Filmmaker Frank Ladner announces release of his latest feature, Max Peril

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 marks the long awaited release of Mississippi filmmaker Frank Ladner’s award winning feature Max Peril. The full length Southern comedy mockumentary has made the rounds of film festivals since its debut May 15 of last year and will finally be available for purchase.

Most recently, Max Peril served as the finale film for the 2016 Magnolia Independent Film Festival, where it won Best Homegrown. The Magnolia is Mississippi’s oldest film festival, founded in 1997 by the late filmmaker Ron Tibbett. It operates under the auspices of the Starkville Area Arts Council.

In October, 2015 the film won Best Feature at both the Sun and Sand Film Festival in Gulfport, MS and Rails to Reels in Meridian, MS. The film took Best Feature and Ladner won Best Actor at the 2015 (and inaugural) Festival South Film Expo in Hattiesburg, MS. Max Peril and his exploits earnedAudience Favorite honors at the Knoxville Film Festival, Knoxville, TN. Other awards include aDirector’s Award from North Carolina Film Award.

Other festivals which selected Max Peril to screen include Heart of the Pines, South Texas Underground Film, Lake Charles Film Festival, Big Muddy Film Festival, Y’Allywood Film Festival, Salt Lake International Film Festival, Virginia Film Festival, AMFM Fest and Boomtown Film and Music Festival. The film always ran as the finale breakout session for Southern GeekFest in April.

The release party takes place at Dimples Fried Chicken, 1113 S. Main St., Poplarville, MS, 5-8 p.m. The restaurant has a special connection for Ladner since it served as one of the locations for the film.

Following the release party, copies of the film may be ordered through Frank Ladner, as well as Amazon.com.

Originally appeared 05/12/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/filmmaker-frank-ladner-announces-release-of-his-latest-feature-max-peril

Astronaut Fred Haise aids Picayune Boy Scouts in fundraising effort

Mississippi Boy Scout Troop 2 in Picayune was chartered in 1919 and has been continuously chartered since then, the oldest troop in Pearl River County and nearly the state. The active troop takes its members on camping trips and field trips to assist them in learning more about the possibilities in the world. They are currently planning a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico to benefit the Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts of the troop.

The group recently doubled in size when another troop in the area gave up its charter and the members moved over to Troop 2, leaving it the only troop in Picayune.

On Friday evening, February 19, the newly enlarged chapter hosted “A Night with Fred Haise” as a fundraiser toward the trip. The Apollo 13 astronaut, a Mississippian by birth, now lives on the Gulf Coast.

Displays of scouting activity surrounded the Pittman Family Life Center of Picayune First United Methodist Church, showing the many directions a Scout can travel on the road toward life choices.

The evening began with a welcome by Scoutmaster Keith Kingrey. He showed a video about scouting which included archival footage of Lieutenant General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, the British baron who founded The Boy Scouts Association. A second video included information on the benefits of the program, with statistical comparisons of increased life skills for Scouts versus non-Scouts.

Assistant Scoutmaster Lud Pierce described the Silent Auction process, an additional fundraising activity which offered more than thirty items. The auction included autographed photos of Fred Haise and other donated items.

Opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Harold Manning, pastor of Picayune FUMC, the sponsoring organization for Troop 2. He was assisted by Orion Cosme, the troop’s Chaplain Aide. Pastor Manning included an invitation to all of the attendees to visit FUMC on Sunday, February 21 for an observation of Scout Sunday.

BSA Executive Mr. Casey Norwood spoke on the Pine Burr Area Council which includes Troop 2. He spoke of the importance of volunteers in the program and related his own experiences as Cub Scout and Boy Scout.

Just before the meal, Kingrey introduced Cubmaster Eljie Bennett to discuss the Cub Scout program of the troop. Cubs range in age from seven to ten years old and work their way up through levels of Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos, before moving up to the Boy Scout program.

Following the meal, John Wilson, Director of the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington, MS, took to the podium to introduce the evening’s main event, Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. As Haise enthralled the audience with tales of his background as a test pilot, his adventures in NASA and his life after space travel, he proved himself a charming speaker and excellent instructor. He received a standing ovation at the end of his program.

Troop 2 presented Haise with a special poster, autographed by the members of the troop as a thank you for his contribution to the evening. More than 150 people attended the dinner program with the proceeds going to benefit Troop 2. The Silent Auction raised over $1400 to add to the total amount toward Philmont. Dinner proceeds are being tallied.

