, a few from area leaders, ranging from the letter of Lamar Co. Administrawhich offered two full weeks of music, fun and food. tor Chuck Bennett, who asked for peace and joy for the people of Lamar In addition to the FestivalSouth Unveiling Party, Signature covered the County, to Petal School District Superintendent Dr. John Buchanan, who City Glass Crawfish Boil, Art for Heart Auction and the Margaret Ellzey responded with “T’was a letter to Santa.” and Jonathan Nichols Engagement Party.

Signature also presented a wish list of its own seeking support for area organizations, ranging from the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity

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and Southern Mississippi Children’s Center to the Petal Children’s Task Force and the AIDS Services Coalition.

There was also a holiday gift guide and a new installment of Signature Select, with such events as the WCU Tatum Theater Dedication, the Marine Corps Ball and the Jr. Auxiliary Charity Ball.

Other Signature events highlighted included the Paws For A Cause Art Auction, Lamar GOP Recognition Banquet, Domestic Abuse Shelter Concert, ARC Golfball Drop and Jack Lucas Memorial Golf Tournament.

January 2011: Signature began a new calendar year with the announcement of the winners of the prestigious Hub Award, Dr. Martha Saunders and Dr. Tommy King.

Highlighting January’s theme of A New You, Signature featured Desiree Carter of Hattiesburg, who lost 203 pounds “to feel normal.”

Events highlighted included the Laci Burris and Ben Kling Engagement Party, a Dog Costume Party fundraiser and Cocktails and Calendars For A Cure.

January’s Signature Select included the Hattiesburg Debutante Assoc.’s Annual Presentation program and featured the United Way Home Sweet Home Raffle.

February 2011: It may have been cold in February, but Signature was ready to travel once again, this time focusing on Honeymoon Destinations.

Back home in the Pine Belt, Signature was ready to cover the local events, from the annual Holly Ball to the Hattiesburg Visitors Center’s Annual Christmas Open House.

March 2011: Signature closed out its fifth year ready for warmer weather and snappy styles with its Spring Fashion Guide.

From celebrating Mardi Gras with the Krewe of Elks and Mystic Krewe of Zeus and highlighting the upcoming 10th Annual Irish-Italian Festival to kicking off upcoming FestivalSouth activities with Best Of The Pine Belt balloting, Signature was stuffed with a plethora of activities, Phi Beta Sigma’s Blue And White Ball, the Big Brother/Big Sister Picnic and the Parrothead Social.

Signature also featured S.E. Moore, whose fashion creations have spanned more than then seven decades, and Kristan Alexandra Zumbro, who was taking off on a quick start to her own fashion career.

2011:

Ready for the big time

April 2011: Signature’s sixth year began with the celebration of the Krewe of Elks’ 45th anniversary and the announcement of King and Queen Elk XLV, Kevin Malone and Sue Walters, and the crowning of King Zeus LXXI, Warren Alton Hood Jr., and his Queen, Annie Laurie Roberts.

It was also time for another road trip, as Signature took off for Jackson, Meridian and Natchez to find some of the cities’ hidden, and not-sohidden, charms.

Even with the best of intentions, however, Signature had no chance of keeping up with Dr. Milton Wheeler, who had visited every state in the continental U.S. by the time he was 12, as well as all of Canada and Mexico.

Back in the Pine Belt, Signature hot-tailed it to a variety of events, including the ARC Idol Show, Night Of Sweet Dreams Celebrity Dessert Auction, Petal Football Banquet and USM Signing Day. May 20011: FestivalSouth continued to grow in 2011, as did Signature’s coverage. FestivalSouth events expanded to include events from across the spectrum of the arts – music, dance, art and theater.

Among the many events highlighted in May were the Centennial Eagle Banquet, the USM Dugout Banquet, Lamar Co. Distinguished Young Woman Pageant and the Home Sweet Home Giveaway.

June 2011: Signature devoted itself to all things FestivalSouth in this issue, with full coverage of the festival’s activities and the results of Best Of The Pine Belt voting. More than 35,000 votes poured in during two months of voting.

Signature still made room, however, for a wide variety of events, including the Habitat Pearls and Hardhats Luncheon, the Delta Pi Chapter of Delta Gamma’s 40th Reunion, Hattiesburg Zoo Birthday Party and Kaigler Children’s Book Festival.

July 2011: The artistry of area photographers was featured in Signature’s July issue.

Among the activities featured were FGH’s Volunteer Luncheon, the LCSD Employee Banquet, Abbie Rogers Civitan Gala, the Hestian Society’s 50th anniversary, Christian Services’ 25th anniversary and the Dragonfly Festival.

