Tripletts Arrive at Christmas

MOBILE -- It was Christmas night when they arrived -- Morgan, Madelyn and Joseph.

The triplets, born at the University of South Alabama's Children's and Women's Hospital, are the first children of Joe and Amy Hill of Bay Minette.

At 33 weeks, they weighed 3 pounds and varying ounces when their parents welcomed them into the world.

Full Story at The Press Register/Mississippi Press

Amy and Joe Hill with their daughter, Morgan, on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at USA Children's and Women's Hospital. Morgan was among triplets born to the couple on Christmas night. Hill gave birth to two girls and a boy -- Morgan, Madelyn and Joseph.

Press Register by Photo by Bill Starling; story by Kim Lanier.

Town Hall Meeting Features Excel by 5

MOSS POINT -- Patrice McCullum will show residents what it means to give children a jump start on education during a town hall meeting Monday, Nov. 15, that will feature Moss Point's Excel by 5 program.

The district will officially receive its certification for the preschool program that is designed for children birth to 5 years old.

The Excel by 5 annual meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Moss Point School District Family Education Center, formerly Charlotte Hyatt Elementary School, on Welch Avenue.

Moss Point Becomes Certified Excel by 5 Community
gulflive.com/themississippipress

March of Dimes Silent Auction

PASCAGOULA -- A silent auction was held Aug. 16-17 at Singing River Hospital for the March of Dimes. The auction lasted six hours both days.

All of proceeds went directly to the March for Babies program of the March of Dimes.

Items up for auction included products from Bath & Body Works, May Kay, Shell Landing Golf Course and Aurthur Court, as well as PAA tournament rod, wine and cheese basket, kitchen basket, pottery, casino overnight stay, paintings, gift cards, hair cuts, oil changes, and more.

Trail for Early Learning at Pascagoula Beach Park

Local volunteers pose for a picture after installing the first Born Learning Trail on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at Pascagoula Beach Park. The trail is a partnership between United Way for Jackson & George Counties and Pascagoula.

By APRIL JORDAN

PASCAGOULA – Learning happens everywhere a child goes, but parents, grandparents and caregivers may not always know how to support that learning.

Thanks to a partnership between United Way for Jackson & George Counties and the City of Pascagoula, that will not be the case for children in Jackson County. When Mom and Dad, Aunt Amy and Grandpa take their favorite young child to Pascagoula’s Beach Park, they’ll be able to play fun games together that will help the child come to school ready to succeed.

Today, local community volunteers created an outdoor interactive early learning Trail at Beach Park in Pascagoula to help parents, grandparents and caregivers turn excursions into fun learning moments.

The Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children. It is sponsored by United Way for Jackson & George Counties.

Based on the latest early childhood research and approved by national early learning experts through United Way Worldwide, the Born Learning Trail is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments.

United Way research has found that many parents and caregivers undervalue their role in preparing young children for school and do not know exactly what actions to take to prepare young children for this next step in their lives. It is United Way’s hope that having the trail will help make this process fun and exciting for all to enjoy.

There are 9 signs on the approximately half-mile Born Learning Trail, each including activities such as: Watch! Stop! Learn! Play!, which encourages the caregiver to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence, while reinforcing the learning already under way. Another sign reads Hop! Toss! Shake! Wiggle!, and includes a hand painted hopscotch court that gets children’s brains and bodies moving, building fine and gross motor skills as well as the thinking that is instrumental for kindergarten success.

“The Born Learning Trail promotes fun and games – important components of early childhood learning,” said Carolyn Moore, Chief Professional Officer of United Way for Jackson & George Counties. “Research tells us children are literally ‘born learning.’ That means five years of education take place before they ever enter kindergarten. We know that what happens in a child’s early years matter – for success in life and for school readiness. And we want to help parents, grandparents and caregivers use everyday outings – including trips to Beach Park – to support that learning.”

“We are proud to partner with the city of Pascagoula and offer the first United Way Born Learning Trail on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As an organization aimed at improving the lives of individuals in our community, we believe in investing in early childhood development programs and helping children prepare now for successful futures,” said Ellen Cole, Board President for United Way for Jackson & George Counties.

Pascagoula is a strong supporter of the Born Learning Trail. “We hope the Born Learning Trail will help our community do even more to get kids off to the right start,” said Darcie Crew, Pascagoula Parks & Recreation Director. “We felt that United Way’s Born Learning Trail was a perfect tie in to the existing work being done on the Katrina Trail and wanted to be the first in South Mississippi to feature it.”

