Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

LETTERS to the editor
LETTER from the editor
Welcome to this huge August edition of South Mississippi Living. We focus
on several different sectors that keep our region humming with jobs, services, shopping, leisure activities and much more.
Of course we also pause to focus on the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It’s so hard to believe it’s been ten years! With one exception
we keep our emphasis on how far the Coast has come with recovery and rebuilding. That one exception is the photo essay. Thanks to Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan
and Hancock County photographer Linda Ferrill for providing photos documenting the devastation most of us remember all too well. Looking at these photos is really emotional.
However, there are
many outstanding
examples of new
facilities built and old
ones rescued across the
area. The citizens of
Pascagoula rallied to
save the Round Island
Light House. Waveland
built a Ground Zero
Museum. Biloxi spearheaded the remarkable Marlin Miller sculptures along Highway 90. Climb Community Development Corporation came into being to offer valuable job training to young people.
We have a Business & Industry special section highlighting the important role these companies play in the economy of South Mississippi. We think you’ll be impressed with their achievements.
There’s also a Main Streets & Chambers special section. These organizations are leading the way in making our downtown areas places people want to
be. All across the Coast downtowns are coming back with vibrant restaurant and entertainment scenes, interesting retail options, and pleasant amenities that include trees, flowers, plants, benches and lighting to give downtowns character and charm. There will always be a good vibe about “going downtown.” Let’s face it, “going to the strip mall” just doesn’t have the same ring.
In the People section we shine the spotlight on the Humane Society of South Mississippi, their new director, and the wonderful work they’re doing.
Who doesn’t sometimes suffer with back pain? Be sure to read the piece in the Healthy Living section about preventing and treating back pain. I learned a new fact from this story: smoking contributes to back pain. This tidbit just adds another reason to live a healthy lifestyle.
And last but certainly not least, Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy wrote this month’s Final Say. It’s definitely worth reading.
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It was an honor to be able
to tell my story. The process of writing it reminded me of seeing God’s hand in the life of my family and family history, but also the necessity of personal courage and determination. They go hand and hand together. The power of people coming together to build each other up and give each other a helping hand – a strong foundation that they can build upon.
KATHERINE BLESSEY
CLARIFICATION
“Therapy with a Bang” in the July issue misidentified Rob Wilcox as the owner of Coast Rifle and Pistol Club. Contact information at the end of the story should have listed rob@ grouptherapyshootings.com and the phone number 228.424.2171.
Also in the July issue, a list of outdoor activities in the Staycations story should have had the city for the Pascagoula River Audubon Center as Moss Point.
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South Mississippi Living magazine
12 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2015
South Mississippi Living Editor Lynn Lofton poses with some Coast Young Professionals from the cover shoot; Keith Williams, Jr., Kyle Williams, Nick Ray, Robby D’Angelo and Mickey D’Angelo.
KATHERINE BLESSEY: What America means to me
Stay, shop and dine locally on your next break
PEOPLE DINING SPORTS & OUTDOORS
SHOPPING
HOMES
HEALTHY LIVING CLICK!
JULY 2015 • FREE
BILOXI SHUCKERS Opening day is a hit
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