The annual Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society has hundreds of participants walking each year. During this new event, they'll be dancing as well!
- story by Lisa Monti
She has been busy recruiting amateur dancers to perform in Hancock County’s version of the hugely popular television dancing competition. As of this writing, Bernie has recruited 10 acts who will compete solo acts, dancing couples or groups. (Their identities are a closely held secret but Bernie promises “very eclectic” acts.)
Local judges will critique and score the acts and then award first, second and third place trophies. “We’ll also have a People’s Choice Award for the crowd favorites,” Bernie said. An award also will be presented to the dancers who sell the most tickets to the event. Bernie said the Dancing with the Relay Stars show is a perfect fit for fun-loving Hancock Countians at the perfect time of year, between the holidays and Mardi Gras. “Other Relays around the country have done this and it’s been really successful and a lot of fun. It’s a nice way for people to support Relay, enjoy a nice meal and silent auction. It’s going to be a fun night.”
And it’s a great way to kickoff the new year for the Relay for Life campaign to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. “The money raised stays in Hancock County and goes for rides to medical appointments and other resources that people need,” Bernie said.
The 2019 Relay for Life will be May 4 at Hollywood Casino’s walking path. In case of inclement weather, the walk will move indoors at the casino. “Hollywood has been really good partner and so delightful to work with,” Bernie said. As part of its support for Relay for Life, the casino is offering a special $89 hotel room rate for the night of Dancing with the Relay Stars. Reservations must be made by Jan. 17 using group code ACS0126.
Dancing with the Relay Stars tickets are $75 each or $700 for a table for 10. There is no entry fee for dancers but they are asked to bring a silent auction item and help sell tickets to their friends.
Tickets are available at paypal.me/berniecullenor via Venmo @Bernadette-Cullen-1. If you wish to buy tickets to support a dancer, send Bernie the information on PayPal or Venmo or email her at Tcbbcullen@yahoo.com. To pay with cash or a check, contact Bernie by email.
Fiercely competitive and always fun, this annual drive to restock the Hancock County Food Pantry grows each year.
- story by Lisa Monti, photos courtesy Sound Insurance.
The couple shares an active interest in helping to provide for children, and they made their family-owned business the driving force behind the Food Fight. The drive extends to D’Iberville, Columbia, Hattiesburg and Laurel, where Sound Insurance has offices.
The Food Fight runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. During that time, teams from local businesses, plus schools and youth organizations, collect canned food and food products, cooking oil, dry goods such as flour, pasta and grits, as well as dish and laundry soaps and personal hygiene products for the needy.
The Bay St. Louis drive benefits the Hancock County Food Pantry. Other Sound Insurance offices choose which nonprofit in their community will receive their donations.
Christy Bond of Sound Insurance in Bay St. Louis, who leads the annual event, says they’ve turned the fight against hunger into a friendly but fierce competition. The team that collects the most items receives the coveted but quirky Food Fight trophy adorned with canned goods. Christy said Advantage Title of Bay St. Louis has captured the trophy the last two years, followed closely last year by Starfish Cafe. “They were in a very close race and Starfish almost had them,” she says.
To keep a competitive edge and pump up their collections, teams can track the competition online as the drive nears completion. “It’s always fun,” Christy says of the push by teams to take first place.
This year, 48 teams are participating, and it’s not too late to join in the drive. Teams can register online at Sound Insurance Solutions website, which has all the information needed to get started. You can also keep up to date with the Food Fight Event on Facebook.
In 1958, Bay St. Louis celebrated its 100th birthday, but a recent discovery revealed that party was thrown forty years late.
It turns out the city was actually founded in 1818 - making 2018 the 200th year since its establishment. Find out what's in store! - story by Lisa Monti Event Details:
Bay St. Louis is hosting a community celebration for its 200th birthday on December 8 to coincide with the holiday version of the Second Saturday Art Walk.
Due to weather concerns, the bicentennial celebration will take place at 3pm at the Hancock County Historical Society on Cue Street (next to the Courthouse), to celebrate past and present community leaders who have made Bay Saint Louis one of the best small towns in America. 1818 - 2018: A new beginning - literally.
Roth started doing a little research and when he found out nothing was planned for the 200th observance, he started getting individuals and organizations together to mark the event.
Roth said the bicentennial's plans are being finalized with input from local elected officials, tourism groups and the business community. There will be a parade with a performance by the Bay Ratz Marching Battery and period costumed characters, a time capsule burial, and the unveiling of a plaque at the old City Hall near the Shoofly to replace the one Katrina destroyed.
“The Hancock County Historical Society and the state Archives and History officials have worked together to make sure the sign we’re dedicating is historically correct,” Roth said.
The four living mayors and their families will be special guests at the ceremony. Other invited guests include the governor and lieutenant governor.
The Bay’s origins date back to 1699 when it was a French settlement. Spain laid claim to the area in 1763, followed by the British in 1780. In 1818, the settlement was incorporated by the first Mississippi Legislature as Shieldsborough, named in honor of Thomas Shields, an early settler.
The English name didn’t sit well with the town residents of French descent, who preferred calling it Bay St. Louis, after the body of water named by Bienville for French King Louis IX. Local officials took the emphatic step in 1858 to reincorporate the town once again as Shieldsborough, hoping the name would stick. But in 1875, city officials reincorporated yet again with the name Bay St. Louis. The convoluted succession of maneuvers might have been why Bay residents chose 1958 to celebrate the city’s centennial, even though the city was actually 140 years old. Nonetheless, it was a huge community celebration when men grew beards, people wore period costumes and wooden nickels were prized currency. This year’s celebrants will find the city enjoying its well earned reputation as a welcoming community filled with diversity and creativity that people want to visit and be part of as part-time or full-time residents.