Originally appeared 02/20/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/astronaut-fred-haise-aids-picayune-boy-scouts-fundraising-effort

Max Peril debut promises Southern mockumentary fun from filmmaker Frank Ladner

Independent Mississippi movie maker Frank Ladner premieres his latest film, Max Peril, on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The event takes place at the impressive Brownstone Center for the Arts on the campus of Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss.

In the tradition of his award-winning 2012 film, Hickory Never Bleeds, Ladner casts local talent to play the roles in his independent Southern mockumentary film and sets the scenes in and around his community. Some familiar faces return including Ladner, his wife Janna, Mark Forte, Mary Etta Moody, James “Sonny” Howard, Sherri Marengo and Bobby Smith, along with several new actors.

Max Peril tells the story of Riley Young, an aspiring filmmaker who has promised himself to complete a movie by his thirtieth birthday. Now 29 years old, he commits to finishing his latest project. Within Young’s story exists the story he is filming, that of a shadowy figure with big tales of undercover operations. Here’s Ladner’s official synopsis: In an effort to finish a film before turning thirty, and in hopes of winning his county’s first annual film festival, Riley Young documents and re-creates the increasingly far-fetched stories of a retired secret agent using only local talent, a VHS camcorder, and every low-budget filmmaking trick he knows.

The official trailer shares hints of the adventure to come.

Ladner’s approach to storytelling results in winning films, as acknowledged by his 2013 Tupelo Film Festival award in the Feature Film category for Hickory Never Bleeds. As he prepares to share Max Peril with audiences for the first time, Ladner announced that the film has been accepted into the 2015 FestivalSouth Competition set for June 6-20.

Here’s Parental Guidance information from the filmmaker:

No profanity, gore, or adult situations.
Stylized comedic action.
Some gun use.
Minor euphemisms ("dang", "crap", "heck".)
Brief testicular humor.
Brief near-kissing scene.

Tickets to the premiere are priced at $5.00 and must be purchased at the door. Proceeds benefit the PRCC Film Production Class. Look for The Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts on the PRCC campus located on Highway 11 just north of Highway 26 in Poplarville.

Originally appeared 04/25/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/max-peril-debut-promises-southern-mockumentary-fun-from-filmmaker-frank-ladner

Puppets, prophecies, promises kept in Saint Barnabas Anglican Church festival

Saint Barnabas Anglican Church in Picayune, Mississippi presented its second annual production of the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with puppets on Saturday, December 12 to a packed house. Every pew was filled with viewers of all ages as The Very Reverend Father Jonathan J. Filkins welcomed visitors and began the narration of the Christmas story.

Directed by the multitalented Laura Anne Ewald, the program ties together Old Testament prophecies with the fulfillment of those prophecies in the New Testament. Each scripture reading leads to a related song, some by soloists or groups, others by congregational singing. As the various puppets portrayed the parts of the familiar Nativity story, the songs spoke their feelings and described their situations.

This year’s presentation included a number of volunteers from the Pearl River County Christian Home Educators Association as puppeteers and technical support. Guest vocalists joining Ewald and her mother Sharon included Shay LeBlanc, Jamie McDonald and Skip Rigney. The addition of a male voice allowed Ewald to add an additional character, Simeon, and the "Song of Simeon" to the program. Rebecca Jarrell handled the keyboard, allowing Sharon Ewald to perform percussion for the songs. Laura Anne Ewald played guitar and a drum in addition to singing.

Two factors contribute to the approachable nature of the free program. First, the puppets offer an enchanting diversion to children during what otherwise might be an overwhelmingly formal program. Second, the hospitality of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church welcomes everyone of any denomination to share in the fellowship of this Christmas celebration and members of many other congregations were present.

A door collection accepted donations of food and money to benefit the Christian Care Ministries of the church.

Historic Saint Barnabas Anglican Church is located at 201 Norwood Street in Picayune.

Originally appeared 12/14/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/puppets-prophecies-promises-kept-saint-barnabas-anglican-church-festival

The Crosby Arboretum Foundation Inaugural Art Show scheduled for April

The Crosby Arboretum Foundation will hold its inaugural art competition, A Piney Woods Art Affair, in April with nearly two weeks of activity leading up to three days of public display, according to Senior Curator Jill Mirkovich. The facility, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, honors the native flora of the Pearl River Drainage Basin and all entries should depict some aspect of the Piney Woods region plant or animal life or culture.