The trail will be featured as part of the City of Pascagoula’s Katrina Trail currently being built at the Beach Park site. It begins on the west side of the playground and meanders by the canal in the park before connecting with the existing sidewalks to the south. Signage along the trail will focus on fitness and active lifestyles with Hurricane Katrina facts from Pascagoula and decorative tiles from local art students along the way.

Parents who want Born Learning materials or information and resources about early learning programs can call 211, United Way’s statewide information and referral hotline.

For more information about the Born Learning Trail, contact the United Way office at 228-762-8557.

Community volunteers work to paint a hopscotch court, one of the nine activities, on the interactive Born Learning Trail installed at Pascagoula Beach Park.

Safe Sitters Learn Practical Skills, Business

PASCAGOULA -- Singing River Health System will conduct a Safe Sitter Class at its Pascagoula facility from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15.

The one-day class is for participants 11 to 13 years old.

Sitters will learn how to handle crises, how to keep children safe and secure, and how to nurture and guide young children. Practical skills taught will include how to diaper and feed a child, how to entertain children and how to call for emergency help.

Students also learn about babysitting as a business.

At the end of the day, participants will receive a certificate at a presentation ceremony.

There is a $30 fee to participate and spaces are limited. To register, call 228-497-7470 or toll free at 877-497-7470.

Construction of Learning Trail Postponed

PASCAGOULA -- Thunderstorms canceled construction of the Born Learning Trail scheduled for Beach Park.

April Jordan with United Way of Jackson & George Counties said construction will be set for next week, if the weather cooperates.

Born Learning Trail to Debut in Pascagoula

PASCAGOULA -- United Way for Jackson & George Counties and the city of Pascagoula will build an outdoor learning trail at Beach Park to help parents and caregivers support early education for young children.

The Born Learning Trail is the first of its kind on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Construction of the learning trail will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the site of the Katrina Trail at Pascagoula Beach Park.

The Born Learning Trail is a fun, easy way for Jackson County parents, grandparents and caregivers to use outings to build learning critical for school readiness, said Alice Jordan, communications manager for United Way.

"A series of signs offering educational games approved by experts will guide adults on specific ways to create learning games outdoors and suggest tips to use at home," she said.

Local volunteers will be install the trail, complete with painting, beautification work and sign placing, according to Jordan. Volunteers will also paint starfish and other marine life on the Katrina Trail in areas not occupied by United Way’s Born Learning Trail.

"According to national early learning experts, children acquire more than 50 percent of their cognitive make up before they are four years old and are most impressionable during their early childhood years. It is developmentally appropriate that children begin becoming fluent readers between 3-5 years.

United Way’s Born Learning Trail addresses these issues and helps boost language and literacy development while helping caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments.

Contact April Jordan at 228-762-8557 or ajordan@unitedwayjgc.org for more information or visit www.unitedwayjgc.org

United Way for Jackson & George Counties, 3510 Magnolia St., Pascagoula, MS 39567-3113, or telephone at 228-762-8557, or fax to 228-762-7669.

May 2010 Birthdays at Singing River Hospital

May 1
Allen José Castillo, born to Eileen Pabon of Pascagoula.


May 2
Reighley Nicole Horn, born to Thomas Landon Horn and Kristie Marie Seeley of Gautier.


May 4
Ja'Asiana Ty'Kia Magee, born to Lakizzhy Tinnial Davis of Pascagoula.
Logan Cey'Shaun Demetrius, born to Lakeshia Shawntel Rogers of Gautier.
Zoey Ann McKnight, born to Lacey Darnell Dodson of Pascagoula.
Wyatt Christian Carter, born to Mr. and Mrs. Rickey Allen Carter Jr. (Kelly Leigh Hoard) of Moss Point.
Isaiah Arryn Hall, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Arryn Hall (Amanda Nicole Rogers) of Moss Point.
Carly Grace Sylvest, born to Julia Ann Stokes of Moss Point.
Anna Elizabeth Davis, born to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Montgomery Davis (Connie Eugenia Crane) of Mobile.
Drake Nathaniel Jones, born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allan Jones (Amber Elizabeth Wood) of Grand Bay.


May 5
Paris Echo Smith, born to Heather Marie Miller of Moss Point.


