Signature Magazine May 2012

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Features MAY 2012 Volume VII Issue 2

Happy Mother’s Day Not-so-traditional May is the month when we celebrate mothers and the many things they do for us day in and day out. But Signature found some not-so-traditional ‘mothers’ in the Pine Belt.

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Mr. Mom Ed Lashley is proud of his job as a stay-at-home dad, where his days are filled with laundry, errands and the chickens.

by Beth Bunch

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Mother x 3 The children and adults of the Arc in Hattiesburg are lucky to have three “mothers” to watch over them.

by Beth Bunch

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Baby O Baby

At 25 and a male, Zane Barber may not be who you’d expect to find in a NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit. But he loves the challenges that face him each day at work.

by Beth Bunch

Wesley Medical Center NeoNatal Intensive Care Nurse Zane Barber rocks Emerie Beckham.

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‘Mother wit’ Tommy Parker, supt. of the Jones Co. School District, uses many of the skills a mother would use to handle his 8,500 students each day.

by Charlotte A. Graham

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MAY 2012

Departments

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Neighbors

12 Storyland: Take a childhood trip to Storyland at Jackson’s Mississippi Children’s Museum.

23 Meet: The Litkes are part of a bigger family at Homes of Hope for Children.

17 FestivalSouth: Music, dance, art and theatre coming your way in June.

24 Graduation Roundup: Where did the school year go? It doesn’t matter to Pine Belt high school and college students.

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Happenings

14 Events: As classes wind down, summer camps, exhibits & festivals await.

72: The Signature Q&A: Daniel Vial • PCHS

Cuisine 33 To Learn Is To Taste: Tasting is your most valuable asset when choosing a wine.

33 Q&A: Roger Bickham, self-appointed chef, is his own Movie Star.

30 No-Fuss Desserts: Sweet treats to whip up for Mom on her special day.

Scene 54 55 56 58 59

22 ‘The Producers’: Father & son to headline HCLO’s spring production.

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24 MMTE: Get your name on the list for Musical Theatre Day Camp.

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The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy, Toto and friends visit Saenger Theatre.

Tutus & Treats: Dessert theater highlights SMBT students Friends of Carey : University shows appreciation for ‘Friends.’

JORT Production: Side-splitting laughter with Ladies of Harmony.

Pints for Paws: Four-legged fundraiser benefits Southern Pines.

Red Cross Bash: Salute to Military includes music of the stars.

Day of Dance: Pine Belt residents get their groove on.

Dubard Anniversary: School celebrates 50 years of helping children.

ADP After Hours: United Way hosts guests at Home Sweet Home.

Night of Sweet Dreams: This fundraiser is a piece of cake, really.

An Evening with Ellis: Golden Eagle fans turn out to meet football coach.

Chi Omega Tea Party: Moms entertain daughters.

Petal Chamber Banquet: Smith honored.

Branson On The Road: Good times/good music.

Prologue:

Remembering our mothers

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

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

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’m not a mother and I don’t play one on television. But how very lucky I've been to share the many children of family and friends. And I did have the wonderful experience of being a mom to some exceptionally bright four-legged children for a number of years. They even sent me Mother's Day cards, but the handwriting strongly resembled that of my Mimmy.

I am lucky to have one fantastic nephew, Will, who is finishing up his freshman year at Ole Miss. So much for feeling not-so-old! I beat his mother and daddy to the hospital 19 years ago this month as they drove from Corinth to Tupelo for his birth. Happy birthday, Will!

But I also remember the first time I ever hurt his feelings, which just about killed my soul. He was little, walking and talking, but still toddlerish. The family had come to Tupelo, where I lived then, to do some shopping. As we gathered our belongings, Will found the refrigerator magnets and was content to stand there the rest of the day and maneuver them around.

After being told ‘let's go’ more than once, Will remained stalwart.

With everybody else out the door, I cut off the light and told him we were leaving him. Big tears welled up in his eyes, his lip quivered and I realized I had hurt his feelings. I rushed and scooped him up and tried to comfort him, telling him I was just kidding. I cried as he cried. And from that moment on, I knew that would never happen again.

Just a couple of years later it was Will and several changes of clothing that his mother delivered to my house. His “Auntie Bess” would be taking him to have his formal photos made.

As he grew up, we worked on Valentine boxes and then book and science fair projects. Now we're at the point where I send him a monthly allowance to use for going out to eat, gas or whatever college things he chooses. It's better not to know.

He's the one I'm counting on to look after me in my old age or to protest when his mother tries to put me in a home.

This issue of Signature features some “not-so-traditional” Moms. A nurse, Zane Barber is a young male who works caring for babies in Wesley's NICU. There's Ed Lashley, a Mr. Mom, who tends to the homefront while his wife is at work. There are the Arc women who are “mommas” to a plethora of extremely special Pine Belt children. And Supt. Tommy Parker, with the Jones County School District, who uses the wisdom of a mother to help him tend the 8,500 students in his care.

No matter what motherly role you play, know how much you are loved, cared for and appreciated every day and how important you are. Happy Mother's Day! Beth Bunch, Managing Editor, Signature Magazine

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Happenings Traveling exhibit coming to the

Mississippi Children’s Museum Children of all ages will be able to experience some of their favorite books in a new and exciting way when the Mississippi Children’s Museum unveils its first traveling exhibit – Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites – on May 19.

The exhibit will remain throughout the summer, closing on Aug. 26.

Storyland’s grand opening will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 19. MCM members will have the opportunity to view the exhibit from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. the morning of May 19. The week of Aug. 19-26 guests are encouraged to wear their Storyland Tshirts, available in MCM’s gift shop, and receive $5 admission into the museum as everyone says “Goodbye to Storyland.”

“Storyland is truly early literacy in action,” said Alicen Blanchard, MCM director of education. “Whether sneaking under Mr. McGregor’s picket fence, building a snowman, playing on a giant coconut tree, or mixing up an enormous batch of cookies, children and parents will delight in seeing their favorite characters and settings come to life at MCM this summer.”

The 1,500 square foot traveling exhibit features famous characters and iconic scenes taken right out of the pages of seven celebrated children’s books: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Snowy Day, Abuela, Tuesday, and Where’s Spot?

Blanchard said children can crawl under the garden fence and enter the tree trunk of Peter Rabbit and participate in the adventures described in Abuela by climbing the Statue of Liberty and looking over the city of New York, along with a variety of other adventures.

They can also hear the books read in English and Spanish and can sit and read copies of the books in English, Spanish and Braille.

The traveling exhibit, the first since the museum opened about 17 months ago, joins five permanent exhibits with the themes of Exploring Mississippi, Literacy, Health and Nutrition, Arts and Mississippi Industry.

Among the permanent exhibits are Exploring Mississippi, the Signature Exhibit at the museum, featuring a state of Mississippi climbing map that will familiarize visitors with the diversity of the state in its geography and natural science, in its culture and history, in its work and leisure life, and in its connections to the broader world.

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From the Delta to the Coast and under our feet, visitors will experience every region and level of Mississippi, along with its diverse history, people and environment.

In Wild About Reading, visitors will discover the Action Verb Gym, Eudora Welty Porch, a life-sized Scrabble Board and Puppet Theater.

Blanchard said the Storyland exhibit was selected because the museum has a strong focus on literacy, the books have characters familiar to children and because of the timing of the exhibit, which will be at the museum throughout the summer.

Storyland encourages families to discover that it is never too early to develop a love of reading through the realistic experiences pulled from each of the seven books. The traveling exhibit is free with paid admission to the museum.

The museum has a variety of memberships available, including individual and family memberships. For those who do not have a membership, general admission to the museum is $8 per person.

Children 12 months old and younger are free. There is no additional charge for attending Storyland once a person has been admitted to the museum.

The 40,000-square-foot museum has about 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, along with a gift shop and café.

Membership to the museum includes such advantages as 10 percent off of purchases at the Louis LeFleur’s Trading Post and the Red Rocket Café, express check-in, weekend birthday party exclusivity and subscription to the museum’s newsletter and other publications.

The museum, which is located at 2145 Highland Drive, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

For more information about the museum, visit www.mcm.ms, www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com or call 601-982-5469.

Gardening Series 12:05pm @ Lamar Co. Ext. Service Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering a monthly gardening series at the noon hour every third Thursday of the month. The interactive video sessions will begin at 12:05 pm and will be taught by area horticulture agent, Wayne Porter, PhD. Pre-registration is required for each session. To register for a session, contact the Lamar County Extension Office at 601-794-3910.

Topics will include: • May 17 – ‘Home Garden Irrigation’ – learn how to apply water correctly and economically to your landscape and garden.

• June 21 – ‘Native Plant Propagation’ – when you cannot find native plants for your landscape, grow your own.

• July 19 – ‘Grapes and Muscadines for Mississippi’ – learn recommended cultivars and how to grow in your home vineyard.

• Aug. 16- ‘Drying and Preserving Flowers’ – enjoy your summer garden’s beauty during the dreary days of winter.

• Sept. 20 – ‘Minor Fruits for Mississippi’ – the basics of growing unusual fruit in your garden.

• Oct. 18 – ‘Build a Rain Garden this Winter’ – plant a garden this winter to help with next summer’s drought.

• Nov. 15 – ‘All about Camelias’ – blooming from

fall to late spring, there is one to fit everyone’s garden.

For more informations, contact Liz Sadler, 601-794-3910, lizs@ext.msstate.edu

lizs@ext.msstate.edi

THROUGH OCT. 31

Pine Belt Farmers Market 3-6pm Thursdays @ Town Square Park The Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market Alliance seeks to improve the quality of life and health of communities across the Pine Belt by promoting positive social engagement as well as cultural enhancement through interconnected local economic relationships and exciting public gatherings focusing on local food. The Market continues every Thursday through the end of October at Town Square Park, intersection of Main & Buschman Streets. The Market begins every Thursday at 3 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m.. Every week expect to find a seasonal variety of locally grown, fresh farm produce in addition to a wide variety of dairy options, delicious prepared foods of all types and nursery plants. For more information call 601-554-6452 or visit www.pinebeltfarmersmarket.net

www.pinebeltfarmersmarket.net

ONGOING

At the Y

$25 for Y members and $50 for noon-members. For more information and for materials needed, call Floanne, 601-583-4000.

• White Elephant Bingo held at 10:45 a.m.

Tuesdays and continues every second Tuesday of the month. This is an opportunity to give away your unwanted possessions and take a change to win another participant’s donation. Participants are required to bring at least two new or old items in good condition. Non-member guests are welcome at a none-member fee of $5 per bingo card (2 card limit for all players).

• Line Dance classes will be held at 7 p.m.

Thursdays. This is an introductory class that will meet for 6 weeks and teach adult line dancing. No experience needed. Instructors are Richard and Jan Murphy. Cost is $25 for individual members and $35 for couple members; $50 for individual nonmembers and $65 for non-member couples.

Register with the Y’s member services.

• Minnie’s Thursday Crafters – Every Thursday at 1 p.m. This ongoing group meets to enjoy embroidering, crocheting, knitting and quilting. Free to members.

Non-members can purchase a one-time Crafters Thursday Card for $10.

• Round Table Discussion Group, a Y function only. On-going, every Thursday at 10:45 a.m. Dr. Graham Hales and Terry Peters will conduct the discussions. $5 guest fee.

• Covered Dish Luncheon – at noon, last Friday of the month at The Family Y. Bring a covered dish. For more information about these and other Y events, call Floanne at 601-583-4000.

www.ymcahattiesburg.org

@ Hattiesburg YMCA The YMCA Trippers will take a nostalgic journey back in time with the Victory Bells singing trio on May 30 in New Orleans. A buffet lunch is included in the trip price with dinner on your own. The trip also includes a visit to the River Walk area where travelers can “play” or shop at nearby areas such as Canal Place or Harrah’s. Leave Y at 9:30 a.m. with return trip home approximately 6 p.m. Y members $110 and nonmembers, $130. Deposit is $50 at sign up.

Balance due by Friday, May 11.

For more information, call Floanne Kersh, Active Adult Director, at 601-583-4000.

• Oil Painting with instructor Sherri Wimberly. The first Y session art classes will work in oils and study the use of color to bring out light and movement in landscapes.

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THROUGH NOVEMBER

Third Thursday programs 4:30pm @ Main Street Books

will talk about healthy, delicious smoothies from fresh fruits and vegetables • Oct. 18, Sandra Bender, what to plant in a fall garden • Nov. 15, Anna Cagle, New Yokel Market, will talk about preserving fermented vegetables

MAY 10 - 13

The Producers 7pm @ Hattiesburg Saenger Theater

In its 36th season, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera entertains audiences in the Pine Belt year-round. This spring HCLO presents "The Producers" at the Saenger Theater.

Recommended for mature audiences. 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 or call them at 601-584-4888. Additional ticket sale location – 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.