Arboretum officials have defined two categories of art to be considered. Visual arts, including paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolor, drawings and photography make up Category A. Three-dimensional works comprise the B Category and may include ceramics, sculpture, metal, wood or heritage crafts. Although there is no registration fee, each item entered must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee. Students in grades 7-12 may participate free of charge.

Awards for adults, awarded in both categories, include $150, a family membership to the Arboretum and a copy of the book “The Crosby Arboretum” by Robert Brzuszek for first place. Second place winners receive $75 and a family membership, while third place earns $50 and six one-day passes to the Arboretum.

Student prizes include: first place, a plaque and a family membership to the Arboretum; second place, a ribbon and six day passes; third place, a ribbon and two day passes. Ribbons will be awarded for Honorable Mention. The top four placements also receive a Mississippi State Bulldogs lanyard.

Onsite registration and delivery of art begins at 10 a.m. on April 1 and continues on April 2 and 4 until 4 p.m. each day. Entries will be accepted on April 8 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. as display set up begins and continues 10 a.m-4 p.m. April 9.

The show opens on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public until 4 p.m. Judging takes place on Saturday, April 11 with the show open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 12 will see the show open to the public at 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Crosby Arboretum Strawberries and Cream Event. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. 

Removal of the art begins and 3 p.m. All art removal must be completed by 4 p.m., Saturday April 18.

The entry form with complete rules is available on line. The completed form may be submitted in advance by mail or brought to the Arboretum beginning April 1. Appropriate fees should accompany the registration form.

The Crosby Arboretum

370 Ridge Road

Picayune, MS 39466

Originally appeared 03/11/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/the-crosby-arboretum-foundation-inaugural-art-show-scheduled-for-april

Mississippi Welcome Centers connect past, present, future

The past meets the future in elegant style at the Welcome Centers scattered along the Interstate Highways in Mississippi. Designed and furnished to resemble traditional antebellum homes, the centers offer tourist information, hot coffee, clean restrooms and Southern hospitality while celebrating the rich traditions of Mississippi.

 

At thirteen locations ringing the state, travelers can stop in for maps and brochures about Mississippi’s attractions while stretching their legs and reviving their spirits. At the same time, they can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area from staff members knowledgeable about the state’s offerings. Questions about local shopping and dining mix with requests for information about historic sites and contemporary events as the staff welcomes a steady stream of visitors.

Cindy Poland, supervisor of the Pearl River County facility on Interstate 59 at Picayune, credits her job with opening her personality.

“I used to be an introvert,” she says. “Meeting and greeting people every day has helped me open up and be comfortable speaking to others.” She enjoys meeting visitors from all over the world and helping them find what they need in Mississippi.

Each person who enters the building receives a warm “Welcome to Mississippi,” and the offer of a cup of complimentary coffee. Folks in need of a restroom get pointed in the proper direction. A quick request for the visitor to sign the guest book (anonymously, if they prefer) and provide a zip code allows the center to track the origins of their clientele. Some folks even provide the reason for their trip, whether it be business or pleasure, to a Mississippi destination or somewhere beyond the state borders.

In addition to the standard variety of brochures and maps, the centers provide seasonal décor and monthly displays celebrating the contributions of local talents. The themes cover the tapestry of Mississippi treasures. January focuses on Food; February looks at History; Arts and Literature star in March. April goes Outdoors while May celebrates the state’s rich Music heritage. June shares Fun Things for Children to Do in Mississippi; July brings Festivals and Fairs; August promotes Free in Mississippi, free things to do throughout the state. September tees off with a Golf theme; October, Agritourism; November, Shopping and December finds the centers decked out in seasonal finery to honor Holiday Happenings.

The monthly themes add to the basic charm of each location and make the Mississippi Welcome Centers a worthwhile destination even for those travelers who don’t need a cup of coffee or a rest stop.

Originally appeared 03/07/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/mississippi-welcome-centers-connect-past-present-future

Stitched together in faith: RLM Swedish Weavers share fellowship and skill

Following the Biblical tradition of sewing and weaving, the RLM Swedish Weavers of Picayune, Miss. form a life group within Resurrection Life Worship Center that reaches across church affiliations and skill levels. Under the current leadership of Edie Flores, the group is in its tenth year of creativity and service.

Swedish weaving creates patterns on even weave fabric by the way colorful yarn or thread is exposed or hidden by the fabric threads. Fabrics include huck cloth, monks cloth and aida fabric, among others. The group's members work on individual projects and share ideas as they create beautiful handcrafted products.

