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Hometown Madison - March & April 2016

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Volume 2 Number 3<br />

Mar/apr <strong>2016</strong><br />

the Heart shield<br />

______________________<br />

Veda’s Story<br />

______________________<br />

Providence Hill<br />

______________________<br />

Mail Order Annie


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2 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

2/22/16 3:38 PM


publisher & Editor<br />

Tahya A. Dobbs<br />

CFO<br />

Kevin W. Dobbs<br />

Consulting editor<br />

Mary Ann Kirby<br />

Account Executives<br />

Alicia Adams<br />

LeeAnn Evans<br />

Rachel Lombardo<br />

pulling... pulling....<br />

Contributing Writers<br />

Camille Anding<br />

Mary Ann Kirby<br />

Susan Marquez<br />

Anna Rogers<br />

Diane Ryan<br />

Abigail Walker<br />

staff Photographer<br />

Othel Anding<br />

Administrative Assistants<br />

Alisha Floyd<br />

Brenda McCall<br />

Layout Design<br />

Daniel Thomas / 3dt<br />

Missy Donaldson / MAD Designs<br />

• • •<br />

www.facebook.com<br />

/hometownmadisonmagazine<br />

For subscription information<br />

visit www.htmags.com<br />

Contact us at info@HTMags.com<br />

601.706.4059<br />

26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F<br />

Brandon MS 39042<br />

• • •<br />

All rights reserved. No portion of <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Madison</strong><br />

may be reproduced without written permission from<br />

the publisher. The management of <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Madison</strong><br />

is not responsible for opinions expressed by its<br />

writers or editors. <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Madison</strong> maintains the<br />

unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted<br />

material. All advertisements are subject to approval by<br />

the publisher. The production of <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Madison</strong><br />

is funded by advertising.<br />

In this issue Cathy Halford - A Volunteer Profile ....... 6<br />

A Leap of Faith ......................... 12<br />

Best Advice ......................... 20<br />

Veda’s Story ............................... 24<br />

Miss Mississippi .........................28<br />

The Heart Shield ..................... 30<br />

Providence Hill. ...................... 34<br />

Less Clutter & Less Stress ............ 38<br />

Mail Order Annie ..................... 50<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 3


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4 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

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<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 5


6 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Orchestrating Compassion<br />

