Hometown Brandon - Fall 2015

volume 2 number 4 

Fall 2015 

A Lifetime Commitment 

______________________ 

Clinging to a Promise 

______________________ 

Coach tyler peterson 

______________________ 

Planting Hope

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Hometown Brandon • 3

4 • Summer 2014

Publisher & Editor 

Tahya Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin Dobbs 

CONSULTANT 

Mary Ann Kirby 

Account Executives 

Alicia Adams 

Rachel Lombardo 

LeeAnn Evans 

Misty Taylor 

Staff Photographer 

Othel Anding 

Contributing 

Photographer 

Onsby Vinson 

Layout Design & Production 

Daniel Thomas • 3dt 

Contributing Writers 

Camille Anding 

Olivia Halverson 

Charla Jordan 


K'anne Mcgaughy 

Melanie McMillan 

Susan Marquez 

www.facebook.com 

/hometownbrandonmagazine 

www.HTMags.com 

“Where Are They Now?” is a new addition to this issue – thanks to one of our interns, Olivia 

Halverson, who introduced the idea. She’s now a freshman at Samford University in Birmingham 

and excited about pursuing her journalism major. We’ll miss her! 

The article’s question is relevant to all of us. In this issue you’ll read about Jami Watson and her 

battle with cancer as well as Coach Peterson and his family welcoming a new family member coming 

from thousands of miles away. Both articles will speak to that question of where they are now. 

Ms. Milbrandt will carry us back thirty-plus years all the way to where she is now – quite an 

interesting trip! 

I feel like I could write my own article with that same title – “Where is She Now?” Our oldest child 

pledged her devotion to her mate and our new son-in-law in July. Try that experience for a new level 

of emotion. One week prior to that big day, our family watched our baby, CandyLee, march to “Pomp 

and Circumstance” as a high school graduate. That song can bring you to tears even without a loved 

one in the processional. Kevin and I thought we were spent with emotion until we moved our son, 

Carson, to Ole Miss in early August as a junior transfer. Ask me how many tissues it takes to travel 

from Oxford to Brandon. 

Where am I now? Very busy with publishing a magazine that keeps me 

up to my neck in “busy-ness” and, boy, am I EVER grateful! Our empty nest 

swooped on us like a full-blown hurricane. I’ve definitely needed the 

medicinal and emotional help that Hometown Brandon has given me in this 

issue. My thanks, as always, to our wonderful advertisers and for all you 

readers who remember to do business with them. As members of a wonderful 

hometown, we have to stick together in our families, churches, businesses, 

and communities. It will certainly make an impact on where 

we’ll be tomorrow. 

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. 

In this issue The Way We Were .....................6 

A Familiar Light on a Foreign Path..... 1 0 

A Lifetime Commitment.............. 14 

Clinging to a Promise ...............22 

Planting Hope ....................... 28 

Bulldog Bash........................ 38 

Coach Tyler Peterson................ 44 

A Kindergarten Legend .............. 50 

Where Are They Now?............... 60 


The 

way 

we 

were. 

Cynthia & Gary Simons 

Cynthia and Gary Simons will celebrate their 

forty-first wedding anniversary on August 18, 

but after spending just a portion of time with 

them, it’s obvious that celebration is a way of 

life for the Type A couple. 

They first saw each other at a college business 

meeting their senior year at Mississippi State 

University. Gary found out that she was dating 

three different guys at the same time. But that 

didn’t stop him from asking her for a date. Her 

response was, “No, you’re not my type!” 

Gary waited for another opportunity and 

asked her again–this time in February of 1974. 

Cynthia agreed. They laugh as they remember 

that first date. Cynthia said, “He carried me to 

Cy Thompson’s Steak House, and we ordered 

steak. There were pictures of cows along the 

wall, and Gary named all the different breeds.” 

“I was trying to impress her,” Gary added, 

but evidently Cynthia was already impressed 

with his personality and good looks. Gary shared 

that he didn’t kiss her until after their eighth 

date because he wanted to show her that he 

wasn’t just attracted to her physically but was 

drawn to her godly life style. 

Gary explained, “I started looking at life 

hard my senior year. I asked myself, ‘Who am 

I going to spend the rest of my life with.’” He 

had been watching Cynthia and saw qualities 

he wanted in a mate. 


Six months later, the two promised each 

other “for better or worse” in their wedding 

ceremony at Meadow Grove Baptist Church, 

and the two became one. 

They each had one remaining semester to 

complete before graduating–so that semester, 

on a newlywed budget, in family housing, made 

for some memorable experiences. They made 

their own trick or treats for their first Halloween 

together–thirty popcorn balls. But the trick or 

treaters missed out, because Cynthia and Gary 

ate them all. 

Kroger sold four packs of cinnamon rolls for 

a dollar. That grocery special was kind to their 

budget. They remember eating cinnamon rolls 

three times a day. 

The two opened Gary’s Carpets in Brandon 

in 1979. Brandon would become their hometown 

where they would raise their two children, 

Hayden and Laura. Cynthia is quick to admit 

that working together in the same business can 

have its challenges, but Cynthia and Gary have 

met them all. Gary’s philosophy at the end of 

each work day, “Let’s leave that on Hwy 471,” 

has helped to make it work. 

With their obvious romance still in full 

bloom, one would question their secret. Cynthia’s 

eyes sparkled as she responded, “I first thought 

marriage would be a 50/50 relationship. But it’s 

not; you have to give all 100%, build on a 

Christian foundation, and always put God first.” 

Gary’s broad smile turned more reflective as 

he said that he’s thought a lot more about his 

wedding vows now than when he first repeated 

them. “For better or worse...when the end does 

come and you get right down to it, it’s my wife 

that will be there for me. Cynthia will always 

care most.” 

The exemplary couple appears to be the 

poster couple for what God designed for 

marriage. They obviously see it as a treasure 

exactly what God intended. ■ 

“ 

I first thought marriage would 

be a 50/50 relationship. 

But it’s not; you have to give 

all 100%. 

” 


SunglaSS HeadquarterS 

Many great 

styles 

to suit 

your 

taste or 

any mood. 

Brandon: (601) 825-8300 

Canton: (601) 859-3464 

Madison: (601) 605-2259 

Ridgeland: (601) 957-9292 

Yazoo City: (662) 746-4312 



A 

Familiar 

Light 

on a 

Foreign 

Path 

10 • Fall 2014

Grayson Orman believed God’s Word – even the verse in Jeremiah 

where God asks, “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” However, 

like a lot of believers, he had a tendency to compartmentalize his faith. 

Grayson knew that Christ met him in the church building for worship. 

Every believer knows that, but does He meet us in our work place? 

In a mysterious and miraculous experience while Grayson was writing 

his final paper before graduating from Belhaven, he got confirmation that he 

would indeed live out his faith on foreign soil. Slowly and methodically over 

the next seven years, God would teach Grayson that Jesus was truly the 

center of his universe, but it would be a gentle and unhurried process – 

especially for Grayson’s wife, Karen. His mysterious experience would take 

time for it to include her. 

While Grayson continued working in the family jewelry store after his 

encounter with God, the couple began to see that debt and the desire to own 

“things” were robbing their freedom and denying them the abundant life 

that God wanted for them. Even though Grayson and Karen weren’t sure 

what God was doing, they felt compelled to downsize their lifestyles and 

possessions so they could be freed up to be His servants when and wherever. 

They even named their new venture: Mobilization for Christ. 

The couple prayed, studied, and implemented their venture over the 

next few years. Grayson confessed, “God worked miracles in our lives.” 

They downsized in their accumulation of “things” and went from a large, 

family-size home to a much more modest version. When they felt God was 

about to relocate them, they decided to sell their home. A customer, looking 

for an engagement ring, prompted Grayson to question the customer about 

where he and his new wife planned to live. 

The customer just happened to be looking for a modest home. Within 

one week, he became the new owner of the Orman home without Grayson 

ever putting a “For Sale” sign in his yard. 

Today Grayson, Karen and nine-year-old daughter, Cali, make their 

home in Southeast Asia where they live out their faith in the midst of a 

foreign culture. They operate an art gallery near a college campus where 

they also offer dance and art classes with future plans for music classes. 

Nine different countries are represented in their art exhibits, and the 

Ormans are excited to have entertained and toured visitors from over thirty 

origins. They’ve also hosted Bible studies in their home that began with 

three and grew to over 120. 

In a city that makes Brandon look miniscule, this young family is 

working and living in a foreign culture that desperately needs the Light. In 

order to meet that need, the Ormans simply let their lights shine everyday 

as all believers are meant to do. They would be quick to confess that Light 

always prevails. ■ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Ormans are presently on medical leave for extensive dental surgery that 

Karen is undergoing. While here they are active in their former church home, 

Crossgates Baptist in Brandon. 


A Community of Faith called to 

Love others the way God loves us 

Worship with us EACH Sunday at 

8:30am & 10:30am 

w/ Strength for the Journey 6:30-7pm 

It all kicks off with 

on the church grounds THEN Lunch 

FOLLOWED BY more fun with… 

Silent Auction | live entertainment 

Mission market place | fall photo op 

Fun zone for only $3 | tailgating 

HAYRIDE to Pumpkin patch | Bake sale 

pacesetters country store 

PROCEEDS GO TOWARD MISSIONS 

So Come one, come all!! 

