Articles by Jan Swoope
A grassroots Christmas: Community volunteers start growing a new tradition in New Hope
Rhonda Dye got the electrician’s call Monday evening. Everything necessary to power up a Christmas display she and fellow volunteers had erected outside the New Hope Community Center was completed.
Whoville Cruisin’ to roll through Columbus Saturday
Many traditional Christmas parades statewide have been canceled this year, but Main Street Columbus, Life Church and Southbound Coffee are teaming up to bring some rolling festivity to Columbus Saturday.
DIY cranberry sauce
In a year when time has so often seemed to crawl, it’s startling how fast Christmas is hurtling toward us.
Stitched with love: A story leads a Columbus woman to reach out to kids a world away
For dozens of young girls in Chinameca, El Salvador, this Christmas will bring a special gift sent with love from Columbus, Mississippi. It began with a story Tammy Craddock recently heard from a niece who had been on a mission trip abroad more than a year ago
JA of Columbus accepting scholarship applications
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus is reaching out to graduating high school seniors in Lowndes County, encouraging them to consult with their school guidance counselor about applying for a scholarship from the nonprofit organization.
Lowndes MSU Alumni chapter asks members to support drives
Giving back is a current focus for the Lowndes County Chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association. Three collection drives will benefit area agencies.
Love those leftovers
By now, plans have been made for how our Thanksgivings will unfold. Just before writing this, I listened to a call-in program on MPB radio as listeners shared how they’re adapting this year.
Thoughts at Thanksgiving
Here we are, counting down the days to one of the most unusual Thanksgivings many have experienced.
Make the most of the holidays with Quick Bites tips
As the end of a stressful 2020 nears its end, two free Mississippi State University Extension Services’ Quick Bites programs focus on decorating the season and preserving memories.
COVID cancels Country Store, but support for Lee Home still needed
After 59 years, the annual Country Store Bake Sale at the Stephen D. Lee Home and Museum in Columbus will not take place this year.
Tips for sweets — and safety — this Thanksgiving
Like many of you, our family plans to scale back this Thanksgiving — fewer people, much simpler menu, and aiming to do whatever we do outside, assuming Mother Nature is kind.
Picture this: Local artists prove ‘every picture tells a story’
Jeanette Jarmon was hooked from the first phone call back in March. Novelist and children’s book author Sue Clifton of Oakland, Mississippi, had called the Columbus artist to ask her to illustrate a children’s book.
Pandemic concerns cancel 2021 JA Charity Ball
The decision was a hard one, but Junior Auxiliary of Columbus has announced cancellation of its spring 2021 Charity Ball.
‘United We Feed’ enters final week
In a year that has intensified food insecurity across Mississippi and the nation, United Way of North Central Mississippi is hoping the final week of its annual United We Feed food drive will be a big one.
Pecan snackin’
Right on schedule, a windfall of pecans has blanketed my front yard. I’ve mentioned in this space before that my husband, Oop, persistently follows their daily drop every year, from one side of the tree’s wingspan to the other. I am of some sporadic help in this weeks-long effort.
In their honor: As Veterans Day nears, one hospice organization shares how it pays tribute
Veterans Day 2019 provided Kathryn Tucker with a comforting memory she can look back on today. As she watched then, her father, U.S. Navy veteran Richard Lutz, was honored for his military service by his Sanctuary Hospice caregivers.
Like apple with that? Salads with apples, a cool weather favorite
These days I’m going to the grocery store twice a month. I used to go once a week. For the time being, I’m trying to reduce as much crowd exposure as possible.
Poets, in uncertain times: A sampling of poets reflect on their craft in challenging times
“I feel like there should be a word for this … ”
That thought from Naomi Buck Palagi emerged as she considered the effects of months of global pandemic on her craft — the writing of poetry.
Main Street Columbus announces holiday activities
Main Street Columbus is hard at work ensuring the “Grinch” doesn’t steal away a festive community holiday season. Yes, signature downtown events looked forward to each year will have a different look, but every effort is underway to deliver holiday cheer.
The care and feeding of ghosts and goblins
As the witching hour draws nearer, festivity-starved souls are counting the days until All Hallows’ Eve. Weatherfolk predict the holiday will come suitably wrapped in crisp fall temperatures and clear skies — just right for tall tales around a fire pit and toasting a marshmallow or two.