Labor Day and Julio: Options for some standby sides

Labor Day weekends around my house growing up often meant patio dinners. I loved them. Today, I especially love the memories of them. Thinking back on those outdoor suppers evokes a warm, happy mash of extended family, laughter and my younger sister and I helping carry dishes to and fro.

Pandemic painting: When there’s ‘nothing else to do,’ express yourself

In March, Ralph Null was making plans to see more of the world. He is an avid seasoned traveler. Instead, a global pandemic sent him only as far as the small studio at his riverside home in Columbus.

Smith’s new novel announced for January release

Publishers Little, Brown and Co. have announced Michael Farris Smith’s latest novel, “Nick,” will be released Jan. 5, 2021.

Brighten school days — any days — with breakfast

School — in whatever form that means for your household — is back in session. For kids, sleeping in is (or should be) just a memory now. Families have spent the past six months adjusting in every way, shape and form. Fall semester 2020 calls for no less.

This bee guardian performs a valuable service, while getting in touch with something greater than self

For Ali Pinion, beekeeper, there really is no such thing as a “typical day at the office.” Work may send her off to extract bees from an attic, or make tinctures and candles from products of the hive, or even climb 12 feet up a tree convincing thousands of honey bees to change their permanent address.

Quick Bites is back and offering options

September will see the return of Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Quick Bites programs.

Dips are just-right for summer’s last days

Admittedly, I haven’t gotten out and about much during “corona-geddon,” as a niece refers to this pandemic period. But this past Friday, I really needed some sympathy cards.

Connected spirit: A pandemic-induced change of course can sometimes yield a blessing

As the noon hour Wednesday approached, Tavetia Hughes in Columbus double-checked that she had everything needed close at hand. The house was quiet as she waited with her phone. Her husband graciously finds elsewhere to be during this planned 60 or so minutes each week.

4-H to offer masks, sanitizer to west Lowndes residents

The West Lowndes 4-H Club will hold a drive-through giveaway of masks for children and adults, plus hand sanitizer, from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 for communities in west Lowndes County.

Food for the soul: Casserole Kitchen adapts to continue its mission

Key to navigating these months of global pandemic has been adaptability. It’s been vital for the workplace — and in nonprofit organizations as well. Everywhere, heads and hearts behind charitable efforts have had come together to find a way. That’s true at the Casserole Kitchen in Starkville.

Designing for the future: Local citizens are among many with ideas for a new state flag

An opportunity like this is rare. That’s what Jim McAnally of Columbus felt when he learned the public could submit ideas for Mississippi’s official new flag.

Summer’s okra: Charles Speed likes it ‘on his plate’

Charles Speed will tell you right quick how he best enjoys the okra he grows.

‘Williams Tribute, ‘Stella’ contest to go virtual

With six weeks to go before the planned 19th annual Tennessee Williams Tribute in Columbus, organizers have decided to make it a virtual celebration. The festival, founded by Brenda Caradine, traditionally explores all things Tennessee.

So berry good: Blueberries go with everything from Brie to brownies

What’s round and blue and refreshing in the middle of summer’s heat? Blueberries.

Art Reach: Two nonprofits team up to ‘make lemonade out of lemons’

A frenzy of packing is underway at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center. Boxes and bins fill the hallways, cover tabletops, line the walls. The flurry of activity has nothing to do with a new gallery exhibit, but it does have everything to do with art.

Public art project gives Starkville Main Street new look

Planters along Starkville’s Main Street are taking on a colorful new look.

Coronavirus concerns cancel fall’s Kentuck Festival of the Arts

For 49 years, the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Northport, Alabama, has been a premier showcase for more than 250 select artisans annually from far and wide.

Chill out: When it’s too hot to turn on the oven …

To my delight, our No. 1 (only) son is home for a visit, the first one since Christmas. We’ve missed him dearly, but we’ve all been coronavirus-cautious.

Small masks, big task: A group of volunteers asks a ‘village’ to come together

Many hands make light work.

The power of that old adage is being summoned as a core of volunteers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus appeals to the public to help make several thousand cloth masks for little faces.

‘Crazy Hair Art’ to ‘plant people,’ 4-H stays connected during pandemic

With so many outlets for face-to-face activity stripped from the summer of 2020 by COVID-19, youth organizations have been forced back to the drawing board.