New name , same great content
Welcome to Meridian Life : Serving East Mississippi and West Alabama . Our magazine ’ s new name is a reflection of the people and businesses featured within its pages . This includes residents who live in the 393 zip code area , as well as our neighbors in West Alabama .
Meridian Life will continue to feature the interesting and fascinating people of our communities , sharing their unique stories and insights . We also will continue to have informative features on current topics , as well as our “ In Every Issue ” highlights on fitness , finance , mental health , military spouses and other interests . So what ’ s in store this premiere issue of Meridian Life ? Our cover story is beekeeping , a feasible and enjoyable pastime for an increasing number of men and women — albeit with a few challenges , particularly bee stings ( as our photographer Terrell Clark discovered firsthand ).
Featured are retired Meridian photographer Mark Whiddon and longtime beekeeper who recently came out of retirement Charles Vick of the Moscow community . Both men share how they became apiologists or apiarists ( individuals with an understanding of honey bees ) and the joys — and pains — of the hobby .
Beekeeping requires planning , patience and some cost , especially in the beginning when setting up a bee colony . It is an art that can be overwhelming initially , however having a mentor or joining a beekeeping group can be helpful in learning about the hobby , as well as alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with it .
The Pollinators Bee Club in Quitman connects beginner beekeepers with seasoned apiarists who share their knowledge of the art , while also increasing the region ’ s honey bee populations . Be sure to check out a feature about this group , which meets monthly and draws up to 40 enthusiasts from various locations throughout Mississippi .
“ All young people do is watch TV ! Or , they ’ re glued to their tablets , texting or taking selfies with their phones or hyped up playing video games !”
That statement may be true for some , but not all youth . Some are engaged in activities that stimulate their minds , encourage personal growth and provide life skills . We spotlight four youths from our area — Lottie Gaines , Carpenter Hill , Shrishti Srivastava and Constance Wadley — who are engaged in activities such as gardening , painting , reading and youth theater . In case you haven ’ t noticed … It ’ s summer y ’ all ! After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic , people are getting out of the house and enjoying socializing with family friends . Check out the “ Hot Girl Summer ” looks available at Belle G Boutique in downtown Meridian .
And don ’ t forget our “ In Every Issue ” features , calendar of upcoming local events and a series of photos of people attending local events .
See ? It ’ s the same magazine you ’ ve come to love and look forward to reading . Just a new name to complement the content .
Enjoy !
Ida Brown Meridian Life Magazine editor
MERIDIAN LIFE Connecting East Mississippi and West Alabama
PUBLISHER Jack Robb
MERIDIAN LIFE EDITOR Ida Brown
ADVERTISING SALES Lisa Webb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Monique Henderson
Glenda Sanders
PHOTOGRAPHER Terrell Clark
DESIGNER Helen C . Reynolds
Meridian Life is published six times a year .
Annual subscriptions are $ 24 .
814 22nd Ave . Meridian , MS 39301
601.693.1551
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To submit letters , editorial content or pictures , please send to the address above or email ibrown @ themeridianstar . com
To purchase a subscription , email class02 @ themeridianstar . com or call 601-693-1551 .
Reproduction or use of editorial content in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited .
Meridian Life can be found online at www . meridianstar . com
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