Cathy Halford - A Volunteer Profile<br />

Anna Rogers


Cathy Halford has been linked to<br />

service in the community in one way or<br />

another for almost three decades. At an<br />

early age, Cathy’s father had hoped she<br />

would be a concert pianist. She spent<br />

years practicing her music and training to<br />

be a pianist. She had no idea she would<br />

go on to dedicate her life to orchestrating<br />

kindness and compassion. Her 28-year<br />

career as a public school special education<br />

teacher fueled her desire to spread love<br />

and change lives.<br />

In 1997, Cathy was introduced to<br />

Kairos Prison Ministry. She spent six years<br />

working with women prisoners, helping<br />

the prisoners recognize, trust, and find<br />

peace. “The prison ministry helped me<br />

to trust more strongly in God and to<br />

believe that wherever life’s journey was<br />

headed, He would be there to support<br />

me,” she admits.<br />

In 2005, when Katrina devastated the<br />

Gulf Coast, Cathy was eager to roll up her<br />

sleeves and help. With her previous<br />

training through St. James’ Episcopal<br />

Church, she was well prepared to support<br />

the American Red Cross shelter at the<br />

Coliseum in Jackson, where so many sought<br />

refuge. She was among the hundreds of<br />

dedicated and trained volunteers that<br />

accepted the responsibility to feed, clothe<br />

and provide compassion to gulf coast<br />

residents. There, she organized clothes for<br />

the people that showed up with nothing–<br />

often times, giving out hugs.<br />

The holidays came quick for the victims<br />

of Katrina. When most people bounced<br />

back to their lives, Cathy traveled to<br />

Pascagoula to help with the long-term<br />

Katrina recovery efforts. When so many<br />

volunteers could not grip the devastation,<br />

Cathy was there to help the victims pick<br />

up the pieces. Homes were gone, lives<br />

were lost, and Cathy canvassed neighborhoods<br />

to help the residents survey damages<br />

and evaluate the loss. Cathy spent weeks<br />

on the Coast connecting victims to the<br />

much-needed resources and the support<br />

they required.<br />

Soon after, Cathy was encouraged to<br />

travel to Uganda and contribute to the<br />

Diocese of Mississippi’s humanitarian<br />

efforts. She traveled to the poverty stricken<br />

region and focused her attention on<br />

medical care and education. She would go<br />

on to travel to Uganda two more times.<br />

Cathy insists she received more than she<br />

gave, and each mission trip provided her<br />

with a renewed sense of unexpected love.<br />

Today, under Cathy’s leadership, St.<br />

Columb’s Episcopal Church in Ridgeland<br />

has a partnership with Sunnybrook<br />

Children’s Home. Cathy was instrumental<br />

in facilitating the partnership. She recently<br />

acted as a liaison between Sunnybrook<br />

and the Men’s Club to build tables for an<br />

outdoor pavilion; she organizes special<br />

activities for the children such as a movie<br />

afternoon at the church during holidays,<br />

and encourages volunteers from the<br />

church to develop long-term relationships<br />

with some of the children.<br />

“Cathy has a deep passion for working<br />

to help people who are in need, and she is<br />

tireless in her efforts to make this world a<br />

better place.” said Reverend Melanie<br />

Dickson Lemburg, Priest-in-Charge at<br />

St. Columb’s Episcopal Church.<br />

When Cathy is not arranging<br />

community outreach, she dedicates her<br />

time to enhancing the services of the local<br />

American Red Cross chapter. The Red<br />

Cross brings shelter, food, and comfort to<br />

those affected by disasters, large and small<br />

– a natural fit for Cathy. She utilizes her<br />

education experience to teach children<br />

how to prepare for disasters through the<br />

American Red Cross Pillowcase Project.<br />

“Cathy’s compassion, coupled with her<br />

dedication, is a perfect match for organizations<br />

like the Red Cross. She has provided<br />

assistance, support and often times a<br />

much needed hug to those who need it<br />

the most,” said CEO of Mississippi Red<br />

Cross, Ivy Williams.<br />

Cathy has a critical role with the local<br />

Red Cross chapter. She donates her time<br />

assisting with mass smoke alarm installations<br />

as well as serving as a caseworker<br />

for disaster victims that qualify for<br />

financial assistance and connecting the<br />

victims to resources and support. As for<br />

her future, Cathy Halford has no plans<br />

to stop giving her time and love. n<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 7


8 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Thanks to all of our<br />

readers and advertisers!


