FROM THE EDITOR ’ S DESK
I first met Linda Candelo when she came into the newspaper office last year looking for old photographs of the Vise building . She and her husband , Joseph Rossini , purchased the historic building a few years ago and were trying to find photos of its former life to hang up in the building .
If you ’ ve ever met Linda , then you know after spending just a few minutes with her , you feel like old friends . Friendly , charming and polite , she quickly puts one at easy . I guess that comes from 16 years of interviewing people as a television journalist .
As our cover story in this edition of Meridian Life , Linda has lived in some of the biggest metropolitan areas in the United States but now has embraced her new life here in Meridian . She is working to support efforts to revive downtown and to promote the local arts and music scene . She was such a fun interview , and she even let me hold her Emmy Award . I hope you enjoy getting to know her .
Also in this edition , we feature Henry Countiss , executive chef of Northwood Country Club . A former high school football player , Countiss has turned his attention to his culinary skills .
Feeling the need for speed , we also feature the Meridian Corvette Club whose members are passionate about their cars . The Corvette was recently picked by voters in an online MotorTrend poll as the most iconic car of the past 75 years .
The Artist Corner features Jan Cade , who makes unique and beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry , and our Community features looks at 15-yearold Joy Kitchens whose pillowcase project , “ Joy to You ,” is bringing smiles to the faces of pediatric patients at Children ’ s of Mississippi .
In Along for the Ride , travel riders Brandi Perry and Dori Lowe take readers on a visit to Cleveland which draws scores of music enthusiasts each year for its blues heritage and the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi .
Of course , seeing yourself is what our snapshots department is all about , and this edition features the annual Wings & Tails fundraiser , Mingle at the Museum , the Juneteenth Business Expo , the Middleton School reunion , the opening of Galleria Rossini and the 55th Meridianite Picnic .
We also bring you recipes for some easy dinners to cook on the grill , a book review on Sandra W . Headen ’ s debut novel , “ Warrior on the Mound ” ( Holiday House ), the happenings calendar and the season lineups for the MSU Riley Center and the Meridian Symphony Association . And don ’ t miss the preview for the upcoming exhibit on Walter Anderson at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience , “ The South ’ s Most Elusive Artist .” I have been a fan of Walter Anderson ’ s work ever since I visited his Ocean Springs museum with my daughter ’ s class years ago , so I am excited about this exhibit .
So sit back and relax in the cool indoors with our latest edition of Meridian Life . Hope you enjoy it !
Glenda Sanders Meridian Life Editor
Staff
EDITOR Glenda Sanders
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Hyche Dori Lowe Brandi Perry Glenda Sanders
PHOTOGRAPHY Daniel Ethridge Thomas Howard Dori Lowe Glenda Sanders
ADVERTISING Lisa Webb
DESIGNER Tayler Dailey
PRODUCTION Jennifer Hammond
DISTRIBUTION Bobby Fields Melissa Miller
Meridian Life , a publication of the Meridian Star , is published six times a year .
814 22nd Ave . Meridian , MS 39301 601.693.1551
Comments or editorial content , including photos , should be sent to gsanders @ themeridianstar . com . Meridian Life is not responsible for unsolicited submissions .
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Meridian Life can be found online at www . meridianstar . com .
MERIDIAN LIFE