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The Cleaver is published the first week of each month, written/photographed/assembled/published by volunteer contributors who live in BSL.   We're working on the May issue now, but our calendar is ALWAYS up to date!!  
Remember - you don't have to live in the Fourth Ward (or even in Bay St. Louis) to be part of our neighborhood!  It's easy (and free!) to subscribe - simply send your name, address and e-mail to: mailinglist@bslfourthward.com!  We love to hear your comments too!  Click here for the form!

In the April Issue!

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Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center board member Fred Haise.
In this month's issue: 
  • Check out our awesome NEW community calendar!
  • Councilman's Update
  • Good Neighbor- John Parent!
  • Gardening, Health and Book Review Columns!
  • Save the Date for Bay Bridgefest!  
  • March City Council Actions
  • BSL City Budget & Mills
Scroll down for details on Second Saturday,  the opening of INFINITY Science Center, and check out the monthly photo gallery to the right!  

We love your feedback!

Click here for our contact page, where we have a nifty comment box set up!  We're now using names when we post comments unless you otherwise specify when you write. Hey, and you Faithful Cleaver Readers,  send story ideas too!

Seersucker Second Saturday

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The April Second Saturday is on the 14th and it's been dubbed Seersucker Second Saturday.  If you ride your bike to the event wearing seersucker, then you get a passel of bonus "Cleaver Cool Points," (which are of no monetary value, but go a long way to keeping Bay St. Louis a fun place to live). 

This month's Hot Spots are You're Invited and Gourmet Galley at 111 Main St. and Antique Maison, 111 North Second Street.    Music all over Old Town, with The Cody Roth Band starting at the Mockingbird at 7pm. Fun stuff all day - especially if you put on seersucker) but the main activity is from 4-8pm.  


INFINITY Arrives!

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The crowd at a Brick Paver Patron event on April 4th in INFINTY'S Plaza.
“It is exciting that INFINITY is now a reality,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This state-of-the-art facility will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike and will educate residents and visitors about Mississippi’s important contributions to space exploration. All who helped bring this spectacular addition to our Mississippi Gulf Coast are to be commended.”

Upon entering INFINITY, visitors are greeted by Apollo 13 astronaut—and Mississippi Gulf Coast native--Fred Haise in a special welcome video (Editor's note:  see the Cleaver's photo album this month for lots of cool Fred Haise and other INFINITY pics).  Click here to read entire article!

Spring Clean in Old Town!

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The Bay-Waveland Main Street Association is calling for volunteers for its annual spring cleaning day on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the community garden in the first block of Main Street from 7:30-11:00 a.m. With more and more visitors returning to Old Town, the goal is to take special care of gardens and planters in the commercial district. Merchants are also on board and will be sprucing up their storefronts and window displays. 

If you'd like to help, please meet at the garden at 7:30 armed with your hat, gloves, bug screen and gardening tools. Afterward,  the group will head out to a Crawfish Boil on Coleman Ave. in Waveland to benefit Hope Haven!

If you can't make it that day (or even if you can), consider adopting a 

plot for $20/year and plant whatever you wish in your garden or help out by donating a sun tolerant plant, shrub or tree from your garden or from a local supplier. 

For more information,  call John McKellar at 228-324-3135.

Speaking of Spring Cleaning...

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The new Clean Our Scene program, backed by the Gulf Coast Regional Tourism Partnership, is the first step to increasing tourism and repeat visitors. The initiative encourages everyone coastwide to commit to a cleanup project between now and May 31 - making our 3 counties shine in the next 3 months!

You can join an existing project - like MS Coastal Cleanup - or arrange your own. Projects can be big or small - with a few participants or lots. All projects are important to the success of the program - lots of folks doing a little makes a HUGE difference. Please encourage your friends, families, neighbors, businesses and organizations to get involved! If an event is planned, contact Ad-Lib Communications in Bay St. Louis for a  "We Cleaned a Scene" banner and Clean Our Scene t-shirts, while they last. Don't forget to take before and after pics so your group and their good deed can be in the spotlight.  For complete details go to:  CleanOurScene.org.

