Signature Dec '12

Happenings ........................................................ 4- 5 Signature Events ............…………….......... 62-75 All Aboard Exhibit ...................................................... 62 Noteworthy ARC Golf Ball Drop .................................................. 63 Matt Christenot .................................................................... 6 Hattiesburg Concert Band ........................................ 64 Meet the Veselys ................................................ 9 Business After Hours ................................................ 64 Elks Fun Party .......................................................... 65 Hattiesburg Debutantes Girls Day Out.............................................................. 66 Introducing the ladies of the Hattiesburg Debutante Association ..........................

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Designing Christmas Judy Russell creates special touches for the holidays ....

Chain Memories Winter wonderland windows wowed wee ones ................

Winter Wonderland It’s the most wonderful time of the year ..........................

Holiday Roundup Holiday activities abound in the Pine Belt ......................

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23 Signature Q&A 24

Christmas Stars Signature salutes “stars” of our community for their contributions ....................................

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Ornamentally speaking...

Cadie Designs adds a quirkiness to holiday ornaments........................................

Santa Claus is coming to town, Thanks to members of the Tall Pines Garden Club ..........

Leaf River Pageant .................................................. 67 Dr. Vance McKellar Reception .................................. 68 Mississippi Miss Hospitality Reception ...................... 69 Moon Over Morocco .................................................. 70 Tall Pines Membership Luncheon ............................ 72 Delta Delta Delta Wrap Party .................................... 73 Sacred Heart Seafood Jamboree ............................ 74 Cancer Survivors Picnic ............................................ 75

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The Nutcracker

A holiday tradition returns.................................................. 36

Wayne Landers, Operation Christmas Child collection center coordinator ..........................................

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ABOUT THE COVER: The Nutcracker, one of the holiday season’s most beloved traditions, will come to life on the stage of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Mannoni Performing Arts Center Dec. 16-18.

Hattiesburg Photographer Artie Rawls captured four of the principal ballet dancers in this holiday setting at Lovie’s in West Hattiesburg. From left, Caroline Leigh, daughter of Joe and Renee Leigh; Haley Boyles, daughter of Erick and Lisa Boyles and Sydney Jolly, daughter of Steven and Joy Jolly; in front, Victoria Strickland, daughter of Beverly Strickland and George Strickland.

Letters to Santa Signature asked local community leaders to write a Letter to Santa .................................... 40

Signature Wish Lists Local charities and organizations share their holiday “wish lists” and more ..................

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Food .......................................................... 59-60 Top Chef Q&A Meet Jay Cox, chef, Hooters .................................. 60

Signature Magazine • December 2011 • vol 6 number 9 publisher David Gustafson editor Beth Bunch contributors Dana Gower • Ashleigh Johnson • Artie Rawls Chloe Rouse • Ed Lashley • Carolyn Critz • Matt Bush ad representatives Missy Pickering • Jessica Wallace • Agusta Callaway art director Bill Benge graphic artist Emily Hall Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, HubCitySPOKES, Camp Shelby Reveille and Signature Magazine.

For information on submitting items for consideration, call (601) 268-2331 or email beth@HubCitySPOKES.com. To mail information or photos, send to Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

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Lewis Lights The Lewis Lights display is located at 280 White Chapel Road, just off Hwy 11 near Purvis. The lights, in excess of 200,000, are turned on Thanksgiving night and are on each night through New Year's Eve. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. before Christmas and afterward, 5:30 p.m. to 8.p.m. The light display was started in 1989 by the Lewis family for the community. “We always went to see Christmas lights on Christmas Eve as kids,” said one family member. “People started not decorating as much anymore so we started our own show.”

Christmas Tree Lighting Major Johnny DuPree and wife, Johniece, will officially light the city’s Christmas tree during a special ceremony at 5:30 p.m. December 1 at Town Square Park. The pre-lighting events will include choirs performing on-stage, pictures with Santa at the gazebo, hot chocolate and sweet treats. Downtown shops will be open late for this event.

Christmas in the Grove...

Oak Grove Primary will once again host its annual Holiday in the Grove (Christmas Showcase), December 1, 5 p.m. – Santa Claus will be on hand, performances by your favorite primary students, good food and fun.

Sounds of Season The traditional music of the holiday season will not be overlooked as a troupe from William Carey University presents “Sounds of The Season.

This unique

program brings performers to a downtown restaurant each Tuesday and Thursday in December during the noon hour, entertaining diners with traditional holiday sounds. Participating restaurants include The Bottling Co., The Pastry Garden, Walnut Circle Grill, brownstone’s, Depot Coffee Shop/Bristo, 206 Front, Bianchi’s Pizza, and Hub City Diner.

For more information, call 601-583-4329 or visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com

Holiday Tour of Homes...

Five magnificent homes will be on this year’s 5th Annual Christmas Parade of Homes set from 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, December 3. Funds raised benefit the South Mississippi Children’s Shelter. Homes featured on this year’s tour include four Canebrake homes and one Bent Creek home. They include those of Charles and Sweetie Greer, 11 Windbourne; John Stanton Barber and Stacey Lea Sims, 69 Cambrooke in Bent Creek; Denton and Kelly Spiers, 8 Indian Bayou; Larry and Jane Shurden, Marais Ridge and David and Terri Parker, 16 Sunset Circle.

The tour can be started at any home and all homes are available to be viewed from 1-5 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Crye-Leike Signature One Realty office, through any of their agents, and at several businesses around time.

For more information, call the office at 601-3366941.

Lights at Bellegrass The Third Annual Holiday Lights at Bellegrass is set from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 3, 182 Bellegrass Blvd. The night’s activities will feature the USM Men’s Choral Group, a Live Nativity Scene, $2 carriage rides and a special visit by Santa Claus.

Bellegrass is located off Hwy. 589, south of Bellevue near the Oak Grove Primary School.

Christmas Parades The Hattiesburg Jaycees Christmas Parade will roll through the streets of Downtown Hattiesburg beginning at 3 p.m.

December 3. One of Hattiesburg’s oldest Christmas events is the parade. This year’s theme is “Christmas Memories.” The parade will feature floats, bands, antique cars and other units, which will assemble near the Library and move from Green Street to Hardy, to Front St., down Main St. to McLeod and end back at the library.

For more parade information, call 601-336-0527 or email hattiesburgjaycees@gmail.com or find them on facebook.

Other parades include Purvis – December 2, 7 p.m.

Petal – December 3, 5 p.m.

Sumrall – December 3, 2 p.m.

USM Tree Lighting The Christmas Tree Lighting on the University of Southern Mississippi campus is set for 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 4.

Princess & The Dragon William Carey University Theatre will present the original children's show, "The Princess and The Dragon," at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre in Hattiesburg. Tickets are $5 for general admission. Reservations can be made by calling 601-318-6221. Box office open Mon.-Fri., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. beginning Dec. 5.

Winter Wonderland...

Join Forrest General, the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, La Studio Academy of Dance, On Your Toes Dance Studio

and more at Winter Wonderland – a magical holiday event that is becoming a tradition for Pine Belt families!

The second annual Winter Wonderland, to be held on December 9-10 in Downtown Hattiesburg, will celebrate Forrest General’s family-centered care with family-centered fun!

In the Christmas Village, young ones will take home their own magical reindeer food and ornaments, sample delicious treats in Mrs. Claus’ Sweet Shoppe and be entertained by the sights and sounds of Victorian carolers and other costumed characters. Children can get a head start on their wish lists by writing letters to Santa, then take photos with the big man himself and his elves!

Following the Christmas Village activities, adults and children alike will be treated to the beautiful sounds of the season during the Winter Wonderland Concert with the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings and other performers, including a visit from Forrest General’s ambassadors, Forrest the Deer and his friend Emerald.

On Friday, December 9, Christmas Village activities will take place at Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg from 5:30 – 7 p.m. with the Winter Wonderland concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre.

On Saturday, December 10, Christmas Village activities are from noon – 1:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 2 p.m. and an additional opportunity to experience the Christmas Village from 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased through the Saenger Theatre by calling 601-584-4888 or by visiting HattiesburgSaenger.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Saenger Theatre box office from 12 – 5 p.m.

Monday- Friday or at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. All tickets include admission to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Village and Concert. For additional information on Winter Wonderland or other Forrest General events and services, visit forrestgeneral.com.

celebration complete with caroling, refreshments, and guided tours by Hattiesburg area veterans. The museum, which was opened in 1942 as a USO Club served as a home-away-from-home for African American soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby, is located at 305 East 6th Street. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and a Mississippi Landmark, it is the only remaining USO constructed especially for African American soldiers still in public use in the United States.

Holiday Art Walk Tradition will abound downtown with the 2011 version of Holiday Art Walk, set for 4 -9 p.m. December 10 throughout Downtown Hattiesburg. The five-hour event will feature special events and refreshments in all businesses. The streets will be filled with bands, carolers, artists on the street, holiday characters and eager shoppers.

Victorian Candlelighting As the afternoon turns into night, the Historic Hattiesburg Neighborhood Association in Downtown Hattiesburg will come aglow with the Victorian Candlelighting December 10-11.

Candles light the streets, walks and driveways of the Historic Neighborhood, which is decorated for the season. There will be carriage rides, roaming carolers, open house tours and refreshments served at The Walthall Room.

There will be free Hattiesburg Trolley shuttles between The Walthall and Art Walk. The hub for all activity and tickets for carriage rides and Home Tours will be The Walthall Room located at The Walthall Condominiums (600 Rebecca Ave).

For more information visit http://www.hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com or email info@hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com.

Glory of Christmas The Main Street Baptist Church

Sanctuary Choir, orchestra and keyboards will host their annual presentation of ‘The Glory of Christmas’ at 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Each year this presentation features fresh new arrangements of traditional carols as well as selections of newer carols and Christmas favorites presented by the choir, orchestra and a quartet of some of the most talented keyboard musicians in the community. A brief Christmas meditation by church pastor Dr. Jon Stubblefield and a retelling of the Christmas story through song and scripture culminate the service. A nursery is provided for ages three and under. The church, located on highway 98 across from Wesley Medical Center and behind Community Bank.

Magnificat The exquisite music of ‘Magnificat’ by John Rutter will be performed by the Westminster Presbyterian Church chancel choir, along with a 15-piece orchestra at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15, in the church sanctuary. Special guest soloist is Jennifer Hart. Free to the public.

Christmas Open Houses... , African American Military Museum... Christmas Open House at the African American Military will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

December 15. This is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy a 1940s-themed Christmas

, Hattiesburg Visitors Center...

Christmas Open House at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. December 14.

Join your friends at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center for this eighth annual event, which will feature an appearance by Fox's Masterchef Whitney Miller, a USM graduate, and 2011 Mississippi Miss Hospitality Ann Claire Reynolds of Petal. The Visitor’s Center is located in front of Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Classic favorites to be shown on the big screen include “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Carol,” and more. Doors open at 1 p.m. and special holiday concessions will be available in the lobby.

Tickets are $2.

The Saenger Theater Box office is open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and at noon prior to all ticketed performances. You may visit the Box Office, call them at (601) 584-4888. Tickets may also be purchased from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. You may visit Lake Terrace or call them at (601) 268-3220 or (800) 638-6877.

Nutcracker Ballet It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without a performance of The Nutcracker ballet.

This year South Miss. Ballet Theatre will stage the two-act ballet Friday, December 16, through Sunday, December 18, at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Mannoni Performing Arts Center. More than 75 dancers from across Southeast Mississippi are cast in this year’s production.

Dmitry Hanibolotskiy will be guest dancer. He trained in Russia and has danced as a soloist and principal dancer through Russia, Europe and the U.S. This year’s production will include all new sets and many new costumes. Tickets are $12 for children, military and groups of 8 or more and $15 for adults.

Ticket information can be found at www.southmsballet.org or by calling 601-466-4554.

At the Saenger... , Holiday Movie Series – 2 p.m.

December 19-22 – Enjoy classic holiday movies in the comfortable surroundings of The Saenger.

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By David GUSTAFSON att Christenot isn’t a big fan of “labels.”

As a songwriter with an amazing talent to write thought-provoking modern worship music, he often gets pigeonholed as a Christian musician.

And although he’s proud of his faith and the music he creates – his true passion is creating community among artists both within – and outside – the walls of church.

A native of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Christenot grew up playing the guitar in church long before “worship music” became an industry unto itself. By 1998, he knew he wanted to pursue a career with music and by the time he enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi to study music, he was already traveling across the country leading worship at youth camps and churches.

“I’ve been blessed with a lot of different opportunities to get my music out there and it has allowed me to spread God’s message in a lot of unique ways,” he said.

In his early days of leading worship at churches, it didn’t take long for him to realize everyone was

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singing the exact same songs.

“That’s when I began writing my own stuff,” he said. “The Passion movement was a big influence and I always felt like that’s what I wanted to do.”

Since those early days, Christenot said he has enjoyed watching the worship movement develop.

In Lawrence, Kan., where he lives today with his wife, Stephanie, and their son, Hudson, Christenot has been focused on building community with other artists and songwriters outside the Christian genre.

“Sometimes it’s just about getting the message out,” he said. “There are a lot of church-related themes that people are singing about outside the boundaries of traditional Christian music. Beauty, truth, redemption, restoration.”

Christenot’s label-defying talent comes in taking deeply spiritual themes and conveying them in a way that appeals to people from any church background – or no church background at all.

In his original song, “You Are Here,” featured on his new 10-song “Awake My Soul” album, he manages to show God’s power and mercy in one fell swoop.

“Before our hands were raised, you sat upon your throne.

Before our voices sang,

you made the earth below.

Before the sun shone forth, your presence hovered still.

Then all the universe, sprang forth to do your will”

The album features several musicians with Hattiesburg ties including fellow Southern Miss grads Chris Carr of The Salty Sea as well as Jim Barnes, who helped Christenot create The Art House, an artist collective and recording studio in the heart of downtown Lawrence.

Although he spends much of his time on the road leading worship at camps and churches throughout the country, Christenot manages to make it back to the Hub City every couple of months to lead worship at area churches including First Hattiesburg, where he worked as a worship associate while a student at Southern Miss.

“Hattiesburg has been good to me,” he said. “I like getting back here as often as I can. Not to mention the fact I’m a pretty big Golden Eagle fan. We’re doing our part to keep the USM spirit alive in the Heartland.”

To download three free tracks from Christenot’s new “Awake My Soul” CD, visit noisetrade.com/mattchristenot Then, if you like what you hear, purchase the entire album via iTunes.

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ome people, with long memories, may remember when the area near Sumrall was known as the sweet potato farm. Most people now know it as the Vesely Nursery.

But for four generations, the Vesely name has been the unifying factor – a name signifying hard work, quality products and a deep appreciation for their customers.

The story of the Veselys dates back to 1913, when Anton Vesely arrived at Ellis Island, N.Y., after leaving his fiancée, Josephine Hop, in their native Czechoslovakia with a promise to send for her. She arrived in 1914, and the following year they headed down with their newborn son, Yaro, to Lamar County, where they were able to purchase a plot of land from the J.J. Newman Lumber Co. Despite a devastating fire that wiped out their home and possessions, and the later arrival of the Great Depression, the Veselys worked and thrived, growing sweet potatoes, cotton, cucumbers and other crops to truck into the Hattiesburg market.

