This month, Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke looks at the Red, White & You celebration, the reopening of the Garfield Ladner Pier and announces a new parade coming to town!

The festival will include carnival activities, vendors, "tons of free food, activities and games,"  live music by DJ Rod, Kerbside, Cheyenne and Category 6.  Celebrity IMPACT Wrestling's Jeremy Borash, James Storm, Chris Melendez, and  Taryn Terrel will also be on hand.

Get there early to claim your free July 4th Swag including commemorative Red, White & You Waveland Tees, Destination America Baseball Hats and more (while supplies last).

During the event, Destination America will present a donation to the Where Angels Play Foundation to help fund the construction of a playground that will be dedicated to the Bane family who lost their lives during Katrina.  Click here for complete event details.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the beach on July 4th!

The Garfield Ladner Memorial Pier, located at the foot of Terrace Avenue in Waveland, reopened to the public on Friday, June 19th. The pier, which was damaged in Hurricane Issac, has been closed since August 2012.  Repair work finally began in January 2015 after many delays. 

The pier will be open 24 hours and is free to the public. The 950 foot-long pier repaired by Coastal Marine Contractors is the latest addition to the city's beachfront, further enhancing Waveland's greatest asset.

Light Of The Fall is a new walking parade scheduled to take place down the beach path on the evening of Saturday, November 7th. The parade route stretches betweein Coleman Avenue to Washington Street. It is a walking or pedal-powered parade only. Every marching participant must be lit by some form of light.

This will be a sci-fi themed parade, similar to the parade legends from the The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus. All trinkets and handouts must be handmade and original. Light of The Fall will post more information about how to participate, but for now just register your interest at our website. This will be a free membership to join the parade.

For more information visit www.lightofthefall.com or like Light Of The Fall Parade on Facebook.

From dreaming of bathing suits to dreading swimsuits:  award-winning columnist Rheta Grimsley Johnson takes a fresh look at beach fashions. 

Bay St. Louis fans of the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo celebrate what would have been her 108th birthday with “Frida Fest" during the July Second Saturday Artwalk!
- story and photography by Ellis Anderson

The Frida theme is the brain-child of Cleaver sponsors Smith & Lens Gallery (106 South Second Street) owners Sandy Maggio and Ann Madden.   They ran the idea by the Old Town Merchant’s Association and received enthusiastic support.

“The town’s going to turn into a little Mexico for the evening,” says Madden.  “We hope everyone will come out and celebrate this incredible artist in a fun and unique fashion.”

Fashion is the operative word, since attendees to the July Second Saturday are encouraged to wear Mexican attire.  Frida look-a-likes can enter a costume contest taking place at 7:30pm in front of the Mockingbird and Smith & Lens gallery in the 100 block of South Second Street.

According to Madden, other planned activities include a “unibrow on a stick” photo opportunities, a open “loteria” game (Mexican Bingo), and demonstrations of traditional Mexican music and dance.  At least two Old Town restaurants will serve Mexican food for the evening (The Starfish Café and the Mockingbird Café). 

In time-honored tradition, two Old Town businesses take the spotlight each Second Saturday and July is no exception.  The “Hot Spots” for July are Time After Time (112 S. Second Street, inside Bay Emporium) and 200 North Beach Restaurant (200 North Beach). 

During Second Saturday, Time After Time will be offering 20% off on all furniture and be serving finger foods and refreshments.  The Pohl Family Band will be performing on the steps of Bay Emporium from 5pm – 7:30pm.  

Near the intersection of Main and Second Streets, a historic town landmark has been brought back to former glory.  Bay Emporium (112 South Second Street) houses thirteen different shops under one roof – offering from antiques to art.   It's hardly the typical antique mall. 

Time After Time is located just inside the building’s entrance and sets the tone for the unique variety found in the rest of Bay Emporium.  The shop specializes in collectibles and antiques -  ranging from glassware, quilts and pottery to primitives and fine furniture.   The store is also the town’s exclusive purveyor of Swan Creek Candles.

Owner Pat Inglis explains that the shop’s selection changes out frequently since sales are brisk.  She names three reasons for this:  selection, pricing and condition. 

Pat has built her reputation as an antiques dealer by seeking out the unusual.  She was bitten by the antiques bug decades ago while she built her career as a restaurant manager in North Carolina.  For fun, she would attend weekend auctions.  Eventually, she began reselling her finds at outdoor markets.  Soon, owners of area antique stores would be waiting in line for her to open in the mornings.

“I realized they were buying my finds and then reselling them at a big profit at their own stores,” says Pat.  “I realized I needed to learn more about the things I was selling.”

Learn she has.  And she’s continued to hone her antique hunting skills through the years - the displays in Time After Time reflect her eye for the extraordinary.  But while her knowledge has grown by leaps and bounds, her prices haven’t.  She still passes on good deals, which has helped build a loyal and growing customer base.

 “I don’t care how much a book says something is worth, it’s only worth what someone will pay for it,” says Pat.  “Most people comment favorably on my prices.  It’s one reason they keep coming back.”

Time After Time’s furniture offerings are another reason for her success.  Pat works with  expert craftsmen who restore and refinish Pat’s finds, making them even more of a value. 

Pat first “discovered” Bay St. Louis in 2002 while exploring the Gulf Coast.  “I passed over that Bay bridge and just had the most peaceful feeling.”   Pat and her husband, David, met at a North Carolina auction decades ago.  Pat had been a widow for several years when the two friends reconnected.  Eventually a romance blossomed.  

