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News for members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

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Olive Branch volunteers a forcein Alzheimer’s support, education

Students awardedcooperative scholarships

G.I. Museum a tribute toall branches of military

2 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

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n one’s life there are usually two orthree people who impact or changethe course of your life forever. Forme, Charles Henry Shelton wasone of those people. Charles

Henry was the general manager of Yazoo Val-ley Electric Power Association, a member ofthe Electric Power Associations of Mississippiboard of directors and the chairman of thesearch committee that hired a young publicservice commissioner to be CEO—and foreverchanged my life. Charles Henry Shelton diedof a heart attack Aug. 8. He was 59 years old.Charles Henry left 4-County Electric Power

Association in April 1990 to become generalmanager of Yazoo Valley, in Yazoo City. Manyin the electric cooperative family told him hewas crazy. Yazoo Valley was having AnancialdiCculties and employee moral was low. Butwhere others saw problems, Charles Henry sawopportunity. Charles Henry loved to Ax problems, and in

his 23 years as general manager he turnedYazoo Valley into a co-op that its board, mem-bership and employees could be proud of.In 1993 Charles Henry put his problem-

solving skills to work again. All co-ops acrossthe state were feeling the pinch of high-costworker’s compensation insurance. In order tolower the co-ops’ cost, Charles Henry was thedriving force and the Arst chairman of our self-insured worker’s comp group. De group hassince saved co-ops millions and helped improvethe safety of co-op workers across the state.It was 12 years ago when I Arst met Charles

Henry. We were on a Texas turkey hunt. Ireally didn’t know what to make of him. AtArst I mistook his quiet shyness for arrogancebut would later realize my mistake. CharlesHenry was a warm, kind-hearted person, adeep thinker who always thought before hespoke. My Arst couple of years on the job here,Charles Henry would often tell the story of ourArst lunch on that trip. We were in a diner insome small Texas border town. We had been

up since 4:30 a.m. and I was starving. I ordereda hamburger steak and all the trimmings,wolfed it down much faster than everyone elseand asked if anyone would mind if I had adessert. I then proceeded to order anotherhamburger steak. Charles Henry sat in disbeliefas I ate the entire second order!Since his passing I have been told by several

people, both inside and outside the co-op fami-ly, that Charles Henry was very proud of hisrole in bringing me from the Public ServiceCommission to the Electric Power Associationsof Mississippi. I am extremely humbled that aman who accomplished so much in this busi-ness thought highly of me, and I hope theremainder of my career will live up to hisexpectations. I will never forget how his callsalways began, “Now Michael, I’m not trying toget into your business ....” His advice wasalways well intentioned and appreciated.I have a devotional on my iPad and a Bible

in my oCce that I read every day, yet I have noidea why the Lord chooses to take some goodfolks so early in life. Charles Henry made sucha di@erence in the community in which helived and worked, and in the lives of the peoplewho knew him. I cannot recall ever hearinganyone make a disparaging remark about him.Charles Henry Shelton was a good man, agood general manager, a good board memberand a good friend. He touched and changedmy life forever, and while I will miss him, I willnever forget him.

Shelton’s influence will live on

I

Today in MississippiOFFICERSKevin Doddridge - President Brad Robison - First Vice PresidentWayne Henson - Second Vice PresidentRandy Wallace - Secretary/Treasurer

EDITORIAL STAFFMichael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEORon Stewart - Sr. Vice President, CommunicationsMark Bridges - Manager, Support ServicesJay Swindle - Manager, AdvertisingDebbie H. Stringer - EditorAbby Berry - Communications SpecialistRickey McMillan - Graphics SpecialistLinda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING601-605-8600 Acceptance of advertising by Today inMississippi does not imply endorsementof the advertised product or services bythe publisher or Mississippi’s ElectricPower Associations. Product satisfactionand delivery responsibility lie solely withthe advertiser.• National advertising representative: National Country Market, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 433,089Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year

T oday in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) ispublished eleven times a year (Jan.-Nov.) by Electric Power Associations ofMississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridge-land, MS 39158-3300, or 665 HighlandColony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157.Phone 601-605-8600. Periodicalpostage paid at Ridgeland, MS, andadditional office. The publisher (and/orits agent) reserves the right to refuse oredit all advertising.POSTMASTER: Send address changesto: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland,MS 39158-3300

The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of MississippiVol. 66 No. 9

Visit us online atwww.todayinmississippi.com

Mississippi is ...... the gentle creaking of a porch swing in need of some WD-40. Running up to the dollar store. Holiday travel consistingof walking across the road to your aunt’s house. Driving 40mph on a two-lane highway because someone is hauling hay.CamouBage as a color for men, women and children. Dash-ing to your car to roll up your windows and getting complete-ly soaked. Taking casseroles and cakes to family reunions andfunerals. Highway projects that last longer than the governorwho initiated them. Eating chicken tenders and tater logsfrom a roadside gas station. Half the counties in the stateunder a severe thunderstorm watch. Handshakes and hugsafter Sunday morning church service. De only place in theworld that I can call home.

— Chadwick Easterling, Raleigh

Mississippi is where the stars at night are brighter, the sunshines longer, the waves rush to shore and “De River” Bowsfreer. Why? Because my Mississippi brings me joy. Dis iswhere I live and want to remain all my days.

— Sybil Sykes Butler, Simpson County

Cool morning strolls along the creek bankSpotting a turtle on a logsitting motionlessly

Daylilies glowingCrepe myrtles swayingDis is my Mississippi—yes, indeedy!

— Dianne Jackson, Brandon

Our Homeplace

What’s Mississippi to you?What makes you proud to be a Mississippian? What do you treasuremost about life in our state? Send your thoughts to Today in Missis-sippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or email them to:

news@epaofms.comPlease keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing.

My OpinionMichael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEOEPAs of Mississippi

Marilyn Kelley and Stan McCarver,both of Olive Branch, help promoteawareness of Alzheimer’s diseasein an effort to help sufferers andtheir caregivers. In our story onpage 4, McCarver shares his ownexperience with the disease, andKelley gives the caregiver’s perspec-tive. She leads local caregivers sup-port groups and lobbies Congressfor Alzheimer’s research funding.

On the cover

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 3

JOIN TODAY IN MISSISSIPPIO N F A C E B O O K

Fresh coats of bright paint, new retail shops and renovated historic buildings haverevitalized downtown Yazoo City. More than 10 new businesses have openeddowntown in the past two years, and a new bakery will open soon. Most of theexisting buildings on Main Street were built within a year after the Great Fire of1904, which destroyed much of the city. Lifelong Yazooans Paul and JoAnn Adamsare responsible for the colorful buildings and much of the renovation, including thered Main Street Hotel. For the first time in decades, it can be tough to find aparking place in downtown Yazoo City.

4 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

By Debbie StringerStan McCarver, 64, of OliveBranch was winding down a40-year career in public educa-

tion when he 8rst noticed somethingwas wrong.

“I found myself beginning to havetremors,” he said. “I got to the pointwhere I could hardly write. I alsobecame very tired, very exhausted bynoon every day at school.”

Suspecting Parkinson’s disease, whichhad a:icted his grandmother, McCarverconsulted a doctor. Testing by a neurol-ogist ruled out Parkinson’s, and an MRIrevealed no evidence of stroke. After fur-ther tests for other possible causes,McCarver’s doctor diagnosed early-onsetAlzheimer’s disease. McCarver was only62.

Alzheimer’s is extremely di9cult todiagnose. ;ere is no one test that con-clusively identi8es the disease; diagnosisis a process of ruling out other condi-tions that can cause similar symptoms.

“I was told the only way we can knowyou have Alzheimer’s is to do an autop-sy. I said I’m not ready for that so I’llpass,” McCarver said.

He recently began neurological test-ing to identify which areas of his brainare a7ected by the uncurable disease thata7ects memory, thinking and behavior.

“I do not have really major memoryissues. I don’t have a problem driving.Mine is more of a behavioral thing. I8nd myself becoming more agitated andwanting to withdraw,” McCarver said.

He can no longer tolerate busy socialevents. At a senior citizens dance, “Ithought I was going to scream. Ithought, get me out of here,” he said.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s

‘There’s such a stigma attached toAlzheimer’s and dementia. Peoplefear it more than cancer.’

— Marilyn Kelley

“I found myself gasping for breath,almost like a person with an anxietyattack, but I’ve never had that before. Ithink what’s happening with me is Ican’t stand a variety of activities goingon around me.”