Good Neighbor John Parent

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John Parent, photo by Joe Tomasovsky
John Parent, the seafaring veteran finds a haven in Bay St. Louis. 

When you meet John Parent—everybody calls him Mr. John—you would never guess he is only two years short of reaching 90 years old.  Spry, agile and energetic, Mr. John likes to volunteer. “It’s what keeps me going,” he says with pride.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. John is a committed member and active volunteer with the American Legion Post 139 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3253. 

Most recently, American Legion Post 139 hosted a Legion breakfast, offering pancakes, omelets and steaks at very reasonable prices. Mr. John can and does take on whatever needs to be done in preparation, from setting up and decorating the tables to cooking and serving the food...
Click here to read full article!
contributed by Patricia Saik

The Bay Book Nook

Librarian Anna Brannin shares her picks and reviews for April, national poetry month!

  

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Something Big Has Been Here; written by Jack Prelutsky Ages 4-10

This anthology is filled with generally brief and always humorous poems for young readers, especially those with a preconceived notion that poetry is “boring.” Selections like “I Lost My Invisible Puppy,” “Today I Shall Powder My Elephant’s Ears,” and “The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven,” are sure to get a laugh from any reader with their silly content and accompanying sketches from James Stevenson. (This writer’s personal favorite? “I Met a Rat of Culture”)

  

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Good Poems, American Places; selected by Garrison Keillor Ages 16 and up

A follow-up to his previously published anthologies Good Poems and Good Poems, Hard Times, GarrisonKeillor’s Good Poems, American Places is a collection of poems featured on his daily radio broadcast, The Writer’s Almanac. Some inclusions in this book are from names you’ll know, like Johnny Cash, Allen Ginsberg, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson. Other names you may not recognize, but their contributions are just as memorable. And how could they not? Titles like “Why I Have a Crush on You, UPS Man” and “People Who Eat in Coffee Shops” offer a glimpse into the often quirky and witty selections. (Note: Visit The Writer’s Almanac website where you can read past selections and sign up for the daily newsletter, in case you aren’t able to list to the show each day. While there, look up Anna’s favorite featured poems: “Cantaloupe” by Lee Robinson and “We Who Are Your Closest Friends” by Phillip Lopate.)

    

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Mirror Mirror; written by Marilyn Singer  Ages 6-12

Isn’t this a fairy tale? 
A fairy tale, this isn’t. 

Typically, poems are reading from beginning to end. Start to finish. Opening line to closing line. But in Mirror Mirror, a poem is read once (the typical way) and then again backwards, giving two sides to the various fairy tale stories featured. Singer’s reverso poems give voice to Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Giant, and many more. The included colorful illustrations by Josée Masse perfectly complement each of these stories that many readers, both young and old, are sure to enjoy. Afterwards – try creating your own reverso poem!


  

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The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic; written by Allan Wolf Ages 12 and up

In this book, the story of the Titanic is told through different voices and through different formats –letter, telegram, and primarily, verse. Some of the passengers featured are natural choices, including Margaret Brown, the captain E.J. Smith, and lookout Frederick Fleet. Some not-so-typical selections provide a very creative and unique perspective, namely: the Iceberg, the Ship Rat, and the Undertaker.  Like most works about the Titanic, it is a haunting and powerful reminder of the tragic 1912 event. Wolf closes the book with notes on each character, an explanation of the Morse code messages included, and pages of miscellaneous Titanic facts.  

Coping with Catchweed

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Or Part II of the Series, “Wicked Weeds To Wallop” 

Along with spring’s budding leaves and bounteous blossoms arrive a few phenomena that we are somewhat less enthused about observing:  the persistent spread of noxious and invasive weeds across our gardens.  At this time of year, certain weeds appear to be covering supernormal amounts of ground each day.  But a little know-how and perseverance can keep them under control so that the rest of your yard or garden can flourish.  See Part I:  Smilax:  Nothing to Smile About in the July 2011 issue of the Cleaver (hit the link and then scroll down the page a bit to read the article).  