23 Crossgates Drive | Brandon, MS 39042 

601.825.8677 | crossgatesumc.org 


Rotary/Kiwanis 

Luncheon 



A Lifetime 

Commitment 

Melanie McMillan 

Dr. Richard Randolph 

has been practicing medicine 

in Brandon for 30 years– 

and has no intentions of 

quitting any time soon. . . 

Please tell us about where you grew up and your 

childhood in Mississippi. 

I grew up on a Panola County cotton farm in North Mississippi. 

My dad is a retired engineer who worked at Tallahatchie Valley 

Electric Power Association in Batesville, and my late mom taught 

science and home economics classes at the junior high and high 

school level. My identity was shaped by a viable rural community 

with enviable simplicity and camaraderie, led by men and women of 

faith. I was gainfully employed in my early years by my uncle on the 

farm. It was understood that I would ultimately run my grandfather’s 

farm which he started in the 1930’s along the edge of the 

Delta in the Yocona River lowlands. That all began to change 

during my junior year in high school when I contracted pneumonia 

and spent a considerable amount of time with Dr. Edward Steward, 

our family doctor in Batesville. He suggested that I would find his 

vocation both challenging and rewarding, and he asked me to give it 

some serious thought. 

Why did you decide to become a physician? 

This was an insidious process that required a great deal of 

transformation from my childhood aspirations. While I dearly 

loved working with the soil, I couldn’t help but appreciate what my 

doctor did for me in high school. I began to think of the great 

privilege it would be for me to be able to help people in such 

situations. As I began my undergraduate work at Mississippi State, I 

discovered that I actually enjoyed the challenge to understand the 

complexities of biology and chemistry. It was during those years that 

my relationship with my God began to take center stage, and the 

intrigue and privilege became a calling. 

What are some of the common illnesses you treat? 

I’ve been a family doctor in Brandon for all of my 30 years in 

practice. As a result, I’ve walked many long roads with quite a few 

folks. We treat patients who have a wide variety of acute and chronic 

diseases. We do lots of wellness exams and routine immunizations. 

We treat patients from school age to geriatrics. A big story in our 

community over the years has been Merit Health Rankin (known as 

Rankin General Hospital in 1985 when I moved to Brandon) and 

its valuable contribution to our community. In addition, the Jackson 

metro area has continually provided a wide array of consultants. 


What have the last 30 years taught you? 

Being a healthcare provider and overseeing a sole proprietorship 

have been formidable challenges, though I have found that I was 

fashioned for this adventure. I have learned the importance of having an 

exceptional staff, and I have been very fortunate to have hard-working, 

caring office personnel. These 30 years have provided many opportunities 

to meet a lot of people at their greatest point of need. This has 

been a huge privilege; it is very humbling to me that someone would 

trust that I might be able to point them in the right direction, or ease 

their pain. I’ve learned that the responsibility is even greater than I 

had imagined – it has required a great deal of discipline to be as 

prepared as possible in order to help. 

I’ve also learned quite a bit about people over the years. Life on 

this side of heaven isn’t always fair, and some have been dealt a lot 

more blows than others. I’ve noticed that pain and disease bring 

humility and a new perspective for most. There are tons of needs 

and there are at least that many people who are very grateful for help. 

It may just be our beloved Rankin County, but I’ve learned that there 

are lots of very kind and loving individuals who live here, and I’ve been 

blessed to have known them. 

What do you hope for in the next 30 years? 

At 57, I have no reason to rock this boat – I’m in the trenches and 

I love what I do. My health is good. I’m pressing forward. A number 

of my Rankin County predecessors practiced medicine into their 70’s 

and beyond. Besides, Rae Anne believes I would explode or something 

if I slow down, and she’s probably right. 

What do you and your family like to do around Brandon? 

We love spending time with our grandchildren, attending church 

activities and enjoying the delicious food at our local restaurants. 

Where do you go to church? 

We attend Crossgates Baptist Church. 

What would you tell a new physician about his career 

choice? 

Cherish the unique opportunity you have been given to help 

people. Be deliberate to connect with those who entrust themselves 

to you, and don’t ever stop learning. 

What are your hobbies? Favorite pastimes? 

This may sound strange, but I really enjoy reading about trends 

in my profession. Learning about the new frontiers in healthcare and 

keeping up with the current standard of care are very intriguing to me. 

I dream about the days of my youth that I spent hunting and fishing, 

but I just don’t do much of that any more. Also, golf is definitely not a 

good walk spoiled, now that I no longer pay attention to my score. 

Are there any awards or accolades from your career that 

you’d like to share? 

I am board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine 

and a Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

Tell us about your family. 

Apart from the day I walked an aisle at a church revival in high 

school, the best day of my life came when I met my wife, Rae Anne. 

We were both attending a college fellowship at First Presbyterian 

Church in Jackson. I was still at UMMC, and she was finishing her 

bachelor’s degree at Belhaven. She remains the most important person 

in my life – she really is the ‘better half’, and those who know her will 

agree. Our son and two daughters are out of the nest and on their own: 

Megan (and husband Dustin), a housewife and mother of my two 

grandchildren, Jonathan (and wife Lacy), a pro golfer finishing his first 

year on the PGA Tour, and Miriam (and husband Josh), an RN at the 

Blair Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, also training to be a nurse 

practitioner. I have been richly blessed through these individuals, all of 

whom still live nearby. 

Are there any organizations or causes you support that 

you’d like to share information about with readers? 

Rae Anne and I have supported the Center for Pregnancy Choices 

for a number of years. I’ve been involved in prison ministry through 

the Chaplain’s Department at CMCF since 1991. 

Who do you look to for advice and inspiration? 

As a Christian, I first and continually look up and look to the 

Word. Humanly speaking, my single most strategic mentor and 

advisor has always been my dad, now 89, who still resides in my 

childhood home. Also, I am close to a number of very wise men in our 

community whom I trust a great deal. ■ 


Cherish the unique 

opportunity you have 

been given to help people. 

Be deliberate to connect 

with those who entrust 

themselves to you, and 

don’t ever stop learning. 


Helmets 

& Heels 

August ???, 2015 

Brandon High School 



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Don’t Blink-It GoesByFast 


Fall is here. School is back in session and I 

already miss the lazy summertime days with 

my family; particularly my ever-growing 

12-year-old. Time is going so fast. 

As adults, we’ve always known that “time 

flies” – but just a couple of weeks ago, my own 

child commented on how fast the weekends 

seem to go by. I didn’t know kids had much 

concept of time beyond, “how much longer is it” 

and “are we there yet?” Call me crazy, but I’m 

pretty sure that time is going by faster than it 

used to. And I doubt that the warp-speed 

hyper-scheduling we all endure helps much. 

The morning that I wrote this, the Kenny 

Chesney song Don’t Blink came on the radio 

and made me teary. (Note: it doesn’t take much 

to get me all blubbery and choked up. They say 

having kids does that to a person. I believe it.) 

The song refers to a man turning 102 years old. 

He’s being interviewed and is asked what he 

considers to be the secret of life. He answered, 

“Don’t blink. 100 years goes by faster than 

you think.” 

It got me to thinking (and writing)–am I so 

busy running, trying to keep up, that I’m missing 

the most important part of it all? Kenny’s 

fictitious centenarian says to, “Best start putting 

first things first . . . ‘cause when your hourglass 

runs out of sand, you can’t flip it over and start 

again. Take every breath God gives you for what 

it’s worth.” 

With that in mind, I’ve made a mid-life 

resolution.. I want to do things differently. 

I want to notice more–and to appreciate more. 

I not only want to step out of my box and go 

places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never 

seen, eat places I’ve never eaten and do things 

I’ve never done–but I want to see the things 

around me, differently. 

Erma Bombeck is one of my all-time 

favorite columnists. Back in 1979, she wrote a 

column called, “If I Had My Life to Live Over.” It 

reiterates that the time we have should be 

appreciated and used wisely. She was 52 

when she wrote it–basically, my age. We 

should all take it as excellent advice in today’s 

high-velocity environment. She says: 

“Someone asked me the other day if I had 

my life to live over, would I change anything. 

My answer was no, but then I thought about it, 

and changed my mind. 

n If I had my life to live over, I would have 

talked less and listened more. 

n Instead of wishing away nine months of 

pregnancy, and complaining about the shadow 

over my feet, I’d have cherished every minute of 

it and realized that the wonderment growing 

inside me was my only chance in life to assist 

God in a miracle. 

n I would have never insisted the car windows 

be rolled up on a summer day because my hair 

had just been teased and sprayed. 

n I would have invited friends over to dinner 

even if the carpet was stained and the sofa 

faded. 

n I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ 

living room and worried less about the dirt 

when you lit a fire in the fireplace. 

n I would have taken the time to listen to my 

grandfather ramble about his youth. 

n I would have burned the pink candle 

sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. 

n I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn 

with my children and never worried about 

grass stains. 

n I would have cried and laughed less while 

watching TV–and more while watching life. 

n I would have shared more of the 

responsibility carried by my husband, which 

I took for granted. 

n I would have 

eaten less cottage 

cheese and more ice 

cream. 

n I would have gone 

to bed when I was sick 

instead of pretending the 

Earth would go into a holding 

pattern if I weren’t there for a day. 

n I would never have bought ANYTHING 

just because it was practical/wouldn’t 

show soil/guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

n When my kids kissed me impetuously, 

I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed 

up for dinner.’ 

n There would have been more ‘I love yous’ ... more 

‘I’m sorrys’ ... more “I’m listenings’ ... but mostly, given 

another shot at life, I would seize every minute ... 

look at it and really see it ... try it on ... live it ... 

exhaust it ... and never give that minute back 

until there was nothing left of it.” 