MMaarriillyynn KKeelllleeyy’’ss hhuussbbaanndd,,George, was 56 when she sawsomething about him that

“wasn’t quite George.”After a visit with an internist, her

husband was tested by a neuropsycholo-gist. “;ey can tell by those tests whatpart of your brain is functioning nor-mally,” said Kelley, a member ofNorthcentral Electric PowerAssociation.

George Kelley’s doctor diag-nosed not Alzheimer’s butanother form of demen-tia with a similar cata-strophic impact onpatient and caregiveralike. ;e disease 8rsta7ected his ability to use andunderstand language.

“Not only was hehaving di9cultydoing di7erenttasks and prob-lem solving, buthe wasn’tmaking theright deci-sions 8nan-cially,”Kelleysaid.

Han-dlingmoneybadly wasout ofcharacter forher husband, a for-

mer 8nancial professional who alsocounseled people with debt problems.

In 2008 the Kelleys moved fromTulsa, Okla., to Olive Branch to be clos-er to two of their three children as hiscondition worsened.

“;e 8rst two years we were here werethe most intensive caregiving for me.Prior to moving here, I was stillworking full time and he wasstill driving and able to func-tion,” Kelley said.

George Kelley died twoyears later. “He died from

prostrate cancer butwe did not

know he hadit because

of his

dementia,” Kelley said.“Because he was my spouse, I was

committed to preserving his dignity, andthis is a disease that challenges you everyday with that,” she said.

;ose unrelenting challenges led Kel-ley to start a local support group forcaregivers of people with Alzheimer’s

and dementia. “I just knew Ineeded to talk, and I need-ed to talk with other peo-ple who could relate andunderstand.”

Kelley called the Mis-sissippi chapter of theAlzheimer’s Association inRidgeland to ask for helpin starting a caregivers sup-

port group at theOlive Branch

Senior

A former caregiver and a patient share their stories

�

Marilyn Kelley, Stan McCarver

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 5

Center, which she o8ered to facilitate.“:ey jumped right on it, and they wereup here immediately to train me andgive me all the materials I needed,” shesaid.

Now Kelley and another volunteeralso facilitate an Alzheimer’s/dementiacaregivers support group in Southaven,at the public library. Up to a dozen care-givers, both men and women, attendeither meeting—or both. Most of thecaregivers are the spouse or relative of

the patient in their care.Dealing with the changes the disease

causes in their loved one is stressful andemotionally wrenching for caregivers.Some say the hardest part of caregivingis the health problems it creates or aggra-vates in the caregiver, according to theAlzheimer’s Association.

Caregivers may 9nd themselves bat-tling depression as they deal with theirloved one’s decline, Kelley said. “Wehave always got to be upbeat no matterwhat happens because if we get down,we’re going to impact our loved one.And then they’ll think they’ve donesomething wrong by causing us to cry.:en they get stressed out.”

Taking part in a support group maygive some emotional relief for caregivers,if they can leave their patient longenough to attend. “:ey may arrive a lit-tle late, very frustrated, sometimes intears, just because of the day they’vehad,” Kelley said.

Her support groups provide a sharingenvironment where caregivers of any agecan receive resource materials from theAlzheimer’s Association and take part ineducational programs.

“Most of the time, it’s an outlet forthem to come and talk and cry andlaugh,” Kelley said. “And everythingthat’s shared in our support groups iskept con9dential.”

“I am very grateful for a supportgroup,” said A.K., a 62-year-old caregiv-er in Kelley’s group. “Our loved ones are

not all at the same stages in their diagno-sis, but we listen, encourage one anotherand make suggestions of things thatmight apply to their circumstances. Ascaregivers, we experience similar situa-tions so we understand what the otherperson is going through.”

Susan F., a 72-year-old support groupparticipant, said, “Hearing other care-givers’ circumstances has certainly givenme perspective, and often their experi-ences and solutions have been an invalu-able resource for the daily challenges.”

FFoorrggeettffuullnneessss aanndd mmeemmoorryy lloossssdo not necessarily meanAlzheimer’s or another demen-

tia. Any number of other problemscould be the culprit. “It could be some-thing that would be very easy to cor-rect,” Kelley said.

McCarver is passionate about publiclysharing his experience as an Alzheimer’spatient and promoting the goals of theAlzheimer’s Association. He speaks atmeetings, conferences and fund-raisingevents to raise awareness of the diseaseand encourage early diagnosis. He talksfrankly about the warning signs he 9rstnoticed in himself.

“Stan’s willingness to speak andencourage others is especially helpfulbecause there’s such a stigma attached toAlzheimer’s and dementia. People fear itmore than they do cancer,” Kelley said.

As many as half of the estimated 5.2million Americans with Alzheimer’s havenever received a formaldiagnosis, according tothe Alzheimer’s Associ-ation.

McCarver urgesfamilies not to dis-miss “Mama’s men-tal issue.”

“Not that I knowall the answers, butI want to encour-age people tonotice changes inthemselves orfamily members,seek out infor-mation and seekhelp,” he said.

An earlydiagnosis gives

Alzheimer’s disease facts• Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, inwhich changes in the brain aDect memory, behavoirand ability to think clearly. Survival can range fromfour to 20 years after diagnosis; eight years is average.• It is the sixth leading cause of death and the only onein the top 10 without a known way to prevent, cure orslow its progression.• A recent study by the RAND Corp. found thatAlzheimer’s is the most expensive malady in the U.S.,costing up to $215 billion a year. The cost of daily per-sonal care required by patients over a long period oftime represents the biggest expense.• One in nine seniors age 65 and older (11 percent) hasAlzheimer’s disease, but half of them do not know it.• More than one-third of family caregivers for peoplewith dementia report symptoms of depression.• Caregivers may help the care recipient with dressing,personal hygiene, feeding, movement, housekeeping,medications management, shopping, transportationand money management.• Ninety percent of what is known about Alzheimer’shas been discovered in the last 15 years. • In 2010, 53,000 Mississippians age 65 and older suf-fered from Alzheimer’s disease.• By 2025, 65,000 Mississippians are predicted to bediagnosed with the disease, a 27 percent increase from2000.• In 2012, 203,000 individuals cared for an Alzheimer’sor other dementia patient in Mississippi.• In Mississippi 927 deaths were due to Alzheimer’s in2010, a 109 percent increase since 2000.Source: Alzheimer’s Association

Learn more• The Alzheimer’s Association oDers extensive educa-tional resources and support at:alz.org• The Alzheimer’s Association oDers a 24/7 HelplinestaDed by professionals at 800-272-3900.• For information on the Alzheimer’s Association Mis-sissippi chapter, including support group locations, call601-987-0020.• More information is available at:alzheimers.govnia.nih.govWalk to End Alzheimer’s events• Jackson: Sept. 14, 10 a.m., Mississippi Museum of Art• Greenwood: Sept. 28, 10 a.m., Little Red Park• Tupelo: Sept. 28, 10 a.m., Ballard Park• Hattiesburg: Oct. 12, 10 a.m., Wesley Medical Center• Columbus: Oct. 13, 3:30 p.m., EMCC Golden Triangle• Meridian: Nov. 2, 10 a.m., Bonita Lakes• Hernando, Nov. 2, 10 a.m., Lee’s Summit Park• Biloxi: Nov. 16, 10 a.m., Town Green Call 601-987-0020 or register at:alz.org

SEPTEMBERis World Alzheimer’s Month

‘I want to encourage people to noticechanges in themselves or familymembers, seek out information andseek help.’

— Stan McCarver

the patient a better chance of bene9ttingfrom medications and joining a clinicaltrial, a valuable tool for researchers.

Kelley’s husband’s early diagnosisenabled him to take medications thatmade a signi9cant di8erence in his quali-ty of life, if only temporarily.

“It gave us two good years,” Kelleysaid. “It seemed to keep him plateauedwithout a rapid decline in memory.”

McCarver, whose own caregiver is aclose friend, would tell a person recentlydiagnosed with Alzheimer’s to continueto live. “Don’t sit back and do nothing.Stay active. Continue the activities youenjoy and try new ones. Keep yourselfand your mind active,” he said.

McCarver is active in a local supportgroup for early-onset Alzheimer’spatients. He believes it’s important forpatients to talk to the people close tothem, to let caregivers and friends knowwhat’s going on and how they can help.

No one should deal with this diseasealone, he said, but many do. “I have sev-eral older friends who have the diagnosisthat just refuse to discuss it.”

McCarver said it took about sixmonths for his own diagnosis to sink in.

Now and then he has a “cobweb day,”when he feels he can’t brush the cobwebsfrom his brain. “:ose days are more ofmy depressed days because I don’t feellike I’m functioning.”

So far he has been able to workthrough these setbacks without the helpof medication.