<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 9


A Leap<br />

of<br />

Faith


On December 19th, the Mississippi<br />

Country Music Trail unveiled a trail<br />

marker honoring Faith Hill at the<br />

corner of Main and Mangum<br />

Streets in Star, Mississippi.<br />

As a young girl growing up in Star, Faith<br />

found her passion for music and singing and<br />

followed her heart to Nashville at the young age<br />

of 19. She has now been a force of nature in the<br />

entertainment industry for over two decades,<br />

having achieved unprecedented success in the<br />

worlds of country and pop music as one of the<br />

top-selling and most-awarded female artists of<br />

all time. Over the course of her career, she has<br />

had fourteen #1 singles and multiple albums<br />

topping both the Billboard Top 100 and<br />

Country charts, with six multi- platinum studio<br />

albums and selling more than 30 million albums<br />

worldwide. She’s won five Grammy Awards,<br />

twelve ACM Awards, four Billboard Music<br />

Awards, four American<br />

Music Awards, four<br />

People’s Choice Awards<br />

and three CMA Awards.<br />

We had the chance<br />

to ask Faith, and her<br />

close-knit family, a few<br />

questions and got a<br />

peek of what it was<br />

like for her growing<br />

up in Star.<br />

What is your favorite memory of growing up<br />

in Star, Mississippi?<br />

One of my fondest memories of growing up in Star was the<br />

winter that Highway 49 froze over completely from a big<br />

northeastern storm that fell down into the deep south in<br />

the early ‘80s. Highway 49 and everything else was closed.<br />

This is the day that Gaye McCann, now Gaye Knight, and<br />

I would become best friends. We played all day on the<br />

highway…sliding, falling, running, laughing, sliding, falling,<br />

and laughing again and again.<br />

What is the one thing you miss the most about<br />

living in a small town?<br />

Life in a small town is something everyone should have the<br />

opportunity to experience at least once in a lifetime. Dreams<br />

seem bigger when you come from a small town; although,<br />

somehow they seem more obtainable because either you have<br />

the support of friends and family, which gives you strength to<br />

work hard and be successful or you have so much drive to get<br />

out of the small town that it motivates you to work even harder.<br />

I miss my family and I miss knowing every road and where<br />

each one leads. There is power in that knowledge; the power<br />

of knowing where you are going, as well as the power that<br />

comes from the drive to get out of something so familiar and<br />

discover what the world has to offer.<br />

Is there a favorite tradition that you and your<br />

family had growing up that has been carried<br />

over to your family?<br />

There are many things that I have<br />

carried over to my family. Lots of<br />

traditions–and most all of them are<br />

related to food and faith. My<br />

parents had the most incredible<br />

vegetable garden. My brothers<br />

and I had the chore of weeding,<br />

shelling peas, butter beans–whatever<br />

was required. I absolutely<br />

hated it when I was growing up<br />

and usually found an excuse to<br />

not always be home when I<br />

needed to help.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 11<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 11


