Articles by Jan Swoope
White Christmas marks 103rd year at First Methodist
Christmas is a season of tradition, and one of Columbus’ longest-standing December traditions began at First United Methodist Church more than a century ago.
Dear Santa … We asked: What’s on your culinary wish list?
Granted, most letters on their way to the North Pole this time of year are penned by youngsters, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t tempted from time to time. If the art of cooking and appreciation of good food are among your joys in life, your wish list probably has something on it for the kitchen.
Mr. Fred … and his absolutely awesome day
When Fred Baker awoke on Nov. 16, he didn’t know it would be what he’d later describe as one of the best days of his life.
Experience a ‘First Christmas’ in interactive Bethlehem village
A phenomenon the Golden Triangle has come to eagerly anticipate each December will soon take shape again in a grassy clearing at Brickerton in Columbus. Structures of wood and “stone” will rise near the intersection of Military Road and Bluecutt Road, a recreation of a first-century Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.
VegFest: Festival with a focus is planned for Saturday
Celebrity chef Andre Rush and Cindy Ayers Elliott of Foot Print Farms in Jackson are among experts set to share their knowledge at the Healing Springs Farmacy Mississippi Chapter VegFest Saturday, Nov. 30 in Crawford.
Thoughts at Thanksgiving: A few readers share their memories and thoughts
Remember that year the turkey caught fire? Or the Thanksgiving sharing an impromptu meal with fellow travelers stranded in an airport? Or, oh yeah, the time the kids got into that box of fireworks after the big family feast? Memories of Thanksgiving. They surface and swirl at this time of year.
Eagle Scout project helps riders sit high in the saddle
Thanks to an Eagle Scout project recently completed at Sunshine Stables, the therapeutic horseback riding center in Lowndes County is able to help people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional challenges strive toward independence.
Tree lighting, Wassail Fest offer back-to-back festivities
Downtown Columbus will fill with Christmas spirit Dec. 5 and 6.
Family tradition: The Country Store Bake Sale is back — just in time for Thanksgiving
Pam Bullock and her cousin Judi Jarrett were both born and raised in Columbus, and each made their way out into the world when they were grown. As adults, they traveled great distances, as military families do, and lived in different, often exciting locales.
Holiday blues … Anyone can get them — recognize triggers and copes
“It’s in full swing already,” said Licensed Professional Counselor Veronica Harrison of Community Counseling Services. The “it” is stress that can worm its way into what we’re told should be the “hap-happiest season of all.”
Cassie’s cakes
Have you ever wondered how cake makers turn out those intricately decorated creations? Have you pondered whether you could learn to do it yourself? Cassie Black in the New Hope community believes there is every chance you can.
Good energy: Utilities, Homestead Center partner on sustainable energy and youth development
Sweltering in summer, layering up in winter, wading — indoors — after a big rain. That’s what Margaret Brown and other J.L. King Center staff and volunteers in Starkville sometimes contend with when they report to the center on North Long Street to wage an offensive.
St. Paul’s Socktober boosts Y’s Undercover Project
Congregation members at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus now know what 547 pairs of new socks look like. That’s how many they collected during their Socktober drive, to donate to the YMCA’s Undercover Project.
Slow cooker meals save time, money
Crisper temps, “shorter” days — that means it must be time to revisit our slow cookers. I can’t resist at this time of year. Yes, the appliance is great to use year-round, but there is just something about a chilly change in the weather that cozies up with slow cooker meals.
In harmony: New director leads Choral Society into 10th season and fall concert
There was a brief time, years ago, when Jayne Doolittle told herself she would not go into music when she grew up. Today, though, it’s hard for her to imagine doing anything else.
Ghosts & Legends Tour returns Friday, Saturday
Compelling personalities from Columbus’ past will be featured when the annual Ghosts & Legends Tour returns Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9.
Celebrating the blues: Momentum builds for new interactive museum
Deborah Mansfield moved paintbrush over canvas, deftly capturing the scene before her Wednesday night during a fundraiser for what looks destined to become a regional must-see attraction — the Black Prairie Blues Museum.
Decorative and visual arts come together for Art ‘n Antiques
A variety of decorative arts, antiques and original artwork will be showcased under one roof Thursday through Saturday when the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation presents the annual Art ‘n Antiques Show and Sale in the heart of downtown Columbus.
Friday kicks off downtown Columbus Christmas open house
Ready or not, downtown Columbus is getting into the holiday spirit. The Downtown Christmas Open House takes place Friday through Sunday, Nov. 1-3.
Say it with pumpkins
In the week ahead many among us will be finalizing a costume, deciding what food to take to a party, buying a pumpkin or at least — I should hope — picking up a bag or two of candy to hand out should little trick-or-treaters come your way.