Organizers say the main thing about the bicentennial is to remind residents of the city’s long, illustrious and resilient history. And the event will be a special one for the residents who remember the 1958 centennial.
“We want the public to know this is happening,” Roth said. “This is an historical event for our city and we want to make sure that our citizens are made aware of this milestone and hope those who can, will join us in the celebration.”
The historic charms of Bay St. Louis provide the perfect backdrop for Halloween events, like the annual Cedar Rest Cemetery Tour. This year, a growing coven of colorful costumers takes to the streets of Old Town in a Witches Walk for charity.
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
Editor's note: As of October 20, 170 "witches" have registered for the 4th annual Witches Walk through Old Town on Saturday, Oct. 27th!
Registration is closed, but wanna-be witches who didn't register in time can still costume and come down to Old Town independently to be part of the fun - they simply can't take part in the official contests. And of course, donations to make this benefit event even more successful are welcome too (look for the green pumpkin at the Mockingbird Café). See the full Witches Walk schedule at the bottom of this page!
On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Fourth Annual Witches Walk will cast a fun spell over Old Town as dazzling witches explore the shops, restaurants and galleries from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The gathering kicks off at the Mockingbird Café (110 S. Second Street) and meanders in downtown for shopping, eating and socializing. 27 merchants will be participating with specials and refreshments, including Lulu's on Main (126 Main Street) and Bodega/Parrot Head Bar & Grill (111 Court Street). Registered costumers will get numbers from participating businesses to play Witches Wingo – a holiday themed Bingo game. After lunch, at around 1:30 p.m., the registered witches will meet outside of Lulu’s on Main (126 Main Street) to start their parade to Cuz’s restaurant (108 S. Beach Blvd.), led by the Bay Ratz Marching Battery (see the full expanded schedule at the bottom of this page!) To cap off the day, there will be a dance around the cauldron at Cuz’s restaurant, where prizes donated by Old Town Merchants will be awarded for best hat, shoes and brooms and the winning Wingo card. Bay St. Louis resident and costumer extraordinaire, Karen West, is one of the event organizers. West says it all started when she and a few friends dressed up for a Halloween birthday luncheon in 2012. Last year, 36 women participated. This year, organizers originally hoped to double that number. But after 75 tickets sold out immediately and people clamored for more, the event was expanded to encompass more Old Town venues. When registration closed for a second time this year, 170 witches had registered - and organizers had to turn away dozens more. The $10 registration fee will benefit the Hancock County Food Pantry and the Bay Ratz Marching Battery. Witches will pay for their own libations and food along the way. But wanna-be witches who didn't register in time can still costume and come down to Old Town independently to be part of the fun - they simply can't take part in the official contests. And of course, donations to make this benefit event even more successful are welcome too (look for the green pumpkin at the Mockingbird Café). “It’ll be a day of fun and frivolity, for sure!” West declared. More Local Halloween EventsCedar Rest Cemetery Tour
The 24th annual Cedar Rest Cemetery Tour, which traditionally was held on Halloween evening, will take place on Friday, Oct. 26. The 45-minute tours will begin every 10 minutes, starting at 5 p.m.
The historic cemetery is the resting place of many interesting residents, and each year the Hancock County Historical Society members and volunteers portray some of the more notable ones.
This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of World War I’s end, eight “ethereal residents” will represent Doughboys and sailors, Buffalo Soldiers, nurses and others who will share their wartime experiences and contributions. Admission is free but donations to the Historical Society are encouraged.
Cedar Rest is located at 200 South Second Street. For more information call 228-467-4090. Halloween at McLeod Park
Also on Saturday, Oct. 27, McLeod Park Campground will host its annual Halloween event from 5 to 10 p.m. Kids can enjoy a costume contest, various games and trick or treating.
McLeod Park Campground is located at 8100 Texas Flat Road in Kiln. for more info, call 228-467-1894 or visit the Facebook page. Halloween Bash on Coleman Ave.
Waveland is hosting its annual Halloween Bash on Coleman Avenue this year on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31st. From 5:30 - 7:30, there'll be tricks, treats, face-painting and a haunted house. Residents and businesses are invited to set up for the evening on Coleman Avenue to pass out candy. For more information, call the Waveland City Hall at 228-467-4134.
Complete Witches Walk Schedule
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Talk of the Town - Sept/Oct 2018
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- story by Denise Jacobs
The Shoofly Magazine joins the Bay/Waveland Garden Club as it celebrates 80 years of service to the communities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland on September 27.
The Bay/Waveland Garden Club was founded in 1938 in the home of Mrs. J. Roland Weston, on South Beach Boulevard. The club, which is federated in the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, was voted the best Garden Club in the Mississippi Spanish Trail District in 2015 by a jury of its peers. |
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“We also roll up our sleeves up and work.”
If it blossoms, buzzes, or breathes, it likely falls under the floral parasol of the Garden Club’s mission, which is to advance gardening of all sorts, including backyard and youth gardens, to further city beautification and the conservation of air, water, and soil quality, and the protection of native trees, shrubs, pollinators, and birds.
While Garden Club members can and do happily work alone, they also play well with others. The club has partnered with a bevy of organizations, from the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club to the Hancock County Historical Society (in collaborative efforts to save, document, and register aged oak trees).
The club’s work to encourage the gardeners of tomorrow has included presentations and projects at local schools—public and private—the Boys and Girls Club, and a clean-up collaboration with local Boy Scouts.