May 6
Reagan Sonny Sexton, born to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Sexton Jr. (Melani Amber Jenne) of Lucedale.


May 7
Cheyenne McKenzie Ates, born to Mr. and Mrs. Gary Michael Ates Jr. (Kimberly Spring Stewart) of Lucedale.
Kaden Michael Charlton, born to Stephanie Reneé Holloman of Pascagoula.


May 8
Jastine Halle Clark, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Oscar Fred Clark (Christine Dumag Joson) of Moss Point.


May 10
Austin Tylor Ignatz, born to Anna Ignatz of Lucedale


May 11
AnnaBella Lane Murray, born to Mr. and Mrs. William Dewey Murray III (Tiffany Ann Benningfield) of Pascagoula.
Zander Blayne Ladnier, born to Sonnie Leigh Coleman of Moss Point.
Bradford Elijah Wells, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Van Wells (Eleanor Elizabeth Cox) of Pascagoula.
Josiah Xiel Delgado, born to Mr. and Mrs. Felix Alberto Delgado (Rosa Maria Diaz) of Pascagoula.


May 13
Brennan Nathaniel Holland, born to Erin Elizabeth Fallon of Lucedale.


May 14
Michael Andrew Simpson, born to Jacqueline Joy Yambao of Pascagoula.
Micah Peyton Williamson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt Aaron Williamson (Katheryn Clarice Hilbun) of Lucedale.


May 15
Guyvan Scott Andrews, born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Scott Andrews (Tiffany Leann Goff) of Lucedale.
Jabari Elijah Monroe, born to Shamera Glennette Greer of Moss Point.

May 16
Cameron Joshua Steiner, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Caleb Steiner (Brittany Amber Leeman) of Pascagoula.

May 17
Asher Breland Ellis Davenport, born to Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Shea Davenport (Anona Stephanie Ellis) of Pascagoula.
Mason-Kate Rose Keebler, born to Mr. and Mrs. Garland Bert Keebler (Kiley Donell Mason) of Vancleave.

May 18
Ava Cheyenne Graves, born to Brittany Nikole Evans of Moss Point.
Colten Abner Potter, born to Mr. and Mrs. Casey Abner Potter (Melanie Marie Moore) of Vancleave.
Layla Gabriel Davidson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Corbin Russell Davidson (Jonna Lynn Nunn) of Lucedale.

May 19
Amari DeJhun Corbett, born to Chrystal Kyana Corbett of Pascagoula.

May 20
Elijah Grady Clymer, born to Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Layfette Clymer (Charlene Denise Shoemaker) of Escatawpa.
Hunter Cole Newsome, born to Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Douglas Newsome (Elizabeth Lashonda Allen) of Moss Point.
Allie Mae Hodges, born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Caleb Hodges (Mazie Michelle Johnson) of Moss Point.

May 22
Kingsley Xander Stone Willis, born to Wendy Angela Willis Thornley of Biloxi.
Gavin Owen Dordon, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ryan Dordon (Aimee Victoria Sagers) of Moss Point.
Karla Madalynn Gracie Lara, born to Mr. and Mrs. Melquiadez Vega Lara (Theresa Lynn Miniard Miller) of Lucedale.

May 23
Crystal Ann Hinkel, born to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ray Hinkel (Elizabeth Renee Millward) of Pascagoula.
Alyriah Krischelle Goff, born to Anquaneshia Tameka Thomas of Gautier.

May 25
Trenton Roc Cooper, born to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Lee Cooper (Desiree Nicole Dobrowolski) of Long Beach.
Ayden Ross Rice, born to Megan Nicole Rice of Pascagoula.
Braylee Lynn Hicks, born to Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Lee Hicks (Jessica Lauren Watts) of Leakesville.

May 26
Meredith Parker Stiefel, born to Aimee Leanne Spier O'Brien of Pascagoula.

May 27
William Angelos Espindola, born to Mr. and Mrs. Feliz Beristain Espindola (Luz Del Carmen Callejas Reyes) of Gautier.
Danielle Leighann Edwards, born to Amanda Nicole Guynn of Pascagoula.

May 28
Caleb Michael Luckett, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Nathaniel Luckett (Shanna Leah Norman) of Gautier.
Isabella Clara Barton, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Wade Barton (Chrisley Dawn Foster) of Moss Point.
Lloyd Melvin Taylor, born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ty Taylor (Rachel Erin Calhoun) of Hurley.

