Sela Ward book-signing scheduled for Thursday at Once and Again

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
July 29, 2003
Meridian native and actress Sela Ward will sign copies of her book Thursday at the Once and Again thrift store.
Ward's book, "Homesick," was published last fall. It is an account of Ward's years growing up in Meridian. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books goes to Hope Village for Children, the local home for abused and neglected children, which Ward helped establish.
At a book-signing in Meridian in October, Ward described the book: "It's my personal journey I thought would resonate with people who, like myself, have left home and moved away to pursue their careers and yearn for that sense of community and belonging."
Ann Maynor is manager of the thrift store, which also raises money for Hope Village.
The shop recently moved from 2119 Front St. to 2516 Front St., the former location of Luther Oliver Paint Store, because more space was needed for the large quantity of items donated for sale.
She said the store also features a "Holiday Loft" where decorations for various holidays can be found.
A ribbon-cutting for the new location was held earlier this month and Hope Village for Children's new executive director, Stephen Johnson, was formally introduced to the public.
Johnson came to Hope Village from East Mississippi State Hospital, where he worked as social work supervisor for the adolescent unit. He replaced Carrie Ponder, Hope Village's first executive director, who resigned this year.
The Once and Again thrift store is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Large items donated to the store for sale can be picked up from the donor's home. For more information, call the thrift store at 483-7009.