But once I moved away, I realized how valuable that garden<br />

was to my parents and our family for so many reasons. After<br />

my brothers and I moved into our own homes, my parents<br />

worked the garden and would split the harvest evenly between<br />

us siblings. There is no one that can cook green beans and butter<br />

beans like Edna Perry. I do know the secret and I cook them for<br />

my family but they just never seem to be as good as my moms.<br />

When did you know that you wanted to be<br />

a country singer?<br />

I always knew I wanted to sing. Truthfully, there was never any<br />

doubt whatsoever. I just never thought of doing anything else.<br />

It was as if singing chose me. My soul was set on fire every<br />

Sunday with music from the church. That music transformed<br />

me to another place and still does to this very day. The soul of<br />

those old gospel hymns just resonated in me from as far back<br />

as I can remember. After seeing Elvis Presley in Jackson when<br />

I was 12 years old, I knew there would be no other path I could<br />

take but to sing. However, it wasn’t until high school that I<br />

decided country music was the music I wanted to sing. Country<br />

music was not as popular then as it is now, so without question,<br />

I was in the minority when it came to this style of music.<br />

Were your parents supportive of your decision<br />

to move to Nashville?<br />

My parents have always been supportive of all of their children.<br />

They worked hard and instilled in us a strong work ethic that<br />

my brothers and I share. We were taught that nothing comes<br />

without hard work, to treat people with respect and dignity,<br />

and never take one day for granted.<br />

Education was important as well. I begged to move to Nashville<br />

straight out of high school but my mom insisted I go to college<br />

before making my final decision to move away. The fact that I<br />

only attended college for one semester probably broke my mom’s<br />

heart! And as a parent of three teenage daughters, with one in<br />

college, one on the way to college, and another not far behind,<br />

I can only, now, imagine the worry that I must have caused my<br />

mom. However, my parents raised us in faith and I know that<br />

they could not have survived what I put them through without<br />

that faith and without lots of prayer.<br />

12 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


If you could give one piece of advice or<br />

encouragement to anyone with big dreams,<br />

what would it be?<br />

Do what you love. Find your passion in life and work hard<br />

to make it happen. Nothing comes without hard work.<br />

Be a good person and treat people with respect, always…<br />

that is something that never goes out of style. Kindness is<br />

a universal language and no matter how far you climb and<br />

no matter how successful you become, always be humble<br />

and kind.<br />

You have represented Mississippi and your hometown<br />

well. How did it make you feel to be honored with a<br />

marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail?<br />

I am proud to be from the great state of Mississippi and I am<br />

humbled to be included in a list of so many great artists that<br />

came before me.<br />

You have won numerous awards and accolades, but<br />

what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?<br />

My biggest accomplishment in this life has been my children.<br />

I thank God everyday for my family. I was born to sing but<br />

I was raised to be mom. That is my greatest joy.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 13


Harper Lee<br />

was once quoted<br />

as saying,<br />

“Many receive<br />

advice, but only<br />

the wise profit<br />

from it.”<br />

<br />

And while that’s likely true, we still decided<br />

to ask some of our readers what the best piece<br />

of advice they’d ever been given–and we’re<br />

very impressed with what they had to say...<br />

14 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Susan McNamara<br />

The best advice given to me<br />

was to take time to get to know<br />

people, and treat them how you<br />

want to be treated. A partner<br />

gave me this advice when I<br />

was a young associate, and it<br />

has served me well both in my<br />

personal life and in my career!<br />

It’s important to take time to<br />

really know people–people<br />

you’re working with, go to<br />

church with, volunteer with, etc.<br />

And it’s even more important to<br />

be kind and treat them well.<br />

Eric Brooks<br />

Treat people the way you<br />

would like to be treated.<br />

Carrie Cullum<br />

The best piece of advice<br />

I’ve ever received is from my<br />

mom. She always told me to<br />

“Cope and adjust. Just deal<br />

with it.” In other words, don’t<br />

worry if things aren’t going<br />

according to plan. Adjust your<br />

plan and make the best of<br />

what’s happening.<br />

Perry Green<br />

To never entertain a thought<br />

that does not empower victory.<br />

Beatrice Stevens<br />

You must love and respect<br />

yourself in order to demand<br />

the same from others.<br />

Anna Sherman<br />

The best advice I have ever<br />

been given came from my Dad,<br />

Michael Bird. When I was growing<br />

up, and especially through<br />

my teenage and college years,<br />

every time I left our house he<br />

would say, “Remember who<br />

you are.” That simple statement<br />

has always stuck with me<br />

as a reminder to always know<br />

that I am a child of God and to<br />

reflect Him in all I do.<br />

Andy Dyess<br />

To sell WorldCom stock.<br />

Bertram Goodloe<br />

Trust in the Lord with all thine<br />

heart and lean not unto your<br />

own understanding. In all thy<br />

ways acknowledge him, and<br />

he shall direct your paths.<br />

Proverbs 3:5,6<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 15


4-25-15<br />

Attitude Ability Awareness<br />

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Monthly TWAW Chapter Meetings<br />

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Safety is our Priority<br />

Education is Key<br />

Enjoyment is Goal<br />

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Click on Class Title to receive class description/prices/etc.<br />

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16 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


When things get hot, see us today!<br />

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18 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


