Hometown Brandon - Fall 2016

volume 3 number 4
Fall 2016
Putting the “PAL” in Principal
______________________
an olde towne experience
______________________
A Pro-Style Quarterback
______________________
Progress!

2 • Fall 2016

FULL DIMENSIONAL STEREO
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Hometown Brandon • 3

4 • Fall 2016

Publisher & Editor
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTing editor
Mary Ann Kirby
Account Executive
Rachel Lombardo
Administrative Assistants
Alisha Floyd
Brenda McCall
Staff Photographer
Othel Anding
Contributing
Photographers
Marilyn Moore Hughes
Contributing Writers
Camille Anding
Kyle Brown
Charla Jordan
Susan Marquez
Suzanne Ross
Layout Design & Production
Daniel Thomas • 3dt
www.facebook.com
/hometownbrandonmagazine
Anyone ever heard of a wishing jar where you can write down your wishes, deposit them in
a jar and retrieve them later to find they each came true? I haven’t either, but I have a few wishes
I would include:
1) I’d wish for all returning school teachers to have a year’s supply of patience, energy and
students anxious to learn.
2) I’d wish for the upcoming election to bring out the best in our nation and not the worst.
3) I’d wish for an easy transition for all kindergarten students–and hope for us mothers
having to deliver our babies to college.
4) I’d wish for one more mini-weekend vacation before the summer ends.
5) I’d wish for blessings and continued safety in our peaceful hometown.
And while I know wishes don’t always come true, positive thoughts can
certainly enhance any environment. We at Hometown Magazines work hard
to make our publications a positive addition to our town and are continually
grateful for the support of both our readers and our advertisers. My wish for
you would be for healthy families, robust business and
continued favor from the One that holds us all.
www.HTMags.com
Contact us at
info@htmags.com
601.706.4059
26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F
Brandon, MS 39042
• • •
Hometown Brandon is published by Hometown
Magazines. All rights reserved. No portion of
Hometown Brandon may be reproduced
without written permission from the publisher.
The management of Hometown Brandon is not
responsible for opinions expressed by its
writers or editors. All communications sent to
our editorial staff are subject to publication and
the unrestricted right to be refused, or to be
edited and/or editorially commented on. All
advertisements are subject to approval by the
publisher. The production of Hometown Brandon
is funded by advertising.
On the cover: Brandon School Principals
Seated: Charles Frazier, Kelli Adcock / Standing: Lisa Hudson, Trey Rein, Angela Nichols
In this issue The Way We Were ....................6
An Olde Towne Experience........... 1 0
A Heart for Dance ................... 15
A Pro-Style Quarterback ....22
Putting the “PAL” in Principal ....... 25
Favorite Thing About School ......... 29
A Joyful Heart ....................... 48
Everything’s Coming Up Roses....... 54
Progress! ........................... 58
Hometown Brandon • 5

The
way
we
were.
Dorothy & Walter Redd
Walter and Dorothy Redd certainly don’t look
like they’ve been married for 58 years, and their
youthful sense of humor shows no signs of aging.
The two joke and laugh a lot – comfortable with
each other and who they are.
Dorothy Sutton Redd met her future husband
when she was a freshman in Carter High School
in Brandon. Walter was a junior, but by the time he
was a freshman in college he was ready to propose
to the young girl that had won his heart. Dorothy
was a 17-year-old bride when they were married
in a small civil ceremony in Brandon in 1958.
“It was a very cost-less ceremony,” Dorothy
said with a chuckle. Walter completed her
sentence like older couples do, “Because we
were very broke!”
The newlyweds moved in with her mother,
and Walter remembers the main perk. “She was
a really good cook.” Walter went on to describe
how his new wife was the oldest of four sisters
and had one older brother. Her brother had
learned to do the cooking while Dorothy helped
raise her younger sisters and do the related
housekeeping chores. “She learned how to cook
on me,” Walter said as the couple laughed amid
their memories. “I never had a weight problem
because I never wanted seconds,” he added.
Dorothy shared her recollection of those early
years of marriage and learning to cook. “I could
make hamburgers and brownies because those
are the two things I learned in Home Ec!”
Three sons and two daughters later, Dorothy
had learned to cook and help her husband raise
five wonderful children.
The Redd couple recalled the advice they
learned from their parents. Walter’s dad told him
to make sure to work hard and take care of his
family. Walter learned that by the example of his
6 • Fall 2016

father working two to three jobs. Dorothy’s
mother told her daughter, “Start like you can
hold out.”Dorothy smiled and said, “I had to
remember that lots of times.”
This admirable couple instilled a strong work
ethic in their children by instruction and example.
Walter retired from Siemens, and Dorothy retired
from Bell South and continued working at Security
Ballew where she eventually retired again.
The couple also admits to “spoiling” their
children. When their first daughter pulled up
to a service station after moving to college, an
attendant had to show her where to find her gas
tank opening. That’s because Walter said that he
had always taken care of her vehicle. Dorothy
confessed to more spoiling when she said that
she often cooked biscuits for her growing family
as early as 5:00 AM.
The Redds still believed in an occasional
“attitude adjustment” with the belt and raised a
family that’s still close and successful in their own
right. They all have college degrees; one is retired
from Raytheon in Brandon; one is an attorney in
Richland; there’s an IRS and State Farm employee
in Atlanta; a self-employed computer consultant
in Maryland; and a computer consultant with a
Kansas company.
“God has blessed us,” the couple echoed over
and over, and they’ve lived to see a lot of their
dreams come true. When Dorothy was a child, she
was fascinated with Hawaii and often expressed
a desire to go there some day. One of her sons
remembered that dream and arranged for his
siblings to join him in sending his parents to
Hawaii for her 70th birthday.
Walter and Dorothy have advice for young
couples approaching marriage. Proverbs 3:5-6 has
been Dorothy’s “go-to” verse: “Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and lean not unto your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge
Him, and He will direct your paths.”
Walter has relied on Matthew 6:33 – “Seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.” This
blessed couple can attest to an abundance of
wonderful things in their 58 years of marriage,
and they graciously give God all the credit.
“God has
blessed us.”
Hometown Brandon • 7

BRANDON 11-10-16
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8 • Fall 2016

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Hometown Brandon • 9

10 • Fall 2016

An
Olde Towne
Experience
Camille Anding
The location will be an easy find for Brandon locals and Sunday
buffet connoisseurs. Olde Towne will be the new restaurant in the
old Annie D’s eating place.
Jeff and Gayle Parish are the owners and will be joined by Gayle’s
brother’s “significant other,” Kelly Nobles, who has a flair for décor
and the well-earned title of chief culinary creator.
Gayle, who will be in charge of taking care of the customers and
waitresses outside of the kitchen, has a teaching degree and Master
of Education. She’s worked from her home as a billing agent for
Home Medical Equipment and owned a restaurant in Prentiss, a
town that she and her husband have called home for more than
thirty years.
Now that she and Jeff have two grandchildren living in Madison,
the dream of owning a restaurant in a larger area has drawn them to
Brandon. They are hoping it will be a perfect fit.
The new restaurant will employ fifteen, plus additional free
family labor on weekends. The former Annie D’s popular Sunday
buffet will be back along with lunch menus Tuesday through Friday
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, evening meals
will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Take-outs are also available.
A crowd-pleasing menu adds credibility to the future of Old
Town Restaurant. Steaks will be their specialty, and biscuits will be
a novelty item served to all customers while they wait for their orders.
Gayle said, “We want people to enjoy the atmosphere and relax.”
Kelly is confident that the quality and taste of proven family recipes
will complete the overall experience of dining at the Olde Towne
Restaurant.
“Our motto at our restaurant is: ‘Whatever it takes,’” Gayle said
with a confident smile. That sounds like a step toward success and
a great addition to the city of Brandon’s dining experiences.
Hometown Brandon • 11