In the 70s and 80s, Mrs. John Holmes led Girl Scout Troop #27 to win the Gulf Pines Council Certificate - twice. In 1972, the Bay/Waveland Garden Club won the National Helen Hussey Champlin Award for outstanding service in promotion of gardening among youth.
Mrs. Rene deMontluzin organized the first youth group with 31 girls. It was followed by the OLG Busy Bees and Lazy Daisies, the Sunshine Gardeners, and the St. Joseph’s Academy Red Birds.
A glance at the headings of Sea Coast Echo coverage of the Bay/Waveland Garden Club tells the larger story:
- Organization of Bay-Waveland Garden Club of Civic Interest
- Nearly 500 Visitors Tour City’s Homes and Gardens in Annual Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage
- National Convention Hostesses
- Bay-Waveland Garden Club Teams with Hancock Libraries
- Bay-Waveland Garden Club Donates to Community Garden
- Ready for Pilgrimage: Scouts Lead in Clean-up
- Bay-Waveland Garden Club Meets to Discuss Pageant Week Plans
- Bay-Waveland Club Wins National Award
- Bay-Rotary Club Announces 3 New Working Committees
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Talk of the Town - August 2018
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- story by Lisa Monti
The 98th annual Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge will be hosted by the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Sept. 1-2. Organizers expect about 1,000 people over Labor Day weekend to watch yacht clubs compete in a high-performance sport boat new to the historic race.
“This will be the first year for the Viper 640, so there is going to be a lot more interest,” said Eugene Schmitt, Vice Commodore of the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club and 2018 Lipton Regatta chair. The Gulf Yachting Association, which consists of more than 30 yacht clubs from Texas to Florida, has adopted only two other classes of boats since 1920. The Fish Class sloop was adopted for the first Lipton Challenge. From 1969 to 2017, the Flying Scot was the official class. |
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The New Viper 640 in Action
The BWYC was reorganized in 1921 as the Bay-Waveland Yacht and Athletic Club. The club was admitted to the Gulf Yachting Association in 1922, according to the club’s website.
Schmitt said eight Bay-Waveland members have served as commodore of the Gulf Yachting Association: John Rawlings (1904), Eaton Bowers (1909), J. Alvin Weinfurter (1957), Henry Chapman (1967), Harry Chapman (1982), Basil Kennedy (1992), Walter Chamberlain (2002) and Judy Reeves (2009).
“The Bay-Waveland Yacht Club is steeped in history with the Lipton Cup,” Schmitt said. “We’ve won it 24 times in its 98-year history.”
The previous year’s winner generally hosts the regatta on their home waters every year. Last year’s host Pass Christian Yacht Club tied with Bay-Waveland in total points at the end of the regatta, but Bay-Waveland lost the tie-breaker. The Lipton rules prevent a club from hosting in consecutive years. “So we’re hosting it as runner-up,” Schmitt said.
The winner gets the perpetual trophy to display in the club for a year. “Our hope is we will bring it over from the Pass to the Bay and place it right at the top of the stairs for the next year,” Schmitt said.
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Talk of the Town - June 2018
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- story by Ellis Anderson
A ground-breaking Gulf-wide movement kicked off in Bay St. Louis at the end of April with a pilot program geared to wean restaurants off their single-use plastics addiction. The Mockingbird Café (110 South Second Street) has partnered with a group called Plastic-Free Gulf Coast (PFGC) and has committed to providing their customers with eco-friendly options instead of conventional plastic products.
The café will also be collecting data and providing feedback to PFGC, hoping to make it possible for other Gulf Coast restaurants to follow more easily in their wake. |
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Englebretson says the effort stems from the fact that plastic pollution is continuing to increase, despite efforts to curb it. Calling it “a pandemic,” she believes the only way to stop the pollution is to cut back use of it to begin with, by using biodegradable options like paper and sugarcane-based “plastic.”
The Mockingbird Café pilot program is being funded by a small grant through the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. Some of the grant money is being used to help pay for biodegradable non-plastics during the weaning away period. Customers are also being asked to pay a quarter extra.
The pilot program grew out of inspiration from the Starfish Café’s successful effort to go plastic-free. The Starfish (211 Main Street) is a project of the non-profit, Pneuma Winds of Hope. Di Fillhart is the organization’s executive director and manager of the Starfish Café. Fillhart says the café started going plastics-free four years ago.
Fillhart believes that the straws by request only is a good way for a business to get its feet wet in the burgeoning new green-market economy. “Our first step was to start with paper straws. Now we’re using a plant-based plastic straw.”
Cutting back usage of the seemingly insignificant drinking straw might seem like a wasted effort. How could that alone make a dent in the enormous amount of waste produced in this country? But Englebretson says that US citizens alone use 500 million plastic straws each day. To put it in perspective, in a single year those straws could fill Yankee Stadium.
Not once, but nine times over.
Bay St. Louis is the hub of the pilot program that is slated to spread across the five Gulf Coast states, and the city is also the birthplace of PFGC itself. The organization began in 2016 as a project called Plastic-Free April. Three local women concerned about plastic pollution - Kerr Grabowski, Carole McKellar and Ann Weaver - led a public challenge asking people to go without using plastic for one month.
“In the Gulf states, we don’t have a green economy where people have access to plastic alternatives,” Englebretson says. “We’d like to create one. And we’re even finding that some of the alternatives to plastic are now less expensive.”
The Mockingbird has already explored sustainable-practice options through the years. The newly launched program, overseen by manager Whitney LaFrance, has is pushing the sustainability-business model envelope. Owner Alicein Schwabacher found herself asking, “Do we even need some of these products? And if if we do, can we replace the plastic with something less harmful to our ecology and customers?”