In 1932, their youngest son, Edward, was born, completing the family of the first generation of Veselys and setting up the next.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, Edward Vesely met and married Frances Salters. They built a home on the family land, where they farmed. Eventually, their three daughters, Teresa, Debbie and Donna, joined in the family tradition.

In addition, Edward Vesely also worked at Big Yank.

“He always had a dream of making a living off the land, but with three girls it didn’t seem possible,” Frances

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Vesely said.

In 1976, she started the nursery and Edward joined her full time after leaving Big Yank the following year.

“I got this going and it snowballed,” Frances Vesely said. “Edward had a brother, George, who helped some.

Everybody in this area knew him. He was one of the bigger crop farmers around.”

Debbie worked at the nursery for a few years until she went to nursing school and Teresa has been there

almost from the beginning, Frances Vesely said.

“We had a saying that the family that worked together, played together and stayed together,” she said, adding that the family has continued to grow and prosper.

All three daughters have married and are raising families of their own.

Teresa and her husband, Eddy Gammel, have two sons, Andy and Holt, a senior at Sumrall High School.

“Andy grew up in the nursery and

At top seated, Edward and Frances Vesely with Jiblet; back row, great-grandson Jacob Gammel; grandson, Andy Gammel and daughter, Teresa Gammel.

he still helps when he has time,” Frances Vesely said, noting that he started North Black Creek Trees about four or five years ago. He and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Madison Grace and Jacob, who was born last month.

Debbie is married to Joel Johnson and they have one son, Joseph, a kindergartner at Presbyterian Christian School. Donna is married to Randy Campbell, and they have three children, Garrett and the twins, Hannah and Lannah.

Garrett is a graduate assistant in Polymer Science at the University of Southern Mississippi, while Hannah and Lannah are attending school in Alabama on softball scholarships.

Frances Vesely said the nursery will be recognized as a centennial farm in 2015, and that it is her hope that the land continues to stay in the family.

“We want to pass it on to the family,” she said. “We’re hoping Teresa will be the one to take it. Our grandchildren all cherish this place.”

“We’re seeing third generation customers,” Teresa Gammel said. “When they were little bitty kids, their mothers brought them here, and now they’re bringing their kids.”

Saying that their customers, in many cases, have become almost like family, Gammel said treating customers right is more than just a pledge – it’s a personal motto.

“Our motto here is, ‘Where personal attention makes the difference,’” she said.

The nursery, located at 451 N. Black Creek Road, is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Their annual open house is set for the first Saturday in December.

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The Hattiesburg Debutante Association will introduce 32 young women at its Annual Presentation Program on Dec. 17. The association began in 1952 as the Junior Cotillion of Hattiesburg and is celebrating its 59th season. In addition to the many events planned throughout the year, the 2011 Debutantes added a number of community service projects to their list of activities. The ball will follow the program.

Ann Marie Brahan is the daughter of Dr. John Weakley Brahan and Tammy Moore Brahan. She is the granddaughter of Robert Weakley Brahan and Elizabeth Ann Mohead Brahan, Dr. William Ray Moore and Marie Cain Moore. A sophomore biochemistry major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a member of Honors College, service chair of Lambda Sigma Honors Society, and she took a trip to Zimbabwe with the Wesley Foundation in May 2011. She will be escorted by Michael Boyer Sims, son of Butch Sims and Suzanne Sims.

Christian Brooke Braley is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lehman Braley and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Thomley. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Braley and Mr. and Mrs. Drew Fairchild. A sophomore elementary education major and Spanish minor at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of the Republican Club and the Legacy Student Alumni Association. She is a mentor for underprivileged children in the Lamar County School District.

She will be escorted by Joseph Alexander, son of John Alexander, and Kelly and Allen Neldon Chelsea Elizabeth Butler is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Lamar Butler. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Michael Smith, Jo Nell Smith, the late James Lockard Butler and Mary Alice Butler. A sophomore communication disorders major at Auburn University, she is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Best Buddies and the Auburn University Student Alumni Association. She will

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Amundson and Sean and Kathleen Fitzpatrick. A sophomore biology major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of Honors College, Chi Omega sorority, Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society and on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll. She will be escorted by Brock Therrell Hurston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Wesley Hurston.

be escorted by James Howard McMahon III, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Howard McMahon, Jr. Mary Allison Campbell is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Hand Campbell, Jr. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Willis Walker, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hand Campbell, Sr. A sophomore agronomy major at Mississippi State University, she is a member of Chi Omega sorority, the Shackouls Honors College, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society. She graduated high school with special honors. She will be escorted by Brett Alexander Doleac, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Louis Doleac.

Lauren Virginia Carter is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Sylvester Carter. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dolphus Rae Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dunlap Jackson. A sophomore political science major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, vice president of Kappa Delta alumni relations and a member of the Wesley Foundation and College Republicans. She will be escorted by Colton Girouard Farris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Christopher Farris.

Janice Ann Carpenter is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Fant Carpenter. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Acton Carpenter and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Edward McGehee. A sophomore communication science and disorders major at the University of Mississippi,

she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, Campus Crusades and EDUganda. She will be escorted by Elijah Kade Frierson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Dale Frierson.

Madison Elizabeth Cotten is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Cotten. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Milam Cotten and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Owens. A sophomore elementary education major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and the Student Eagle Club. She will be escorted by John Lloyd Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Martin.

Callie Blake Dollar is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Blake Dollar.

She is the granddaughter of Mrs. L.J. Davis and the late Mr. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Earl Dollar.

A sophomore nursing major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization. She will be escorted by Jack Harlan McMahan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Burnelle McMahan.

Ashli Elizabeth Fitzpatrick is the daughter of Dr. Nancy Perrizo and Dr. John Fitzpatrick. She is the granddaughter of Wayne and Marie

Anne Lauren Gammill is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Gammill IV. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Gammill III and Mr and Mrs. Welton Jetton. A sophomore business major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of Campus Crusades and Delta Delta Delta sorority where she serves as preference party chairman.

She will be escorted by Clayton Russell Harmon, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Harmon.

Helen Rachael Gandy is the daughter of Laura Claire Singley and John Christopher Gandy. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Grimes and the late Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gandy. A sophomore at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, College Republicans. She graduated from Oak Grove High School with special honors. She will be escorted

by Benjamin Chris Hudson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Chris Hudson.

Chloe-Marie Harper Henderson is the daughter of Dr. Charles Hardy Henderson and Caroline Henderson. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Barclay, Sally Henderson and the late Billye Henderson. A sophomore paralegal-studies major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she hopes to attend law school. She is a member of Heritage United Methodist Church, the Golden Key International Honors Society and the Epsilon Delta chapter of Chi Omega sorority. She is also on the Dean’s List and is actively involved on cam-

pus through the paralegal society, political science society and the Legacy Foundation. She will be escorted by Sheldon Roger Lowe, son of Dr. and Mrs. Terry Lowe.

Anna Elizabeth Higginbotham is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cole Younger Higginbotham III. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cole Younger Higginbotham, Jr., Polly Runnels and the late Charles Denver Runnels. A sophomore broadcast journalism major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of the Chi chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority where she serves as philanthropy chairman. She was a Top 10 contestant at the 2011 Miss Mississippi Pageant and is a 2011 Ole Miss Ambassador. She will be escorted by Ericson Ware Enger, son of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Wiggins Enger.

Sarah Blair Jackson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson and Charlotte White Jackson.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Jackson, Sr. and Dr. and Mrs. Hal White. A sophomore journalism major at the University of Mississippi, she writes for the Daily Mississippian.

She is a member of Tau chapter of Chi Omega sorority and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors organization. She will be escorted by Gregory James Alston, Jr., son of Mr. Greg and Mrs. Betsy Alston.

AshLee Alexandra Knopp is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robert Knopp.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michael Harrington. A sophomore double majoring in pre-med and medical technology at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and she is on the President’s List. She will be escorted by John Caleb Grenn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chip Grenn.

Amelia Lee Landers is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Wayne Landers. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William E.

Landers and the late Claude Ellison, Jr. and the late Annie E. Arnold. A sophomore elementary education major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority where she served as community service chairman and junior Panhellenic representative.

She is a Luckyday Scholar and is active in Campus Crusades and the First Baptist Church of Hattiesburg.

She will be escorted by Kenneth Martin McCarty, son of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan McCarty.

Anne Caroline Lovitt is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lovitt. She is the granddaughter of Beatrice Anne Hickson McRae and the late John Carley McRae, David Oscar Lovitt and Claudia Phillips Lovitt. A sophomore at Mississippi State University, she serves as assistant public relations chair for Kappa Delta sorority and vice president of Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society. She is also in the Exercise Science Honor Society and on the cheerleading squad. She will be escorted by Casey Langdon Comfort, son of Sandy Tillman Comfort and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Comfort.

Meredith Gray Lucas is the daughter of Drs. Alan and Melinda Lucas. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Aubrey Keith Lucas and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Randolph Gray. A sophomore biology major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, the Legacy Foundation, Eagle Connection and serves as a Leadership Scholar. She will be escorted by Lee Lampton, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Steven Lampton.

Gwendolyn Leanne May is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Gregory May. She is the granddaughter of the late Jesse Olen May, the late Dorothy McDonald May, Daniel Edwards Stewart and Gwendolyn Compere Stewart. A sophomore double majoring in communications and Spanish

at Mississippi State University, she is a President’s List student, member of Chi Omega sorority, an MSU student recruiter and in the Shackouls Honors College. She will be escorted

by Layton Wendell Luther, son of Mark Wendell and Deborah Dommer T. Luther.

Margaret Elizabeth McArthur is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry McArthur III and Mr. and Mrs. George Phillips.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry McArthur, Jr., Rodney Garrison and Margaret Stewart. A sophomore double majoring in secondary education and mathematics at Mississippi State University, she is also a member of Chi Omega sorority. She will be escorted by Cole Andrew Vickers, who is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Gregory N. Vickers.

Ashley Madison McLeod is the daughter of Charlotte DeSha McLeod and John A. McLeod IV. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Breland, the late Dr. John A McLeod, III and Mary M. McLeod. A sophomore prepharmacy major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of the Alpha Psi chapter of Delta Gamma sorority. She is also a member of Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the early entry pharmacy program. She will be escorted by Michael Reid Griffin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Weaver Griffin Jr. Alexa Kay Moore is the daughter of Gregory Ethan Moore and Pamela Martin Moore. She is the granddaughter of Joyce Embrey Moore, Leck Fraley, Greta Fraley Martin and the late Ethan Earl Moore. A sophomore family-relations major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a staff member of Abby Rogers Civitan Camp and a member of Kappa Delta sorority, where she serves as the pledge class president.

She is also a member of the Student Government Association’s election commissioner committee and on the President’s List. She will be escorted

by Forrest David Roberts III, son of Forrest David Roberts, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. John Byron Duff.

Emily Denise Nettleton is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy James Nettleton.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Farmer, Sr., the late Angela Joy Dupree and Glenn Eugene Nettleton.

A sophomore at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, recipient of the Golden Opportunity scholarship, a student of the College of Health. She is a special honors graduate of Oak Grove High School.

She will be escorted by Jacob Luke Padgett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Padgett, Jr. Lindsay Marie Pace is the daughter of Darlene Boutwell Pace and L.A. Pace, Jr. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Boutwell and L.A. Pace Sr. and the late Mirlee Cameron Pace. A sophomore marketing major at Mississippi State University, she is minoring in fashion merchandising.

She is a President’s List scholar, a member of Kappa Delta sorority and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors organization.

She will be escorted by Alexander Walton Rutland, son of Susan Heidelberg Thomson and the late Gregory Walton Rutland.

Kayla Ashlynn Purvis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Dale Purvis.

She is the granddaughter of Glen and Carolyn Purvis, Mr. and Mrs. Thay Gill, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Schelton. A sophomore communication studies major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority where she serves as collegiate-alumni chairman. She is also a member of Eagle Connection, Dixie Darlings and was chosen as Freshman Maid for Homecoming 2010. She will be escorted by Charles Russell Singleton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steven Singleton.

Maggie Elizabeth Scott is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Randal Scott. She is the granddaughter of Eleanor Doster Bush, and the late Thomas Elijah Bush, Jr., Jane Wactor Scott, and the late Randolph Scott, Jr. A sophomore CONTINUED, Page 12

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kinesiology major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Student Eagle Club and of the Legacy Foundation. She will be escorted by Dylan Graham Sobiesk, son of Dr. & Mrs. John Dolor Sobiesk Shelby Marie Sims is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Lee Sims III and Suzanne Wiltz Williamson. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ray A. Sims, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Delton J. Raybourn. A sophomore political science major at Mississippi State University, she hopes to attend law school. She is a member of Chi Omega sorority, Shackouls Honors College, Student Associations Elections Commission Committee and currently serves on the Student Association Executive Cabinet as the director of Freshman Forum. She will be escorted by Andrew James Harper, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian T. Harper

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Amanda Christine Sowden is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Worth Sowden.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Joe Sowden and Patricia Graham. A sophomore nursing major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Gamma sorority, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and of the Sally McDonnel Barksdale Honors College.

She will be escorted by William Kearney Travis, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Kearney Travis III. Lindsay O’Neal Thomas is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Kimbrough Thomas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rome Augustus Emmons, Jr., Mrs. James Howard Candler Thomas, Jr. and the late Judge Thomas. A sophomore pharmaceutical science major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

She is also in the Honors College and is a member of the early entry

pharmacy program. She will be escorted by Connor Patrick Flanagan, son of Vicki Coralene Flanagan and Dr. James Gerard Flanagan.

Amanda Joy Waddle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benny Waddle.

She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lamar Gillespie and Dr. Ben Waddle. A sophomore elementary education major at the University of Southern Mississippi, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, a Luckyday Scholar, and a Legacy scholar. She will be escorted by Roy Grant Krag, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Krag.

Rachel Katheryn Weldy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Elliot Weldy. She is the granddaughter of the Honorable and Mrs. Jack Burkett Weldy, the late Ray Ellis Davis, Jr. and the late Marquerite Davis. A sophomore communication science and disorder major at the University of Mississippi, she is a member of

Kappa Delta sorority, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and is on the Dean’s List. She will be escorted by John Mark Weldy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Elliot Weldy.

Leah Claire Winstead is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Keith Winstead. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. "Buddy" Winstead, Patricia R. Hamrick and the late Burrell Mack Hamrick. A sophomore kinesiology major at Mississippi State University, she is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, the National Leadership and Honors organization of Sigma Alpha Lambda and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She will be escorted by Hunter Burke Curtis, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Richard Curtis.

By Beth BUNCH There are those who speak disparingly of people who tend to “rush the season” with their holiday decorations. But if driving along Rocky Branch Road outside Sumrall, please don't think badly of the family who lives in the two-story brick house under the large live oaks whose house has been decorated since the second week of November. They have a good reason.

Her name is Judy Russell and she's a decorator. And not just in the sense that she likes to decorate, but it's something she does for a living.

