Category: On The Shoofly

What on Earth is the World Series of Birding?

6/9/2022

On the Shoofly - June 2022

(and why is it in the Shoofly?)

Yes, it’s a real event. Take some of the country’s leading naturalists, cram them into cars together for 24 hours, and challenge them to find more birds than the other big guns. It’s one of the country’s most intense competitions – it’s all for charity – and we flew to New Jersey to play.

- By Dena Temple

Great Egret flies through fog | Pixabay

Mindfulness Meditation Comes to Bay St. Louis

1/20/2022

On the Shoofly - January 2022

Mindfulness, the practice of learning to control one’s attention, is coming to Bay St. Louis, thanks to Christ Episcopal Church and Sullivan Breathworks.

- by Wendy Sullivan

pixabay.com

Cruising During Covid

11/25/2021

On the Shoofly - November 2021

Taking a cruise conjures up a sensory palette of warm sun, the scent of the sea and the relaxing sound of splashing waves. What is it like today, in the world of masking, testing and distancing?

– by Dena Temple

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas rests next to a sister ship, Mariner of the Seas, at the dock in Cococay, Bahamas. All photos by Dena Temple.

The Right Way to Roll in a Ragtop

10/7/2021

On the Shoofly - October 2021

Are you Cruisin’ the Coast this weekend? “Ragtop” rookie mistakes can ruin your good time. Follow these five simple tips for maximum top-down fun!

- by Dena Temple

It Takes a Community to Prevent Suicide

9/23/2021

On the Shoofly - September 2021

September is officially National Suicide Prevention Month, but at the Veterans Administration, every month is Suicide Prevention month.

- by Wendy Sullivan

Wearing a yellow ribbon symbolizes support for suicide prevention

New Coastal Mapping Training Program for Local Students

8/12/2021

On the Shoofly - August 2021

Pearl River Community College now offers students unique opportunities to train for rewarding high-tech hydrographic careers.

Above (l-r): Ryan Dodd, - Hydrographer, NVision Solutions, Inc. | Associate Professor, NOARC; Joel Lawhead – Vice President, Nvision Solutions, Inc. Associate Professor, NOARC; PRCC Students: Caleb Spence, Heather Dinger, Wesley Parker, Alex Moon, Billy Snowden; Raymunda Barnes- Assistant Vice President, PRCC

Wendy McDonald: Common Goals

6/3/2021

On the Shoofly - June 2021

In an open letter to 2nd Ward voters and other Bay St. Louis citizens, Wendy McDonald points out that the ability to put aside differences and work together toward a common goal is our community’s strongest asset.

Wendy McDonald speaks at the completion of Bay-Waveland Habitat for Humanity's 100th house.

RESTORE Funds at Work in Hancock County

3/2/2021

On the Shoofly - March 2021

Hate those ugly storm water drainage pipes on our beach? They're called "outfalls." Now a more environmentally-friendly – and more attractive – option is slated to replace one in a pilot project.

Here are more details from Robbie Wilbur, Communications Director for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

A typical outfall on the Bay St. Louis beach (not necessarily the one slated for the pilot program). Google Maps.

Andy Parker: Dedicated to Education

11/19/2020

On the Shoofly - November 2020

When it’s right, they say, you know it. And Andy Parker knew that his path included a satisfying career shaping education on the Gulf Coast.

-- Story by Elizabeth Stranga

Andy Parker: "My favorite thing about the Bay is its people."

Muscadine Zen

9/17/2020

On the Shoofly - September 2020

Carefully harvesting wine grapes from well-tended vines quite literally provides the fruits of a gardener’s labor – and a satisfying Zen experience.

- Story by John Dumoulin

Southern muscadine grapes | GAFRO, CC BY-SA 3.0 | Wikimedia Commons

Be a Watchdog for Canine Companions

8/6/2020

On the Shoofly - August 2020

A new state law puts some teeth in the penalties for animal abuse and might help prevent loss of life. Read the laws and find out what you can do to help.

- story by Dena Temple

Message from our Libraries: We're Still Here

7/9/2020

On the Shoofly - July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Hancock County Library System. But they were determined to continue serving the community.

- Story by Natalie Daspit, photos by Ellis Anderson

The Bay St. Louis branch of the Hancock County Library is offering curbside pickup.

Paint the Town Green

5/7/2020

On the Shoofly - May 2020

With small businesses gearing back up for business this week, the Hancock Chamber of Commerce is helping promote the area’s “Grand Reopening” in a big way.

– Story and photos by Anne Pitre

A Corona Garden

4/23/2020

On the Shoofly - April 2020

The author endeavors to model his home garden after the greatest home gardener of all time: Mother Nature.

