🌱 Mental Health Pop-Up At Park + Swan Lake Success On Opening Weekend

Hey, everybody. Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Hattiesburg Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 85 Low: 60.
• Wednesday: Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 83 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories in Hattiesburg today:

1. A Mental Health Awareness Pop-up Shop was held at Vernon Dahmer Park in Hattiesburg as part of Mental Health Awareness Month on Sunday. The event aimed to support individuals struggling with their mental health, with a specific focus on youth. Community members came together to provide assistance and resources for children facing mental and physical challenges in their daily lives. The organizers plan to hold another pop-up event in the fall. (WDAM)
2. Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker reflects on the challenges and triumphs the city faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being the first city in Mississippi to implement a mask mandate, Barker faced pushback but stood firm in his decision. The city worked on public art projects, including a mural trail, to bring light and hope during dark times. Hattiesburg also invested in infrastructure projects, such as overpasses, to improve traffic flow and address longstanding issues. Barker acknowledges the need to eventually document and tell the story of the pandemic's impact on the city. (Governing)
3. The South Mississippi Ballet Theatre performed "Swan Lake" in Hattiesburg over the weekend featuring dancers from Mississippi and around the world. The principal dancers praised the discipline and dedication of the younger dancers, finding motivation and encouragement in their work. The ballet was described as a perfect place where dancers could showcase themselves and learn the ropes of being a professional dancer. The South Mississippi Ballet Theatre will return in December to perform "The Nutcracker." (WDAM)

Today and tomorrow in Hattiesburg:

Tuesday, May 23

• Chick-fil-A Kids Crafts With Ms. Amanda At Chick-fil-A Hattiesburg (9:00 AM)
• Pub Trivia At The Porter (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, May 24

• Stephen Wade Scott At Hub City Beers (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Lucky Rabbit in Downtown Hattiesburg celebrated its expansion by cutting the ribbon on the new Grocery Building. The building offers a combined shopping space of 39,000 square feett with over 90 vendors. (Downtown Hattiesburg via Facebook)
• The recent pickleball clinic led by Hattiesburg Pickleball players was successful, introducing new pickleball players to the sport. For those who missed the clinic, there will be monthly introductory clinics held on the third Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the upcoming clinic scheduled for June 18, Father's Day. (Hattiesburg Parks & Recreation)
• Calling all foodies! If you're ready to level up your culinary skills, consider joining the Kitchen Table's upcoming cooking classes where you'll learn to create delectable meals like a professional chef. (The Kitchen Table via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you soon with another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.