Well, one of the things.

For the past 25 years, Russell has been putting her creative talents to work for herself and others, whether decorating their homes for the holidays or putting together the floral arrangements for a luncheon, a Sweet 16 birthday party, an elegant wedding reception or even memorializing a loved one with a floral tribute.

As a side to her freelance work, she has also worked at the original Blooms on Hardy Street and Ole River Warehouse in Sumrall. In addition to a small open house she hosts each year for people in the community and friends, last year the Russells opened their home for the annual Holiday Tour of Homes which benefits the Mississippi Children’s Shelter.

Her decorating attributes are not something she studied in school, but rather something that found her. After finishing high school, she married and had kids. “I never took any classes,” she said of this hobby turned avocation, which she “did on the side.” “It just came naturally.”

But before Russell can begin to think about the many tasks at hand and the many appointments that begin to dot her day planner around Thanksgiving, she's got to get her own house "in order." In other words, the decorations that will adorn her own home for the 6 children and 10 grandchildren to enjoy must go up first and sometimes that's a little earlier than most are used to.

The number of jobs she takes each year varies depending on what exactly has to be done and how long it will take her to do it. "When my calendar fills up and the phone continues to ring I tell people to call back next year, but earlier," she said.

Decorating jobs usually begin right before Thanksgiving, she said.

"Some people want their Christmas decorations up when their family comes home for Thanksgiving," she said, while others want to get through one holiday before beginning another.

So on Nov. 10, with the first semblance of a chilly day in the air, Russell sits in a comfortable chair and talks about her passion as a fire crackles in the fireplace behind her and Christmas, and a little Thanksgiving, fill the air around her.

The mantel has a thick stole of garland draped across it and is adorned with large glittery balls and stockings hung with care. Three handpainted canvases hang above the mantle and spell out J-O-Y, which is exactly the feeling she gets from decorating. A large spindly cedar reigns majestically on a corner of the kitchen island and a whimsical bear couple stands guard in the window over the kitchen

sink. There are Christmas platters and other small touches of the holiday season sprinkled about here and there. But it's not all matchy and color-coordinated, but rather stuff that Russell has collected throughout the years and makes her happy.

“Everything doesn’t have to coordinate,” she said, “but be things that you love and enjoy.” For instance, in a downstairs bathroom you’ll find an oil-painting of Santa in a thick gold frame hanging on one wall, while on the edge of the tub there’s a large whimsical gingerbread man. And on the back of the toilet you’ll find a polar bear perched, but they all coexist peacefully amongst the holiday decor.

The top of the piano is adorned with framed Christmas photos of children and grandchildren from throughout the years and an elegant topiary decorated with glittery ornaments matches other decorations sprinkled throughout the adjoining foyer, dining room and great room.

The foyer features a four-foot Santa in a rich velvet suit who stands guard at the foot of the staircase, its iron banister, crafted by her husband, draped in thick garland and accented with white lights and large colorful

glittery ornaments. A small settee next to Santa makes the perfect spot for taking Christmas photos. In the dining room off to the right of the foyer, the chandelier is draped in garland and beribboned ornaments hang down over the table which is decorated with Thanksgiving dishes for the time being. Because of the earthtone colors Russell has used to decorate the room, from its rich terra cotta walls and drapery to the rug underfoot, ornaments and other decor in rich gold, burgundy and brown work for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas decor. “It gives it a more formal look,” said Russell, who tends to stay away from the reds. On the sideboard, large matching topiaries on either end carry out the color scheme with glittery sprays, ornaments and ribbon, along with a nativity.

Throughout the house you’ll find much of the same with about 8 decorated trees sprinkled from room to room, each with its own theme. In the master bedroom and bath you’ll find a pencil tree decorated similarly to the rich arrangement on top of the armoire adorned with gilded musical instruments. Upstairs in her husband’s “hunting room,” a tree is decorated with quail, ducks, deer, camo, grapevine garland and pheasant feathers. The tree in her 15-year-old daughter’s room is done in purples and hot pinks with zebra-print ribbon and pink and purple lights. Even the gifts under the tree are wrapped in zebra-striped paper. On another tree, decorated in a son’s honor, you’ll find basketballs and baseballs and USMthemed decor. In addition to the main tree downstairs there’s also a fun tree on the landing at the top of the staircase which features large oldfashioned colored bulbs and a variety of large, colorful ornaments.

While the majority of the greenery she uses for garlands and wreaths is artificial, as is most of what she uses in the homes of her clients, she will take to the woods to get fresh cedar, pine, and other boughs to use in CONTINUED on next page

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CONTINUED from page 15 fresh arrangements. “Fresh greenery will only last about 2 weeks, so I wait until right before Christmas to put any of those type arrangements together for clients,” Russell said.

“For arrangements using fresh flowers, those are done anywhere from a week to a day or two before, and sometimes the day of the event.”

She also says the use of artificial greenery allows for it to be reinvented from year to year so things don’t necessarily look the same.

When planning the holiday decor for her clients, Russell, who considers herself more of a traditionalist, says she visits the house to get a feel for what she will be working with and asks her clients to get out all of their decorations for her to go through. “In most instances they let me do what I think best, although some do like to have some input,” she said.

Russell buys locally at businesses throughout the Pine Belt. “You can buy locally for about the same price you can off a truck,” she said. “And you’re supporting the local economy.

I don’t deal with wholesale dealers, although she does order some fresh greenery from local vendors, which has to be ordered two months in advance,” she said.

She also decorates outdoors, but with not as much as you’ll find indoors. Around the pool she uses a large wrought iron tricycle that holds a plethora of silk poinsettias and uses other fresh greenery on outside tables. Nestled in a corner of the front yard is a nativity scene with large characters and animals tucked in a manger under a large live oak.

The brown-painted fiberglass characters are very life-like.

“It’s the nativity scenes that I love about Christmas. That’s what it’s all about,” Russell said, “but I have to have the Santas and other things for the grandchildren. When they get older they’ll understand.”

And speaking of nativity scenes, Russell is proud to be in possession of a papier mache nativity scene which Betty Green Chain, one of her clients, made about 46 years ago.

Chain, who had not yet married Hattiesburg resident Bobby Chain at the time, was teaching school in Houston, Texas. “A cousin had taken it up and got me involved,” Chain said. The characters are very detailed with stones, cording, lace and other accessories used to give the gold-painted pieces some depth.

The Chains used the nativity for a number of years until Betty became “tired of using it” and stored it in the basement where Russell discovered it when preparing to decorate the

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This papier mache nativity scene was made by Betty Green Chain approximately 46 years ago when she was teaching school in Houston, Texas. A cousin, who had begun the craft, got her involved. Judy Russell now proudly displays it in her home.

Chain house for the holidays, which she has been doing for about 15 years. When none of the Chain children wanted to use it, “that’s how Russell came in possession of it,” Chain said.

The Chain House For 15 years, Russell has been

helping Betty Chain get ready for the holidays. Whether hanging the children’s stockings, crafted by Chain many years ago, to putting fresh white roses and Oriental lilies in Chain’s mother’s beautiful silver epergne on the dining room table, pulling it all together is fun, whether for a holiday party or just for the

family to enjoy.

In the game room/trophy room at the back of the house, rich green walls resembling leather lend themselves to holiday decorating. On the mantle above the fireplace, Russell uses a collection of mixed greens, much like a salad – fresh cedar pine, blue spruce and leyland cypress mixed with pheasant feathers, gold pinecones and birds to compliment the large framed portrait of Bobby Chain and his sons dressed in camouflage.

On a sidebar, boughs of frasier fir are used with pinecones, votives and birds from the Chain’s decor.

For the center of the large dining table, Russell puts together a large fresh arrangement of cedar, boughs of red coffee beans, red roses, white Oriental lilies and curly willow in a wrought-iron urn. A table runner, boughs of frasier fir, red tapers and brass elk figures complete the room’s decor.

In the den, the mantel is decorated in a similar fashion with a cedar arrangement adorned with ornaments and thick garland. Oriental vases on each side hold curly willow, red berries and trailing ivy.

Cream and red felt stockings with the children’s names and decorated with cutouts and baubles personalized for each child by Betty hang down in front of the fireplace.

A large frasier fir topped with a big red ribbon graces the room. “Mrs. Chain always orders the same type tree,” Russell said. The tree is decorated with colored lights and keepsake ornaments given to and collected by the Chain children through the years.

On the top of a large antique breakfront, Russell decorates using a bank of live poinsettias nestled in amongst magnolia boughs.

On tabletops throughout the room you’ll find other touches of the holiday season from Christmas cards and books to candles and small tins filled with fresh cedar.

In the adjoining breakfast room, Russell chooses some of the Chain’s larger Christmas ornaments to hang on gold ribbon from the large brass chandelier which she drapes with garland and fresh cedar.

The tabletop and sideboard feature arrangements or garland using fresh greenery and fruits, such as apples, pears and oranges, berries and variegated holly which gives the house a smell of fresh fruit and cedar, “all very Christmasy.”

Poinsettias, nativity scenes, a pair of ceramic carolers, Santas, angels and other sentiments of the season that the Chain family has collected through the years are placed around in different rooms.

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CONTINUED from page 16 In the more formal parts of the Chain home – the living and dining rooms, Russell uses gold cording and antique pieces which are dear to the Chain family. Gold cherubs in varying sizes, which have been in the family for years, seem to tumble across the living room mantel amid a sea of garland. Antique candelabras on each end hold white votives. Adding touches around the rooms are gold and crystal filigree angels and reindeer.

A large fresh arrangement of cedar and cypress mixed with gold cording, white roses and Oriental lilies with cranberry throats sits on an antique demilune table at the bottom of the staircase. Russell added ornaments to the arrangement as well as to the table beneath which mimic the colors of the lily and look as if they were created especially for that particular arrangement.

Gold ribbon bows, garland swags, gold bells and heavier cording complete the look on the staircase railing behind.

A highlight of the decor, though simple in design, is an antique Roseville iris floor vase which

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belonged to Chain’s mother. Russell artfully arranges the keepsake with a cluster or Oriental lilies, which usually sits on the baby grand piano or a coffee table, said Russell.

A tall pencil tree is adorned with white lights, cherubic angels, beaded ornaments and gold ribbon.

On the center of the dining room table beneath an amazing crystal chandelier, Russell has created a large arrangement of fresh greenery, white roses and Oriental lilies in an antique silver epergne, which belonged to Chain’s mother. It sits on

octagonal mirrored runners and is accented with votives.

On the exterior of the home, garland and wreaths accent the home’s front door, the french doors across the front of the house and the wrought iron lanterns. The theme is repeated at the side entry.

But no matter whose home she is decorating, be it hers or one for a client, Russell makes sure there is an understated elegance. “Too much is not always a good thing,” she said. “I just love getting into the Christmas boxes that have been packed away, getting stuff out and using whatever strikes me. It’s like Christmas all over again.”

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By Dana GOWER Starting in the late 1960s, Christmas in Hattiesburg always included one mandatory stop for the city’s children – Chain Electric’s winter wonderland window display.

Ranging from figurines and fullsized carolers to animated Santas, the display was the basis for generations of Christmas memories.

“We started it in 1968 when I realized nobody was doing anything for children to see,” Bobby Chain said of how the annual tradition got started.

“We bought two or three the first year, and it was so popular.”

Chain said the figures were purchased at Christmas markets around the country, including Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas, and that the display continued to grow each year.

The animated figures cost about $2,000 each, he said, and by the time the display reached its full size, it was probably worth more than $100,000, Chain said. A manger scene, purchased in Italy, cost $30,000 alone.

“We had people coming from 50 miles around” to see the window display, Chain said. “At night, you might see 300 people there.”

Costumes for the figures were centered on a theme that changed each year and were handmade by Stevens E. Moore Jr. “He always went to market with us,”

Chain said.

“We grew up together in the same neighborhood,” Moore said of Chain. “When he got started with that, he called me.”

Moore said many of the costumes changed each year, with the exception of those for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

“Some came with costumes and some didn’t,” Moore said, but each was customized to fit the overall theme.

Chain said the store was uniquely suited for the display, with 150 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows.

“It had nothing to do with our business. I was doing it for the children,” he said. “It was really wonderful. It was a huge deal.”

"Before Chain closed, this was an annual tradition for me and my siblings,” Lennzee Lawrence, a member of the Hattiesburg Jaycees, said. ”We would walk slowly from one end of the store to the other and make the little window show last as long as possible.

I would always hope the electronic Santa would add my name to his ‘nice’ list, but I guess with a name spelled like mine, my dreams were never meant to come true.”

Chain said the Santa and his list

was one of the most popular parts of the display. What Lawrence didn’t know is that parents would call and ask for their children’s names to be added to the list of good children, and that the names were added each night.

“We also had a mailbox there for children to put their letters in, and there’d be a bunch of letters every day,” he said.

The displays ended about 10 years ago when the store was closed, Chain said.

“When we decided to close the store, I just didn’t have time to do it anymore,” he said. “I wish we could do it again, but it’s all been given away.”

And, sadly, most of the figures are probably gone forever.

“It seems that all of them, with the exception of the manger scene, were stored in the old high school when it burned,” Patty Hall, executive director of the Hattiesburg Arts Council, said.

Although the manger itself was destroyed, the nativity figures have survived. They will be on display in the Arts Council Gallery on the second

floor of the Cultural Center, the former Hattiesburg library on Main Street, during Gallery Walk on Dec. 10 and will remain out for the remainder of the Christmas season. The Arts Council Gallery is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

And although the display won’t actually be a part of the Hattiesburg Jaycees’ annual Christmas parade this year, they will be there in spirit.

“This year’s Christmas parade theme is ‘Christmas Memories,’” Lisa Foster, president of the Hattiesburg Jaycees, said. “As a group of 18-40 year olds, it's no surprise that the Chain Electric display is the one that holds the most memories for all of us that grew up in the Hattiesburg area.

As far back as I can remember, the display was always a big part of Christmas for my family and friends.

Christmas was never complete without a visit to the Chain storefront.

Now that it's gone, we have to come up with other ways to make memories for our children. Hopefully, the Christmas parade will be one of them and a way for past Christmas memories to live on.”

This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 3 p.m.

Above, nativity scene characters, which were once a part of the Chain Holiday window display, are just a few of the pieces that remain.

Inset, carolers in need of renovation are stored at the Hattiesburg Library.

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A

Second Annual

Winter Wonderland December 9th and 10th Saenger Theatre Historic Downtown Hattiesburg

“Our first Winter Wonderland event in December 2010 was a great success, beginning what we hope will be a holiday tradition for families across the Pine Belt and beyond.”

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

magical holiday event that is becoming a tradition for Pine Belt families is returning to the Pine Belt this Christmas season.

The second annual Winter Wonderland will be held Dec. 9 and 10 in Downtown Hattiesburg. Hosted

by Forrest General and the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, this event will celebrate Forrest General’s family-centered care with family-centered fun!

Winter Wonderland will feature exciting ways for both the young and young-at-heart to start their holiday season off with laughter and wonderful memories.