12 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 13

Noel Daniels
Premier Motor Company
611 W. Government Street / Brandon, MS
601-825-3636 / noeldaniels.com
The only deals we miss are the ones we don't know about.
Let us hear from you!
14 • Fall August/September 2016 2016

A Heart
for Dance
Susan Marquez
D’Onna Manning of
Brandon loves to dance.
She took dance classes at Rhonda Whitehead’s School
of Dance and Gymnastics on Grant’s Ferry Road and
loved it. But a disappointing audition for the Brandon
High School dance team actually led to much greater
things for Manning. “I didn’t make the dance team, but
they gave me some good advice. They said I needed
more dance training, particularly in ballet.”
A friend told her about Ballet Magnificat! School of
the Arts in Jackson, so Manning went to the school and
took a placement class. “I was so nervous, because I had
the idea that it was for professional dancers only.”
Once she arrived, she learned it was a place where
serious dancers receive serious training. She started
ballet classes at the school three years ago.
Manning has become very involved at Ballet
Magnificat! performing as a member of the Mini Mag
touring performing group. “We perform at churches,
nursing homes and other places. My goal is to be a
trainee next year.” She was offered an apprenticeship
this year, which will get her one step closer to her goal.
In February, Manning traveled to Atlanta to
audition with the American Musical and Dramatic
Academy. “I heard about it and inquired about auditions
and they invited me to come audition.” She auditioned
for both dance and musical theatre and was accepted
into the prestigious school. “If I go, it will be two years in
New York and two years in Los Angeles,” she explained.
Manning has also been offered a full academic
scholarship to Belhaven University.
While she is thrilled to have been accepted to AMDA,
her heart is leaning towards Belhaven so that she can
continue her training at Ballet Magnificat!. “I’d like to
major in physical therapy so that one day I can be a
therapist for Ballet Magnificat!.” Manning has a year to
make her decision, as she has just entered her senior year
at Brandon High School.
A lifelong native of Brandon, Manning says she has
been fortunate to have the opportunities she has had in
dance. Typically a happy and positive person, she is like
everyone else in that sometimes she gets a bit down.
“When I feel discouraged, all I have to do is read my
favorite Bible verse, Romans 12:21, which says ‘Do not
be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’”
It’s a verse that keeps the talented teen on track. n
Hometown Brandon • 15

Back
2 Sch l
It’s never too early to get ready for school!
Make summer reading fun & easy for
your kids with a new pair of glasses!
—www.optical2000.com—
Brandon: (601) 825-8300 Ridgeland: (601) 957-9292
Canton: (601) 859-3464 Yazoo City: (662) 746-4312
Madison: (601) 605-2259
16 • Spring Fall 2016 2016

ProuD To be ParT of rankin counTy
Tom Douglas
PresiDenT
roberT Douglas
Vice-PresiDenT
817 n college sT.
branDon, ms
Hometown Brandon • 17

Gardner Flint Minshew II,
son of Kim and Flint Minshew,
left an amazing mark on Brandon
High School’s football program as well
as the classroom. He closed his prep
career in 2014 as one of the metro area’s
most successful quarterbacks with 11,222
passing yards and 105 total touchdowns while
graduating with a 4.0 GPA. For a high school player,
he was the total package.
A Pro-Style
Quarterback
He was recruited by Troy, Southern Miss, and Wake Forest but
chose Northwest Community College to begin his college career.
As a Ranger, Minshew was instrumental in guiding his team to
an 11-1 record and the 2015 NJCAA National Championship.
His freshman stats continued to impress his followers.
Minshew is now on the roster at East Carolina University
where he was a late addition to the 2016 signing class.
He will have three years of eligibility as an ECU Pirate.
That should be ample time for his record-breaking career
to garner more impressive stats.
18 • Fall 2016

As he prepares to kick-off a
new season with a new team,
we asked him a few questions
about his pursuit of the game...
Hometown Brandon • 19

. . . you can’t just be
satisfied with being good.
That’s what stops many
people from reaching
their fullest potential.
20 • Fall 2016

What was the biggest adjustment
you had to make from high school
football to college?
The biggest adjustment is the time
commitment. The coaches control your
days. You have a strict schedule between
class, meetings, weights and practice.
It gets exhausting but it is well worth it.
What’s one of your fondest memories
of playing for Brandon High School?
Riding through Brandon on the way to
the state championship game and having
what seemed like the whole town lined up
on Highway 80 to cheer us on. It was such
a cool moment to see how much this game
meant to the community.
As a college football athlete, do you
have “down time” or “free time?”
In-season there is one off-day every week
and out of season there are typically two.
Typically, you are so worn down from
games or workouts that it is truly down
time. There’s a lot of napping and hanging
out with guys on the team.
Are there any negatives about being
a college athlete?
There are some negatives such as being
away from home and family or having your
whole day planned out for you, but the
positive outweigh them easily. It is such a
blessing to be in the position we are in. We
have such an influence in the communities
we are in and we can hopefully use that in
a positive way.
What or who was your greatest
motivation to play college football?
My dad. Not that he ever forced me to work
out or participate, he really just gave me the
freedom to make my own decisions and if
I would go to him asking to workout or
throw he would always be available. Once
I decided that I wanted to play in college he
made sure to give me the best opportunity
to do so.
Name the quarterback you most admire
and why?
I would have to say Drew Brees. He isn’t the
most physically gifted being just under six
feet tall, so he has to be really good with all
the things he can control. He does all of the
little things that makes a quarterback great.
What are your plans after college?
I plan to get involved with sports performance
training or coaching. I want the opportunity
to impact kids in a positive way while doing
something I love and am passionate about.
Name two of the best decisions you’ve
ever made.
Making the decision to transfer to Northwest
CC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever
made. It took a huge leap of faith and required
me to swallow my pride a little bit but it was
well worth it as we won a national championship
and I was able to move on to a great
school in ECU. Another huge decision for
me was to graduate early from high school.
I missed a lot my senior year and that was
hard. But going out of my comfort zone like
that really made mature quickly. It helped me
grow not only as a player but as a person.
What’s your favorite food?
A hamburger that my dad makes. That’s
probably the one food I could eat everyday.
Do you have a routine or superstition
that you follow before a game?
Pre-game I try to avoid too much superstition.
I will keep my same stretching routine
and a couple songs to get me in the right
state of mind but that’s it. Nothing too strict.
What are some life lessons your coaches
have taught you?
Coach Wyatt Rogers told me since I was a
sophomore in high school that “good is the
enemy of great”. This means you can’t just
be satisfied with being good. That’s what
stops many people from reaching their fullest
potential. There is no room for complacency.
Hometown Brandon • 21