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

Upcoming programs include:.

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

• July 19, Kim Conway, will demonstrate how to properly preserve tomatoes • Aug., 16, Melanie Dale, Beelicious Honey, will talk about the importance of bees in nature and the health properties of honey • Sept. 21, Anna Cagle, New Yokel Market,

MAY 18-20

Hangout Music Festival @ The Hangout, Gulf Shores Start the summer off right with a little music. This year’s music fest includes the music of the Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the String Cheese Inci-

dent, Wilco, Skrillex, The Flaming Lips, Chris Cornell, Dispatch, Steve Winwood, Flogging Molly, Randy Newman and many more. Three-day general admission passes are already sold out – does that tell you how popular this thing is? A limited number of VIP and Super VIP passes are still available.

MAY 24-26

American Hemerocallis Meet @ Lake Terrace Convention Center

www.hangoutmusicfest.com

Hattiesburg Area Daylily Society will host the Region 14 spring meeting of the American Hemerocallis Society, Mississippi and Alabama, May 24 - 26 at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Meeting chair is Earl Watts, 601-268-3884, bwatts54@gmail.com

MAY 19-AUG. 26

www.hattiesburgdaylily.com

Storyland Traveling Exhibit @ Mississippi Children’s Museum

MAY 25 Experience something new this summer at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM)! MCM’s first traveling exhibit, Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites, arrives May 19 and will be presented in the museum’s Traveling Exhibit Hall until Aug. 26. Storyland is sponsored

by Trustmark and Parents&Kids Magazine.

Families can watch books come alive as they discover Storyland’s engaging environments. The traveling exhibit features famous characters and iconic scenes taken right out of the pages of seven celebrated children’s books: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Snowy Day, Abuela, Tuesday, and Where’s Spot? Storyland encourages families to discover that it is never too early to develop a love of reading through the realistic experiences pulled from each of the seven books. The traveling exhibit is free with paid admission to the museum. Storyland’s grand opening will be 9 a.m. Saturday, May 19. MCM members will have the opportunity to view the exhibit from 8-9 a.m. the morning of May 19.

The week of Aug. 19-26 guests are encouraged to wear their Storyland T-shirts, available in MCM’s gift shop, and receive $5 admission into the museum as the museum says “Goodbye to Storyland.” MCM’s mission to provide unique and exciting educational experiences is accomplished through hands-on and engaging exhibits and programs focusing on literacy, the arts, science, health and nutrition. Storyland will provide museum guests with a literacy focused educational experience unlike any other with interactive scenes from each of the seven books.

www.mcm.ms.

half mile. There will also be music, summer safety activities, and cool summer treats for the whole family to enjoy! Plus, representatives from Blair Batson Children’s Hospital will be at the museum administering car seat safety checks, giving away free bicycle helmets and offering information about sun safety to all museum guests. Registration is $10 per person and $40 for families of four or more and includes free admission into the museum for that day, a T-shirt, water bottle and bag. Families may register today at www.mcm.ms. Join MCM in promoting family health and wellbeing this summer by having your family participate in the C Spire Fun Run.

www.mcm.ms

MSA Auditions All day @ MSA, Brookhaven The Mississippi School of the Arts will be holding additional auditions for both Dance and Vocal Music only on May 25. Applications are due no later than May 11. Students in the dance program at MSA apply ballet, modern and choreography to their daily routine. Vocal Performance, Theory & Harmony and Musical Theatre are a few of the classes students explore in the Vocal Music program. The process for admission includes application, audition and interview. Accepted students attend their junior and senior years at MSA. If you know of students currently in the 10th grade who might be interested in either dance or vocal music, please let them know about this one-time opportunity. Applications are available at www.msa.k12.ms.us, or by calling 601-823-1300. MSA is a public statewide eleventh and twelfth-grade residential high school located in Brookhaven. More information can be found online at www.msa.k12.ms.us or by calling 601-8231300. Applications are available online or can be requested over the phone.

www.msa.k12.ms.us

MAY 26

Summer Soaker, Fun Run 8am @ Miss. Children’s Museum Start the summer off right with the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) in Jackson! The 2nd annual C Spire Summer Soaker and Fun Run hosted by MCM on Saturday, May 26, encourages families to make healthy decisions and get fit together this summer.

Fun run check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the run starts at 9 a.m. with the turning on of MCM’s newly redesigned splash-pad. Runners have the option to run one mile or a

JUNE 13-25

Theatre Camp 8:30am-4:30pm @ Dept. of Theatre, USM Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience is now accepting applications. This program is specifically designed for developing acting, singing and dancing skills in kids ages 8 to 15. No experience is needed. The campers will perform the new musical, Play Ball! Camp dates are June 13-25, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily in the Department of Theatre and Dance on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. To receive an application contact Robin Carr at 601-266-6442 or via e-mail at robin.carr@usm.edu

robin.carr@usm.edu

THROUGH JUNE 27

Miss. Art Faculty Exhibit Daily @ Lauren Rogers Museum The Mississippi Art Faculty Juried Exhibition is in its third installment and features works by some of the state's leading artists from the states colleges and universities.

The exhibition allows for insight into the creative workings of the contemporary teaching artists in Mississippi. The exhibition includes 60 works by 51 artists with 13 schools represented. Miranda Lash, the curator for Modern and Contemporary Art at the New Orleans Museum of Art, served as the juror for this exhibition at the Laurel museum. She selected at least one work by each submitting artist and chose a Best of Show along with three Awards of Excellence. Lash stated that her "selections reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the artists working in Mississippi across a wide variety

of media." Lash also shared that "the works presented demonstrate a range in subject matter between artists whose work reflects a strong sense of place and an interest in the specific culture of the South, and artists whose primary inspiration either comes from within or from more generalized observations. All the works presented here are worthy of close looking and praise. However, I would like to applaud a few particular "sparks" of originality that caught my eye: the composition of Chung-Fan Chang's oil and acrylic paintings, the evocative environments of Mark Geil's photographs, the texture and statements made in Ky Johnston's stoneware, the surreal, melancholic feeling in Dominic Lippillo's photographs, the detailed imagery in Soon E. Ngoh's etchings, and the layered leafy colors in Carlyle Wolfe's monotypes. To all the artists, it was an honor to spend time with your work." Exhibition generously sponsored by Tim Lawrence of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC of Jackson.

www.lrma.org

JUNE 9-23

FestivalSouth @ venues across Hattiesburg Historic Downtown Hattiesburg comes alive with FestivalSouth’s exciting third season, June 9 – 23. FestivalSouth is Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival, offering both free and ticketed events to local residents and cultural tourists. This year's festival expands with exciting events from across the spectrum of the arts – music, dance, art and theatre.

Musical offerings include blues, jazz, Broadway, classical and bluegrass events. Art showings and exhibits cover downtown with a special arts market of local craftsmen and artists. Let the excitement move you with a full-scale ballet and dance classes from hip-hop to ballroom for all ages.

You'll need it with all the food, glorious food, from eateries all across town.

And don't miss the arts events for children and late-night events to cap off a day of adventure in the Pine Belt. FestivalSouth offers events for cultural arts lovers of every taste!

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FestivalSouth back for more Hattiesburg will come alive with music, dance, arts, and theatre June 9-23

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estivalSouth is Mississippi's only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival, offering both free and ticketed events to local residents and cultural tourists. This year's festival expands with exciting events from across the spectrum of the arts – music, dance, art and theatre.

Musical offerings include blues, jazz, Broadway, classical and bluegrass events. Art showings and exhibits cover downtown with a special arts market of local craftsmen and artists. Let the excitement move you with a full-scale ballet and dance classes from hip-hop to ballroom for all ages. You'll need it with all the food, glorious food, from eateries all over town. And don't miss our arts events for children and late-night events to cap off a day of adventure in the Pine Belt.

FestivalSouth offers events for cultural arts lovers of every taste!

Ticketed events for this year’s FestivalSouth include: Saturday, June 9 • 7:30 p.m.

FestivalSouth Opening Night Gala Concert

Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles With the FestivalOrchestra Saenger Theater Admission: $25 ($10 for 12 and under) Imagine The Beatles playing in concert with a symphony orchestra. What would that have sounded like? Find out for yourself when Classical Mystery Tour performs live in concert at FestivalSouth!

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents some Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written. Hear "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hard-edged "I Am the Walrus." From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you've never heard them: totally live.

About the Artists Classical Mystery Tour features Jim Owen (John Lennon) on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman (Paul McCartney) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; John Brosnan (George Harrison) on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri (Ringo Starr) on drums and vocals. Martin Herman, who transcribed the musical scores note for note from Beatles recordings, conducts many of the Classical Mystery Tour concerts.

Take a musical journey from Europe to America via Cuba. The concert opens with the joyful music of Mozart and ends with folkinfluenced music by American composer Mark O’Connor. In the middle, the travelers make a stop in Cuba to enjoy the rich sound world of this peculiar island that served as link between the two continents.

About the Artist Ivan del Prado has appeared as guest conductor with twenty orchestras from Europe, Asia, the United States, and Latin America.

His versatility spans the worlds of symphony, opera, and ballet. Del Prado has worked with eminent artists, including Maestro Daniel Barenboim, whom he assisted at Deutsche Staatsoper Unter den Linden; he also served as musical director of Alicia Alonso’s company, the Prima Ballerina Assoluta. Formerly, del Prado was the Principal Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba.

Currently, he is assistant conductor of the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Thursday, June 14 and Saturday, June 16 • 7:30 p.m.

Don Giovanni FestivalSouth Opera Saenger Theater Admission: $20 ($10 for 12 and under) As the legend goes, Don Juan or, in Mozart's musical version of the story, Don Giovanni, was a womanizing scoundrel with a list of amorous conquests so long that his right-hand man needs an entire aria just to outline them!

Don Giovanni has been widely regarded as the greatest opera ever composed. That's a pretty bold statement, but however you rank it, Mozart's opera is a brilliant combination of stark human tragedy and touching comedy, set to music of limitless genius.

Don’t miss this exciting production by the FestivalSouth Opera.

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Monday, June 11 • 7:30 p.m.

Musical Landscapes Beyond the South Chamber Orchestra Ivan del Prado, conductor Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot Admission: $16 ($8 for 12 and under)

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Friday, June 15 • 7:30 p.m.

Jazz Goes Gospel The Larry Panella Jazz Quartet The Bottling Company Admission: $10 ($5 for 12 and under) Also, you get 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) One jazz style of the post Bebop period was a return to more Black oriented roots musical styles including Gospel and Blues and was called Hard Bop or Soul Jazz. Performers of the Hammond B-3 organ rose to popularity. The Organ trios of performers such as Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff brought a “takin’ it to church” sort of boisterousness to the music that has continued today. “Jazz Goes Gospel” will explore some of that music and will also include originals as well, sure to entertain the Festival South audience with some rompin’ soulful music.

About the Artist Larry Panella serves on the faculty of The University of Southern Mississippi as an associate professor of music and director of the jazz studies program. He is the founder and leader of the USM Jazz Quintet and has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Steve Allen, Nelson Riddle, and Frank Sinatra Jr. His recordings include, “Larry Panella: Under The Influence,” two albums with the Collection Jazz Orchestra, “The Ashley Alexander Big Band,” and “A Hot Night in Paris” by the Phil Collins Big Band, as well as two CD’s by Chris Cortez. He has a new release entitled “Gestures Project” due out in the Spring of 2012.

Friday, June 15 • 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 16, • 2 p.m.

Don Quixote The South Mississippi Ballet Saenger Theater Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Cervantes’ novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, tells of the adventures of a country gentleman obsessed with chivalry and love. The ballet Don Quixote is based on one episode from the novel and tells a beautiful story of love, separation, and reconciliation through dance.

South Mississippi Ballet Theatre was founded by Arkadiy and Katya Orohovsky in 2010 and is dedicated to bringing the highest level of classical ballet training to the Hattiesburg area. It is our goal to educate both children and adults about the training, culture and history of classical ballet while offering them a chance to pursue the art in whatever capacity they choose. It is our hope that every student that walks through our doors will come to both love and respect the art of ballet, to increase their sense of self worth, and to gain a deeper knowledge and respect about the world around them. We strive to offer our students an environment that is both caring and disciplined with special attention given to the individual needs of each and every student.

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Monday, June 18 • 7:30 p.m.

Impressions Alexandre Brussilovsky, violin Theresa Sanchez, piano OddFellows Hall Gallery and Hall Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Brussilovsky and Sanchez bring their expert musicianship to the beautiful sound-world of French Impressionist music. The program features sonatas for violin and piano by Gabriel Pierné, Jean Françaix, and César Franck.