David relocated to the coast and the couple married in 2008.   “When we first got together, I told him I’m not getting married and I’m not leaving Mississippi,” says Pat, laughing.  “But I’m still determined about the Mississippi part.” 

Like thousands of others on the coast, Hurricane Katrina wrecked their home and sidetracked their lives in 2005.  Pat worked for a local hardware company for the next five years.  However, the antiques business still beckoned.  She began with a few booths in local markets, then made the leap to Bay Emporium three years ago.  It’s been a happy and prosperous matching.

“Customers love the Bay Emporium building  and they love the selection of merchandise inside,” says Pat.  “They really seem to appreciate the style of Time After Time, as well as my pricing.  That makes my head swell just a little bit.”

But more than profit and pride fuel her passion.

“The most wonderful thing about this business is the way certain items will spark fond recollections for people,” she says.  “They’ll say, oh, my grandmother had one just like that!  Or that reminds me of one my mom had.  It’s like you’re selling good memories.”

200 North Beach Restaurant opened in the fall of 2011 and in just four years, it’s become known as a classic Gulf Coast eatery.  Diners drive from across the region to feast on the likes of Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, Lemon Grilled Trout, and New York Strip Steak with Crawfish Etoufee Hollandaise sauce.  

Open for both lunch and dinner, specials served throughout the week (including the weekends) lure locals on a regular basis.  During happy hour, drink specials and fifty cent oysters on the half shell (during season) keep the restaurant humming throughout the late afternoon and through the dinner hours.

Owner Ann Tidwell believes the popularity of the restaurant is mostly due to word of mouth. 

“We have a lot of people now from across the coast coming in,” says Tidwell.  “And places like Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg, and beyond.  In fact, we’ve had customers from almost every state.  So many of them were referred by friends who have eaten here, so that’s very satisfying.”

200 North Beach made history when it opened in 2011 as the first restaurant to reopen on the beachfront since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.  The historic building that serves as the restaurant’s home is a storm survivor and one of the oldest buildings on the Hancock County coastline. 

Built in 1903 to house the offices of the Seacoast Echo newspaper, the beautifully renovated building features an expansive dining room and traditional bar downstairs. 

Upstairs, there are private rooms that can be reserved for parties or meetings, complete with another service bar.  The wrought iron balcony overlooks the coastline and boasts a striking view of the Bay Bridge.   Outside, at tables on the “banquette,” diners can enjoy the gulf breezes and watch passerbys while enjoying meals and cocktails. 

“Miss Ann” made her mark as a businesswoman in Bay St. Louis as the original owner of the Bay Town Inn.  National magazine and travel writers often featured the historic house turned B&B, noted for its savory breakfasts and classic rooms. 

Although Tidwell sold the Bay Town Inn over a decade ago, she’s continued to restore Old Town’s historic treasures and open new businesses.  200 North Beach is her first restaurant venture and like everything else she touches, it’s developed a name for quality.

“It’s a welcoming restaurant where people can share good times and a great meal with family or friends, whether you’re dressed up or down,” says Miss Ann. “It’s exciting to see it become a coast tradition, a place where generations of families always feel at home.”

Antique Maison Ulman Tearoom  - 317 Ulman Ave. 
Monthly auction this Saturday (normally held on first Saturdays).  Preview at 4pm, auction begins at 6pm.  Food and drinks available. 

Bay Books - 131 Main Street - Justin A. Nystrom, author of New Orleans after the Civil War will be at Bay Books signing his book on Saturday, July 11th from 5:00-7:00.

Bay Emporium - 112 S. Second Street
"The Endless Summer!"  New rooms full of antiques, gifts, art, clothes, and home decor.  Dr von Walrod of "Steampunk Curiosities" continues to amaze and astound with his unique creations, "In 2 Details" has expanded its awesome attention to the coastal lifestyle, "Boesch and Co." always brings style to salvage, "Voila!" also expands the line of French inspired goods, furniture and accessories, "Charbonnet and Charbonnet" offers reclaimed architectural doors, windows, and other components, "Paper Moon" features mixed media art and jewelry, and "Armoire Noir" puts on its summer wardrobe adding a selection of men's attire in a second room. All this and more awaits you at Bay Emporium in thirteen shops full of summer surprises in the heart of Old Town.

Bay Life Gifts - 111 Main
This exciting new shop and gallery has gifts and art  for everyone including Crabtree Evelyn products, Caspari napkins & placemats and Tervis Cups and Crestview lamps. Also at Bay Life  you will find Mississippi products like Oxford soy candles, Thimblepress Greeting cards, and AO Jewelry. Featured local regional artists include the popular Tehle McGuffee's coastal art as well as Tracy Steiffel's  hand- painted pillows , Lisa Hymel's seaglass artwork and Shirley Kautz's colorful bouy's .  And each Second Saturday serving our refreshing Bay Punch!

Bonner Collection - 108 South Beach Blvd., Suite D
Visit the Bonner Collection to see our new Summer home decor, gifts, jewelry, art arriving almost daily. Would love to see you and enjoy some refreshments. Cheers!

California Drawstrings -  216 Main Street -
New summer fashions have arrived including Flax and Matchpoint!

Gallery 220 - 220 Main Street
Always one of the liveliest places during the Artwalk, this co-op features work by more than 20 artists (who are usually there, which accounts for the liveliness!), refreshments and live music.  To celebrate Frida Fest, a WPA period-themed mural will be painted on the side of the building!  Also, Frida-themed art.  Featured artists are Amy Kramer and Spencer Gray!