A Peace Beyond All Understanding<br />

Veda’s<br />

Story<br />

Abigail Walker<br />

Morgan Rhea was 22 weeks pregnant when she received<br />

the news that her child had a congenital heart defect.<br />

On that day, doctors told her that her unborn daughter,<br />

Veda, was missing half her heart.<br />

Morgan’s entire life changed instantly as she was plunged<br />

into the foreign world of CHD–not even knowing if her<br />

child would live. The prayer requests were urgently sent<br />

out and within two weeks, Veda’s heart had grown. But<br />

this was just the first of many miracles in Veda’s life.<br />

Veda’s condition, known as complex CHD, produced<br />

a myriad of medical complications including contraction<br />

of the aorta and severe pulmonary hypertension. While<br />

15 percent of CHD cases are caused by genetics, the other<br />

85 percent have no known cause. Morgan was told that<br />

Veda wouldn’t be able to talk, walk, or even sit due to a<br />

chromosomal disorder. In fact, if it wasn’t for the miracle<br />

that was her third artery, Veda would not have even<br />

survived the pregnancy.<br />

Veda Garner was born at Vanderbilt University<br />

Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee on January 14,<br />

2013. She was only 7 days old when she had her first open<br />

heart surgery–the first of four she would have that year.<br />

With the exception of about six weeks, Veda spent the<br />

majority of her first year at Vanderbilt. The never-ending<br />

series of tests and treatments had Morgan practically living<br />

at the hospital. “Vanderbilt became our home and the<br />

doctors and nurses became our family,” she said. There<br />

were instants when Veda may flatline several times in one<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 19


