It’s Market Time: Herb workshop, logo flowerpots, new construction highlight farmers’ market openings

The abundant beauty of spring has followed a long, hard Golden Triangle winter. And what better way to put the final exclamation point on Mother Nature’s glowing transition than with openings Saturday of Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market and the Starkville Community Market?

It’s Market Time: Herb workshop, logo flowerpots, new construction highlight farmers’ market openings

The abundant beauty of spring has followed a long, hard Golden Triangle winter. And what better way to put the final exclamation point on Mother Nature’s glowing transition than with openings Saturday of Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market and the Starkville Community Market?

Girl Power: Habitat for Humanity builds bond for mothers, daughters, women from all walks of life

“Window! We’ve got a window coming up!” The shout is heard above bursts from a nail gun and the buzz of power saws. Everyone makes way for a trio of women in bright red Habitat for Humanity T-shirts, transporting yet another finished window frame. They hoist it up to volunteers on the second floor level, one more step in turning piles of lumber into a home for a displaced family of six.

Retirement living doesn’t stop this green thumb

When Mavis Daves left her home in Greenwood to move across the hall from her sister at Trinity Place Retirement Community in Columbus almost two years ago, one of the hardest separations was leaving behind her lovingly-maintained and glorious gardens. But hers is one green thumb that wouldn’t give up. Daves gently lobbied for a bit of ground, any ground, so she could brighten the corner where she lives. The results are a source of beauty for Trinity residents and visitors alike.

‘A little bit of imagination’: Creative jewelry maker is among Market Street Festival artisans

Sarah Crowley exudes a gamine charm that belies her senior years. With a seemingly-permanent chuckle, she shares humorous tidbits of life as a jewelry addict, surrounded by tables adorned with ultramarine lapis, shimmering freshwater pearls, golden coral, jet black beads and every hue of turquoise.

Grammy winner, former O’Jay to perform at Market Street Festival

Those who have met Nathan Best in his role as pastor of Full Armour Church in Columbus, or perhaps as their personable host at Trinity Caribbean Café, may not even be aware. But Best is a Grammy winner, as well as a Country Music Award winner.

Harris does it again — Big Band returns

“Every time I walked on the street, someone would ask when was I going to put the band back together,” says orchestra leader Gill Harris of Columbus. The time finally seemed right.

Christian music’s Paschal to headline ladies banquet

Inspirational gospel artist Janet Paschal is often hailed as one of Christian music’s most soulfully versatile voices. The Christian Music Hall of Fame’s nominee for 2010 Entertainer of the Year will be in Columbus Tuesday, headlining the Columbus Christian Center’s ninth annual Ladies Banquet at Trotter Convention Center at 6:30 p.m.

Tasty takeout: Annual Eight O’ May fundraiser adapts to church renovation

The whir of drills and pounding of hammers punctuate the air at historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus these days. But the resilient Episcopal Church Women group isn’t letting the extensive months-long renovation under way deter them from organizing the annual Eight O’May fundraiser May 7.

Killer’s thrillers: Caledonia man gains fame for his love of cars

It could be the concrete gargoyles protectively flanking the property entrance, or the sign declaring you’re entering Thompsonville, but one gets the feeling Killer Thompson isn’t your average Joe. But then, for a longtime corporate president with a name like Killer, that may be a foregone conclusion.

Lowndes Habitat gathers volunteers for Women Build Week

Ladies, pick up your hammers. The Columbus-Lowndes Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are holding a Women Build event in Columbus Tuesday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eden Brent brings jazzy blues, boogie to the RAC

With vocals ranging from a “melancholic whisper to a full-blown juke joint holler” and piano chops to cry for, Eden Brent melds jazz, blues, boogie woogie and soul into a singular earthy blend.

Relay for Life: Ean Evans’ family shares memories, aids the long fight

For Eva Evans of Columbus, the past year has too often been a deep and dark place. Even when, to all outward appearances, she was holding up well. On May 6, 2009, she lost Ean, her husband of 24 years.

Story of Esther adapted for Ballet Columbus

Each year, the dancers of Ballet Columbus rehearse long hours to present a program that will uplift the audience.

Taste of Starkville: Festival fare offers fan favorites and new cuisine

There’s just something about festival food. Mingling aromas, the hiss of a hot grill, open air, the just-cooked freshness. On Saturday, the Cotton District Arts Festival’s Taste of Starkville competition elevates festival fare to the next level.

ABWA style show: Bright colors, feminine looks

Feminine looks and bright colors will be the order of the day when the Columbus Anniversary Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association presents its 16th annual style show Wednesday,

April 21.

Thought-provoking art fills MUW senior exhibit

An opening reception Friday, April 16, marks the official opening of Mississippi University for Women’s 2010 Senior Exhibition at the Eugenia Summer Gallery in the Art and Design Building on campus.

Courthouse lore takes center stage in Pickens production

The legend of Henry Wells, his image allegedly etched by a lightening strike more than 120 years ago into a Pickens County Courthouse upper window, has long drawn the Golden Triangle curious to the square in Carrollton, Ala.

Bargains, crafts from the past, great barbecue lead Saturday events

Downtown Columbus is the place to be Saturday. In one trip, families will find artisan demonstrations, a massive community yard sale, a 10K race, a barbecue championship, live music, good food, antebellum home tours and even horse-drawn carriage rides.

Past meets present: Second annual Girlchoir Tour of Kitchens set for April 17

After a popular debut last spring, the Columbus Girlchoir Tour of Kitchens returns Saturday, April 17, with impressive examples of how three homeowners have expressed themselves in one of the most important rooms in any household.