Flair - Inside Bay Emporium -112 South Second St.
Huge shipments of the wildly popular Mad Mats indoor/outdoor rugs continue to arrive at Flair, where you'll find dozens of these no-fade, no-stain rugs in a wide assortment of sizes, colors and patterns. As durable as they are stylish, Mad Mats are pet, child, dirt and sun-friendly and virtually maintenance free--just rinse them with a garden hose!

George’s Girls - 108 S. Beach Blvd. Ste B, (inside the French Settlement building).
Purveyors of Fine Linens.  George`s Girls has you covered  for the back to school season! The Spartina Day Planner will keep you organized all year long! Our FacePlant pillow cases can cozy up any dorm room and make it your own, and don`t forget about our Yala tops are perfect for comfy class days!  Come see us today!

Magnolia Antiques, 200 Main Street.  If you haven't seen the totally rearranged shop, it's definitely worth a stop! We have completely turned it around.  And of course, we'll offer snacks and bargains!!

The Mockingbird Cafe - 110 S. Second Street
Live music by Blue Magnolias during Second Saturday/Frida Fest.  New works by artists Kat Fitzpatrick, Thomas Jackson, Marsha Prejean, Tim Waldrop, Barbara Speer and J.J. Foley. Delicious beers are on tap to pair with the ever popular Mockingburger (veggie or meat lover's). 

Serious Bread Bakery - 131 Main Street, Suite D - Along with signature artisan breads, flatbreads and sweet things, you can also try pesto, hummus and our special tomato sandwiches.  As always, we offer samples of our baked goods.

Social Chair - 201 Main Street - Free Fans for Frida Fest at Social Chair!  Stop in to cool off, free fan with purchase of $10 or more. We've ordered custom BSL Frida merchandise just for this event. You know that we love a good party!

Something Special  - 207 Main Street - houses 1,200 sq feet of antique, vintage and repurposed items while representing the work of 22 local artisans. Stop by to find "your" something special!

Time After Time Antiques (Inside Bay Emporium), 112 S. Second St.
The July Hot Spot!  Offering a unique array of antiques, furniture from different eras, collectibles, and home decor.  Between the hours of 4PM and 8PM we offer 20% off furniture.  Our selection has almost completely changed for this month.  Business has been great and we have added many items for you inspection. New shipments of Pottery Candles, Melts and Wax Melters have arrived with more on the way with new fragrance offerings!  Hope to see you soon.

Twin Light Creations- 136 Main Street  It’s summer!  Great time to come enjoy Old Town.  This Second Saturday is right in the middle of all of the festivals.  New arrivals daily will give a good selection for your secret garden space.  Come enjoy the elements of nature and take a little of the “Light” with you!  And yes, contrary to the rumors, we are still open!  You must see for yourself.

The Ugly Pirate - 144 DeMontluzin St.    - Come to a family and pet friendly place to enjoy great Pizza, Gyros and more. We have 16 Craft Beers, as well as various bottled beer.  Friday is Family night so children 12 and under get a free small cheese or pepperoni pizza when the adults eat in as well.  Live music every Saturday night beginning at 6 PM.  We are family and pet friendly, so bring the dogs, and kids to have a fun time together at the Pirate.  Follow us on Facebook to see what our specials an entertainment will be each week

The Gulf Coast shrimp season is approaching its peak and coast residents have dozens of delicious options when it comes to eating them!
- story by Lisa Monti/photos by Ellis Anderson

The larger white shrimp have long antennas, smooth shells and a mild, sweet taste. The tender meat is a favorite of cooks and the shells are easier to peel than other types of shrimp. Mississippi Gulf White Shrimp have light gray bodies, greenish tails and a yellow band on their mid-sections.

Mississippi Gulf Pink Shrimp are perfect for boiling because they’re easy to peel and its firm, tender meat is mild and sweet. It’s the largest of the Mississippi Gulf shrimp, reaching up to 11 inches.

You can buy shrimp off the boat, out of the back of a van, from the seafood market, the grocery store or you can catch them yourself.

The versatile shrimp lends itself to various preparations and dishes. Remember Forrest Gump? Shrimp can be baked, blackened, boiled, broiled, deep fried, grilled, poached, sauteed, seared and steamed. It stars in shrimp and grits, barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, gumbo, tomato-stuffed salad, seafood pasta and casserole and my favorite: shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. The list goes on. Shrimp also are rich in nutrients, low in fat and calories and very high in protein.

Diners at our local restaurants don’t have to wade too far into a menu to find shrimp appetizers, entrees, poboys, pasta and salads.

Rickey Peters of Rickey’s Off the Tracks said he chooses shrimp by size, not by species. The current customer favorite is shrimp remoulade with his special Creole mayo sauce.

Tony Trapani of Trapani’s Eatery declared that domestic shrimp are the best and that size or species doesn’t matter. Customers are ordering plenty of fried shrimp as well as the blackened and grilled versions.

An artistic sendoff for Mary Kay Deen, a beloved teacher who made creative "Bellringers" of us all.
- by Molly Fitzpatrick, Mary Kay Deen, Kat Fitzpatrick and Ellis Anderson,
photos and video by Ellis Anderson

"If we remember that we teach individuals, each with his or her own “bell,” we will cease to honor schooling that stands between the child and that child’s potential.  We will chisel away anything that discourages thinking.  We will insist that learning occurs when children have choices, when they are taught to assess their own work, when they build community with others, and when they stretch themselves, believing they can do the impossible."

Kat Fitzpatrick, artist and educator, watched her own daughter Molly began to beam with Mary Kay’s guidance.

