Articles by Jan Swoope
Photos: Signs of the times
Church signs. We take them for granted in the daily landscape that zips past in our haste to get from Point A to B, and then C, D and E. Each one, however, is a source of communication — with existing church members, potential members and the community.
West Point expats spread blues gospel on west coast
A Hollywood audience recently got a dose of some down-home Southern blues, thanks to two men who have both called Clay County home.
Bubbles and bites: Ringing in the new year shouldn’t break the bank
No matter how many spins we’ve taken around the sun, there is something special about the eve of a new year.
A chili Christmas: Christmas Eve has traditions of its own
Here we are, just a day away from Christmas Eve, when we’ll all be nestled snug in our beds — probably under the A/C because Old Man Winter has taken leave of his senses. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve chili tomorrow night.
Sharing Christmas: Volunteers deliver the gift of caring (and one actually hails from ‘the North Pole’)
Santa Claus has a lot of calls to make every Christmas, so it should come as no surprise that he enlists helpers to make a few of them early.
CPD toy drive looking for a final push
The Columbus Police Department hopes an annual toy drive will receive a final boost before distribution day dawns Dec. 22.
Candy kitchen: A Columbus candymaker whips up sugar, spice and everything nice
When candymakers buy chocolate in bulk, it’s a sure sign they are serious about their craft.
Saturday concert to feature multi Grammy Award winner
The signature sound of repeat Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist David Phelps will be showcased in “Christmas for Columbus” Saturday, Dec. 19.
Jamz puts a modern twist on a classic Christmas tale
An upcoming play will have some familiar themes, but “Jamz’ Christmas Carol” is “not your grandma’s ‘Christmas Carol,'” reads the synopsis of this urban take on Charles Dickens’ classic.
Paris attacks spur response at local high school
The coordinated terror attacks in Paris on the night of Friday, Nov. 13 stopped Harley Hendricks in her tracks. The Caledonia High School senior and French language student was stunned, as the world was, to hear the breaking news out of France.
Chalk it up
Pearls of wisdom — or just a smile for the day — may pop up in the most unexpected places. A coffee house, for instance.
It’s cookie time! Fresh recipes for the ’12 Days of Christmas’ and more
Every year at about this time, Associated Press recipe developer and chef Alison Ladman releases the much-anticipated “cookie package” — 12 fresh recipes for the “12 Days of Christmas” … and bunco, garden club, cookie swaps, church socials, caroling, neighborly gifts or just warming our tired feet by the fire.
Welcome to a Tour of Homes, one with a Jamaican twist
On the surface, a Christmas Tour of Homes in Columbus would seem to have nothing in common with a vacation Beth and Duff Jeffers once took, but look again.
Palmer Home poinsettias brighten holidays, teach life lessons
The greenhouses of Palmer Home for Children have gone ruby red, thanks to almost 3,500 Christmas poinsettias.
Counseling center honors Porter
A counseling center in Columbus that has been a place of healing for more than a decade bears a new name, memorializing a man who propelled its formation.
Sweet couture: The W’s culinary students design a showpiece for Friday’s wassailing
Wassail will flow freely in Columbus Friday, and a few fanciful characters will come to life to ring in the season.
Columbus Sings ‘Messiah’ celebrates 15th year
For a 15th consecutive year, “Columbus Sings ‘Messiah'” will bring George Frideric Handel’s masterwork to the Golden Triangle.
‘Raging Possums’ train up to run for St. Jude
The St. Jude Marathon Weekend in Memphis, Tennessee, Dec. 3-5 will have a new cadre in the ranks.
Shared bounty: Casserole Kitchen provides a helping hand
At a time of year associated with bounty, Starkville’s Casserole Kitchen reminds us that not everyone is blessed with it.
Be thankful: Remember a special Thanksgiving? A few readers share
Be thankful. Some argue that, in light of all that is happening in the world around us, it is hard to do. One might counter that, in light of all that is happening in the world around us, it is crucial to do.
