The Simms Family

Left to Right:  Tami, Eddy, Ashley, Alex, Kay (Class of 1959), Jim, Tyler, Chris, Billy, Melanie and Bobby.

Brother Mark's Obituary

January 23, 1916 ~ February 14, 2013

Baton Rouge ~ Brother Mark Thornton, S.C. (Joseph C. Thornton), a Brother of the Sacred Heart, passed away in Baton Rouge on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at the age of 97.  He was a native of Far Rockaway, N.Y., and the beloved son of the late Elizabeth Reilly and Luke Thornton Sr.  Brother Mark was preceded in death by brother, Luke Thornton Jr. and John Thornton; and a sister, Marcella Klinck.  He is survived by his nieces, Kathleen Lunamand and Karen Klinck; his nephews, Chris Klinck and Robert Klinck; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Brother Mark entered the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at Metuchen, N.J., in 1928.  He started his career in education as a teacher at Menard Memorial Catholic High School, Alexandria, LA., in 1934.  Three short years later, her was transferred to Catholic Boys Home, in Mobile, Ala., where he added prefecting duties to his teaching responsibilities.  Brother Mark was assigned to St. Aloysius High School in New Orleans in 1939, devoting the next 10 years to classroom instruction.  But, he moved into the Principal's office at St. Aloysius in 1949 and spent the better part of his remaining 48 years of ministry as a school administrator.

Brother Mark served as principal at St. Aloysius (New Orleans), McGill High School (Mobile), St. Aloysius High School (Vicksburg) and was the founding principal of Brother Martin High School (New Orleans).  He was elected provincial superior of the New Orleans Province of the Brothers of the Sacred Heard for two terms, from 1970 through 1976.  He later served as president of St. Stanislaus College (Bay St. Louis).  Brother Mark also enjoyed teaching at the Brothers' Bayou schools, E.D. White Catholic High School and Vanderbilt Catholic High School.  Before retiring, Brother Mark was named treasurer of the New Orleans Province.

Throughout his life, Brother Mark was known for his humble leadership, his practical wisdom, his love of God and his religious community, and his selfless dedication to the young people entrusted to his care.  His keen wit, insight into complex situations and financial acumen, especially evident of the untold number of meetings he attended, were legendary.

Since Brother Mark donated his body to medical science, relatives, friends, colleagues and former students are invited to attend a memorial Mass commemorating his earthly life and celebrating his new, eternal life on Friday, February 22, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Branton Chapel at Brother Martin High School (4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70122). A light reception will follow in the lobby of the Meyer Math and Science Building at Brother Martin High School.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Foundation, 4600 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA  70122.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis has charge of arrangements.

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Leaks at SCHF

Try to help if you can, or know anyone who can...pass it on.

Maybe even become a member if your are not already pays forwards what so many of us gained...using the auditorium as a church comes to mind as well as all the school did for us...and is now doing for the community of Vicksburg and to preserver our history.  
per Vera Franco Dahm, Ph.D.