“She invited them [her students] into her enthusiasm, so they caught fire.  It was her special gift.  She would hand the baton to them and make them experts and authorities."

"She could see the children and recognize something in them that she admired.  And then she’d turn it, so the child could see herself with Mary Kay’s eyes.  So many things are invisible to us until someone shares that way of being."

It’s been more than 20 years since Kat's daughter Molly Fitzpatrick Martin sat in Mary Kay’s class, yet those early lessons have helped shape her life.  And now, Molly also believes that her teacher understood the light she carried and the gifts of love it could impart:

Mary Kay Deen was the first person (other than my mother, who I believed was legally obligated to make me feel special) to tell me I was an artist. Even in a wounded, smart ass little kid, she saw it.

She never condescended, never patted my head -- she believed I had something important to communicate, and eventually I started to believe it too. Other students of hers have echoed that sentiment over the years.

She took the time to find what was innate and powerful about each of her students, hold it up to the light, and patiently reveal it to them.

Before her memorial service, I thought this was something that just flowed out of her, something beautiful and saintly that maybe she didn't even realize about herself. But upon hearing the excerpts from the teaching book she contributed to, I saw that it was, in fact, a time-honored commitment - something she had made her life's mission and worked hard for every single day.

I felt so intensely grateful and proud of her in that moment, because I realized that at the end of her life, she had achieved everything she set out to do. She loved easily and joyfully, without compromise, and the effects of that are visibly imprinted on our community. I will hold her in my heart always.

Thank you, Mary Kay, for making Bellringers of all who knew you. 

In this new column, grief counselor Christina Richardson focuses on the continuum of body, mind and spiritual heath and keeping balance in all areas of our lives.  This month, she takes a look at the way fear can hold us back - and ways to overcome it.

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Carl Jung

I can’t.

What would they think of me?

I’d be too embarrassed.

No.
 
These are some of the responses that host Gok Wan got from prospective participants for a reality television series on BBC Television.  The program, How to Look Good Naked first appeared in England in 2008 and ran until September 2010. It crossed the pond to the United States where Carson Kressley was the U.S. host. I just happened to see it on Saturday while channel surfing. At first I was appalled - and then I changed my mind.

The premise for the program is to focus on less-than-perfect figured women. When I tuned in, a young woman, Layla Morrell was standing in an foundations store in her underwear, in front of the sales staff, a couple of customers, and the cameras. She had just received a “tutorial” in the proper sizing and fitting of undergarments. By the time the show ended, Ms. Morrell had learned how to dress for her size and shape and she was feeling pretty good about herself.

In this video, another woman sees how others see her - in her (extremely modest) underwear.  Here is Angela,  in central London.

I don’t know if I would watch the program again, but I did enjoy the message of appreciating yourself as you are and having a healthy level of self-esteem.

Watching the show did not make me want to apply to be a contestant, but it did make me think about how I would feel being in my underwear in public. I had a hard enough time wearing a bathing suit in front of people. What was I afraid of? I guess the fear of ridicule due to my perceptions about how I looked to myself in the mirror. I am not afraid anymore. I learned three little sayings.

The fear of embarrassment, of looking like a fool, or of being laughed at has stopped many of us from doing something we would like to do or try. Master the art of saying So What!

The fear of what others will think of you is an exercise in trying to read someone else's mind. And, who are “they” anyway? The people who matter know you for who you are, they care about you, not for what you are attempting. If you are going outside your comfort zone, they will be applauding you along the way.  Those other folks - strangers - are pretty busy worrying about their own fears and what is happening to them. They probably won’t notice - or if they do, their judgement won't affect you. Practice saying, Who Cares?

The fear of facing a truth you don't want to accept may mean that you have some skills to work on, or that you really are good at what you are doing. How are you going to know if you don’t challenge yourself? Learn to say I Can Do This!

With So What?, Who Cares?, and I Can Do This!, you are ready to face any challenge/opportunity that presents itself. When you accept yourself naked - so to speak - you build self-esteem and live with self respect. Add a dose of taking action, toss in some persistence, maybe try a different approach, and keep at it until you are happy with the results.

Take on the places that scare you!

This month, a weekender turned full-timer explains why she can be found most mornings and evenings out by her pond, reflecting on the magical new "fourth quarter" of life. 
 - by Janice Guido

We purchased this cottage about two and a half years ago as part of our “exit strategy plan” from the City and the corporate job world.

The purchase of this sweet cottage and “our plan” helped me to survive the last few years of a hectic thirty-year hotel career.  For all of you that have been there - I know that you understand the vast relief and emotions you feel when you are finally done with “ it."

As a resident of New Orleans for many years it was only natural, like many others there, that we found  ‘the Bay’ as an escape from the City and the stress of demanding careers.

The Bay area was the only place I found where I could truly detach from the constant stress of my work.  I loved to share the Bay area with anyone who would listen.  Many times in a pre-meeting coffee breaks with hotel colleagues in Boston or NYC, we compared weekends.  It was fun for me to casually mention my boat ride up Rotten Bayou over the weekend, along with the eagle we saw on the ride. They would look at me and ask “where is that place exactly?”  

As the lone Mississippian at these meetings over the years, I always loved telling this well-traveled group about the Mississippi coast.  I described colorful boat excursions across the Bay and up the pristine Jourdan and Wolf rivers.  I shared photos of blue herons, eagles' nests, moss-filled trees, and golden marsh grasses. And for a brief moment, I happily generated a genuine curiosity in them about the  deep South and the Mississippi Gulf coast.