August 2011: Following photography in July, Signature took on a variety of arts in August, including painting, with a feature on Oak Grove artist Dollye Kirk; ballet, with a feature about the South Mississippi Ballet Theatre; community theater, featuring the Just Over the Rainbow Theatre, the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera and the Saenger Theater; the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony; and now-retired but iconic Hattiesburg musicians, Dr. Sherman and Mildred Hong.

Featured events included the first Daddy/Daughter Dance , a Royal Wedding Brunch at the home of Stancy Gullung in honor of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the FG Healthcare Foundation’s Third Annual Doctors’ Hall of Fame and a Mad Hatter Tea Party.

September 2011: As September once again rolled around, so did

hospital’s employees by showcasing our Red Carpet Event and helped us promote the Hub City’s cultural richness by enhancing family-friendly activities like Winter Wonderland and FestivalSouth with their support.

Page after page of eye-catching layouts and interesting stories, combined with a commitment to community support is what gives Signature its widespread appeal. Keep up the great work!

Millie Swan Chief Marketing and Medical Staff Services Officer, Forrest General Hospital

The fun in ‘fun’draising...

Congratulations on your six-year anniversary! The Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg celebrated a birthday this year, too – our 70th!

As we look back on how our organization has grown and changed through the years, we would like to thank you for your role in that growth. You have supported our annual fundraiser, Charity Ball, every year by helping us publicize our event and reach out to our community to spread our message of service.

Junior Auxiliary provides 25 service projects to members of our community. Examples include Backpack, which provides more than 1,000 children with necessary school supplies every year; Vision Screening, which checks area 3rd and 4th graders for vision deficiencies; and Smart Art, which provides art experiences for inner city children that they would not otherwise have.

We finance our 25 projects solely through the funds raised at Charity Ball, and we are convinced that part of our success at this event is due to the assistance you have given us in getting our message out to the community. Your magazine is the trusted source for many in our community on what is going on, and we are so honored to have been a part of it for these last six years! Thank you for your work in our community!

Sarah Atkinson President, Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg

Bringing life into focus...

Hattiesburg, Miss., is a special place. It’s a great area to raise children, open a business, retire and to have as a hometown.

Sometimes we forget about all of the relationships we have in our lives until someone or something brings them into focus. Signature Magazine has done just that since 2006.

Each year at Mardi Gras time, the Krewe of Elks puts on a Carnival Ball to celebrate another year of fun and frivolity. Most people think Mardi Gras only happens in Mobile or New Orleans, but not so – it is alive and well in Hattiesburg.

Another group of people in our lives are our schoolmates, old and new. The Hattiesburg High School Class of 1966 gathers each month and at holidays to enjoy good food, fellowship and relive lots of memories.

We all join some sort of club in our lifetime.

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Signature’s Fall Fashion Edition, which welcomed readers back to the ’70s with retro and vintage-inspired fashions. The issue also profiled Jason Ashley Wright, a former Hattiesburg-area resident and feature writer who continues to blog at www.tulsaworld.com, and an article about the fashions in the movie “The Help.”

Moving from fashion to food (always a fan favorite at Signature), the September issue also included an article on MasterChef Whitney Miller’s cookbook, as well as a feature on Lee Ann Flemming, food stylist of “The Help.”

Among the events included were a PCS Paint Party, Whitney Miller’s MasterChef Book Signing and T-Bone Pruitt Fundraisers.

Christmas memories included the winter wonderland window displays at Chain Electric, and Signature took a look back at the few pieces that remain from those days.

Following the success of the previous year, Signature solicited more letters to Santa from Pine Belt leaders. The most creative salutation came courtesy of USM President Dr. Martha Saunders, whose note “(Sent from my iPad),” began, “dEr *<\:0)>,” and continued, “I cUd uz a lil mor tym 2rite a propr letta Nstead of txtN.” A few of the events appearing in the issue included the ARC Golf Ball Drop, the Dr. Vance McKellar Reception and the Eighth Annual Pink Ribbon Gala, Moon Over Morocco.

October 2011: January 2012: As October’s Go Gold issue once more rolled Signature rang in the New Year with a topic around, Signature found itself facing something close to its heart – The Food Issue. new – horrible weather that canceled tailgating “What does the time prior to Thanksgiving and events. But, fortunately, there was the Eagle Up the Super Bowl have in common?” Signature Club, a die-hard group of asked. “If you’re a Pine Belt resident, then you’ve fans that has tailgated toprobably come to expect gether for more than a the famous gumbo prepared decade and doesn’t let by the Gumbo gourmets at something as trivial as Hattiesburg’s Episcopal tropical storm warnings Church of the Ascension.” mess up their party.