Is there any way to say it better? 

It’s a great lesson for me about 

life–and time–and the 

passage of time, 

particularly as we 

embark upon a new 

season. I plan 

to begin living 

life more 

deliberately– 

and I’m 

starting 

today. 

Don’t blink. 



Clinging 

to a 

Promise 


Every day seems to bring about a new tragic diagnoses. 

Today, everybody knows somebody who has been affected 

by cancer. Still, the diagnoses of a dear friend or family 

member never fails to surprise and devastate. What people 

often forget to consider is their personal vulnerability to 

disease and mortality. Despite seeing so many sick and 

hurting people around them, humans continue to tell 

themselves, “that could never happen to me.” Then, it 

happens. One day, a young woman’s relaxing bath entails 

her most feared discovery–2 unnatural growths beneath 

her skin, a most certain sign of breast cancer. 

“There is no way this is cancer,” the doctor told Jami, 

“you are too young.” At 33 years of age, Jami Watson, a 

studied and trained radiologic technologist, wife, and busy 

mother of two, knew better than to accept this doctor’s 

diagnosis. She called another physician who recommended 

an immediate mammogram and ultrasound. 

The results yielded a diagnosis of Stage 0 Ductal 

Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a noninvasive state of breast 

cancer that, if not treated quickly, can become invasive. 

Fortunately, Jami had detected her cancer at the earliest 

possible stage allowing doctors to effectively remove the 

tumors and practically eliminate the chances of the same 

cancer ever reoccurring in Jami. 

Oncologists insisted that there was no need for chemo 

if Jami underwent a bilateral mastectomy. In short order, 

Jami was having surgery before her 34th birthday. Jami’s 

operations took place at Woman’s Hospital in Flowood, 

Mississippi where Dr. Steven Paterson performed her 

general surgery and Dr. Shelby Brantley did Jami’s 

reconstructive work. Jami’s overnight stay was less than 23 

hours with a quick recovery to follow. Post-surgery, all of 

Jami’s tests came back negative and she was allowed to 

return home. As Jami was leaving the hospital, doctors 

said with a smile, “We hope we never see you here again.” 

For Jami and her family, 2010 proved to be a busy 

year. In addition to keeping up with two young and very 

involved children, Jami and her husband, David worked 

tirelessly on the start of David’s new veterinary practice, 

Brandon Veterinary Clinic. While cancer did make a rude 

interruption in Jami’s life, her experience was quicker and 

less painful than others due to the early discovery of her 


tumors. “After my surgery,” Jami said “we just 

picked up and went back to life as usual.” 

For almost four years, Jami continued 

working at Premier Medical Group, helping 

her husband with the clinic, and doing what 

she loved most— being a full time mom. Her 

son, Connor, took up a love for running and 

athleticism in cross country and triathlons. 

Macie, Jami’s daughter is active in gymnastics, 

tumbling, and competitive swimming. In that 

time, the Watson family grew closer with their 

Pinelake Church congregation and really 

began to feel settled in their weekly routines. 

Life was good. 

In April of 2014, Jami found herself back 

in a nightmare she had lived once before, 

surrounded by the same team of doctors and 

surgeons. Jami’s cancer had returned, this time 

more aggressively in the exact area it had 

appeared in before. Invasive Stage 2 Ductal Carcinoma had entered 

one of Jami’s lymph nodes— an extremely unexpected outcome as 

only 1% of breast tissue remained after her previous surgery. 

Cancer came crashing down on Jami and her family once again, 

stronger and more violent than before. Jami armored herself for a 

battle, knowing the only way to combat such a storm was to match it 

with an even greater strength–undeniable faith in a Savior. With God 

by her side, Jami endured another surgery, a biopsy, 5 long months of 

sickening chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. Not long into 

treatment, Jami began to see the physical effects of chemo on her body. 

Her long brown hair thinned and fell out. Before long, Jami was the 

bald, beautiful epitome of a stage 2 breast cancer patient. Inside, 

Jami not only fought a battle with disease but an emotional battle as 

she mourned the loss of what so many women identify with–long, 

beautiful hair. Still, Jami’s faith ran even deeper than the hurt and pain. 

She clung to a promise from God in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the 

plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not 

to harm you, plans to give you hope and a 

future.” Jami weathered the storm with this 

verse on her heart, knowing soon her sickness 

would end and she would return to fulfill a 

greater purpose. 

When Jami was diagnosed for the second 

time, her friends and family helped in every way 

they could. Constant prayer and encouragement 

were among the bountiful offerings, in addition 

to deliciously prepared meals delivered right to 

the Watsons’ home. Jami’s family even attempted 

to take on the mom-jobs that Jami was unable 

to do, and in doing so, gained a lot of valuable 

life skills such as cooking and doing laundry. 

“We all shared the love,” Jami said. Prayer 

Warriors from Pinelake called Jami every 

week with love and encouragement. Even in 

her darkest days, Jami was never left alone. 

Therein lies the power of faith–with God, 

one is never ever alone. 

Now a year later, Jami is a stunning cancer free woman with newly 

opened eyes and an agenda. Being a mom is what Jami missed most 

of all during her treatment. As she regains her strength and energy, 

Jami is focused on being an active part of her children’s futures. Macie 

is excelling greatly in competitive swimming and Connor will be a 

sophomore in high school. Outside of her family, Jami feels a calling to 

give back what was given to her by preparing and delivering meals to 

other cancer patients saying, “I’ve taken that on as my mission to give 

back to others.” Knowing the fears and pain of being a cancer patient, 

Jami hopes to ease others who are suffering the same nightmare. 

Looking back on her experience, Jami realized “Cancer makes 

you think, ‘live life with no regrets.’” A life lived in love and service is 

not one Jami will regret. After all, there is no promise for tomorrow. 

In the meantime, take this advice from a woman who has fought and 

won a treacherous battle, “Put God first in your life, love your family, 

and enjoy every single day.” ■ 




SAVE THE DATE!! 

Thursday, 

October 29, 2015 

Clyde Muse Center 

Pearl, MS 

Rankin County Chamber 

www.facebook.com/RankinGlowRun 


Hope 

PlantingCamille Anding 


Few creatures in the world match the 

beauty and grace of the Monarch butterfly. 

Local master gardener, Renate Hunt, has spent many years studying the delicate species. 

Her involvement with the Master Gardeners of Rankin County has provided an outlet for 

her interest by allowing her to give informative lectures about Monarch butterflies. 

The primary goal of her lectures is to inform listeners of people’s environmental impact on Monarchs 

and to teach people how they can easily nurture and restore this shrinking species. 

The Backstory 

Beginning as tiny eggs no 

bigger than the head of a pin, 

Monarchs hatch into small, 

colorful caterpillars that eat 

their way through the leaves of 

milkweed plants—the insect’s 

plant host and source of vital 

nutrients. The caterpillars spin 

a green cocoon which slowly 

loses its hue as the butterfly 

inside matures. Just before 

hatching, the cocoon appears 

black and orange, and the fiery 

orange wings of a born-again 

creature erupt from the 

encasement. Weighing less 

than one-fifth of an ounce 

with wings spanning 4 inches 

wide, these delicate creatures 

prepare themselves for an 

incredible migration of 2,500 

miles. At each stop along the 

migration, parent butterflies 

die after the females lay their 

eggs, and a new generation of 

butterflies rises to continue 

the journey. Four generations 

of butterflies make up this 

process before reaching the 

end of migration. Many 

dangerous obstacles threaten 

Monarch butterflies during 

their travels including 

rainstorms, cold temperatures, 

and perhaps worst of all, 

human intervention and 

habitat destruction. 

Why Monarchs 

are Disappearing 

Milkweed is a staple for 

the birth and growth of the 

Monarch caterpillars. For 

years, people have treated 

milkweed like regular weeds, 

killing them with pesticides. 

Many farmers and livestockowning 

families exterminate 

milkweed as soon as possible 

due to its toxicity when 

consumed. What many do not 

know is that milkweed is the 

only plant Monarch butterflies 

can lay their eggs on and the 


Restoring the Monarch 

only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. 

Therefore, as the amount of milkweed 

has diminished, equally have the amount 

of Monarch Butterflies. 

According to the research of the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 970 

million butterflies have vanished since 

1990 as a result of dangerous herbicides 

contaminating and killing milkweed. 

Gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts have 

taken upon themselves the responsibility 

to keep Monarch Butterflies off of the 

endangered species list. Protecting and 

sustaining this species is not as 

difficult as one might think. 