After her husband’s death, Kelleycould have left the worldof Alzheimer’s behind tolead a normal life. Shechose instead to continueto lead two caregivers sup-port groups. She also vol-unteers as an Alzheimer’sAssociation Ambassadorwhose work includes lobby-ing Congress for funding forAlzheimer’s research and edu-cation.

“:ree sons and 11 grand-children are keeping me com-mitted,” Kelley said. “And I feellike I went on this journey for areason. Most people, once theirloved one is gone, move on. But Iam committed to this.”

6 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

haven’t seen my oldbuddy Luster Baylessfrom Ruleville lately,although I stood in hisdriveway the other day

out on Highway 8 to get a shot of thetwo water towers in Ruleville, onelabeled “hot” and the other “cold.”

It’s easy tomiss himbecause Lusterstill spends a lotof time in Hol-lywood at hisAmerican Cos-tume Co. Hiscompany hassupplied a gazil-lion war, west-ern, period andother types ofmovies withappropriate attire almost since the timeLuster hitchhiked from Ruleville to Cal-ifornia to seek his fortune in the moviebusiness and organized his costumingcompany.

Luster’s Hollywood Costume Muse-um stands in downtown Ruleville. Rightnow he is showing off a bunch of theoutfits from the recent film “DjangoUnchained.” And there are alwaysclothes on display that Luster’s long-time friend, John Wayne, wore.

If you look around downtown youwill find it a clean and trim little villagewith crepe myrtles blooming down theboulevards in the streets bordering the

park. Brand-new Blues Trails signshonor local musicians and hot spots.And there are several new medical clinicsand a few retail stores. One of the cloth-ing stores specializes in medical scrubsfor the people in the town who work inthe healthcare field.

The reason for the high percentage ofhealthcare workers in Ruleville, as com-pared to that of most other towns, cen-ters on the North Sunflower MedicalCenter located there. The Medical Cen-ter is a fairytale success story right in the

middle of a part of the country thatneeds some good news stories. And thesuccess came almost by accident.

Back about six or seven years ago, acatfish farmer by the name of Billy Mar-low was named to the hospital’s boardof directors. In no time he rocketed tobecome chairman of the board. Whichwas just a slip on a banana peel fromacting director of the hospital when thatvacancy came up almost immediately.

Billy told me when he took over thelittle hospital it had about eight hours’

worth of cash on hand, a lot of debt andno patients.

He said the first thing he did was tosend out a survey to all employees askingwhat was wrong and what to do to fix it.

Well, apparently some of the besthealthcare consultants anywhere are onthe payroll at that hospital. Becausesince then, the place has been totallyrenovated and modernized (to state-of-the-art status in many cases) andexpanded with such ammenities as anindoor track, a fitness center and a surgi-

Medical center’s turnaround helping heal Ruleville

I

MississippiSeen

by Walt Grayson

University Press of Mississippiwww.upress.state.ms.us • 800.737.7788

William F. Winter and the New MississippiA BiographyBy Charles C. Bolton�e life story of the governor known for his �ght for education and racial reconciliation$35 hardback; Ebook available

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Scotty and ElvisAboard the Mystery TrainBy Scotty Moore with James L. Dickerson�e true life story of Elvis’s original guitarist, themasterful Scotty Moore$55 printed casebinding; $25 paperback; Ebook available

It's a pretty good sign that things are going your way when you can joke around. I take these humorously labeled water tanks as a sign that good things must be going onin Ruleville. Photo: Walt Grayson

Chelsea Rick, a former participant of the Youth Leadership Program, was recently crowned the newMiss Mississippi.

Congratulations to Chelsea Rick, Miss Mississippi

Chelsea Rick was recently crowned the newMiss Mississippi. Rick is a past participant ofthe Youth Leadership Program, sponsored byelectric power associations in Mississippi. In2007, Rick represented Tombigbee ElectricPower Association in the Youth LeadershipWorkshop and the Washington, D.C., YouthTour. The Electric Power Associations of Missis-sippi congratulate Rick on her new title. Besure to tune into the ABC television networkSept. 15 at 8 p.m. to watch as Rick competesfor the title of Miss America. Visit Miss Missis-sippi’s Facebook page at:www.facebook.com/missmississippipageant

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 7

26th AnnualMS Pecan Festival

Sept. 27, 28 & 29, 2013Richton, MS

Admission $10.00 (Children under 4 Free)

601-964-8201 www.mspecanfestival.com

• ANTIQUE BOOTHS• ARTS & CRAFTS• QUILT SHOW• STOCK DOG DEMOS• LIVE CRAFT DEMOS• PURTIEST ROOSTER CONTEST • PECAN FESTIVAL PAGEANT

• SOUTH’S FINEST FOOD• MULE PULL• ANTIQUE ENGINE SHOW• LIVE BLUEGRASS MUSIC• CHARITY BAKE-OFF• DRAFT HORSE DEMOS• VERA’S PECAN PIES

Walt Grayson is the host of “MississippiRoads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television, and the author of two “LookingAround Mississippi” books and “Oh! ThatReminds Me: More Mississippi HomegrownStories.” Contact Grayson at:walt@waltgrayson.com

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cal suite that would be the envy of anybig city hospital.

They’ve gone from just over 100employees back then to better that 500today.

The Medical Center is ranked as thecleanest hospital in Mississippi and oneof the best hospitals of its kind in thenation! Plus, it has spread its success tothe town of Ruleville, fixing up deserteddowntown buildings to house medicalclinics and repairing old houses foroffices and for employees who have cho-sen to buy them, move to Ruleville andlive.

Luster Bayless ought to tell some ofhis Hollywood producer friends aboutNorth Sunflower Medical Center andget someone to come make a movieabout this success story. “The LittleHospital Who Could” has a Hollywood

happy ending if I ever heard one. Andthe costumes for the film are right downthe street at the store that sells medicalscrubs!

8 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

osencrantz andGuildenstern were longdead, and it was reason-able to conclude that Iwould soon join theseShakespearian lads in my

own version of an untimely demise. Thesetting: Northern Colorado, WesternSlope of the Rockies.

I heard the disturbance several min-utes before recognizing it as an immi-nent threat, a deep rumbling behind dis-tant peaks. Then it was upon me, a vio-lent thunderstorm erupting from scowl-ing skies. Triggered by a season changein the High Country, it was a curiousand frightening confluence of fall andwinter, a time when sprites of the formerflirt with ghosts of the latter.

Ordinarily I would have run for thesecurity of my truck, but I had let a fel-low hunter borrow it to collect a muledeer buck he had taken and get it to theprocessing plant. “I’ll be right back,” hehad told me as he bounced away in mylittle yellow four-wheel-drive.

Too late Ilearned that“right back” ispurely theoreticalin country suchas this.Practicalitydemands other-wise. An hour offthe mountain,add half that toaccomplish thedrive on to townand then doubleit to transactbusiness at the processor. And then therewas the return trip to fetch a haplesscomrade such as I.

So there I was, alone and at the mercyof angry elements. I outlined the onlyplan I could conjure at such a precarioustime.

I began searching for low sagebrushaway from anything tall. I then stashedmy rifle and pack and anything else con-taining metal inside the trees upslope.Even removed my belt so that the bucklecouldn’t call out to the lightning.

After such chores were completed, inhaste I might add, I ran to the sage andsquatted in my best attempt at becominga basketball, hands on head and onlytoes in contact with ground. There I

waited as brilliant bolts of light bouncedaround the aspens and rattled the hill-sides.

Blinding rain driven by ferociouswinds soon turned to hail and then tosleet and then to snow. For the first timeI was experiencing thunder snow, a phe-nomenon I have yet to see repeated. Andas suddenly as it came, it was gone, drift-ing down the mountain and away. I wasleft standing in a dusting of white, stilldisoriented by the ordeal.

Eventually I located the rifle, pack,belt, knife and what little change I earli-er had in my pocket. I sat back against atree and breathed a prayer of thanks forthe narrow escape.

And then there was British Columbia;marvelous country it was. Three of us,an Indian guide named Sandy and wetwo hunters, were looking for moose.Camp was along the Graham Riverapproximately 30 miles by Super Cubfrom the nearest point of civilization.

We had ridden horseback another sixmiles or so into the valleys and peaksand without warning discovered we hadcome upon a moose kill. Weather, age,bears, wolves? We had no idea. Butwhatever it was had taken the moosedown and we were looking at theremains.

