My Ocean Springs: 2007 in Pictures

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Blossman YMCA in Ocean Springs is one of the finest YMCA facilities in the nation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, these facilities were put to good use by housing and, more importantly, showering untold numbers of relief crews that descended on the Coast from all over the world. The “Y” boasts an excellent aquatics program with an Olympic-sized indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool. It offers quality programs for children, including youth sport leagues, a fully-functioning preschool, after-school care, and summer camps. And, the “Y” keeps Ocean Springs in excellent shape with its first-rate fitness center, managed by exercise physiologist, Joey Hans Edmonson, offering the latest in exercise equipment along with a full slate of aerobics classes.

When Barry Broome was asked how to summarize the history of the popular Broome’s Grocery on Government Street, all he could say was, “It’s all about daddy. I’m just trying to keep it going.” The year 2007 was the first year for the business without its legendary founder, Curmis Broome, who passed away in September of 2006 at age 78. Mr. Broome opened the business in 1960, but over the years garnered a reputation of being a philanthropist over and above his status as a successful businessman. He was involved in many civic organizations, though the most popular stories from his life were those in which he provided free groceries for the poor without any fanfare. Today, Barry Broome is simply trying to keep going what his daddy started.

Mr. Ronald Carstens (left), along with his students and parent volunteers, looked to the skies when Magnolia Park Elementary hosted its annual rocket launch in May. For over a decade, the blue ribbon school sends its fourth grade class out with a blast – literally – while teaching one final lesson from the world of science.

Children’s Park, on the corner of Washington and Calhoun avenues in downtown Ocean Springs, provides a delightful opportunity for parents and children to play, or in the case of Marchetta Manning, and her granddaughter, Emma, a place for grandparents and grandchildren to relax and play. The beautiful walkway escorts visitors to the park over the manicured lawns and into an oasis of child-friendly fun, with swings, modern play equipment, pavilions, and benches. The name is “children’s” park, but it is a place of relaxation for the child in everyone, regardless of age.

The most beautiful structure in Ocean Springs houses more than the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home; it represents a family history. Jeremiah J. O’Keefe, the first generation son of Irish immigrants, built this family mansion on Porter Avenue in 1906. As a founding father of Ocean Springs, Jeremiah operated a thriving livery stable and undertaking business as well as a boarding house frequented by Coast travelers and vacationing New Orleanians. The Great Depression put an end to the family business, and the O’Keefe family sold it’s mansion in the midst of mounting debts. The passing years saw the house turned into a restaurant and lounge, but in 1986 the O’Keefe family purchased the property and restored the family mansion. Today, Jeff O’Keefe (waving at a passing motorist on Porter Avenue) represents the fifth generation of the O’Keefe family in Ocean Springs.

Front Beach has been a popular place to spend an afternoon for a literally untold number of years. Brynn Bryant and Emily Havard enjoy playing in the sand together, but people of all ages enjoy their time at the beach, from playing in the sand to simply enjoying the view ranging across the Mississippi Sound to the barrier islands.

St. John’s Episcopal Church hosted the sixth annual Renaissance Faire on a sunny weekend in May at a new location on the corner of Lemoyne Boulevard and Washington Avenue. The Renaissance Faire raises money each spring for local charities while providing medieval-themed education and entertainment for the entire family. This year’s faire featured the internationally renowned Knights of Valour who traveled from Canada to put on a jousting exhibition, as well as the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, who recreated a Medieval village and taught the finer points of armored sword fighting and Medieval dancing. In the featured picture, Alan Clampett of Gautier, the local baron of the SCA chapter, presides from his Baronial chambers.

Michele Hirata's mother fought breast cancer for seventeen years before her death three years ago. Through many radiation and chemotherapy treatments, one of her biggest battles was dealing with the loss of her hair. Michele learned to knit after her mother’s death, and inspired by her mother’s courageous battles, she created a fun, comfortable hat from a tie-dyed t-shirt. She began donating her hats to various organizations, and they were an absolute hit! Fat Thumb Originals was born. Michele created “Fat Thumb Originals” in April 2004, naming her operation after her own thumbs, objects of teasing her entire life. With her passion deeply formed in her heart, Michele came to understand that while being different might be hard, it can also make one beautiful and strong. She continues to donate the hats to all those fighting cancer, while selling hats, purses, and other accessories at local art shows and on-line to cover the expenses.