Sitting here today by my pond, it is hard to explain in words the deep love and almost spiritual connection I feel to the Bay and the coastal waterways in this part of the world.  I can tell you however,  that the love affair with the Coast started on the bow of our boat as we cruised up Bayou La Croix that first time. There was something about that cool brown bayou off the Jordon that took my breath away each time we took a trip up its winding curves. 

After each weekend trip, I would dream about the deep cool waters and the sunlit tall trees and golden marsh grasses. Maybe the feelings those cruises generated in early trips here were especially vivid  because I was travelling so often to heavy populated urban areas.   The wide-open natural scenery of the coast was such a contrast to the congested city life. Whatever it was - I was hooked.   All I could do in between work projects was to think about the next time we could get back to the Coast and which new area we would explore.

 In addition to the boat cruises, the trips into downtown Bay St. Louis before the storm - made me fall in love with the Bay from a different viewpoint.  North Beach and Main Street were filled with colorful flags waving in the breeze and unique shops run by fun owners and   filled with interesting people. 

And then there was positive energy and feel-good warmth in the air.  This town was special; the locals knew it and so did the visitors.  As a weekender looking in, I so wanted to be a part of it all. 

So I talked to everyone that I could, from the bartenders at the Dock of the Bay, to the girls in the Kitchen Shop, to Miss Anne at the Antique Shop,  to Clayton at my favorite gift shop, to sweet Donna at the frame shop.  I am sure I drove them all crazy, but I did buy a lot!  It was my way of trying to be a part of it all, even without living here. 

Of course, all of these visits eventually led to our first home purchase, in an area off the Jordan River.   We would visit our cute raised home any weekend that work allowed and we were proud to finally became official weekenders.

With the boat right behind our house, we continued to explore all the waterways of the area and  our explorations left us with many happy memories of adventures on the water with our Nola friends.  As we motored up the bayous, we all dreamed of one day living on the coast and talked about the types of homes we would build here once we were done with The City. 

Tolerating our crazy jobs became possible because we all had a goal of one day becoming full-time residents of this beautiful town and the coast.

And then the very unexpected happened:  the storm named Katrina changed all of our lives forever.  Afterward, our focus shifted from surviving at first to rebuilding the places we loved.  It took much longer than any of us ever imagined.  There are some, even now, still trying to get their lives back.  As I reflect on the journey that finally got me to this place - by this pond on my shaded lane, I count myself fortunate to be sitting here after that hard and unforeseen detour.

Ten years later, I thank God for helping us all to keep both New Orleans and the Bay in the game.  Let the others argue whether we're better off now or not, or if we are changing too much or too little.  I am just so very grateful that we are all able to BE HERE.  I am glad that we are able to exist here again in this very special place by the Bay.  I am happy to have the opportunity to enjoy “my fourth quarter” with all the special people I love in this town.  

And  I am happy to spend each morning and evening right here by my pond - giving thanks for this  place and all the people I love - as I sip my coffee or wine and enjoy the gold fish darting through the pond lilies.

With compelling characters, exciting story lines and exceptional writing, some YA books turn out to be ageless. 
- by Carole McKellar

In 1997, according to Publishers Weekly, 3,000 books Young Adult books were published. In 2009, there were over 30,000 with sales exceeding $3 billion. Much of the rise in popularity of the genre can be attributed to the meteoric sales of the ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Twilight’, and ‘Hunger Games’ series. These novels were read and enjoyed by all ages. Their movie adaptations were immensely popular and only increased adult interest in YA fiction.

I decided to take a closer look at YA books for two reasons. First, I was introduced to Brown Girl Dreaming, a memoir in poetic form written by Jacqueline Woodson. I heard some of her poems read aloud on a radio talk show and thought they were beautiful. I bought the book at a local bookstore and was amazed to find the book classified as young adult literature. It is a wonderful story of family and place that should simply be categorized as exceptionally good literature. Brown Girl Dreaming won the 2014 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Secondly, my interest was piqued while listening to a discussion of favorite YA books by two of the best readers I know, who happen to belong to my book group. Cindy Williams is the librarian at Bay High School who told me that she enjoys reading YA books because “they can be an exciting escape and they invoke a sense of nostalgia."

She provided me a fascinating recent history of the genre, plus quite a few recommendations that I will list at the end of this article. Allison Anderson, a Bay St. Louis architect, finds some of the writing “to be equally as lyrical and powerful as fiction written for adults. In YA fiction, the themes are typically conflicts that arise from one's liminal place in the world - a feeling of uncertainty, or confusion.”

Cindy started a teen book discussion group at her school, and they chose Paper Towns by John Green, which was made into a movie to be released this summer. That book as well as Mr. Green’s immensely popular The Fault in Our Stars are part of a new wave of realistic teen fiction.

I decided to read Paper Towns before determining if this topic was of sufficient interest to write about. I read it in almost one sitting. The characters were appealing and Mr. Green did a good job describing the emotional landscape of adolescence. I also thought he provided a worthwhile cultural roadmap for teens into the adult world. Perhaps after reading Paper Towns, readers will give more thought to the adverse effects of our consumer culture and the development of a personal philosophy for living in this world.

I mentioned my interest in writing about YA literature to Scott Naugle, the owner of Pass Books in Pass Christian. He agreed that more adults are reading and enjoying the genre. He mentioned The Book Thief by Markus Zusak as a popular book that sells well in the shop. I hadn’t thought of that book, which is one of my all-time favorite books, as a young adult novel. In my opinion, it’s just an astounding work of literature. I should have realized it would be appropriate for adolescent readers because it’s the story of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany.

