Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2018

LETTERS to the editor
LETTER from the editor
As we say happy birthday to our nation this month, we commend all first responders for the crucial roles they play in Coast communities. Along with members of the military, first responders are heroes who deserve our appreciation. The cover
photo and special section are our way of saying thank you.
It was my privilege to meet Sgt. Tony Alves and to ride with Sgt. Daniel Castillo
of the Gulfport Police
Department. Both
came to the Coast as
Airmen at Keesler Air
Force Base. Fortunately
for the community,
they decided to stay.
Through years of
interviewing and
writing about local
people, I never stop
being amazed at the
outstanding residents
this area gains because
we have Keesler and the Seabee base here. Here’s a plug for Sgt. Alves, a Boston native, — he will be featured in a segment of the TV show, Cops, that’s scheduled to air in August.
Others along the Coast feel the same way about our military bases as evidenced by Biloxi winning the Air Force Altus Award. Each year the award goes to a community that shows exceptional support for a local Air Force base. Read all about it in Coast Notes.
Going with the patriotic theme, we have a story in the People section about a new American citizen who couldn’t be prouder of his status. Sasha (Alex) Ferreria knows what it’s like to live under Cuban Communism and is most grateful to be free.
There are two other special sections worthy of attention, Back Bay Mission and a photo exhibit at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Located in Biloxi, Back Bay Mission has served the community for 96 years. They are still going strong and changing lives for the better. You will be impressed reading about all they do.
We did not have space to feature all photos from the Audubon Center’s juried exhibition, but those we have highlight the natural beauty of the area’s flora and fauna. Congratulations to these photographers.
Congratulations are also in order for Vancleave High School, home to two state championship teams. Their story and photos are in the Sports & Outdoors section.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
A heartfelt thank you for the beautiful special section for Lynn Meadows Discovery Center’s 20th Birthday Celebration. We are truly grateful for all the support that you and your staff continue to give. You are a true friend to the museum and we value your friendship.
CINDY DeFRANCES
LYNN MEADOWS DISCOVER CENTER
I just wanted to say thank you so much for the recognition you gave to Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs in June’s edition. We are so grateful for partners like you.
NIKKI JOHNS
JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF BILOXI-OCEAN SPRINGS
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South Mississippi Living magazine
12 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2018
Lynn Lofton, South Mississippi Living editor, with Left, Sgt. Daniel Castillo, and right, Sgt. Tony Alves.
PEOPLE DINING
SPORTS & OUTDOORS SHOPPING HOMES HEALTHY LIVING CLICK!
COAST CHARACTER Bobby Mahoney Keeps Diners Laughing
1OO page
Local Resource Guide
JUNE 2018 • FREE
SMLIVING.NET