But moose remains were not the onlyentities present. A huge sow grizzly andher duet of 200-pound cubs were havinglunch. Things could quickly get com-pletely out of hand. Feeding grizzlies canbe disagreeable, and a sow with cubs can

be downright testy.The horses recognized as much even

before its gravity sank into our startledand trail-weary brains, so their immedi-ate reaction was to begin some unnamedballet of angst. Not as prescribed anddelicate as those performing “SwanLake” but equally enthusiastic. Ourmounts exhibited obvious disrespect fortheir occupants.

Not being one fully appreciative ofnor acclimated to the virtues of solidmountain ponies, I briefly consideredabandoning saddle. Seems that is whatthe horse had in mind anyway. But Iopted, as did Bryce and Sandy, if at allpossible to ride the situation out, if youwill. It, we must have all concluded,would be the most expeditious approach.

At some point seconds later, in themidst of those trustworthy equinesattempting to drape riders from low-

hanging spruce limbs, I chanced a glancebackward. The sow and her offspringwere going in the opposite direction,their silver backs glistening vividly insnowy sunlight.

I, particularly at my age, care not torepeat these nor a host of other encoun-ters I recall from wild places. But when Igive it more serious thought, it is likelythat the greatest danger I have faced isthat drive to the airport needed to reachthose places.

The only insurance plan I am awareof that might prevent such, however, isto recline peacefully in a soft chair andstay home. That policy’s premium does-n’t fit within my budget!

R

Tony Kinton has been an active outdoorswriter for 30 years. “Uncertain Horizons,” booktwo in Kinton’s “Wagon Road Trilogy,” is nowavailable. Order from your local bookstore,Amazon.com or Kinton’s website:www.tonykinton.com

MississippiOutdoors

by Tony Kinton

Recalling brushes with nature’s potential danger

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September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 9

We were among 200 ladies of all agesat the camp. Our morning was spentwatching a huge screen with instructionson how to play football by various

coaches, including “Dan theMan” Mullen. We spent theafternoon on the indoorpractice field executing basicplays a football player musthave perfected. We endedthe day by running onto thefootball field through thepuff of white smoke, like theplayers do on game day.I tried very hard not to

embarrass my daughter, butI slipped up a few times.Our first goal was to find a

pot of coffee when we arrived. Thepaper cup slipped out of my hand andspilled the entire cup on the floor—neara group of ladies. I got down on myhands and knees to wipe it up as peoplehanded me napkins.The next time it was her fault. She

whispered something funny and Ilaughed so loud that the coach stoppedtalking and said, “Would you like toshare the joke with us?” Oh, my.On the indoor practice field one exer-

Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh MyGosh, Virginia.” To order, send name,address, phone number and $16.95, plus$3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 FigFarm Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.

cise was to run toward four large tire-type rings and jump in and out of eachspace— fast! When I fell I was lifted bytwo coaches, while the other ladieslooked on. Yes, I was embarrassed so Ijust bowed. They could do nothing butclap. Babette was perfect on every exer-cise and play they taught us. There weretwo other awful incidents, but I nowwant to talk about my favorite place onthe trip, Corinth. What a charming old-South town.

f you have a hankering for anend-of-summer vacation,head north. That’s NorthMississippi. Add a smidgen ofAlabama and

you’ll find a pot of gold.God made Mississippi first,so you might want to starthere. Mr. Roy premeditated

and deliberated, took hisnotebook and organized aweek of low-budget delights.The annual MSU LadiesFootball Camp atMississippi State was first onour agenda, near the end ofJuly. This year our youngestdaughter, Babette, had her name at thetop of the list. She lives just up the roadin Tupelo. Actually, Saltillo. We parkedthe RV in Tupelo, about eight milesaway from her house. Roy enjoys goingto State so much he insisted on escortingus. As we left the car at the Leo Seal Jr.

Building, he said, “Babette, you’d betterwatch your mom. You know how sheis.” I ignored his remark and wavedgoodbye.

We drove down most every street. Aftera great visit to the Corinth Civil WarInterpretive Center and the Train DepotMuseum, we were ready for an old-timemilkshake and a Slugburger atBorroum’s Drug Store. It’s Mississippi’soldest drug store, established in 1865. We enjoyed talking to Camille

Borroum Mitchell, the great-grand-daughter of Dr. Borroum, who openedthe pharmacy. Camille practiced phar-macy there for 46 years. She was one ofthe first female pharmacists inMississippi. The old soda fountain isstill the centerpiece, kept in perfectoperation by her youngest son, Lex.Included in the National Register ofHistoric Places, Borroum’s was con-structed on Waldron Street around1843, when the courthouse was builtwith handmade brick. What a storythose walls could tell.Our last jaunt was to the Shakespeare

Theater in Montgomery, Ala., where myparents used to live. Mr. Roy and I saw“Ring of Fire,” a production of JohnnyCash’s songs. I begin calling my hus-band the “man in black,” because he’s abig Johnny Cash fan. If you see my mancoming down the street, he’ll be wearingblack from now on. Why? Listen toJohnny’s reasons in his song by thatname.Just joshing. Mr. Roy stuck with

black for only a week. His wardrobe islacking, and I finally told him I wasnever a big fan of Cash’s music.

Grin ‘n’Bare It

by Kay Grafe

IOur excursion up north

Talking to Camille Borroum Mitchell, great-granddaughter of Borroum’s Drug Store’s first owner, Dr. AndrewJackson (Jack) Borroum.

10 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013 S

MEMBER OWNED, LOCALLY OPERATED

m

E

The samecooperativespirit that created PearlRiver ValleyElectric PowerAssociation 75years ago hascontributed toanother success-ful year for yourAssociation.Our goal

remains to pro-vide high quality electric service at the lowest pos-sible cost in keeping with sound business practices.Your Board of Directors is committed to meeting

the needs of our member-owners. Throughoutthese years of service, we have worked hard to gainthe trust and respect of our members—for it isthat trust and respect we value most. As yourBoard, we will continue to work toward maintain-ing the economic strength and stability of yourAssociation.WHOLESALE POWER COSTSPurchasing wholesale power accounts for nearly

80 percent of our overall cost of providing electricservice to members. PRVEPA is a member-owner ofSouth Mississippi Electric Power Association, a gen-eration and transmission cooperative. Being amember of South Mississippi Electric ensures us ofgetting our wholesale power delivered on a not-for-profit basis.

A large percentage of America’s electric generat-ing facilities are either nearing retirement or facingmajor modifications required by new environmen-tal regulations. In the coming years, electric utilitiesacross the nation, including South MississippiElectric and its members, will be forced to invest innew sources of generation. Replacing so many facil-ities with new ones will undoubtedly add to thecost of providing service to consumers. We expectto see relatively minor cost increases beginning in2014 when Mississippi Power Company’s KemperCounty lignite plant comes on line.South Mississippi Electric’s strategy to generate

electricity is to use a broad mix of fuels—includingcoal, gas, nuclear and hydro—which helps keepcosts as low as possible. South Mississippi Electrichas committed to purchase a 15 percent interest inthe Kemper County plant. Although the project hasexperienced cost overruns during the past year, webelieve it will ultimately be a valuable resource forMississippi for many years to come. Not only will ithave low operating costs, but it will meet strictenvironmental guidelines over the course of its 40-50 year life span. Such characteristics will be valu-able because they will help avoid the long-termvolatility of fuel prices and, hopefully, the costs ofcomplying with new environmental regulations. Finding new, cost-effective ways to meet our

wholesale power needs is a continuing priority andyour PRVEPA Board will be closely watching devel-opments throughout the industry.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTYour Association is very active in promoting eco-

nomic development for our 12-county service area.

We work with state and local organizations toencourage new and existing businesses toexpand where possible, so that additionalemployment and other economic benefits willcome to our area.During the past year, the Area Development

Partnership (ADP) has developed a mega-site ofmore than 2,000 acres just south of Hattiesburg.The site is located within PRVEPA’s service terri-tory and we stand ready and able to provide anyelectric infrastructure required to meet the needsof a large industrial facility interested in movingto our area. This is an exciting project that couldprovide significant economic benefits to ourregion in the years to come.CORE BUSINESSMany electric power associations have under-

taken various business enterprises other thantheir primary function of providing electricity tocustomers. We have studied this matter carefullyat different times over the years. Each time yourBoard of Directors has determined that our pri-mary purpose should continue to be furnishingelectric service to our members at the lowest possi-ble cost. Furthermore, no activities will be engagedin which will interfere with, or diminish, that pur-pose. However, we will not close the door on look-ing at different business activities should opportu-nities present themselves in the future.ANNUAL MEETINGPearl River Valley is an electric cooperative

owned by the consumers it serves. The annualmeeting gives members an opportunity to learnabout the progress of your Association and to par-

ticipate in its business plans. We encourage you tobe an active, informed member and attend theannual membership meeting.Pearl River Valley has developed a strong mem-

bership and a level of service comparable to anyutility in the nation. This annual report supports thefact that we continue to operate a financially soundcooperative under the control of its membership.Your Board of Directors remains committed to

this tradition. As President of your Association, I amproud to present this report for your consideration.