“All of us at the Mockingbird want to be part of the solution,” said Schwabacher.
Englebretson believes that sort of attitude can lead to big changes.
“We just all need to work together and support each other,” she says. “We can make this happen.”
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Talk of the Town - May 2018
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- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
The Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse promises music and mayhem in Old Town for their 4th annual Pirate Day in the Bay. With so much fun planned, the “day” actually amounts to a weekend, kicking off with a couple of parties before the full blown celebration on Saturday.
Pirates, it turns out, like lots of time to party. John Rosetti, president of the krewe, expects thousands to take part in this year’s Pirate Day. “In the past I have met visitors from all over the country at Pirate Day. Some have since purchased homes and are now members of our organization. Visitors come and enjoy our event and friendly town and want to be here year round." |
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The historic observance of the little known battle launched the krewe’s Lundi Gras golf cart parade as well as Pirate Day. Both have grown each year and now both are much anticipated events enjoyed by visitors and local celebrants. Pirate Central, at the corner of Main Street and Beach Boulevard, is headquarters for all things Pirate Day.
Thursday - May 17
Friday - May 18
The Pirate Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday will feature music at Pirate Central and the search for a hidden treasure chest in Old Town.
“We have about 10 bars and restaurants you can go to and get a drink and a clue. From those clues you can go find the treasure chest,” Rosetti said.
The finder of the chest will receive about $500 worth of goods, including liquor and gift certificates from downtown merchants and others. Tickets for the event are $20 and can also be purchased online.
Saturday - May 19
The costume contest follows the parade, also at Pirate Central. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the contest gets underway at noon. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: age 9 and under; age 10 to 16 and adults.
Lil’ Buccaneers can enjoy all sorts of fun and games in the Kids Zone at the foot of Main Street. There will be a waterslide, inflatables and games for kids.
From 3pm - 5pm, pirates and other celebrants can take a two-hour cruise on the paddlewheel Betsy Ann.
“We’re really excited about the Betsy Ann coming over from Biloxi for this cruise around the beautiful bay,” Rosetti said. The $50 cruise ticket gets you drinks, music and snacks.
“Once the Pirates land at the Municipal Harbor, the Pirate Golf Cart Parade will roll through Old Town,” Rosetti said. “No need to register, just bring your golf cart to the harbor (dress as Pirates) and enjoy the parade.
Pirates must be 21 years old to take part in the Pub Crawl and the Pirate Cruise.
The pirates will be going out with a bang. The festivities conclude with music and a fireworks show (thanks to sponsor Silver Slipper) by the Bay St. Louis harbor at 9pm.
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Talk of the Town - April 2018 |
- story by LB Kovac, photos by Ana Balka, Lionel Haynes, Jr. and courtesy Relay for Life
Members of participating community teams will take shifts walking or jogging in this fun "marathon" event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Teams will also sell snacks, drinks and register folks for prizes.
Click here to register for the event! Don't have a team? Join one, they'll be delighted to have you!
The 2018 Hancock and Harrison Counties Relay for Life Honorary Survivor Art Clementin celebrated his 70th birthday this year. "I'm 70 years young," he tells me over the phone in a big, booming voice, laughing.
A former educator and school administrator, he keeps his days full volunteering with local social organization Men of God, teaching Bible classes, and delivering a radio show three times a week. "I'm doing whatever I can to be involved in and help our community," he says. Just nine years ago, this idyllic picture was a little darker for Clementin. He got a scary diagnosis: early stage prostate cancer. "I was very fortunate," he says. "Very blessed." |
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According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, an average of 14,000 people in our state are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Colorectal and breast cancers are the most common diagnoses, but prostate and mouth cancer diagnoses are on the rise.
The costs of cancer treatment, coupled with the increasing number of diagnoses, mean that cancer is also close to eclipsing heart disease as the number one killer in Mississippi. In 2016, 20% of deaths in the state were caused by cancer, according to the Health Department.
Clementin puts his faith in the research that is carried on by organizations such as the American Cancer Society. "I was assisted [in my own recovery] because of research done years ago," he says. "I'm a recipient of lots of people's research and hard work in the medical field."
Clementin's role as Honorary Survivor comes with quite a bit of responsibility. It's not wearing a sash and waving at crowds - Clementin must help bridge the gap between cancer survivors and the public, whose donations can greatly affect the outcomes of their diagnoses.
"That's why I want to encourage as many people as possible to attend," says Clementin. "We need to get the public involved and fight this horrible disease." With more donations, the research necessary to fight the spread of cancer can proceed.
Bernadette Cullen, along with her co-chair Nonnie Richardson, are the organizers of this year's Harrison and Hancock Counties Relay for Life. The event is slated to take place April 21 at the Our Lady of the Gulf Crabfest grounds.
story continued below
Scenes from past Relay For Life Events, Hancock County
Cullen points out that Relay for Life is different from other cancer fundraisers because it doesn't just support one type of cancer. "All types - breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia - you name it, we support it. The money goes to help research for all types."
She adds, "Most of the money stays locally. It goes to all kinds of things that your neighbors need, like medicine, doctor visits, rides, etc."
Without the focus on a particular cancer, Relay for Life attendees and organizers are free to focus on the survivors themselves. People like Clementin, who have successfully treated their cancer, as well as people who are still actively battling their cancers.
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Talk of the Town - March 2018
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- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
In honor of Tennessee Williams’ March 26 birthday and the community’s connection with the Mississippi borne playwright, the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre will present its “Stella Yelling” contest March 31 and original one-act play competition winners on March 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31.