20 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


night or be rushed to the emergency room<br />

because she couldn’t breathe. “It’s like we<br />

could never get her well enough,” Morgan said.<br />

But Veda’s health wasn’t the only battle<br />

Morgan was fighting. She and Veda’s biological<br />

father divorced while Morgan was in the<br />

hospital, and her resources were the lowest<br />

they’d ever been. “It’s a humbling experience,<br />

having people take care of you,” she said.<br />

“It’s a time where you are ripped of<br />

everything that makes you comfortable.”<br />

Morgan refers to this time as her<br />

“wilderness.” “At first I was scared. I had so<br />

many questions, and there were times where<br />

I felt alone–like God had abandoned me,”<br />

she said. “My perspective started to change<br />

when I stopped to truly think about my role<br />

as Veda’s mother. I felt that Veda was not<br />

really mine (or at least not mine alone).<br />

She was Christ’s child first, and He had<br />

graciously given her to me to nurture and<br />

love and protect. I decided that if I could do<br />

that, He would take care of the rest.”<br />

The decision to do the fourth heart<br />

surgery was the most difficult. “It was the<br />

end of the line,” said Morgan. “We were<br />

told, ‘Do it and she may not survive or don’t<br />

and she won’t.’” That last surgery was a<br />

success, but no one knew how much time it<br />

would give her. “It was so hard to hear that<br />

there was nothing else left to do–that we<br />

had exhausted all the options,” she said.<br />

Shortly after Veda’s first birthday in<br />

January 2014, they took the “greatest leap<br />

of faith” and moved down to Mississippi to<br />

stay with Morgan’s parents. Though doctors<br />

supported the idea, they only gave Veda two<br />

weeks to live, predicting that she might not<br />

even survive the 6-hour car ride there.<br />

But Veda made it to Mississippi, and<br />

Morgan decided to take advantage of what<br />

time she had with her daughter. “I had been<br />

told that Veda was not going to have a very<br />

high quality of life, but I said, ‘Oh no. She<br />

definitely will.’” Whether it was taking her<br />

to visit family or celebrating her birthday,<br />

she wasn’t going to waste a moment, even<br />

when each day was uncertain. “I wanted her<br />

life to be something more than just being<br />

in a hospital,” she said. “I wanted there to<br />

be memories that weren’t just confined to<br />

a room.”<br />

One of the memories that Morgan<br />

treasures the most was taking Veda to the<br />

beach. “The beach trip was a victory for us,”<br />

she said. “It was something that I always<br />

wanted her to experience.”<br />

The two weeks that the doctors predicted<br />

would actually be her last came and went,<br />

and Veda was still alive. Morgan said, “It<br />

was Veda and me against the world. We<br />

kept doing things that we were told were<br />

impossible–against all odds.”<br />

It was only two months after moving to<br />

Mississippi that Morgan met Brad Rhea,<br />

who, with God’s prompting, became the man<br />

to love both Morgan and Veda through<br />

their difficult time. They were married in<br />

November 2014, and Brad was able to be<br />

the father that Veda needed. Morgan said,<br />

“One of my biggest fears when I moved<br />

back was that if someday I re-married, it<br />

would be to a man who never knew my first<br />

love–my baby Veda. Brad may not have been<br />

with me when she came into this world, but<br />

he was there supporting me all along the<br />

way. I was thankful that I met him when I<br />

did and that I never had to convince him<br />

of how wonderful Veda was because he was<br />

able to experience it for himself and we were<br />

able to share a love for her together.”<br />

They learned to be joyful despite the<br />

daily challenges and to be grateful for every<br />

moment. The little things that parents<br />

normally take for granted–bath time,<br />

laughter, even the simple wiping of an eye–<br />

were triumphs for them. But it was mostly<br />

Veda’s spirit that supplied hope. “Veda was<br />

joy, and that joy came from the Lord,” Morgan<br />

said. “She inspired me, just as she inspired<br />

everyone else with her infectious smile and<br />

determined spirit. All Veda knew was love.<br />

It was the only language she spoke. How<br />

could I not feel joy as her mother?”<br />

Between the large amount of daily<br />

medications and the constant care Veda<br />

required each day, Morgan said she could<br />

have easily chosen the “woe is me” attitude.<br />

But there were many blessings in the midst<br />

of this challenge. In fact, it was the Lord’s<br />

provision that became the only constant in<br />

their life. With too many moments of divine<br />

intervention to name, it was a period that<br />

would teach Morgan how to trust the Lord.<br />

“God’s plan was going to trump ours every<br />

time,” she said. “His plan is always greater.”<br />

Veda was several months from her 3rd<br />

birthday when she passed away last November.<br />

“It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to<br />

endure or will endure,” said Morgan.<br />

“But my hope and joy<br />

come from knowing where<br />

Veda is and that God has<br />

rewarded her for all that<br />

she’s been through and<br />

all that she did to further<br />

His kingdom. That’s what<br />

brings me peace.”<br />

Morgan and Brad are now in a time of<br />

adjusting–of trying to “find a new normal.”<br />

“Going from a family of three to a family of<br />

two is hard, but we are trying to find joy<br />

along the way,” Morgan said. “I want to move<br />

forward, but I don’t want to move on.” She<br />

said she will always remember the truths<br />

God has taught her and is looking forward<br />

to what He has for them. “It didn’t take me<br />

losing Veda to see that God was moving in<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 21