Lawrence WarrenPresident of the Board

of Directors

The Association’s records and accounts were audited by Nicholson & Company, PLLC,Certified Public Accountants. The report was complimentary of your General Manager andstaff. It also showed the records and accounts in excellent condition and that theAssociation is in a financially strong condition.The following is from the annual audit dated December 31, 2012:• Total electric plant increased $2,524,401, bringing the total to $149,192,758.• Assets total $205,820,984, which reflects an increase of $4,531,031 for the year.• The member-owners of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association have equity of 34.0percent in the system.

REGULAR PATRONAGE REFUNDYour Board of Directors is dedicated to the principal of returning patronage capital to our

member-owners—in fact, we were the first electric power association in Mississippi tostart paying regular patronage refunds. This year we refunded $1,600,000 to our members. We have made patronage refunds to

our member-owners for 50 years in the total amount of $36,291,161. Very few electriccooperatives in the nation can surpass our record of returning margins to their members. PATRONAGE REFUND TO THE ESTATES OF DECEASED MEMBERSIn 1988, your Board of Directors started a program where we return the accumulated

patronage capital to the estates of deceased members. We have returned a total of$10,018,308 through this program including $605,814 in 2012.

Hugh Gene SmithSecretary -Treasurer

President’s Report

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

All members of Pearl River Valley ElectricPower Association are invited to attend theannual meeting of members on Sat., Sept.28, 2013. Registration will begin at 9:30a.m. at the Association’s meeting roomfacility (Lawrence Building) in Columbia at1428 Highway 13 North. The meeting willbegin at 10:30 a.m.

Member participation at the annual meeting is important to elect directors,hear reports covering the operation of theAssociation and to transact other businessthat may come before the meeting.

Included on the agenda is the election ofthree directors to three-year terms.Nominated for director posts are:

District 1: Danny WilksDistrict 4: Kelly SpeightsDistrict 9: Lavell Bond

PRVEPA will award 12 attendance prizes,including a $1,250 certificate for electricity.You must be present at the meeting to be eligible for the attendance prizes. If you cannot attend the meeting, mail in yourannual meeting ballot today. By returningyour ballot you will be eligible for the absentee prizes.

Annual meetingset for September 28

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 11

I am pleasedto present thisannual report toour members.Pearl RiverValley Electricwas founded in1938 by a hand-ful of peoplecoming togetherto meet a com- mon need. 75 years later, that

spirit of working together is still very much alive inall we do. Because Pearl River Valley Electric is member-

owned, it is vital that each of you be aware of thechanges and challenges that we face together. As alocal, not-for-profit organization, our Association’soverall priority is to provide electric service that isaffordable, safe and reliable. I am proud to be ableto say that we have seen many good results overthe past year.SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTFor 2012, the number of meters served by the

Association increased slightly from 47,058 to47,129, while our annual sales of electricity—992,592,797 kilowatt hours (KwH)—were about6.7 percent below 2011, mainly because of milderweather patterns.Maintaining reliable service to members requires

continual planning and upgrading of our lines andequipment. In 2012, our crews added 122 miles ofnew overhead and underground lines to our sys-tem, which now has more than 6,800 miles of linesand 28 substations throughout our 12-county serv-ice area.To help keep delivery costs as low as possible, we

continue to invest in technical innovation. We areclose to completing work on the U.S. Department ofEnergy-funded project to install automated metersand other system technology. Automated meteringtechnology for residential accounts was completedlast year, so now all members can access hourlyand daily information about their home electric useto help manage their costs. The new meters alsoensure accurate readings, reduce instances of metertampering and help improve the efficiency of ouremployees—all of which lowers costs.The remaining aspects of the project—installing

sophisticated mapping technology (GeographicInformation System-GIS) and automated superviso-ry and control (SCADA) equipment—are nearly

complete. When fully implemented, the improve-ments will greatly enhance reliability, system plan-ning, and service for our members.RIGHT-OF-WAY TRIMMINGRight-of-way (ROW) trimming is an essential

part of our maintenance program. Our goal is torotate through our entire system every 6-7 years,which means we trim nearly 1000 miles of ROWannually.We sincerely appreciate all the cooperation we

receive from members in allowing us to cut ade-quate right of way. Your continued help and under-standing are vital when crews are clearing linesthat serve your home. It could mean the differencein the reliability of your electric service as well asyour safety.SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND OUTAGESPearl River Valley Electric has an excellent outage

record that is well below the national average. Onaverage, our members experience very few outageslasting only short amounts of time, which isremarkable when you consider that electric serviceis a 24/7 commodity. We continue to implement a pole inspection pro-

gram to change out bad poles that could possiblycause power outages. As always, over the past yearwe also replaced, upgraded or retired equipmentand facilities as needed. EMERGENCY RESTORATIONOur employees are very good when the chips are

down, especially when we face large weather-related events. In just the past year, they haveresponded to Hurricane Isaac and two outbreaks oftornadoes—the February tornado that devastatedparts of Marion County, Lamar County andHattiesburg, as well as the Christmas Day storms inand around Wiggins. In each case, Pearl River Valley’s employees do

whatever is necessary to restore service to mem-bers as quickly and safely as possible. Isaac causedoutages for more than half our members, but serv-ice was fully restored within three days. After thetornadoes, where damage was significant but notas widespread, crews accomplished repairs within aday or two. I am proud of the effort, focus and ded-ication displayed by everyone whenever we findourselves in such circumstances. MEMBER PROGRAMSPearl River Valley has always been committed to

building strong, enduring relationships with ourmembers because you are the reason our organiza-tion exists. And because we are operated locally,we are also dedicated to assisting the communities

in which welive.Our member

services depart-ment is constantlylooking for new ways to pro-vide valuable information and pro-grams. I would encourage everyone tomake use of our website as often as possible, as ithas features related to wise energy use and otherservices designed to make your dealings with usmore efficient. You may also call us about homeenergy audits, advice on the proper sizing on heat-ing and air-conditioning systems, and educationalprograms for civic groups and schools.This year we implemented Round Up for

Education, a community college scholarship pro-gram designed to encourage members and theirchildren to further their education. The vast majori-ty of our members are rounding up their bills eachmonth, which is providing the money to fundscholarships for nearly 200 students. We willannounce the final awards in mid-September, butwithout doubt this program is a unique and collab-orative way to improve the quality of life for hun-dreds of families in the communities we serve. It isan outstanding example of what can be accom-plished by cooperative members working together;I don’t think there’s another program like it in thecountry.YOUTH LEADERSHIP ESSAY CONTESTEach year Pearl River Valley Electric sponsors an

essay contest for junior class students in highschools located within our service area. A judgingcommittee reviews the essays and selects the win-ners. The winners attend a three-day youth leader-ship workshop in Jackson and during the summerthey travel with other Mississippi students toWashington, D.C. for the week-long Youth Tour.This year’s winners were Cody Letchworth (West

Marion High School) and Mitch Strider (SumrallHigh School). These two students have been out-standing representatives for Pearl River ValleyElectric. SAFETYAll of our employees are committed to working

safely. As of August 21, PRVEPA employees haveworked more than 150,000 hours without a time-loss accident. They are committed to a full time cul-ture of safety and to working accident free. Aneffective safety program not only ensures the well-being of employees, but saves your Associationmoney.

REGULATIONS AFFECT THE COST OF ELECTRIC SERVICEThe electric industry is one of the most heavily

regulated in the U.S. We fully support and practice environmental stewardship in every aspect of ourbusiness as an electric provider. The Obama admin-istration, however, has begun to use regulatory powers to advance its political agenda, especially related to preventing the use of coal as fuel forelectric generation. Regulations have costs and webelieve strongly that our members should not haveto pay for unnecessary restrictions. Coal and natural gas currently provide 68 percent

of America’s power supply. Regulating coal plantsout of existence will require adding new plants,which will only make power generation moreexpensive. Adding cost to electricity will alsoincrease the cost of everything else manufacturedand distributed in our economy, producing an extrahit on consumers. The President’s plans will makeelectric power more expensive and less reliable,which is certainly not the right choice, especially ifthe result is to negatively affect our economicgrowth and jobs.We will join with others in our industry to closely

watch these issues as they develop, and we will notsupport any measures that will needlessly increasethe cost of electricity for our members.THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION ENHANCES QUALITY OF LIFEI would again like to say thank you to our mem-

bers. We have appreciated your support, patienceand trust for the past 75 years. It has been a privi-lege to serve you this past year, and we will contin-ue to work hard in coming years to meet andexceed your expectations.I am very proud to be your general manager and

to be a part of the cooperative way of doing busi-ness. I’m also proud of our employees’ dedicationand hard work. By communicating and workingtogether, we can ensure our ability to continue pro-viding the affordable, safe and reliable electricservice that enhances the quality of all of our lives.

