Community Calendar for the week of August 12, 2012

As the world's best compete in London, a former Olympian among us recalls his own journey

Plenty of Golden Triangle porches sport decorative flags that proclaim collegiate allegiances, whether they be Bulldog maroon and white, Rebel red and blue or any other team's colors. But, from one porch in a quiet, well-manicured West Point neighborhood, don't be surprised to see the Olympic rings flying proudly, at least through the Aug. 12 closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Until then, Tony Rosetti's team is Team USA.

Historic Columbus church plans restoration, with community support

Almost 150 years after the cornerstone of Annunciation Catholic Church was laid in Columbus on May 4, 1863, its congregation and community are coming together to ensure the historic landmark is here for generations to come.

Compassionate Friends help families cope with the unthinkable

On July 20, 12 families in Colorado and around the country were stricken with the worst reality a parent can be called on to endure -- the loss of a son or daughter. These families abruptly lost their children, who ranged in age from 6 to 51, to a criminal attack that will never make sense.

CONTACT to host Back 2 School Bash, community outreach

For 37 years, CONTACT has provided a 24-hour helpline for those in crisis situations, in need of information referral, or simply hoping for a caring, nonjudgmental ear. As a new school year gets underway, the nonprofit agency wants to remind youth and teens that this community resource is not only for adults.

Have you taken a look at the Boys & Girls Clubs lately? Good things are going on.

The brightly-lit gymnasium of the Boys & Girls Club in Columbus reverberated with laughter Wednesday afternoon. The song "Ice Cream Freeze," by Hannah Montana, began on a laptop in one corner of the cavernous space, cueing a dance team to begin its routine.

CAC invites public to join in logo makeover

The Columbus Arts Council is considering a logo redesign and is looking to the talented public for ideas.

Junior Auxiliary teams with library to inspire early literacy skills

I got it!" beamed Delaney Shedd, touching small fingers to the screen of an Early Literacy Station to make an image of a flower, a train or an animal appear. At just 22 months old, her consonants may not be quite crisp, but her understanding that she was making things happen definitely computed.

A family patriarch marks 50th year in the historic home he and his wife loved the moment they saw it

Fifty years after Robert and Donna Snow struggled through undergrowth to catch their first glimpse of the weathered beauty that would become their life's passion, Robert Snow can still recite even the smallest details. It is no wonder, perhaps, since that October morning in 1961 changed the course of his life, and was the salvation of Waverley Mansion.

Pillowcase frocks are 'changing lives, one little dress at a time'

June sunlight spilling through the windows of St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall found many hands and light hearts at work on a recent Saturday morning. Amid the muted hum of portable sewing machines and murmur of casual chat and easy laughter, volunteers cut armholes, ironed bias tape, pinned trim and stitched straps.

Down on the farm: Dairy goats answer the "got milk?" question for this industrious family

Ernest Mast's Homestead Acres is nestled deep in Noxubee County, past vast fields that call up the phrase "God's country." Miles of dirt road bordered by corn and soybeans lead to its white rail fence and a neat ranch-style farmhouse, originally built by Ernest's father.

How does your bucket grow? A science project turns bountiful, saving more than 'a drop in the bucket'

It's late afternoon and Jordan Mize's little garden is bathed in the warmth of a low-lying sun. Light glints brilliant through droplets of water clinging to broad leaves and tiny green tomatoes, just coming into the world.

'Sold' on service: Young 'ad execs' promote community causes with inaugural IB exit project

Two months ago, fifth-grader Jalyn Collins had never heard of guerilla marketing. Her classmate, Morgan Williams, could not imagine she would "pitch" a product to random shoppers at the mall. And 11-year-old Kevin Brown certainly had no idea what an elevator speech was. But these students at Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet School -- an IB (international baccalaureate) World School -- and their fifth-grade classmates have become pretty savvy since March. With a public exhibition Monday evening, they completed the K-5 school's first-ever IB exit project.

Grants bring out community's artistic side

Grants can often make the difference between a project coming to fruition or languishing unfulfilled. This academic year, the Starkville Area Arts Council has awarded more than $5,000 in grants in Starkville schools to support artistic pursuits.

Seattle songwriter, Texas-style fiddler combine talents Wednesday

The Columbus Arts Council hosts Seattle singer/songwriter Ian McFeron and fiddler Alisa Milner in concert Wednesday, May 16, in the Omnova Theater of the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus.

Beautiful botanicals and the arts blend in 'Art in the Garden'

If gardening is your passion, or if you just want to spend a leisurely morning listening to good music or watching an artisan at work, the Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) suggests Art in the Garden Saturday, May 19.

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