Inspire the imagination and usher in the holiday spirit during the Christmas Village activities, where young ones will take home their own magical reindeer food and ornaments, sample delicious treats in Mrs. Claus’ Sweet Shoppe and be entertained by the sights and sounds of Victorian carolers and other costumed characters. Children can get a head start on their wish lists by writing letters to Santa and paying a visit to the big man himself! Photos taken with Santa will be available through C Studio.

Adults and children alike will be treated to the beautiful sounds of the season during the Winter Wonderland Concert hosted by Randy Swan. The concert will offer an incredible cast of local and regional talent, featuring the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra and renowned guitarist and vocalist Vasti Jackson and the Jackson family, along with the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, Maryann Kyle, Heather Clancy, Lori Birrer, Rebekah Stark, Brett Barnes, Valerie Remich, La Studio Academy of Dance, On Your Toes Dance Studio, South Mississippi Ballet, PCS Blue Blaze dancers and more – including a visit from Forrest General’s ambassadors, Forrest the Deer and his friend Emerald, the Sweeteas and Santa himself!

Together, the Winter Wonderland Concert will feature more than 150 talented performers!

“Our first Winter Wonderland event in December 2010 was a great success, beginning what we hope will be a holiday tradition for families across

the Pine Belt and beyond,” said Millie Swan, Forrest General Chief Marketing and Medical Staff Services Officer. “We are so excited to offer an event of this kind in our area that celebrates Forrest General’s family-centered care and offers an opportunity to make lasting holiday memories with loved ones. Caring for families throughout every stage of life is a very important part of Forrest General’s service to our community, and this event is designed to celebrate the families and children of our region and offer a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season in style.

Winter Wonderland is sure to become an event that families look forward to each year.”

This year’s event will include two performances to allow more families to experience the wonder and beauty of Winter Wonderland. On Friday, Dec. 9, Christmas Village activities will take place at Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Downtown Hattiesburg from 5:30 – 7 p.m. with the Winter Wonderland concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre. On Saturday, Dec. 10, Christmas Village activities are from noon – 1:30 p.m. followed by the Winter Wonderland concert at 2 p.m. and an additional opportunity to experience the Christmas Village from 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Families are encouraged to spend their weekend in Downtown Hattiesburg kicking off the holiday season by attending Winter Wonderland as well as participating in the Holiday Art Walk, 35th Annual Victorian Candlelit Christmas and the exciting hands-on preview of the new Children’s Museum of South Mississippi.

Tickets for Winter Wonderland can be purchased through the Saenger Theatre by calling 601-584-4888, visiting HattiesburgSaenger.com or at the Saenger Theatre box office from 12 – 5 p.m. Monday- Friday. Tickets are also available at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Ticket prices are: Adults - $19/$22; 18 and Under $11/$13 (Credit/Debit).

All tickets include admission to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Village and Concert. For additional information on Winter Wonderland or other Forrest General events and services, visit forrestgeneral.com.

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y now, the holiday decorations have been pulled from the basement, attic, garage or storage shed and more than likely unpacked, if not by you, then overzealous children. Some families have already strung lights on many a house eave and shrub across the front yard. The other not-yet-properlypositioned holiday decorations are stacked in piles around the house, but you’ve managed to clear a path to get from room to room. In your spare time, the wreaths and

garland are being fluffed and bows straightened.

The Christmas presents, which you’ve managed to purchase, are hidden in so many nooks and crannies around the house you may never locate them all and behind a closed door the guest room bed is laden with wrapping paper, ribbons and bows in every color and style under the sun.

The kitchen cupboards are brimming with an assortment of ingredients ready for cookie, candy and bread making and the overburdened recipe card holder is laying on its side from the plethora of ideas you’ve laden it down with – appetizers for your club party, a new casserole recipe for the family gathering, a

fun cupcake idea the kids really want you to try and the other treats that will be baked with love and given as gifts or happies for friends, the delivery man, hairdresser and others. Your calendar pages have finally been turned over to December, following a busy latter part of November with Thanksgiving and family in from across the state.

It seems that during the month ahead every weekend already has a

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myriad of events penciled in – from Christmas cantata rehearsals at church to holiday programs at three different schools, not to mention the social activities, the office Christmas party and those extra family gatherings. And then there are those annual community holiday activities that you’d like for the family to take part in from now until then.

Breathing is an option if you don’t spend a lot of time on it. So, take a deep breath, one of just a few you may remember, get a grip, and hang on tight. The holiday season is upon us.

Holiday Open Houses I Hattiesburg Visitors Center Christmas Open House at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 14. Join your friends at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center for this eighth annual event, which will feature an appearance by Fox's Masterchef Whitney Miller, a USM graduate, and 2011Mississippi Miss Hospitality Ann Claire Reynolds of Petal. The Visitor’s Center is located in front of Lake Terrace Convention Center.

I African American Military Museum Christmas Open House at the African American Military will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 15.

This is free and open to the public.

Guests will enjoy a 1940s-themed Christmas celebration complete with caroling, refreshments, and guided tours by Hattiesburg area veterans. The museum, which was opened in 1942 as a USO Club served as a home-away-fromhome for African American soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby, is located at 305 East 6th Street. Listed

on the National Registry of Historic Places and a Mississippi Landmark, it is the only remaining USO constructed especially for African American soldiers still in public use in the United States.

Special activities I Sounds of the Season The traditional music of the holiday season will not be overlooked as a troupe from William Carey University presents “Sounds of The Season. This unique program brings performers to a downtown restaurant each Tuesday and Thursday in December during the noon hour, entertaining diners with traditional holiday sounds.

Participating restaurants include The Bottling Co., The Pastry Garden, Walnut Circle Grill, brownstone’s, Depot Coffee Shop/Bistro, 206 Front, Bianchi’s Pizza, and Hub City Diner. For more information, call 601-583-4329 or visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com I Official Christmas Tree Lighting Major Johnny DuPree and wife, Johniece, will officially light the city’s Christmas tree during a special ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Town Square Park. The prelighting events will include choirs performing on-stage, pictures with Santa at the gazebo, hot chocolate and sweet treats. Downtown shops will be open late for this event.

I Christmas Parades The Hattiesburg Jaycees Christmas Parade will roll through the streets of Downtown Hattiesburg beginning at 3 p.m.

Dec. 3. One of Hattiesburg’s oldest Christmas events is the parade.

This year’s theme is “Christmas Memories.” The parade will feature floats, bands, antique cars and other units, which will assemble near the Library and move from Green Street to Hardy, to Front St., CONTINUED on page 26

The Hattiesburg Arts Council will present Emerging Artists at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, while the South MS Art Assoc. will host its Annual Art Show at The Walnut Room, 150 Walnut Street.

The Children’s Museum of Southern Mississippi will also be introduced. This preview includes an instrument petting zoo presented by the Hattiesburg Concert Assoc, an opportunity to explore the heart, an exhibit designed by Dr. Tom Messer.

CONTINUED from page 24 down Main St. to McLeod and end back at the Library.

For more parade information, call 601-336-0527 or email hattiesburgjaycees@gmail.com

In other parts of the Pine Belt, cute kids, loud bands, colorful floats, cool antique cars and more are part of the annual yuletide parades. And many communities make a day of it with other holidayrelated events taking place before or after the parade. So, get involved and make a day of it with the kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Area parades are scheduled for: Purvis – December 2, 7 p.m Petal – December 3, 5 p.m.

Sumrall – December 3, 2 p.m.

Hattiesburg – December 3, 3 p.m.

Baxterville – December 9 I USM 5th Annual Lighting the Way The 5th Annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays is set for Sunday, Dec. 4 on the University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus. Pine Belt area residents are invited to help ring in the holiday season. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. in front of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. Sponsored by the Student Government Association, the event is free and open to the general public.

Entertainment will be provided by a variety of ensembles, including the School of Music’s a capella groups Spirit of Southern and Southern Belltones. Hot chocolate will be served and the Southern Miss mascot Seymour will be on hand dressed in Santa attire. The evening will culminate with the lighting of the giant Christmas tree on the front lawn.

I Holiday Tour of Homes The 5th Annual Christmas Parade of Homes, which benefits the South Mississippi Children’s Shelter, is set for 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3. The tour, which features five homes this year, is sponsored by Crye-Leike Signature One Realty. This year’s 5th Annual Christmas Parade of Homes, which benefits the South Mississippi Children’s Shelter, is set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The tour, which features five homes this year, is sponsored by Crye-Leike Signature One Realty.

I Roots Reunion South Mississippi musicians will showcase their talents during the 13th season of the Roots Reunion

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live radio show from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 3 at Hattiesburg’s historic Saenger Theater.

Organized by the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, the School of Music and Entertainment Industry Program, the show features blues, bluegrass, folk and classic country performers.

The show is free and open to the public. Listeners can tune-in to W-USM 88.5 FM to hear the show broadcast live throughout Hattiesburg and worldwide at http://www.usm.edu/wusm.

I Author Extravaganza Main Street Books will host the 8th Annual Author Extravaganza from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 5. Authors from across the state will be on hand to sign their works. The store is located at 210 Main Street.

I Big Bay Holiday Tour For the first time, homeowners at Big Bay Lake in western Lamar County will host a Christmas Tour of Homes. This year’s tour, which will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. Dec. 10, will feature four homes offering a variety of decorating styles and ideas. Proceeds from the tour will benefit Lighthouse Ministries, a Family Outreach Ministry located in Hattiesburg. Homes on this year’s

tour include that of Terry and Cindy Bracey at 46 Big Bay Blvd, Scott and Sarah Findley, 9 Indian Bowl Point, Bruce and Jane Dixon, 28 Bent Pebble Point and Barry and Emma Henderson,10 Red Pebble Point.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Big Bay Lake office, Lovie's on Hwy 98, or at each home on tour day. For more information, call 601-606-5677 I Holiday Art Walk Tradition will abound downtown with the 2011 version of Holiday Art Walk, set for 4-9 p.m. Dec. 10 throughout Downtown Hattiesburg.

The five-hour event will feature special events, artists and refreshments in all businesses. The streets will be filled with bands, carolers along Front, Walnut, Buschman and Main Streets, artists on the streets, including wood workers, potters, jewelry and handmade crafts, holiday characters and eager shoppers.

Downtown restaurants will feature artists and musicians.

This year’s Artwalk will include a USM Sculpture Guild Exhibition and Reception featuring the works of Southern Miss students and faculty. The event, organized by Kyle Goddard, can be viewed at the Train Depot.

I Victorian Candlelighting As the afternoon turns into night, the Historic Hattiesburg Neighborhood Assoc. in Downtown Hattiesburg will come aglow with the Victorian Candlelighting Dec. 10-11. Candles light the streets, walks and driveways of the Historic Neighborhood, which is decorated for the season. There will be carriage rides, roaming carolers, open house tours and refreshments served at The Walthall Room.

There will be free Hattiesburg Trolley shuttles between The Walthall and Art Walk. The hub for all activity and tickets for carriage rides and Home Tours will be The Walthall Room located at The Walthall Condominiums (600 Rebecca Ave).

For more information visit http://www.hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com or email info@hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com.

I The Nutcracker Ballet It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without a performance of The Nutcracker ballet. This year South Miss. Ballet Theatre will stage the two-act ballet Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18, at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Mannoni Performing Arts Center. More than 75 dancers from across Southeast Mississippi are cast in this year’s production.

Dmitry Hanibolotskiy will be guest dancer. This year’s production will include all new sets and many new costumes. Tickets are $12 for children, military and groups of 8 or more and $15 for adults.

Ticket information can be found at www.southmsballet.org or by calling 601-466-4554 I Holiday Movie Series Christmas at the Saenger will be wrapped in Black and White again this holiday season. The historic theater will once again host its annual Holiday Movie Series at 2 p.m. each day Dec. 19-22. Moviegoers are invited to enjoy such holiday classics as "Miracle on 34th Street," "A Christmas Story," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Special holiday concessions will be available. Tickets are $2.

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By Ashleigh JOHNSON A passion for the arts – singing, writing, painting, sewing, storytelling and fashion design – is what helped Hattiesburg native Cadie Calhoun launch Cadie Designs in May 2010 as a hobby. Calhoun, who now lives in Nashville, has a flair for every one of these artistic endeavors. “Of

course, having good genes always helps and I credit this wonderful inheritance to my strong and creative grandmother Carolyn Stephens,” she said.

Calhoun, who recently returned to the Pine Belt where she and her band performed as the opener for headliner Colt Ford during Petal’s first Fall Festival, never thought she would see so

much interest in her unique one-of-a-kind gifts, but is loving the success that she has gotten. And with Christmas right around the corner, she has expanded her gifts to include more ornaments and other specialty items for the holidays.

Cadie Designs (www.CadieDesigns.com) is entirely custom-made items crafted by Calhoun herself. On the website, you’ll find pottery, ornaments, paintings, custom items such as bridal platters and even clothing.

“I would like to expand more

on my custom elf ornaments that I make. By sending me a photo of your loved one, I can turn them into one of my Christmas Elves! They are truly spectacular,” said Calhoun of her holiday collection.

Calhoun hopes to one day get her products out across the world, so they will be more accessible to more people. She is still in the early stages of developing her work and plans on staying online for the time being. Calhoun says she has had more online shoppers than ever lately and is doing quite well. “Not only is it more cost effective, but it’s easy to manage,” said Calhoun of her business.

For each ornament, which is made of ceramic glass and measures

about three inches in diameter, Calhoun sometimes spends up to 15 hours perfecting each. Calhoun has been making the “quirky” ornaments with names like Jingle Bells, Elf Spit, Believe, Santa’s Belt, Noel’s Shovel, Happy Lights, Reindeer Tangle, Imagine, Stockit, Joy, Joy, Joy, Deck the Halls and Bouncy Balls, for four years now at the suggestion of her mother. She says they can be used not only as Christmas ornaments but as general year-round décor.

Ornaments sell for $120 and up.

In addition to the ornaments, Calhoun claims that she has perfect-

the goal of erasing all the white left on the canvas. “I had no idea the direction I was going when I started this. I just knew that by the time I finished, I was hooked!”

Since then, Cadie has continued painting on canvas, but has expanded her talents to pottery as well.

“When it comes to pottery, it’s all tiny details on top of perfectly subtle shading. All I really need is a comfy place to sit and a good bit of lighting and I’m good to go for hours!”

Calhoun loves getting involved and spending time on her art perfecting it with “messy strokes and

ed a Christmas gift for business owners. “I’ve discovered a creative and unique way to incorporate a logo with its city theme in the background. I painted a large Nashville platter this past month that inspired the whole idea,” said Calhoun of her newest idea. “I’ve already painted a few ornaments for some local businesses and they turned out beautifully. I can’t wait to start playing with some more ideas from cities and towns.”

Calhoun has been painting and drawing since she was a child but did not really become involved in it until she moved to Nashville at 17.

While there she painted her first canvas with acrylic paint, with only

crooked lines.” She says she can’t decide which art form she prefers, but loves having the ability to switch easily between the two, on a day-today basis.