Appropriately, the events will be held at the theater’s home, which played a starring role in “This Property is Condemned,” the movie based on Williams’ short story that was partially shot in the Depot district. A decade ago, the Little Theatre gamely debuted its “Stella Yelling” contest amid post-Katrina debris, dumpsters and portable toilets, and before the broken-down building was reclaimed by the organization. |
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The signature “Stella” yelling from Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” is the basis for the contest that attracts Stanley Kowalskis of all ages. The audience, many seated in lawn chairs outside the theater, chant to bring namesake character out onto the theater’s actual balcony. Amy Coston, the original and only Bay St. Louis Stella, will reprise her role for the 10th time. “It’s her only acting gig of the year,” Grace said.
In previous years, anyone who wanted to compete just stepped up and paid the $10 entry fee. This year, the contest will be split into two categories: one for adults and a another for kids 12 and under.
The deadline to sign up is 30 minutes before the 4 p.m. contest, to allow for spectators who inevitably get caught up in the moment. “Some people come in costumes and others sign up at the last minute because it looks like so much fun,” Grace said.
Grace expects 25 or 30 contestants again this year. Winners have come from Oklahoma, Texas and Meridian, Miss. “We’ve had tons of contestants come from New Orleans, which has its own contest. Last year we had a gentlemen from Japan compete. It’s amazing,” Grace said.
In the early days of the Williams tribute, the Little Theatre presented one of his plays but organizers recently decided instead to try to discover the next Tennessee Williams in the state through its Mississippi Writes Original competition.
“Last year for the first time we asked for submissions of one-act plays by only Mississippi writers,” Grace said. The Mississippi-centric works are chosen for production based on their insight, creativity, craft and engagement. Each play runs approximately 20 minutes and has minimal production requirements.
This year four winning playwrights will sit in the front row of the theater and see their plays come to life on stage. “At the end of every show, we do a ‘Chat with the Cast’ and allow audience members to enjoy wine and cheese while asking the writers and actors questions about the show. It’s an amazing evening,” Grace said.
All five plays will be performed March 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31.
Saturday, March 31
4 p.m.
In front of Bay St. Louis Little Theatre
398 Blaize Avenue
Free to the community
$10 contestant fee
Mississippi Writes Original
One-act plays and Chat with the Cast
March 23, 24, 30 and 31, 8 p.m.
March 25 2 p.m. matinee
Regular ticket fees
Bay St. Louis Little Theatre
(228) 467-9024
info@bsllt.org
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Talk of the Town - Feb/March 2018
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- story by LB Kovac, photos by Ellis Anderson
The story of the Second Saturday Artwalk SOUPer Mudfest starts like so many stories in our area – with Hurricane Katrina.
Nancy Moynan, SOUPer Mudfest founder and owner of local eatery Lulu’s on Main, says the Bay was hit hard by the record-setting hurricane, but “I had already dug my heels in, and I wasn’t going to let something like a silly hurricane make me leave.” From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success; in this case, the “rose” is Bay St. Louis’s main cultural attractions, the Old Town Historic District. The Second Saturday Artwalk, approaching its 25 year, draws locals, as well as visitors from across the region. Every monthly celebration offers live music, art openings and shop/restaurant specials. |
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And there's SOUPer Mudfest each March, now in its ninth year. It's expected to attract more than one thousand people to the Old Town district during its one-night-only stint.
And, with just $20, you can be a part.
The streets downtown, where Moynan and other community members had their businesses, were practically rubble, and “everyone was wearing shrimp boots to get around,” she said.
With conditions so bad, it was difficult to attract shoppers.
Eventually, though, the streets were repaired, and downtown Bay St. Louis returned to something that seemed more or less normal. There was no more mud, no more shrimp boots.
It was a chance for the Bay’s restaurant and business owners, herself included, to show off some of their best recipes, and the town to show that, despite the destruction of the last few years, it was still alive and kicking. Mudfest, like Bay St. Louis, experienced a rebirth.
That first year, Moynan’s gathered a team of six potters to make 280 bowls, as well as a host of local businesses to serve soup. They set up shop under a tent at the corner of Main and 2nd streets. With a price tag of $20 per bowl, the Mudfest’s entire stock sold out in the first hour of the event. It seems that Bay St. Louis residents were hungry for such an event.
SOUPer Mudfest continues to be a chance for visitors and community members to “see how fantastic our town is,” Moynan said. The $20 fee doesn’t just buy a bowl or free soup. The money, split among the potters, Old Town Merchants’ Association, Hancock County Food Pantry, and the Hancock County Tourism board, goes to maintaining the indomitable, Bohemian spirit that makes Bay St. Louis great.
This SOUPer Mudfest kicks off Saturday, March 10, at 4 p.m., near the corner of Main and Second streets. Early bird sales of bowls begin at 3:30 p.m. If you join in, Moynan said, “You might find a new artist you fall in love with.” Or a business. Or a whole town.
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Talk of the Town - January 2018
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- story by Ellis Anderson, photos by Ellis Anderson and Brenda Comer
On January 13th, mile-high hairdos, rhinestones, and exaggerated décolletage will become the order of the day as Bay St. Louis celebrates Dolly Parton’s birthday.
The event is piggy-backed onto the town’s monthly Second Saturday Artwalk which has been held for more than two decades and has established itself as one of the most popular art happenings in the state. For the past three years, the January artwalk has been known as “Dolly Should” – as in, of course Dolly Parton should come to Bay St. Louis for her birthday. “Country” is the theme of the day, so festivities include a hayride, square-dancing, a pie contest, a Dolly-themed art show and a pop-up beauty parlor, just in case you left your beehive at home. Cloggers will perform and a community mural will be taking shape at Main and Second streets. |
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Organizers are expecting even more contestants this year. Photographer Ann Madden and silversmith Sandy Maggio own Smith & Lens Gallery and are the creators of the annual birthday bash.