Also featured was HattiesSignature also scored burg’s Home Bake and an interview with USM’s Candy Shoppe, Hoyt’s New mascot, Seymour d’CamYork City Hot Dog Stand, pus, who had just gotten Floyd’s Grill, Gadsby’s Good an official fan page on Grub and a look-back at Facebook. And, of course, some of Hattiesburg’s iconic there were Game Day restaurants.

Signature Magazine on the Gulf Coast! recipes.

A few of the events highAlso in October, Signature had such events as lighted included HCLO’s Patrons Gala, PRCC’s the EURO Alumni Association Reunion, the HatHomecoming, the Signature Chefs Auction and tiesburg Debutante Brunch and the SBJ Golf the Dining With The Stars benefit.

Tourney.

February 2012: November 2011: For the February issue , area photographers November brought something new to Hattiesshared some of their favorite wedding photos, and burg – what was billed as the city’s first-ever Vetreaders had a chance to Meet the Valentines – eran’s Day parade. In Petal, the city not only was Brett and Alesia Valentine. preparing for its annual Veterans Day program, Signature also highlighted a number of events, but also was planning for the official opening of including the 236th Marine Corps Birthday Banthe Veterans Walk of Honor following the proquet, the Jr. Auxiliary Red Carpet Gala Charity gram.

Ball and the KeithCo Christmas Party.

Signature also featured Father Tommy Conway, who was named Humanitarian of the Year by the March 2012: Hattiesburg Junior Auxiliary. JA members also Spring Fashion returned to Signature, and so took front-and-center notice on Signature’s cover. did FestivalSouth’s Best Of The Pine Belt voting.

Signature also was looking ahead to December Among the fashion successes featured in the and preparations that were already underway for issue were Lauren Jones and her growing fashion Operation Christmas Child, the well-known empire and one-time high fashion model Ashley “shoebox gift” ministry.

Eades.

A variety of events also were profiled, including The March issue also included the crowning of Fridays with Fedora, the Fifth Annual Homes of the Krewe of Elks, King and Queen Elk XLVI, Hope for Children Auction, United Way Kickoff Charles Phillips and Peggy Pittman, and the Mysand WCU Scholarship Dinner. tic Krewe of Zeus’ King Zeus LXXII Harry McArthur III and his queen, Mary Lucas HalliDecember 2011: well.

Signature closed out the calendar year with viA variety of Pine Belt events also were feasions of sugar plums, as the Nutcracker Ballet tured, including the Pine Belt Chapter of the Felprepared to come to life on the stage of the lowship of Christian Athletes’ A Night With A USM’s Mannoni Performing Arts Center.

Legend, Bobby Bowden, The Hattiesburg DebuFor generations of Hattiesburg residents, tante Assoc.’s Ball and the Percy Watson Gala.

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Beta Sigma Phi is an international service sorority that most people are not familiar with. This organization adopts special projects such a funding a camper for the Abbey Rogers Camp and a Christmas Party for the Pine Belt Mental Health Work Center.

Then, there are just our friends. Each Christmas the Friends of Friends Party is given. Admission is usually a toy for a child or food for one of the animal shelters.

Thanks to Signature, each of these parts of my life have been featured at one time or another. So, thanks for all you do in getting the word out about Hattiesburg and the people who live here.

Pam Nobles

I saw you in...

Dear friends at Signature magazine, Congratulations on your anniversary of another successful year of serving the Pine Belt community!

United Way of Southeast Mississippi would like to express our gratitude for the coverage that you provide us and our community investment partners throughout the year.

From the beginning of the magazine several years ago, Signature has been faithful at providing publicity for our events such as the Grand Givers Dinner, Campaign Kick-off and our Annual Meeting and Thank You Banquet.

We also appreciate the feature stories and promotion you have provided to our annual Home Sweet Home Raffle. The full-color spreads and well-written stories are fantastic!

It’s no secret that Signature magazine is well-loved by everyone around the Hub City.

A phrase that we often hear is “I saw you in Signature.” As you celebrate this milestone, we wish you many more years of success, and we hope to continue “seeing it in Signature!”

Thank you again for your continued support!

United Way of Southeast Mississippi

Showcasing our progress...