- Story and photos by James Inabinet

“Love All” Campaign Seeks to Heal

3/26/2020

On the Shoofly - March 2020

Born from a hurtful incident, the “Love All” campaign aims to inform, and heal.

- Story and photos by Rachel Dangermond

Partial image from "Love All" sticker.

Oh, The Places You Could Go

1/29/2020

On the Shoofly - January 2020

Passenger rail service between New Orleans and Bay St. Louis is one step closer aftera vote by Mobile to support it! When it's restored, there's a great, big world out there to explore, and the author provides a fine example of the adventures possible.

- Story and photos by John M. Dumoulin

The author and his wife, Rosie, enjoying the view of the Pacific at the Santa Monica Pier.

Leadership Hancock County Breeds Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

1/15/2020

On the Shoofly - January 2020

A behind-the-scenes look at Hancock County Chamber of Commerce's program to ensure continued business growth in the region.

-- Story and photos by Steve Barney

This year's class of participants in the Leadership Hancock County program visit Lazy Magnolia Brewing for a tour.

Medicare Basics

10/10/2019

On the Shoofly - October 2019

If you're already enrolled in Medicare, a window for making changes in your plan opens from October 15 - December 7. Find out your options and also: What you need to know if you're approaching age 65 and aren't enrolled yet.

- by Kristine Gurley, Gurley & Associates

I’ve been working in the insurance industry for 15 years and as a Medicare specialist for 11 of those. October 15 to December 7 will be a busy time of year for us at Gurley & Associates. It’s called the Medicare Annual Election Period.

If you’re already on Medicare and want to make changes to your current plan, you must do it during that window of time. Any changes you make will take place on January 1, 2020.

To help you determine if you want to make changes, let’s review the Medicare system and how it works.

What is Medicare?

National health insurance program for people 65+
Administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Enrollment through the Social Security Administration (SSA)

On the Shoofly
is sponsored by

Everyone over age 65 is eligible for Medicare. This includes all U.S. citizens and legal residents who have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least five years. Some people under 65 can get Medicare if they receive Social Security disability benefits.
Medicare is divided into four parts:

Part A covers part of the costs of hospitalizations.
Part B covers part of the costs of medical services, such as doctor visits, procedures and diagnostic tests.

Parts C and D are where the private insurance comes in:

Part C is an alternative way to get Medicare. You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a private insurer and get all your services under Parts A and B through the plan. They have a lower premium, but have co-pays. Some offer benefits like free health club memberships, dental, vision, etc. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and without the prescription coverage is called a MA.
Part D is prescription drug coverage. It is offered by private insurers who contract with Medicare. Even if you don't take any prescription drugs when you first go onto Medicare, if you’re not signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD), you'll want to sign up for a Part D drug plan. If you go without any drug coverage after your initial election period you'll face a penalty when you finally do enroll. Note: The penalty does not go away and will be attached to your plan premium.

Medicare Enrollment

Unless you are covered by an employer group plan that covers 20 or more employees, you must enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.

If you are receiving Social Security when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Parts A and B.
If you're working and covered by an employer group plan you may not want Part B. In that case you can decline it. Otherwise, you'll go ahead and accept Medicare Parts A and B, and your coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65.
For people who aren't covered by a group plan at 65, the initial Medicare enrollment period starts three months before you turn 65 and lasts until three months after you turn 65. But although it lasts a total of seven months, you really should plan to enroll in Medicare during that three-month period before you turn 65. Then your Medicare coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65.

How to Sign up for A & B

Go to www.ssa.gov.
Call Social Security at 800-772-1213.
For general information about eligibility, go to http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility

Parts C and D are not automatic.

If you want Part C (a Medicare Advantage plan that takes care of both A & B through a private insurer), you'll have to contact an insurance company offering it and sign up for Part C through them. Remember, you can get a Medicare Advantage plan that covers prescription drugs (MAPD) or one without (MA).

Or, if you want to stay with Original Medicare and have a standalone Part D (prescription drug plan), you'll need to decide which insurance company's plan you want to go with, and you'll have to proactively enroll.

If you signed up for Parts A and B during your initial enrollment period, and if you think at some point in your life you’ll need prescription drug coverage, you should enroll in Part D at the same time. If you go more than 63 days without "creditable" prescription drug coverage, you will pay a late enrollment penalty when you finally do sign up for Part D.

So, it's better to just go ahead and get your drug coverage from the outset, even if you aren't currently taking any prescription drugs. As mentioned before, you have two options: you can enroll in a standalone prescription drug plan if you have Original Medicare, or you can get your drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan.

I hope this helps clarify some common misconceptions. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.