The bridal platters, which she has recently begun crafting, make great wedding gifts or as keepsakes, said Calhoun, who custom paints the bride’s wedding dress or the theme as the background. “The platters are a unique keepsake from the wedding that the bride can keep forever,” Calhoun said.

“I’m very excited with the attention Cadie Designs is getting. To see this dream turn into a reality has truly been rewarding. I’m looking forward to seeing what is to come!” she said.

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By Beth BUNCH He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! oh....

You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout I'm telling you why...Santa Claus is coming to town.

And for some good little boys and girls, it will be sooner rather than later that jolly old St. Nick will pay a visit to the homes of Pine Belt children sometime during the first week of December. And he won't be coming down the chimney, but rather ringing the doorbell and coming right through the front door, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the 65 active members of the Tall Pines Garden Club.

For the past 14 years, club members have raised money for various Pine Belt charities through their “Santa” fundraiser, which has

become a holiday tradition in many Hattiesburg households, including that of club president Casey Gallaspy. This is the social organization’s only fundraiser.

“This has become a tradition in our home,” said Gallaspy, who is participating in her sixth Santa fundraiser.

“It gives us an excuse to slow down during the very CRAZY month of December, have family over to eat and watch my son, 6, and daughter, 4, get a surprise visit from Santa,” she said. “It also reminds me to start the month remembering what the season is all about – giving. I love that this is a very simple, yet fun way, to raise money for some really great charities in our hometown.”

Those purchasing tickets for a special Santa visit, sold by club members, fill out detailed information about their children including names, interests, as well as encouraging words to motivate them to study

hard, keep their grades up, be nice to their siblings, do their chores or whatever else needs to be said. “One year we had Santa mention to our daughter that she needed to give up her passy (pacifier),” remembers Gallaspy.

When Santa visits, he rings the doorbell and waits for the child or children to answer the door at which time he comes in to visit them, calling them by name and talking about things they are familiar with. Each Santa has done his homework prior to his special visit. According to Gallaspy, each visit lasts about five to ten minutes and parents can leave a gift outside for Santa to carry into the children...usually a little happy to remind them what's to come later in the month.

Gallaspy said this time provides a wonderful opportunity to take photos and “beats standing in line at the mall.”

Santa usually leaves the children a small toy, Christmas pajamas or a candy cane, but “certainly a lot of special memories.”

But this isn't something that just magically takes place in Santa's workshop, but takes some intricate planning and maneuvering by his elves. And that's where club members come in.

Once tickets are purchased, parents fill out information, and specify a date and time during a designated week that is most convenient for the family. “We do our best to meet everyone's needs as best we can,” said Gallaspy.

Every bit of this fundraiser is on a volunteer basis and all Santas are provided by members and can be anyone from their husband to a grandparent, friend, youth minister or brother. “Really anyone they trust,” said Gallaspy, whose husband, Luke, CONTINUED on next page

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CONTINUED from page 33 was a secret Santa for four years.

On the night of their “sleigh run” each Santa has a designated reindeer (usually the person who talked, coerced or twisted their arm into transforming into this magical rosycheeked, pillow-stuffed character), who gets him to his designated visits, usually anywhere from five to nine houses per night.

During the club's November meeting, garden club members on Santa's routing committee decide which Santa will visit which houses each night. Once assignments have been ironed out, Michelle Hession and Marsey Lacher, co-chairs, begin making special calls to families to let them know when to expect their special guest. “This gives the family plenty of time to make arrangements and have their camera batteries charged,” said Gallaspy.

Because everything is done on a volunteer basis, 100 percent of profits go to local charities, which in the past have included the Heritage United Methodist Church Backpack Ministry, Aldersgate Mission, Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp and DAFS. “We usually raise about $5,000 each year,” she said.

Gallaspy also gives kudos to Steve Buckley of Buckos Cleaners

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Miles and Foster Harris of Hattiesburg have been the lucky recipients of a special visit by Santa prior to Christmas, thanks to the “Santa” fundraiser sponsored by the Tall Pines Garden Club.

who “is cleaning our Santa suits for free this year” and Golden Eagle Storage, who is providing a location

for “our Santas to get ready for their big night.”

Because this has become a tradi-

tion for so many, Gallaspy said tickets usually sell themselves. “We are limited on the number of tickets we sell (3 per club member) because we just don't have enough manpower to accommodate for more tickets,” she said. This year's dates run Dec. 6-10 and tickets have been sold out since November. “When tickets become available, they just fly,” Gallaspy said. “People love this and it has become a family tradition for so many.”

Those interested in purchasing tickets for next year’s event should contact a garden club member well in advance. If that club member doesn't have any more tickets, Gallaspy said the member may be able to steer interested persons to someone who does.

The club meets every month on the third Thursday in a member’s home and they have a guest speaker each month. Members include women from across the Pine Belt.

“Not being a Hattiesburg native, the club has allowed me to get to know so many,” said Gallaspy. “And it’s a great break from “mommy” world and lets us have some adult time to visit with people, enjoy beautiful homes, eat great food and hear some wonderful speakers, with topics ranging from recipes to decorating and health.”

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By Beth BUNCH

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n the weekend prior to Christmas and 119 years to the day of its premiere at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, South Mississippi Ballet Theater in Hattiesburg will present the much-loved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, and 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the University of Southern Mississippi campus and will feature guest artist Dmitry Kanibolotskiy.

This year a Sugarplum Fairy Tea has been added to the weekend’s performances and will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, in USM’s Thad Cochran Center Grand Ballroom. Making guest appearances in full costume will be the Sugarplum Fairy, Snow Queen, DewDrop and Clara. During the tea, DewDrop will

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read “The Nutcracker” to those in attendance, which includes lunch and the afternoon performance. The characters will also be available for photographs and have ballet cards which they can autograph for guests. Silent auction items will also be available, as well as boutique items.

And so another holiday season rolls around and with it the holiday ballet favorite, The Nutcracker. But if you saw it last year or the year before and see no need in purchasing tickets for this year’s performance, think again.

This year’s Nutcracker production is like none you’ve ever seen before.

No, really, it’s not. Just ask Katya and Akadily Orochovsky, owners of South Mississippi Ballet Theater and accomplished ballet stars in their own right, who have choreographed the entire two-hour show (about 1:40 with a 15-minute intermission).

“We never do the same Nutcracker twice,” Katya said. “It’s always different. You never know

what you’re going to see. One year we may not have a Sugar Plum Fairy or we have a Big Clara and a Little Clara. This year’s performance is totally different from last year. This year we added lambs and butterflies.”

But from year-to-year that’s what makes it fun and keeps it fresh.

“There is no standard version anymore,” Katya said. “The original Nutcracker has been lost to history.

We work with the talent we have and make the choreography work for who is here. But that’s O.K. We utilize the talents of each individually. If the dancers aren’t as mature, then we simplify things and don’t do choreography above their heads. But you’ll still see a quality performance.”

Open auditions for this year’s performance were held in August and rehearsals started in mid-September for those who tried out for this year’s performance. “Auditions were open to all schools for children ages 5 and up,” said Arkadiy. “Lots of schools sent children and no one went away

disappointed. Everyone who auditioned was cast in a role.”

“It didn’t matter if they had experience or not,” said Katya. “We teach them everything they need to know.”

The couple describes this year’s performance as a very “child friendly performance, but you can still expect it to be high quality.”

Practices are held 7 days a week to accommodate the many schedules of the 75 participants, who come from as far away as Picayune, McComb, Collins, Columbia, Petal and Richton, and includes only six boys. On Saturdays, rehearsals usually run from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., with different groups rehearsing at different times. “The biggest rehearsals are on the weekends because a lot can’t practice during the week,” Arkadiy said.

“We live at the studio,” said his wife.

Among this year’s dancers is the couple’s four-year-old son, Alexei, who has several roles. He will play a

marionette in one scene, and will fill in on a couple of other roles where children dropped out. “He knew their parts, so he’s stepping in,” his proud mother said of Alexei, who has grown up in the studio and picks things up quickly. “We didn’t want him to dance until much later,” said Kayta. “But that kind of backfired on us. He’s ecstatic about performing.”

His love for the art was obvious as the quiet and content child, sitting in the corner playing a hand-held game, seemed to come alive with a tilt to his head as his mother launched a Nutcracker video preview on her laptop. He could instantly tell you the name of the music playing in the background.

“The next child we have we’re going to force to take lessons so hopefully he or she won’t like it,” Katya said.

Alexei’s dancing skills have even been highlighted, by accident and anonymously, in a YouTube video.

Because Akadily’s father still lives in the Ukraine, the easiest way for him to see his grandson is through videos the couple makes and sends to him. One particular video of Alexei dancing was put on YouTube and has about 45,000 hits. “It went viral in the ballet world with most of the viewings coming from Russia, Brazil and China. We don’t know how they found it or who put it up,” said Katya.

“All I know is people kept sending me a link to the video telling me I needed to see it. They had no idea he was my son.” Katya explained that the dance was actually nothing that Alexei, who was 3 1/2 at the time the piece was filmed, had been taught, but something he had actually picked up as she taught it to some of her older students.

In addition to their own studio, the couple is also teaching at other studios around the Pine Belt, including DanceSouth and On Your Toes in Petal.

“We want to bridge the gap between different dance schools in the area,” said Katya. “We want performances such as The Nutcracker to be open and accessible for everybody and not just limited to our students. We want everyone to feel welcomed. And we want directors to not be afraid to send their students to audition.

The couple wants this to be a “community theater where anyone is welcome to audition for any of our performances.”

Katya describes this year’s cast as “very young and inexperienced with a lot of fresh faces.” “A lot of our older dancers graduated last year and have moved on,” said Akadily.

But the young dancers bode well for the future.

In addition to annual performances such as The Nutcracker, the couple

is also working with USM Symphony Director Jay Dean for another ballet performance during the annual FestivalSouth held each summer.

“This year’s production will be the Spanish ballet Don Quixote, which is hilarious and totally opposite of last year’s Giselle,” said Katya. Several dancers will also be performing in this year’s Winter Wonderland Dec. 9-10 in Downtown Hattiesburg.

“Performances such as these give area dancers more opportunities to perform,” she said.

During the first week of November pretty much all of the choreography was complete for this year’s production. “That gives us about six weeks to clean and polish,” said a relieved Katya. “This time last year we had just started on everything because we had just completed a big performance of Dracula.”

“We have a lot of younger dancers (6 to 8 years old) who are extremely talented,” said Katya. “In our “A” class, named because virtually everyone in it has a name that begins with the letter ‘A’, every one of them is extremely talented. To have one or two in a class is rare, but for a whole class it’s phenomenal.”

And because there are so few boys who want to dance, the couple says there are scholarships available for any boy interested.

USM Dance Department students and others away at college also like to join in and dance in the holiday

classic while they are home on Christmas break, but that will be difficult because of this year’s schedule.

“Many won’t get home until the week of the performance,” said Katya Also new for this year will be the backdrops.

“They are beautiful sets,” said Katya and the same ones that will be used by Colorado Ballet in Denver where Akadily will be a guest performer.

“The director is a good friend of ours so Akadily will be bringing them back with him,” Katya said. New props include a sleigh and Mother Ginger.

There will also be new costumes for the party scenes, as well as new Arabian, Chinese, Mirliton, lamb and butterfly costumes Katya said some of the costumes the ballet had been using for 25 years, and were using when she performed at the age of 10.

“While still in good condition, it was time for a facelift,” she said of the new costumes which add a huge amount of color and are exciting for the performers. “New elements keep the production fresh and not boring.

These will be like a lot of eye candy,” she said. The production will also showcase more period costumes which will show the Victorian era.

While some of the new costumes are being purchased and added to, a sewing committee puts together as much as it can.

Dmitry Kanibolotskiy will once

again perform with the ballet as a guest artist. Kanibolotskiy most recently was seen in their production of Dracula last fall. He will play the part of an Arabian as well as Drosselmeyer.

Kanibolotskiy studied at the Perm (Russia) Choreographic School and performed in Skytyvkar and Moscow.

He was selected by Yuri Grigorovic, artistic director and chief choreographer of the Bolshoi Ballet, to dance with the Grigorovich Ballet. Having danced contemporary, folk and classical ballets, he has performed on stages in France, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Turkey and Italy. Currently freelance dancing in the United States, he has most recently danced with the Columbia City Ballet in Columbia, S.C. A guest artist in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy is still possible, said Katya, but will depend on the budget.

“We’re really pleased with this year’s cast, which is a lot of fun and very dedicated,” said Katya. “While the majority of our dancers are under the age of 15, there are a lot of great ones...a lot of new blood, which is great for the future. Ballet is not for everybody. It requires a lot of work, but a long time to see the rewards.”

This year’s cast includes Haley Boyles as the Sugarplum Fairy, Caroline Leigh as the Snow Queen, Beri Brown as Dewdrop and Victoria Strickland and Sydney Jolly as Clara. The Nutcracker Prince will be played by Clay Murray, Cavalier by Arkadiy Orohovsky, Mouse King/Russian by Torrey Isaac, Drosselmeyer/ Arabian by Dmitry Kanibolotskiy and the Arabian Princess by Laura Catherine Dawson.

Other cast members include: Emily Alexis, Skylar Baldwin, Scott Barron, Connor Batson, Kitty Grace Berry, Madison Bourne, Hope Boyles, Peyton Cocroft, Angelina Courcelle, Bernadette Courcelle, Jennifer Courcelle, Maryann Craft, Kinley Cucullu, Monica DeRosette, Abigail Dorgan, Brooke Goodwin, Peyton Harris, Emilie Hayes, Torrey Isaac, Ella Jolly, Fatima Karim, Caroline King, Mary Catherine King, Emma Kivlighn, Dmitry Kanibolotskiy, Makinley Lacher, Jordan Lowery, Mari Alis Lyons, Louis Mariacher, Sophia Mariacher, Annie McMurrian, Cassidy McMurrian, Charlotte Miller, Margaret Miller, Clay Murray, BaileyAnn Neal, Zachery-Scott Neal, Viviane O’Neal, Alexei Orohovsky, Simmons Penn, Ella Richardson, Anna Laurie Rogers, Taylor Ann Rogers, Anna Maria Sawyer, Hailey Scardino, Kelli Shoemake, Riley Smith, Sarah Stoddard, Beverly Strickland, Natalie Strickland, Katie Rose Teepell, Annabelle Thrash, Marie Thrash, Alexis Williams and Adalyn Wilson.

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he Arc is a non-profit, United Way agency which is committed to securing for all people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play.

A few of their goals are: • to provide community-based services to individuals with disabilities and their families, • gather and disseminate information on disabilities to our membership and the community, • to facilitate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of community life, and • to promote interagency collaboration on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families.

According to Director Cindy Pennington, the agency is committed to providing a network of support for families as they face the challenges of caring for a mentally, and often physically, disabled child or adult.

“We attempt to achieve this goal through our various programs that include afterschool care, seasonal social activities such as dances, contests, parties, games, Mother's Day Out, Adventures Summer Program, Day at the ARC/Weekend Respite (for medically fragile children), participation in Sunday church services, Adult Male Respite, Adult Female Respite, and parent support groups,” Pennington said.

“Through these various services, we are able to offer a wholesome quality of life to our clients and their families; improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of all the individuals involved.”