Prayer rally
October 16, 2016
6:00 P.M.
Brandon Baptist Church
100 Brandon Baptist Drive
Brandon MS 39042
www.brandonbc.org (601) 824-1781
www.facebook.com/brandonbcms
Sunday Worship Times
8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
6:00 p.m. Evening Worship
22 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 23

24 • Fall 2016

Putting the
“PAL” in Principal
While the classroom teacher may certainly be the most visible person
in your child’s life at school, it is the principal who is responsible
for providing a high-quality educational environment for all the students
and the teachers, too. Good principals hire, develop, and retain excellent
teachers. And great principals build an undeniably strong school
community in which everyone can be a part.
Hometown Brandon • 25

Charles Frazier
Brandon High
Charles Frazier has been in the
teaching, coaching and administrating
profession for 26 years. For his upcoming
year in education, Frazier is the head
principal at Brandon High School. The
greatest reward of Frazier’s profession,
he said, is watching a student or
teacher grow to become self-sufficient.
In Frazier’s administration, he stands
by this motto: time waits on no man, so
utilize your time wisely. “In the world of
education, we have the ability to teach
and grow individuals to go out and make
a difference in the world,” Frazier said.
“We must challenge each other to think
beyond the world we see because there
are jobs that have not been created and
challenges we do not know exist.”
cfrazier@rcsd.ms
Trey Rein
Brandon Middle
Trey Rein is entering his thirteenth year
in education, and his first year as head
principal at Brandon Middle School.
Previously, Rein was an administrator at
Brandon High School where the students
and community made Rein feel right at
home. For Rein, the best part of being
a principal is graduation. “It is an end,
which is sad,” Rein said. “But it’s also
a completion and the beginning of
something new.” Now Rein is experiencing
a new beginning at Brandon Middle
School. Over the summer, Rein has
worked closely with fellow administrators
and faculty to create a vision for BMS.
“Education means so much more than
teaching and learning,” Rein said.
“It’s about building relationships and
creating life experiences.” Rein looks
forward to seeing the vision come to
life in the passionate and engaged
students at Brandon Middle School.
trey.rein@rcsd.ms
Lisa Hudson
Brandon Elementary
Lisa Hudson has been in the field of
education for more than 30 years. She
is beginning her third year as head
principal of Brandon Elementary School.
She considers BES her home, as it was
the place where she began her career
as a teacher. “Mrs. Comfort was head
principal at the time. I think of her often
when I am making decisions,” Hudson
said. “What would Mrs. Comfort do in this
situation? She was the best.” Hudson
sees her job as an encourager to
teachers, students and families in the
community. “I love our community of
Brandon, and the best part of my job
is establishing relationships with the
people that come our way.”
lhudson@rcsd.ms
26 • Fall 2016

Angela Nichols
Stonebridge Elementary
Angela Nichols has been in the
education profession for 18 years, and
currently holds the head principal position
at StoneBridge Elementary School.
In her years as an administrator, she has
found that the greatest memories involve
the growth of a student or teacher in
accomplishing a task after diligent and
consistent work. “I look forward to
entering the classrooms this school year
and seeing students engaged in learning
and having ‘aha’ moments.” Nichols
considers her position in Brandon a great
honor. “It is an honor to work in the
Brandon community where everyone
truly cares about the outcomes for our
children and has a desire to make our
community stronger by working together.”
anichols@rcsd.ms
Kelli Adcock
Rouse Elementary
Kelli Adcock began her career in education
thirty years ago as a teacher at Brandon
Elementary School. Today, Adcock is the
head principal at Rouse Elementary
School, a position she has maintained
for 18 years. Her tenure at Rouse has
allowed her to experience generations
of students. “Every year when my former
students come to bring their own children
to Rouse, I feel proud that I helped to
educate successful citizens, mothers and
fathers.” The best part of her job, Adcock
said, are the people surrounding her
every day. “The staff at Rouse is like
family to me. Our parents are involved
and supportive of our staff and students,
and the students at Rouse are the best!”
kadcock@rcsd.ms
Brandon
Hometown Brandon • 27

A Community of Faith called to
love others the way God loves us
Worship with us EACH Sunday at
8:30am & 10:30am
Join us as we
WORSHIP GROW SERVE
Followed by
fellowship lunch at noon
red roots afternoon concert
costume parade
fun zone
mission market place
hayride to pumpkin patch
23 Crossgates Drive | Brandon, MS 39042
601.825.8677 | crossgatesumc.org
28 • Fall 2016
Hometown Brandon • 28

Evan Simmons
A lot of things are interesting.
Nothing is boring!
Lila Parker
We put eggs in vinegar in science
class and they turned bouncy.
Ashton Parker
My favorite thing
is math because
I’m really good at it.
What’s
your
favorite
thing
about
school?
Meri Morgan
Marshall
My teacher, Mr. Cline.
I like how he’s so funny.
Brandon Elam
I like learning about
science and math.
Owen Siegfried
We did a cool science experiment
in Mr. Cline’s class. He put a paper
clip to a pen, warmed it up, and
stuck it through a ping pong ball.
Then he set it on fire
and it turned
straight into a gas.
Mikaela Perry
Getting to see all
of my friends.
Addison Nash
My favorite thing is
meeting new friends.
Kamryn Lewis
I have made new friends
and I love my math class.
Hometown Brandon • 29

Nearly two and a half years ago, a novice sticker-cutter
sharpened his skills and found his craft. Steve Vanover began
cuttings stickers part-time to occupy the days between his shifts
in the oil field. As Vanover’s cutting skills improved, he graduated
from novice sticker-cutter to a professional stone-engraver. He
started his own fulltime business, Sticks & Stones, in March 2016.
Vanover engraves on a variety of mediums including locally
sourced stone, wood, flowerpots and more. Recently, he has done
several projects on HDU (High Density Urethane) foam board
that has the appearance and durability of wood, but weighs less.
Vanover also makes tables and sells Boss Buck deer feeders.
Vanover’s original cutting machine remains in his
office at Sticks & Stones. Across the top of the machine,
sticker letters spell out the words of Philippians 4:13,
“I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.”
This verse has been a significant encouragement to Vanover
as a craftsman and business owner. His craft has beautified
the community in the form of address stones, business signs,
and so much more. Vanover finds joy in seeing his work
throughout the community, and knowing that his creations
will last for many years.
30 • Fall 2016

Steve Vanover
Sticks & Stones
1024 Hwy 471, Suite D
Brandon, MS
601-720-4344
Hometown Brandon • 31