Population 

According to Renate, the first step to 

seeing more monarchs in the community 

starts with an abundance of nectar 

producing flowers (Petunias, Sunflowers, 

Zinnias, etc.) When the Monarchs make 

their migration through the southern 

United States, they are attracted to areas 

with lots of flowers that they may feed 

on. The secret to keeping the butterflies 

around, however, is milkweed. Adult 

butterflies sustain themselves on nectar 

flowers, and the females lay the next 

generation of eggs beneath the leaves of 

milkweed plants. The adult generation 

then dies, and the new generation of 

butterflies begins their metamorphosis 

so that they may continue the migration 

into Mexico. Renate Hunt has become 

an advocate of the monarch in her own 

garden by planting an assortment of 

nectar producing flowers in addition to 

maintaining a large crop of milkweed. 

Every summer, Monarchs take refuge in 

Renate’s garden. Her heart is full at the 

sight of new butterflies spreading their 

wings and flying confidently out of her 

garden on to the next part of the journey. 

Her hope is that others will find 

excitement in providing a resting and 

replenishing haven for these beautiful 

creatures and join her efforts in helping 

the Monarch 

butterfly population 

take flight once again. ■ 




H o m e t o w n L o v e 

brandon 

K’anne McGaughy 

My family moved every two years from the 

time I was five years old until my tenth grade year. 

We stayed long enough to get involved in the local 

Baptist church and make a few friends before it 

was time to pack up and move again. There 

were lots of positive experiences that shaped 

me, but the concept of “home” was foreign. 

My Papaw & Mamaw Jarvis lived in Brandon. 

We would travel there on every major holiday 

and take turns spending two weeks of the 

summer there. Every summer during our visit 

to Brandon, we went to vacation bible school 

at FBC, ate fried chicken at Little Joe’s and pizza 

at Silver Dollar. We learned how to pick tomatoes 

and shell peas from my grandparents’ garden, 

and we played in the creek with the other 

neighborhood kids on Danbar Street. 

In the tenth grade, we were living in 

Madisonville, KY when my parents announced 

that we were moving to Brandon. Even though 

I wasn’t thrilled to be leaving in the middle of 

my tenth grade year, I knew somehow this move 

would be different. We settled into school, church 

at FBC Brandon, and our neighborhood, 

Easthaven Estates. Right away, the youth at FBC, 

who had grown up in Brandon, included me as if 

they had known me my entire life. Several of my 

new friends were on the annual staff at Brandon 

High School. They invited me to come and meet 

the annual staff sponsor, Mrs. Lee Tucker. Mrs. 

Tucker took me under her wing and taught me 

how to put together an annual. She also taught 

me a lot about life. 

One of my best friends on the annual staff, 

Lynn Walker, lived on Jasper Street. We would 

drink Coke Icees and drive around Brandon for 

hours solving all the problems of the world, or at 

least as many as we had as 16 year olds. 

About a year later, another family, the 

McGaughy’s, moved to town with three boys. 

They too had moved every two years growing 

up. Several years later, after I graduated from 

BHS, I ended up dating one of those new boys. 

We dated long distance from Brandon to Ole 

Miss. After college graduation, Robby McGaughy 

and I married in the sanctuary of FBC Brandon 

on College Street, surrounded by our family 

and friends. We immediately moved to 

Memphis to spread our wings and see the 

world. My husband tells everyone I cried all 

the way to Memphis. 

Three years later, we moved again to Dallas, 

TX. We worked all week and played all weekend. 

We saw every sporting event, movie, play and 

concert, traveled, and experienced life. But our 

carefree lifestyle came to a screeching halt 

when we found out we were expecting twins. 

God began to change our mindset. We no 

longer cared about seeing the world and 

experiencing life. We wanted to raise our 

children in the safety of a small town where 

they would grow up with lifelong friends, 

where they would know people by name, where 

manners and respect for others were a way of 

life. A place where God, family and friends, in 

that order, came first. We wanted our children 

to live in Brandon, the place we called HOME. 

Before they were born, we began to pray 

about our desire to move home. God answered 

that prayer when they were 9 months old. Beth 

and Sarah are now twelve and have grown up 

with the help of FBC Brandon children and 

youth ministries, FUMC preschool, Rouse, 

Stonebridge, Brandon Elementary and now 

Brandon Middle School. We have also added 

another little one to our family, named Grant. 

Robby and I are thrilled our children have 

lived in Brandon most of their lives. We had no 

idea how important that would be until our 

son was born with special needs. Grant is 

developmentally delayed and cannot 

communicate the same way typical children 

do. He often sings loudly, fails to recognize 

boundaries, bumps into people, runs without 

abandon, and can tantrum when misunderstood. 

The people of Brandon have opened their arms 

to make us feel comfortable, accepted and 

supported. What a blessing it is to go to our 

local Kroger where employees call him by name, 

to eat at local restaurants, like McAlister’s, and 

see other special needs adults and teens 

working there, to attend church at FBC Brandon 

and feel the safe haven of God’s love and the 

love of others who volunteer to shadow Grant 

every Sunday morning, so he too can 

experience worship and learn about God. 

Robby and I are thankful that God led both 

our families home to Brandon, not only as 

teenagers, but again as new parents. According 

to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of 

“hometown” is the place where one was born 

or grew up. Although, Robby and I were not 

born in Brandon, we definitely grew up here– 

as teenagers, young adults, and now parents. 

With God’s help we are raising the next 

generation, the fourth in my family, to love 

our hometown of Brandon. ■ 



– wedding– 

Lauren Gail Glass 

& John Madison Sisco 

Lauren Gail Glass and John Madison Sisco were united in marriage at First 

Baptist Church of Jackson on May 2, 2015. The ceremony was officiated by the 

father of the bride, Larry Dale Glass. 

The bride is the daughter of Larry and Mary Glass of Flowood, Mississippi 

and is a former resident of Brandon, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Betty 

Tarver Sisco of Brookhaven, Mississippi and the late Madison Sisco. 

Nuptial music was presented by pianist Pam Brown of Swanannoa, North 

Carolina with scripture read by Karen Bonds, of Charleston, South Carolina. 

Both are close friends of the bride from her former church while employed in 

the area of Black Mountain, North Carolina. 

Given in marriage by her father and assisted by the uncle of the bride, Rev. 

Jerry Glass, of Star, Mississippi, the bride wore a gown of rich lace appliquéd 

on soft netting with a sculpted neckline featuring scalloped straps and keyhole 

back. The empire waist was accented with Swarovski crystal detail. Her veil 

was her mother’s, worn on her wedding day forty-two years ago, along with the 

train–also part of her mother’s dress. Her bouquet was a spring arrangement 

complimenting the kelly green floor-length chiffon dresses worn by the bridal 

attendants. They carried complimenting arrangements. 

Matrons of honor were Cara Deweese Shroyer of Cumming, Georgia, 

sister-in-law of the bride Bevin Chase Glass of Star, Mississippi, and Brooke 

Eversmeyer Jarrell of Little Elm, Texas. Kathryn Gray Glass of Star, niece of the 

bride, was flower girl. 

Best men were brother of the bride Ryan Christopher Glass of Star, 

Mississippi, Mitchell Douglas Stuart of Morton, Mississippi and nephew of the 

groom William Dwayne Rutland, of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Serving as ushers 

were Edward Winslow Chase IV, of Terry, Mississippi and William Paul 

Armstrong of Brandon, Mississippi. Program attendants were Hanna Grace 

Allen and Addison Bessonette, both of Brookhaven, Mississippi. 

Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception in the 

fellowship hall of the church. A lovely and meaningful bridesmaid’s luncheon 

was hosted in the home of Mrs. William L. Waller the day before the wedding 

and given by Mrs. Waller, Mrs. Marc Rich, Mrs. Lee Cope, and Mrs. Brian 

Fortenberry. On the eve of the wedding, following the rehearsal, a dinner was 

hosted by the mother of the bride and family members of the groom in the 

Christian Life Center Church dining room. 

The couple is at home in Madison following a wedding trip to Costa Rica. 

The bride is preschool minister at Broadmoor Baptist Church and the groom is 

a senior systems analyst with Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. 

 



Brandon 

Musicians 

The City of Brandon’s Senior Services 

hosts a music group on Monday mornings 

at 9:30. All types of musical instruments 

are played and anyone at any musical 

level is welcomed to join the group. 

If you play an instrument, like 

to sing, or you just want to listen, 

then come join the fun at 

the Brandon Senior Center. 


Back to School 

BASH 



40 • Fall 2014 2015


serving our community 

Gary Hunn 

brandon Fire Department 

Why did you decide to become 

a fireman? 

Basically I enjoyed helping people and 

spending time listening to my grandparents 

talk about their lives. It was rewarding to 

them to know that I cared, which made 

me feel great about what I was doing. As 

an adult I realized that I could do the same 

things as a fireman and also continue a 

legacy of firemen within my family. 

How long have you been with the 

Brandon Fire Department? 

15 years 


I have three absolutely amazing kids. 

Twin girls and a son. 

What is the toughest thing you 

have experienced in your job? 

The first really serious call I had to go to, 

I had to pull the body of a six year old out 

from underneath a vehicle because he 

wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. The rest of the 

family walked away without a scratch. 

What are three things on your 

bucket list? 