There are various ways to showcase the outstanding happenings at William Carey University. Through television, radio, and print materials we report the progress and events as they occur and invite friends of Carey to join us in many of these events.

Amazing feedback about Carey’s special events always comes to me about information in Signature.

Time and time again, the countless readers of this informative publication tell me that they read about Carey in Signature. Whether the magazine features one of our dedications, special dinners, Carey Dinner Theatre, or similar activities, readers learn about the program and mission of the only degree-granting private institution in South Mississippi— William Carey University. May this magazine continue to inform readers in the Pine Belt for many decades to come.

William Carey University

COSTUMES, 2006-2012

Ann Marie Brahan, Ivey Swan March 2008

Shangri-La Geisha Girls, Lori Roseberry, November 2008 Geisha Girls Lori Roseberry

Esther McCord, Betty Pittman April 2008

Becky & Richard Pascale, Anita Brown, Robin Morse, March 2008 Nancy Carpenter, Kathy Emmons, Nov. 2011

Pierson Chloewith Adams Chance, Chance, Pierson and Chloe&Adams the Easter Bunn with Easter Bunny, April 2008

Good, bad, ugly, scary

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ou never surprised us with what you chose to wear to certain events where Signature happened to show up or was invited. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say, you were quite creative!

Marika Warner, April 2009

Ariel Brown, Dec. 2007 Elizabeth Sanders, April 2009

Elvis, Mitchell ElvisLauren Lauren Mitchell August 2011

Gerry & Patricia Burns, Dec. 2007

Mallory Altazan, Adam Pittman, January 2010

Honey Adams, Lana Blue, Dec. 2007 Hope Edwards, Lesley Sullivan, Sept. 2010

Brett Howell, July 2008

Bill Garanich, Jordan Hicks, Nichole Graham, Jan. 2010

Joanne and Steve Oshrin, March 2008

Abby Hall, Dec. 2007

Briggs and Shoub Sumrall, Dec. 2007

Brady Logan, Dupie Bishop Dec. 2009

Bruce MorganMorgan, Brenda Morgan Mitchell Cherrie Mitchell Vicki&Brumfield Mitch Brumfield Bruce &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Brenda Mike & Mike Cherrie Mitchell, Vicki Brumfield Mitch Brumfield, Dec. 2009

Dwight Hayes, Jade Wolfe, Dec. 2007

Nathan and Alison Reed, Dec. 2007

Betty McClendon, Dec. 2007

Senetra Moody, Edna Keim, Brandy Hunt, December 2007

Susan, Keith Melancon, July 2008

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Kerry Helveston, Anne Love, Margaret Love, July 2011

Virginia Tatum

All the frills upon it...

THE MAD HATTERS, 2006-2012

Molly Francis Camille, Reagan Daniell, Anna Lea Weathers, Addie Siders, Aug. 2011

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Anna Beth Rowe, Rachel Fairchild, Krissy Chmelicek, Lyndsey Hawkins, May 2008

Betty McKenzie, Debbie Stout, Karen Shappley, Aug. 2011

hether a little girls’ tea party, a golf tournament fundraiser, a graduation tea, a group of Red Hatters, a Royal Tea, or just a fashionable lady, Pine Belt women put on their Easter bonnets all year long.

Bemella Smith, Maxie Snell, Ella Moody, Feb. 2011

Dana Grubbs, Angie Addison, Dec. 2007

Bohni Ghindlay, March 2011

Elise Cole, Nancy Leader, Patricia Burns, Aug. 2011

Lauren Simmerman, Stancy Gullung, Lisa Vickers, Melinda Best, Aug. 2011

The Golden Gardenia Red Hats, Dec. 2007

Sherri Marengo, Hanna Eckie, Dec. 2007

Angela Johnson, Claire Armstrong, Aug. 2011

Helen Erickson, Kinlock Bell, May 2008

Sandra Baggett, Kathy Strahan, Louise Boudreau, Jewel, Tucker, Dec. 2007

Pam Nobles, Marika Warner, Dec. 2011

Ann Johnson, Angela Johnson, Terri Johnson, Lynn Rose, May 2008

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Bobby Collins, Fred & Jimmie Hatten, Lynn Collins, Martha & Carl Nicholson Oct. 2008

Joye Lee-McNelis, Liz Biland, Jasmine Sanders, Dec. 2007

Parker, Dabbs & Josh Jussely, Oct. 2011 Wendi and Mark Graham, Oct. 2008 Tommy & Tate Woolbright, Nov. 2008