Randy WallaceGeneral Manager

59

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It also showed the records and accounts in excellent condition and that theA

General Manager’s Report

12 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

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Alex Huff, of Rankin County, and Lyndy Berryhill, Franklin County, are thewinners of the 2013 4-H Cooperative Business Leadership Scholarship.Presenting the awards are Dr. Paula Threadgill, left, associate director,4-H Family and Consumer Sciences, and Jon Turner, right, manager ofmarketing and public relations, 4-County Electric Power Association.

Mississippi Council of Cooperatives honored outstanding FFA studentsat a recent summer leadership camp. Mary Helen Jones, center, is thewinner of a $1,000 leadership scholarship. Johnny Douglas, left, andAndy Robinson, both of Ackerman, are recipients of scholarships toattend the FFA Washington, D.C. leadership conference next summer.

The Mississippi Council ofCooperatives (MCC), organized in1945, is the principal organizationcharged with promoting cooperatives inthe state. MCC comprises 37 local,state and regional cooperatives. Thenonprofit council’s membership repre-sents nearly every type of co-op operat-ing in Mississippi, including electricpower associations, agricultural, market-ing and food.

MCC embodies the spirit of coopera-tion, bringing together co-op leadersand the leaders of other agencies andassociations to better serve the interestsof their co-op members. Through theyears MCC has developed numerousprograms to encourage a closer workingrelationship among cooperatives and abetter understanding of the challengesand potentials they face.

Since 1955 MCC has sponsoredcooperative business programs for stu-dent organizations. These programsteach the value of cooperatives to stu-dents involved in 4-H and FFA.Hundreds of young men and women

have entered contests sponsored byMCC and 4-H or FFA programs, withthe winners earning scholarship awardsand educational trips.

“In recent years, the council’s boardof directors chose to focus its financialresources on cooperative educationalprograms for our youth,” said RonStewart, senior vice president of theElectric Power Associations ofMississippi and a member of MCC’sboard of directors. “FFA and 4-H are

outstanding youth organizations andworthy of our commitments, both infinancial resources and personalinvolvement.”

For the past eight years, MCC hasawarded more than $40,000 in schol-arships to students attending seniorand community colleges inMississippi.

“Co-ops throughout Mississippi havea strong tradition of supporting ourfuture leaders and ensuring they have

the opportunity to excel. And the coop-erative business model is an outstandingway to teach the importance of workingtogether to reach a common goal,”Stewart said.

“Today, Mississippians enjoy a quali-ty of life that can be attributed to thehard work and contributions made by adiversified group of cooperatives.”

For more information on MCC andscholarship offers, visit the website at:www.mscouncil.coop

Mississippi Council of Cooperatives announces 2013 scholarship winners

Co-op organization focuses on student development

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 13

ven though we’re still inwarm September, now is thetime to start thinking aboutfall color.

Planting fall-flowering annuals canenhance your landscape’sability to offer color rightthrough spring. Garden cen-ters will soon be offeringsome good choices of fallbedding plants, so makeplans now for what youwant your landscape to looklike.

Telstar dianthus is one ofmy favorite cool-seasonplants. Like most membersof the dianthus family, theflowers have a delicately flo-ral fragrance. Blooms have a fringed mar-gin and are available in

Esingle, double and semi-double petalarrangements.

Flower colors include carmine rose,pink and white. These colors are fromthe same color palette as the spring-

blooming landscape pinks andsummer varieties like theMississippi Medallion-winnerPurple Bouquet and Amazondianthus. That means they willprovide seasonal continuity foryour landscape.

Telstar dianthus grows 8 to10 inches tall and should bespaced about 8 inches apart.You need proper spacing tohave beautiful and fully massedlandscape beds.

Brightly colored pansies areanother choice for fall color, and youmay have already spotted them in garden

centers. These plants are a great choicefor winter gardens. They can bedescribed as tough and cold tolerant, andthey provide nonstop flowering.

Pansies have a 4- to 10-inch-tallmounding growth habit. There aremany, many different cultivars and selec-tions offering a veritable rainbow of col-ors. Older selections have multicoloredflowers in yellow, purple, blue and white.These flowers seem to have “faces” madefrom color blotches. These faces seem togive the pansies personalities from playfulto jovial.

Matrix pansies have been outstandinglandscape plants for several years inMississippi. The Coastal Sunrise plants

Good fall bedding plants make splash until spring

Dr. Gary Bachman is MSU horticul-turist at the Coastal Research andExtension Center in Biloxi.

SouthernGardening

by Dr. Gary Bachman

October 4-5, 2013

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41st Annual

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11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday, October 5

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.For more information:

director@leakems.comfacebook.com/leakems.com

601-267-9231

are absolutely loaded with large, colorfulflowers held high above the plant. Theymake a terrific landscape display as theplants branch quickly, increasing theenormous amount of flowers produced.

Violas, commonly called Johnny JumpUps, are related to the pansy and are agood choice for cooler weather. Thesetough plants grow well in landscapes orcontainers. I think violas are hardier thanpansies, as their flowering tolerates coldertemperatures and they bloom rightthrough the winter holidays and well intothe spring season.

It is quite common for violas tobecome perennial in the home gardenbecause they are prolific reseeding plants.Garden centers will have wide selectionsavailable in an endless variety of colors,so you should be able to find ones youlike.

For the best performance, be sure toplant your bedding plants before coldweather sets in. This allows the root sys-tem to establish itself before it gets cold.Current flowers will be lost in freezingtemperatures, but the show will continuewith the return of moderate temperatures.

Add 1 pound of slow-release fertilizerand a good layer of mulch to keep theplants well fed and comfortable duringthe lower temperatures of winter. Theywill be ready to continue blooming oninto the spring.

Dianthus Telstar Picotee is a cool-season plant with a delicately floral fragrance and beautiful blooms. Photo:MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman

14 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

mississipp i

CooksRECIPES FROM OUR FEATURED COOKBOOK:

‘Cooking withOsyka!’

Members of Osyka Civic Club are committed to a variety of projectsand activities to make their community a better place in which to live.From hosting a welcome wagon to sponsoring a Special Olympics athlete,the group’s e>orts exemplify the power of volunteers to impact local qual-ity of life.Club members are working this month to ?nalize plans for the 33rd

Fall Fest, a downtown festival they start-ed in 1980. Traditionally held the ?rstSaturday in October, this year’s Fall Festwill be held Oct. 5 and 6 to includegospel singing on Sunday.To help fund its good works and

charitable donations, this month OsykaCivic Club will publish its third cookbook, “Cooking with Osyka!” Inaddition to more than 1,000 recipesbetween its covers, the cookbook presents photos and historical information about the club.Readers will learn how the club got its start (hint: it has to do with

Santa Claus). Ae club stages the town’s annual Christmas parade, a livelyevent with ?reworks, marching bands, @oats and antique cars carryingOsyka’s Senior Citizens of the Year.Copies of “Cooking with Osyka!” will be available for sale at Fall Fest.

For information call 601-542-5994 Monday through Friday during busi-ness hours.

Easy Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls1/3 cup chopped pecans1/3 cup 3rmly packed light brown sugar1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 (8-oz.) pkg. refrigerated crescent rollsButter-4avored vegetable cooking sprayor 2 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine

Combine pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside. Separaterolls at perforations and spray one side with cooking spray, or brush with meltedbutter. Sprinkle rolls with sugar mixture and roll into crescents according to pack-age directions. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 F for about 10to 12 minutes.

Two-Minute Fudge1 (12-oz.) pkg. creme drop candy1 cup peanut butter, crunchy or smooth2 Tbsp. milk

Microwave candy in a glass bowl for 1 minute on high. Add peanut butter andmilk. Stir and microwave for 1 minute. Pour into an 8-by-8-inch dish. Let coolbefore cutting to serve.

Cheese Olives1/2 cup butter, softened2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese1/2 tsp. salt1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. paprikaDash of cayenne pepper1 cup 4our, sifted50 small Spanish olives, drained

In a medium bowl, use a fork to blend all ingredients except olives to form dough.Mold 1 tablespoon of dough around each olive. Place on baking sheet 1 inch apartand freeze for at least 1 hour. Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes.