SOUTHERN CULTURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION February 14, 2013 Happy Valentine's Day! THE CULTURAL LINK Dear SCHF Subscriber:    With the MANY days of heavy rain,  many leaks have formed in our historic properties.  These leaks are happening  in four of our five buildings. If you would like to make a donation to help defray the expenses of the repairs, please make your check out to the "SCHF" and put in the memo "leaks".  We appreciate any assistance you can give!!        Sincerely, Annette Kirklin annette@southernculture.org  Executive Director Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation   The SCHF would like to acknowledge and THANK our NEW and RENEWING members and corporate sponsors of the week.Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Allred Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Brabston Mr. Gordon Cotton Dr. & Mrs. Randy Easterling Ms. Shirley Farish Mrs. Margaret Gilmer, Vicksburg Factory Outlets Dr. & Mrs. Briggs Hopson, Sr. Dr. William Martin Mrs. Launo Moore Mrs. Linda Moss Mr. & Mrs. George Nasif Dr. & Mrs. James Price Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Rankin Mr. & Mrs. D. P. Waring Mr. Howard Waring, Waring Oil Company, LLC  Ms. Amelia O. Winchester  Your membership and support is so appreciated!! BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS  "The Nightclub Two-Step" February 17 and 24 (5pm-6pm) SCHF Academy Building Presented by James Frechette, owner of Applause Dance Factory Admission: $10 per person For more information please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email  info@southernculture.org  4-Day Stained Glass Workshop February 25-28 5:30pm-7:30pm $160/SCHF Members&170/non-members "This workshop will teach the student how to build a small stained glass panel using the Tiffany style (copper foil method). Students will learn a brief history of stained glass, pick out a pattern, learn to cut glass, put together a panel using copper foil, and solder their panel. The class will be (4) two-hour sessions, February 25-28 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Registration includes stained glass and basic supplies. Space is limited and reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. Cochran Art Exhibit  Opening Reception:  Monday, March 4 (4pm-6pm) Exhibit continues until March 28 during normal business hours  FREE ADMISSION  The SCHF is proud to welcome the original art of Thomas "Tom" Cochran. The Cochran Art Exhibit opens in the Academy Building of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center on Monday, March 4th with an opening reception from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The exhibit will continue to be on display until March 28 during regular business hours. Admission is free. Thomas L. (Tom) Cochran (1938-2006) was a multi-faceted artist. Experts considered him a master of watercolor; he was also a sculptor , woodcarver, and designer. A native of Walters, OK, Tom moved to Jackson, MS, in 1959 following a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy. Other than a very brief period of time during which he lived in Brookhaven, MS, he resided in Jackson until his death in 2006. In 1991 two of his impressionistic paintings won "Awards of Merit" from Watercolor Encounter at Louisiana Tech. His creations are in private and corporate collections throughout the country. President Gerald Ford, President Ronald Reagan, and President George H.W. Bush each owned commissioned Cochran carvings, as well as limited edition prints. Lee Iacocca's collection includes Tom's work. The Mississippi Museum of Art selected his work for its prestigious "Collector's Choice Live Auction." A strong sense of family and love of country are recurrent themes in his works as he created familiar scenes depicting rural and small town Americana. His poignant paintings of weather-worn buildings and faded, forgotten, once-prized possessions evoke a feeling of nostalgia. More information can be found at  www.cochranartlimited.com.     For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org. SCHF Corporate Sponsors and Grant Providers  MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION CITY OF VICKSBURG Platinum Sponsor  ERGON, Inc. Gold Sponsor Ameristar Casino  Anderson-Tully Lumber Co., Inc. Golding Barge Line, Inc. Vicksburg Insurance Agency   Silver Sponsor Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel Waring Oil Company LLC  PLEASE HELP  SCH Auditorium  Repair & Stabilization is COMPLETE $13,957 STILL NEEDED!   This project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives & History of $150,000 with required matching funds of $38,000.   We have raised $24,043 toward the $38,000 needed for the matching funds.  Because we did not raise the remaining funds, we were forced to use our general fund.   We are STILL accepting contributions toward this project.  REMEMBER:  contributions of $50/or more will be listed on a plaque that will be permanently located in the foyer of the Historic Auditorium.       Checks need to made out to the SCHF (write MDAH grant in the memo of your check) and send to 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS   39180.  Your donation is tax deductible. For more information, please call 601.631.2997 or emailinfo@southernculture.org.   THE VICKSBURG SLAM  Vicksburg's first & only Circuit Program    It was formed to promote, encourage and foster the three signature Vicksburg Races! This is a partnership between Grace Christian Counseling Center, Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation & the YMCA. The Vicksburg Slam Membership Individual ($20-One year) ($30-Two Years) Family- ($25-One Year) ($40-Two Years) (immediate family members living at same address) (Deadline for the 1st Circuit qualification is February 22nd, after the Run Thru History, we will be accepting applications for the 2nd circuit)  Benefits:  Each member will receive a membership card, a special "SLAM" tech t-shirt, discounts at area stores and restaurants, the ability to qualify for cash prizes through participation of all THREE Vicksburg races Click HERE to download membership form.      In This Issue SCHF New and Renewing Members Ballroom Dance Lessons Stained Glass Workshop Cochran Art Exhibit SCHF Corporate Sponsors SCHF Auditorium Exterior Project Update The Vicksburg Slam Guitar Lessons Community Links Calendar of Events Guitar Lessons (inquire about special discounts for SCHF Members)  Richard McComas, SCHF guitar instructor, presently has a number of openings for guitar lessons If you are interested or would like more information, please call 601-529-6505  MORE INFO. . .      Do you need to become a valuable SCHF member or renew your SCHF Membership?... Click here for a membership form. Would you like to become a Corporate Sponsor?... Click here for a sponsorship form. Please call us at 601.631.2997 or email info@southernculture.orgwith any questions you may have concerning any of our programs and special events. Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation 1302 Adams Street Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180 Important Community links...  -Vicksburg/Warren Chamber of Commerce -Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau  -Vicksburg Theatre Guild  -Vicksburg Main Street   Calendar of Events            ·February 17-Ballroom Dance Lessons ·February 17-Vicksburg Music Teachers Student Recital ·February 18-SCHF Business Office Closed ·February 20-Southern Book club discusses LIFE AFTER LIFE by Kate Atkinson ·February 24-Ballroom Dance Lessons  ·February 25-28-4-Day Stained Glass Workshop   ·March 4-29-Cochran Art Exhibit ·March 20-Southern Book club discusses Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard ·March 26-Baking with Jay Parmegiani ·April 2-SCHF Night at McAllister's  (5pm-9pm)  ·April 16-Sushi Workshop  ·May 2-5th Annual Chocolate Affair ·June-Spectrum ·June 4,11,18,25-Portrait Drawing Workshop with Jerrod Partridge ·July 1-Spectrum Showcase ·October 12-25th annual Over the River Run ·October 18,25 November 1, 8-Classics in the Courtyard ·December 7-Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show vendor application  Detailed Google Calendar

Funny Nun

For all of you who went to Catholic School and for those who didn't this is a great teacher!  I'll bet no one goes to sleep in her class! Enjoy!!!! 

Click here

Classmates Getting Together In Alabama!

Of the 19 who graduated from St. Al. High in Vicksburg, MS in 1959, three now live in Alabama. Saturday night was one of our periodic get-together. From left to right are Debra Matherne, classmate Phillip Doiron, my wife Nancy, me, my sister-in-law Ruth Little, my brother Phil, and classmate Dickie Matherne. The food was good and the company better.

Newly Weds

Presenting  ~ Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. Little

Our classmate, Walter, married Nancy Tucker Little on January 19, 2013.

Congratulations to the newly weds!  

Beautiful Wedding Cake

Walter Little (Class of 1959) with his new bride, Nancy Tucker Little.

Helen Traweek, a wonderful baker and co-leader with husband, Ken, of a small study group to which we belong, surprised us with this beautiful and delicious cake Tuesday (January 22). Thanks to Kathi Jacob for the photo.