About the Artists Russian violinist and conductor Alexandre Brussilovsky has played in the most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Bolchoi Hall in Moscow, and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris with renowned artists such as Misha Maisky, Maurice André, and Lord Yehudi Menuhin. In 1985, after having been prohibited from performing abroad for eight years, Brussilovsky was able to leave the USSR and establish his residency in France. He rebuilt his career, dividing his time between concert performances and teaching. At the same time, his dream of having his own ensemble came true on the creation of the Ensemble Ricercata de Paris.

The Grand Prix winner at both the International Prague Competition in 1969 and at the Jacques Thibaud Competition in 1975, Brussilovsky continues to perform around the world. Brussilovsky serves as Artistic Director of the “Pont Alexandre III,” a Chamber Music Festival in Paris and Moscow; he is also the founder and president of the Yuri Yankelevitch International Violin Competition in Omsk, Russia.

Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician. She has presented recitals in the United States, Canada, and Europe and has performed as soloist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (including the Southern Nights CD) and The Wind Ensemble. With the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, she premiered and recorded Carey Smith’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Dr. Sanchez was the founding Artistic Administrator for the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival and performed in each series with various outstanding artists. She has been a faculty member at Jones Junior College since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She was formerly on the faculty of William Carey College and has taught at the Mississippi Keyboard Camp and the Okanagon Summer School of the Arts in British Columbia. From 2003 to 2006 she performed in the International Music Institute in Pontlevoy, France, and joined the Touring Artist Roster of the Mississippi Arts Commission in 2003. She was recently featured on WQXR (New York) Radio’s Reflections from the Keyboard and WMSV Radio’s High Notes. She frequently performs chamber music concerts with the Impromptu Piano Quartet.

Tuesday, June 19 • 7:30 p.m.

Pierrot Lunaire: A Lunar Experience Maryann Kyle, soprano The FestivalLunaire Ensemble OddFellows Hall Admission: $12 ($6 for 12 and under) Program Description Schoenberg’s masterpiece, Pierrot Lunaire, receives a unique treatment by Kyle and the FestivalLunaire Ensemble. To accompany the haunting, atonal instrumental sound world and Kyle’s Sprechstimme vocals, dancers Percell Angel St. Thomass and Shellie Hubbard offer an extra layer of interpretation to Schoenberg’s icon of expressionist music.

About the Artists Maryann Kyle, soprano, is an active performer of opera, concert, and recital repertoire, and has shared the concert stage with some of world’s greatest artists, having sung the role of Micaela in Carmen opposite internationally known mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves; performing as a guest soloist with The Miami Festival opposite famed bass-baritone William Warfield; and singing the soprano solos in Mendelssohn’s Elijah opposite baritone Timothy Noble and mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson. Kyle has appeared as a soloist on the pop music stage with famed artists Patti Labelle, Patti Austin, Dionne Warwick, Ann Nesby and Vesta Williams.

Kyle’s Sondheim Cabaret premiered in NYC at the Laurie Beechman Theatre/West Bank Café in October, 2011.

Also featured are flutist Danilo Mezzadri, pianist Lynn Raley, clarinetist Jonathan Holden, violinist Marta Szlubowska, and cellist, Alexander Russakovsky, Thursday, June 21 • 7:30 p.m.

Declaration of Love Alexandre Brussilovsky, Violinist/Conductor The FestivalSouth Chamber Orchestra Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot Admission: $20 ($10 for 12 and under) Alexandre Brussilovsky returns and leads the FestivalSouth Chamber Orchestra in engaging arrangements of classical and modern love songs and dances.

(Bio previously listed) Friday, June 22

son singing the Mississippi Blues! Men, we suggest fedoras, skinny ties and a black suit. Women, pick your favorite cocktail dress. Or dress up like your favorite performer…and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!

About the Artist Guitarist, songwriter and producer Vasti Jackson is a soulful musician who captivates his audiences the moment he takes the stage. Jackson describes “The Best of the Mississippi Blues” and his new CD, No Border to the Blues, with the following words: "There’s music that’s more traditional blues, acoustic, electrified and more rocking, but at the core of it is a compelling Mississippi attitude." Jackson’s other activities over the past several years include appearances in a documentary, a TV show and several feature films, and the co-production of a Grammy-nominated album.

Saturday, June 23 • 7:30 p.m.

FestivalFinale Sandi Patty and The FestivalOrchestra Temple Baptist Church Admission: $25, $40 & $55 ($15 for 12 and under) Wednesday, June 20 • 7:30 p.m.

LOL: Laugh Out Loud A Show-tune Cabaret The Bottling Company Cost: 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) Program Description Enjoy some of the funniest songs from the Great White Way in this showcase that will have you literally laughing out loud. Maryann Kyle, Jennifer Hart, Mike Lopinto lead a cast of talented singers in a great night of zany Broadway fun!

• 7:30 p.m.

Vasti Jackson presents The Best of the Mississippi Blues Music, Fashion, Dining, and Dancing!

The Bottling Compan Admission: $16 ($8 for 12 and under) Also, you get 10% Off Menu Price with FestivalSouth Circle Pass or Same-Day Event Ticket (alcohol excluded) Dress in your best Blues attire and get ready to dance with Vasti Jack-

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Happenings

Father & Son team to headline HCLO’s

‘The Producers’

By Petch LUCAS

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ax Bialystock may have once looked upon Leo Bloom as a son, but those fictional Mel Brooks characters will come to life as a true father and son duo in Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera’s spring production of The Producers, which will run May 10-13 at the Historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg.

Paul VanZandt appears as Max Bialystock, a has-been Broadway producer whose most recent shows have been embarrassing flops.

In walks accountant Leo Bloom on a routine assignment to do the books. He is played by Joe VanZandt, and after looking over Max’s financial ledgers, Leo casually mentions a way to make a fortune by over-selling investments in a sure-to-flop production, then absconding with the extra money once the show flops. So they attempt to do so, but with results they don’t expect, when their tasteless show, Springtime For Hitler, becomes an unexpected smash hit.

A bond is forged.

“Having the role of Max opposite Joe's Leo is incredible,” Paul said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in that the physical requirements for Max and Leo match us so well. On a personal level, it's a lot of fun working alongside my son.”

Paul and Joe have worked together onstage before, the first time being HCLO’s The Wizard Of Oz, in which they portrayed the Scarecrow and a Munchkin, respectively in 1989. Later, the two appeared in a Southern Miss production of The Fantasticks, although sharing very little onstage time together. The Producers is the first time they have worked side by side in leading roles.

“It is incredible to get to work opposite my father in the lead roles,” Joe said. “We have very similar acting styles, so we will have to take great care to make sure that our characterizations are unique from one another.”

Paul, who has been a school teacher for 36 years, first aspired to the stage in La Boheme when he was in college. That production was directed by the late Bob Mesrobian, who, perhaps serendipitously would co-found HCLO a few years later. Joe plans to follow in his father’s footsteps in education, working to achieve a teaching certification and hoping to instruct mathematics in the future.

Since his stage debut in The Wizard Of Oz, Joe has appeared in numerous productions with Hattiesburg High School and HCLO, including lead roles in the latter’s The Music Man and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

“Our cast is absolutely loaded with experienced, talented actors, singers and dancers,” Paul said. “I definitely feel buoyed by the quality of my fellow performers. Joe knows all of his lines and all of my lines, too. That's a real comfort to someone who has reached an age where remembering lines is not as easy as it once was.”

Other members of the cast include Drew Arnold as Franz Liebkind, the crazed ex-Nazi who had written Springtime For Hitler, while Mike Lopinto plays Roger De Bris, the inept director who is con-

tracted to helm this show-within-the-show. Hannah Rachal appears as Ulla, with Chase Byrd playing Carmen Ghia and Kayla Boyte as Shirley.

The Producers first entertained audiences as a 1968 Mel Brooks film starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. In 2001, Brooks reimagined it as a Broadway musical, which went on to win 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Four years later, the musical was adapted into a second film, retaining its Broadway leads – Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick – and most of the songs, including “Opening Night,” “I Wanna Be A Producer,” “Keep It Gay,” “Prisoners Of Love” and the showstopper of showstoppers, “Springtime For Hitler.”

“I do feel a responsibility to do justice to the material,” Joe said.

“I have been a lifelong Mel Brooks fan, so there is the added challenge of living up to the expectations the audience has of the characters. Mostly, I'm just incredibly excited to participate in a musical that I love so much.”

The Producers is directed by Rob Mulholland, with music directed by Tammy Mansfield. The dance-intensive production is choreographed by Paige Perkins and Danielle Metcalf. It is recommended for mature audiences. Visit http://www.hclo.org for tickets.

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Each year, MMTE presents a fully-produced musical with designers from the Department of Theatre and Dance and counselors from both departments, including Associate Professor of Dance Education, Julie White and Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Heidi open.

Lucas. The campers get the exciting opportunity to work with uniThe 2011 FestivalSouth Best Summer Camp award winner, versity students and professionals in the field of musical theatre.

MMTE is for children ages 8-15. The camp will be from June 11-23 In the past two years, the musical production that has been proand will take place in the Department of Theatre and Dance on the duced has been written by two counselors, Zach Hassel and Meredcampus of the University of Southern Mississippi. ith Morris. The musical this year, again written by Hassel and Eight years ago, Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience Morris, is called Play Ball! Putting this show up and on for the pub(MMTE) was conceived by current producers Robin Carr, associate lic should be fun for everyone involved. According to Hassel “Play professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance and Dr. Jennifer Ball! is a fun, action-filled musical that's Shank, associate professor of Theatre Edsure to hit a home run. It's the end of the ucation and associate chair in the School WHAT: Summer Day Camp for kids ages 8-15, season and the Leapin' Lizards face off of Music. Robin and Jennifer had worked no experience needed! against the Mighty Termites in the Little together on a musical for the Department WHERE: Theatre and Dance Building on the League Championship. With the help of of Theatre and Dance and wanted to concampus of Southern Miss goofy mascots, a grumpy umpire, and a tinue collaborating.

WHEN: June 11-23 whole roster of crazy characters, these two Seeing a need for more community outteams strive to take home the trophy!” reach, especially to younger children, from HOW: Contact Robin Carr, 601-266-6442 or robin.carr@usm.edu for more info Last year’s musical by Morris and Hassel, the university and collaboration opportuAll Aboard! played to sold-out performnities within both departments, MMTE ances. began. What started out with 15 campers in 2005 has now blosMMTE will be showing Play Ball to the Hattiesburg audience on somed into approximately 60 each year with 2 casts per summer. both Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23, both at 10 a.m. and The program is specifically designed for developing acting, singing noon each day. Tickets are $5 at the door. So, whether you are interand dancing skills for campers ages 8 to 15. Not only is this a terrific ested in enrolling a child as a participant or coming out to see a theatre experience for young people, it also improves coordination, show, we hope you can be a part of the Midsummer Musical Thecollaborative and communication skills. Campers make friends for atre experience! life and a sense of play is in every activity during the two weeks. ooking for something creative and fun to do this summer?

Look no further. Midsummer Musical Theatre Experience Summer Musical Theatre Day Camp registration is now

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Neighbors

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here are Pine Belt children who don’t have the luxury of being part of a true family.

But through the help of Homes of Hope for Children, a local ministry which began serving children in 2010, they now have that opportunity.

And people like Robert and Melissa Litke, who serve as houseparents for the Girls Cottage (Hope Haven) at Homes of Hope, located outside Purvis, make that dream or opportunity become more real.

The couple was invited to come work at HoHFC

by Executive Director Dr. Michael Garrett in April 2011, according to Melissa. “We accepted and moved here last July,” she said. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our first year here. I thought I would really miss snowy winters, mostly because I love to quilt, but hiking with the girls during warm winter months has been wonderful.”

The Litkes both received their education at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. Robert was born and raised in Wichita, Kan., while Melissa is a Texan.

“We both had a passion for working with youth even back then,” said Melissa of the two, who met while serving as camp counselors at Ponderosa Pines Christian Youth Camp in Running Springs, Calif., back in 1991. “Ironically we first met in California, not knowing that we were attending the same college.”

The couple married in August of 1992 and this summer will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

After finishing college, the Litkes went into church youth ministry for several years, eventually landing at yet another camp ministry, this time “in the beautiful mountains of Colorado,” according to Melissa.

“Robert was a head cook, but also lead summer youth programs. I enjoyed running the gift shops and coffee bars, as well as organizing and leading weekend women’s retreats,” she said. While there, though, the couple became very burdened to be more involved with youth on a daily basis. “We were introduced to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children by our pastor’s wife,” said Melissa.

According to the couple, it was in 2001 that they began “our wonderful journey of being house parents to hurting children and teens.

We were blessed with the opportunity to adopt one of those hurting children in 2005. We celebrate our daughter's adoption day every May 1,” said Melissa. “Our Sara K was 10 when we adopted her and is currently completing her junior year at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg.” After graduation Sara K plans to attend Pensacola Christian College. At PCS she enjoys managing the football and basketball teams, as well as the drama club. She works after school at Chick-fil-A in Hattiesburg.

