Visitors Center to host hurricane lecture, book signings

The Biloxi Visitors Center will host a trio of public events in November: two book signings,and the last in this year’s series of hurricane lectures.

Here’s the schedule with background on each event:

Hurricane Hunter Lecture, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Come hear what it’s like to fly into the most deadly weather on Earth as the Hurricane Hunters host their last lecture series of the 2014 Hurricane Season.

A panel of crew members from each of the crew positions on a WC-130J hurricane hunter aircraft will speak about their experiences throughout their career as a hurricane hunter and recap the 2014 season’s weather reconnaissance flights in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Book signing, Nov. 13, 5:307 p.m.: “Stupid Genius” is the story of Melvin Valentine who came to Biloxi in search of family roots and a meaningful life. What he found was a strange device from the lair of a missing astrophysicist; his cousin, Harlan, caught up in hunting season and a political vendetta; a serial bank robber; and Donna, the perfect woman. When a confrontational duck lands in his lap, the big problems develop. Melvin dodges cops, men in black, the advances of a sexy librarian, as well as a crazed reporter with a personal agenda. It’s all too much for a city boy to handle on his own, so Melvin joins forces with Donna, Harlan, and the duck to find his way out of trouble, fit in to a totally unique culture and dump a potential weapon of mass destruction without literally losing his mind.

This enormously engaging farce is the work of writing team N. Ray Fowler and Kathryn McLain, both currently resident in Ocean Springs and is working on a sequel to “Stupid Genius.

Book signing, Nov. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m.: George Thatcher’s newest book, “Beach Verses,” is a beautifully written collection of Haiku verses describing the grandeur of life and nature of the Mississippi Gulf Coast beach and the sea that laps the shore.  In this unique collection of beach observations, the Sun Herald columnist invites readers to accompany him on daily walks to contemplate the inspirational imagery of sea and shore.

A longtime Gulfport resident, Thatcher has observed the many changes wrought on the beach by both nature and man. Although his hobbies and interests have changed over the years, Thatcher’s pleasure in walking, particularly on the beach, has remained constant. Thatcher retired as chairman of Union Planters Bank’s Coast Division. His 23-year banking career followed 21 years as a partner in Rand-Thatcher Advertising Agency.

For more information about these or other events call the (228) 374-3105 or email braymond@biloxi.ms.us.