May 29
Nicholas Anthony Jacob Thomason, born to Marilyn Nicole Thomason of Gulfport.
Christopher Lee Moore Jr., born to Christine Michell Lewis of Moss Point.
Isaac Keith Martin, born to Lindsey Nicole Morgan of Moss Point.

Sounds By the Sea

March 2010 at Singing River Hospital

March 1

Jeremiah Sintrell Shepherd, born to Chrisma Tyshay Shepherd of Pascagoula.

March 2

Jocelyn Marie Duckworth, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Neil Duckworth (Virginia Diane Brown) of Moss Point.

March 3

Jenna Leann Hudson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Stuart Hudson (Christina Marie Hiurichs) of Gautier.

Landyn Cade Block, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason William Block (Alison Michelle Sconyers) of Gautier.

March 4

David Aaron Dortch, born to Carol Melissa Dortch of Lucedale.

Joleigh Paityn Whitley, born to Heather Lynn Whitley of Moss Point.

Brendan Jett Tapp, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry David Tapp (Beth Nicole Letort) of Vancleave.

Josiah Luke Troutman, born to Mr. and Mrs. James David Troutman (Susann Marie McLeod) of Moss Point.

Mollie Hart McNeel, born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Brantley McNeel (Jessica Tyson Banahan) of Ocean Springs.

March 5

Ayden Heath Bond, born to Caitlin Christine Barnes of Lucedale.

Breelynn Renee Kinsolving, born to Britney Nicole Gordon of Gautier.

March 8

Lola Rose Burtt, born to Mr. and Mrs. Marcue Scott Burtt (Daphne Olivia McManus) of Gautier.

March 9

Audrianna Jayde Hebert, born to Heather Nichole Denton of Moss Point.

Evangelina Mae Forshee, born to Crystal Denise Upton of Pascagoula.

Collin Luke Anderson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen Andrew Anderson (Kendall Lee Pittman) of Gautier.

March 10

Kathryn Faith Miller, born to April Rachelle Farmer of Pascagoula.

Jonathan Wayne Ferrell, born to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wayne Ferrell (Jaime Elizabeth Glaskox) of Mobile.

Celia Kay Conley, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Wayne Conley (Lindsey Michelle Wilcox) of Biloxi.

March 11

Zykeriah Lashay Wells, born to Candice Shanette Wells of Lucedale.

Alexander Andrade, born to Mr. and Mrs. Fabian Andrade (Guadalupe Ramirez) of Pascagoula.

March 12

Karson Blayne Ward, both Amanda Mae Dugan of Pascagoula.

March 13

Kallye Rayne Hobby, born to Mr. and Mrs. Steven Hobby (Jerrica Alaine McLeod) of Pascagoula.

March 15

Jazlynn Elise Helton, botn to Fair Nicole Helton of Pascagoula.

March 16

Anthony Lee Wilbourn, born to Mr. and Mrs. Rance Ballard Wilbourn (Carla Marie Melton) of Ocean Springs.

March 17

Andromeda Sky Lawrence, born to Michelle Leeann Brown of Moss Point.

Malik Josiah Griffin, born to Whitney Deondra Fairley of Moss Point.

Riley Curtis Harvey, born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen Curtis Harvey (Jessica Rene Hayward) of Lucedale.

March 21

Aubrey Nicole Burns, born to Chantel Nicole Pennell of Escatawpa.

March 23

Adair Caleb Valazquez, born to Mr. and Mrs. Fabian Valazquez (Jennifer Alvarado) of Mobile.

Yasmyn Azahria Jackson, born to Jasmine Shanta McElroy of Pascagoula.

Matthew Lamar Taylor Jr., born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Lamar Taylor (Julie Ann Kasby) of Lucedale.

March 24

Khloe Nicole Moore, born to Laterica Simone Rich of Moss Point.

Javorous Daarnell Tims, born to Jessica Lauren Stork of Pascagoula.

Amona Uneeki Kelly, born to Sade Lanea Kelly of Moss Point.

March 25

Roberto Valladolid Jr. , born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Valladolid (Maribel Tamayo) of Pascagoula.

Sarah Katherine Wishert, born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Scott Wishert (Marilyn Kelly Marshall) of Moss Point.

March 26

Zoey Alexis Carmon, born to Olivia Lynn Carmon of Pascagoula.