Melissa said the task of house parenting is definitely a two-person job. “I can't imagine doing it alone. The men work on campus during the mornings, doing repair work, as well as maintaining the 40-plus acres of campus here.”

An average day for the Litkes and their extended family of all girls involves “getting up around 4:45 a.m., spending time with the Lord and getting a hot breakfast ready for 9 people,” said Melissa.

“We eat breakfast all together and have a devotional lead by my husband,” said Melissa. After that it’s getting 5 elementary girls dressed, hair done and off to school, to meetings throughout the day,” said a busy Melissa, who also serves as the asst. director.

For those too young for school, Melissa prepares lunch and spends the day coordinating their activities, taking them to doctor’s appointments, dance class and drama rehearsal. “You name it,” she said.

Once the children get home from school it’s time for homework, and hopefully some play time. Then it’s time to cook dinner for 9.

“We eat all together as a family and each one shares the best part of their day,” said Melissa. “After dinner we often go outside and play or go for a walk. And the girls love to play ‘Darlin' if you love me, SMILE’ after we finish dinner most nights.”

The day winds down with bathtime, bedtime stories, prayers and hopefully sleep. Once Melissa gets everybody down, it’s back to work for her, catching up on paperwork and other tasks.

She said a typical weekend usually involves running some errands like getting Easter shoes, summer clothes, school snacks, and the occasional trip to the park or movie. “Often we have folks come out and provide a cookout and activites for the kids,” she said. “We do have a great deal of community involvement. As a matter of fact, I have a college student who comes out twice a week, one day to help me with the girls’ homework and another day to help clean,” which is welcomed help for Melissa, who has 7 bathrooms and 2 kitchens to clean on a weekly basis. “We welcome guests and tours, but that also means lots of housecleaning,” she said.

Weekends also include doing the laundry which is no small task. “I start on Friday and finish Sunday by ironing school uniforms,” said Melissa, who on the average does about 30 loads of laundry a week.

“While all of this sounds like a lot, my husband and I do take 9 days off every 20 days. Most of the time we sleep for the first several days, then try to enjoy time together and with our daughter and friends.”

But even though there never seems to be any down time, Melissa describes her favorite part of each day, hands down, as bedtime prayers. “I love listening to the girls say their prayers. It's an amazing way to finish every day!” she said.

The large family attends First Baptist Church of Purvis, where the girls are involved in Awanas, children’s choir and the youth group.

One of the family’s favorite times of year is the holidays, “Any holiday really,” said Melissa. “ They are all special. We just love baking and all the special things that come with any holiday.”

In addition to daughter, Sara K, 17, the Litkes currently have 6 girls in the cottage, ranging in age from 5 to 14.

The Litke Family

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Neighbors

Class of 2012 Pine Belt graduates ready for pomp and circumstance For the first time ever, Jones County Junior College will be dividing its graduation ceremonies this year.

Ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on May 11, with both at the Bobcat Gymnasium. Students will be grouped in alphabetic order.

Chuck Scianna Also on May 11, the University of Southern Mississippi will hold its graduation ceremonies.

USM alumn Chuck Scianna, who made a historic financial contribution to his alma mater last year will serve as its spring commencement speaker.

Scianna, president of Sim-Tex, L.P. in Waller, Texas and a 1975 graduate of Southern Miss’ College of Business, will give the commencement address at two ceremonies Friday, May 11 at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Reed Green Coliseum.

His $5 million gift last July to the university’s “Building Better Business” campaign will help fund completion of Scianna Hall, the new home of the university’s College of Business. The commitment is the largest one-time gift to the USM Foundation by a Southern Miss alumnus. In February he went a step further by pledging to match, up to a cumulative $1 million, additional contributions to the campaign made by May 31.

“I’m honored and surprised to be chosen,” said Scianna, a Bay St. Louis native who credited his time at Southern Miss for helping him become a successful businessman. His company, Sim-Tex, is one of the leading suppliers of API-certified oil country tubular goods.

“I’m an ordinary individual that came from modest means and took advantage of an education from Southern Miss as a means to an end,” he said. ‘If I was able to do what I accomplished, every graduate of the university should be able to use that education as a springboard to success.”

Spring commencement for Southern Miss Gulf Coast will be

held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

Not to be left out, William Carey University will hold all four of ceremonies in Smith Auditorium in the Thomas Fine Arts Center on the Hattiesburg Campus on May 11 and 12.

The first three ceremonies will be for graduates of the Hattiesburg campus, while the 4 p.m. Saturday ceremony will be held for graduates of the Tradition Campus and Keesler AFB Center.

At 7 p.m. May 11, Hattiesburg graduates will hear from James Q. Bacchus, superintendent of the Hattiesburg Public School District.

At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12, Dr. Raymon Leake, pastor of First Baptist Church of Meridian, will speak to graduates of the Noonkester School of Arts and Letters, Fail School of Nursing and School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences.

The 1 p.m. ceremony on May 11 for the Schools of Business and Education, Cooper School of Mission and Biblical Studies and Winters School of Music will have Aubrey Patterson, president and CEO of BancorpSouth as its guest speaker.

The 4 p.m. May 12 ceremony will be for Tradition Campu/Keesler Center graduates and undergraduates.

Pearl River Community College has set its graduation ceremony for May 15, beginning at 10 a.m. Graduation will be held at the Forrest County Multipurpose Center in Hattiesburg.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves will be the speaker.

Lamar Christian and Presbyterian High School both will hold their graduation ceremonies on May 18, beginning at 7 p.m.

Lamar Christian will hold its graduation ceremony at First Baptist Church. Brother Louis Nicolosi, the school’s administrator, will be the special speaker.

Lamar Christian held its first classes during the 1997-98 school year, and Nicolosi has been with the school since 1998. He is retiring this year.

Presbyterian Christian High School will hold its graduation ceremony at the school’s basketball gymnasium. University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Martha Saunders will be this year’s guest speaker.

Petal High School’s graduation ceremony is set for 7 p.m. May 18 at Reed Green Coliseum on the Southern Miss campus.

As in previous years, schools in the Lamar County School District will hold their graduation ceremonies at Reed Green Coliseum on the USM campus. Oak Grove, Purvis and Sumrall all will hold their graduation ceremonies on May 19.

Oak Grove High School will lead off the day at 10 a.m. Wayne Folkes who will be completing his tenure as Oak Grove High School principal, will be one of the speakers during the ceremony.

Folkes has been named to the newly-created position of Director of Student Services with the Lamar County School District, effective June 1.

Also speaking will be the school’s valedictorian and salutatorian.

Purvis High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 2 p.m., with the valedictorian and salutatorian as the main speakers.

Sumrall High Schools graduation ceremony will be held at 5 p.m., with the valedictorian and salutatorian as the main speakers.

Lumberton High School will hold its graduation beginning at 7 p.m. May 20 at the school’s football field. The valedictorian and salutatorian will be the main speakers.

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Cuisine

To learn is to taste U

ntil five years ago, I assumed that wine fanatics were crazy.

Sure, I enjoyed wine. But it was simply a drink – a beverage to enjoy with dinner from time to time.

And then I put my nose in a glass of Syrah from Failla, a boutique winery in Napa Valley, and something clicked. How could such a simple beverage – fermented grape juice – have such a seductive bouquet? And how could it taste so good?

I knew nothing of tasting notes at the time, but when I learned that a well-known wine critic had described the wine as "explosive and wild" and complimented its "aromas of raspberry, game, truffle, smoke and leather, with notes of pepper and beefsteak tomato," it all made sense.

So I dove into the world of wine – taking classes, reading books, and tasting as much as I could.

These days, I'm frequently asked how one should learn about wine.

While every approach is helpful, tasting is the most valuable. Even simple questions, like your go-to varietal on an average weeknight, are impossible to answer until you've tasted several different wines.

If you prefer white wine, for example, do you seek out ones that are crisp and light, like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Or do you prefer wines that are buttery and ripe, like California Chardonnay? If you

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prefer red, do you seek out big, jammy wines, like Australian Shiraz?

Or the more restrained profile of French Pinot Noir?

Once wine becomes a passion, those hard-to-pronounce regions in Europe become much easier to remember – so long as you've tasted the wines. Those flaws that sommeliers can spot become obvious to you, as well – so long as you've tasted enough wine to encounter them.

Tasting can be as simple as heading to your local wine shop when several bottles are open. Getting together with friends and asking each person to bring something different is another way to taste several wines in one sitting.

My favorite tasting for those who are just getting into wine is a bit more formal. I select four varietals – generally Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah – and open two bottles of each, one from the New World and the Old World.

The stereotype tells us that New World wines are fruitier than their Old World counterparts. While one can find wines that debunk this stereotype, it's based in truth. So I purposefully seek out wines that fit the stereotype. And I serve everything blind, pouring the wines from paper bags to mask where they're from.

Recognizing the differences should be obvious, even to

novices.

The aromatics of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are extremely intense, typically offering fresh-cut grass, gooseberries, and grapefruit. French Sauvignon Blanc, especially from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, presents more subtle aromatics, like chalk and white flowers.

Chardonnay provides a similar contrast. While California Chardonnays are characterized by tropical fruits and butter, French Chardonnays are marked by tart fruits, like green apples and lime.

When Pinot Noir comes from warmer regions of California, like Napa Valley and Carneros, it presents aromatics of sweet fruits, like black cherries. In the French region of Burgundy, Pinot Noir generally offers aromas of tart cherries and earth.

The differences between Syrah can be stunning. In Australia, winemakers usually produce fruit bombs – think gobs of ripe blackberries and licorice. French Syrah is more restrained, typically marked by blueberries, meat, and pepper.

Neither Old World nor New World is "better" – my preference shifts all the time, depending on my mood – but looking for these differences is extremely educational. And when the paper bag comes off each bottle, it's fun to see whether or not you correctly guessed the origin of each wine.

This is just one concept for a formal tasting. One can just as easily host a "wine on a budget" tasting, selecting several bottles under $10, or a "horizontal" tasting – focusing on one varietal, from one region, from one year, selecting wines from a several producers.

Just remember to keep it fun.

David White, a wine writer, is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com. His columns are housed at Wines.com, the fastest growing wine portal on the Internet.

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Roger’s Recipes DISHPAN COOKIES Mix: 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 cup corn oil 1 tsp. vanilla Mix and add to above mixure: 2 cups plain flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. soda 3/4 cup Minute Oats (Quaker) 1 cup pecan pieces 2 cup Frosted Flakes (Kelloggs) 3/4 cup shredded coconut This will be a stiff dough which may require mixing by hand.

Using a 3/4 oz. ice cream dipper, place balls of cookie dough on greased cookie sheet. Mash dough down to about 1/2-inch thick. Bake about 15 minutes at 275 degrees in

a convection oven. A regular oven will quire higher temperature and /or longer time. Makes about 36 cookies.

BLUEBERRY CRUNCH Spray a 9x13 baking dish.

Add: 4 cups drained pineapple 4 cups frozen blueberries 1 cup pineapple juice Do not mix!

Sprinkle over mixture: 3/4 cup sugar Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter over mix 1 cup pecan midgets 1/4 cup sugar Bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees.

Remove from oven and cut the mixture with a knife so the liquid will mix with the cake batter. Cook another 10 minutes or until golden brown.

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Cuisine

Are you hungry for a sweet treat but don't have the time or energy to create something from scratch?

These no-fuss dessert recipes are sure to delight. Start with convenient ingredients, such as Sara Lee Pound Cake, and make a few easy enhancements. In no time, you can put together an Easy Trifle, Pound Cake S'Mores, or even a Classic Strawberry Shortcake.

With a few extra minutes, you can create a delectable Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding, or Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle - perfect for sharing any day of the week.

All of these easy recipes can be made with Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, too. The pre-sliced and individually-wrapped slices are ideal for making perfectly-portioned desserts or snacks.

Top with remaining light whipped topping and toasted almonds.

Tip: You can make this recipe for more people, by scaling up the ingredients and presenting in a pretty glass bowl.

Banana Nut Pound Cake Pudding Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 60 minutes Serves: 4

Get more delicious, no-fuss recipes at www.saraleedesserts.com. And to get recipes and tips delivered to your inbox, sign up for a free newsletter at www.saraleedesserts.com/enews-sign-up.

Easy Trifle Prep Time: 10 minutes • Serves: 2 2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake 1/2 cup Greek peach yogurt 1 cup light whipped topping, divided 1/4 cup sliced fresh peaches 1/4 cup whole raspberries 1 tablespoon toasted almonds Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions. Cut thawed pound cake into 1-inch cubes.

Mix yogurt with 1/2 cup light whipped topping, reserving remaining whipped topping for later.