The plant commonly known as Catchweed Bedstraw (scientific name Galium aparine) is a good plant to discuss this month.  This fast-growing plant in the madder family (Rubiaceae) is native in all US states except Hawaii.  Catchweed forms dense, tangled mats that sprawl on the ground or over other vegetation.  It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests and woodlands, meadows, prairies, disturbed areas, and cultivated crops.  More than likely, you’ve seen it in your yards, beds, fencelines, and empty lots every year since at least 2006, the first spring after Hurricane Katrina.  (I’ve heard some people comment that they had never noticed this particular weed until after storm waters washed strange new seeds through town).  Click here to read the entire article and find out how to "wallop this weed!"
contributed by Karen Fineran

Neighborhood Gallery

SEND US YOUR PICS of happenings around Bay St. Louis - and Waveland too!!!  We wanna post them here!  Send with captions to: info@bslfourthward.com.  all photos by Cleaver contributor Ellis Anderson unless otherwise noted. 

AWESOME new Cleaver Calendar!

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click here for the new Cleaver Calendar!
Thanks to our Events Wizard, Willard Deal, the Cleaver has a new on-line calendar that simply rocks!  You're going to want to bookmark this for sure and check back often to find out what's shakin' in our town!  Click here to access.  Also, find it in the menu bar at the top of the page!  

Councilman Update - Bobby Compretta

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To all my Ward 4 Constituents,

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. I hope everyone enjoys this holiday with family and friends. We have many events going on in our city during the month of April. Just to mention a few, you can start off with a great performance at the Bay St. Louis Little Theater “Cat on Hot Tin Roof”. The Infinity Science Center will have its grand opening on April 12th and then Second Saturday on the 14th. Please don’t forget to support the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on the 27th. There’s a lot more going on... (editor's note, click here for the Cleaver Calendar!)

The new Ward Lines have been drawn and sent to the Justice Dept. for approval. We are required every 10 years after the census is completed to redraw the ward lines. Federal law requires that the population of election districts vary no more than 10% to insure equal representation. Ward 4 will be losing almost 600 people because of this law. I want to say it has been an honor and a privilege to serve these constituents.  Click here to find a legal description of each ward.  Click here for the Council Actions from last month’s meetings.  If anyone has any questions or suggestions, please email me or call 216-7197. I’ll be there for YOU. If anyone has any questions or suggestions, please email me or call 216-7197. I’ll be there for YOU.

Thanks,
Bobby

New Year-round Bay Bridgefest website!

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The new Bay Bridgefest website was launched the last week in March, an  image-rich site complementary to the Chamber’s own new site, yet with its own unique branding.  Cleaver readers can send this link to out-of-town friends NOW, so they can make plans to attend.  Performers are being posted on the site as soon as they're confirmed, and there are some cool New Orleans favorites  already, like Jon Cleary and Papa Grows Funk!

The Hancock Chamber, producer of the popular annual event (it drew an estimated 18,000 folks last year), designed the website to act as a year-round ambassador for Hancock County.  It features home page call-out boxes with direct links to the Chamber Member directory, as well as a prominent link to the Chamber’s on-going events  calendar  and to the Visitor Section of the Chamber’s new website.

Good Neighbors at the Hall!

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Click on the logo to check out their website
Faithful Cleaver Readers (FCR) will remember the great feature about Fourth Ward residents Bo and Dee, written for our October issue by contributor Pat Saik!  If you didn't read it, we're giving you another chance, just click here!

The dynamic duo are perfomring on Sat., April 14th at 100 Men Hall beginning at 5pm and you can rock all night for a mere five bucks - while helping keep our artists alive and this great venue going!  Click here for the 100 Men Hall website!  

Virginia Wagner Star Dedication

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More than 100 people gathered on the afternoon of March 31st to 
dedicate a star in the Bay St. Louis “Walk of Fame” to the late Virginia Seal Wagner.  Daughter Lisa Yearwood and Virginia's husband Fred Wagner were on hand to honor the beloved civic activist.   The Walk of Fame is a on-going program of the  Bay St. Louis Heritage Trust, a fund of the Hancock Community Development Foundation.  For more images of the event, see our neighborhood gallery at the top of the page. 

The Beach is BACK...