Johnny, Delancy & Gwen Smith, Oct. 2011

Jonathan, Melanie, Noah and Mary Clarie Dale,, Oct. 2008

Alan & Melinda Andrews, Nov. 2011

Merrit and Luke McLemore, Oct. 2008

Lena & Ron Brent, Richard Giannini, Oct. 2011

Robert & Joyce Rogers, Marie & Gerald Baylis, Nov. 2011

Jeff Rhodes, Dylan Rhodes, Garrett Manchester, March 2008

Bailey Clemens, Mary Kate, Rob and Angela Blackman, Oct. 2008

Doris Langton, Julie Hale, Oct. 2011

Stacie Hamburg, Monique Wood, Blair Thornton, Cali White, Tequila Yancey, Oct. 2008

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FAMILIES, 2006-2012

Family ties

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or many, our families are our Signature. They are who give us our fingerprints. They are who define us, nurture us and send us on our way. Many families have found their way onto our pages – whether being honored for their work, upon retirement, or just because they like one another.

The Hale Family, Aug. 2010

Brian, John, Kathy & Sara Hayman, Barbara & Ken Hayman, Tedrick, Cindy & Ted Ratcliff, May 2009

The Bob and Carol Lindley Family, Nov. 2011

Holly, Gee, Frances and Billy Ogletree, Frances and Jonathan Palmer, March 2008

Lisa, Ray, Rachael and Mary Franklin Perkins, Oct, 2009

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Lynn Meador, Erin Lambert Dornan, C.G. “Clai” Meador IV; C.G. “Joe” Meador, Ginger Meador, Pitt Farrar, Beth Meador; John Meador, Nancy Meador Farrar, Dean Meador Smith, Oct, 2011

Robert, Sandy, Charlotte Blair and Gracie Jackson, Carolyn and Hal White, Sept. 2009

Hub City Hollywood

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hile the stars may have fallen over Alabama, quite a few landed over in Mississippi and on the pages of Signature. Whether a country music singer, an interior design guru who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the need for ceiling fans in the South, a political figure, former first lady of the United States or a Secretary of State, they found their way to the Hub City.

And then there are those celebrities who live among us on a regular basis. Whatever the case, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re glad to have them in Hattiesburg....and on the pages of Signature.

Johnny Barnes, J.J. Thoms, Aug. 2008

Michong Rayborn, Robin andâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Chris Schwartz, Sonny and Dale Martin, July 2011

Laura Sharpe, Eric Parish, Aug. 2008

-Greg Lyon, Robert Wilson, Aug. 2008 Stephen Castlemao, John Patrick Lyon, Laurie Rimes, Gigi Welch, Aug. 2008 Bobby and Aaron Williams, July 2008

Jim and Joann Brown, Dewana Herklotz, Beki Carpenter

Katerine & Cannon Callaway, Ann Hunter & Miles Whitehead, Aug. 2008

Mary Lois and Vickie Hanna

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INâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;MEMORIAM, 2006-2012

Annie and Richard Jones (Dec. 13, 2011)

Barbara Hayman (June 20, 2011) and Tedrick Ratcliff

Betty and Dr. Milam Cotten (Feb. 2, 2012)

Gone but not forgotten

Floanne Kersh and Wilbur Bullock (May 29, 2009)

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ignature has lost a number of friends since its first publication in April of 2006. Pictured are some of those friends we knew had died as we perused 72 issues of the magazine during the past few weeks. Whether a businessman, an entertainer, a patron of the arts, an educator, a charitable giver or a longtime member of an organization, their passing has been and will continue to be felt.

Dick Jordan and Sonya Fox (Jan. 5, 2012)

Jeanette (Aug. 26, 2011)â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;and Tommy Baylis

Paul McMullan (May 10, 2011), Maurice Dantin (Jan. 10, 2012) and Doc Roberts (Jan. 25, 2012)

Jimmy (June 26, 2011) and Rosie Mordica

Ken Hrdlica (Feb. 25, 2012), Bob Schimel

Charles and Margaret Ann Pickering, Sarah and Dr. Larry Kennedy (Sept. 21, 2006)

Shay Hodge, Deuce McAllister, Paul McDaniel, Lisa and Andy Lear (Nov. 16, 2011)

David Sheley (Feb. 23, 2011), Prentiss Simpson, Michael Watkins

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Scene

Once upon a time...

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he endlessly entertaining Mother Goose nursery rhymes were at play at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 72nd Annual pageant and coronation of the Mystic Krewe of Zeus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the Three Blind Mice, singing and dancing their way about the magic land to Little Boy Blue with his sheep and cows, Jack and Jill, Mary and her Little Lamb, Little Miss Muffet and her mischievous Spider, the Little Piggies and legs everywhere with the Itsy Bitsy Spiders.

