Articles by Jan Swoope
The first “Gown a Gal” event fills wishes, brings smiles
“I love it! I love it!” The exclamation rang out frequently as Megan Brown was everywhere at once, complimenting girls as they pirouetted in front of full-length mirrors in the former Lia Fashions building in Columbus Feb. 27. The Columbus Air Force Base spouse and a squadron of volunteers, most of them affiliated with CAFB, may not have looked much like Walt Disney’s plump, gray-haired fairy godmother in “Cinderella,” but they had her generosity down pat.
Ala Carte Alice: Former Golden Triangle restaurateurs help everyone feel like a Southern chef
You may have seen them in gift and specialty shops. Small brown packages filled with big taste and boasting eye-catching yellow and red labels reading Ala Carte Alice.
‘Calvin Waters’ earns Mag Film Fest Tibbett award
When Andrew Colom picked up a pen to write his first short film, “The Flight of Calvin Waters,” he set in motion a long and sometimes bumpy journey that led to a worth-it-all moment Feb. 20.
A dog’s life: One area pup’s tale of making it to Westminster
It’s been billed as the Super Bowl for pooches, the canine Academy Awards. Westminster is definitely the dog world’s big time.
Casserole Kitchen: Starkville food ministry feeds body and soul
There are any number of things teenage boys might be doing on a Saturday morning — sleeping in, playing video games, shooting hoops. But on at least the third Saturday of every month, one group of young men is busy giving back to the community.
Cinderella Project wants to send girls to the ball
If a new prom or presentation dress, shoes, accessories, personal hair stylist, makeup and professional photograph — all free of charge — sound like a fairy tale, consider the Cinderella Project the fairy godmother.
Warp and weft: MUW offers a rare opportunity to learn a timeless art
It may have been an intricate spider web, or perhaps a sturdy bird’s nest. No one is quite sure what inspired early man to experiment with weaving, but archaeologists think it’s probably the first craft developed by humans.
MUW offers playful take on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
One of William Shakespeare’s most whimsical and popular works, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” will come to life Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the creative hands of the Mississippi University for Women Department of Music and Theatre.
From Carnegie Hall to Columbus, African Children’s Choir spreads a joyful noise
They may be small in stature, but their combined voices and joyful spirit soar. The internationally acclaimed African Children’s Choir brings a “Journey of Hope” to the Golden Triangle Saturday, March 6.
Magnolia Film Festival attracts worldwide films
On Feb. 18-20, the Starkville Area Arts Council continues the tradition by showcasing 35 films submitted from as close to home as Columbus, Starkville and West Point — and as far away as Canada, Spain and Italy.
A Victorian Valentine tea party serves up cookies and etiquette
“It is the social event of the season … for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds,” Edwina Williams smiles.
Local group off to Vancouver as Olympic volunteers
Fairview Baptist Church associate minister Tommy Gillon and a group of volunteers from Columbus are in the center of the Olympic action in Vancouver.
Music and history meld in Clyde Lindley’s insatiable quest
Clyde Lindley always keeps a spare guitar around, just in case. “You never know who may come along,” he offers with a wry grin, indicating a striking, new red instrument kept handy in his Starkville apartment.
West Point-Clay Arts Council offers art lovers’ day trip
The West Point-Clay County Arts Council is sponsoring a Gallery Hop and Shop bus trip to Jackson, Thursday, Feb. 18. Stops will include the Mississippi Crafts Center, home of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Renaissance at Colony Park and Southern Breeze Gallery. Other gallery visits planned are B. Liles Studio, Mark Millet Studio and Gallery and View Gallery.
Winning recipes, tips for your Super Bowl Sunday
With four days to go, the rumble of Super Bowl XLIV is reaching fever pitch. Colts and Saints fans have proudly lined up behind their teams, and many who won’t be in Miami for the showdown are busy planning their ritual gathering around the television.
Learn to earn
Getting financially fit, just like firming those abs, requires a commitment lasting long after the first flush of January.
With toasts and traditional dishes, Golden Triangle Celts honor Robbie Burns
The Golden Triangle Celts’ celebration in Starkville Saturday would have pleased The Bard himself. And we don’t mean Master Shakespeare. In Scotland, that title refers to 18th-century poet and lyricist Robbie (or Rabbie) Burns, voted in 2009 by that nation’s people as the Greatest Scot — narrowly edging out patriot William Wallace in a poll conducted by Scottish Television.
Cabaret Night to feature New York chanteuse
If you’re looking to forget the winter blahs, Feb. 6 will offer a full evening of dinner and dancing, highlighted by a New York vocal artist to entertain with songs from a nostalgic era.
TWT to hold Feb. 4 auditions for ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’
The Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes held in Columbus each September has become known for presenting quality theatrical performances. The 2010 event slated for Sept. 5-12 will be no exception.
Opening the great outdoors, creating heart-changing moments
A crisp morning, rich with the promise of sunshine and wood smoke, greeted 13-year-old Christopher Wrench and his friends staying at the Plum Nellie deer camp in southeast Lowndes County. It was going to be another good day.
