Articles by Jan Swoope
‘Quilters’ explores frontier spirit, lessons in life
A rich tapestry of joy, heartbreak, struggle and satisfaction will unfold at Cromwell Theatre on the campus of Mississippi University for Women Feb. 24-27 as the Department of Music and Theatre presents “Quilters.”
They wear it well: ‘Pink Ladies’ and ‘Red Coats’ give from the heart
In the volunteer lounge at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, a huge simulated check hangs on the wall, filled out in the amount of $463,869.52. No, it’s not a windfall from Publisher’s Clearing House.
Operation Christmas Child numbers are in
The Operation Christmas Child Columbus Collection Center received a record 18,662 packed shoeboxes and plastic containers for the Samaritan’s Purse project during the 2010 year-end drive, reported OCC area coordinator Nelda Brown. This marks a four percent increase from 2009.
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater marks new era in entertainment
The largest outdoor theater in West Alabama will markedly increase entertainment options for Miss.-Ala. music fans.
From ‘Billie Jean’ to blues: Columbus Market Street Festival sets lineup
Even as snow fell on the Golden Triangle, plans were well underway for the 16th annual Market Street Festival May 6-7.
Laugh it up: Columbus to host Chicago’s famed Second City
Shades of Saturday Night Live. Comic spirits will be flying high Tuesday, March 1, when Chicago’s legendary improv and sketch comedy theater, The Second City, comes to Columbus’ Trotter Convention Center.
Sweet to eat: Ways to say, ‘Be Mine, Valentine’
There’s just something about Valentine’s Day. From the first little sack “mail box” we decorated and taped to our elementary school desks for classmates to drop their Valentines in, we were hooked. Now, all grown up, we still love to be remembered — and to remember those we care about.
And, Action: Magnolia Film Festival offers inspiration and entertainment
Scudding clouds cross the sky, casting changeling shadows on a lone windmill and a shirtless man lying inert in scrubgrass at its base. The disquieting tableau pulses with unanswered questions.
Chill Chaser: Game Day or any day, chili hits the spot
Chili. Some consider it the ultimate cold-weather fare. And in spite a recent spring teaser, Mother Nature has more winter in store, including Super Bowl Sunday, when Golden Triangle temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s by night.
Get it together: Organizers share tips for clutter busters
It’s often the second resolution — the one right after “lose weight” at the beginning of a new year. The promise to get organized, to reclaim jurisdiction of our space, to restore a sense of harmony to our habitat.
Paul Thorn pledges to go ‘all out’ with web concert
Paul Thorn has a wicked wit, and he’s not afraid to use it. The unorthodox Mississippi musician, who has played venues from London’s Royal Albert Hall to Columbus’ Princess Theater, will put it all on display Saturday in an Internet concert.
Right bites: These appetizers can score big at any Super Bowl party
Here it comes — Super Bowl XLV. The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers are deep in preparation for the NFL’s big bash Feb. 6, but so are plenty of football fans who enjoy having friends and family over to enjoy the season’s grand finale.
Dale Talley proves it: One man’s trash is another man’s fanciful furniture
Dale Talley admits it may have been all those Looney Tunes he watched as a kid. But something, somewhere, planted a seed for the fantastic.
New year, new you: What are the hottest fitness trends for 2011?
Whether motivated by New Year’s resolutions, a looming spring break at the beach, or simply a quest for healthier zest in the step, flocks of fitness seekers have Golden Triangle gyms and workout facilities brimming.
The Continental touch: New restaurant specializes in tapas and continental cuisine
Tapas — those small, tasty canapés or appetizers so popular in Spain — have returned to the Golden Triangle. Fritz Ehrentraut, of former hot spot 509 Tapas in downtown Columbus, resurrects the concept with the newly-opened Possum Town Tavern at 2222 Military Road.
Dream 365: Four-day celebration honors Martin Luther King Jr.
In May 1958, Ernest Green made history by becoming the first African-American to graduate from Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. Martin Luther King Jr. attended the graduation.
Brighter Days: Program enters new year with expanded mission
In a spacious room luminous with winter sunlight, Theresa Gandy concentrates on a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle.
Columbus woman shares her deeply personal story
Roszalia Ellen knew she had to finally open up about her past. Trying to hide it didn’t make it go away. Pretending it never happened didn’t lesson its impact.
‘Hurry Up and Slow Down’
When Michael Smith got engaged in the late ’90s, he wasn’t quite prepared for the great Christmas compromise, a bridge to be crossed by all who marry. There’s a learning curve to be gingerly navigated as families blend traditions.
‘Christmas Memories from Mississippi,’ and a conversation with Wyatt Waters
“I tell you, I believed in Santa Claus a lot longer than I should have,” said Wyatt Waters, with the disarming grin he wears as easily as a familiar jacket. Quiet-spoken and approachable, the celebrated Mississippi artist talked about “Christmas Memories from Mississippi,” a new collection of holiday essays, during a visit to The Book Mart in Starkville Dec. 10.