See more, Page 84-85

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ELKSâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;GIFT EXCHANGE

Chris and Buck Thompson

George and Debbie Pollitz

Jennifer and Chris Moore

Jim and Nadine Sumrall

Gift Exchange

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he Krewe of Elks held its Gift Exchange party at the Hattiesburg Country Club. This was one of the first parties to kick off the carnival season.

Jane and Duwayne Ezelle

Sue Walters, Sydney and Richie Malone

Zoula and George Huffman

Robert and Charlotte Shoemake

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Johnnie and Joann Fairchild

Joan and Billy Slay, Joe Winstead

Kevin Malone, Bonnie McNair, Steve and Joan Oshrin

Scott and Amy Stromeyer

Mike and Pam Nobles

Peggy and Andy Moore

Sherry Winstead, Kay and Marlin Smith

Thelma and Roy Roberts

Steve and Sue Lyon

Mike and Diane Warren, Patsy and Denny Hawkins

Ruth Centanni, Diane Warren

Charlotte Shoemake, Mary Bounds, Betty Love

Joann Slay, Jane Ezelle

ELKS QUEENS BRUNCH

Amy Stromeyer, Richie Malone

Mirror, mirror

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ast queens for the Krewe of Elks gathered at the Hattiesburg Country Club to relive memories of past carnival seasons.

Sue Lyon, Sue Walters, Debbie Pollitz

Past queens of the Krewe of Elk

Tiny Hicks, Lottie Vance, Pam Nobles, Joann Fairchild, Cathy Mohawk

Lottie Vance, Mary Bounds

Peggy Moore, Kay Smith, Mary Thomsen, Michelle Sanford, Joann Fairchild

Peggy Moore, Joann Fairchild, Michelle Sanford

Sarah Campbell, Judy Carney

Peggy Moore, Nadine Sumrall, Amy Stromeyer, Pam Nobles

Tiny Hicks, Cathy Mohawk

Pasty Hawkins, Nadine Sumrall

Kay Smith, Michelle Sanford, Mary Thomsen

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ELKS COCKTAIL PARTY

Amy Stromeyer, Andy and Peggy Moore, Pam and Mike Nobles

Joann and Johnny Fairchild, Ashley Whittington, John Fairchild

Bright white lights

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he Krewe of Elks opened their Carnival Season with a Cocktail Party at the Elks Lake Lodge.

The entrance road to the Lodge was marked with white lights and evidence of freshly fallen snow. As one entered the building, the air felt cool and children could be heard laughing as they skated on a frozen pond. Guests were greeted by the reigning monarchy – Kevin Malone and Bonnie McNair, Sue and Gene Walters and Krewe Captain Butch and Tina LeBlanc.

Sue Walters, Kevin Malone

Hayley, Chandler and Sabrina Ivy

Sylvia Davis, Tony Cuccia, Betty and Richard Parrish

Dana and Scott Phillips, Charles and Nellie Phillips, Pam and Forrest Phillips, Alana and Perry Phillips

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Jarred Cannette, Sara Hayman, Kathy and John Hayman

Mike Warren, Bonnie McNair

Tania Dubose, Betty Dubose, Marie Landrum

Wendee Finnegan, Harry and Donna Anderson, Woodie and Kathy Swilley

Mike and Pam Nobles, Nadine and Jimmy Sumrall

Bonnie McNair, Kevin Malone

Marika and Royce Warner

Martha and Lee H. McKee

MJ Cain Smith, Sue Walters, Lou Murphy, Sarah Hiatt

Paul and Mandy Brunson, Margaret and David Judice

Stacey Farlow, Maryann Parrish

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Vicky Buxton, Terry Sanford

David and Teresa Favre

Gonzalo Villegas, Diana Brown, Angela Eaton, Susan Thompson

FGH RED CARPET EVENT

Vance and Christi Green, Euree and David Knight

Lauren Stringer, Marilyn Laird, Sissy Roberts, Vanessa and John Hartfield, Ken Roberts, Libby and Carter Carroll

Donna Beard, Rita Hinton, Susan Dubose

Glitz and glamour

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Chris Smith, Becky Pardue, Michelle Ford

Kim and David Helton

Kevin Robinson, Valerie and John Lake

Jennifer and Paul Defreese

Ricky and Gwen Ellzey

Candice, Lindsey, Danielle Nunn, Sylvia Faust

Rob Huggins, Angela Pace

Keisha Carter, Stephanie Johnson, Relonda Johnson

orrest General’s star employees of caring walked the red carpet at the second annual “Red Carpet Event,” hosted by the hospital at the historic Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg.