Move to Belize, take a 6 month long 

European vacation, and skydive. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

Retired and living in Belize. 

If you could give one piece of 

advice to a young person, what 

would it be? 

Take you education seriously and never 

stop learning. 

What is the biggest mistake you 

think young people make today? 

Acting like they are owed something just 

because. 

What is your favorite thing about 

the city of Brandon? 

Aside from its citizens I would have to say 

the current Mayor. It’s refreshing to have a 

leader who puts all aspects of the city ahead 

of his own agenda. 

Share some things you enjoy doing 

in your spare time? 

Spending time with my kids, of course. 

Going to God’s Country (a.k.a. Oxford, Miss.) 

to watch my Rebels...errrr Black bears play 

football. Playing golf and softball along with 

iRacing. 


BRANDon's finest 

Officer Seth Brown 

brandon police Department 

Why did you decide to become 

a policeman? 

When I started dispatching at Brandon Police 

Department, and was able to observe the 

officers working, I knew for sure that’s what 

I wanted to do with my life. 

How long have you been with the 

Brandon Police Department? 

Almost two years. I was sworn in as a police 

officer in September of 2013. 

What do you enjoy most about 

your typical day as a policeman? 

The people I work with. I couldn't ask to be at a 

better department, or on a better shift. 

What is the toughest thing you have 

experienced as a policeman? 

The hardest thing I have had to see as a police 

officer is the mistreatment of children. 


I have been married to my beautiful wife 

Danielle for five years. We have a son named 

Kyler, and a baby girl on the way, and I could 

not be more excited. 

Share some things that you enjoy 

in your spare time. 

I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting 

fishing, and watching football with my friends. 

Roll Tide!! 

What are three things on your 

bucket list? 

1-I just hope to make it to retirement. 

2-I want to be able to send both of my children 

to college. 

3-I want to own a Ford Bronco. I know that 

seems a bit insignificant for a bucket list, but 

I’ve wanted one my entire life. 

What do you consider your greatest 

achievement/accomplishments 

and why? 

I would have to say my children and my 

marriage first and foremost. Graduating Basic 

Training, graduating Air Force Survival School, 

graduating from MLEOTA, and being named 

Brandon Police Department’s Officer of the 

Year my first year on the job. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

My father. I am proud to be his son, and anyone 

who knows me can tell you I brag about it quite 

a bit. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas. There is nothing like waking up 

on Christmas morning to watch my son’s face 

light up. 

If you could give one piece of advice 

to a young person, what would it be? 

Stay in school Focus on your schoolwork and 

not what is or is not cool. There is nothing 

about the clothes you’re wearing or the vehicle 

you’re driving that will get you anywhere later 

in life. 

What is most rewarding about 

your job? 

Being able to help people and actually see 

changes in their life. It is hard to watch so many 

people make mistake after mistake, but the 

feeling you get when you see people turn 

themselves around and do something with 

their life is ultimately why we do this job. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

I would like to still be at Brandon Police 

Department. I love this department and the 

people I work with. I hope to one day move 

up to a supervisory role, or become an 

investigator. 


PetersonMelanie McMillan 

Coach 

Tyler

new school year is underway 

and with it comes the 

excitement of Friday night 

football. As the Brandon 

Bulldogs take the field, 

they do so under the leadership of a 

new head coach. Tyler Peterson has 

joined the Brandon High School family 

from Northwest Rankin, bringing with 

him years of coaching experience from 

all over the south. 

A native of Louisville, Mississippi, 

Coach Peterson knew from an early 

age that he wanted to be a coach. “As far 

back as I can remember, that’s what I’ve 

always wanted to do”, he says. “I was 

the kid on the playground getting 

everybody lined up, telling them where 

to go and what to do, and deciding who 

was going to kick or hit the ball where. 

My dad and his brothers were in 

construction and it didn’t take long to 

realize that I didn’t want to do that. 

Sports seemed like a lot more fun.” 

Growing up, playing sports was 

truly a family affair for Tyler. Family 

gatherings provided opportunities for 

playing ball, whatever the season. 

“There were a lot of boy cousins our 

age and that’s just what we always did. 

Whatever the season was, that was the 

sport we played.” Two of those cousin 

“teammates” were Brad and Chris 

Peterson, both successful high school 

coaches. Tyler coached with Brad at 

Louisville and succeeded 

him at Brandon, and Brad’s brother, 

Chris, is the head coach at Gautier 

High School. 

After graduating from Louisville 

High School, Coach Peterson went on 

to play football at the University of 

North Alabama. His first coaching job 

after college was at the University of 

Tennessee at Chattanooga, followed 

by a graduate assistant position at his 


alma mater at North Alabama. Following 

a stint at the University of Arkansas- 

Monticello, Tyler returned to Louisville, 

where cousin Brad was the head coach. 

Head coaching positions at Noxapater, 

Kosciusko and Northwest Rankin 

followed, and with each move, Tyler 

proved that he had what it took to 

develop and maintain a strong football 

program. It’s no surprise, then, that he 

was chosen to be the head coach at 

Brandon. 

When asked what surprised him 

the most when he began his coaching 

career, Tyler said that most people don’t 

realize how much time is involved. 

From cleaning locker rooms to doing 

laundry to cutting grass, there are many 

things involved in coaching besides 

practices and games. Family time is 

often sacrificed, particularly during 

football season, so family support is 

imperative. In this area, Coach 

Peterson acknowledges that he is 

blessed. 

Introduced by mutual friends, 

he and his wife Erica have been married 

for five years. Erica, a native of 

Philadelphia, Mississippi, is a speech 

therapist but for now is enjoying time 

at home with the couple’s two boys, 

Camden, age four, and Case, age three. 

Their family of four will soon be 

growing however, as they are in the 

process of adopting a daughter, Evie 

Joy, who turned a year old in May. The 

Petersons are waiting to receive a 

travel date to go to China to meet their 

daughter. Although Tyler did not know 

a lot about the adoption process, he 

was open to the idea, knowing how 

much it meant to his wife. “When you 

start doing your research,” he says, 

“you realize how many children out 

there are in need. We live in our little 

bubble sometimes and think that 

everyone is blessed and fortunate and 

that’s just not the case.“ 

Although family time can be 

limited in the Fall, Tyler is grateful 

for a job where his family can be 

an integral part. Close friendships 

among the coaches and their families 

are common, as so much time is spent 

together. And as his children grow, he 

looks forward to having them on the 

sidelines and involving his family as 

much as he can. 

The Petersons are already feeling 

very at-home in the Brandon family. 

Tyler says, “Everyone has been so 

helpful and everyone supports the 

school. My wife and I are both small 

town people and Brandon has that 

small town feel where everybody 

knows everybody. There aren’t many 

towns anymore where there’s one 

school in the town. I am proud and 

excited to be here, and I look forward 

to my children growing up here.” ■



people - warm, caring, and loving 

fellowship - laughter and joy 

along with strength and encouragement 

ministry - telling people about God’s 

love, forgiveness, and grace 

growth - inside and out 

a road map - helping to show people the way to Jesus Christ 

celebration - worshiping God for His work and mercy 

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 

in our lives through Jesus Christ 

Youth Website: 

www.brandonbaptiststudents.com 

Twitter: @BrandonBCMS 

Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/brandonbcms 

 

















Facebook: 


 

















Facebook: 



50 • Summer 2014

A K indergarten Legend Camille 

Anding 

We never forget the things or people we love. 

For Bonnie Milbrandt, it’s the children she 

loved for the thirty years she was a kindergarten 

teacher in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Her story 

is an endearing one. 

Bonnie grew up in Mendenhall, Mississippi 

with her two older brothers and younger twin 

brother and sister. She earned her elementary 

education degree from University of Southern 

Mississippi and had nothing but a teaching job 

on her mind when she accompanied her mother 

on a grocery run one Saturday morning in 

Mendenhall. 

She still remembers going to the apple 

display at the front of Jitney Jungle to select a 

dozen apples for her mother. A young Penn 

State grad drove by with a friend of Bonnie’s 

and spotted the 5’9” beauty in the window. 

He was shopping too—and at that moment, 

found the apple of his eye. He stopped and 

sent his friend in to request permission to let 

Bonnie join them. 

When friend Thelma explained that her 

friend, Allen Carl Milbrandt was from 

Pennsylvania and just acquired a job as a soil 

conservationist in Mississippi, Mrs. Crosby, 

Bonnie’s mother, agreed to let her go. One 

year later, Bonnie and Allen were married. 

A job transfer for Allen to Brookhaven 

carried them to their new home that would be 

their permanent one. For the next thirty years, 

Ms. Milbrandt would teach kindergarten 

classes—nineteen at the Presbyterian Church, 

and at the Methodist Church for eleven. 

Bonnie Milbrandt’s bright green eyes 

sparkled as she shared her love for the young 

lives she had touched and molded. Her 

conversation was fixed on the days and hours 

that brought her such joy. 

“They knew I loved them,” she said of all 

her students. Bonnie was dogmatic about the 

key to being a successful teacher; “You’ve got 

to love your job and the children. And you 

need patience. You don’t scold little children. 

Never use a harsh voice.” 

When asked about her means of discipline, 

she confessed that she never really had any 

need for punishment. In her soft voice, she 

always encouraged them to “act like big boys 

and girls because you’ll soon be first graders.” 