Painted
Possum
It’s a piece of wood—harvested from a remote forest,
purchased by a craftsman, and with the meticulous hands
of that artisan, a prized handiwork is created. One of those
gifted artisans is Steve Rachel of Brandon.
Steve credits his dad for teaching him about woodworking,
a hobby that he’s used mainly
for his children and grandchildren
over the years. It was only
until his retirement from his
former positions in human
resource departments that he
had the spare time to invest in
it seriously. Now that Steve’s
calendar is free from appointments
and meetings, his
woodworking shop is buzzing.
He and wife, Marsha, have
four young grandchildren who
are full-time analysts for his
toy creations. They’re big fans
of the puzzles, baby doll beds
and personalized stools.
Grandson Jonathan learned
his colors and how to spell
his name as a preschooler
thanks to his personalized
puzzle stool crafted by Steve.
Repeat customers in
Mississippi and Alabama
appreciate the workmanship
in the nativity scenes, cutting
boards and recipe/iPad holders.
When you find Steve Rachel’s stamp
on a wood crafted piece, count on that
product being made with attention to
detail and heirloom quality.
32 • Fall 2016

Steve Rachel
Painted Possum
601-954-3641
www.paintedpossum.com
Paintedpossum@yahoo.com
Hometown Brandon • 33

Carmen McCool
& Matt Dennis
On March 16, three years ago, Carmen McCool
and Matt Dennis joined hearts and pledges and entered
into married life. Neither expected to be joining into a
business endeavor just two years later. Matt gives
Carmen credit for being the craft genius in their home,
but Carmen labels her husband as a handyman that can
do just about anything. Their shared talent for furniture
construction evolved from their need for a table. Matt
felt that he was up to the challenge and googled plans
for table building. They agreed on a plan and using their
carport for a workshop, constructed their first table.
Carmen was just as pleased as Matt and posted a
picture on Facebook. Her intentions were to show their
friends their completed project, but they were blown
away when they began getting questions about
orders for tables.
One year later, Matt daily comes home
from his Farm Bureau job in Meridian to their
workshop-turned-factory carport to continue
working on table orders. Carmen leaves
Stonebridge Education where she’s employed
as a speech language pathologist and is ready
to join him. She works in the “staining and
finishing department.”
Carmen was in agreement with Matt that
their new endeavor was responsible for
growing his tool collection. Matt smiled and
justified the purchases by saying,
“I used to fish and play golf!”
The young entrepreneurs have added benches and
cornhole boards to their creations along with some clever
stenciled home accessories that Carmen fashioned.
Their business is impressive as well as their tastefully
decorated home. It’s obvious that this union was the
perfect fit and blueprint!
34 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 35

BRANDON PUBLIC LIBRARY
1475 W. GOV. ST • (601) 825-2672 • brandonatcmrls.lib.ms.us
Sept-Oct-Nov 2016 Events
Red Friday, August 19 - November 4
Wear red when you come to the library on Friday during football season
and check out one item. Your name will be entered into a weekly drawing
for a $10 coupon to a Brandon eatery - new signup and prize every week.
All entries go into a grand prize drawing at the end of the season for an
iPad Mini! Sponsored by the Friends of the Brandon Library.
AARP Smart Driver Course, Monday, October 17, 12pm
AARP Smart Driver Course helps drivers over 50 become safer, more
aware drivers. Check with your insurance company to see if you will
qualify for available discounts. Material costs - $15 for AARP members,
$20 for non-AARP members. Please call 601-825-2672 to register.
Beading Class, 4 & 6pm - Please register.
September 12 Tila beads in peyote and embellished - $6 supply fee.
November 14 Martha’s Shaped Wire Necklace - $6 supply fee.
Book Sale Weekend and events. This is the BIG ONE!
Friday, September 30, 10-5 & Saturday, October 1, 10-4
sponsored by the Friends of the Brandon Library.
Race Day, Saturday, October 1 We will be racing something all day long!
Call for the race day schedule and come join the fun!
Bag Day! Monday, October 3, 10-8 Your choice: $5 a bag or $10 a box
Bow Tying Thursday, November 10, 6pm Learn the art of tying a bow.
Bring a pair of pliers and scissors. Free class. Please register.
Brandon Book Club, 10:30am Stop by and discuss this month’s book.
September 12 I Still Dream about You by Fannie Flagg.
November 14 Memory Man by David Baldacci
Brandon Quilters, September 12, October 3, November 7, 6pm
Bridge: Let’s Learn to Play, Wednesdays, 1:30pm Sept 7 - Oct 12
Free classes. Please register.
BYOP Bring Your Own Project, Thursdays, 1pm
Weekly daytime crafting group.
Chess Lessons for Teens and Adults, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6pm
Please register.
Brandon Coin Club, September 1, October 6, November 3, 6pm
Love old and new currency? Join the Coin Club for their monthly meeting!
Coin Show, Saturday, October 22, 10am - 4pm
Computer Classes, Tuesdays 9am Free classes. Please register.
September 13, 20, 27, Basic Computer Classes
October 4, 11, 18, 25, Application Classes Word, Excel, Power Point
Creative Crafters, Thursdays, 6pm Join us as we learn and craft together.
Disaster Survival Series, Introduction, Monday, September 19, 6pm
Are you prepared for an extreme event? Dr. Clyde Morgan will give us an
introduction to disaster survival.
Backyard Farming, Monday, September 26, 6pm
Rankin County Extension Agent/County Coordinator Doug Carter and the
Master Gardeners will talk about farming in the back yard - soil preparation
and plant selection.
Preserving Food, Monday, October 24, 6pm
Learn how to preserve food by canning, salting, smoking, and drying.
Presented by Natasha Haynes, Rankin County Extension Agent/Family
and Consumer Science.
Dulcimer Group, Mondays 6pm Bring your own dulcimer and let’s jam
together. *In lieu of Labor Day the Group will meet Tuesday (9/6) 6pm
DUPLO FREE PLAY, September 7, October 5, November 2, 11:30am
Come join the fun of building with Duplo Blocks. For ages 3-5.
Family Night, Thursdays, 6pm
September 22 Learn how to play a Dulcimer with the Heartstring Dulcimer
Group and enjoy yummy donuts.
October 27 This is our annual Fall Festival with carnival games and
special treats for the whole family. Come dressed in your favorite costume!
November 17 Help us celebrate Thanksgiving with Nativeamerican
speaker Bob Louys.
Friends of the Brandon Library Meeting, September 20, October 18,
November 15, 6pm
Genealogy Club, September 1, October 6, November 3 10:30am
DNA Discovery Group, September 15, 10:30am
We will discuss the latest DNA websites, working one-on-one, sharing
what we know, and discussing what we don’t understand. Bring your
laptop if you need one-on-one help.
Kid Connection, Tuesdays, 4pm K-5 afterschool story and craft hour.
1st & 3rd Tuesdays K-6 afterschool story and craft hour.
2nd & 4th Tuesdays Chess Lessons for K-6.
*Special* September 20 Join us for our first experimentation with Little Bits
electronics!
LEGO FREE PLAY, September 15, October 13, November 10, 3pm
Be creative and use your imagination to build with our legos for ages 6-10.
MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY: Little Bits, Monday, September 19, 5pm
Join us for our first experimentation with Little Bits electronics!
MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY: Watercolor and Sharpie Art, Monday,
October 3, 5pm Come make some awesome watercolor and Sharpie art!
Take your art home or leave here to be displayed in the YA section!
Painting with Carla, Monday, October 17, 6pm
Seasonal painting with Carla Nations. $6 supply fee. Please register.
Preschool Story Time, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am
Songs, stories, and crafts for preschoolers aged 3-5.
Rankin County Historical Society/Brandon Genealogical & Historical
Society, 7pm, September 20 Mayor Butch Lee November 15 Join us for
History and Fellowship. Refreshments provided. For further information
contact brgen@cmrls.lib.ms.us.
Sign Language for Beginners, September 10, October 8, November 12
10:30am Learn to speak with your hands! Free class. Please register.
Sign Language NEW ADVANCED CLASS, September 24 & October 22
10:30am Learn to speak with your hands! Free class. Please register.
Spanish 101, NEW CLASS, September 3, October 1, November 5
10:30am Simple conversational Spanish and the essential basics. It is a
progressive course and will build on previous lessons. While regular
attendance is more beneficial, anyone can grasp what is being taught on
any given day without being completely lost. All ages welcomed. Free
Class. Please register.
TEEN NIGHT: Batman Day Celebration! September 12, 5pm
Celebrate the upcoming BATMAN DAY with us! We’ll have snacks, comics,
cheesy Adam West episode classics, and more!
TEEN NIGHT: Voter Education Part 2, September 26, 5pm
Join us for the follow-up to our VOTER EDUCATION program! We’ll review
the voting process, select our nominees, and begin campaigning!
TEEN NIGHT: Pizza Taste-Off! October 17, 5pm
Join us for a PIZZA TASTE-OFF to celebrate Teen Read Week!
TEENS: Library After Dark: Halloween Party! October 21, 5:30pm
For teens 13+. Parental Permission required.
TEENS & MIDDLE GRADERS: Harry Potter Party! October 24, 5pm
We’ll have food, crafts, and Harry Potter Trivia!
Third Thursday Book Club 6:30pm
September 15 Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
October 20 The Princess Bride by William Goldman
November 17 Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Toddler Time, Mondays 10:30am S
tories, songs and finger plays for ages 0-2 years.
V.V.A. Meeting, September 14, October 12, November 9, 10:30am
Join local veterans for their monthly meeting!
Video Game Day For gamers of all ages. Please register.
September 17, 12 noon, Mario Kart Tournament
October 15, Minecraft, 10am & 1pm
November 19, 12 noon, Smash Brothers Tournament
Wreath Class Tuesday, November 1 6pm
Polly Agee will teach a deco mesh wreath class. You bring your own
supplies. Call library for supply list. Please register.
Displays for September & October
Rooster Collection of Jolinda Charbonnet
Brandon Senior Center Art
Betty Boop Collection of Connie Gustavsen
Additional services offered at the Brandon Library
• Black and White and color printing/copying
• Scanning
• Wireless Printing
New services by the Friends of the Brandon Library
• Free shredding services
• Notary services available for a fee of $3.
• Service available 10-8 Monday-Thursday and 10-5 on Friday.
• Call to check Saturday availability.
The library will be closed
September 5 for Labor Day
November 11 for Veteran’s Day
November 24 for Thanksgiving Day
______________________________________________________
Brandon Public Library is part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library
System, which serves Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties.
36 • Fall 2016