Put two parfait glasses on a work surface. Layer 1/4 of the pound cake cubes into each glass. Top each with 1 tablespoon sliced fresh peaches and whole raspberries, and 1/4 yogurt mixture. Repeat layers, ending with yogurt.

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4 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake 2 eggs 1 cup half and half 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 2 small ripe bananas, thinly sliced 1/2 cup candied pecans (optional) Whipped topping (optional) Preheat oven to 325o F. Thaw 4 pound cake slices according to package directions. Cut pound cake slices into 1/2-inch squares and place on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla and brown sugar until well blended. Set aside.

Spray a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans onto prepared baking dish. Top with toasted pound cake and banana slices and pour egg mixture on top. Press down pound cake cubes with back of spoon to submerge completely; let stand 10 minutes. If using, sprinkle with remaining pecans.

Cover baking dish with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking 15 minutes or until eggs are set.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

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Pound Cake S'Mores Prep Time: 5 minutes • Serves: 2 2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 1/4 cup mini marshmallows 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional) Preheat oven to 400o F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with nostick cooking spray.

Place each pound cake slice on the bottom of the baking pan.

Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows.

Bake for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and lightly toasted.

Top with peanuts, if desired.

To cook in microwave: Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions and place each pound cake slice on a microwave-safe plate.

Top each slice with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows.

Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds or until marshmallows and chocolate chips are slightly melted. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Grilled Pound Cake with Ice Cream, Pineapple and Chocolate Drizzle Prep Time: 10 minutes • Serves: 2 2 Sara Lee Pound Cake Slices, or 2 (1/2-inch) slices from 1 package of Sara Lee Pound Cake 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 1/2-inch pineapple rings 2 small scoops vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup) 1/4 cup chocolate sauce Thaw 2 pound cake slices according to package directions.

Pre-heat a grill or grill pan to medium.

Brush each slice of pound cake with melted butter.

Pound Cake S’Mores

Grill pineapple slices 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and caramelized on both sides.

While pineapple is grilling, place pound cake slices on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until each side is lightly golden brown.

Top pound cake slices with grilled pineapple and a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or other desired flavor). Finish with a chocolate sauce drizzle.

Grilled Pound Cake

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here are those who might be envious of what Ed Lashley does for a living. Then there are those who wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.

Lashley is a stay-at-home dad. His job description includes doing the laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, carpooling, serving as a classroom dad, maintaining the house and yard, getting his daughters to school, helping with homework, taking them to buy birthday presents and delivering them to parties and getting them to extracurricular activities. And oh yes, tending the chickens.

But in addition to his two daughters, Juliet, 12, and Jillian, 8, he also looks after his 80-year-old father, Wallace, who recently moved into a “pool house/father-in-law” quarters the Lashleys had constructed behind their Oak Grove home.

Lashley’s wife, Janet, is a CPA, who is the controller for the Distribution Division of Hood Industries, Inc. “And with 14 locations throughout the U.S., yes, I travel a lot,” she said.

Janet says the work Ed does on the homefront is a big relief, as well as help for her. “When we first moved here I worked very long hours and once worked 21 days straight,” she said. “Juliet, our oldest was 7 weeks old when we moved here, so Eddie had his hands full. The biggest relief is knowing your children are well taken care of.”

Janet said that years ago when Southwest Airlines ran Buddy Fares (buy one ticket and the other is free), the young family took advantage of this when Janet had to travel for business. “Eddie would fly free and Juliet was under 2 years old, so she was free. They would go with me, which meant so much to me. Traveling is hard on a mother

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when the kids are small. They change so fast and you just want to enjoy every moment you can. It was also hard going back to work after maternity leave, but knowing Eddie was there and the kids were at home made it much easier.”

Ed has no regular schedule or routine, except for Tuesdays when he and his dad do the elder Lashley’s grocery shopping.

Wallace, who retired from the Internal Revenue Service, suffers from macular degeneration and uses a Scooter, so he doesn’t get around very well, according to Ed. He also helps him with his business matters, takes him to doctor’s visits, helps with the laundry and groceries, and trips to McDonald’s at least 2 or 3 times a week. Even though Wallace lived in Hattiesburg, it was best to move him closer to the family.

The Lashleys have lived in Hattiesburg since August of 2000 when they relocated from the High Point, N.C., area with Janet’s job. Both Ed and Janet had grown up and attended college in North Carolina. Janet completed her degree at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and went on to get her CPA. Ed also attended UNCG, but never finished, although he has considered returning to the classroom. At one time years ago he thought he wanted to be a doctor, but didn't have what it took. “Physics kicked me,” he said, “so I gave up. I should have aimed lower. My dad tried to get me to go into some type of business field, but sitting at a desk all day for a career was not my ideal job.”

The couple met at a party and dated for 7 years before they tied the knot in 1998. “I wanted to be sure,” said Ed, who was 38 or 39 at the time.

In North Carolina, Ed had his own custom frame and picture shop, and after four years in business was just starting to build his customer base.

That was when the branch of Hood Industries which Janet worked for shut down. Pregnant at the time with the couple’s first child, her options were to transfer to Hattiesburg with the company or find another job.

The company flew the couple to Hattiesburg to see if they liked the Hub City, which they did, and they’ve been here ever since.

“The year 2000 was bittersweet for us,” said Ed. “My mom died in February, Juliet was born in June, and we moved to Hattiesburg in August.”

“With Janet’s job we were doing so well that we decided I’d stay at home and be an at-home dad,” said Ed, but there was a time that “Janet was breathing down my neck to get a job. But it was hard to go out and find something making minimum wage when you’d had your own business.”

Through the years Ed had worked at a variety of jobs including Cablevision, grocery stores and warehouses.

Now Ed’s days are filled with a variety of “chores.” And Janet is “proud that we are able to have one parent home for our kids.”

“I love to be busy,” he said, so the tasks he handles on a weekly basis are not truly a chore, even the maintenance and yard cleaning. “Ask me again when it gets hot and I may tell you differently,” he laughs of the yard work which encompasses keeping up 1 1/2 acres plus a pool.

“I pretty much do everything, but Janet cooks more than I do,” he said. While he likes to cook, he said he just doesn’t do it that often. But when it comes to the groceries for the cooking, he’s got things covered, both the family’s groceries and his dad’s.

Janet admits to being chief cook, but says Ed “is an excellent cook, he just doesn’t think so.” Janet said she started dating him “because he made the best steak I ever had.”

“Long story,” said Janet, “but basically he asked me over for dinner. I was going to go, but tell him I was seeing someone else, which I was. As fate would have it, he made this steak coated with honey to sear in the juices.

It was delicious and he was one of the nicest guys I had ever met.”

And yes, ladies, she trusts him with the laundry.

“There have been a few things that have gotten ruined in the wash, but that’s a small price to pay,” said Janet. “But truth be told, if there is something I really love, I wash it myself, espe-

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cially if it’s delicate and needs the gentle cycle.”

Having Ed at home also makes it easier if one of the girls is sick or has a dental or doctor’s appointment.

“Eddie has always taken the girls for doctor and dentist visits,” said Janet.

“I think I have only been there for the first couple of doctor visits after they were born, and one dentist appointment and that was because Eddie was taking his dad to the doctor, so I took Jillian to the dentist.”

If the girls have birthday parties to attend, then it’s Ed who takes them to peruse the store shelves for the perfect gift and delivers them where they need to go.

But when it comes to girly things, Ed gladly turns those duties over to his wife. Jillian recently had a cotillion, but Ed escaped the task of helping purchase the perfect dress for that occasion. “She and Janet did that,” he said. “Janet usually does the girly stuff with Juliet and Jillian – like shopping and fingernails and stuff.” No ponytails for Ed, “but I can stick a barrette in their hair, but no braiding.”

There are times when Ed, who is surrounded by females, wishes for a boy in the mix, but says emphatically that there are no more children in his future. “When we were talking about having a second child Janet laughed at me and said I was looking for job security,” he said.

Ed enjoys the freedom of pretty much being able to go and do during the day while the girls are in school. However, his friends aren't eager to trade places with him. “My friends usually ask how it's going, and then tell me their thoughts on why they would or wouldn't want to do what I do,” he said. “In the end, they usually say they would rather stick with their own job.”

Although Janet is a busy woman at her “8 to 5” job, she stays just as busy, if not busier, with her “hobby turned paying job,” which leaves Ed as king of the castle on many weekends also. On the weekend days you might find Ed and the girls at the zoo, an area park or checking out yard sales here in the Pine Belt.

“Janet loves to sew and has done so for years,” said Ed. “Her business name is Sassy Paisley Designs,” and she attends festivals and arts and crafts fairs all over – from North Mississippi to the Gulf Coast. She embroiders, appliques T-shirts, handbags or sidebags, which Ed describes as “teen or young lady accessories,” beach bags and baby clothing.

Ed explained that Paisley is Jillian’s

middle name. “We were trying to come up with a name for Jillian and when Janet said “Paisley,” I told her it wasn’t a name, it was a print design....like plaid. It grew on me, and now I love it.”

Janet said her hobby entails “long hours of sewing into the night. And getting up some Saturdays at the crack of dawn, loading the car, which Ed does, setting up the booth, taking the booth down and unpacking the car, which Ed does.” But she says the best part is meeting people and enjoying a day, usually outside. “Sometimes I take one of the girls with me to help,” she said. “They seem to enjoy it.”

Janet also prepares taxes as a side business. “I've been lucky with always having someone to prepare my taxes, since my dad worked for the IRS,” Ed said. “About the time Dad retired, I met Janet.”

Mornings and evenings are early with Ed getting up at 5:30 a.m. to get the girls ready for school and usually crashing in the evenings around 8:30, Jillian’s bedtime.

Jillian has to be at Oak Grove Lower Elementary an hour before Juliet, who is in her first year of middle school. Last year he explained that both girls had to be at school at the same time, which proved a problem at times.

While Ed drives the girls to school in the morning, they take the bus home in the afternoon and he's there to meet them.

Once home they begin working on homework, and other projects they may have due for school. “Whether book fair, science fair or whatever, I'm the man,” Ed said. “It's fun too!”

On occasion he helps with class field trips or classroom events. “I feel guilty if I don't go,” he said, “but many times it's just me and one other “mother.” And I do enjoy it once I get there.” He does carpool on occasion and gets the girls to whatever after-school classes they might be participating in at the time – gymnastics, ballet or dance.

Lashley spends his down time reading, and he likes to dabble in photography, mostly children's portraits and some graduation photos. He also mountain bikes and enjoys riding along some of the bike trails off the Longleaf Trace. This hobby dates back to his pre-Janet days.

Back in the summer of 1987, Lashley and his best friend Danny Gaiser decided to take a bicycle road trip. “We left from my house in Greensboro, N.C., and headed to North Carolina's Outer Banks and down the East Coast to Key West, Fla.,” he said. It took them two months and they camped out every night in pup tents. Ed went on to explain that in 2002 Danny was murdered by a mutual friend. “It was a traumatic experience, to say the least. The details of this story are beyond weird.”

He also enjoys golf, a pastime of his and his father’s, but doesn't play because there's no one to play with.

“All my friends are at work,” he laughed.

He also loves music and plays in a couple of bands – the Praise Band at Heritage United Methodist Church, where he plays during the “Overflow” service, and Facing the Sun/Son. Ed explained that

when he was young, probably in kindergarten, he had a cousin who was four or five years older, who had a guitar, who would come to the house and play.

“He wa a huge influence. I loved it and just had to have one,” said the selftaught musician. Ed’s parents took him to his first rock concert at the age of 7. “It was the Monkees with guest star Jimi Hendrix in July 1967,” remembers Ed. “I was instantly hooked on live music and have been playing all my life.”

Facing the Sun plays free concerts for Lamar County schools and other groups. It's made up of Lamar County School Supt. Ben Burnett, David Saulters, Chadd Watson, Kristen Faggert, Mike Boleware, George Parker and Lashley.

The name came after the “first few gigs we did, which were outside on playgrounds for the Oak Grove School system, mostly lower and upper elementary,” he said. “We always had to set up....here it comes....FACING THE SUN. It made for some awfully hot gigs!”

The group also plays at church functions, and that's when the name changes slightly to Facing the SON. “We play classic rock, and/or popular christian rock, depending on the venue,” said Lashley.

In addition to his jobs and hobbies, Ed still does framing. “My garage is my frame shop,” he said.

Because there's no family living in the area to serve as instant baby sitters, Ed said he and Janet don’t have a lot of time or opportunity for just the two of them to go out together. However when Janet's family's Myrtle Beach vacation rolls around, “We have a house full of babysitters and can go out to eat or see a movie, which is unusual for us,” he said. While at the beach he loves searching the surf and “finding shark’s teeth with my girls.”