March 29

Najee Aveion Jiles, born to Datoyia Dannise Hines of Pascagoula.

Owen Parker Jones, born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Sean Jones (Monica Roseanne Crocker) of Pascagoula.

March 30

Luther Benard Goff, born to Mr. and Mrs. Luther Benard Goff III (Kara Paulynn Primes) of Gulfport.

Makenzye Grace Terrill, born to Mr. and Mr. James Joseph Terrill (Felicia Marie Lundy) of Ocean Springs.

March 31

Jadence Samone Holden, born to Morgan Samon Griffin of Moss Point.

February 2010 Births at Ocean Springs Hospital

Feb. 1

Emma Reagan Stensland, born Mr. and Mrs. Louis Martin Stensland (Stephanie Lynn Stolz) of Ocean Springs.

Brian Walker Connely, born to Brian Connely Jr. and Dana Lynn Hammond Hadley of Moss Point.

Andrew James Rafield Slay, born to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Grey Slay Jr. (Samantha Elizabeth Smith) of D'Iberville.

Feb. 2

Carson Paul Gianelloni, born to William Douglas Gianelloni II and Hanna Lynn Babin of Biloxi.

Feb. 3

Oliver Barron McCollum, born to Mr. and Mrs. John Earl McCollum (Rebecca Ann Tolar) of Pascagoula.

Kaiden Kamon Cunningham, born to Chad De'Angelo Cunningham and Keniqua Nechelle Burts of Moss Point.

Kylie Anna Jarvis, born to James Michael Jarvis and Deanna Marie Mathis Cauley of Lucedale.

Gage Matthew Hempe, born to Richard Arthur Hempe and Jessica April Harris of Ocean Springs.

Mya Allison Buie, born to Mr. and Mrs. William Carl Buie (Debra Creer) of Pascagoula.

Feb. 4

Cordasia Desirae Monagan, born to Cornelius Darrell Monagan and Kendrea Danyea Jack of Lucedale.

Feb. 5

Evan Bradford Stewart, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bradford Stewart (Alexandria Shalee Phelps) of Moss Point.

Chance Christopher Webb, born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wayne Webb (Katheleen Diane Reece) of Biloxi.

Jayden Glenn Murphy, born to Robert John Murphy and Melissa Anne Gaston of Biloxi.

Feb. 6

Brendon Christopher Dejkunchorn Wilkinson, born to Shawn Gregory Wilkinson and Katrina Diane Dejkunchorn of Gautier.

Feb. 7

Colton John Harper, born to Braden Randall Harper and Brittani Michele Morrison of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 8

Daziya Unique Jackson, born to Ronald Vincent Jackson Jr. and Kimber Rae Parker of Vancleave.

Amarion Darnell Armstrong, born to Lakeeta Shanta Ward of Gautier.

Feb. 9

Carter Everette Colson, born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Everette Colson (Candace Renee Burch) of Lucedale.

Aubrey Brooke Spear, born to Jesse Lee Spear and Kristen Dawn McGee of Ocean Springs.

Joel Dane Hubbard, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joel Douglas Hubbard (Ashley Marie Worth) of Lucedale.

Lucas Beau Cox, born to Darren Beau Cox and Robyn Paige Kisling of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 10

Hadleigh Elizabeth Barton, born to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bryant Barton (Ashleigh Kayla Gollott) of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 11

Rikki Lynn Barber, born to Mr. and Mrs. Rickey Lynn Barber (Victoria Leanne Norris) of Vancleave.

Jariah Cartrell Miller, born to Dysella Dionne Miller of Gautier.

Lakelynn Marie Holland, born to Ronald Roy Holland Jr. and Angela Jean Hancock of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 12

Avery Thomas Toney, born to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lamont Toney (Sharonda Alisa James) of Ocean Springs.

Andrew Cole Denison, born to Mr. and Mrs. David Brice Denison (Heather Lynn Ratliff) of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 13

Seige Bradley Mayall, born to Christopher Allen Mayall and Lilly Mae Seymour of Vancleave.

Feb. 15

Elijah Delano Walsh, born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Delano Walsh (Sophia Maria Ferrara) of Vancleave.

Feb. 16

Heather Michele O'Rourke Webb, born to Geraldine Johnson of Gautier.

Feb. 17

Nicole Ann-Renee Brownlow, born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Rhett Brownlow (Diane Marie Nickle) of Gautier.