This awards event, modeled after the classic Academy Awards show, honored several categories of awards given to Forrest General employees.

Debbie Jones, Lisa Shelton, Tricia Carter, Melita Miller

Hunter Nichols, Stephanie McKeough, Susan Styron,Finley McKeough, Jerry Styron

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ZEUS DINNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;DANCE

Cara Pruitt, Meg Paul, Ross and Terri Bell

Don and Amy Hinton

Chris and Julie Howdeshell

Jay and Susan Slaughter, Melanie and Raymond Whitehead

A night for dinner and dancing

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he Mystic Krewe of Zeus celebrated the beginning of their carnival season at their annual Dinner Dance at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. Merrymakers were welcomed by King Zeus LXXI, Warren Alton Hood, III and his Consort, Carolyn Hood, and the co-chairmen of the Dinner Dance, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Hand Campbell, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wesley Rouse, III.

Peggy and Richard Posy

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Erin and Kim Bradley, Charlie and Cindy Sutherland, Lisa and Larry Doleac

Stancy Gullung, Carolyn Hood, Arlean Sackler

Olivia Cole, Ann Louise Whitehead, Meredith Enger, Maria Enger, Margaret Campbell

Traci Rouse, Lucy Jussely

Dr. R.D. and â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Barbara Ellender

Heather Conn, Shay Tatum

Mary Dryden, Carter and Libby Carroll

Christy and Joseph Tatum III

Michael and Heather Reed

Corey and Julie Tator

Tom Dungan, Maryann Kyle

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CHINESE NEW YEAR

Sarah Lubitz, Gabby Hasty, Linsey Ladnier

Jeff Chaney, Miranda Guy, Brooklynn Blakeney, Jaime Jimenez, Kyle Tullos, Coren Clifton

‘She Dances’ for charity

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Chinese New Year’s Party for "She Dances" was held at the Grand Ballroom of Hattiesburg. This benefit gala was for "She Dances with Dragons" charity, a non-profit organization that provides "holistic restoration for young girls who have been

trafficked and sexually exploited in Honduras."

The event included Chinese food favorites, items which were raffled off, dance lessons from Grand Ballroom instructors and a fun photo booth.

Tilllman Holston, Todd Mallette, Andy Wallace

Lauren Schober, Summer Hahn, Garrick Aube

Philip Geraci, Carmen Wingerter

Leighanne Lockheart, Samuel Branch

Robert Greenstreet, Marcianne Adams, Deborah Yates Mike Albanese, Alanna Fopiano

Shane McIlwain, Shanda Wells Forrest Holston, Father Tommy Conway

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Matt Lanke, Lexie Hahn, Jamie Barnes

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ZEUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;CORONATION

Amanda Lowe, Shannon Little, Emily Rawls

Anna Brown, Shelby Harrell

Nicole Newsome, Bailey Welsh

A lot of familiar characters sighted at Saenger

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he Mother Goose nursery rhymes were recreated at the Saenger Theatre this year as the Mystic Krewe of Zeus crowned a new king and queeen. Harry McArthur III was crowned king, while Mary Lucas Halliwell was crowned queen and reigned over the 72nd annual pageant and

Britny West, Alyssa Allen

Chancellor Strange, Millicent Krebbs

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coronation. Narrarator for the evening was Corey Evan Tutor.

Introduced during the evening were Maids and Dukes of the Royal Court. The Coronation Orchestra was under the direction of Tammy Mansfield and Robert Mulholland served as director.

John Magruder and Caitlyn Sullivan

Kathryn and Susan Slaughter

Matt and Oden Dillenkoffer

Chris Shaidnagle, Harris Curry, Erin Rigby

Steven Romeo, Brett Barnes

Virginia Wylie, Dawn Clark, Jillian Clark

Jonathan Brown, Shawn Temple

Asher Strange, Evan Preush, English Strange

John Bethea Jr., Charlotte Brewer

Denny and Patsy Hawkins, Jane and Duwayne Ezelle

Margaret Campbell, Olivia Cole

Robin Brookshire, Mike and Nancy Carpenter

Shelby Winchester, Davis Strauss

Haley Elise, Mary Peyton, Mary Temple, John Wayne Stewart

Kerry Brown Richards, Tammy Mansfield

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VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;DINNER 86

A hearty celebration

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idden away amidst a plethora of azaleas and camellias, the Simply TeaVine Cottage Tearoom is located in the old Meador Log Cabin on Hwy. 49 North. For Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the owners hosted two sittings of a Fireside Candlelight Valentine Dinner, which included a scrumptious five-course meal.