She said no other organization serves solely the mentally handicapped. “In the last several years we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of referrals to our agency from medical, educational, social and individual sources,” Pennington said.

The Arc serves clients from Lamar, Perry, Marion, Green, Jones, Wayne and Stone counties. Clients range in age from birth until the individual's death. The scope of disabilities includes: hearing impaired, visually impaired, physically impaired, multi-disabled, mentally disabled, medically fragile and autism. In a fiscal year, approximately 500 individuals with some form of disability or members of the community at large are served.

The Arc’s annual signature fundraiser is the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop held in late summer at Canebrake Golf Club. In addition, we have an annual KIDnapping FUNdraiser, Hobble Then Gobble Run, State Farm Golf Tournament and other events.

“We are excited about our new fundraisers which will include the sale of pottery, art, and monogrammed products made by individuals with The Arc,” said Pennington.

The Arc opened a multipurpose leisure/recreation building in 2010, behind The Arc house, which allows for those attending to participate in arts and crafts, exercise and other activities. It also provides space for large groups to gather for special programs.

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he Pink Ribbon Fund was started by a small group of dedicated volunteers in 2003, who envisioned an all-volunteer local charity to help Pine Belt breast cancer patients with compassionate financial assistance related to their diagnosis and treatment.

An October fundraiser netted more than $25,000 that first year. The following year, they formed a Grant Committee, distributed official Grant Applications, and created Grant Guidelines to begin distributing the money. In succeeding years, the fundraisers grew, as did the Gala and Grant Committees, and their Board of Directors. A few years later, they added an Advisory Board to oversee their community image. Today, they have more than 40 volunteers who donate thousands of hours to the fund.

Since the first Grant Committee meeting in 2004, they have paid out more than $650,000 to help Pine Belt breast cancer patients and survivors with issues including doctor, hospital, pharmacy, and lab bills, as well as transportation, head coverings, mastectomy supplies, and much more.

As one profoundly grateful patient put it, "Now, I have people who care about my survival. I don't feel so alone any more. You've done more than pay my bills, you've given me hope."

From that statement came their logo – a pine bough with a lone pink pine cone – and their tag line, "Help, Hope, and Healing in the Pine Belt."

The Pink Ribbon Fund is unique in that it has accomplished its goals without paying for salaries and benefits, or office overhead and the other typical operating expenses. (They have a donated office space, with a donated phone system, a donated mail box, and donated or sponsored supplies.) When they hold a fundraiser, all costs are underwritten by sponsors.

Several local organizations have held fundraisers for the Pink Ribbon Fund. Two golf tournaments are held annually - the Brenda Grubbs Memorial and the Canebrake Ladies tournaments have boosted the fund-raising efforts considerably.

"We are constantly surprised and delighted by the generosity of local individuals and groups, like garden clubs, church groups, civic clubs, and social clubs who send us donations,” said Susan Light, one of the co-founders. Most recently, Kappa Sigma, a USM fraternity sold T-shirts to raise money for Pink Ribbon. But according to Light, one of their greatest surprises was the year the Favre4Hope Foundation gave them $100,000. The following year, the McMahan Family Trust donated $50,000.

"We were able to increase the per-patient maximum thanks to these two generous families,” said co-founder Michelle Garner. “But, regardless of donation size, we appreciate and guard every penny we get, and we use it wisely. That was our promise all those years ago – never to pay for anything we needed."

This is why they can tell donors that 100 percent of their donation will actually be used to help the patients.

Covering 17 counties, the fund has touched thousands of lives since 2003. But, they hope their most recent initiative, "Bosum Buddies" will dramatically increase the numbers of women diagnosed in the earliest stages, when cure rates are the highest.

This program will provide speakers to visit under-served women in rural areas with programs about the benefits of early diagnosis through monthly self-exams and annual mammograms.

According to Light, "There is great fear and a tendency to ignore symptoms by women who believe they cannot afford to get good healthcare. We intend to show them that there is hope, and we can help them find a way to be helped and healed. It

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ecover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast MS (R3SM) is a Hattiesburg-run organization that was formed in January 2006 to serve the community after Hurricane Katrina.

Their mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency is to work with families in the area to identify and case manage those who need assistance in recovering from a catastrophic event.

“Our primary focus is in helping families restore their lives through repairing and rebuilding their homes,” said Sheila Varnado, executive director. “After the storm, it became obvious there were numerous people not prepared to handle the recovery process on their own. The damages were so catastrophic that even if they did have a little insurance, they couldn’t recover on their own,” Varnado said.

Since then, the goals of Recover, Rebuild and Restore South Mississippi have been aimed at assisting the elderly, the disabled, single parent households and others in order to repair their homes in situations where they cannot repair it themselves.

Through case management, they can see who actually needs the services and work to create a recovery plan and help them see the plan through. It typically requires helping them rebuild their home with the use of a lot of volunteers.

Through partnership with other non-profit agencies the organization has repaired more than 375 homes; assisted in the purchase of 100 mobile homes and rebuilt 11 new homes. “We serve as a clearinghouse for resources into this community to continue to meet the needs of the elderly, disabled and single parents with small children in the home,” Varnado said.

They also focus on bringing in volunteers from outside the community to help serve the needs of the community with their work. “We are in the process of restoring a two-story building located at 301 Buschman Street in downtown Hattiesburg so we can house these volunteers,” said Varnado.

Their major annual fundraiser is the Gordon's Creek 10K Run/5K Walk held in downtown Hattiesburg the first Saturday in November of each year. Dollars raised help support their overall mission and the renovation of the Volunteer House.

This year volunteers from R3SM helped with a communitywide Thanksgiving Dinner served on Thanksgiving Day at brownstone’s in Downtown Hattiesburg.

While the dinner was free, donations were accepted to help continue the projects of the organization.

“Our challenge has always been that we couldn’t house the out-of-town volunteer teams,” said Varnado, “Ultimately, the reason why we are renovating this house is to house the volunteers that come in and we can take them into the community and they can work on or repair someone’s home in the community that needs that type of assistance.”

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he Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian organization that began in 1865. The goal of the movement is to get the word of God to the masses and help those in need without judgment. The organization reaches out to the poor, hungry, and homeless.

The movement reached Hattiesburg not many years later in 1907 and began with a meeting on Front Street and march on Pine Street. Today, the organization in Hattiesburg is stronger than ever and helps the needy in anyway possible, such as assisting with utilities, rent, clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. It even helps with programs like tutoring or mentoring through the Boys and Girls Club. To stay true to their Christian values, they also hold church services every Wednesday and Sunday.

“The Salvation Army of Hattiesburg provides emergency assistance and strives to meet human needs, in an effort to promote self-sufficiency,” said director of the Hattiesburg movement, Katie Tate.

With the holidays around the corner, the Salvation Army relies a lot on money collected through Red Kettle. All of the Red Kettle money goes directly to help feed and house the homeless and is meant to bring hope to those that normally wouldn’t.

“The Salvation Army cannot do it alone and that is why we rely heavily on the community for support. We are always looking for volunteers especially during our Christmas season. If your church group, company, school, civic group, etc. would like to participate in food drives, clothing drives, and volunteer to ring the bell, adopt an angel please know you are not only helping The Salvation Army but you are giving hope to a needy family.

Please contact The Salvation Army at 601-544-3684 or email Katie_Tate@uss.salvationarmy.org” said Tate.

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R3SM Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi P.O. Box 1506 Phone No.: 601-544-5115 Fax No.: 601-544-5686 Web site: www.r3sm.org Email Address: r3smswv@megagate.com Director: Sheila Varnado Wish List: Monetary, labor, materials and or furniture donations to help finish the renovation and furnishing of the Community Volunteer House located at 301 Buschman Street in downtown Hattiesburg. The same list of items to aid in the repairs of client homes in the greater Hattiesburg community.

Christian Services Inc. P.O. Box 1994, 301 East 2nd Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39403 Phone: 601-582-5683 Fax No.: 601-544-9903 Web site: www.christianserve.org Email Address: bill@christianserve.org Director: Rev. William L. Prout Breaking Chains - Bringing Hope Changing Lives... Christian Services serves by providing meals through lunchroom dining, Operation Compassion and Meals on Wheels; sharing surplus food locally and to surrounding states; providing emergency assistance; and providing long-term recovery for men with lifecontrolling circumstances and providing holiday events for children.

Wish List: $10-$12 toys for ‘Birthday Party for Jesus,’ paved parking lot for main facility, canned good for grocery boxes, heating and air units for men’s new recovery facility in Ellisville.

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc. P.O. Box 273 Laurel, Ms 39441-9273 P.O. Box 1504 Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1504 Phone: 601-428-1707

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Fax: 601-428-3180 Website: www.domesticabusefamilyshelter.org Email: dafss@bellsouth.net Director: Becky Sims The Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc. (DAFS) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse by maintaining a program with a broad base of services and community support as well as local and state involvement. DAFS' purpose is to provide victims of domestic violence with the skills, tools, and understanding to make choices leading to violencefree living and to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community at large.

DAFS' Board of Directors provides at least one fund raiser per year, which raises about $13,000.00. This money goes to the capital campaign fund for a new shelter, in partnership with the Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation.

Wish List: Cleaning Supplies – laundry detergent, bleach, dryer sheets, dishwashing soap, bathroom cleaner, SOS pads, Pine-Sol, Disinfectant wipes, kitchen trash bags, heavy duty trash bags Personal hygiene – shampoo/conditioner, mousse, hair gel, hair spray, liquid and bar soap, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes, combs, lotion, deodorant, African American hair products; Household items – Pots, pan, silverware, dish towels, wash rags, aluminum foil, Ziploc bags, twin-size sheets, twin-size comforters, pillows, bath towels, wash cloths, light bulbs, batteries (AA and AAA); Paper Products – Paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity 5191 Hwy. 42 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: 601-582-4663 Fax: 601-582-8282 Web site: www.hattiesburghabitat.org or facebook.com/hattiesburghabitat Email Address: info@hattiesburghabitat.org Director: Mike Pascarella

Wish List: Help Hattiesburg Habitat finish the home of Florrie Johnson for Christmas! Amount needed to finish home, $13,500.

Please help Habitat play Santa for the Johnson family by making a monetary donation or by providing the following materials or professional services to complete her home for Christmas this year.

Bathroom Sinks and Vanities, $900 Electrical Fixtures, $300 Brickwork, $1,000.00 Driveway and Sidewalks $1,800.00 for materials and $1,200 for labor, Total $3,000 Landscaping (Sod and Dirtwork) $1,500 AC, $3,500 for materials, $1,500 For labor, Total $5,000 Flooring, $900 for materials $900 for labor, Total, $1,800 Grand total, $13,500 Miss Johnson is 57 years old and has never owned her own home. In 2003, she suffered a stroke that left her disabled and unable to work.

Being on a fixed disability income, Miss Johnson thought the dream of owning her very own home would never come true. In 2010, that changed after she applied and was accepted into the Habitat for Humanity program. She has already completed all 450 sweat equity hours that are required of her. However, she continues to work to earn hours and donates all of those extra hours to another partner family experiencing health issues. Johnson’s willingness to partner with Habitat can clearly be seen. “This is what partnership means to me, donating sweat equity hours to someone worse off than me. I may not be in great shape, but I can still help,” she said.

Please help us finish Miss Johnson’s home for Christmas this year!

Southern Pines Animal Shelter PO Box 2021, 1901 N. 31st Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39403 Phone: 601-544-6632

Manager: Lara Hudson Email address: Spasmgr@comcast.net Website: SouthernPinesAnimalShelter.org

The Spay & Neuter Clinic 5360 US Hwy 49 S, Ste 30, Hattiesburg, MS P.O. Box 18674, Hattiesburg, MS 39404-8674 Phone: 601-544-5678 Fax: 601-544-5679 Email: vrachal@comcast.net The Southern Pines Animal Shelter, located in Hattiesburg, is an "open admission" shelter, meaning that no animal is turned away regardless of health, age or temperament.

“The shelter works with the cities of Hattiesburg, Petal and Collins to house their stray animals, while also accepting unwanted and lost pets from an 11-county area.

The shelter, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered in 1952 receives part of its funding from the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal, as well as from Forrest and Lamar counties. The Shelter Board of Directors and its Advisory Committee also write grants to seek additional funding that can be used for facility and program improvements. Tax-deductible private donations continue to be a major source of funding for the Shelter.

Funds are also raised through the "Friends of the Shelter" program.

The Southern Pines Animal Shelter is a PetSmart adoption partner.

Shelter animals are available at the Hattiesburg PetSmart store at specific times/days.

The Spay/Neuter Clinic began as a unit that traveled around the Pine Belt area. In July of 2009 the clinic opened its new Hattiesburg location.

With help from state grants, the clinic is able to offer low cost services for pet owners. The clinic offers reasonable prices for rabies shots, microchips, and spay/neutering for low-income pet owners. Within 10 months of opening, the clinic had serviced more than 4,300 pets.

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CONTINUED from page 52 located 3.3 miles south of Forrest General Hospital on Hwy 49 South.

The Clinic offers high quality spay and neuter services at an affordable price!

The mission of the clinic is to end the overpopulation and resulting euthanasia of pets in the Pine Belt area by providing high quality, affordable spay and neuter services.

Wish List: Bleach, copy paper, fabric softener sheets, laundry detergent, Mr. Clean, paper towels towels (bath size), large plastic pet carriers, pet identification tag engraving machine, 6 months rent for thrift store, re-paving of shelter parking lot with striping, electrical work for Spay & Neuter Clinic, commercial tile flooring (3,000 sf) and install for Spay & Neuter Clinic, transport vehicle to move puppies and dogs up north for guaranteed adoption

Petal Children’s Task Force 314 South George Street Petal, MS 39465 Phone: 601-584-4704 Fax: 601-544-8358 E-mail: demaris@expresstimes.net Executive Director: Demaris Lee The Petal Children’s Task Force was formed 22 years ago by Petal residents and friends Demaris Lee and Jessie Rowell (Rowell died in early 2010). The event that set in motion what would eventually become the task force was a single needy family. The two purchased the food for the family with money from their own pockets. While they didn’t advertise what they were doing, the women said requests for help continued to come in. While visiting with families to bring food and other necessities the women often saw sad examples of children living in deplorable conditions – kids sleeping on the floor, houses being heated by wood fires. For almost a year Lee and Rowell tried to meet the needs of local families on their on. In September of 1989 they received their first donation when the Chamber of Commerce gave them $500. That was followed by donations from Petal businesses.

The women began speaking to clubs and organizations and the task force grew into a full-time organization.

Today their work continues, but with board members and a community behind them. The mission of the Petal Children’s Task Force is to act as an advocate for children and youth (ages birth to 15 years of age), in the Petal School District who for whatever reason need our assistance or support. Striving to meet every

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child’s need that meets established criteria is important to the task force.

This often includes food and clothing, medical and dental, school supplies, Thanksgiving, children’s Christmas.

When appropriate, the task force works with churches, social services, law enforcement, judicial services, Petal schools and civic clubs.

