Jackson Free Press

Celia Barrett Design (3000 Old Canton Rd., Suite 505, 601-354-0066), a boutique interior-design firm based in Jackson, recently completed renovations on 1908 Provisions in the historic Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429 ext. 305). Formerly called Sophia's, the high-end eatery attracted an established clientele, but the hotel wanted to expand its demographic and include an undeveloped customer base.

Proprietor Peter Sharp wanted 1908 Provisions to stay true to southern cooking techniques and local ingredients while also taking new inspiration and influence from California. He tasked Principal Designer Celia Barrett of Celia Barrett Design with keeping the restaurant sophisticated while appealing to a contemporary restaurant customer and incorporating qualities of the antebellum-style bed-and-breakfast into a more modern look.

The historic bed-and-breakfast, which has hosted people such as Mick Jagger and the former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia of Spain, has also brought back Chef Gary Hawkins of Sophia's and introduced a completely revamped menu. 1908 will change menu items quarterly to incorporate seasonal foods and farm vegetables. The new menu features starters to share, updated first-course appetizers and main dishes focusing on gulf fish, California farm-raised lamb and chicken, premium cuts of beef and specialties like Chevre Delta Grits.

1908 Provisions is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find full menu details on the restaurant's website.

Holiday Events at Northpark Mall

With the holiday season approaching, Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Rd., Suite 138, Ridgeland, 601-572-8068) in Ridgeland has a number of events planned for local shoppers.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, Northpark will host its annual girls-night-out event, Indulge, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Women can enjoy an evening of shopping and pampering that features the latest fashions, food and live entertainment. The first 200 guests will also receive a swag bag full of goodies.

Parents will get the opportunity to dress up little ones in their Halloween best at Northpark's Mall-O-Ween event Saturday, Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the mall's center court. After the festivities, kids can trick-or-treat with retailers throughout the mall in a safe and fun environment.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, local children can enjoy complimentary sweets and tell Santa their Christmas wishes at the Cookies and Milk with Santa event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pet owners will also get the chance to get their pets' pictures taken with Santa during Pet Photo Night Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Northpark will also have holiday music from local churches and schools beginning Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NorthparkMallMS and follow the shopping center on Twitter @ShopNorthparkMS.

MMBA Receives $20,000 Grant

Last week, the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance received a $20,000 Partnership Grant Program award from BankPlus and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.

Founded in 1997, the MMBA exists to create and enhance opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in Mississippi. The nonprofit plans to use the grant funds to expand its outreach to minority businesses in rural and non-urban areas, particularly the delta region, the Gulf Coast and central and northern Mississippi.

Over its 17 years of operation, the MMBA has provided more than 1,500 individuals, organizations and business owners with training and technical assistance, helped 300 start-ups and existing businesses with one-on-one business counseling and hosted more than 60 networking opportunities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reported a 57 percent increase in minority- and women-owned businesses between 2002 and 2007. The total count was 46,823 businesses for that time period. In all, Mississippi had 231,801 small businesses in 2008, which made up 96 percent of the state's employers.

FHLB Dallas uses the PGP to award partnership grants through its member institutions and to provide funding for the operational needs of community-based organizations involved in affordable housing and economic development. FHLB Dallas matches a member's cash contribution to a community-based organization of $500 up to $5,000 at a 3:1 ratio. FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in partnership grants in 2014.