Kristine Gurley

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence

8/7/2019

On the Shoofly - August 2019

For more than 40 years, GCCN has been helping victims of violence across South Mississippi. In 2016, they opened a Bay St. Louis office, making assistance even more accessible for Hancock County residents in need. Director Kelly Hawkins explains what services the center offers, and how it’s changing lives.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence offers many services to Hancock County residents, including counseling.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence has been providing support and services to adults and children in South Mississippi impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide since 1977.

But even though the Center celebrated 42 years of service on the Gulf Coast this year, many still don’t know that the agency’s services are available across the lower six counties in Mississippi, including Hancock County.

In 2018 alone, the Center served 2,367 people. Of those 2,367 people, 435 were from Hancock County. Many of those were served from their Hancock County office, centrally located in Bay St. Louis, near the hospital.

On the Shoofly
is sponsored by

One of the emergency shelters operated by the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence hopes to raise awareness in the Hancock County community about the victims they continue to serve and the programs available to meet the victims' needs, including:

A Domestic Violence Program that provides case management services, counseling and crisis intervention at two emergency shelters.

A Sexual Assault Program that provides crisis intervention, counseling, and 24/7 hospital response.

A Children’s Program that features counseling and a therapeutic preschool for children ages 3 to 5 affected by violence.

A Justice Program that includes court advocacy, a domestic violence intervention program for batterers, and a legal clinic that provides free civil legal services.

A Survivors of Homicide Program for friends and family members who have lost a loved one to murder.

And an Outreach Education Program that educates community members, students, law enforcement and professionals in South Mississippi on the dynamics and effects of interpersonal violence.

The GCCN offers a number of education programs.

While the Center offers all of these services to Hancock County residents, the agency’s Hancock County office allows for a Court Advocate to be readily available in Hancock County Justice Court, Waveland Municipal Court and Bay St. Louis Municipal Court.

The Court Advocate presents in these courts to advocate for victims of domestic violence by sitting with them in their emotional space, giving them support, and making sure they feel safe while facing their abusers.

Hancock County Prosecutor Olen Anderson poses with Jamie Boyer, GCCFN Court Advocate.

Counseling and case management services are also offered through the Nonresidential Program at this Hancock County office. The Center has an Outreach Adult Counselor and an Outreach Children’s Counselor who meet clients right in Bay St. Louis, so that they do not have to travel to access services - which is essential in making sure these professionals are available to clients on their schedules.

Additionally, the Center’s Court Advocates and Counselors in Hancock County work directly with staff across the agency’s six-county service area providing referrals to emergency shelter, counseling, and legal services. This connection in Hancock County is crucial to educating community members, as well as victims of violence on what meaningful services are available to them during their time of need.

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-800-1396. The direct number for the Hancock County office (during business hours) is 228-252-1999.

Their services are confidential, and safety is their top priority. If you or someone you know may be in need of services following a violent relationship, a sexual assault, or you have lost someone to homicide, please know you are not alone. GCCN is there to help and to advocate for justice and your rights as a victim of crime.

You deserve to feel safe in your home. You deserve safety for your children. You deserve a violence-free life. They can help.

Under the Flower Moon

5/29/2019

On the Shoofly - May 2019

The Arts, Hancock County produces a visionary full moon art gathering in a natural setting on Bayou La Terre.

- Story by Steve Barney, photos courtesy of TAHC

35 years ago, visionary artist Milton Bienvenue led a group of Coast artists to create an installation of works intertwined with nature under the light of the full moon. It was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Ann Madden, Vice President of The Arts, Hancock County, heard about the event from Bay St. Louis artist Kat Fitzpatrick a year ago and was inspired by Milton to re-create this event as “Under the Flower Moon.”

Taking place on May 18th, 24 art installations and performing artists came out for one evening, under the full May moon.

On the Shoofly
is sponsored by

Madden said, “The most important thing Milton conveyed to me was to not over-plan, and to let the artists have complete freedom to express in any way.”

For The Arts, Hancock County, producing an event like this was uncharted territory. None of the art would be for sale; it is a temporary experience of art in nature. How many artists would want to participate? Would anyone drive 30-plus minutes to the wilderness to experience it? It turns out that 27 artists and over 250 visitors wanted to take part.

Steve Barney

Led by Ann Madden, Kristie Buddenbaum and Bernie Cullen, the planning committee’s first task was to find the right venue – one that would allow visitors to experience nature while simultaneously allowing for the logistics of handling a large event.

On their first visit to La Terre Bioregional Center and Art Studios last fall, the “dream team” knew immediately they had found the perfect place. Property owners James and Peggy Inabinet were excited about the opportunity to share where they live, work and provide a multitude of programs to the community.

