Page 28 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2016

COASTNOTES
Ms Senior Mississippi inspires caregivers
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of Trina Shelton
Ms Senior Mississippi is Trina Shelton of Picayune,
a song writer and entertainer. Her love for music
was prevalent from an early age. She sang, danced, played the piano and wrote her own songs, dreaming of becoming an entertainer. However, there was much in God’s plan for her to accomplish before that would become a reality. She had four amazing children, was active in community organizations and directed local pageants.
In 1989 she moved to Nashville opening TransStar Recording Studio. She met former teen idol Troy Shondell. They were married in 1992 and together published and recorded songs and entertained across the U.S. and Europe until Shondell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. She became his full time caregiver until she was not physically able to provide quality care and reluctantly moved him to a long term care facility.
“I am so honored to represent Mississippi,” she said. “I believe this pageant is a godsend bringing a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to inspire others who are caring for loved ones struggling with these devastating diseases.”
Shelton has four children, four step children, 23 grand children, and 12 great grands whom she cherishes as her greatest treasures on Earth.
Diamondhead golf professionals win Gulf States awards
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Suzette Carlson
Two Diamondhead Country Club staff members have received top honors from the Gulf States PGA. Hoppy Smith, an employee of 20 years, was named Teacher of the Year, and Chris Altese received the Youth Player Development award.
Smith, who has been a PGA member since 1996, was the club’s head golf professional until December 2012 when the Golf Academy of Diamondhead opened and he shifted his attention to full-time instruction. He works with players of all levels using state-of-the-art video.
Altese, who’s been with the club four years and a PGA member since 1998, has taken a small junior program and expanded its reach to encompass more than 250 young golfers across the Coast and beyond.
Diamondhead Country Club President Pat Laird said, “We are extremely fortunate to have Hoppy Smith and Chris Altese on the staff, and it’s nice to see these hard working gentlemen recognized.”
PGA officials stated, “The Teacher of the Year award
is designed to give special recognition to a Gulf States professional who has performed outstanding services as a golf instructor, and the Youth Player Development award honors a leader in junior golf who reflects the qualities and ideals of those who work with our nation’s youth.”
Chris Altese and Hoppy Smith
Diamondhead Country Club
228.255.2918 | www.diamondheadms.org
28 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • October 2016
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