“Getting people who attend to commit to even a little bit of country costume makes it a big party,” says Madden. “And folks who go all out just seem to come alive under that big hair. So it’s a fantastic, feel-good, family event.”
Madden and Maggio came up with the idea of artist-themed birthday parties to spice up the Second Saturday Artwalks. They began with a “Frida Fest” in July 2014, to celebrate the birth of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The premier fest surprised everyone with its instant popularity.
The event is self-generated by the Old Town Merchants Association, without any assist from the city. Madden and Maggio say that it only works because most downtown businesses volunteer to participate. A restaurant might offer a country-themed special, while a shop might host a pie contest or hayride. Event publicity takes place mostly through social media.
“This town is just incredible,” says Maggio. “Everybody pitches in.”
Which is made easier since the event is wrapped around such an iconic musical artist. Both women point to Parton as an inspirational figure, beloved for her philanthropy, as well as her music. The star’s down-home simplicity is another reason for her appeal.
“Who doesn’t love Dolly?” says Madden. “For nearly sixty years, she’s been making music without compromise. She’s unapologetically herself.”
“I’ll bet the wigs are already sold out on the coast,” says Maggio.
Maggio’s big dream for this year’s celebration?
“My number one wish is that Dolly would just show up with her entourage,” Maggio says. “I would just die.”
“And of course, I want everyone to think of Bay St. Louis as a fun, happening little place,” she continues. “Because we are.”
Participants in the Dolly Look-alike contest should register between 5 pm and 7 pm at Smith & Lens Gallery, 106 South Second St. The entry fee is $10, with prizes being original “works of art.”
Check back here soon for a full roster of Dolly Should events/times/places.
- story by Lisa Monti
Picture your family and friends gathering in a field on a Saturday evening in December, listening to live music and enjoying tasty food truck fare. Then imagine the spectacular sight of everyone lighting personalized sky lanterns and letting them take flight in a choreographed release into the winter sky.
Mark your calendars. The Lights Fest is coming to the Hancock County Fair Grounds on Dec. 2 as part of a series of events all around the country. All are produced by Viive Events, a for-profit company “dedicated to making a lasting impact in each community we visit.” |
Talk of the Town
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Kevin Ladner, Hancock County’s recreation director, said the local site was selection for a couple of reasons. “They picked the fairground because we had a wide open space - about 80 acres - and we could handle the crowd they’re expecting, 5,000 to 8,000 people.”
Location was another reason, he said. “They are going to target New Orleans and Mobile, and we’re within an hour or so” of both cities.
Ladner said the wind direction on the day of the event will dictate where the lanterns will be lit and released safely.
Tickets sold online start at $35 and move up to $55 as the date of the event nears. Kids 3 or younger get in free; ages 4 to 12 pay $8.
For the price of admission and a signed waiver, you’ll get a sky lantern, a flashlight, keychain and marker to personalize your lantern.
Brings chairs or a blanket and find a place near one of the Tiki torches used to set the lanterns ablaze. Around twilight, the live entertainment and kid friendly activities begin.
Depending on wind conditions and when local fire officials give the word, you’ll get instructions on how to prepare and launch your lanterns. Organizers say they have “made safety the cornerstone of our business practice.”
Alcohol isn’t permitted and neither or pets.
For more information, or to volunteer or be a vendor, go to the Lights Fest website.
Starfish Fest
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson
Put Thursday, Oct. 5 on your calendar under “A Good Day for Good Vibes!” That’s the date of Starfish Fest 2017, when great live music, delicious food and various vendors will fill the grounds at the historic Depot in Bay St. Louis from noon to sunset.
The event is a fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Starfish Cafe’s capital campaign, and while admission is free, donations will be happily accepted, just like at the cafe (211 Main Street, Bay St. Louis). “For the event itself, you pay what you want. We’ll have donation buckets on the grounds,” said Di Fillhart, executive director of PNEUMA Winds of Hope, the nonprofit which oversees the cafe. All contributions will go toward the purchase of the cafe’s home on Main Street. |
Talk of the Town
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Besides food and music, the festival will feature Vendor-Palooza, a collection of all sorts of merchandise for sale. Organizers were looking for something different for the event and came up with the idea to raffle off a real tree with branches loaded up with a variety of gift cards.
The event is free and open to the public, with limited VIP seating at the festival available for $30 per person (click here to purchase online). These will get you close to the stage for live music by headliner Michael Grimm, Will Kimbrough and the Bay Ratz Marching Battery.
In the meantime, an online vendor application is available on the event’s Facebook page, and anyone who wants to donate gift cards or other prizes for the tree giveaway can drop them off at the cafe at 211 Main Street.
For more information and to purchase VIP tickets, go to www.starfishcafebsl.com.
Celebrating Excellence
- story by Ellis Anderson
The county’s biggest business event of the year, the annual Hancock Salute to Business and Industry Awards Gala, takes place on Thursday, August 24th this year.
Held in the enormous Hollywood Casino grand ballroom, almost 500 businesspeople community leaders gather each year to celebrate the achievements of local citizens and businesses. The event, produced by the Hancock Chamber and is always a sell-out - for good reason. It eschews the traditional speeches over dinner formula and the evening’s production is more entertaining than boring. After the opening cocktail party, the gala launches into a seamless scripted timeline - and nary a speech will be heard. |
Talk of the Town
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The gala’s been called the local version of the academy awards, because of this suspenseful finale. But a few behind the scenes changes makes the announcement even more meaningful.
