PASCAGOULA -- Chris Covacevich and Mike Nelson decided at the last minute to attend the third annual Live Oak Arts Festival held in downtown Saturday.
"I think the weather messed everything up," he said. "We weren't even coming because of the rain."
The Ocean Springs couple said the rain almost put them off, though there really wasn't much rainfall from overcast skies in Downtown Pascagoula during the day. Nelson said Saturday's forecast had been for a 100 percent chance of rain.
"It sprinkled in Ocean Springs this morning," said Covacevich. "At the last minute I said, 'Let's go.'"
A graduate from Pascagoula High School, she and Nelson were found looking over classic vehicles that lined Pascagoula Street across from the city library. Nelson priced the 1964 Corvette on display.
"He likes Corvettes," she said.
The festival featured a number of activities, including a train trolley, a DJ on the east end of Delmas Avenue and live bands at the west end of the street, where vendors provided an array of foods and beverages, and children played on space houses.
Councilman Frank Corder and his family left the festival around early afternoon, leaving behind a markedly smaller crowd than the past two years since the festival celebrating the city's Live oaks began.
"It's kind of slow because of the weather," he said, "but I still had a good time."
Though she now lives in Ocean Springs, Covacevich has attended the Live Oak Arts Festival before in Pascagoula. She and Nelson make a point of attending such events in other South Mississippi cities.
Loretta Jennings talks to Sam Cunningham with Mississippi Phophates during the Jackson County Industrial Trade Show on Tuesday. Jennings, an agent with State Farm Bureau, made her first appearance as a vendor this year at the business display and marketing venture.
PASCAGOULA -- Loretta Jennings said her booth at the Jackson County Trade Show on Tuesday was her first foray into the business display and promotion sponsored by the county's Chamber of Commerce. The show is a marketing and networking venture for large industries and businesses. Still, year after year, the show attracts numerous small businesses from national franchises to local start-up companies.
"I just wanted to do something different and creative this year," said Jenninngs, owner of a State Farm Insurance office in Moss Point. "I've got a new person who is creative."
Donna Joseph, new agent, said, "We knew this year would be a good opportunity to come out and network with some of the businesses."
Jennings and the other businesses provided their own door prizes, winners chosen from visitors who either left business cards or filled out information sheets for the drawings. She gave away a $50 gift certificate.
"In return we get names and numbers of people we can offer services to," she said.
Dennis Freeman with Mississippi Power took a spin at a prize wheel at one booth. He was taking a walk-through the site, showing someone around the industries at the B.E. "Mac" McCinty Civic Center and under the pavilion at the county's fairgrounds on Shortcut Road.
"I think it's good. It promotes our businesses and it shows what's available here, and it keeps money here (in the county). It let's folks put their eyes on what's here," said Freeman.
Robert Holder, business development, said this year's show as a first for Modern Tech of Foley, Ala. He said about 50 people had stopped by the booth about midday.
Holder, in business development, said that Modern Tech has hundreds of business contacts in South Mississippi, but the trade show would increase the contacts. He plans to follow-up with all of the business professionals he talked to at the annual trade show.
Linda Johnson with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce said that about 1,500 people may have come through the civic center doors Tuesday. Usually, about 1,800 visitors attend the trade show each year, she said.
The Jackson County Industrial Trade Show ended Tuesday with Business After Hours sponsored by the chamber. The show concludes today.
What: Multicultural Jam Fest
When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 18-19
Where: Musaic School of Performing Arts, 1518 (South) Market St., Pascagoula
Details: Tickets are $5 at the door
Contact: Leah Rollins at 355-0740, Amber Rollins-Boone at itunes@themusaic.com, or visit www.themusaic.com. Individual performers should make contact before Feb. 12.
PASCAGOULA -- a Multicultural Jam Fest scheduled for Feb. 18 will take residents around the world through music.
Leah Rollins, owner and instructor of the Musaic Performing Arts on South Market Street, wants Gulf Coast residents to celebrate the cultural and musical diversity of the arts through instrumental, vocal and acting skills.
Visitors and participants are encouraged to wear attire or costumes that represent music periods, styles, and ethnic groups of people around the world.