Each guest also received a rose.

Carter and Ginger Wright

Cindy and Nevill Barr

Emily and David Yowell

Jacob Wright, Craig Eubanks

Jeffrey Scholar, Kimberly Millstead

Nita and Mike Williamson

Sonia and Tripp Higginbotham

Mr. and Mrs. Brad McGarrah

Kirk and RaDonna Frazier

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ELKS CORONATION

Amy Stromeyer, Mike Nobles

Brenda and Edward Nodhturft

Butch Leblanc, Dianne Warren, George Pollitz, Judy McGee, Charles Pittman, Steve Oshrin

Andy, Peggy and Beth Moore

Anita and Gary Daughtrey, Kathy Carollo

A Winter Wonderland

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uests at this year’s Krewe of Elks Coronation enjoyed a true winter as they entered the magical kingdom of Winter Fascination. White lights twinkled amid the fresh crisp snow which fell upon the vignette at the Elks Lodge in Dixie. Allen Pollitz served as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event which crowned Charles Phillips as king and Peggy Pittman as queen. Carnival Ball chairman was Debbie Pollitz.

Clint Hudson, Angie Beck

Forrest, Scott and Perry Phillips

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Cathy and Kent Mohawk

George Pollitz, C.W. Hicks, David Lyon, Charles Phillips

Chip Carter, Allen Pollitz

Lottie Vance, Savannah Westacott

Nadine Sumrall, Lottie Vance, Pam Nobles

Scott Stromeyer, Robin Morse

Steve Oshrin, Pam Nobles, Kent Mohawk, Robin Morse, Mike Nobles

Martha Johnson, Patsy Hawkins

Zoula Huffman, Barbara Sellers

Lucy and Emma Moore Jeanette and Henry Rath Susan Thrower, Tina Leblanc, Denise Brown, Amy Rogers, Joann Oshrin

Lionel Campbell, Sylvia Davis

C.W. and Tiny Hicks

Chad and Courtney Pickering

Tina and Butch Leblanc

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ELKS COURT PARTY

Amy Rogers, Pam and Mike Nobles, Robin Morse

Charles Phillips, Marika Warner

Sue Walters, Sue Lyon, Sarah Campbell

Court jesters

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he Court Party for the Krewe of Elks was held at the Dixie Community Center.

The party helped kick off a busy Carnivale season for members.

Dianne Warren, Denny Hawkins, Joann Oshrin

Mike and Dianne James, George Pollitz, Royce and Marika Warner, Debbie Pollitz

Tommy and Peggy Pittman, Charles and Nellie Phillips

Nicole Rose, Hugh McGowen, Debbie Pollitz Marlin and Kay Smith

Lionel and Sarah Campbell, Peggy and Andy Moore, Nellie and Charles Phillips

Steve Oshrin, Kevin Malone, Bonnie McNair, George Pollitz

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Emily Harden, Amy Stromeyer

Tina and Butch LeBlanc, Denise Brown, Tim Waters, Susan Thrower

Judy Mcgee, Patsy Hawkins

George and Debbie Pollitz

Charles and Nellie Phillips

Debbie and George Pollitz

ELKS KING & QUEEN FESTIVAL

Alice Ruthe Bullock, Rachel Herin, Sue Frye

‘Sug’ Jenkins, Sue Polk, Mike Warren

Tight and Robin Morse, Kevin and Amy Rogers, Denise Graham, Tina and Butch LeBlanc

Payne, Marshall, Tate, Alana and Perry Phillips

King and queen royal hoorah

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Cathy and Kent Mohawk, Judy Carney

Jerre and Peter Bokor

Lee and Martha McKee

Janet and Tony Pascale

Bonnie McNair, Kevin Malone

Dolly Day, Linda Yearwood, Susan Revels

n Sunday following a grand Saturday night coronation of a new king and queen of Elks – King Charles Phillips and Queen Peggy Pitttman – revelers got together again to close out a weekend of Carnivale revelry. The afternoon included yet more good food, fellowship and entertainment for the newly-crowned royals, their families and their loyal subjects.

Mike and Pam Nobles

Michael and Mary Helen West

Ken and Suzanne Shelley, Betty Lyon

Robin Morse, Bill Carney, Dianne Warren

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