Her world of teaching that seems so far 

removed from the present began in a circle 

where she read a daily Bible story. She taught 

them the Lord’s Prayer, ABC’s, numbers to 100 

and saved time for coloring and outdoor play. 

The year would include field trips to local 

fun places with Ms. Milbrandt leading the line 

of little “ducks.” “Sometimes the mamas would 

be late in picking up their child,” she said, “but 

I didn’t mind. I would just sit and talk to the 

little one about what we had learned that day.” 

She added that so many children had given 

her such lovely gifts. One dad gave her two 

acres and the oil rights that still provide her 

monthly oil checks. 

“Little children will tell you everything if 

you let them,” she continued. “Once a little boy 

told me he wanted to share what his daddy 

said. I asked him if it was kind. ‘Oh, no,’ he 

said. So I told him let’s don’t talk about it.” 

Even at ninety-two, Bonnie still felt the 

impact that adults have on little children. 

“They need your help,” she said with emotion. 

“That’s a little life!” 

Another child reported that his daddy mowed 

their lawn on Sundays. When Bonnie told the 

child that Sunday was supposed to be for 

worship and rest, her student admonished 

his dad for working on Sunday. According to 

another report, the daddy stopped his Sunday 

mowing. 

In 1989, a fall at her daughter Vickie Smith’s 

suspended her days of living alone as a widow. 

She recovered from her broken hip and now 

enjoys her days at Peach Tree Village Assisted 

Living. “I love people,” she says, “and I’ve just 

got to help others.” 

Then she turned her attention to Lanette 

Williams, her friend and executive director of 

the facility. “She’s the nicest person I’ve ever 

met,” Bonnie said about Lanette. “I tell her 

that. In fact, I don’t believe people ought to 

stand over a casket and brag about what a 

good person he or she was. They need to tell 

them before they die!” 

I paused outside the Village after my long 

conversation with Bonnie. Amazing was my 

summation. Her inner beauty of love and 

tenderness still radiated from her ageless face. 

I thought of the thirty years and the twenty-five 

to thirty-four students that she loved 

and taught every year, and the things she 

taught their parents. 

Then it came to me; word should spread 

and Ms. Milbrandt should be deluged with 

mail, thanking her for her life of love and 

molding. I agree with Bonnie—looking over 

a casket is a poor place to pay compliments. ■ 


BRANDON PUBLIC LIBRARY 

1475 W. GOV. ST • (601) 825-2672 • brandonatcmrls.lib.ms.us 

Sept-Oct-Nov Events 

Displays for September 

Decorative Tins of Marie Jackson 

Airplane Collection of Dirk Vanderleest 

The Brandon Library is participating in Red Friday. Wear Red to the 

library on Friday during football season and check out one item. You 

will be entered into a weekly drawing for a $10 coupon to a Brandon 

eatery - new sign-up 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. 

Weekly Events 

Mondays - 10:30am Toddler Time 

Come join us for stories. Songs and finger plays for ages 0-2 years. 

Mondays - 6pm Dulcimer Group *In lieu of Labor Day the Dulcimer Group 

will meet Tuesday 9/8 at 6pm. 

Tuesdays - 9am Computer Classes Free. Pre-registration requested. 

September 15, 22, 29 - Basic Computer Classes 

October 6, 13, 20, 27 - Application Classes Word, Excel, Power Point 

November 3 - Using the Computer to Evaluate Prescription D Plans 

Presented by David Fisher 

November 10 - eBooks and Freegal Music: Learn to use the CMRLS 

ebooks. Learn to download free music from our website using Freegal. 

November 17 - How to buy a computer. What should you look for when 

buying a computer or tablet. 

Tuesdays 4pm - Kid Connection 

1st & 3rd Tuesdays Grades K-6 afterschool story and craft hour. 

2nd & 4th Tuesdays Chess Lessons for K-6. 

September 29 Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month with Magnolia Health 

Wednesdays & Thursdays - 10:30am Preschool Story Time Songs, 

stories, and crafts for preschoolers aged 3-5. 

Thursdays at 1pm - BYOP Bring Your Own Project crafting group. 

Thursdays at 6pm - Creative Crafters Learn and craft together. 

Monthly Events and Meetings 

Second Monday of the Month 

The New Brandon Book Club - 10:30am 

September 14 A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson 

October 12 Rogue Warrior Task Force Blue by Richard Marcinko 

November 9 Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins 

Beading Class - 4 & 6pm Please register 

September 14 Halloween earrings using super duos. Supply cost $5. 

October 12 Triangle earrings using size 11 seed beads. Supply cost $3. 

November 9 Elegant Ring. Supply cost $4. 

Second and Fourth Mondays of the month 

Extra-Ordinary Writers’ Club - 6 pm 

Join other local writers as we get together, read each other’s work, and 

help each other improve. This group is open to teens and young adults. 

Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month 

Adult Chess Lessons - 6:00pm Please register. 

First Wednesday of the month 

Gardening at Your Library - 10:30am 

Join the Master Gardeners as they discuss various gardening topics 

September 2 Terrarium Demonstration by Suzette McInnis 

October 7 How to make a cheap seed-starting box by Cindy Pannier 

and Kathleen Shuller 

November 4 Seasonal Arrangement Demonstration using corkscrew 

willow by Renata Hunt. 

Second Wednesday of the month 

V.V.A. Meeting - September 9 and October 14 - 10:30am 

Join local veterans for their monthly meeting. 

First Thursday of the month 

Genealogy Club - 10:30 am Genealogy topics and assistance are the 

topic of the day. 

Coin Club - 6 pm Love old and new currency? Join the Brandon Coin 

Club for their monthly meeting. 

First or second Saturday of the month 

Community Quilt Workdays 

Saturdays, September 5, October 10, November 7 - 10 am 

Come by and watch, ask questions, or help us! 

Sponsored by the Brandon Quilters. 

Third Saturday of the month 

Teens & Young Adult Gaming Day Saturdays at 12 noon 

September 19 WiiU Smash Brothers Tournament 

October 17 & November 21 Call for the latest details and to register. 

Special Events 

Brandon Quilters Cozy up with the Brandon Quilters for their meeting. 

Mondays, September 14, October 5, and November 9 - 6pm 

(Note - dates different than normal.) 

Begin Your Family Tree Tuesday, September 15 - 10:30am 

How to begin your family tree, what records are online, when to go to the 

courthouse, and how to organize your information. For questions, call the 

library or email Anne Vanderleest at brgenatcmrls.lib.ms.us. 

TEEN NIGHT: Movie Making with Curtis Everitt of Saint Studios Films 

Monday, September 14 - 5 pm 

Brandon Genealogical & Rankin County Historical Society 

Tuesday, September 15 - 7 pm Join us for History and Fellowship. 

The public is invited. Refreshments provided. Contact Anne Vanderleest 

or brgenatcmrls.lib.ms.us or Penny Schooler 601-824-1860. 

AARP Safe Driver Course - Wednesday, September 16 - 12 pm 

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. Call Allison Wood at 601-208-6525 to 

reserve your place. 

Teen Game Night Monday - September 21 - 5pm Play Apples to Apples, 

Man Bites Dog and more! Join us for snacks, drinks, and fun! 

Family Night Thursday - September 24 - 6pm 

Learn how to play the clarinet from Mr. H. G. Hagen. 

Boomer University Saturday - September 26 - 10am-3pm 

AARP for all of us born from 1945 to 1964. Lunch will be provided. There 

is no cost but you must register by calling the library. Topics include: 

Discussion about Social Security, 10 Steps to Retirement Security, How to 

Protect Yourself from Fraud, Life Reimagined 

Social Security “What you don’t know could hurt you” 

Tuesday September 29 - 6pm This informative session will answer 

many of your questions and clear up many of your concerns. Presented 

by Roy and Diane Thompson. Call to register. 

Coin Show - Saturday October 3 - 10am-4pm 

Sign Language Class Saturday - October 3 - 10:30am Learn to speak 

with your hands! Free class. Pre-registration suggested. 

Teen Game Night - Monday, October 5 - 5pm 

Munch on History - October 13 - 12noon 

Mississippi Archives and History and the Rankin County Historical 

Society present A Photographic Revisit of Rankin County – Then and 

Now by Paul Davis. Bring your lunch, we will provide drinks and dessert. 

Teen Craft Night - Monday, October 19 - 5pm Pumpkin decorating just 

in time for Halloween. 

Family Night-Fall Festival Thursday, October 29 - 6pm 

It’s time for our Annual Fall Festival with games, prizes, treats, and more. 

BOOK SALE! It’s the BIG ONE! 

Friday, October 30, 10-5 & Saturday, October 31, 10-4 

Bag Day ($5 a bag or $10 a box) – Monday, November 2, 10-8 

Garland Wreath - Thursday, November 12 at 6pm 

Presented by Polly Agee. Call for supply list to bring. Free class. 

Teen Game Night - Monday, November 16 at 5pm 

Painting with Carla - Monday, November 16 at 6pm 

Enjoy a seasonal painting with Carla Nations. $6 fee. Please register. 

Family Night - Thursday, November 19 at 6 pm 

Fall stories, games & activities for the whole family. 