A "Tour of 7 Continents" will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The tour includes musical trips from the largest to the smallest of the continents -- Asia, Africa, North Ameria, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Musicians, vocalist, dancers and visual artists are invited to attend and participate. Genres include but are not limited to classical, jazz, gospel, blues, and folk music. There will also be a jam session and "open mic" for performers.
The public should bring lawn chairs for outdoor events, if weather permits.
GAUTIER -- Excitement reigned for about 15 minutes Jan. 24 at the office of Dentist Michael Steward when an injured raccoon made a surprise visit to the Gautier-Vancleave Family Dentistry.
A patient first noticed the wayward wildlife at the front window. Other patients and office employees were delighted at how close the animal came to the building.
As the mammal made its way around to the north side of the building, people spilled out to watch the slow, halting progress of the animal.
Everyone soon realized why the raccoon did not seem to be in a hurry to scramble away from humans repeating oooh and aaahs and other excited noises.
The raccoon was injured, moving with a pronounced limp through flowers and other scrubbery along the dentistry on Gautier-Vancleave Road.
The Procyon lotor stopped at the back door for a while before making its way again to the front, where cell phone cameras and videos made him the highlight of the day.
The wife of the patient who first spotted the raccoon called animal control, who arrived within minutes, much to the surprise of everyone. There was hope that the animal would be taken care of, and dread that capture could spell its demise.
"You know they've going to put him to sleep," someone commented. Still, Darrenda was hopeful. "You think they will take care of it, huh?"
More drama ensused. After striking out toward woods behind the office, the arrival of animal control sent the "coon" scrambling across Gautier-Vancleave Road, where there were two near collisions as one vehicle stopped to avoid hitting the raccoon, and another behind had to skid to a stop to avoid rear-ending the stopped automobile.
Soon, the rascal was captured, but resisted the leach, pulling back and lying down on the pavement. It didn't matter. He was handily placed inside a cage on the back of an animal control truck and hauled off.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
JACKSON -- During his first speech as Mississippi's 64th governor, Phil Bryant said he has four major opportunties to push during his term: provide gainful employment, provide the best education possible, reducing the state's teenage pregnancy, make sure tax dollars are used wisely.
Bryant outlined general solutions to those problems, but said that state residents must work together.
"We must dedicate ourselves to the belief that we may fall separately, but we will surely rise together. And if we are to rise together, we must do so with the inherent characteristics of Mississippi," he said.
Bryant was installed as the state's new governor during an hourlong inauguration that started at 11 a.m., and had been moved to the House of Representatives after rain canceled an outdoor ceremony planned on the steps of the capitol's south lawn. Bryant took the oath of office about noon with his wife Debby standing beside him and holding is grandmother's Bible.
The ceremony was broadcast live by WLBT TV in Jackson, and seen at WLOX TV's website in Biloxi.
Prior to his speech, Gov. Haley Barbour received a standing ovation for his two-term leadership.
Posted:
Jan 10, 2012 11:02 AM CSTUpdated:
Jan 10, 2012 12:03 PM CST JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) --
Phil Bryant was sworn in Tuesday as Mississippi's 64th governor. The ceremony was moved inside the House chamber of the state capitol because heavy rain was expected in the Jackson area. The inaugural parade has been postponed until Jan. 21.
The following is the text of Governor Bryant's inaugural address:
Thank you, Mr. Lt. Governor. I look forward to our term of service together. Deborah and I are so proud to work with you and Elee in this crowded hour. Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice, for your work in the Judiciary and for guiding me through the oath of office. Governor Barbour, Senator Wicker, Congressmen Harper, Nunnelee and Palazzo, Speaker Gunn, Senate and House members, and all elected officials, I offer a warm welcome with profound gratitude for your presence here today.
I am joined on this delightful occasion by my family, both immediate and extended. Holding my Grandmother's Bible for my oath is the one who has supported my dreams and challenges for thirty-five years.
The person who has held my heart in her hands: my wonderful and patient wife, and our new First Lady, Deborah. Also here are my two children, Katie and Patrick, who are the light of my life, and Stephen who will soon join our family as Katie's husband.