The group’s fundraising events go on through the year with collecting food and raffles. The churches in the area help with food at Thanksgiving and the school promotes Make A Difference Day in September. The bus drivers also sponsor drives for the group throughout the school year.

Wish List: Food, food, food, followed by school supplies and toys.

The Salvation Army 5670 US Hwy 49 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone No.: 601-544-3684 Fax No.: 601-543-0363 Web site: www.salvationarmyhattiesburg.org Email Address: Katie_Tate@uss.salvationarmy.org Director: Captain Andy Gilliam Wish List: Red Kettle volunteers, Angel Tree donors, Hattiesburg Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club School Bus, mid-size vehicle, food for our pantry

The ARC The Association for the Rights of Citizens with Disabilities 65 Bonhomie, Hattiesburg, MS P.O. Box 18800, Hattiesburg, MS 39404 Phone and Fax: 601-583-4251 Website: www.hattiesburgarc.com Email: fbounds2000@yahoo.com Director: Cindy Pennington Wish List: With the opening of a multipurpose leisure/recreation building in 2010, we are in need of volunteers (novice or experienced) to assist in teaching the following classes to individuals with disabilities: monogramming, art, designing and creating note cards, pottery, cooking, dancing, gymnastics, cheerleading, music, landscaping, sports, games, and any other recreational activities.

Financial support is needed to assist with utilities and various class supplies. Other areas of need include assistance with facility maintenance, minor repairs/small projects, and the promotion/support of fundraising activities. Our most costly needs include a 15-passenger van or a small bus in good condition and additional playground equipment that is handicapped accessible.

South MS Children’s Center, MS Children’s Home Services, Inc. P.O. Box 646, Hattiesburg, MS 39403 Phone: 800-635-9056 Fax No.: 601-582-8896 Web site: www.mchscare.org Email Address: annie.jackson@mchscares.org Director: Annie Jackson The South Mississippi Children’s Shelter falls under the umbrella of Mississippi Children’s Home Services...Compassionate Solutions for Children & Families. The organization’s missions and goals are to improve the lives of children and families by providing a continuum of compassionate, measurable and effective behavioral health and social services.

The shelter is the region’s primary emergency placement shelter for abused, neglected, runaway and homeless children ages 9-17. When children walk through the shelter doors all they have are the clothes on their backs and are often scared and hungry. The shelter provides them a safe haven. They are provided room, board, medical, dental, education and much more.

The shelter, which is a12-bed coeducational, diagnostic and evaluation shelter, is the first line of contact for children in need. Grants and donations are depended on to bridge the gap between what the state provides and the actual costs of services. The shelter has been serving children for more than 30 years.

Mississippi Children’s Home Shelter formed in 1912 as a “homefinding agency” for neglected and dependent children who were not served by orphanages. Since then, the agency has placed approximately 7,000-plus children in adoptive homes.

As society changed and the needs of children grew, MCHS evolved, amending its charter and garnering increased public and private support to serve thousands more children annually. These are children who do not know what it means to be held, hugged or loved. They are children who are homeless, have suffered physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. They have no one to turn to and nowhere to go and feel as if they have nothing to lose.

Often indigent and lacking in influence, these are children who find at MCHS the compassion and care they need to stop hurting and to begin healing, to build the foundation for a more hopeful existence.

Annual fundraisers include a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction and a

Holiday Tour of Homes.

Wish List: Adult volunteers for outings (21 years of age and above); youth volunteers for Safe Place sites and presentations; 7 passenger van or donation towards purchase of a van; items for kids 9-17 years of old for Christmas; MP3 players; jewelry; clothes; hand held games; games for Xbox &play station; socks; underwear; house shoes; pajamas; twin bed linen (white); pillows; towels (white of light color); twin bed comforters (girls & boys); gift cards to local stores (Wal-Mart, Target, etc); and PRN maintenance person.

Kids list: DVD movie player; IPOD; video camera; watch; MP3 player; camera; perfume set; shoes

Pink Ribbon Fund 6068 Hwy. 98 West, Suite 305 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Phone: 601-450-PINK (7465) Fax: 601-296-6750 Website: PinkRibbonFund.org Email: susantlight@yahoo.com Wish List: a treasurer for the organization, who will work pro-bono and whose job will be to keep track of all deposits and payments and present a financial report as quarterly board meetings (must have a background in bookkeeping and accounting). We also need people wanting to make tax-deductible donations.

AIDS Services Coalition P.O. Box 169 Hattiesburg, MS 39403 Phone: 601-450-4286 Fax: 601-450-4285 Web site: www.121havenhouse.org Email address: asc@megagate.com Director/Manager: Kathryn Garner The AIDS Services Coalition (ASC) was founded in 2002 specifically to provide transitional housing and supportive services for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS and outreach, education and prevention activities as a critical component.

The AIDS Services Coalition was formed in 2002 under the leadership of Bruce Van Nostrand, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg, who was dedicated to the HIV/AIDS population.

The first project of the newlyformed organization was to provide housing for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS in the community. 1-2-1 Haven House opened its doors in December 2003 with very little budget, but much love. In March 2004, Van Nostrand died and the board struggled to keep the house and organization afloat. The house closed its doors in October 2004, however a grant proposal was sub-

mitted to HUD and funding was received in January 2005. The organization revived with a more comprehensive mission….housing was still the primary focus, but intensive case management was now a mandatory part of residents stay at 1-2-1 Haven House.

1-2-1 Haven House provides a home for 10 homeless PLWA (people living with AIDS) for up to two years as they work to address the reasons for their homelessness. The ASC is the only ASO in the area providing a full range of educational and prevention messages to youth, persons of color, and the GLBT population.

In 2010, the ASC served as a sponsor of a homeless prevention program called Home Again. This time-limited program, funded by the Federal Stimulus Program, assisted homeless and precariously housed persons. Since its beginning in November 2009, the program served 172 households with 450 persons.

Wish List: Volunteers – to answer phone and perform minor office work; to learn how to perform rapid HIV tests and post test counseling; to provide an occasional meal to residents of 1-2-1 Haven House; to have work days once a year for major cleaning and minor repairs (groups); to provide transportation for residents; to coordinate volunteer activities.

Renovation/Repair – Kitchen cabinetry in severe need of renovation; bathroom flooring needs to be replaced; painting - rooms and porches.

Food for our Food for Life Pantry.

We have a pantry for PLwA that provides high protein foods as well as Ensure. Ensure literally helps keep people alive. We are always in need of food and Ensure.

Mobile testing unit – ASC provides confidential HIV testing in a variety of locations. A van/RV that can be converted into a mobile testing unit would allow us to be in even more needed locations.

Donations/fundraising - ASC matches grants on an annual basis.

Local donations and fundraisers help meet this match.

The Carpenter’s Helper 629 North Main Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Phone: 601-582-3330 Fax: 601-582-3354 Website: www.carpentershelper.net Email: tch@megagate.com Director/Manager: Tom Smith The Carpenter's Helper was incorporated in Mississippi in April 2004 as a 501(c)(3) status in August 2004, and is registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State as a charitable organization capable of soliciting

funds to address housing needs. In April of 2005, TCH became a United Way agency and in June 2007 they contracted with Association Management Systems to handle the day-to-day tedium of phone calls and paperwork, freeing the board up to do more good.

The organization’s founder, Larry T. Johnson, is a contractor in Purvis, who witnessed unfilled needs and decided to take action. Although The Carpenter's Helper's legal documents do not characterize the organization as a religious affiliation, TCH operates in practice according to Christian values: helping widows, elderly, and poor in our community.

TCH has a unique relationship with the local contractors' association, Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association (GHHBA). They are the association's "charity of choice."

GHHBA renewed their commitment to donate $5,000 each year for an additional five years to TCH, and GHHBA's members support TCH both financially and as skilled volunteers.

The search for funding is constant and utilizes resources which might otherwise be directed toward their mission of repairing substandard housing. Long-time supporters United Way of Southeast Mississippi and the GHHBA continue their commitment, and new partnerships are being forged with Jarden Consumer Solutions, Hardy Street Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church and other organizations.

There are many ways that people can make a difference in South Mississippi housing for the elderly, disabled, widowed, and those otherwise unable to repair their shelter.

There are many other ways of investing in Carpenter's Helper other than financially – invest by volunteering in one of several capacities.

Skilled and unskilled volunteer labor helps stretch the money which makes the group able to help more people. An investment can also by made by donating leftover building supplies. Make financial contributions directly to The Carpenter's Helper by pledge or check.

The United Way of Southeast Mississippi also provides a unique donation opportunity with their yearly campaign. Interested persons may have a portion of their paycheck earmarked for TCH. United Way automatically deducts this donation from each paycheck and delivers the total to TCH once a month.

Since TCH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, all donations of time, materials, or money are 100% tax deductible.

Many of the organization’s board members work in the housing industry. The board meets quarterly to review unaddressed needs and availability of funds.

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or the first time, homeowners at Big Bay Lake in western Lamar County will host a Christmas Tour of Homes. This year’s tour, which will be held Dec. 10, will feature four homes offering a variety of decorating styles and ideas. Homes may be toured from 4:30-8 p.m.

Proceeds from the tour will benefit Lighthouse Ministries, a Family Outreach Ministry located in Hattiesburg.

Homes on this year’s tour, which Big Bay residents hope will become an annual holiday event, include that of Terry and Cindy Bracey at 46 Big Bay Blvd., Scott and Sarah Findley, 9 Indian Bowl Point, Bruce and Jane Dixon, 28 Bent Pebble Point and Barry and Emma Henderson,10 Red

Pebble Point.

The Dixon home is a newly-constructed Tideland Haven Home in a woodland setting and will highlight the family’s traditional decorations handed down and collected through the years. The Findley home, which is located directly on the water, has an amazing view of the lake. Their decorations will include a collection of nutcrackers ranging from 2 inches to 6 feet tall. The four-bedroom, three bath Dutch Colonial home of Larry and Cindy Bracey features an open living plan which captures the essence of simple lake like. A natural bounty of woodland elements decorate this home. Barry and Emma Henderson’s tri-level lakefront home and boathouse will feature a 15-foot

traditional tree decorated with collectible ornaments including many early Christopher Radko pieces.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Big Bay Lake office, Lovie's on Hwy 98, or at each home the day of the tour. Guests will enter through the gate where there will be someone providing directions and signs to each of the homes will also be posted.

The Lighthouse is a non-profit organization that focuses on serving the needs of homeless families by meeting their immediate needs as well as their long-term needs.

Big Bay Lake, a one-of-a-kind planned community on Mississippi's largest private recreational lake, is approximately 20 minutes west of

Hattiesburg in Lamar County.

Twenty-one miles of shoreline provide beautiful homespots for 16 distinct neighborhoods which are home to 326 new homesites. To get to Big Bay from Interstate 59, take Highway 98 West for approximately 13.6 miles. Turn left on Purvis Oloh Road and go approximately 5.2 miles. The new entrance to Big Bay Lake will be on your right. The following coordinates can be added into any mapping application such as Mapquest or Google maps, for directions from your current location, 312.228447,89.546006 For more information call 601-606-5677

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Admit it - a lot of you are already thinking about holiday shopping. I know I am! This year I think I'll spend a little less time in the stores and a little more time in the kitchen, baking up some sweet holiday gifts.

I've picked some recipes that make large amounts, so I'll have plenty to give away. Holiday Peppermint Bark couldn't be easier to make - it only has two ingredients. The pretty red and white candies will look very festive in a holiday tin lined with red or green tissue paper or in a glass jar with a holiday ribbon tied around it.

I love making this fudge, too. It can be made with semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate or butterscotch morsels. I like to make a batch of each, then mix and match the flavors in a goodie bag or holiday box. For an extra special presentation, put each piece in a little paper candy cup with holiday designs on it.

These tasty treats can be fun for the whole family to make together.

Attach a recipe card to each gift that way your friends will know how to bake up some holiday cheer, too.

But if you’re a bit more industrious, you might want to throw together some of these holdiay gifts jars.

Of the many hats I've worn over the years, my favorite is Cookie Jar Lady.

It's a sweet story: When my daughter Caty was in first grade, I organized her class in making Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar as holiday gifts. Each of her classmates then had a sweet gift for a family member.

What I remember most is the fun and laughter of that afternoon. And the enthusiastic feedback after the holidays was a gift itself-these kids were

heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other heavy object. While holding strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.

SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

so inspired they wanted to do it again!

You, too, can be a Cookie Jar Lady or Man or Child! Making these gift jars in quantity can be a great holiday gift project for a club, committee, family, or any group. Kids, especially, enjoy the measuring, bagging, and assembling: Determine how many jars to assemble; make a list of ingredients needed.

Collect or purchase attractive glass jars, one- or two-quart depending upon the recipes you're using.

Arrange all ingredients on the counter or table, in the order they'll be used. Remember measuring cups and spoons.

Assign kids to one particular task: - measuring ingredients - adding ingredients to jars - writing out recipes to attach to jars - decorating jars with a festive ribbon or bow

HOLIDAY PEPPERMINT BARK Makes 1 pound of candy 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels 24 hard peppermint candies, unwrapped LINE baking sheet with wax paper.

MICROWAVE morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.

PLACE peppermint candies in

NESTLÈ TOLL HOUSE FAMOUS FUDGE Makes 24 servings, 2 pieces per serving 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2/3 cup (5-oz. can) NestlÈ Carnation Evaporated Milk 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 1/2 cups (9 ozs.) NestlÈ Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla extract CONTINUED on next page

Don't forget to make extra jars for last minute gifts!

Start with these two popular, sweet jar gifts, and be sure to check out the ideas galore for sweet-gifts-in-a-jar, as well as more sweet gift-giving ideas at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

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CONTINUED from page 59 LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavyduty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

VARIATION USING PINT JAR: 1 1/2 cups Nestle Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. NestlÈ Toll House Baking Cocoa 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (optional) RECIPE TO ATTACH: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 4 servings.

For Milk Chocolate Fudge: SUBSTITUTE 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels.

For Butterscotch Fudge: SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MIX IN A JAR Makes 2 dozen cookies 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) NestlÈ Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in 1-quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer.

Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

HOT COCOA MIX IN A JAR Makes 12 servings 6 cups NestlÈ Carnation Instant Nonfat Dry Milk 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. NestlÈ Toll House Baking Cocoa 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows (optional) COMBINE dry milk, sugar, cocoa and marshmallows in large bowl.

Pour into 2-quart jar or tall container. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

RECIPE TO ATTACH: Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 12 servings.

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RECIPE TO ATTACH: PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the NestlÈ Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

Nadine Phillips, Sylvia Sullivan

Eileene & John Atkins

Kayla Morris, Taylor Barnett, Modi Davis or the second year, the Hattiesburg Train Depot was the site for the All Aboard Sculpture Exhibit. The theme for this year's exhibit theme was Time and featured the work of 12 sculptors from around the Southeast. An opening reception was held to kick off the event, which was created by Erik Eaves of Stoneworks Studio in Hattiesburg. According to Hattiesburg Downtown Association Executive Director Betsy Rowell, "The artists have put their interpretation of time in each piece. This particular exhibit is very provocative and thought-provoking.� Visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite piece. At the end of the exhibit, the sculpture with the most votes was purchased by sponsors and will be put on permanent display.