Beginning in 2016, the individual business winners (Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, Waveland and Hancock County/Kiln), as well as the Citizen of the Year, are chosen by polling members of the Hancock Chamber. Organizers say that since the winners are selected by votes instead of a committee, it reflects the will of the membership.
Individual tickets to the event are $75 and tables are available with event sponsorships. They can be purchased online.
- Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill, Bay St. Louis
- Beacon Theatres, Waveland
- Memorial Physician Clinics & Diagnostic Center, Diamondhead
- INFINITY Science Center, Hancock County/Kiln
- Raymunda Barnes
- David Bassett
- Elise Deano
- Susan Duffy
- Craig Foster
- Madella and Blu Jordan
- Paul Montjoy
- Christina Richardson
- Susan Stevens
- Chuck Underwood
New Day in the Bay
- story and photos by Ellis Anderson
On June 6, the voters of Bay St. Louis hired on a team of mayor and seven councilmen who will serve them for the next four years. The eight officials took their oaths of office before a full house on June 30 at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall (with the exception of Gene Hoffman who was unable to attend and was sworn in at the June 22nd city council meeting). They officially commenced their jobs at 12.01 a.m., July 1. The first city council meeting for these new officials is slated for 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 5. The Shoofly was able to contact most of the officials the week before they took office. All expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming terms of service. You can read their comments below. | Talk of the Town |
Mayor Mike Favre
"I look forward to working with a council that is laser-focused on accomplishing, accountability and transparency. Together, I am confident that we will make Bay Saint Louis the place that people choose to live, work, do business, play and pray."
As a lifelong resident and your current Councilman at Large, I am committed to preserving and improving our city as A Place A-P-A-R-T. I am the son of Ethel and the late Nelius, brother of Neil and Eddie, father of Casey and husband of Sissy Seal Favre. I have an extensive history of local community involvement. I actively support and am involved in organizations such as CASA, Coastal Conservation Association, OLG Crab Fest, and numerous school and youth organizations.
I respectfully ask for your support as I seek the position of Mayor of Bay Saint Louis. I will return integrity to this city and return Bay Saint Louis to being A Place A-P-A-R-T. We will become ACCOUNTABLE for the decisions we make and make decisions that are PRACTICAL, bringing common sense spending to city government. We will make Bay Saint Louis ATTRACTIVE and the city that people choose to live, work, do business, play and pray. As your Mayor, I will be fully RESPONSIVE to every citizen in every geographic area and TRANSPARENT, so that government is open and easily understood by all stakeholders.
Together we can, together we will … return Bay Saint Louis to being A Place A-P-A-R-T.
Councilman At-Large Gary Knoblock
"I have a vision of things going forward in Bay St. Louis. Right now, we’re experiencing phenomenal growth. I’d like to see that revitalization continue, which will create a good economic climate."
"I’d like to help create a realistic budget that everyone can live with while meeting our needs. Among other things, I plan to support the library and see the police department continue to rebuild itself and find funding to build a new station."
In 1996, I moved to Bay St. Louis to be with family. After living here for 3 months, I decided I was here to stay and opened a small and barely noticed sign company called Lightning Quick Signs. For the next twenty years, I built a stable and long lasting company. During this time, I consistently volunteered in the community.
Currently, I serve as President of the BSL Rotary club, and Chairman of the Bay St. Louis Planning and Zoning Commission and have served in this position for the last 4 years. The Planning and Zoning commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council-to make recommendations as to variances, and zoning changes.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated our city, I reopened Lightning Quick Signs. I did this for many reasons but most important, I wanted to help rebuild and reestablish the economic engine of the community.
I want the citizens of this fine city to know that I am invested here. That everything I have committed too is for the betterment of Bay St. Louis. To continue this journey I am asking for your vote to be our next Councilman At Large of Bay St. Louis on June 6th.
Ward One: Doug Seal
"I am looking forward to working with this council. As a result of tremendous growth in Bay St. Louis, we will be presented with some challenges that we must be able to work together with as a group to solve. I would like move on from some of the past issues that have bogged us down and distracted us from the work at hand. The city needs to work as a group to look at ways to spend the taxpayers’ dollars wisely, but at the same time ensuring the city has enough funding to carry us through difficult times."
Let me start by thanking God and the residents of Ward 1 for giving me the opportunity to serve you and the citizens of Bay St Louis. These past few years have been a very rewarding but challenging time in the city of Bay St. Louis. We have overcome some difficult times and unfortunate situations, but we continue to head toward a bright and prosperous future.
As your Councilman, I have fought to improve our community and have been diligent in researching all matters that affect our community. As a result of my hard work and dedication my peers have recognized me as someone who will do his research to find all the facts, and then fight to do what is right.
I have been married to my wife Michele for the past 29 years. We have two sons - Cody 29, Cayce 25, and one grandson, Easton who is three.
Our families will be here for generations to come and what we do today will have a profound impact on their future. Again thank you for the privilege and honor to serve you and the citizens of Bay St. Louis.
Ward Two: Gene Hoffman
Eugene “Gene” J. Hoffman, IV, is an Attorney with Tonry, Brinson & Glorioso and Patriot Title. Gene attended Jesuit High School, NOLA, and graduated Cum Laude. He went to LSU where he married his lovely wife Edie. They have 2 wonderful children, a boy Gene V, age 14, and a beautiful girl Julia, age 10. He and his family have lived in Bay St Louis, MS since 2002, and love the Coastal Life. He is a very active member of the community and is involved with his kids’ activities, “Coach Gene”.