The Book Thief is graphic and violent, but YA books do not shy away from disturbing issues. Common themes include suicide, sexuality, family struggles, substance abuse, and bullying. Adolescents today relate to these issues and reading about them helps clarify their experiences.

Authors of YA books are typically young adults, but youth does not seem a requirement. Most of us remember what it is like to be a teenager, both its joys and pains. Several successful fiction writers, whom I admire, are comfortable moving between adult and young adult fiction, including Meg Wolitzer, Michael Chabon, Isabel Allende, and Nick Hornby.

Margaret McMullen, another author writing in both genres, has Pass Christian roots. In a response to my email, she enthusiastically stated that YA books are “mostly terrific reads” and “the characters in these books are interesting and often edgy and the plots really move.”

She also noted the emergence of Mother/Daughter book groups. She said, “I saw this when my book Sources of Light came out, and some of these book groups asked me to Skype or come visit. ‘Sources’ is a mother/daughter story set in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi."

"Many adult parents like the idea of reading what their teens are reading—to keep up, have a good discussion, etc. It’s a nice idea. When you are reading the same book, you will always end up talking about important things that are difficult for parents and their children to talk about otherwise.”

I plan to read quite a few of the recommended books listed below.

Recommended Reading from Cindy Williams and Allison Anderson:
I’ll Give you the Sun by Jandy Nelson
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
All the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry
Midwinter Blood by Marcus Sedgwick.

Upcoming Movies from Recommended YA books. (Always read the book first, Cindy recommends.)
     The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
     Legend by Marie Lu
     Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
     Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
     Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
     Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransome Riggs

So… what exactly is YA? It’s our favorite kind of literature, and we pretty much breathe, eat, and sleep all things young adult, but where did it come from? What’s the actual definition? Let us break down everything you need to know about how YA came about!

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Like most living things, it’s taking a while to grow – especially while it’s first establishing itself.  But now it has taken firm root in Bay St. Louis and is flourishing.
- story by Ellis Anderson and photography by Katharine Truett Ohman

“Ten years later, that memory of that yard was so strong that I painted this,” says Johnson of the design.  “It is the only Katrina painting I have made in all those ten years.  It is not of the destruction… but of this one yard full of "volunteers.”

The mural is part of a long-term plan for the garden, one that is geared to eventually engage the entire community.  For instance, the garden is supported by several local organizations, including MS State Extension Service, Hancock County Master Gardeners, NAACP, and the Boys & Girls Club. All produce grown is donated to the Senior Center, along with other Hancock County food pantries.

“The mural is just one part of the big picture,” says Katharine Truett Ohman, who spearheaded the creation of the garden and organizes its maintenance.  “Initially, we started with an edible forest.  Now we have fruit trees, nine raised beds and twelve table gardens.  We even have experimental grape vines and muscadines.”

The raised table gardens make it easy for handicapped or older gardeners to keep a hand in the gardening game without having to bend or kneel down.  Christian Stephenson of the MS State Extension Service and Ohman are working on getting an irrigation system installed for the table beds so they can be put into use year-round, even during the warm weather months.

Donations of plants, seeds, soil and building materials continue to be received from across the state.  Some of the materials are being slated for an educational area, where metal benches will make up an outdoor “classroom,”  so instructional gardening programs can take place.  Future plans call for a covering to shade the classroom too.

In the fall, after the weather cools, a call for volunteers will be issued for painters to help with creation of the mural.  In the meantime, groups and individuals meet each Monday morning to weed, water and harvest the garden.

“Our volunteers are open and welcoming,” says Ohman.  “We all seem to be grounded in the sense that this is what we need to be doing for our community.  We’re taking baby steps now, but eventually, we’ll have a beautiful, flourishing community garden.” 

Free trolley service comes to Old Town, Chamber names Businesses of the Year, an upstate magazine takes note of local homes, and the 10th Katrina Anniversary event schedule!
- stories and photos by Ellis Anderson unless otherwise attributed

The Bay Trolley will run Thursday through Sunday connecting points along the route beginning at Hollywood Casino heading to Old Town Bay St. Louis along Main Street and then to the Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor.

From there the trolley will stop at locations such as The Ugly Pirate, Mockingbird Café, The Depot District, Commagere Park, McDonald Park, Market Town Shopping Center and Zuppardos Plaza and back to Hollywood Casino. The entire route will take approximately 40 minutes round trip.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday trolley service will extend through the evening hours from 5pm to 10pm.  See schedule below for details on time.

The trolley also accepts bicyclists.  It features a drop-down bike rack in the front that will carry two bikes. 

In June, the Matador Network published an article naming Bay St. Louis as one of America's "Coolest" beach towns.  Here's what they said about BSL:

According to the article, criteria to make the cut was based on three factors:
1. Small: No major cities allowed.
2. Year-round energy: The town can’t pack up and leave after “the season”.
3. Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture.

Matador calls itself the world's largest independent travel publisher, with over 12 million unique monthly visitors. 

Cleaver Prime Sponsor S&L Office Supply was named the Waveland Business of the Year by the Hancock Chamber recently.  Bay St. Louis Business of the Year is Bay Pharmacy.  Other honorees include Urgent Care for Diamondhead, Coastal Hardware for Kiln and Dixieland Home, Farm and Garden for Hancock County.

All businesses will be honored at the Salute to Business and Industry Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, August 27th, beginning at 5:30pm at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast.  Click here for more details about the event and to purchase tickets. 

Congrats all - especially S&L owner Chris Cochran! 