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Hometown Brandon • 37

38 • Fall 2016

Stella Ford Dares to Dream
Susan Marquez
Since she was a very young child,
Stella Ford has been dared to dream.
She began singing at a small Southern
Baptist church in Richton, Mississippi
when she was only four-years old, and
even at that early age her parents,
Wendy and Craig Ford, encouraged
the young girl to follow her dream of
singing. “My parents always encouraged
me, but the older I got, I saw that not
all kids got that encouragement. Many
kids I knew growing up never believed
they could follow their dreams,
something I think is the root of people
not loving themselves,” said Stella.
That early realization developed
into a personal platform, Dare to
Dream, which Ford carried into her
first-ever pageant. “I had never been in
a pageant before,” recalls Ford. “I just
wasn’t a pageant girl.” But a friend had
been in the Miss Mississippi Outstanding
Teen pageant last year and was first
runner up. “She aged out and couldn’t
compete again, so she encouraged me to
enter the pageant. She thought it would
be a good fit for me.” After winning the
local pageant, Ford traveled toVicksburg
where she was crowned Miss Mississippi
Outstanding Teen. “I was as surprised
as anybody! I started out competing in
the pageant because my friend wanted
me to. I did it for her. But as I got into
it, I took it very seriously. I was thrilled
when I won.”
After winning the state title, Ford
had just a few weeks to prepare for the
national pageant, held in Orlando,
Florida. She spent time going back
and forth from her home in Brandon to
work with the pageant team in Vicksburg
and left prepared and ready on July 29.
All of her past came flooding back as she
presented her Dare to Dream platform
to the judges. Ford was one of six
finalists out of 51 contestants to get a
second interview about her platform.
“While I didn’t win the pageant, I did
receive a good bit of scholarship money.”
Ford sang the Etta James song
“At Last” for all three pageants. “I had
never been formally trained in vocals,
so I worked with James Martin to
prepare for the state pageant.” Now
the senior at Brandon High School is
looking to study both music and predental
in college. Ford’s senior year
will be a balance of academics and
appearances around the state as Miss
Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen. “I love
sharing my message with children
–giving them the same encouragement
to follow their dreams that my parents
gave me.” n
Hometown Brandon • 39

Helmets
& Heels
August 13, 2016
Brandon High School
40 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 41

serving our community
Battalion Chief Patrick Wofford
brandon Fire Department
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
I was asked by the chief of Walters Volunteer Fire
Department to join and help out. After joining and
learning the ropes, I found myself hooked and
wanted to do the job full-time.
How long have you been with the Brandon
Fire Department?
18 years. I started October 1, 1998.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to Karen Davis Wofford for 22 years.
We have three children; Coltan, Carson and Preston.
We live in the Cross Roads community.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
The death of children.
Share some things you enjoy doing
in your spare time.
Spare time is rare in a fireman’s life. But I enjoy
spending time with family in the outdoors and being
involved with our church family at Shiloh UMC.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Travel out West, attend Calgary Stampede Rodeo,
and ride a mule train into the Grand Canyon.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire is President Ronald Reagan. I think he was
one of the last presidents that had what was best for
this country always in the forefront when making
decisions.
If you could give one piece of advice
to a young person, what would it be?
The advice I would give to a young person is to find
an occupation that brings enjoyment to life and set a
goal to be the very best at that occupation.
What is the biggest mistake you think
young people make today?
The biggest mistake young people make today is not
asking their older family and friends for advice.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
In ten years I see myself retired from Brandon Fire
Department, pursuing my construction career
full-time and having the more opportunity to fulfill
my part of “The Great Commission”.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is riding a tractor with
my daddy on the family farm.
What is your favorite thing about the
City of Brandon?
My favorite thing about City of Brandon that it still has
that small town America atmosphere.
What is your favorite thing about
Rankin County?
My favorite thing is that if an individual wants to be
successful, the opportunity is available here in Rankin
County–and the sky is the limit.
42 • Fall 2016

