‘On the Hill’: New cookbook from Columbus’ ‘church on the hill’ offers almost 600 recipes that wow

When we’re happy, we celebrate with food. When folks are sick and hurting, we cook because food is an easily shared expression of love, concern and condolence. For those, and other reasons embraced in the introduction to “Favorite Recipes On the Hill,” First Presbyterian Church in Columbus was inspired to create a cookbook.

Freedom Creek Festival: Still deliverin’ the blues

Willie King has been gone since March 2009, but the memory of the humble, award-winning blues guitarist and singer still resonates among those who heard him, played with him, or were just fortunate enough to dance in the dust of a Pickens County field, sweating to authentic blues that have been the hallmark of the Freedom Creek Blues Festival King founded.

A pilgrimage to Pilsen: A Columbus veteran makes emotional return to Czech towns he helped liberate in 1945

Dr. Bob Gilbert eased back in an upholstered chair in his spacious, pastel living room Tuesday. One hand rested on his leg, the other on top of a walking cane.

He was surrounded by lovely things, in this home on a quiet, wooded lot not far from downtown Columbus. He is an educated man, described by close friends as compassionate and selfless. He enjoys music, the arts and the pursuit of knowledge.

His thoughts, however, were elsewhere.

‘Cooking saved my life’: From Korea to Columbus, YouTube and beyond

When Seonkyoung Longest came to the United States in 2009 from her native South Korea, her world was a happy place. She had met and married her Prince Charming — Jacob Longest of the United States Air Force — and was about to begin the next chapter in a new land. What she didn’t realize was that her fairy tale was about to meet reality.

The Power of purses: Donating handbags makes a difference to a ministry to Mexico

If Angie Basson ever wondered what a couple of thousand purses look like, chances are she won’t have to wait long to find out. The spare bedroom of her east Lowndes County home is already overflowing with about 1,000 handbags of every color and configuration — and the stockpile keeps growing.

Acclaimed pianist on stage in Columbus Monday night

Jonathan Levin was only 15 when he debuted with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra. Since then, he’s become a sought-after concert pianist, performing in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland.

Jimmie Rodgers Foundation honors legend with CD release

In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the death of “The Father of Country Music,” Meridian native son Jimmie Rodgers, and in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Meridian’s Jimmie Rodgers Festival, the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation on Thursday released a unique CD recorded in Meridian’s Jimmie Rodgers Museum.

Beautiful berries: Don’t miss ‘last call’ for fresh strawberries or Chef Ty’s easy way to use them

Sprinkled with sugar, dipped in chocolate, topping a cake or just plucked from the plant, strawberries are one of Mother Nature’s sweetest gifts, and Chef Ty Thames knows it.

A sacred space: Time-worn graves on a remote ridge remind of Indian heritage and church roots

Sunlight performed a dappled dance through new growth overhead, as a gentle wind sent tall grasses brushing against tombstones that have stood vigil for almost two centuries. The peace was palpable on this rural ridge in Oktibbeha County.

Fan drive: Small acts become big blessings

When a Mississippi summer hits its stride, those unable to cool their homes suffer miserably. The results can be life-threatening.

Organic gardens? One-stroke art? Self defense? LEP offers it all

Learning a new skill, an innovative exercise, or a better way to tackle almost anything from scrapbooking to eBay is at the community’s fingertips. Those subjects, plus many others, are among course offerings in the Mississippi University for Women Life Enrichment Program’s upcoming summer terms.

A May tradition: Memories, delicious meals are all part of St. Paul’s annual luncheon

“You remember that episode of ‘I Love Lucy,’ with the candy on the conveyor belt? That’s what the takeout room is like,” joked Tom Whitaker Monday afternoon. He was talking of the annual “lunch rush” at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women May Luncheon and Bake Sale, a much-anticipated event on Columbus’ culinary calendar every spring.

Riding the rails: ‘All aboard’ for West Point’s transportation museum

It’s not so often a grown man gets to report to work and play with trains. For Terry Craig, though, it’s a weekly joy. As

Gardens, getaways and hunting trips headline CAC gala

Organizers of the annual Columbus Arts Council gala may have outdone themselves this time around.

Four-year-olds receive early music training, thanks to sorority

To the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, sounds emanating from 13 pre-K students at Coleman Head Start recently were music to the ears. Since February, 13, the children have been learning to not only love music, but how to play the violin and recorder.

Fiesta: When the mood says south of the border

It’s time to party. If there’s ever an occasion to pull out your best fiesta-themed menus and props, it’s Cinco de Mayo — the fifth of May.

Brock, Stuart reunite on country music TV show

Five-time Grammy-winner Marty Stuart and fiddler extraordinaire Jim Brock have more in common than their Southern roots.

Vintage gets a makeover: Everything old is new again for first-time Market Street Festival jewelry vendors

Mike and Becky Childs are into recycling. But we’re not simply talking plastic bottles or aluminum cans here. The New Hope community couple rescue well-used vintage china and silver plate flatware from obscurity and transform it into jewelry.

What’s for dinner? Lowndes Cattlemen’s Association fires up the grills for annual fundraiser

‘Tis the season — the season for taking covers off the grills, for organizing cooking tools, maybe even buying a new chef’s apron … the season for enjoying a deep whiff of an excellent cut of beef sizzling above the heat.

HA’s spring production blends the law, laughter and music

When the film “Legally Blonde” hit theaters around the country in 2001, audiences may not have envisioned it would someday end up on Broadway. But the story of a seemingly ditzy blonde, her sorority sisters, an errant boyfriend and Harvard Law School morphed into a musical that makes its way to the Heritage Academy stage in Columbus April 26-28.