A boutique named after California becomes an iconic Louisiana business and then branches out to Mississippi?  It's a trifecta of success, boasting three decades of comfort, style, and quality at California Drawstrings.
- story and photos by Ellis Anderson

And she’s branded California Drawstrings as a name synonymous with apparel that magically combines two traits:  comfort and standout design.

As the store’s buyer, Keenan seeks out only comfortable, well-made clothing, with styles that can’t be found elsewhere.  She carries lines that can fit all sizes, from extra-small to plus.  She prefers clothing that is made in the U.S and leans always toward natural fibers, like those made by Flax and Matchpoint.

The shop’s a mix of artsy designs balanced with clothing that’s more classically styled, created with deft touches that set them apart.  Keenan believes accessories like jewelry and scarves can “jazz up” an outfit easily to “look like a million dollars.”  The staff are trained to help put statement-making ensembles together.  Customers frequently report back with success stories about the many compliments they receive at social events.

Although styles have changed dramatically since Keenan began her business, she’s remained true to her central criteria over the past thirty years.

“If you want to blend into the woodwork, you can shop in the local department stores,” she says.  “But if you want to feel comfortable and look a little different – yet be confident you still look fantastic – we have it.”

Keenan currently manages and buys for three locations – with a fourth opening soon.  In addition to the Old Town Bay St. Louis shop, the Chicago native oversees the mother-ship location in the New Orleans French Quarter (812 Royal Street) and a third store on Magazine Street (3650 Magazine Street).  And in mid-July, an outlet store, California Drawstrings Last Call, will be opening in the heart of Covington, Louisiana (827 Walker Alley, right off Lee Lane).

Each location is staffed with salespeople who are extremely knowledgeable about the clothing they sell.  They know which lines run large or small and which designs best complement different shapes. Most of them have been to market with Keenan and are genuinely enthused about the clothing lines they represent.

Keenan believes her sales staff is one of the main keys to her success.  She’s been in sales herself most of her career, beginning as a broker in the real estate market, working in both Illinois and North Carolina.

But while visiting New Orleans one fall thirty-odd years ago, she decided to try a southern winter instead of heading north toward snow.  To obtain her Louisiana broker’s license, she signed up for school.  To support herself in the meantime, she began selling clothing in the French Market.

She quickly discovered that the fashion world appealed to her more than real estate and switched gears. Keenan began to rent a series of storefronts, soon winding up with the prestigious Royal Street location -  where she’s been a mainstay for than thirty years.

The first clothing she sold was a line of comfortable cottons for both men and women with legions of diehard fans - California Drawstrings.  Made in the U.S. out of domestic fibers, the brand was the only one Keenan carried for years and then became a shop staple as she grew.

“It made sense for the shop to also have the name of the clothing line,” says Keenan. “Now we have regular customers from all over the country who know our name, so, of course, we’d never think of changing it.”

The Bay St. Louis shop opened in 2011 when Maggie May’s owner, Nancy Moynan - who knew Keenan from New Orleans - had a space available.  Moynan believed California Drawstrings would be a great fit for the Bay.  Bay St. Louis mayor Les Fillingame agreed.  For years, he and his wife had been regular customers of the Royal Street location.  While Keenan had been coming to the Bay for years, the invitations coincided with a suddenly stronger longing to spend more time on the coast.

After opening in Maggie May’s, Keenan rented a townhouse on deMontluzin and began spending more time in Bay St. Louis.  Then, last year, she purchased a historic building on the second block of Main Street.  After renovating, California Drawstrings moved into their expanded – and permanent Old Town quarters.   And although she still officially resides in Mandeville, Keenan spends as much time as possible in the Bay.

“It’s not like I’m a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” she says.  “I can be in either Mandeville or New Orleans in an hour.  But here, I can wake up and have my coffee listening to the sea gulls.”

The laid-back lifestyle in the Bay hasn’t shifted the entrepreneur’s business philosophy though.

“I want people to say ‘wow’ when they walk in the store.  And I want them to feel great when they leave.”

“For me, that’s great fun.”

This month, Captain Pam San Fillippo introduces the company officers of the BSL Fire Department, the team members who make life or death decisions on a daily basis.

And if that’s not enough responsibility for one person to manage in a day’s time, consider that they are also responsible for carrying out most of the long and short-term goals set by the chief officers; they mentor, supervise and train the firefighters assigned to them, and they make sure that every fire truck and every piece of equipment is ready for service “24/7."  Their 24-hour duty shift is filled with countless responsibilities, all vital to the safe and efficient operation of the department. 

Sounds like a pretty tough job, doesn’t it?  Well, it is.  And here are the guys who make it happen, every day of the year.

Ronald Avery, Captain:   Captain of “A” shift, Ronald is a veteran of the United States Air Force with a degree in criminal justice; he was hired as a firefighter recruit with the BSLFD nearly 20 years ago.  Ronald has achieved numerous certifications during his career that include fire pump operations, high angle rescue, hazardous materials, incident command, command school, fire officer and fire safety instructor - to name just a few. 

In addition to being an exceptional firefighter, Ronald is also one of our best public fire safety instructors.  Combining his firefighting knowledge with the reputation of being one of the best disc jockey’s around, “DJ Avery” never fails to capture the attention of any audience. 

Troy Buck, Captain:  Originally from Indiana, Troy brings more than 25 years of firefighting experience to the BSLFD.  He discovered Bay St. Louis when he traveled from Indiana to help out in the days following Hurricane Katrina - he immediately fell in love with the city and the people of Bay St. Louis, and moved here the following year. 