Gene received his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law in 1998, and has over 22 years of experience in LA & MS real estate, corporate, manufacturing and business. Gene has used his legal expertise as an attorney for various financial institutions and corporate entities. He served as General Manager, COO and Corporate Attorney for Air Quest Systems.
Gene is an exceptional senior executive, strategic planner, project manager, and team leader with successful managerial, financial, and legal experience. Proven ability to improve operations, impact business growth and maximize profits through achievements in finance, cost reductions, internal controls, and efficiency improvements. He is articulate, with effective and persuasive communication and negotiation skills.
Ward Three: Jeffery Reed
"We’re going to do some great things that will lift our residents to another level of living. It’s an exciting time for all the city officials as we move forward and take our city to heights it’s never been to before."
I am a life-long resident of Ward 3 in Bay St. Louis and the incumbent for Ward 3 City Council. I am also the founder of Powerhouse of Deliverance Ministries, Inc. and the owner of Reed’s Masonry, LLC, both in Bay St. Louis. During my 12 years of government service I have successfully secured private and government grants to help strengthen individuals, families, churches and communities. Furthermore, I have received the following relevant awards: Governor’s Humanitarian Award for Katrina Recovery Efforts & Key to City of La Habara, California for Katrina Recovery.
When I was elected in 2005, Ward 3 was the most underserved, under-funded and unvalued ward in the City of Bay St. Louis. Today, through my experience, integrity and hard work, Ward 3 has progressively become a much safer, cleaner, more neighborly and business-friendly community. As Councilman of Ward 3, I remain committed to the responsibility in which you have entrusted me by representing your interest before the mayor and city council. Through my service, Ward 3 has made great strides and has moved progressively forward. Therefore, I still believe that our best days are yet ahead and I am the right man to bring us there.
Ward Four: Larry Smith
My public service involvement as a Manager/Job Specialist for Jobs for Mississippi Graduates has provided me with heavy exposure and extensive daily dealings with the community in the development and administration of board budgets, committees, policies, and procedures and in promoting the organization and ensuring a professional image. Through my experience and involvement with diverse group of professionals I have enjoyed substantial growth as a direct result of my efforts and won several national awards for excellence.
Education:
National Board Certified Counselor Certification
Nationally Certified Trainer Train the Trainer Seminar, Zanesville, Ohio
Microsoft OEM System Builder since 1995.
Intel Networking Certified.
Twenty-two years in the computer industry, parts, hardware, software, installation, sales.
Mississippi Certified License in English and Counseling
Master’s Degree, Psychology, and Counseling
Baccalaureate Degrees, English, and Theology, Minors in Philosophy, and French
St. Joseph’s Seminary College, St. Benedict, LA.
Employment:
Storm Computers 1995-Present
Owner and operator of computer company. Teach Microsoft software and its applications. Give hands-on training with practical applications for personal and business use.
Co-Commander of the Bay PD Reserves
Clerk of Court City of Bay St. Louis
Buddy Zimmerman
"I’ve already gotten a great cooperative feel from the other council members. I think this is going to be a very energetic council, who will pinpoint problems, roll up our sleeves and get to work. Some of them have already been out here in Ward 5 looking at some of our issues and seeing for themselves things that need to be done."
"I plan on being a full-time councilman and working with the others to do the best job we can possibly do. We’re ready to go to work."
If elected, I will rely heavily on my 29 years of experience in the Public Works Department for the City of Bay St. Louis and 15 years of experience in construction on projects such as Buccaneer Park, DuPont, GE Plastics, and the Army Ammunition Plant.
Since 1974, I have spent my years raising my children in this wonderful place we call home. I can proudly say I have raised a nurse, a teacher/coach, and a housewife. At home I still have a six and eight year old for whom I have big dreams of seeing become productive members of our community.
I will work tirelessly, using the love and passion I have for our community to guide my actions to make it the best it can be. I believe cooperation among city leaders is essential for our city to move forward. Therefore, my campaign motto is “Together we can move in a new direction.” Let us come together to make this a place we can all be proud to call home.
Ward 6: Josh DeSalvo
"A lot of things I vote on will impact the city as a whole and I’m going to keep that in mind. I want to see the city grow in a good direction. I’m going to be a working councilperson and not a meeting councilperson. I’m ready to get to work."
I have lived in our community since 1977 and have two sons John, 22 and Jared, 16. I am engaged to Lori Simmons and excited that within the next year my family will double in size adding two beautiful daughters, Victoria, 24 and Issabella, 19.
Many of you may remember me from my previous employer, ABC Rental. I managed the Bay St. Louis branch from 1994 to 2006 during a time that our business saw substantial growth.
I am the owner of Waterslides of the Coast that I opened in 2006. I am proud to say what started out as one jumpy and a truck now has turned into the largest inflatable company on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I currently serve as Chairman of the Hancock County Water and Sewer District and The Chairman of the Hancock County Utility Authority.
I decided to seek this position because, I witnessed firsthand that by making the right decisions and working together as a team, the possibilities for our community are endless.
“For a positive day in the Bay!”
Pirate Day in the BayWe've got the Pirate Day schedule of events: Colorful, costumed rogues fly the Jolly Roger over Bay St. Louis on the 19th and 20th of May. Everyone's welcome to join the swashbuckling fun during this friendly festival. - story and photos by Ellis Anderson |
Three Forums For City Candidates
- by Lisa Monti
Bring It to the Bay
- story by LB Kovac, photos by Ellis Anderson
When Kids Are Kings
- story by Karen Fineran, photos by Ellis Anderson
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