Southern Heat Chip Dip16 oz. cream cheese2 Tbsp. Crystal hot sauce1 Tbsp. chili powder1 Tbsp. cumin1 (10-oz.) can Rotel tomatoes, drained1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped black olives

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper1 tsp. black pepper1 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. garlic powder1/2 tsp. onion powder

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with yourfavorite dipping chip. Also great over baked potatoes or french fries.

Pecan Pie Tri$e1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened1 1/2 cups whipping cream1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract1 (2-lb.) pecan pie, homemade orfrozen (thawed) and cut into 1-inchcubes

1/3 cup chocolate fudge topping1/3 cup caramel topping1/2 cup chopped pecans

Beat cream cheese, whipping cream and vanilla extract in a large bowl with an elec-tric mixer at medium speed for 2 or 3 minutes, or until smooth and ?rm. Placehalf the pie cubes in bottom of a 4-quart tri@e dish or tall, clear 4-quart glass bowl.Spread half the whipped cream mixture over pie cubes. Drizzle with half the choco-late fudge and caramel toppings. Sprinkle with half the chopped pecans. Repeatlayers. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. (You can also make indi-vidual tri@es.)

Tamale Balls1 lb. lean ground beef or ground venison1 lb. hot pork sausage2 Tbsp. cumin2 tsp. salt1 1/2 cups yellow corn meal

1 cup V-8 juice1/2 cup 4our4 cloves garlic, minced2 Tbsp. chili powder1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

Gravy:2 1/2 cups V-8 juice1 (8-oz.) can tomato juice2 cups water

2 Tbsp. chili powder2 tsp. salt2 Tbsp. cumin

Combine all ingredients. Roll into balls using about 1 tablespoon of mixture perball and put into a large baking pan.

Combine all ingredients and pour over tamale balls. Cover with foil and bake at350 F for 1 hour.

Greek Feta Dip With BaguettesOlive oil1 to 2 tomatoes, diced2 to 3 green onions, chopped

Feta cheese, crumbledGreek seasoning mixBaguettes, toasted

Drizzle a large platter with olive oil. Sprinkle platter with tomatoes and greenonions. Crumble feta cheese on top. Sprinkle generously with Greek seasoning mix.Gently combine ingredients. Serve with baguettes.

Osyka’sFall Fest

will be heldOct. 5 and 6

downtown

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 15

By Nancy Jo MaplesUniformed mannequins and more than 16,000 arti-

facts breathe life into the GI Museum–Sean M. CooleyMemorial Hall, in Gautier.Doug Mansfield and his wife, Cheryl, owners of the

military exhibits, opened their own gallery because theywanted to help teach others, especially children, aboutwars fought by the United States of America and thesacrifices made by those who fought them.“Seven of my uncles served in World War II. When I

was 10, I bought my first book on WWII. I’ve alwaysbeen interested in it,” Mansfield said.The couple named the museum the Sean Cooley

Memorial Hall in memory of their son’s NationalGuard platoon sergeant, the late Sean Cooley of OceanSprings. Cooley was killed in Iraq in February 2005after his vehicle exploded due to a hidden bomb. Heserved with the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion basedout of Lucedale.The Mansfield’s son, Douglas L. Mansfield, served as

assistant platoon sergeant and was travelling in a trackedvehicle behind Cooley’s Humvee when the explosionoccurred. Immediately after the blast, Mansfield tookcommand of the situation, attempted to save Cooley’slife and was later awarded the Army CommendationMedal with Valor for his actions.The museum opened six months later in August

2005 and was named for Cooley with approval from

Cooley’s wife. Some of Cooley’spersonal belongings memorializehim in a glass display case insidethe museum.The museum displays a vast

amount of WWII artifacts, but it alsoshowcases items from all other wars including WorldWar I, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and thosefought in Middle Eastern countries. All divisions of theU.S. military, including the Coast Guard, are recog-nized with exhibits. Also represented are chaplains andphotographers.An impressive number of items spotlight females’

roles in enlisted service. A rare flight suit and a dress suitworn by a member of the WWII Women Air ForceService Pilots (WASP) are among the collection. Only1,074 women served in WASP and only 1,200 sets offlight and dress uniforms were manufactured.“Women have played an important role in military,

even in WWII, beyond the Red Cross and the volun-teers. You don’t see many women uniforms displayed.We’ve got the largest female military exhibit in theSoutheast,” Mansfield said.The exhibit includes lipsticks, facial compacts and

hosiery repair kits used by service women.General artifacts include helmets, rations, religious

communion sets, hand-wound record players, cameras,technical devices and other varied pieces including a

Huey helicopter.People who have served the military effort are

encouraged to share their stories via the museum’s com-bined effort with WKFK (Channel 7, Pascagoula).WKFK features videotaped interviews of veterans in itsongoing segment titled “Local Heroes.”The Mansfields purchased all items with their own

funds and the artifacts are a personal collection. Theycan be viewed by the public, however, on Wednesdaysand Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The couple man-ages the museum with only one volunteer. Admission isfree of charge. Donations are welcome.To visit the museum take Exit 57 from I-10, travel

south two miles and follow the signs. Although it claimsa Gautier presence, the physical address for GPS map-ping is 5796 Ritcher Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.Call 228-872-1943 or visit the website:www.gimuseum.com

Writer Nancy Jo Maples can be reached at 188 ErnestPipkins Road, Lucedale, MS 39452 or at:nancyjomaples@aol.com

Where military history comes alive

Some 16,000 artifacts, representing all branches of the U.S. military, make up the private collection of Doug, above, and Cheryl Mansfield. The couple welcome visitors to their museum in Gautier in hopes thatothers, especially children, will learn more about the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military.

16 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

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MISCELLANEOUSPLAY GOSPEL SONGS by Ear! $12.95. “Learn GospelMusic” - chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24.Davidsons, 6727MS Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas66204. 913-262-4982.DON’T LET YOUR FAMILY MEMORIESFADE AWAY! We can transfer your VHS, VHS-C,Betamax, Minidv ... to DVD. We provide Macintoshcomputer support with 28 years experience.Parrot Video Productions LLC. Call 601- 826-1168 or visit us at:www.parrotvideoproductions.comBECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, byCorrespondence study. The harvest truly is great, thelaborours are few. Luke 10:2. Free info. Ministers forChrist Assembly of Churches, 7558 W. Thunderbird Rd.,Ste 1-#114, Peoria, AZ 85381;www.ordination.org

ADVERTISE IN THE MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE. REACH 0VER 430,000

Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number. Deadline is the 10th of eachmonth for the next month’s issue. Rate is $2.50 per word, ten word minimum. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi,P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone 601-605-8600 or email stewart@epaofms.com.

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 17

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This collection from the readers ofToday in Mississippi prompted

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“Oh! That Reminds Me:More Mississippi

Homegrown Stories with Walt Grayson”

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We Are HomegrownWhat does “homegrown” mean to you? Fresh, ripe tomatoes? Soul-stirring gospel

music or deep-fried cat1sh?“Homegrown” describes any number of Mississippi traditions—including rural elec-

tric service. If that surprises you, consider this: 2e state’s 26 electric power associa-tions are rooted in a homegrown initiative that lifted rural residents from the “darkages” of the early 20th century into a brighter future of social and economic progress.

Without a0ordable and reliable electric service, we would not have a strong qualityof life. It’s important to the members we serve and it’s the way to grow and developour communities.