James and Margaret Inabinet

This magical space was the perfect setting for this event. Located on Bayou La Terre about 15 miles north of the coast, La Terre is an amazing collection of handcrafted structures, walking paths, creek bluffs, permaculture gardens, art studios, ceremonial lodges and so much more.

James and Peggy are multi-talented artists, craftsmen, healers, farmers and educators. The Inabinets extend art to life’s journey itself – again, the invisible made visible. Emerson called this journey the “life of a poet.” Kandinsky called it a “life of art.”

Editor's note: James Inabinet also writes the "Nature Notes" column for the Shoofly Magazine. These "unexpected explorations" take readers to a place where philosophy meets nature. Click here for his current column and scroll down for archived columns.

James specializes in weaving and dyeing shawls, rugs, and belts of natural fibers. Some dyes are grown in the garden [indigo] while others are wild-crafted [walnut husks, Osage orange]. La Terre co-proprietor Peggy is also an amazing multimedia artist.

Peggy says, “I love the forest in which I live. The flowers and leaves are so stunning that I just have to watercolor them. The creatures I see tucked inside a flower or nibbling on a leaf intrigue me. But when I create in clay it's expressing my beliefs that seem to come forth from within. Hence, I create nativities, angels, Sacred Hearts, and petrogylph plaques using terra cotta clays.”

For James and Peggy, this life as art includes an inquiry into how it might be accomplished within a culture that makes it difficult [if not nigh impossible].

It also includes the bootstrapping of techniques that enable the art of becoming fully human, that enable the art of human flourishing within a flourishing ecosystem and enables the art of acting in the service of Gaia, in communion with the life-producing biosphere as an integral and functional component.

The Inabinets were enthusiastic to host a large event which incorporate the utopian principles of the Burningman global movement: Inclusion, Gifting, Immediacy, Leave No Trace, Self-Reliance, Self Expression, Civic Responsibility and Communal Effort.

On Saturday, May 18, on an amazing moonlit night, it all happened… and for the 250 people who participated, it was a magical evening beyond anyone’s expectations.

27 artists, all members of The Arts, Hancock County participated, coming from New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast. Local Jazzabilly favorites, Heather and The Monkey King, performed in the carport, which became a central gathering spot featuring tasty food by Savage Skillet.

Later in the evening visitors experienced the hypnotic performance of Hancock Arts regulars Pandorium Belly Dance Troupe and Priestess Sisters Fire Dance.

Participating artists included:

Ann Madden produced an installation using gel transfers of family photos as well as heirlooms and lights.

Cynthia Mahner and Karen West created Moonlight at the Oasis filled with sculpture, cushions, treats and magic elixers.

Danielle Inabinet fabricated a collection of delicate porcelain forms arranged within the sanctuary of the forest.

Deb Schwedhelm produced a video projection and printing of photographs onto a large piece of white fabrics delicately hung in the branches of trees.

Dharma Gilley displayed abstracted paintings and wrote poems for visitors on her typewriter.

Elisa Desilva made a collection of faeries under the garden arbor.

Gregory Matusoff created a surreal cityscape intertwined with nature.

Holly Garvin created an underwater fantasy of jellyfishes and Gyptaku fish rubbing.

Hunter Cole created a nature-themed installation of Petri dishes with bioluminescent bacteria.

Jaqueline Mongoose and Eve Eisenman created Enchanted Night: A Wish Upon a Cloud, filled with wish faeires, whimsical paintings and sculptures.

James Inabinet created Mother Earth, a partially buried torso birthing spring flower lights.

Jane Clair Tyner made mobile sculptural pieces made of found bones, prayer sticks and flags.

Joby Bass and Jessica Dark fabricated a driftwood tree with ceramic flowers.

Kerr Grabowski and Micky Arnold created enlarged creatures of the night!

Lisa Keel and Donna Martin made lighted shrine Art of dazzling glass, fabric and tree branches. Night blooming Flowers - fairies and Moons.

Lucinda D’enfant Live painting amidst display of masks.

Margaret Inabinet An installation of King Cake babies in the context of nature.

Mark James did a spontaneous groundhog impersonation in midst of an extraterrestrial research area.

Monica Kelly Studio displayed a series of paintings about the divine feminine and the healing properties of flowers. Additionally, Monica’s team bodypainted designs inspired by the Flower Moon.

Nathan Rodriguez built a collection of masks and sculptures and light boxes made from leather, glass, wood, and paper.

Samantha Shannon made a 12 inch high porcelain cast statue internally lit.

Steve Barney created a water sculpture made from broken pottery.

Look for more collaborative events between The Arts, Hancock County and LaTerre Bioregional Center and Art Studios in the future. For more info check out our websites: hancockarts.org and laterreintegralcenter.org.