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...and 200 North Beach is HERE!
Nearly seven years after being the epicenter of Hurricane Katrina, the Bay St. Louis beachfront is in the process of returning to what it was before the storm.  There are two restaurants on the waterfront now, 200 North Beach and Trappani’s Eatery (now rebuilt in its original location), a new seawall, and new construction on other waterfront attractions.

On a golden sunset evening not long ago, a few of us stopped by for drinks and appetizers at 200 North Beach restaurant and bar, which opened several months ago and was the very first establishment to open back on the waterfront after Hurricane Katrina. 

And a great time was had by all.  We enjoyed our wine and appetizers in the casual upscale atmosphere downstairs, with a view of the Bay, and prompt friendly service.  The appetizers there include a delicious spinach artichoke dip, made from fresh spinach and big firm chunks of artichokes, fried green tomatoes, raw oysters, and char-grilled oysters prepared three ways (garlic and herb butter, Rockefeller, and Bienville with a Mornay sauce).

The historic building at 200 North Beach Boulevard was built in 1903 to house The Sea Coast Echo newspaper. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the owner, Ann Tidwell, and her son-in-law Doug Niolet. restored the structure, using reclaimed original beaded boards and massive wooden beams.  They created a unique place to enjoy lunch or dinner, with a diverse menu that includes steaks, chops, fish, and pasta dishes, as well as poboys, burgers and other sandwiches.

The picturesque Hurricane Hunter Bar upstairs, with its stained glass centerpiece above the bar, reflects Doug’s unique story during Hurricane Katrina.  In August 2005, Doug (now retired) was a Hurricane Hunter pilot (in the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron out of Keesler AFB in Biloxi), and flew in and out of Katrina’s eye two days before it made landfall on the Gulf Coast.  His perils, however, were only beginning.  Doug ended up riding out the storm with six others at the Bay Town Inn, a beachfront bed-and-breakfast that was completely demolished by the hurricane.  After the Bay Town Inn disintegrated around them, the seven friends (and a dog) were forced into the fury of the raging storm waters.  After a mad ride through the debris-filled waters, they ended up clinging for hours to an oak tree, and all survived.

The Bay St. Louis beachfront, too, has survived, and we as a town are excited about its ever-changing progress.  200 North Beach Restaurant is open every day of the week for lunch and dinner from 11 am.   contributed by Karen Fineran

Healthy Living with Holly 

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If you’re happy and you know it, eat some fruit?  We have all heard of ‘food for thought’…but, ‘food for mood’?

New research from the neuroscience and nutrition labs is showing evidence, that by changing what you eat, you can stabilize your mood, improve focus as well as boost your brain health.

The ‘Happiness Diet’ includes nutrient rich foods full of Vitamin A, B12,D E, iron, fiber, folate…etc.

Food is known to effect 3 areas of the brain. These include thought, emotion and energy.

By following these basic guidelines, you can tap into the mental well being that comes from a healthier diet.

  • Reduce the amount of processed food you eat. Much of it is loaded with sugar, which contributes to the shrinking of key brain areas involved in mood regulation.
  • Eat more fruits, veggies, and whole grains. The minerals, vitamins, and phyto-nutrients that these foods contain are essential for optimal brain function.
  • Opt for grass fed meat. Grass fed meats contain more Omega3 fatty acids which promotes the formation of new brain connections.
  • Strive for variety.  By consuming a greater range of whole foods, the broader the nutrients your diet will contain. This will lead to a sharper, happier more energized mind.

The choice is yours, but whatever you choose Just move!
 contributed by Holly Purvis