Feb. 18

Destiny Breanne Drieling, born to Michael George Drieling and Kendra Dawn Sumner of Ocean Springs.

Nolan Brice Langley, born to Casey Michelle Black of Ocean Springs.

Harley Nyka Payg Bridges, born to Zane Lyle Bridges Sr. and Krystal Danielle Meadows of Moss Point.

Savannah Elizabeth Parks, born to Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Emerson Parks (Haley Caroline Fryfogle) of Lucedale.

Tyler De'Shawn Williams, born to Adrian Deon Williams and Cheykola Chantel Haynes of Pascagoula.

Dean Major Gingrich, born to Craig Alan Gingrich and Krystal Leigh Stevenson of Ocean Springs.

Keviana Mickayla Kistner, born to Kevin Anthony Kistner and Tavia Kemeka Edwards of D'Iberville.

Feb. 19

Levi Chase Holland, born to Dustin Chase Howell and Rachel Marshae Mosley of Lucedale.

Kyndra Morgann Jamison, born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allison Jamison Jr. (Kimberly Ann Ward) of Lucedale.

Lan'dyn Travon Richard McGowan, born to Leroy Travon Williams and Lesana Julie McGowan of Moss Point.

Feb. 20

Makayla Serenity Paxton, born to Garrick Collins Paxton and Tiffany Michelle Holloway of Ocean Springs.

Feb. 22

Maddox Christopher Nguyen, born to De Hieu Nguyen and Ashleigh Nicole Hanberry of Moss Point.

Kenadie Morgan Fayard, born to Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Eugene Fayard (Malinda Irene Cumberland) of Vancleave.

Cameron Blake Powell, born to Chad Ryan Powell and Miranda Lauren Dueitt Neely of Lucedale.

Feb. 23

Tiãna Alyce Smith-Garcia, born to Manuel Mario Garcia and Angela Marie Smith of Gautier.

Knightlee Blaise Crain, born to Joshua Craig and Cortnee Jewel Parker of Lucedale.

Feb. 25

Tucker Joseph Burney, born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Terrand Burney (Megan Elizabeth Williams) of Biloxi.

Harper Paul Kilpatrick, born Mr. and Mrs. Gerrod Wayne Kilpatrick (Lori Ann Meadows) of Biloxi.

Elisha David Van, born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael David Van Jr. (Brooke Elizabeth Jones) of Vancleave.

Preston Blake Tanner, born to David Matthew Tanner and Stephanie Michelle Williams of Gautier.

Christopher Earl Brown Jr., born to Christopher Earl Brown and Tina Renee Brown of Gautier.

Feb. 26

Bronson Hayes Wendler, born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Victor Wendler III (Kristy Michelle McGee) of Ocean Springs.

Steven Vance Tomaszewski, born to Mr. and Mrs. Steven John Tomaszewski (Lauranne Jennings Vance) of Ocean Springs.

Yazmyne Shanell Redmond, born to Fredrick Antonio Redmond and Ginia Michelle Lofton of Gautier.

Presleigh Ava Martin, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tyler Martin (Amanda Gail Hollis) of Gautier.

Baby Contest Looking for Beauties

PASCAGOULA -- The Pascagoula Noon Lions Club has scheduled one of its major fundraisers of the year.

A Baby Contest has been set for March 13.

The Noon Lions services the areas of Pascagoula, Moss Point, East Escatawpa, Hurley, Vancleave, and Gautier.

Residents interested in having their infants and toddlers participate in the competition may contact Missy Watts at 327-3349 or e-mail missy@cchmlawyers.com

Dodson Parenting Seminar at First United Church

PASCAGOULA -- "Essentials of Discipline," a parenting seminar, will be held every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

The weekly sessions are based on the teachings of family advocate James Dodson.

The church is located at the corner of Pascagoula Street and Dupont Avenue.

Residents may call 228-762-5222 for more information.

January 2010 Births -- Ocean Springs

Jan. 17

Gracelynn Faye Quave, born to Joshua James Quave ane Erica Lynn Ely of Vancleave.

Jan. 18

Shawn Tyler Buckley, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Anthony Buckley (Melissa Gail Graham) of Vancleave.

Brody Alexander Smith, born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Smith (Rachel Nicole Nolan) of Moss Point.

Trenton Lane Jordan, born to Jonathan Chad Jordan and Jennifer Inez Casey of Gautier.