I am so grateful for God's great gift of such a beloved family. My two older brothers are by my side today as they have been since my earliest memory. Larry, the oldest, set the example with his passion for success and dedication to achievement. Chuck, the middle child, has been the balance between hard work and a love for life. I am here today because I stood on their shoulders.
Our parents, Dewey and Estelle, would have been equally proud of all their children today. Our mother was the lighthouse that would bring us home when we lost our way. They were simply the best part of our lives, and we loved them with all our hearts.
To my mother-in-law, Doris Hays, I extend heartfelt thanks for your acceptance and willingness to allow your daughter to marry a young deputy sheriff so many years ago. I know you all, both Hayses and Applewhites, must be equally surprised. You are my family, and my world would have been empty without your love and support.
To former Speaker Billy McCoy, I am honored by your presence today and thankful for our years of service together. I ask for God's blessing upon you and yours.
To newly elected Speaker Philip Gunn, I extend a hearty congratulation. I look forward to our time together and your great service to the citizens of our beloved Mississippi.
And I want to give a very special "thank you" to Governor Barbour and Marsha for your leadership and service. Mississippians will long remember and appreciate your dedication and sacrifice. I think I can speak for all Mississippians when I say: "Well done our true and faithful servants."
In addition to my parents, there are others I wish could be here today. I would have enjoyed having Governor and Mrs. Fordice here. Pat would have been gracious with her comments, and Kirk would have said: "Keep it short, Phil."
I was elected to the House of Representatives on the same day Kirk Fordice was elected Governor. I ran for that office after I had a rare opportunity to visit the White House for a meeting with President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Inspired by his admonitions to rise above our own self interests and to stay the course of his conservative revolution, I returned to Mississippi determined to make a difference.
I have been blessed on my journey with some unique perspectives of this wonderful place. I have seen from behind a badge as a deputy sheriff how Mississippi keeps the peace. I have seen from its records as a state auditor how Mississippi spends its money. I have seen from the floor of the Senate as Lt. Governor how Mississippi makes its laws. And at each step along the way I have marveled at our people.
I give my sincerest thanks to the incredible people of Mississippi who made today possible. You are all truly amazing in my eyes, which makes my presence here today as your Governor all the more humbling.
Today we start a new administration, one that will reflect upon the success of our past with admiration and respect, while looking for greater achievements in our future. It would be timid and insincere to believe all our problems are solved or our shared potential exhausted. We must dedicate ourselves to the belief that we may fall separately, but we will surely rise together. And if we are to rise together, we must do so with the inherent characteristics of Mississippi.
We are a people of character who value hard work and treasure loyalty to our families, state and country. And, as the prophet Isaiah described so long ago, we are a people of faith who "will soar on wings like eagles" because our trust is in the Lord.
With the Lord's blessing, I want to help the people of Mississippi to be a people of opportunity, and there are four important opportunities that should start our work: every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be gainfully employed right here at home; every Mississippian should have the opportunity to actually learn from the best educational system we can offer; every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be born into a mature, two-parent family; and every Mississippian should have the opportunity to be sure his or her tax dollars are put to proper use.
First, our most important work is making sure that Mississippians have work. Providing job opportunities is critical for Mississippi's long-term success. And there are two sectors we can foster that have incredible promise to bring more jobs to Mississippi over the next decade: energy and health care.
Mississippi is becoming a center of power – the very power that fuels modern life. Natural gas, bio-]fuels, solar power, clean coal technology and tertiary oil recovery are all adding to our position as a leader in the energy economy of the 21st century. Mississippi can not only create thousands of homegrown jobs with an energy economy, but we can help this nation become energy independent while we do it.
Mississippi's other potential growth sector for enhancement is healthcare. Look around: many of us here are "Baby Boomers." Whether it is hula hoops, automobiles or housing; we have driven the economy since the 1950s. We now need additional healthcare.
To meet this demand, I have proposed adding 1,000 new physicians by 2025 -- knowing that each doctor and the support services surrounding that doctor -- bring $2 million into the community in which he or she settles. To do this, we will complete our new medical school as we plan new medical zones across Mississippi.