Teen Craft Night - Monday, November 30 at 5 pm 

Make Mod Podge boxes for Christmas gifts. 

The library will be closed: Monday, September 7 for Labor Day 

Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day 

Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving Day 

______________________________________________________ 

Brandon Public Library is part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, which serves 

Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties. 



City of Brandon EVENTS 

Sep 19 

Brandon Opry 

Brandon Civic Center 

6pm • $5 Admission 

Oct 17 

Brandon Opry presents 

The Blackwood Quarter 

Tickets $10 

Oct 24 

Mother-Son Dance 

Nov 7 

Military Ball 

Nov 11 

Veterans Breakfast 

Brandon Garden Club 

Blue Star Memorial 

Marker Dedication 

at the Rankin County 

Justice Center after breakfast. 

For more information visit www.cityofbrandon.net or call 601.825.5021 


Shirley Botkin, Pat Robinson 

John Thompson, Elan Brown, Ruth Thompson 

Justin Haris, Barbara Magee, Treazure Washington 

Grandparents 

Day 

Ernestine Crawford, Laura Swanson 

Yvonne Bianchi 

Brandon Senior Center 

June 12, 2015 

Mary Bailey, Collin Washington 

Georgia Henry, Aniyah Fleming 

Jo Parkerson, Popfeener Wooten 

Joyce Edmondson, Virginia Goff 

Taya Stratton, Lee Mary Burton, Taylor Stratton 

Jamie Moak, Rose McKay 

James Ward 

Jim Moulds, Vladik Moulds, Moulds 

Linette Williams, Diana Meredith, Chris 

Kay Davis, Bill & Rosemary Hoffa 


Everything’s 

Coming Up 

This year spring quickly turned into the 

usual hot Mississippi summer, with children and 

adults searching for a fun daytime activity. The 

2015-2016 members of the Brandon Garden Club 

(BGC) executive committee decided to host an 

early-morning garden party for their 

grandchildren and “grandfriends,” all ten-years 

of age and younger. Adults and children alike 

enjoyed a laid-back, bright summer day before 

the mid-morning heat chased everyone indoors 

to one of life’s best inventions, air conditioning. 

The garden party was held at the home of 

Suzanne Ross. While the hostesses made final 

preparations, Suzanne introduced the children 

to herbs and other plants in the mini French 

courtyard-style garden. They picked and tasted 

parsley and rosemary, rubbed pieces of mint on 

their hands, but declined to pick or taste garlic 

chives. The success of this small garden tour 

was best expressed by Fallon Frisby, who said “I 

really want a garden when I grow-up.” 

All children like to give flowers to their 

Moms, Nanas, Mimis, and even Suzies, so the 

next activity was chosen to help make those 

gifts happen. BGC used an idea demonstrated 

by The Garden Club of Jackson at the spring 

Natchez Trace District Workshops - a small 

floral design formula using three components: 

thriller, spiller and filler. 

With a little adult guidance to know the 

difference in plants, each of the nine children 

made floral arrangements in a variety of 

containers from candlesticks to empty bubble 

bath bottles to take home to very special 

people. 

And you can’t have a party without food. 

The menu and table decorations were chosen to 

be easy and child friendly. Red tablecloths, 

green and white dishes, and a centerpiece 

containing potted plants enhanced the 

plantings in patio area. The small arrangements 

were added to the table while guests and BCG 

executive committee members enjoyed chicken 

salad sandwiches, watermelon, carrots and 

celery with peanut butter and Nutella dip, and 

plenty of lemonade and water to wash it all 

down. The eye-catching and delicious ice 

cream flower pot desserts were made by new 

executive committee member Marion McKee. 

The best testimonial came from Mary 

Ainsley Zischke, who said “This was a FUN day, 

Maymay!” ■ 

Front row - Debbie Zischke, Lily Chapman, Kameron Jordan, Fallon Frisby. 

Middle row - Ross Gaskin, Anna Reagan McKee, Dylan Chapman, Mason Jordan, Charla Jordan. 

Back row - Suzanne Ross, Mary Ainsley Zischke, Ethan Chapman, Delena Hamel, Ginger Parker, Marion McKee. 


Mary Ainsley Zischke 

granddaughter of Debbie Zischke 

Ross Gaskin 

grandson of Suzanne Ross 

Kameron Jordan 

granddaughter of Charla Jordan 

Anna Reagan McKee 

granddaughter of Marion McKee 

Dylan Chapman 

grandson of Delena Hamel 

Lily Chapman 

granddaughter of Delena Hamel 

Mason Jordan 

grandson of Charla Jordan 

Fallon Frisby 

friend of Ginger Parker 

Ethan Chapman 

grandson of Delena Hamel 


Curry Chicken Salad 

Roses, Recipes, and Reflections; Something Special 

Brandon Garden Club First Tablescapes Luncheon, 

2008 

• 3 to 4 cups chicken breast, cooked and diced 

• 1 cup celery, diced 

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 

• 2 cups green seedless grapes, halved 

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds 

• 1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder 

• salt and pepper 

In a bowl, mix all ingredients. 

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. 

To serve as a salad, sprinkle with paprika and 

serve on a lettuce leaf. Serves 8. 

To serve as a sandwich, cut grapes in quarters 

instead of halves. Remove crusts from bread. 

Spread mayonnaise on bread before adding 

chicken salad. Optional: Sprinkle with paprika. 

Cut into triangles after assembly. 

Flower Pot Ice Cream Dessert 

• 1 pound cake, store bought or homemade 

• 1/2 gallon ice cream, your favorite flavor 

• 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies 

(we used Oreos) 

You will also need: 

• 8 small plastic or clay flower pots (lead free) 

• 8 straws, cut 1/2 inch taller than the pot 

• Fresh flowers 

Slice the pound cake 1” thick. Cut with a cookie 

cutter to fit the bottom of the pot. Place pound 

cake round in the pot. (Substitution: Use a vanilla 

wafer.) This keeps melting ice cream from 

dripping through the hole in the pot. 

Hold a straw in the center of the pot. Surround 

the straw with softened ice cream almost to the 

rim. Clean the rim with a damp paper towel. 

Place in freezer until firm. 

In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they 

resemble rich topsoil. (You can also crush them 

in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.) 

Remove pots from the freezer. Spoon the crushed 

cookies on top of the ice cream to the rim of the 

pot. Place a fresh flower in the straw and serve 

immediately. 

Brandon Garden Club welcomes volunteers for both small and large projects. 

For information, visit thebrandongardenclub.com. 

_______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 

Charla Jordan, President, Brandon Garden Club; Public Relations Chairman and Photographer, 

The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc. 

Suzanne Ross, Chairman, Brandon Garden Club Civic Projects; Natchez Trace District Director, 

The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc. 


Crestview 

memorial 

gardens 

• 24-Month Interest-free Financing • 

• Discount on four or more burial spaces • 

• 50% Discount for Veterans with DD214 • 

MURPHY ADKINS • DEBBIE ALLEN • LEE BARLOW 

1106 Star Rd • Brandon, MS • 601-825-4240 • info@cmgardens.com 

Growing to meet our community’s needs. 

Brandon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's new therapy gym 

is now open for inpatient and outpatient therapy. 

335 Crossgates Blvd • Brandon Ms 

601.825.3192 •Fax 601.825.6398 

Don’t Miss Our Next Issue 

Winter 2015 


WhereAreTheyNow? 


Megan Williams is a Class of 2007 

graduate of Brandon High School. 

During her time as a Brandon Bulldog, 

Megan participated in a number of 

extracurricular activities which she credits 

for cultivating in her a love for working 

with others. The students Megan studied 

with at BHS she described as “top-notch.” 

Since graduating, Megan has sought to 

surround herself with similarly skilled 

individuals who inspire and nurture her 

desire to learn. Today, Megan resides in 

Washington, D.C. where she works as 

an investment operations associate for 

Cambridge Associates. 

With her she always carries the 

wisdom she gained from Brandon High 

School. “Most importantly,” Megan says, 

“the faculty at Brandon High School 

encouraged me to not only have pride in 

who I am and where I’m from, but also 

to continuously look for ways to expose 

myself to a new way of thinking.” 

Emily Eichelberger Blalock 

graduated from Brandon High School 

with the Class of 2000. She played varsity 

basketball throughout her entire high 

school career, which helped influence her 

personality and professional drive. Emily’s 

geography teacher, Mrs. Hollis, inspired a 

desire to travel in Emily. “She gave me the 

initial idea that anything was possible for 

a young woman seeking adventure with a 

thirst for knowledge.” 

Carrying with her lessons in trusting 

others, maintaining humility, perseverance 

and dedication, Emily moved on from 

Brandon to the University of Georgia 

where she traveled to West Africa five 

times to help African women establish 

business and trade. During her time as a 

UGA student, Emily also trained teachers 

in Honduras, worked in an Ecuadorian 

textile factory, and studied fashion 

production in China. Today, Emily and 

her husband Brent have accepted jobs 

at an international school in Shanghai 

China. Brent will be an elementary art 

teacher and Emily will be the high school 

college counselor. Emily says, “We are 

excited to live in the biggest city in the 

world and study a culture so different 

from our own.” 