The experienced help the newcomers, as they work from the basis of Exodus 35:35.

The RLM Swedish Weavers meet in the Holy Java Cafe area of Resurrection Life Worship Center in Picayune, MS. Their weekly gathering begins and ends with prayer. Throughout the session, members share their skills and worship together with needle and thread.

During a recent Picayune Street Festival, RLM Swedish Weavers filled a booth with their wares both to entice visitors to look and to spread the word of their ministry and upcoming convention. Leader Edie Flores demonstrated the process of Swedish weaving on a blanket-sized throw. 

Holly leaves and berries adorn a green plaid pattern worked into this cheery project. Patterns form based on whether the colored yarn runs above or below the threads of the base fabric. 

 

Traditional Swedish weaving

Diamond patterns form a traditional motif in Swedish weaving. The variety of sizes and colors on this sample show how vibrant the finished product can be. Weavers use an even weave fabric such as monks cloth as the basis for their projects.

Autumn themes grace project

The rich earth tones of autumn suit this pumpkin design. Patterns can be adapted to longer or shorter projects once the weaver masters the layout of the basic pattern. A different selection of colors creates a different feeling to the finished project. Swedish weavers can digress from the original color scheme to individualize the work.

Projects vary from decorative items like this table runner for the weaver's household to ministry gifts, such as lap robes for residents of a VA facility or baby blankets for women experiencing crisis pregnancies. The members express the joy of donating their work as a great part of the attraction of the craft.

A variety of projects show craft's versatility

Swedish weavers produce items as tiny as Christmas ornaments and baby bibs to those as large as bedspreads. In between, there are burp cloths, dish towels, table scarves, lap throws and anything else the weaver can envision. By changing the number of pattern repetitions, the basic pattern can be adjusted up or down to suit the weaver's needs.

 

Originally appeared on 04/29/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/list/stitched-together-faith-rlm-swedish-weavers-share-fellowship-and-skill

Art exhibits to enjoy during your visit to Mardi Gras

Although visitors come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, there’s a lot more to the Crescent City than parades and partying. Take time to enjoy the museums and free venues for art around town for a delightful change of pace. Beyond the art galleries in the French Quarter, visitor can find many artistic treasures in the city. Check venue hours during the hectic days of the Carnival season to avoid disappointment. Here are a few to get you started.

Jackson Square

The artists surrounding Jackson Square present a colorful introduction to the New Orleans art scene. The eclectic genres available assure something for everyone. Browse along fence to see the work of up to two hundred artists, operating on licenses granted by the city. Looking is free, and visitors might find the perfect piece to purchase as a souvenir of the visit.

Woldenberg Park

Across Decatur Street from the square, climb the steps to the Riverwalk and turn right along the path to visit another free venue, Woldenberg Park, sixteen acres of green space and art leading toward Canal Street. The park operates under the auspices of the Audubon Foundation which also operates the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, among other attractions. Sculptures and mobiles dot the park, giving art lovers an open-air viewing experience along the bank of the Mississippi River. Watch river traffic glide by for a glimpse of reality art in motion.

Dutch Alley

Tucked away behind the buildings lining Decatur Street at Dumaine, a circular fountain hosts a band in silhouette. The characters captured there welcome visitors to Dutch Alley, a combination of open-air art exhibit and art gallery. Step into the alley and meet Jacques the Butcher by Eric Kaposta, who greets visitors entering the Alley.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Go beyond the boundaries of the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District to enjoy art created by a wide spectrum of southern artists. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art boasts multiple floors of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and installation art. The reasonable admission fee coupled with the variety of artists makes the O an excellent destination for any art lover. The Confederate Museum next door will interest history buffs.

Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans

Stroll across the street from the Ogden Museum to reach the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans and another reason to love the Camp Street museum corridor. Park once for access to both art centers, plus the National World War II Museum.

New Orleans Museum of Art and Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Venture out of the French Quarter and Central Business District for a visit to a New Orleans legacy, the New Orleans Museum of Art. Although the traditional museum facility requires an admission fee, the stunning open air Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA does not. More than sixty sculptures dot the peaceful garden, including the iconic Hercules the Archer which stood at the main entrance to the museum for decades.

Originally appeared on 02/24/14 at http://www.examiner.com/article/art-exhibits-to-enjoy-during-your-visit-to-mardi-gras