A veteran of the United States Navy, Troy has also worked several tours as a firefighter in Afghanistan and Iraq.  His numerous certifications include fire pump operations, weapons of mass destruction, incident command, investigator, instructor and inspector.  As the captain of “B” shift, he especially enjoys preparing new hires for their basic training at the fire academy.  Also a licensed plumber, Troy keeps busy on his days off from the fire department operating his own plumbing business, “Buck’s Plumbing."

Lorenzo “Zo” Armenta, Captain:  Zo joined the BSLFD in 2007 after serving as a volunteer with the East Hancock Volunteer Fire Department.  After earning his state firefighter certification, he has continued his training in various disciplines such as rope rescue, EMT, trench rescue, hazardous materials and pump operations.  At 5’10”, 275 lbs. and “ink” from head to toe, Zo can strike a rather imposing figure.  But underneath it all is a guy who has found his place in life as a firefighter - always ready, willing, and able to help anyone, anytime. 

In addition to his firefighting skills, Zo is also fluent in Spanish and is often called on by law enforcement officers to act as an interpreter.  On his days off from the fire department, Zo is busy managing his own lawn care business.  Lorenzo and his wife, Ellyn, live in Bay St. Louis with their two children; Lorenzo also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Local antiques expert Martha Whitney Butler shares her knowledge of all things old, collectible and bizarre in this column.  This month, a look at how Bay St. Louis figured into one of the most exciting art colonies in history, with connects to Frida Kahlo!

William Faulkner fled from his demons to Waveland for two months, only to be greeted with a jug of whiskey from his sweet neighbors (click here for article about Faulkner's short sojourn in Waveland).

A.B. Dinwiddie, the president of Tulane University, has deep roots in the Coast having several relatives whom he frequently visited. Also, John Dinwiddie, president of the Tulane School of Architecture haunted the area and his descendants still live here today - one of whom co-owns Smith & Lens Gallery (photographer Ann Dinwiddie Madden).

Among these great innovators and artists was William Spratling, the architect who all but created a design movement in Mexico and popularized the Taxco silver style in the U.S. and in Mexico.

I've always been amazed at how many pieces of Taxco I see in this area, and now I know why. Spratling was part of a group of Tulane architecture students who left the field to become artists. Almost all of them became renowned designers and artists, starting movements right out of the French Quarter.

Several people on the coast own Spratling pieces. This lucky writer happened to pull a stunning pair of Spratling Starfish earrings out of her pile of neglected jewelry. Don't worry - they were promptly shined and adorned the minute the mark was discernible through the loop!

Not to dig too deep into Spratling (we'll save that for another column) but let's go back to Frida's connection...

Spratling was very good friends with both Faulkner and Bein. Spratling often visited Bein's Bay home when he returned to the States during his twelve year sojourn in Mexico. 

While he was in Mexico, Spratling surrounded himself with the artistic cream of the crop- one of those being Diego Rivera. Rivera acquired several pieces of Spratling silver for his lovely wife, Frida Kahlo.

So therein lies our connection, albeit very far-fetched, to the talented Mexican artist. She and her husband rubbed elbows with some of our people and because of that we feel like we're basically BFFs.

Learn more about Spratling Silver in my upcoming August article!

Purchase high res or prints easily from this online gallery service.

A memorial service for a much-beloved Bay resident captures the spirit of her life.

High resolution files and prints available at this online gallery service

Gregg Allman is coming to the Bay beachfront, along with dozens of other top musicians from around the region.  Local icons Pat Murphy and Bo&Dee are in the spotlight too - receiving lifetime achievement awards!  ALSO:  Harborfest Schedule and Map

This month, Daisy Mae (our columnist and registered seizure-alert dog) takes a look at one reason she narrowly escaped euthanasia herself:  the color of her fur. 
- by Daisy Mae Delray

Their statistics also show that it takes longer for adult cats and pit-bull type dogs to be adopted. All dogs and cats need homes and the initially overlooked ones are often the best pets. They seem to appreciate the rescue a little more.

I am a mostly black dog who was almost euthanized, so hearing about this got my attention. Big black dogs are consistently the hardest dogs to place – even if they are friendly and healthy and well-trained.

There are a number of reasons for this sad statistic, including the fact there are lots of black dogs, there are so many to choose from, they don’t photograph as well, and they look “ordinary” - whatever that means.  To make it worse, a bad depression is often referred to as a visit from the "black dog."  Finally, black dogs are often portrayed as the “bad guys” in the movies.

In January 2014, NBC did a piece on black dogs.  It appears that big black dogs are starting to get some attention, but there are still too many of them overlooked.

Singer, songwriter Emmy Lou Harris wrote a song for the movie, Cats and Dogs. Ms. Harris rescued a black dog that was the impetus for her animal rescue in Tennessee, Bonaparte’s Retreat, which led to her hit song for the film. She calls the song Big Black Dog.

Daisy Mae's top ten reasons to adopt a black dog or a black cat:

Reason number ten: We don’t clash with your furniture or clothing

Reason number nine: We don’t clash with any collar you might choose either

Reason number eight: Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most need

Reason number seven: We hide the dirt well

Reason number six: We make an excellent “backdrop” for a second lighter colored dog

Reason number five: Availability! We are available at every shelter and rescue place

Reason number four: No annoying questions about breed. People are content with “BBD

Reason number three: Excellent for night walks. The “bad guys” are afraid of us

Reason number two: Status symbol potential –we are black pearls

Reason number one: WE NEED YOU

Keep your tail high and your feet dry.

Love,
Daisy Mae

A too-late trip to Graceland Too in Holly Springs still proves memorable.
 - story and photos by Ellis Anderson