BRANDon's finest
Drew Decker
brandon police Department
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
I felt called by the Lord to serve my community by
becoming a police officer.
Tell us about your family.
My parents are Vernon and Traci, and my step dad,
Tommy. I have an older sister Kayla who graduated
from Mississippi State in 2014 and my chocolate lab,
Abby.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
Seeing people in their worst times.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I enjoy being outdoors and I’m an avid duck hunter.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I really want to go ski-diving in Costa Rica, spend
some time along the beaches of Bora Bora, and hunt
in Alaska.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my grandfather, Rick Dubose, who has
taught me to grow up and be a person with strong
character.
Where do you see yourself in ten years
from now?
I would like to work for a federal agency.
If you could give one piece of advice to a
young person, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and do not stop until you get
there.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
Going with my dad over to the Delta and hunting all
weekend long.
What is the biggest mistake you think
young people make today?
Young people don't understand that decisions they
make today can affect them for the rest of their lives.
What is your favorite thing about the city
of Brandon?
I enjoy the people in the community who show
strong support for law enforcement officers. While
grabbing a bite to eat, people continuously come
up and thank my fellow officers and me for the
work we do to keep our community safe.
What is your favorite thing about Rankin
County?
Rankin County is a close-knit area that looks out
for one another. People being friends with their
neighbors is one reason why Rankin County is
so safe.
Hometown Brandon • 43

44 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 45

August 21st
Police
Pool Party
Hosted by
The Club at Crossgates
for the Brandon Police
Department and their families
Thank you
for your service!
46 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 47

48 • Fall 2016

A Joyful Heart
“I knew everybody on Capitol Street in Jackson
– all the store clerks,” Lorise Abernathy Creel said
about her days as a youth, living with her mother in
the King Edward Hotel. She laughed as she shared
about the Easter Saturday that she helped the shoe
store owner that was across the street from the hotel.
“I sold twenty-one pairs of shoes in one day!”
Her apartment in Peach Tree Village is now home,
but the laughter and joy of fond memories and an
active lifestyle live with her and Freckles, her eightyear-old
Chihuahua.
Originally from Flora, she and brother Robert
were reared in Jackson. When barely a teenager,
she was visiting her grandmother in Flora and met
Samuel Creel at church. Eleven days before her
seventeenth birthday, she became his bride for the
next sixty-one and a half years.
Were her parents excited about her teenage
romance? “Not really,” she remembers, “but they
thought the world of Sam and gave their blessings.”
And blessings followed.
The couple had two sons and a daughter and
spent the majority of their joined lives in ministry at
Mississippi churches. Their first pastorate was at
Gum Springs Baptist in Braxton. From Cold Springs
in Collins to Bunker Hill at Columbia, they moved
back to Jackson to Highland Baptist Church.
Their last pastorate was at Crossview Baptist
Church on Burnham Road, a church the Creel’s
planted with ninety-two people and where Lorise
still attends and teaches a ladies’ group, the Faith
Class. Pastor Sam earned the title, “Marrying Sam,”
because of the number of young people he joined in
marriage vows from their church.
During the couples’ ministries, Sam traveled in
China, Indonesia, Korea, India and the Philippines
to hold revival services through Partnership Ministries.
Lorise seldom traveled to those faraway places due to
her dedicated role as mother.
As Lorise retraced her years at the various
churches, her warm and contagious smile broadened,
“I thoroughly enjoyed the people at every church,”
she said with conviction.
In 1992, Pastor Creel retired due to health
problems. “I still remember his last message,” Lorise
said through her smile, “Immanuel, God with us.”
After his death and experiencing her own health
problems, she had her children divide all her earthly
possessions. Lorise’s next address was Peach Tree
Village, and she continues to enjoy life and spread
her joy. “I’ve not met the first rude person here,”
she said. “And that’s saying a lot – it’s a lovely place
to live and be safe.”
Before closing our visit, Lorise turned to her
life verses in Isaiah 43. She spoke from memory,
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the
things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now
it brings forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a
way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
It’s an appropriate passage for someone who’s
lived and continues living a life of faith in expectation
of new joys to come. n
Hometown Brandon • 49

50 • Fall 2016
BULLDOG BASH
August 22, 2016

Hometown Brandon • 51

52 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 53

Everything’s
Coming Up
Mary-Ellen Hester,
Horticulture Chairman
Charla Jordan / Suzanne Ross
Uncommon Uses
for Common Products
“If you make your bed every morning, you
will have accomplished the first task of the
day. It will give you a small sense of pride,
and it will encourage you to do another task
and another and another. Making your bed
will also reinforce the fact that little things in
life matter.”
–Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.), Commander,
United States Special Operations Command,
United States Navy, 2011-2014.
Sounds like Admiral McRaven could be a
gardener. His advice to graduates at the
University of Texas is right on encouragement—
to take that one small step each day to care for
our gardens. Taking the first step is definitely
more difficult as summer heat and humidity
increase and our plants are looking more and
more frazzled, but viewing the results of our
labor is almost as wonderful as falling into a
well-made bed at the end of the day.
Members of the Brandon Garden Club (BGC)
are fortunate to receive advice and encouragement
each month from Horticulture Tips Chairman
Mary-Ellen Hester and Green Tips Chairman Pat
Dampier. Plants and unusual uses for common
items may seem to be very different, but they
aren’t, really. It is all about the environment.
Consider the following:
Are weeds taking over your flower bed?
Do you spray with chemicals or do you pull the
weeds by hand in the summer heat? How do you
keep the weeds from returning? Entire books
and college courses have been written on these
subjects.
Here are short answers, first from our
Horticulture Chairman: The best, but not the
easiest, way to remove weeds is to pull them
out, being sure to remove the roots, and then
cover the bed with mulch. Chemicals may
harm the bees, butterflies, and amphibians–
nature’s ecosystem.
From our Green Tips Chairman
Mulch provides a way to keep
moisture in and weeds out. Consider
layering heavy duty cardboard
(flattened boxes) or newspaper an inch
or two thick beneath the mulch. The
paper or cardboard will eventually
compost into the soil and keep most
weeds out of the larger areas of the
flower bed.
Using newspaper and cardboard
for mulch is just one green tip. Green
tips include the use of many other
common household products, such as onions,
vinegar, and mayonnaise. Public Relations
Co-Chair Sandy Parish’s favorite tip is using
mayonnaise to remove water marks on wood.
Kay Davis, chairman of the group that cares
for the large fiddle leaf fig and other BGC plants
at Brandon Municipal Complex, uses a few
inches of foam peanuts in the bottom of large
pots. The payoff is that you don’t use as much
potting soil, the plant containers are lighter and
much easier to move, and the non-biodegradable
peanuts stay out of our landfills.
Ginger Parker using
WD-40 green tip.
Another product moves smoothly
from industrial use to the garden. The
use of WD-40, which was perfected by a
chemist on his 40th try, is one of BGC
Recording Secretary Ginger Parker’s
favorite green tips. Among the hundreds of uses
for this product are cleaning garden tools,
lubricating ball valve handles on sprinkler
systems, and lubricating springs on riding
lawnmowers.
54 • Fall 2016