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Whitney Wester, Kandice Munn, Russell Hehn, Katherine Webb

Whitney Walley, James Davis, Christy, Johnny, Jeannie & J.D. Barnett, Allen & Eli Walley

Sean Hatten, Kenny Hatten, Christina Pierce

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Nathan Logsdon, Marilyn Blake, Aaron P. Hussey

Dianne & Craig Kimes, Sandy & Bruce Easterling

Jacqueline Lee, Jason Kimes, Brook Jones

Callie Crider, Kerry Camille Helveston

Charley Green, Susan Anderson, Sarah Ballard

Karlee Niemeyer, Johnny Guice, Cameron Nocera

Chris, Brodie & Christie Moss

Josh Mixon, Hoy Schramm, Elizabeth Mixon, Kerry Camille Helveston

Cindy Newton, Paige Smith, Debbie Everette

Kevin Balderson, Julie McClinton, Freddie Parker

John Presley, Ann & Abby Vickery, Jackson, Christy & Carter Wall

Matthew & Louise Meyer

Hannah Lockett

Will & Madeline Yearwood

Drew, Dan & Hannah Lockett

Mary Drago, Pam Hamilton, Callie Crider, Susan Anderson, Sarah Ballard he 7th Annual Golf Ball Drop, sponsored by The Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, a United Way agency, was once again held at Canebrake Golf Club. The drop is the ARC’s largest fundraiser. With the purchase of a $100 numbered golf ball, those taking part had a chance to win $20,000!

Doug and Diane Lee were this year’s lucky winner with golf ball no. 489.

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Karlee Niemeyer

Sandy & Evann Davis, Cindy Devereaux, Andrew & Amy Palmer

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Rosemary Meador, Dr. Harry Halliwell

John & Jonnie Bates

Bethany & Wayne Sharp

M/M Frank Laatsch

Laurie Ryba, Cori Cox, Susan Newman

Elizabeth Barer, Caleb Faulkner

Joyce Lee, Jimmie Mason, Nellie Phillips

Iva Brown, Barbara LeCroy

Bertha Norman, Ken Lovering

he Hattiesburg Concert Band, an all-volunteer community band, performed at the Saenger Theater recently. Their next concert is Jan. 29. The band is made up of members from various parts of south Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. The band also represents a wide variety of professions including band directors, computer analysts, engineers, doctors, housewives, and college students. Dr. Sherman Hong is conductor.

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outhern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A. hosted the Area Development Partnership's Business After Hours at its office to "Kick Off A New Season" and welcome Dr. John Kosko to the team. The tailgatethemed event featured the USM and PRCC cheerleaders and tailgate food was displayed under school tents for USM, PRCC, Hattiesburg and Petal High Schools.

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Dave Bush, Joe Travis, David Burckel, Jeffrey Nicholson

Ron Cain, Kendy Kosko, Dr. John Kosko, Richard Topp

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Susan Newman, Barbara McGilvery, Betty Entreken

Dawn Skaggs, Mechelle Duckworth, Dr. Rick & Lisa Conn

Elizabeth Gregg, Rachel Dews, Lucy Blair

Jennifer DuBose, Deena Keasler, Jessica Webster, Matt Malone

David & Carolyn Lyon, Joanne Oshrin

Hugh McGowen, Nicole Rose Tiny & Dub Hicks

Pam & Mike Nobles

Denny & Patsy Hawkins Tommy & Peggy Pittman

Marika Warner

Amy & Kevin Rogers

Cathy & Ken Mohawk

Bobby & Emma Cubley

Nadine & Jim Sumrall

Kevin Malone, Bonnie McNair

Janet & Tony Pascale

Sylvia Davis

Duwayne & Jane Ezelle

earing up for a fun carnival season in the spring, the Elks BPOE held a fun party at the Lake Serene Clubhouse. Members and guests dressed as their favorite Hollywood characters and walked the red carpet.

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Steve Oshrin, Richie Malone

Michael & Diane Warren

Charlotte & Robert Shoemake

Jerre & Peter Bokor

Sue Walters

Sidney & Richie Malone

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Sarah Webb, Sally Roberts, Dana Howard orrest General’s Spirit of Women host their annual exclusive “girls only” event held at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. The days was filled with fun activities, fabulous food and prizes, dancing, massages, holiday decorating tips, shopping and much, much more!

Women had the opportunity to be pampered while learning about taking action for better health. John David Williams and Catherine Strange, local decorating experts, shared holiday decorating tips.

Joyce Pickering, Vivian Thames

Susan McQueen, Gayle Shifalo, Denise Weeks

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Betty Thomas, Pansy Jager, Linda Yearwood

Kimmie Hall, Miriam Yearwood, Susan Carey

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Ann Nix, Louise Nix, Elouise Jordan, Diantha Williamson, Valerie Hoffman

Sharon Wertz, Jutta White

Angela Herzog, Shelby Sutton, Lauren Herzog Reed, Talbot, Booth, Blair, Blythe & Anne Elizabeth Buys, Katie Headrick

Jerrilyn & Valerie Lake

Brittany Bullock, June Miles, Alice Ruth Bullock

Jennifer, Hannah, Emily & Blake Matherne

Victoria, Natalie & Beverly Strickland, Jean Jordan

Kesia Pope

Sue Rayborn, Holli Quiroz

Danny & Jannis Gilstrap

errilyn Lake was crowned Miss Leaf River Valley and Patty Turner was named Miss Riverland in an official Miss America scholarship pageant held at Oak Grove Primary School and sponsored by The Leaf Foundation. Mary Margaret Roark emceed the eighth annual Miss Leaf River Valley/Miss Riverland Pageant. Lake was also a preliminary talent and interview winner. Turner won the preliminary swimsuit title. Miss Mississippi. In the “Miss” Division, other winners included First Alternate Michaela Moore, Second Alternate Julie Falgout and Community Service Winner Jordan Smith. In the “Teen” Division, Dancer Hannah Matherne was named Leaf River Valley’s Outstanding Teen; Anne Elizabeth Buys was crowned Pearl River Valley’s Outstanding Teen; Alivia Roberts was selected as Riverland’s Outstanding Teen; and Brooke Bullock was chosen as Turtle Creek’s Outstanding Teen. Other winners in the teen division included First Alternate Katelyn Perry and Second Alternate Kate Robison.

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Janet Dawson, Tracy May, Emily Key, Syble Green

Loretta Sones, Dr. Ganna Breland, Cecille Cove

Tracy May, Janet Dawson, Syble Green

Beverly Tinnon, Enjoli Nolen

Karen Tisdale, Dr. Mark Molpus

Andy Maxwell, Dr. McKellar Dr. McKellar, Dr. David Lee ance McKellar, M.D. recently retired after nearly 30 years of service to the medical community, Southern Neurologic & Spinal Institute and the Walk-In Spine Center. Dr. McKellar has practiced medicine in Hattiesburg since 1991. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School in 1982 and completed an internship and residency at Pensacola Educational Program in Internal Medicine. He worked in emergency medicine in Florida before moving to this area.

Throughout his career, Dr. McKellar was deeply committed to caring for patients in the Pine Belt area, starting as an Emergency Medicine Physician at Wesley Medical Center in 1991.

He served as the assistant medical director from 1997-1999 and began seeing patients in the Walk-In Spine Center at the Lincoln Center for Physicians in April 2004.

A Laurel native, McKellar graduated from Beeson Academy and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He and his wife, Kathleen, have two children, Garrett and West.

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Meagan Rayburn, Kareem Singleton

Dr. George Wilkerson, Shelley Gendusa

Kathy & Dr. Vance McKellar,

Dr. Vance McKellar, Dr. George Wilkerson

Tammy Guyton, Marilyn Graham

Jimmy Lott, LeWarren Pugh

Stacey Reinike, Teresa Lott, Dr. McKellar, Kelli Turner

Karen Tisdale, Christy Turner, Jennifer Mimms

Dot Moore, Cindy Rouse, Ramona Kendrick

he Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Petal held a reception to honor Mississippi’s new Miss Hospitality 2011, Ann Claire Reynolds of Petal. The event was co-sponsored by the LeBonte Club, Heritage Club of Petal, Cosmopolitan Club of Petal and Rotary Club of Petal.

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Mississippi Miss Hospitality Ann Claire Reynolds, Mayor Hal Marx

Ginny, Ann Claire & Eric Reynolds

Kelli Phillips, Eric Reynolds

Thomas Hesselgrave, Kelli Phillips

Dona Hogan, Helen Edwards, Donnie Walker, Malone Walker, Julie Walker

Amy & Andre Heath

Rep. Larry Byrd, Alderman Steve Stringer

Maureen Reynolds, K.C. Edwards, Anne & Buddy Matthews; Stephanie & Mauri Yarber

Jay & Susan Slaughter

Anne Russell, Hayley Collins; Julia Bradley, Nikki Snellman, Ann Claire Reynolds, Lacey Myers, Hannah Robinson

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Jennifer & Steve Clark, Mitzi Russell

Mary Bast, Suzanne Shelley

Dr. & Mrs. E.J. Blanchard, Don & Amy Hinton

Bethanne DuFour, Lake & Michelle Garner

Codie Graves, Donnie D’Aquin, Vanessa McLellan

Tom & Diane Eaves

AJ Richard, Chase Richard, Casey Jarman

he 8th Annual Pink Ribbon Gala, Moon Over Morocco, was held at Canebrake Country Club. The night included a gourmet walking dinner, open bar and dancing to Lil’ Bayou Band. Founded in September, 2003, the Pink Ribbon Fund is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization. The money to enable their mission comes from donors, event sponsors, and their annual Gala called "PINK!", a cocktail party, dance, and major raffle event.

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Jay & Susan Hauensleis, Nancy Leader, Dr. Christine Chard

Drs. Daniel & Amanda Habeeb

George & Barbara Carter, Jeff & Helen Barlow, Dollye & John Kirk

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Don & Sally Grimm, Jane & Larry Shurden

Michelle White, Scott & Teresa Rogers

Crystal Scretching, Kameo King

Drs. Joshua & Lara Otaigbe, Dr. Emmanuel Ahua, Mary Ahua Kelly Shows, Russell McCarthy Debbie Pollitz, Patsy & Denny Hawkins, Tommy & Peggy Pittman

Melba Houze, Valencia Walls, Tina Simpson, Carolyn Polk

Sarah Lay, Kathy Hayman, Jordan Little

Susan Newman, Charlotte Brewer

Michelle Cox Gibbs, Katie Headrick, Kimberly Morgan, Lori Sullivan

Paul Cox, Susan Newman, Winnie Johnson

Dr. Lara Otaigbe, Mary Ahua

Brenda Kemp, Ted Tibbett, Tommy & Janie McDaniel

John Bethea Jr., Charlotte Brewer, Olivia & Michael Walker

Laurie Mooney, Katie Headrick, Betty Rushing

Katie Headrick, Kimberly Morgan

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Lindsay Page, Christi Penn, Julia Abercrombie; Brec Harris, Jessica Caillet, Misty Smith, Summer Eades, Allison Freeman

Gypsy Shemper, Arlean Sackler, Casey Gallaspy, Paula Brahan, Melanie Wiser; Michelle Turk Hession, Jennifer Smith, Marsey Lacher

he Tall Pines Garden Club held its Membership Luncheon at Canebrake Country Club. During the meeting, women modeled fashions from a variety of Pine Belt businesses.

T Canda Olin, Heather Rifkin

Sweetie Greer, Jena Herrington, Karen Baylis

Erin Munton, Candi Dossett, Emily Montgomery, Kelly Williams, Gaye Winter, Katherine Smith

Stacy Stephens, Leslie Cucullu, Katey Wilson

Amy Thieling, Neely Cooley, Laura Owen, Blair Riley

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Laura Matthews, Elizabeth Gregg, Terri Parker; Carol Sibley, Lucy Blair, Brooke Paladichuk, Alicia McLemore, Andrea Miller

Jordan Varaviello, Anne Marie Brahan, Arielle Edwards, Rebecca Seale

Taylor Skellie, Breanne Ives, Emily Nelson

Arielle Edwards, Emily Burnett, Annie Ellis, Tinsley Garren

Jessica Moffett, Catie Davis, Mary Catherine Evans, Emily Burnett

Emily Burnett, Annie Ellis, Arielle Edwards, Amelia Landers, Landy Phillips

Sidney McClendon, Kayla Jones, Mandy Quave

Lacey Kux, Mandy Quave, Christine Train

Taylor Skellie, Ann Marie Brahan, Chelsea Ford, Breanna Petrucci

Kayla Jones, Mandy Quave, Sidney McClendon, Madison Cotten

he Delta Delta Delta Sorority at the University of Southern Mississippi recently held an Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party. Members of the sorority donated items for the shoeboxes. Delta Delta Delta member Amelia Landers, who was chosen to help deliver the Christmas Boxes last year, was instrumental in getting the Tri-Delts involved.

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Breanna Petrucci, Jordan McQueen, Brooks Martin, Nicole Jones

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Judy Bryant, Jeanette Delancey, Haley Bryant, Yadira Ross, Kayla Ross

Morgan Bevon, Erin Blanchard, Ellen Bevon, Cameron Bevon

Brent Mills, Joe McLaughlin, Mike Davis

Ella Mercier, Betsy Mercier, Christina Rutland, Hannah Stevens, Sarah McClain, Brooke Haddod, Lillian Rowell

Austin Gibson, Evan Jones

Molly Hasselbring, Lauren Gaudet, Hannah Burks

Denise Clinton, Barbara Rhynehardt, Avy Beard, Mary Beard

acred Heart Church and School hosted a Seafood Jamboree. The two-day event kicked off with a 5K and 1-mile fun run on the Longleaf Trace. The seafood menu included catfish, oysters, shrimp baskets, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and oyster po-boys along with hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos and tamales. Musical entertainment was provided by the The Americanos, King Fridays and the Sacred Heart CYO Band. There was also the Crusaders Marketplace, soccer games, Rock Wall, kids’ games and inflatable bounces, the Cup Cake Walk, a dunking booth, car show and other live entertainment.

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Mallory Gilbertson

Kamryn Haden

Victor Floyd

John Fairchild, Rick Boler, Terry Keyes Robert & Wanda Coker, Phillip & Graham Simpson

Mary Lois & Vickie Hanna

Wayne & Faye Posey

Jena Hopkins, Juliet Hinton

Regertha Jordan, Anita McSwain

he 7th Annual Cancer Survivor’s Picnic was held on the grounds of Forrest General’s Cancer Center.

T Janet Gallaspy, Gloria Smalley, Melissa Ravencraft, Cathy Tisdale, Sharon Bays

Cindy & Fred Lee

Nancy Lowery, VIcky Delk, Bettie Baughman, Julia Kathryn Pittman, Sylvia Martin, Emma Pritchard

Lauren Wolfe

Rhonda Guess, Torsky Williams, Johniece DuPree

Salty Pendarvis, Nancy Lowery, Virginia Saucier, Nellie Willis

Edith James

Willie Woullard, John Silas

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