Articles by Jan Swoope
Award-winning cookbook author Martha Foose to visit Columbus
Maybe you’ve seen her on “Good Morning, America,” or perhaps the “CBS Early Show.” Or you may have read about her in Garden & Gun magazine this spring, or in any of the towering stack of glossy pages she’s graced since first writing her best-selling cookbook, “Screen Doors and Sweet Tea.”
By hand, by heart: Working with wood seals bond between father and son
As the afternoon waned, George Dyson Sr. sat in the softening light, rhythmically burnishing the handle of a wooden spoon he made years ago — before the heart attacks, before the strokes. With each methodic pass of wood on wood, the deep, umber-colored bois d’arc handle released a glow, preening in the hands of its maker.
The herbal factor: Elevate your cooking with herbs
Dr. Lelia Kelly knows her herbs. The Mississippi State University Extension Service consumer horticulture specialist grew and sold them commercially before coming on board at MSU. When she pronounces herbs the multipurpose plants of the 21st century, it’s with good reason.
Have couch? Will travel: A veteran traveler and friends talk CouchSurfing
Stephanie Holcombe is a “yes” woman — and proud of it. “Yes” to exploring. “Yes” to learning. “Yes” to new experiences. Her worn passport is evidence enough.
Duo promotes potential new state song
Songwriters Carolyn Sue Woods of Amory and John Riggs of Nashville, Tenn., are hoping the good people of the Magnolia State will one day soon be singing about “her fertile Delta bottom land to her coastline full of fine warm sand.” The opening line of their song, “I Miss Mississippi,” begins a melodic four-verse tour of the state often identified with its farming, music, magnolias and history.
Gol chini: ‘Fragile flowers’ from Iran take root in Mississippi
When Tamineh Borazjani came to America 11 years ago, she knew little English and was unfamiliar with Western customs. But the new bride of Mississippi State University Forest Products Professor Hamid Borazjani brought with her an inherent gift that translates readily in any country — an artist’s vision.
Educators’ workshop sets stage for Smithsonian exhibit
Area teachers are in for hands-on enjoyment with a free June 18 workshop paving the way for “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, to be hosted Oct. 28-Dec. 10 by the Columbus Arts Council (CAC) at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, will encompass an array of entertaining and educational events throughout the fall.
Tempting Thai: Family brings Thai cuisine to the Triangle
In a Deep South more accustomed to fried chicken and buttered biscuits, most might not think Thai cuisine would find a ready audience. But that’s what happened when Bann Thai opened its doors in Columbus in December 2010.
Tempting Thai: Family brings Thai cuisine to the Triangle
In a Deep South more accustomed to fried chicken and buttered biscuits, most might not think Thai cuisine would find a ready audience. But that’s what happened when Bann Thai opened its doors in Columbus in December 2010.
Blues tradition lives on in Freedom Creek Festival
When it comes to authentic blues, Freedom Creek Festival has delivered year after year. Started by bluesman Willie King in a rural field behind his home, this annual gathering of the faithful has continued in his honor in the two years since King’s untimely death in 2009.
CONTACT Helpline needs you
CONTACT, a United Way agency, is calling all ministers, advisers, counselors, emergency workers, mental health workers, teachers and others to participate. Executive Director Lindy Thomason also encourages stay-at-home moms, business professionals, even college students, to consider the training course.
A grant and green thumbs turn scrub dirt into a living classroom
Waylon Kelly walks among the butterfly bushes (buddleja davidii, to the purist) intrigued by lance-like clusters of tiny purple flowers in the new butterfly and reading garden at his elementary school.
A pure equation: Math teacher shows his students that goals plus passion equals dreams realized
There came a moment in one of Johnathan DuFour’s math classes one day that every teacher experiences. That moment, when each wonders if anyone cares.
Blues, photo art, tornado relief to highlight CD release
New blues music — and a pinch of voodoo — will be in the air Friday night as Big Joe Shelton and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors team up with the Columbus Arts Council for a CD release show and print exhibit in the gallery of the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. in Columbus. The event will also lend a helping hand to the Smithville tornado relief effort.
Versatile quiche: Breakfast, lunch or dinner, this dish can do it all
It may be the inimitable Julia Child quiche lovers in the Golden Triangle should thank for popularizing the egg custard oven-baked pie filled with everything tempting and savory.
Art in the garden: Visual and performing blend arts in upcoming garden tours
It’s just possible that Bill Poe is happiest these days sitting on his “observation deck,” looking out over his own slice of Serengeti paradise. At a nearby watering hole, elephants play, their rippling melody refreshing as the sun sets on a long, hot day.
Art in the garden: Visual and performing blend arts in upcoming garden tours
It’s just possible that Bill Poe is happiest these days sitting on his “observation deck,” looking out over his own slice of Serengeti paradise. At a nearby watering hole, elephants play, their rippling melody refreshing as the sun sets on a long, hot day.
Berry sweet: Low in calories, high in nutrients, strawberries rule
Few things taste better than a bowl filled with fresh-grown strawberries during a Southern spring and summer. Not only are they delicious and beautiful in all their red-ripened glory, but this fruit is naturally high in fiber, Vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants. But back to that taste …
New director takes helm at Columbus Arts Council
Tina Sweeten has hit the ground running. The new executive director of the Columbus Arts Council is immersing herself in the operations of the nonprofit agency that brings visual and performing arts, concerts, classes and exhibits to the Friendly City and surrounding areas.
New director takes helm at Columbus Arts Council
Tina Sweeten has hit the ground running. The new executive director of the Columbus Arts Council is immersing herself in the operations of the nonprofit agency that brings visual and performing arts, concerts, classes and exhibits to the Friendly City and surrounding areas.
Four local soccer teams place at state and regional tournaments
June 25, 2025
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