The thousands of jobs that will be created by this public and private venture is just the beginning. The lives that will be saved, the diseases that could be eradicated and the education of the nation's finest medical professionals will be transformational. Together, we can enhance the health of our bodies and the health of our economy at the same time.
Governor Barbour and I have had a singular focus on economic development for an important reason: when a Mississippian has a job it changes absolutely everything. A Mississippian with a job doesn't need public assistance, adds taxes to the state treasury, is an example of responsibility to his or her children, and is more likely to avoid crime, to vote and to participate in a community. State government cannot create jobs, but we can remove as many obstacles as practical to make our state a magnet for the people and companies who do.
Every day I am Governor I will make it my job to make sure that more Mississippians have a job of their own.
Second, we must change our discussion of education from one only of dollars and cents to one that makes sense. Early childhood learning, charter schools, classroom redesign and higher qualifying standards for teachers will be our goals.
We must also attack the dropout rate by allowing children to take standard high school classes and workforce learning in community colleges at the same time. A dropout who would otherwise be preordained as a societal failure could be valued as a craftsman with such programs.
And we must re-focus our efforts on the most important factor in education: a child's ability to read. We know a child who cannot read at a standard level by the fourth grade is almost always destined to failure. We cannot continue to stand-by and allow this failure. The future our children live in will be written, and I want every child in Mississippi to be able to read it.
Third, the epidemic of teenage pregnancy in this state must come to an end. Churches, schools, community organizations and most importantly, families, must realize that the highest teen pregnancy rate in America will eventually cripple our state.
Such a change in a societal norm is possible. Forty years ago many of you here today would be smoking during this ceremony. It was the norm and few would have noticed. Society, however, decided that smoking was harmful and a slow but certain repudiation of the habit began.
A similar repudiation of teen pregnancy must begin throughout Mississippi society. Every church, health care provider, teacher and employer must help in identifying teen pregnancy as an activity more devastating than smoking. Friends, we can no longer turn our heads and pretend the problem doesn't exist. Teen pregnancy in Mississippi must be reduced if we are to reach our full potential.
And finally, our people need to know that the precious tax dollars they send to Jackson are spent with the upmost care. Mississippi's budget process is broken and must be fixed. Our state cannot be successful in the 21st Century with a budget system from the 19th Century.
Most importantly, it is inefficient at a time when we can ill afford inefficiencies. Instead of measuring outcomes and appropriating for success, our state budgets are set by two deciding factors: what was last year's budget number and who did you know at the Capitol. This is no way to treat our people's tax dollars. We will work smarter than our sister states, make spending transparent and design budgets based on performance and not politics.
An appropriation of money will not solve all of our problems, but an appropriation of leadership can. Not just the kind of leadership at the State Capitol, but the kind of leadership that has helped Mississippi endure great challenges.
Friends, Mississippi has endured a Civil War, a Reconstruction, a Great Depression, poverty, racial strife and the worst natural disaster in American history. We have been branded by the rest of the world by these challenges. But the world cannot deny our resilience and perseverance.
From a state that seceded from the Union, we are now home to thousands of U.S. military men and women and some of the most patriotic people in this Union. From the depths of Delta poverty, we cradled the birth of America's music -- from blues, to country to rock-n-roll. From the bitter and righteous struggle for Civil Rights, we gave inspirational rise to some of the country's foremost writers, musicians, artists and leaders.
With each challenge we have, as William Faulkner said, not only endured but prevailed. Our endurance and perseverance has been at its best when the waters have risen around us.
Mississippi has become accustomed to rising water. Over the last decade alone, Hurricane Katrina and the Mississippi River have given us historic and painful examples of the waters' depth. But there is something we have learned from it. The rising water forced us to higher ground. It forced us to build stronger and better. It made us climb to new heights.
My fellow Mississippians, it is true that in years past our troubles have risen around us like the rising water. But we have persevered, and each time we have climbed to the new perspective of that higher ground.
As we make our way deeper into this new Century, let us rise together. Let us ascend to a place where the troubled waters can no longer touch us -- a place where the view of the water is big and wide and beautiful.