Mary-Ellen Hester,
Pat Dampier, Dixie Vance,
and Susan Vigh
Recycling newspaper
at the Plant It Pink bed:
Charla Jordan, Beverly Peden,
Nelda Bridgers
Sandy Parish
using mayonnaise
green tip.
Debbie Henry, Nelda Bridgers,
Charlene Duchie, Kay Davis,
and Barbara Cook with
fiddle leaf fig at Brandon
Municipal Complex.
After cleaning home and garden tools, Pat
Dampier uses a favorite drink to remove grease
stains from clothing and fabrics. Pour Coke on a
stain and let soak. Then wash. And if you have
any chilled Coke left over, move to a comfortable
chair, put your feet up, rest, and finish off the
drink. You deserve it in this heat!
Gardening Tips for Planting Spring Bulbs*
August and September
Prepare beds for planting. Soil should be well
drained; sand and organic matter may be added
to make clay soil more porous.
Order tulips, hyacinths, Dutch Iris, daffodils,
narcissus, and amaryllis.
October through Early November
Plant bulbs in locations where
the foliage will
receive at least
five to six hours of
direct sunlight
each day.
• Plant bulbs twice as deep as they are tall.
Example: If a bulb is two inches tall–top to
bottom–plant it four inches deep.
• As a general rule, add 1 tablespoon of bulb
food (0-20-20) for each bulb.
• Plant in groups of three to five bulbs, two or
more inches apart.
• Water well at planting time, then every week
or so if weather is dry.
Because we have really warm weather in
Mississippi, here is an old-school tip for planting
tulips: Buy bulbs in October and refrigerate away
from food, especially onions. Plant in late
November, around Thanksgiving.
*Resources: Mississippi State University Extension Service
and Brandon Garden Club’s Roses, Recipes, and Reflections.
Hometown Brandon • 55

Brandon Garden Club Kick-Off Extravaganza
August 18 / Brandon Senior Center
To kick off the 2016-2017 garden club year, BGC’s Executive Committee hosted an
“Extravaganza” dinner meeting. Members and guests enjoyed fun and fellowship
after their summer break. Special guest and keynote speaker was Mayor Butch Lee.
The club’s new yearbook cover features an original watercolor painting
by President Debbie Zischke.
For information on BGC’s projects and programs, visit thebrandongardenclub.com
56 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 57

Progress!
Kyle Brown Economic Development Director, City of Brandon
These are exciting times in the city of Brandon!
The most recent census department estimates show that
Brandon now has over 23,000 people living inside the
city. We have also grown to be the 16th largest city in the
state of Mississippi. Progress is all around us. New
businesses are opening their doors and others are in the
process of expanding and opening theirs. Here is just
a sample of what’s going on:
One exciting new business that opened in Brandon
this year is the Clubstore Outlet. Clubstore Outlet offers
high-quality overstock merchandise from large retailers
and discount clubs. It is the first franchise store to open
in the United States and we welcomed the CEO of
Clubstore Outlet, which is based in South Carolina, along
with franchise owners from states like California,
Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Another new addition to The Club at Crossgates
opened in June. The Pavilion at The Club which is
located at 108 Office Park Drive, offers a wide range
of opportunities from boot camps, to indoor soccer,
softball camps, batting cages, and much more.
Taste of Detroit recently opened beside CSpire along
West Government Street. Another new restaurant that
will open in August is Olde Towne Grille of Brandon,
located at 1382 West Government Street.
Destiny Tillery expanded her business, Destiny
Tillery Photography, into a 1,500 square foot space in
the heart of Downtown Brandon.
One business that continues to grow and expanded
is Witcher CPA, PLLC. Witcher CPA’s new office opened
this month and is located on Highpointe Drive across
the street from their old office. Their expanded location
offers increased office space and improved technology
for their employees and clients.
Many people have asked what building is under
construction next door to Sherwin Williams. It is the
new facility for Fresenius Dialysis Medical Center.
Currently located beside Heart of the South, Fresenius
is constructing a new 8,800 square foot facility that
will expand their operations in Brandon.
New businesses are not the only things occurring
throughout the city. Investments in road construction
continues to be one major change people continuously
see. Though temporarily inconvenient, once completed,
these projects will help ease traffic congestion and
make getting around easier.
People are seeing noticeable changes around the
Highway 471 area. Joe Magee Construction recently
destroyed the old two-lane bridge over the interstate
to make way for the five-lane bridge. The new flyover
bridge over the railroad tracks at Value Road has eased
traffic congestion. The new intersection of Luckney
Road and Highway 471 is currently being constructed.
Construction is on schedule and should be completed
by the end of 2016.
This spring, Rankin County and Brandon officials,
along with investors, gathered to break ground on
Grants Ferry Parkway. The five-mile parkway, situated
in East Brandon, will open hundreds of acres of land
for residential and commercial development. Phase 1
of the parkway is already under construction near Paige
McDill Road and will ultimately connect Highway 80
at the East Brandon exit to Highway 471. We are
58 • Fall 2016

anticipating that Phase 2 construction should begin
by the end of the year.
One project that many people are excited to see
completed is the opening of the Downtown Brandon
onramp. The construction on the Downtown Brandon
onramp and widening of West Government Street took
563 days and opened 6 weeks ahead of schedule. The
new signals make getting on and off the interstate easier
and safer.
In June, the city of Brandon opened the new
expansion of the tennis complex at City Park. The new
complex features a new restroom and concession stand,
expanded parking lot, covered pavilion, and three new
tennis courts. The facility expands the complex that
Brandon tennis teams can play on while offering more
opportunities for recreational tennis as well as lessons
from professionals. This $1.1 million construction
project was completed by Cal-Mar Construction and
overseen by Wier Boehner Allin Architecture.
Shiloh Park construction is wrapping up. The new
concession stands and restroom facilities have all had
roofs finished. New sidewalks have been poured. The
new soccer fields are growing nicely and should open
this spring. McCarty King Construction is currently
finishing the new concession stands throughout the
park. Fields 1-8 have had fence lines moved and new
fencing and new drainage systems were added. Fields
1-4 have had the new dugouts and covered seating areas
set. The Shiloh Park upgrades will be completed this fall.
Another major construction project that has been
completed is the construction and opening of the three
new fire stations. The new fire stations are Brandon Fire
Department Station 2 which is located on Grants Ferry
Road and serves residents along Highway 471 and
Luckney Road. The Grants Ferry Road station is also
equipped with one of the two new fire trucks the city
purchased earlier this year. The new Station 3, located
on Kennedy Farm Parkway, responds to calls for service
along Trickhambridge Road, Shiloh Road, and Louis
Wilson Drive. Station 4 which is located on Star Road
answers calls for those in the Highway 18, Highway
468, and Star Road areas. These new stations have
solidified Brandon’s fire rating for many years to come.
New houses are being built across the city. We have
already had 130 permits for new homes from January
to August compared to last year when 140 new homes
were built. These new homes are over $34 million in
private sector outlay in our community. The investment
in roads, fire stations, and parks lead to enhanced traffic
flow, faster emergency response, and higher quality of
life for everyone. Brandon is investing in her future to
ensure we continue to grow.
Hometown Brandon • 59