Nathan McLaurin graduated from 

Brandon High School in 1999. He says, 

“The community and school system 

played a vital role in who I am and what 

I do today.” Nathan returned to his alma 

mater years later where he works today 

as a psychology teacher, assistant football 

coach, and head coach for the boys track 

and field team. Nathan has found that the 

principles instilled in him as a Brandon 

High School student remain with him 

today. Now as a teacher, he tries to instill 

the same in all of the students he 

encounters. Today Nathan lives happily 

in his hometown with his wife, Adonya 

McLaurin and their two children who 

also attend Brandon schools. 


? ? 

Brett Baer is a 2008 graduate of 

Brandon High School. During his high 

school career, Brett was very involved 

in athletics and extracurricular activities 

that led him to his future career path in 

physical therapy. Brett currently resides 

in Austin, TX where he attends physical 

therapy school at the University of St. 

Augustine. He is engaged to Lauren 

Breaux, and their wedding is set for 

August 22nd. 

In his future career, Brett will encounter 

people from all walks of life. He says, 

“Attending BHS helped prepare the 

way for me to be able to interact with 

everyone.” While one can find a good 

education anywhere, Brandon High 

School stands out among other schools 

because of its diversity and priority of 

people skills. “If I could rewind my life,” 

Brett says, “I would choose Brandon High 

School 100 out of 100 times.” 

Meredith Burgess graduated from 

Brandon High School with the Class 

of 2004. After attending college at the 

University of Mississippi, Meredith’s 

natural desire for wanderlust led her to 

joining the Peace Corps as a volunteer in 

the Costa Rican jungle. From Brandon, 

to Oxford, to Costa Rica, Meredith made 

a new home for herself in each new 

community she encountered carrying 

with her the earliest lessons she learned 

growing up in Brandon. Today, Meredith 

has settled into a brand new community, 

the belly of the beast–New York City. 

She sells music licenses in Manhattan, 

in addition to simply enjoying and 

experiencing “city-life” and culture. 

Everywhere she goes, Meredith 

maintains connections with friends she 

has met along her travels. She speaks to 

Costa Rican community members at least 

once a week, and always keeps in touch 

with her friends and family at home in 

Mississippi. Meredith says, “Living in 

many different places has strengthened my 

affinity for Mississippi and its simplicity. 

Who wouldn’t want to call such a place 

home?” 

Mark Storm graduated from Brandon 

High School with the Class of 1997. 

During high school he played soccer and 

swam competitively with the swim team. 

In addition to his extracurricular activities, 

Mark also worked as a lifeguard. Following 

high school, Mark sought a degree in 

mechanical engineering from Mississippi 

State University. His degree led him to a 

short-term job in California, which he left 

so he could hike the Appalachian Trail. 

Mark says, “The education in history 

I received from Brandon High School 

really had an impact on me and where 

I am today.” Mark experienced world 

history first hand, traveling to Thailand 

for 6 months and Nepal for 5 years to do 

missionary work. Now, he is back home 

in the United States where he works in 

Atlanta, Georgia as a financial advisor 

with Edward Jones. 


The Metropolitan Supper Club 

Susan Marquez 

Barbara and John Collier waited until they were both 

in their early 40’s to get engaged in the summer of 1993. 

John enjoyed cutting a rug on the dance floor, Barbara not 

so much. But when John’s cousin invited the couple to join 

a supper club that centered on dancing, they jumped at the 

chance. “We attended mainly for the fellowship, but 

I ended up enjoying the dancing more than I thought I 

would,” said Barbara Collier. 

The Colliers have been members of the Metropolitan 

Supper Club ever since. “We’ve made some wonderful 

friends over the years,” Collier said. “We see several of 

them outside of the supper club. We’ve been through all 

kinds of things together.” 

The Metropolitan Supper Club was started by Stuart 

C. Irby, Jr. and Dudley Hughes in 1992 to promote dancing 

to live music in a 1940s supper club atmosphere. It was 

organized to provide a place to listen and dance to big 

band music, enjoy a good meal, and to have fellowship 

with friends. Over the years, the club has met at various 

locations and as often as three times a week. 

Currently the club meets eight times a year at the Capital 

Club in downtown Jackson. The dance is held on a Friday 

night from 7:00 to 10:30pm. A buffet dinner is served, 

and a cash bar is available. But the main attraction is the 

music, always provided by a live band. The bands are the 

Jackson All Stars, led by Dave Schommer, and The Sessions, 

led by Bob Davidson. The two bands alternate each month. 

When the club was organized, the membership 

consisted of over 100 couples. In recent years, however, 

the membership has not grown in proportion to the 

number of aging members who have dropped out due to 

ill health, moving or death. Today the club has 36 couples 

from Brandon, Clinton, Madison, Canton and Jackson 

who are members, with several potential memberships 

pending. Membership is contingent upon being approved 

by the board of directors. A couple may come as a guest one 

time at a cost of $52. After the first visit, a couple may come 

as a guest for $90 each time. The board of directors will not 

approve those whose behavior makes others uncomfortable. 

The cost to join the club is $240 per year. In addition, 

the cost of the buffet meal with gratuity is $52 per couple 

each time the couple attends. Reservations are made in 

advance. There are two formal dances a year, one in March 

and the other in December. Black tie is requested for the 

formal dances, but not required. Dress for the other dances 

during the year is coat and tie for men, while women may 

wear a dressy pantsuit or a Sunday dress. 

Being involved with the Metropolitan Supper Club 

has been a joy for Barbara Collier. “It’s been so much fun. 

We look forward to it each month!” Collier said she wishes 

more young people would get involved. “It’s such a fun 

activity for young couples, and like us, you grow old with 

friends you meet in the supper club. Unfortunately, it’s a 

well-kept secret, but we’re trying to get the word out!” ■ 

For more information on the Metropolitan Supper Club, visit their website at www.metsupclub.com. 


DELTA 

STATE 

Working toward the next big idea, together. 

www.deltastate.edu/visit 

@DELTASTATE • FACEBOOK.COM/DELTASTATEUNIVERSITY 


Jim Balgard, Bob Hutson 

Alderwoman Monica Corley, 

Alderman Bob Morrow 

Alderman Cris Vinson, 

Lt. Col. Cregg Puckett 

Alderman James Morris, 

Yvonne Bianchi 

Don & Jane Cunningham, Abbie Cunningham 

Bob Whitley, Jerry Burke, Bob Catlett 

Charla Jordan, Mayor Butch Lee, Lori Farrar 

Chief Terry Wages, Alderman Harry Williams, Richard Fortune 

Maggie Harper 

Shirley Dear, Yvonne Bianchi, Eddie Dear 

Savannah, Tamara, Patrick Robinson 

Lauren, Michael, & Ruby Smith 


Richard Stamper & Richard Catlett Hayden Gibbons, Olivia Garrett Kyle Brown, Alderman Bobby Christopher Rep. Mark Baker & Marty Miller 

Remembering 

Our Fallen 

 

Eddie & Jenny Smith 

June 15 

Brandon Civic Center 

Hayden Gibbons 

Esther Fabbricante, Carol Gallagher, Kay Davis 

Carolyn Palmer, Diana Meredith 


Camille Anding 

The Time Coin 

The last days of summer are not 

only stealing away all the flower 

gardens, they’re sending students 

off to college in pursuit of higher education. 

Delta State University probably looks 

nothing like it did in the fall of ’63, but 

some of the pain I felt after being left there 

by my family must still be bouncing around 

the walls. They call it adulthood, maturity, cutting the apron strings. 

It felt more like open heart surgery with no anesthetic. 

It was a strange campus in a strange land that I struggled to 

appreciate. I missed the red hills and tree-lined highways of north 

Mississippi. I unpacked my suitcases in a lifeless steel-gray room and 

set up home with a roommate that I had only met by letter. I was 

appalled that I was leaving a family of seventeen years to re-locate 

in an unfamiliar building and hang my toothbrush next to a perfect 

stranger. Would she be a new adult friend for life, or would she turn 

schizophrenic at midnight? Only time would tell. 

I relived some of those same emotions when we helped move 

our own children to their freshman dorms. Optimism attempted to 

remind me that college days were better with this generation, and 

everyone had cell phones. 

Optimism fled when we said our final 

goodbyes, and my jaw, that I had clinched with 

my teeth, didn’t hurt as badly as my heart. 

My trip home was a tearful “cry-down.” 

By the time we reached home, my 

composure had returned along with a positive 

mindset about the blessings of going to college 

and minds that could learn. Then I stepped 

into the back door and met the lingering fragrance of our daughter’s 

favorite perfume. 

A pain that can’t be rubbed away encompassed me. 

But suddenly I was lifted out of gloom to joy when I realized that 

our children’s fragrances had always been a sweet aroma to their 

parents. Their cologne and perfume fragrances were reminders of the 

blessed aromas of their lives that would always fill our home. 

We all leave behind aromas—sweet or bitter, kind or harsh, friendly 

or alien, generous or selfish . . . and the choices go on and on. Aromas are 

a part of all of our lives. Whether we leave the room, leave for college, 

or leave this life, we all leave some kind of aroma. An occasional “sniff” 

test might be in order for each of us. n 


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Hometown Brandon - Fall 2015

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