Janet admits the couple needs to go out more, just the two of them. “Our life is consumed with our kids. I often think if we were around family more, we would have more opportunity to go out.

The family attends Heritage United Methodist Church. “I didn't grow up going to church, but joined Heritage when we moved here,” said Ed. “We were going to search for a church and Heritage was the first one we went to. We knew right away it was a special place, and have always felt like we were part of a big family there. People really take care of each other through the good times and bad.”

The family also has several pets – a Maltese dog named Miley they adopted from the animal shelter and a Russian Blue cat named Jagger. And oh yes, the chickens. Ed explained that they were brought home from the feed store one Easter several years ago.

“Janet and the girls had gone by to see the colored chicks and ducks and ended up bringing five home,” Ed said. “I was totally against this, because I knew I would be the one who had to take care of them. We were told they probably wouldn't live past a couple of weeks, but they did and I found myself in the chicken coop construction business.” Some died and they bought more. “Now we're down to a rooster and a hen, but we get fresh eggs every day and that's great,” said the keeper of the chicks.

No matter what his tasks or what his week looks like, it’s the memories of times spent with his girls that will forever be a part of his thoughts as they grow up so quicky right in front of him.

“I’m a very lucky guy to be able to stay home with my kids. Moreso when they were younger and were home all day, before the preschool years,” Ed said. “But I still feel that way to some extent. I love getting up early, preparing the kids’ breakfast and lunchbox goodies for Jillian (Juliet eats the cafeteria lunches).

“On the flip side, Janet has told me how she wishes she could be here more during the day to watch them grow up...how she wishes I was the one working and she could stay home.,” Ed said he also appreciates the situation “more than I would have if we had had kids at a younger age. I was 40 when we had our first child in 2000,” he said.

The opportunity and time he’s had thus far with his girls is one that would be the envy of many dads.

“We are very fortunate to have such a loving, caring husband, father and son,” said Janet.

At left, Ed, second from left, with band members.

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Cindy Pennington and Hoy Schramm read a book together one afternoon at the Arc house.

By Beth BUNCH

“she introduced me to her students and I fell in love with them.”

And other than her four-legged children, Pennington estimates she’s been a mother to as many as “2,000 children, between school and Arc, Cindy Pennington, Debbie Everett and Frances Bounds may not and I’ve not had a pain yet,” she said. have given birth to children, but they’d argue you down that they’re Pennington describes these young charges as “very simplistic, coopnot mothers.

These dedicated, loving women all play an integral role with The Arc erative and fun. Whatever you give or buy them is fine. They don’t have to have a lot to be happy.”

(Assoc. for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities) in “And sometimes they’re probably more fun than your own children Hattiesburg, which works to promote and protect the rights of people would be,” added Everett. with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A retired teacher, Everett is now Arc's chief supplies purchaser.

Pennington describes Arc as “a place where children and young “You’ve got to love it, not for the position or the money, but the love of adults enjoy the same typical activities as other kids enjoy.” the children.”

All three women became involved with the organization in the ‘80s Bounds, who serves as Arc secretary and Buddy Activities director, with Pennington and Everett serving as co-directors at one time. Pennington is now the sole keeper of that post and describes it as “my full- strives to make every activity fun for all.

And she may be able to relate to the Arc children and adults moreso time part-time job.” than others. Bounds has been a paraplegic since 1967 after being hit by “You can’t put a time on what we do,” said Everett. “You just do it.” a drunk driver.

Bounds met Cindy through her job as a special ed teacher, where Continued on next page

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“People always tell me there’s a special place in heaven for people like me or you’ve got stars in your crown,” said Everett. “But let me tell you, I get back much more from these children than I give.”

Pennington and the Schramm family have known each other since before Hoy was born. “I was there through the whole pregnancy. When Hoy was born, it was almost like a child of my own,” she said And then there’s Kerry Camille Helveston, who Pennington has known all her life, and who holds a special place in her heart. “With no nieces and nephews, these children and the many others are the closest I’ll ever have,” Pennington said.

“While we love them all, there are probably one or two which have a really special place in my heart,” said Everett.

Bounds knows exactly as she talks about Charly, who was born a Down Syndrome child 17 years ago, “She was precious and I am thankful to God for letting me be a part of her life. She calls me her best friend and she is my best friend!”

Pennington remembers back to the day an Arc kid died. “His mom called us right after he passed away to make sure we would be there before the funeral home took him. “These people allowed us to come into their lives and become a part of their family,” “The situations these families are in is unique,” said Pennington.

“They need such a support system that I hope and feel we offer. It’s 24/7 and they want someone in the form of a mother figure.”

While families look forward to the first time their child goes on a sleepover, off to camp or college, Everett said these are things these children may never get to experience. “But that’s where we come in.

We provide some of those opportunities they may never have. And if it requires me acting like a fool with them, then I’m there.”

There are those in the community who have felt the love and support of these women.

Sandy Wright, an Arc parent, considers these women family.

“All three of these women have been like members of our family for years now,” said Wright, whose adult daughter has participated in many Arc events through the years. “You know they love the children of the Arc because the hours are long and it is a sometimes "thankless" job, but they do it because they want to. They are the epitome of "selflessness."

Kim Schramm agrees wholeheartedly.

“Before Hoy was born and we found out about him having Downs, we began to educate ourselves about school districts and services we would need,” said Kim. “She suggested I meet Cindy, Debbie and Frances.”

Schramm said ironically, the church the family had started attending was their church.

“Talk about God putting people in your life for a purpose!”

Schramm said during the last 12 years “they have become a part of

our family as caregivers for Hoy and our other two boys. These women are there for support, to answer questions, listen and sometimes just be a shoulder to cry on.

“Hoy has been able to do things that we could never have offered to him and has been exposed to experiences that have really shaped his ability to function. I really give these extra "moms" credit for alot of Hoy's ability, creativity and skills.”

Jean Hendley also knows. “These women love my son as their own,” she said. “ They have taken care of and loved him for years. When he is sick, he wants Ms. Cindy. They have always been there and love him unconditionally.” She said Ryan and Frances, who are both in wheelchairs, also have a special bond. “They say when they go to heaven they are going to be running together. These ladies are very special.”

The Arc's many activities and programs are not just for the children, but also for their parents and caretakers. “For Beauty/Beau, mommas come in with pageant dress bags and they’ve had the girl’s hair and makeup done.” said Pennington. “This is real for them.”

“I look forward to seeing them achieve goals in their lives and I am here to help in anyway I can,” said Bounds. “These activities let them showcase their talents and participate just like their peers.”

“At these times I’m thrilled they have the same opportunity as other kids,” said Pennington.

“I've been blessed by every student I met and was amazed at how much I could learn from them,” Bounds said. “They have so much to offer this world and I wish everyone could learn from them as I have, especially the unconditional love they have.”

“While we may miss those special moments that parents get to experience, like the first day of school or a baby’s first steps, these parents are good to share those times with us,” said Everett “We have the luxury of being moms without the pain of birth. It’s motherly love that gives us the drive to do what we do.”

“It’s a different love for the program and child that fuels our tank to keep us going,” added Pennington. “I think the organization as a whole provides such a support for these separate family units. It’s the whole concept of family. Everybody is in this together.”

“I have no children of my own, but I feel like all of these special children and adults are a part of me,” said Bounds, who is known as Miss Frances to them. “Every one of them has his or her own personality and it is so easy to love them. I can’t say what the hardest part of being a surrogate Mom to them is because it isn’t hard. The easiest part is is loving them and seeing them grow up to reach their potential in life.

They are my life and the blessings they give to my life far outweigh the things that I do for them.”

“A lot of people feel sorry for you if you’re not married and don’t have kids,” said Pennington, “like your life hasn’t been made whole. But we have these opportunities which are such a blessing. I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything.

“The problem if I had children would be that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do the things I have. Some of these kids would come far closer to taking care of me than my own would, if I had them.

To have these children in my life is very fulfilling.”

Bound feels the same way. “ I am truly blessed to have known their unconditional love and got to be a little part of their lives! “ she said.

Pennington said after loading up a group and taking them to this year’s Day of Dance, “I was like a proud Momma. It was definitely a mountaintop experience. I truly feel the same as their mothers feel...

Everybody wins. And isn’t that what life is about?”

At top, Frances Bounds with “her Arc children” at the annual Arc Golf Ball Drop in 2010. At left, Debbie Everett with her special friend, Ryan Hendley.

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By Beth BUNCH

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iny little hands and feet, soft, wrinkly skin, yawns, stretches, gurgles and coos and that distinctive baby smell are all a part of Zane Barber’s day.

Barber isn’t a parent in real life, but each day when he gets to work he serves as a surrogate “momma” and “daddy” to a variety of infants who find themselves in the NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit at Wesley Medical Center.

The 25-year-old RN-BSN probably isn’t the typical nurse you’d expect to find in a unit with a bunch of tiny babies. Because of a nursing stereotype, most would expect to see women, but Barber is the only guy in this unit.

Most days his 12-hour shifts run pretty much along the same lines, “but there’s a little something new everyday,” he said, which is to be expected where infants are concerned.

His work environment on the third floor is quiet and cool, with the lights turned off or down very low. It’s peaceful, until somebody gets Continued on next page

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hungry or needs their diaper changed. And with as many as 12 infants at times, that can be quite harrowing. But Barber, who admits he enjoys working with babies and children, doesn’t mind so much.

While parents can visit their wee ones and participate in feedings while in the NICU, it’s Barber and his co-workers who spend their days monitoring vital signs, drawing blood, tending to ventilators and feedings, administering medications, charting files and running blood gases. And until they are strong enough to do so, it's the job of Barber and others to be the eyes and ears, much as an observant parent.

Barber doesn’t feel like an anomaly in the NICU. While, he admits, it may be a little strange, he’s quick to point out that “things are changing. You see a lot more guys going into the nursing field because of what it has to offer.” He noted pediatrics units where male nurses are becoming more the norm.

While this particular medical specialty isn’t where Barber started out, he always knew he wanted to do something in the medical field. “I was a pharmacy major with all my prerequisites behind me,” said the Southern Miss degree holder, who graduated high school at Columbia Academy and later attended Jones County Junior College.

But he felt that with a pharmacy job, “it would be a behindthe-counter type job and I wanted something more hands-on, more challenging, more of a specialty where I could interact,” he said. “I think this is a much better fit for me, even though it might be considered out of the norm.” Barber said he has a huge respect for doctors, who have a lot of responsibility. “They know what to look for, but they rely on nurses to be their eyes and ears, when they aren’t around.”

Even though the nursing staff lets the infants sleep as much as possible, days in the NICU are quite busy. “We go from one infant to the next,” he said, which isn't so bad with fewer infants in the unit and three nursing staff members. “At times when there are fewer babies they get more one-on-one care,” he said. “But when we're full with as many as eight or more, you're running around like crazy.”

“One of the things they teach you in school is about objectivity and subjectivity. In this job you really have to

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use your subjectivity skills, because these babies can’t tell you what they need, which makes the job more challenging. You rely on the assessment skills you’ve been taught, rather than what they can’t tell you. These babies are really innocent and dependent on us to do everything they need.” He said it’s encouraging “to see them so dependent with such a strong will to survive.”

Barber said you can't help but develop a bond with the infants and their families, especially if they are in the unit for two to three months at a time. “You get to know them and their family members who come visit and there's a bond there.” And he admits that when infants require a transfer to a higher care facility, such as University Medical Center in Jackson or Ochsner's in New Orleans, there's always a desire to receive updates on how they are doing.

He said many of the infants are brought back to the unit for visits when in the hospital for checkups or therapy. “It's fun to see them older, and see how far they've progressed,” said Barber. He noted a bulletin board in the unit which holds photos of many of their success stories.

Gwendolyn Carter, weighed only 4 lbs. when she was born 6 weeks early on March 24. Her parents, Hidrick Carter and Donald L. Griffin of Perry County make an effort to visit Gwendolyn on a daily basis and help with feedings and other tasks.

Carter said she has taken a liking to Barber during her daily trips to the NICU. “I don’t know what it is, but I told my baby’s daddy the other day that I really liked him and had taken to him,” she said. She looks at Barber and other members of the nursing staff as surrogates for Gwendolyn, who is progressing nicely, when she and other family members can’t be there.

Alexandria and Ros Beckham are the parents of Emerie, who was born about 7 weeks early at 33 weeks and weighed 4 lbs. 9 oz. She surprised her parents and went home April 12, earlier than they had expected.

They also have a two-year-old, Presley, who hasn’t quite made up her mind about her new sibling. “She told me to take it back.” “I don’t like it,” said Alexandria, “but then she told me to get my hands off her baby.”

While Barber wasn’t directly responsible for Emerie’s care, Beckham said he was always nice and helpful and spoke to them while in the unit.

She said seeing a male nurse in a NICU unit was “maybe” a little different; “women are more maternal,” she said.