Today, more than 1.8 million Mississippians enjoy the bene1ts of their electricpower association, an enterprise owned and oper-

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18 � Today in Mississippi � September 2013

Mississippi

Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your event? Send it to us at least two months prior to theevent date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to MississippiEvents, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or email tonews@epaofms.com. Events of statewide interest will be published free of charge as space allows. Eventdetails are subject to change, so we strongly recommend calling to confirm dates and times before traveling.For more events, go to www.visitmississippi.org.

landscape; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free admission.Crosby Arboretum greenhouse. Details: 601-799-2311.300 Oaks Road Race, Sept. 21, Greenwood.10K and 5K runs, 5K walk, 1-mile fun runthrough historic Greenwood; post-race party.Details: 662-453-4152.Cruzin 4 a Cure Car, Truck and Bike Show,Sept. 21, Star. Door prizes, raFes, children’sactivities, food. Star Baptist Church.www.cruzin4cure.com36th Annual Mississippi Delta Blues andHeritage Festival, Sept. 21, Greenville. Gatesopen 10 a.m.; festival begins 12 p.m.Washington Co. Convention Center.www.deltablues.orgDowntown Jubilee, Sept. 21, Grenada.Vendors, rides, music. Downtown. Details:662-226-2060.Mississippi Gourd Festival, Sept. 21-22,Raleigh. Gourdcrafting, workshops, more.Admission charge. Smith County Ag Complex.Details: 601-260-4230.www.mississippigourdsociety.orgDiamondhead Arts and Crafts Fair, Sept.21-22, Diamondhead. More than 150 regionalartists, children’s activities, music, food, shop-ping. Free admission. Shuttle service. Details:228-255-6922.Walt Grayson Signing, Sept. 23, Columbia.Grayson to sign book “Oh! That Reminds Me:More Homegrown Mississippi Stories” andDVDs; 6-7 p.m. Columbia Marion CountyPublic Library. Details: 601-736-5516.Fall V.I.B. Mid-South Wedding Show,Sept. 24, Olive Branch. Whispering WoodsHotel and Conference Center; 7-9 p.m. Details:901-368-6782.www.midsouthweddingshow.comPossum Town Tales Storytelling Festival,Sept. 24-28, Columbus. Professional story-tellers, workshops. Admission charge. Details:662-328-2787.www.columbus-arts.orgCrappie Masters National Tournament,Sept. 26-29, Grenada. Grenada Lake. Details:573-280-8020.

Olive Branch Certi>ed MississippiFarmers Market, Fridays through Oct. 25,Olive Branch. Municipal Court Building.Details: 662-893-0888.LatinFest 2013, Sept. 8, Jackson. LatinAmerican food, drink, dance, music, more.Admission charge. Mississippi FarmersMarket. Details: 601-613-4590.www.latinfest.orgDixieland Old Engine and AgricultureClub Fall Show, Sept. 13-14, Jackson.Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.Details: 601-954-7904.Mississippi Songwriters Festival, Sept.13-15, Ocean Springs. Downtown. Details:228-217-0155.www.mssongwritersfestival.comDeSoto Arts Council Garden SeriesWorkshop, Sept. 14, Hernando. Herbal teaworkshop; 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. DeSoto ArtsCouncil Gallery and Gardens. Details: 662-404-3361.www.desotoarts.comCamp and Jam, Sept. 16-21, Polkville.Bluegrass, country, gospel music nightly. Freeadmission. Music. Barn. Details: 601-955-9182; camping: 601-946-0280.Meridian Little Theatre Ladies Guild FallVariety Sale, Sept. 14-15, Meridian.Clothing, housewares, books, toys, more.Meridian Little Theatre. Details: 601-482-6371, 601-679-7671.B&S Consignment Fall/Winter Sale, Sept.18-20, Brookhaven. Clothing, furniture, homedecor. Lincoln Civic Center.www.bnsconsignment.com23rd Annual Rice Tasting Luncheon, Sept.20, Cleveland. More than 300 rice dishes andexhibits; 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Delta StateUniversity Walter Sillers Coliseum. Details:662-843-8371.Tallahatchie RiverFest 2013, Sept. 20-21,New Albany. Arts, crafts, food. Downtown.Details: 662-534-4354.www.tallahatchieriverfest.comFall Native Plant Sale, Sept. 20-21,Picayune. Native trees and shrubs for home

Karen Peck and New River in Concert, Sept.27, Petal. First Baptist Church of Runnelstown;7 p.m. OEering. Details: 601-583-3733.12th Annual Pickin’ at the Lake, Sept. 27-28, Grenada. All-acoustic bluegrass, country,cajun, gospel music. Free admission. GrenadaLake. Details: 662-227-1491, 662-417-7300.Bugfest Family Event, Sept. 27-28,Picayune. Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311.26th Annual Mississippi Pecan Festival,Sept. 27-29, Richton. Arts, craft demos, mulepull, bluegrass/gospel music, draft horsedemos, more. Admission charge. WingateRoad. Details: 601-964-8201.www.mspecanfestival.comIndian Bayou Arts Festival, Sept. 28,Indianola. Art work, live music, barbecue, hottamales. Indian Bayou near B.B. King Museum.Details: 662-887-2522; Facebook.Sam Chatmon Blues Festival, Sept. 28,Hollandale. Gospel/blues music, barbequecompetition, 5K walk/run, bike ride; 8 a.m. - 8p.m. Downtown. Details: 662-827-2241.Harrisville Day, Sept. 28, Harrisville. Arts,food, baseball games, antique car show,music, games, handcraft demos, Greworks.Community Park. Details: 601-847-2517.Success Community Frog Fest, Sept. 28,Saucier. Arts/crafts, children’s activities, bingo,music, more. Free admission. SuccessCommunity Center. Details: 228-832-8874.successcommunityms@gmail.comHistoric Rose Hill Costumed CemeteryTour, Sept. 28, Meridian. Storytellers in periodcostumes; 6 p.m. Bring Hashlight. Free admis-sion. Details: 601-681-8525, 601-482-9752. Eagle Festival, Sept. 28, Hernando. Arts,crafts, music, educational booths, live animals.Arkabutla Lake.www.desotoeaglefest.comDelta Down and Dirty Youth Obstacle andChallenge Run, Sept. 28, Cleveland. For ages6-14. Registration fee. Statesman Park, DSUcampus. Details: 662-846-4570.www.deltastate.eduNatchez Gun Show, Sept. 28-29, Natchez.Admission charge. Natchez Convention Center.Details: 601-498-4235.Second Annual Biker Sunday, Sept. 29,Diamondhead. Wheels of Fire Riders event;biker service, ride, lunch. Diamondhead UnitedMethodist Church. Details: 228-255-6888.Downtown Vicksburg Fall Festival, Oct. 4-5, Vicksburg. Music, sidewalk sales, children’sactivities, Bricks and Spokes bicycle rides.Details: 601-634-4527.36th Annual Zonta Arts and CraftsFestival, Oct. 5, Pascagoula. More than 300vendors and exhibits, coastal cuisine, more.Free admission. Downtown. Details: 228-990-1856.

zontapascagoula.info.Pink Pumpkin Patch and 5K FunWalk/Run, Oct. 5, Lucedale. Decoratedpumpkins, balloon art, more. George RegionalHospital campus. Details: 601-947-0709.www.georgeregional.comRevelations Quartet 32nd AnniversarySouthern Gospel Singing, Oct. 5,Hattiesburg. Featuring Gold City, TheFreemans and others; 6 p.m. Admissioncharge. Saenger Theater. Details: 601-214-8017.35th Annual Oktoberfest, Oct. 5,Hattiesburg. Authentic German food, musicand more; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. St. John LutheranChurch. Details: 601-583-4898.Annual Lauren Farms Freshwater ShrimpHarvest, Oct. 5, Leland. Pond-side sales.Lauren Farms. Details: 662-390-3528.www.laurenfarms.comFifth World Habitat Family Fun Day, Oct.5, Lucedale. Details: 601-766-0730 ext. 1.www.georgecountyhabitat.orgGreat Golf Ball Drop, Oct. 5, Lucedale.Fairgrounds Multipurpose Building. Details:601-766-0730.www.georgecountyhabitat.orgThird Annual Mississippi Peanut Festival,Oct. 5-6, Collins. Arts, crafts, antiques, food,entertainment, more. Mitchell Farms. Details:601-765-8609.www.mitchellfarms-ms.comLaurel Gun Show, Oct. 5-6, Laurel.Admission charge. Fairgrounds. Details: 601-498-4235.Cruisin’ the Coast, Oct. 6-13, throughoutMississippi Gulf Coast. Live music, swap meet,raFe car, sock hop, auto auction, more. CruiseCentral: Centennial Plaza, Gulfport.www.cruisinthecoast.comHistoric Beauvoir Cemetery Tour, Oct. 8,Biloxi. Features history-based reenactments;5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Admission charge. Beauvoir.Details: 228-435-6339.Octoberfest, Oct. 8-9, Cleveland. Live music,barbecue cooking contest, arts/crafts, chil-dren’s activities. Details: 662-843-2712.Hernando Water Tower Festival, Oct. 11-12, Hernando. Team barbecue competition,music, 10K run, farmers market, arts/crafts,vintage car show, more. Courthouse Square.Details: 662-429-9055.www.hernandoms.orgOctober Fest, Oct. 12, Vancleave. Music,gospel singers, silent auction, home-bakedgoods, yard sale, children’s activities.Community of Christ. Details: 228-826-5171.Mississippi Coast Jazz Society Jam Sessionand Dance, Oct. 13, Biloxi. Hard Rock Casino;2-5 p.m. Details: 228-392-4177.

Events

September 2013 � Today in Mississippi � 19