Let us rise together, Mississippi -- and with the guiding hand of God Almighty – let us take that first step up together.
God bless you; God bless Mississippi; and God bless the United States of America.
Arlene Bostic, Callie Marshall and Mae Moulds wanted to provide something different for young males in Jackson County. Organizers of the newly formed Professional Achievers, the women have planned a "Search for Mr. Debonaire," a coming-out affair for 12 male students from schools in Pascagoula, Moss Point and Gautier. The beautillion will take place Dec. 29 at the Pelican Landing Conference Center in Moss Point.
MOSS POINT -- A ball to present teenage male students to society seemed like a perfect and relatively unknown event in the state's coastal area, according to organizers of a beautillion planned for later this month.
Members of Professional Achievers had not heard of a beautillion being done in South Mississippi. But they wanted to do something different to inspire young males to achieve and succeed. For Callie Marshall, it's an opportunity to do something special for a forgotten group.
"Nobody is doing anything to save the young men. Everybody is doing something for girls, women and kids, but nobody is doing anything for that forgotten group -- the young black males," she said.
"Search for Mr. Debonaire 2012" is set to become the first annual beautillion to present young men to society, similar to a debutante ball but with a different format because the participants are male, according to Mae Moulds of Professional Achievers and event organizer.
"This is the first time for this. It's the first time that I know that anyone in this area is debuting young men," said Marshall. "This would be a rite of passage for some groups and cultures."
The beaus are 12 members of the Purple Knights of America, including students from elementary, junior high and high school students from Pascagoula, Moss Point and Gautier. The organization is designed to provide mentorship for males in grades sixth- to 12th.
"I want society to know these are our future young men, and to introduce them to something like this," said Jeramey Anderson, founder and CEO of Purple Knights of America, which he said will soon become a national organization.
Anderson said the Purple Knights include some 18 members, but the 12 beaus competing in "Search for Mr. Debonaire" were chosen because of their academic grades and overall contribution to the community and the Purple Knights program.
Moulds said the 12 beaus will be escorted by female students from elementary to high school grades. Organizers matched the beaus and their escorts.
As well, other students will serve as hosts and hostesses during the ball, which will feature black and white attire. Residents attending the ball are asked to wear black and white, but it is not required for admittance.
The organizers said the ball will "provide young men and young ladies an outstanding opportunity to experience a wide array of cultural, academic and social activities in preparation for adulthood."
As of now, rehearsals for the beau ball are being held at Second Missionary Baptist Church on Machpelah Road. The "Search for Mr. Debonaire 2012" will take place at Pelican Landing Conference Center.
The beautillion will include a fashion show sponsored by Runway Images, a company in Atlanta, a silent auction and cash raffle. The fundraisers will help sponsor programs for local youth, including a planned trip to the annual Edmund Pettus Bridge Walk in March, according to Marshall.
Runway owner Rodney Daniels will serve as host of the beautillion, and Darlene Carter and Yolanda Love, president and member, respectively, of Moss Point Visionary Circle, will serve as hostesses. Kristi Holmes, 5, will be special entertainment; DJ Mohummed will provide music.
Marshall said the fashion company owner may be looking for potential models among local students who will participate in the fashion show.
Arlene Bostic with Professional Achievers said the silent action will include jewelry, paintings, crystal and other items collected from across the United States. "I've got pieces from Germany that I'm going to donate," said Moulds.
Professional Achievers, which operates under the auspices of the Moss Point Visionary Circle, works to improve the quality of life of young people. The group formed in February 2010 and has partnered with about 75 men in the community to help mentor the young men.
FYI
What: Search for Mr. Debonaire 2012 When:
8 p.m. Dec. 29 Where:
Pelican Landing Conference Center, 6217 Mississippi 613, Moss Point Cost:
$10 in advance and at the door Contact:
Arlene Bostic at 228-243-9376, Callie Marshall at 228-327-4787 or Mae Moulds at
228-219-3504 Contact:
Jeramey Anderson, Purple Knights of America, at 228-206-3049 ext. 236, fax at
888-505-PKOA(7562), or 228-217-4324. Also access www.purpleknights.org