Ann McKay & Hilda Mayers
Anse McLaurin, Lee Kennedy, Coach Mike Warren, Steve Gardner,
Doug Kuykendall, Jeff Nowell
Bill & Linda Wilson
Billy & Glenda Bailey
Coach Paul & Jan Dancsisin
Carolyn Guyse, Kathy Bianchi Zilka, Lynn Kelly,
Janie Tate
Brandon Academy
Grand
Reunion
Celebrating 50 Years
June 18, 2016 • Table 100
Classes from 1971 to 1981
along with several teachers,
coaches and principals enjoyed
a wonderful night of celebration.
Brandon Academy opened in
September 1966 at Wisteria Hall
and moved to the Pleasant Street
location the next year. The first
graduating class was in 1971.
Class of 75
Debra Moore Haney
& Coach Bobby Jones
Class of 76 Class of 77
Class of 78
Donna Calfee Thomas
& Susan Patrick Madden Class of 80
Cheryl & Steve Gardner
Donna & Richard Harris
Kandy Sanderson Mason
& Ruthie Gangawere Guyton
John & Keri Cosmich, John Colette
60 • Fall 2016

Matt Grubbs & Jason Eklund
Kim Scholz Dunaway
& Jimmy Johnston
Sherry Johnson Pitts, Sara Martin Morrow,
Debra Moore Haney, Naomi Martin Williams
Deborah & David Bolian
Coach Mike Warren,
& Susan Vance Flannagin
Leanne Crisco Darden
& Jesse McRight
Howard Boykin, Don Bass,
Rusty Ponder
Jan Swilley Boykin, Barbara Burrage Sanders,
Lisa Crotchett Karmacharya
Class of 74
Pam Hoover Novak
& Ted Morris
Karen Ryan Robinson, Dotie Bruce Stewart, Keri Dean
Phillips, Donna Calfee Thomas, Susan Morrow Pond,
LeeAnne White Lewis
Nancy Hawkins Magee
& Sara Martin Morrow
Keri Amis Cosmich, Mitsi Blaylock Tigrett,
Vicki Tucker Walker
Mike Chambless, Bob Morrow, Danny Fulton, David Guyton,
Hugh Bridges
Susan Madden Patrick, Deborah McKay Tucker,
Joni Keller Moore, Peggy Kelly
Sherry Ward Jackson
& David Morrow
Class of 81
Peggy Kelly & Lynn Kelly
Nelda Jones, Coach Bobby Jones,
Buck Foreman, John Carroll Harvey
Sidney & Trudy McLaurin
Kim Jones Davis, Leanne Crisco Darden,
Susan Vance Flannigan, Coach Lewis Zeigler
Hometown Brandon • 61

62 • Fall 2016

AND
We are thrilled to announce Today's Teen recipient honoring teens in our
city that have exhibited exemplary leadership skills and serve as excellent
role models. Chandler Johnson of Brandon High School was awarded this
distinction by CEO of Merit Health Rankin, Barry Moss.
Congratulations Chandler and a big "Thank You" to Merit Health
for investing in our leaders of the future.
There’s Merit in the future.
Hometown Brandon • 63

June 24
Brandon Senior Center
Tacky
Tourist
64 • Fall 2016

Hometown Brandon • 65

Camille Anding
The Time Coin
Often when I look back in time,
I’m blessed to open vaults of
cherished memories. Too bad we
aren’t gifted with a prescient mind so we
could see the outcome of present situations
that we would never have chosen on our own.
When my husband got orders for
Vietnam, I was blindsided! How could a
military command separate newly-weds for
an eternity of 365 days? My life went from paradise to praying for his
survival in the “killing fields.” Years later, I look back and see that Vietnam
was where he bought his first camera, learned basic photography which
launched him into a career that lasted and blessed us for over forty
years. A prescient mind would have dried a lot of my tears.
Our early years of raising our children and building a business
and home were of a “pioneering” effort. I drove to school, leaving our
mobile home in a green Ford clunker that occasionally went through
fits of jerking and lurching down the highway. Our two children in the
bumper-ride back seat laughed during those episodes while I slumped
low in the driver’s seat.
Surely I would have rallied with a bit more enthusiasm if I could
have pictured the next three “stationary” homes God would give us.
The clunkers would be replaced with thinking
cars and recreational vehicles, and our laughing
children would reward us with happy
grandchildren. In those early days I never
imagined what God had in store for us.
I still remember holding back tears as I
told Mother goodnight when I left her room
at the nursing home. Stepping into the cold,
night air, I would look up in the stars and cry
out to God, “LORD, this is too hard; my heart is breaking, and I can’t
fix this terrible situation.” In the days and months that followed, I
learned lessons with Mother, the staff, and other confined patients that
I would never have learned any other way. I experienced God’s
strength and faithfulness and what He means when He says, “Take my
yoke upon you and learn from Me.”
Those days ended–as all eventually do and will. Now I’m able to
understand hardships in a different light and am a firm believer in “all
things working together for good to those who love God.”
Heaven is another unknown that I think about more and more.
It’s described in the Bible, but there are still so many questions. I know
it’s a place of no sin, sorrow, or sickness, and I’m quite sure that after
entering those gates of pearl, I’ll be thinking, “If I had only known.” n
66 • Fall 2016

Calendars
Church Bulletins
MoreThan
Manuals Brochures
Design
Meets the Eye
Embossing
Letterhead
Overprinting
Folding
Collating
Storefront
Banners
Invitations
Postcards
Customized
Mailing
NCR Multi Part
Menus
Perfect Binding
Information Booklet
Personalization
Sorting
Scratch Off Envelopes
Stationery
Labels
Die-Cuts
Annual Reports
Database Management
Business Cards
Foil Stamping
500 Steed Road • Ridgeland, MS 39158
601.853.7300 • 1.800.844.7301
www.hederman.com
Hometown Brandon • 67

Join the Circle.
Because there’s Merit
in living well.
The Senior Circle program at Merit Health will expand your horizons with an exciting calendar of events
scheduled around town. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health
and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you. Dues are just $15 a year.
Member Discounts
• Prescription discount
• Dental care discount
• Vision care discount
• Hearing care discount
• Personal Emergency Response discount
• Inside Circle magazine subscription
Member Perks
• Fellowship, special
events, and
educational programs
• Health fair
and screening
opportunities
• And many more
For more information or to become a member,
call 601-883-6118 or visit MeritHealthSeniorCircle.com.
One network Senior Circle with 5 locations:
Merit Health Central, Merit Health Madison,
Merit Health Rankin, Merit Health River Oaks
and Merit Health River Region.