One of the hardest struggles the unit's nursing staff must face is getting new parents to understand what is in the baby's best interest.

“Sometimes in the beginning it's hard when parents come to visit,” Barber said. “They want to be able to hold and love these tiny creatures.

But at the same time, stimulation isn't what they need, which explains the low light levels and quietness in the unit. Stimulation burns calories, which results in weight loss,” he explained, “and the loss of calories is not what these little ones need. It's just the opposite of what we're trying to accomplish. They need to be gaining weight.”

Barber explained that parents want to stroke, talk to, pick up and hold their newborns, all considered stimulants, “when they really don't need to. When they've progressed a little is when that time will come,” he said. And at that time, when they are closer to transitioning so they can go home, then they can come in and pick them up and feed them and start creating that bond.”

And while that's hard for the parents, for Barber, there are things just as difficult, like having to put a much-needed IV line into such a tiny body. “It's hard,” he said. “You feel like you're torturing them, especially when you have to put an IV in spots that you know has to be painful. But it's something they have to have and will help them in the long run. You get more tough skinned after you've done it so long,” he said. “But at the same time you have to consider their feelings.”

Another hard part of the job is having to tell parents that their baby has had a setback or hasn't reached an anticipated milestone set for them by the staff. “It's just one more thing to keep them from going home,” he said.

The communication barrier poses another problem. Unlike with adults, who can be quite vocal and express their pains and discomforts,

“with an infant you don't know what's hurting. You have to rely on your skills and instincts, as well as a variety of monitors to help you assess them.”

Barber said when you know the parents or they've been an employee in the hopsital or the unit, that makes things harder also. “You really have to approach things differently,” he said.

But amidst the heartache come the joys. And one of the greatest, according to Barber, “is seeing them progress and reach the milestones the nursing staff has set for them. And to be able to tell the parents.”

Once an infant has reached these milestones, a rooming in or transition time begins for the parents. At this time, their infant is moved into a regular room for a couple of days where the parents stay with them and learn everything they need to know in order to care for him or her once they get the child home – from CPR and monitoring vital signs, to knowing things to look for, ways to keep the infant's heart rate up while in a car seat, administering medications and even a car seat test. “Seeing the smiles on their faces is a really big positive,” he said.

While the mother's of these infants may look at Zane as a medical caregiver and newfound friend, who has served as a guardian angel or surrogate parent and watched over her little one when she couldn't be there, fathers may actually appreciate the male aspect. “I think it may make them more comfortable and put them at ease,” Barber said. “They are usually nervous to hold, feed or change their baby. Maybe they look at me and the way I handle their child and think, 'Maybe they aren't quite as easy to break as I thought.' And they learn to be comfortable with them.”

The nurturing aspect of these healthcare professionals is something that tends to come naturally and something some of these infants really need, especially those who are born with extra challenges, such as nicotine addiction due to their mother's smoking. “Some of these babies are really sensitive, irritable to touch and sound and it's frustrating because there's not a lot you can do to console them when they are addicted to a substance. And you feel bad.”

Barber and other staff members work six days on and then have seven or eight days off. “A lot can happen in the lives of these little people in seven days,” he said. “Some go home while you're off and you wish you could have been there to see them off,” he said.

The young nurse said he'd like to think there is a bond between the infant and the nursing professional. “I'd like to think they recognize our touch, our voice,” he said. “We learn their quirks and things they do and I think they grow just as attached to us as we do to them.”

And the bond between the staff and the parents also grows. “They learn to be pros,” Barber said. “They know what to look for, pick up on, and when it's time for their child to go home, they've become pretty independent and are doing things for us.”

It also helps to have a wife in the same profession. Zane’s wife, Summer Beasley Barber, an LPN, finished school before her then-future husband. “She used to talk to me about nursing things and it would go in one ear and out the other,” Barber admits. “When she talked about how hard nursing school was I really didn't pay attention. When I got there I knew what she'd been talking about.” But he admits it helps to feed off each other's experiences and “we can now relate to and understand what the other is talking about.” The couple will celebrate their second wedding anniversary in June and has one four-legged child, a dachshund named Abby.

Barber looks at his job as a learning experience. While he and his wife don't have children yet, he would like one or two. “They are a huge responsibility and I want us to be prepared and have them because they are wanted,” he said. But he doesn't believe his job will make him any less nervous when the time comes. “They say everything you know goes right out the window when they are yours,” he said. “And you tend to freak out.”

But for now, Barber is keeping a cool head about him as he helps nurture the babies who come through Wesley’s NICU. This is one challenge he’s glad he took.

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Making things all better Superintendent uses ‘mother wit’ to handle day’s challenges

By Charlotte A. GRAHAM

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ike most Pine Belt school superintendents, Tommy Parker, superintendent of the Jones County School District, is responsible for the education, safety and well-being of 8,500 students nine months a year. With students coming from different socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds, Parker relies heavily on “mother wit” to handle the challenges he encounters each day.

“It can be quite a challenge when this many chil-

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dren are involved,” Parker said. “I look at each situation and determine what’s best for the safety and welfare of the children.”

A plaque on the bookshelf in Parker’s office on U.S. Highway 11, South in Ellisville has a statement which is used as a guide for Parker and every teacher and administrator in the school district – “Is What I’m Doing or About to Do Going to Improve Student Achievement?”

“It’s about more than academics,” said Parker. “While we want our children to have academic success, we want them to develop strong life skills, too.”

Teachers and other staff start equipping students with these life

skills as early as kindergarten.

They learn such skills as tying their shoes and opening juice and milk cartons. All these things are important in a child’s development.”

Just as mothers do when their children are injured or face some type of crisis in their life, Parker often finds himself working to “make things all better.” Problems encountered by kindergarten and elementary students, in most cases, are easily resolved with a few words from the superintendent.

Sometimes, however, parental instinct or that mother wit is needed.

“We have to make a judgment call if a child falls and skins a knee,” said Parker. “Should we send the child to the nurse or put a Band-Aid on the injury?”

Judgment calls are also made when severe weather is in the area.

Sometimes classes are delayed or canceled at the spur of the moment.

“It’s something that sometimes upsets the parents,” said Parker.

“They want us to make decisions earlier, but in many cases decisions aren’t made until an hour or so before the start of school.

“We don’t want to have our children or drivers on the roadways when storm clouds are approaching. It’s something every good mother would do.”

Parker, 61, noted that a lot of the things school administrators and teachers do are things that could just as easily be done or addressed by a child’s parent. Among these are such character-building skills as honesty, trustworthiness and patience.

“We also teach and talk to our older students about inappropriate behavior, sex education, the dangers of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and tobacco use,” said Parker.

“One mistake on one night can change their lives forever,” he added. “Sometimes these youngsters think they are invincible and nothing can happen to them.”

In more than 30 years of service to the Jones County School District, Parker said school administrators have dealt with a lot of tragedy.

Among them are deaths of students from a tragic accident or illness, the death of a parent or sibling and the loss of a student’s home and belongings in a storm or house fire.

“I’ve been superintendent for only three months and we’ve had several tragedies in the district,” he said. “I try to be there for as many of the students and their families as I can.

“We are like family and we try to be there for one another. Schools pitch in and donate clothes, food and other items when a student’s

family loses everything they own in a fire, tornado or other disaster. We also try to be there to provide comfort when there is death in a family.”

The father of two adult sons, Parker knows how important parental support is to a child. “Seeing a mother or father at a sporting event or some other extracurricular activity means the world to a child,” Parker said. That’s why it’s important for him to visit as many schools and make himself known by as many students as possible.

“One of the things I really enjoy more than anything is reading to elementary students,” said Parker. “I try to make as many of those opportunities as I can.

“What’s even more rewarding is when the students read to me.

Their faces light up with excitement when they are able to read.”

As much as he would like to be able to attend every program and event that occurs in the school district, Parker cannot. He doesn’t want to disappoint students, parents or school staff when he is unable to attend.

“It’s hard to explain to the students, and sometimes even harder to explain to teachers,” said Parker.

“In the elementary schools, obviously one of the things we are faced with here in Jones County is academic competition.

“In high school there is always that friendly athletic competition,” added the superintendent. “You can compare it to the old sibling rivalries.

“I have to try to be fair and equitable in my support in extracurricular activities at the three high schools in the school district,” he said.

“I do take a lot of ribbing from the different schools when our teams play against each other. It’s all a part of the fun.”

Like a proud mother who applauds the accomplishments of her child across the years, Parker lauds the fact that a number of major scholarships have been awarded to students from the Jones County School District.

“We have wonderful students and a great staff of teachers and administrators here in the Jones County School District,” said Parker.

“I’m delighted to serve as superintendent.

“So far it’s been real demanding, but that’s what I expected. All we are trying to do is prepare these children for the world they are about to enter into once they graduate.

“Sure, there are a lot of rules and regulations they must follow, but if they abide by them, they will succeed in life. That’s what any parent wants for their child - a life of success.”

“There are a lot of rules and regulations they must follow, but if they abide by them, they will succeed in life. That’s what any parent wants for their child a life of success.”

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Get your groove on...

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hether hip-hop, ballroom, ballet, clogging, tap or jazz, those who attended this year’s Day of Dance had reason to move. The event, held at Lake Terrace Convention Center, invited Pine Belt residents to get moving toward better heart health. The day included free health assessments, door prizes, vendor booths, as well as the fifth annual “Celebrity Dancing with the Stars” contest.

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THE WIZARD OF OZ

Ashley, Brad and Lillian King Ashley Bullock, Isabella Davis, Kirsten Gentry

Beverly Myric, Rya Ross

Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

The Lowery Family Girls

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ine Belt residents took advantage of the recent presentation by American Family Theater to see the American Classic Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow were all in attendance as they followed the yellow brick road toward the Emerald City.

Brayden and Connie Jones, Tyler Swackhamer, Justin Hollinghead Lynda and Gary Balch, Gavin Jones, Miles Roman

Jennifer Lowery, Kelly Gaudet, Makynlee and Susan Bedwell, Sharon Port, Joey Alford

Emma, Chad, Carmen and Anna Davis Madison, Linda and Chloe Bass, Dena and Carly Rosser, Alexandra Cullom Kelsey, Aundrea, Kelli and Roderick Davis

Jordan, Pam and Tyler Townsend

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Rylee Bridges, Madison and Savannah Westicott, Monica and Mae Bridges, Amanda Westicott

Ronda Bond, Riley Barton

Ava and Robin Norval

Emma, David, Amy and Skyla Draughn

Madelyn and Karen Bell, Lauren Murphy

Jane Sink, Jadee and Ella Grace Hall

Jan Macko, Annaleigh Miller, Elizabeth Downey, Ellen Clark

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Amy and Malia Mareno

Renee and Dow Ford

Andrew and Lindsey Scollard

Christy, Annie and Cassiey McMurrian

Trickie Gates, Edna Herrington, Mike Gates

Kathy and Heather Bailey

outh Miss. Ballet Theatre presented Tutus & Treats, a dessert theater at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center. The night included a silent auction as well as performances by students who attended the Youth America Grand Prix in Dallas. Three performers, Haley Boyles, Clay Murray Strickland, were chosen to perform in New York City this summer.

TUTUS & TREATS

On your toes

Peggy Shoemake, Cindy Dawson, Katya Orohovsky, Lisa Boyles

Teresa Murray, Millie Mozingo, Chris Bowen

Agnes Watson, Inette Johnson

Beverly Strickland, Mickey Jordan

Charlene, Katherine and Robert Robbins

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FRIENDS OF CAREY DINNER

Barbara Hamilton, Darrell and Denise Lovins

Bill Ray, Margaret Ann and Charles Pickering

Cindy Cofield, Bobbie Thomas, Bettie Lou White

Scholarship, leadership, service

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he annual Friends of Carey APPRECIATION Dinner was held on March 6 at Lake Terrace Convention Center.

The event featured dinner and entertainment by Chalie Ray, the Jazz Ensemble and The Gentlemen of William Carey.