A few comments from readers

  • from Rachel O'Keefe - Dear people in BSL, we love you and miss you and will be there soon. We are bringing our three children to the house we renovated on Washington Street for spring break and we are desperately hoping/convinced that they will like it and see what we see in this town.
  • from Rosella Spoon:  I just saw your page online and fell in love with it. It is so nice to be in a community that keeps residents up to date on everything. Thank you. 
  • from Cindy Tyler:  I love your newsletter. My heart aches to be with you in BSL and your newsletter reminds me of what I'm missing. Thanks for keeping us informed.
  • from Sherry Schwabacher: So glad to read the story about Larry Lewis and the Moss Men. I remember our first Mardi Gras in 1974. Alicein and Bahiyyih both rode in the Real People Parade on the HeadStart float. The Moss Men were a very popular feature with their colorful costumes and slightly scary masks! Thanks for bringing me home every month.
  • from Jinx Vidrine - WOW! i applaud ya'll. This so so beyond what i expected. Makes me want to rebuild...Please add me to your mailing list. This newsletter is not only outstanding ; it also makes me a good,warm kind of homesick and happy. Thank each of you for great work!
  • from John Bezou Jr. - I think this website is great. Living overseas makes it really hard to keep up on things happening in my neighborhood. Keep up the good work. PS: I love the name - very clever.
  • from Linn Harper - Congrats on the 4th Ward Cleaver.  Very cleaver title.  Very enjoyable reading.  Since I live in Portland, OR, I miss Olde Towne, but hope to visit Rochelle & Boz next year.
  • From Kay Gough - in ITALY!!!  Edward and I are delighted that you chose a photo of Pepper in Bay Books to illustrate your upcoming books and reading column. We miss you and look forward to our return. For now, thanks for the wonderful Cleaver!
  • Love this paper and seeing Mrs. Cleaver makes it just perfect. Thanks for having me on your mailing list.
  • This [October] edition of your newsletter is UP, OUT, and ON TOP. What a great thing you guys are doing for me, my friends and my whole Bay St. Louis community. I just can't say, or thank you, enough. It is ablolutely wonderful.  With much appreciation,
    a 4th Ward Resident - and proud to be!
  • How can you improve perfection?  A great product and I am quite certain a labor of love!!
  • What a treasure find this was! Please keep it up!
  • Superb job of assembling useful information for the folks in the neighborhood! Keep up the great work!
  • This is just SO wonderful!!!!!!  Can't tell you how much I enjoy it -- oh I wish I could be your neighbor!!  Capturing the charm of the area in your newsletter is more like a love letter!  Please pass along a big bravo to all the great contributors!
  • How incredible yall!!  Seriously, who wouldn't want to live here looking at that?

Cleaver Status Report

Thanks for helping make us one of the most popular little on-line newsletters around!  In March, we broke ANOTHER record - over 3000 unique viewers in the month (doesn't count repeat visitors) and we're always picking up new "subscribers" monthly (see instructions at top of page, it's easy!).  Please keep helping us spread the word by sharing the link on Facebook or e-mailing it to friends near and far who love BSL! 

WAIT!!!  You're not done yet!

Have you checked out the incredible new  Events Calendar?  If not, you'll be missing lots of cool stuff!

contributors to this issue...

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Anna Brannin, Bobby Compretta, Will Deal, Karen Fineran,  Larry and Ellis Anderson Jaubert, Holly Purvis, and Pat Saik.

Adieu -

Until next time!  Thanks for joining us!  And hey - send us YOUR news items and pictures - it takes a village to raise a good newsletter.  

Please notify us of any errors or clear omissions so that we can make the correction.  Send the information to news@bslfourthward.com
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Shoofly Magazine Partners

​Our Shoofly Partners are local businesses and organizations who share our mission to enrich community life in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead and Pass Christian. These are limited in number to maximize visibility. Email us now to become a Shoofly Partner!
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Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum

Bay Town Inn

Bay-tique Boutique

The Bay Bum

The Shops of Century Hall

Chiniche Engineering

Creole Creamery

The Cultured Oak

The French Potager

Hancock County Historical Society

HL Raymond Properties

Kenny Dental

Lagarde's Fine Wine & Spirits

The Loft
The Mane Salon

Magnolia Antiques

Ms. Mary's Old Town Snoballs

Mystic Ghost Tours

PJ's Coffee

Salty Soul Outfitters

Theatre in the Pass

VSPA at Hancock Women's Center

The Wedding Collection ​

John & Ning Wiebmer


The Shoofly Magazine is published by MAC Media, LLC. Unless otherwise attributed, all written content and photography copyright MAC Media, LLC

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Photos used under Creative Commons from Ken_Mayer, Sporthotel Achental
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