Chief Shylioh Rayne Cochran, born to Mr. and Mrs. Cheyenne Nathaniel Cochran (Lori Lachelle Vaughn) of Lucedale.

Jan. 19

Amelia Rose Powell, born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Christian Powell (Charleigh Sineka Cunningham) of Gautier.

Eiley Michelle Miller, born to Bradford Douglas Miller and Ashley Michelle Reynolds of Moss Point.

Talon Evan Murray, born to Jonathan Evan Murray and Jacinda Thuyen Vo of D'Iberville.

Caleb Thomas Noel, born to Michael Lewis Noel and Amanda Mirene Mills of Vancleave.

Jan 20

Kyle Benjamin Aiken, born to Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Scott Aiken (Andrea Daniell Resch) of Ocean Springs.

Addison Bree Shoemaker, born to David Wayne Shoemaker Jr. and Brandi Lynn Saujon of Biloxi.

Bailey Marie Amacker, born to Kimon Lane Amacker and Cassie Katherine Emmitt of Pascagoula.

Tre LeShaun Jacob, born to Curt LaTrell Jacob and Shana Marie Rolkosky of Ocean Springs.

Jan. 21

Addison Taylor Gregory, born to Chad Gordon Gregory and Nena Lynn Beckham of Vancleave.

Marissa Fallon Banda, born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Jose Banda (Lalcey Fallon Turnage) of Pascagoula.

Cassidy Ellen Cowart, born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Paul Cowart Jr. (Diana Renea Barnard) of Lucedale.

Jan. 22

Ethan Slay Lowery, born to Thomas Jordan Lowery and Alyssa Cheyne Allen of Vancleavve.

Carmello Vijay Nix, born to Christopher Renard Nex and Valencia Sharhonda Wells of Lucedale.

Sadie-Jo Karen Conklin, born to Heather Marie Conklin of Lucedale.

Jan. 23

Laelah Aelani-Sani Thompson, born to Eddie LeMon Thompson and Alexis Tyeisha Williams of Moss Point.

Clayton Lynn Jessie, born to Scott Thomas Jessie and Desiree Denise Loper of Lucedale

Jan. 25

Elizabeth Lynee White, born to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wayne White (heather Lynne Davis) of Moss Point.

Chaviss LeMon Jones Jr., born to Chaviss LeMon Jones and Sh'Nea Simone Johnson of Lucedale.

First New Babies of the Year 2010

So far, all the tallies have been done and the official counts are in for the first arrivals of the New Year 2010.

Count 'em. One. Two. Three.

Three first arrivals, so far, in the counties declared to make up South Mississippi -- Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone, George.

Three It'sYourBirthdayBabies! for those new human beings who made it into a whole new world on 01.01.10.

They started in Harrison County, Biloxi to be exact. Anthony Adrian Norton made his appearance at 1:36 p.m. at Biloxi Regional Medical Center, according to Karen Abernathy with WLOX TV-13.

Anthony, son of Michael and Samantha Norton, weighed in at six pounds nine ounces, 21 inches long, according to the broadcast.

First Two Babies of 2010
Jan. 01, 2010 at www.wlox.com

According to the Jan. 01 broadcast, just 9 minutes later, at 1:45 p.m., Leland James Johnson became the first person born at Hancock Medical Center.

As well, the son of Brandon and Jessica Johnson of Kiln, was born on the 50th anniversary of the medical center. He weighed nine pounds two ounces.

Singing River Health System's First Baby of the Year Hails From Gautier

Jan. 03, 2010 at www.gulflive.com/themississippipress

Over in Jackson County, Nathaniel Scott fulfilled the New Year birthday hopefuls for personnel at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, according to Harlan Kirgan with The Mississippi Press.

Mother JiCrystal Scott of Gautier welcomed her first child, who arrived seven weeks early, and weighed five pounds 11 ounces, at 18.5 inches long.

With that tally, officially, all of 2009 New Year arrivals turned 1 year old on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. Those who made their arrival in 2008 have now, officially, reached the Terrible Twos, though for their parents that state could have already arrived. And so on for New Year arrivals for 2007, 2006, etc.

I have a friend whose birthday is Jan. 01. I always remember her birthday is coming up, but never remember to call on New Year's Day. Figure out that one, if you can. So, I've made a resolution to, from now on, always call her New Year's Eve.