Hugh and Jeanette Dickens, Barbara Hamilton

Farrell Stearns, Donna and Milton Wheeler

Tim Morris, Robin Magee, Duane Burgess

Billy and Sarah Folkes, Cortney and Andrew O’Kelley

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Gloria and John Green

Colleen and Stephen Stewart

Charles J. Brown, John Brown

Gayle Galey, Gwen James, Glen Galey, Katie Rose McLendon

Linda York, Sharon Schamber-Jones

Cheryl and Jerry Bracey

William and Kathryn Clawson

Dave Bush, Susan and Tom King

Jim Braswell, John Clearman

Gloria and Tom Thurman, Alissa King

John and Della Faust, Jack and Carol Simmons, Louella and Quentin Benedict

Kevin Shearer, Jim and Peggy Braswell

Jim and Martha Hayes, Nathan Barber

Randy and Brenda Ross

Katie Rose McClendon, Betty Chain, Gwen James

Sarah Kennedy, Chalie Ray, Carol Simmons, June Hornsby

Sandra and Tommy King, Don and Mona Stewart

Stan and Sheree Burton

Starr and Scott Hummel, Camille and Josh Weaver

Myron and Ralph Noonkester

Joel and Glenda McKenzie

Margie and Lewis Myrick, Starr Hummel

Ralph Simmons, Nancy Lindstrom, Carey Hauenstein

Margie Myrick, Patricia Raulston, Kathy McKellar

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JORT PRODUCTION

Ione and Abe Bond

Gale and Joe Saenz

Dick Allison, Irene Waits, John R. Jackson

Fred and Mari Tru Swanson, Nancy Kay

Helen Cartwright, Holly and Patsy Hammett

Don and Fran Hegwood

Side-splitting laughter

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hat’s what guests who visited with the ladies of the Kitchen Committee at Harmony Church got. JORT presented this award-winning comedy by Ron Hill as its second show of the season at the Petal Cultural Center. The Kitchen Committee kept viewers laughing as they plan a funeral dinner for a recently deceased, and thoroughly detested, member of the congregation. The more coffee they drank, the more freely they talked and secrets of everyone in town were revealed.

Russell and Gena Lott

Dorothy and Gayle Pope

Josh Hamilton, Jan Van Nostrand, Eva Glamser, Michael Garner, James Moss, Renee Spencer, Cathy Merriken, Lucy Shows, Jane Allison Malcolm English, Judith Thompson

Garland and Sally Sullivan

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Susan and Rick Bedwell

Roger and Karen Wiseman

Judy Nunnally, Mary Thomsen

Susan and Jerry Purvis

PINTS FOR PAWS

Kalynda Gunn and Winston

Clair Defrene and Molly

Eric Hatcher

Danie Mann

Julie Hall and Archie

Kayla Diiorio, Mark McWhorter

Going to the dogs

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eg and Barrel hosted their third annual Pints for Paws fundraiser, benefitting Southern Pines Animal Shelter and the Spay & Neuter Clinic.

The night included a barbecue buffet, silent auction, $1 raffle tickets and a pet photo contest. The event featured the live music of Scott Chism & the Better Half.

Whitney Higginbotham, Britney Krog

Tim Parris, Henry Dawkins Teresa Dalgleish, Haley Anderson, Joy Elkins, Vickie Lorensen Kevin Lott

Kim Turner, Daniel Marshall

Kristy and James Daniel

Stan Welborn, Ashley Johnson

Lewis and Myra Myrick

Manuel and Laurel Aubreu

Kelly and Sam Caldwell

Ronnie Hebert

Kerri and Drew Rhian

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RED CROSS BASH

Let’s swing

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he Red Cross Bash: A Salute to the Military fundraiser was held at The Venue in downtown Hattiesburg. The USO-style show featured dancing, food and prize drawings. Entertainment was provided by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin, Johnny and June Cash, the Andrews Sisters and more.

Alex Smith, Selena Standifer

Carolyn Petro, Marty Loughman, Sandy & Greer Whitacre

Claudette Ward, Bob Ross, Christine and Jenna Gibson

Joyce Bradley, Emily Ellsworth, Laura, Chase and Donna Munro

Mike, Amanda and Judi Collins

Eric Horton, Kayla Garraway

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David and Maggie Brannan

Mary and John Thomsen, Barbara and George Carter

Sue Walters, Lou Murphy

Susan Yarrow, Kerri and Drew Rhian, Penny Davis

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Debi Lazenby, Lorraine Dove, Frances Findley

Charlie Marengo, Wendy Gorsuch

Justin Coulter, Emily Guthrie

Robin Mays, Robbin Little

Troy and Holly Wicktom

Mike Collins, Jay Huffstatler, Joshua Joachim

DAY OF DANCE

Amauri, Cassie and Jakevia McMillan

Belle and Kim Jarrell

Brett and Brandi Hyatt, Seth Ladd

Brooke and Eileen Patterson

Corinne Barbieri, Christi Dyess

Jean Dillard, Joe Marcello, Leann Williams

Darlene and Warner Boortz

Pam Compton, Carla Hygh, Janice Clay, Kenny Davis

Catherine Jorns, Stacey Coutu, Alyiah Jorns, Addy and Brooke Coutu

Diane Zachary, Madison Moore

Dance, Dance, Dance

T Devan Carmichael, Jennifer Gunn

Emily and Ally Rhodes, Carson Caillet, Macy and Shelby Sutton

he 8th Annual Day of Dance, hosted by Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women was held at Lake Terrace Convention Center. Various dance groups entertained throughout the event and guests could get free health assessments. A celebrity dance competition was part of the fun, which was co-hosted by Miranda Beard and Randy Swan.

CJ Burks, Sharon Pearson

Hannah and Avery Dickerson, Adrianna Gonzalez, Mollie Brockway, Cameron Sims

Diane Caillet, Matti Scardino

Michelle Hoadley, Shanique Jarrett, Natasha Batria, Rayna Suggs

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DUBARD 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Billy and Sherra Browning, Kathleen Shaughnessy

Bob Pierce, Charlie Banks, Father Tommy Conway

Terrell Tisdale, Dr. Martha Saunders

Golden Anniversary

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he DuBard School for Language Disorders at the University of Southern Mississippi hosted a 50th Anniversary Gala at the Lake Terrace Convention Center. The event included dinner and a program.

The school also kicked off a $2 million fundraising campaign. The school, founded in 1962 by the late Etoile DuBard, serves children with severe communication disorders.

Chasity Holland, Kaye Roseberry, Mary Ann Mach

Fred Varnado, Norma Williamson, Missy Schraeder

Katye Ainsworth, Susan Perry

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Tom Lewis, Maureen Martin, Walker and Joanne Foster

Susan and Tom King

Dottie Long, Doris Bradley, Camille Williams

Johnny and Carol Williams

Jan Prince, Debbie Boyer, CG Marx

Nathan Dubard, Courtney Rogillio, Sarah and Landon Dubard

David and Wendy Muns

Marcelle Jones, Madeline Stafford, Katie Kuehn

Nick and Babs Parker

Al and Jennifer Brimm

ADP AFTER HOURS

Andrea Saffle, LeeAnn Venable

Callie Thompkins, Jesse Johnson, Lydia Pierce

Allison Neville, Tommy May Ashley Grant, Dan Kibodeaux

Brooke Bryan, Renita Hatten

Home Sweet Home

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he United Way of Southeast Mississippi and the Area Development Partnership teamed up for a Business After Hours event at the United Way’s Home Sweet Home located in Vintage Springs subdivision. Nancy and Dayle Graham of Sumrall were the lucky winners of this year’s $100 raffle.

Wanda Murphy, Susan Newman

Jana Bryant, Dennis Pierce

Patricia King, Linda Nary

Johnny Fokakis, Joey Rivers

Loretta Clissold, Peggy Langnecker, Susie and Jerry Hetrick

Lesley Sanders-Wood, Lydia Pierce, Haley Carter, Ashley Grant

Jerome Brown, Brian Aehnlich, Patricia King

Bill and Mary Nolen, Patsy Lee

Barbara McGilvery, Paula Brahan

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Paul, Ashlin and Charlotte Williams

NIGHT OF SWEET DREAMS

Troy Bequoi, Rebekkah Walton, Whitley Tassin

Danalycia Minor, Malissa Arrington

Pam Cook, Val Stewart, Leigh Malone

How sweet it is...

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Lynne Wheat, Hannah and Karen Moudy

Jen Iverson, Susan Wilkinson

Wendy Roseberry, Jessica Burns

Jane Walker, Joanne Newcomb, Mary Jane Lemon

Katie Byrd, Emily Simmons, Marly Perkins

Jaymie and Rick Jarman

Kathy Emmons, Anne-Love Helveston, Caroline Riley

Katie Giedd, Lauren Noll

Lane Evans, Kathy Coffman

he Fifth Annual Night of Sweet Dreams fundraiser was held at Southern Oaks and Gardens.

Funds raised by DREAM of Hattiesburg benefit drug abuse prevention. Kym Garraway served as celebrity hostess, while Don Monroe was auctioneer and the women of Delta Sigma Theta served as dessert servers.

Fanesha Terrell, Whitney Miller, Susan McCall

Kathy Emmons, Caroline Smith, Susan McCall, Eileene McRae

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AN EVENING WITH ELLIS

Bruce Johnson, Austin Quattrochi, Ryan Hanks

George Underwood, P.W. Underwood

Southern Miss to the Top

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he Southern Miss Dept. of Athletics hosted “An Evening with Ellis” at the Thad Cochran Center Ballroom. This was a night of fun, football and fellowship as Golden Eagle fans had their first opportunity to meet the new USM football coach and his staff. The night also included a preview to Black and Gold faithful of the 2012 signing class. A live and silent auction, the cheerleaders, Seymour and Pride of Mississippi pep band were part of the festivities.

Brett and Deana Favre

Cody Booth, Jonathon Walker, Barrett Gray, Cody Morrow, Laterance Varnado, Kelly Echazabel

Holly and Bryton Jones

USM Football Coach Ellis Johnson

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Jeff Bower, Stephanie and Jason Lowery

Brent Hegenaver, Rebecca Everett, Owen Bowen

Marshall and Kinlock Bell

Marissa Batia, Shelby Inloes

Gloria Taylor, Coach Kay James

Father Tommy Conway, Brett Favre

Mortee Thompson, Khalie Wilson, Joe Duhon

Natalie Mangum, Kristin Dye, Amber Woyt

Brett Favre with USM Cheerleaders, Seymour

Brett Favre, Ellis Johnson

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CHI OMEGA TEA PARTY

Alice Essary, Mary Dayne Gregg

Alumni Board members are Whitney Middleton, Casey Gallaspy, Jennifer Smith, Melissa Lyman, Alicia McLemore (president), Jennifer Boucher, Ginny Graham, Leigh Ann Diamond, Olivia Bushardt, Amber Keene

Cardinal and Straw

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he Chi Omega Alumnae Valentine’s Tea was held at Southern Oaks for alumnae and their daughters. The theme was “Owl Love You Forever.” In conjunction with the event, T-shirts were sold to benefit Make-A-Wish, which is Chi Omega’s national philanthropy. Alumnae from the 1950s to present attended the tea.

Jane and Addie Siders

Madeline and Andrea Carter

Kimberly Davis, Carol and Currie Fletcher

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Janice and Ryleigh Jane Touchstone

Casey Gallaspy, Jennifer Smith, Ginny Graham

Brinley Barkum, Jamie Kitch, Ashley Weaver, Miriam Clark, MC Price, Mary Lois Hanna

Kristi and Sarah Pierce

Madeline and Amy Hinton

Anna Caston and Amber Keene

Ginny Graham, Kristi Pierce, Alicia McLemore

Jennifer Payne, Melissa Lyman, Heather Odom

Jennifer Voucher, Nicole Sadler, Amber Keene Katie and Pam Kelly

Tristan and Carol Lindley

Jill and Meghan Snell

Jessica Taylor Potts, Nadia Potts

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PETAL CHAMBER BANQUET

A jolly good fellow

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im Smith, a lifetime resident of Petal, was named this year’s Bobby Runnels Leadership Award recipient at this year’s Petal Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. Chamber president Allen Flynt turned the gave over to Kris Mangum. Robin Kinsey was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Seth Cox was named Firefighter of the Year. The Petal High School Jazz Band and Soundsations Showchoir provided entertainment.

Chris Litton, Dan Kibodeaux

BethAnn Andrews, Garry Worone

Mike and Judi Collins, Rucker Howell

Pacely Alford, Deborah Reynolds, Ramona and Chuck Harrell, Mark Lyon

Charlene and Ted Cannon, Wanda and Jim Smith, Adam Dobbins

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Cena Holifield, Katye Parker

Chelle Webb, Sonja Hopper

Emily Shows, Melissa Hodges, Brenda Freeman, Diane Edwards

Destin Hatten, Angel Weldy, Kemi simmons, Sherry Smith

Ashlynn Necaise, Seth Cox

Joe Hendry, Steven Parker

BRANSON ON THE ROAD

Billie and Jim Darrah

Judy and Danny Hankins

Mr. and Mrs. Major Patterson

Good time music

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ranson, Mo., came to Hattiesburg. In Grand Ole Opry-style, those who attended the event at the Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg enjoyed an afternoon of classic country, hilarious comedy, bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel and more. Performers played and sang the great songs America knows and loves while incorporating the unique sounds of the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and upright slap bass.

Mary Ellen and Fred Baker

Pam and Tamara Nelson

Marcia Mayard, BJ Andrade

Rita Buxton, Faye Broom

Michelle Zeeman, Pansy Wicker

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