22 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


my life,” she added. “We didn’t have to look<br />

back. We could see it as it was happening.”<br />

She says the thought of going through that<br />

time without her faith is literally terrifying<br />

to her.<br />

“It’s so easy to feel robbed of things,”<br />

Morgan added. “But peace and joy trump that.”<br />

She said that Veda taught her to appreciate<br />

every moment, to love selflessly, to put God<br />

first and depend on him for every need. It<br />

was her daughter that made her realize the<br />

importance of not getting caught up in the<br />

things she couldn’t change and not feeling<br />

sorry for herself. Instead, Veda showed her<br />

how to be brave and find beauty in the trials.<br />

“I oftentimes say God sent Veda to this<br />

world to save me from myself,” she said.<br />

“To save me from a world I was all too eager<br />

to please.”<br />

Veda may not have been able to talk, but<br />

she spoke to the lives of many. Family members<br />

were reunited. People from all over the<br />

country followed Veda’s journey and lifted<br />

her up in prayer. Morgan received emails and<br />

Facebook messages from strangers who told<br />

her how much they were impacted by Veda.<br />

“I have peace in knowing that Veda’s life<br />

mattered. It still matters and will continue to<br />

matter and reach people from all over and<br />

from all walks of life,” said Morgan.<br />

Morgan has made it her mission to share<br />

Veda’s story and spread awareness of CHD.<br />

“God allowed me to not only be her mother,<br />

but to be her voice,” she said. In fact, plans are<br />

in the works to start a foundation in Veda’s<br />

name through Blair E. Batson that will aid<br />

families with CHD.<br />

This February, Morgan traveled to<br />

Nashville for CHD Week, where families<br />

affected by CHD met and a memorial<br />

service was held for those children who had<br />

lost their lives this past year. She also passed<br />

out gift cards, along with Veda’s story, to<br />

parents at Vanderbilt UMC to offer hope to<br />

the families that are in the same place she was<br />

not long ago. “When you are in that type of<br />

environment–in the highest levels of<br />

stress–you turn to those like you for love,<br />

encouragement, and support,” Morgan said.<br />

“It can be a very lonely place and some of my<br />

best friends are moms that I met during our<br />

time there. Those are the real true relationships–the<br />

ones formed in the trenches.”<br />

Through it all, Morgan remains faithful<br />

that God is in control. “If God has taught me<br />

anything, it’s that I can’t rely on my own plans.<br />

When the circumstances of life become<br />

overwhelming, God absolutely gives you what<br />

you need to handle it. So rely on Him for<br />

every need. He is always there. He will never<br />

leave your side. God is faithful to meet us in<br />

the middle of our mess and our pain.”<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 23


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2/3/16 8:56 AM<br />

24 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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madison<br />

Recipes<br />

Salmon Quiche<br />

• ¾ cup mayonnaise<br />

• ¾ cup half and half<br />

• 4 eggs<br />

• 1 ½ Tbsp. cornstarch<br />

• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />

• 1 cup chopped onion<br />

• Juice of 2 - 3 lemons<br />

• 2 small cans pink salmon<br />

Mix mayonnaise, eggs, cornstarch and half and<br />

half. Then add onion and cheese, followed by<br />

drained salmon and fresh lemon juice. Make sure<br />

it is enough. Pour into single unbaked pie shell.<br />

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 to 45 minutes.<br />

Tiramisu Trifle Pie<br />

• 1½ Tbsp. instant coffee grounds<br />

• ¾ cup warm water<br />

• 1 - 10.75 oz. frozen pound cake, thawed<br />

(sometimes I use ladyfingers)<br />

• 1 - 8 oz. pkg. Mascarpone cheese or cream<br />

cheese softened<br />

• ½ cup powdered sugar<br />

• ½ cup chocolate syrup<br />

• 1 - 12 oz. whipped topping, thawed<br />

• 2 - 1.4 oz. packages English toffee candy<br />

(coarsely chopped package)<br />

Stir together coffee granules, ¾ cup warm water<br />

(may add ¼ cup Kahlua and ½ cup coffee).<br />

Cut cake into 14 slices diagonally. Place triangles<br />

in bottom and upsides 9” deep dish pie plate.<br />

Beat cheese, sugar and chocolate syrup at<br />

medium speed until smooth. Add 2 ½ cups of<br />

whipped topping and beat until light and fluffy.<br />

Spread cheese mixture evenly over cake. Dollop<br />

remaining whipped topping around edges of pie.<br />

Sprinkle with toffee candy. Chill for 8 hours.<br />

Turnip Casserole<br />

• 2 cans turnips<br />

• 1 cup mayonnaise<br />

• 1 can mushroom soup<br />

• 4 eggs<br />

• 2 - 3 tsp. horseradish<br />

Mix all together well. Pour in casserole dish<br />

and cover with cornflake crumbs dotted with<br />

margarine. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.<br />

Madeleines<br />

• 9 Tbsp. unsalted butter<br />

• 1 cup un-sifted flour<br />

• 2 large eggs<br />

• 2/3 cup sugar<br />

• 1 Tbsp. lemon peel<br />

• ½ tsp. vanilla<br />

• ¼ tsp. lemon juice<br />

In a small sauce pan, melt butter until it turns light<br />

brown. Remove and cool. In a small bowl mix<br />

1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. flour; Brush pans with<br />

this. In food processor mix eggs and sugar until<br />

light yellow, then add flour and mix until smooth.<br />

Transfer mixture to medium bowl and let cool<br />

10 minutes.<br />

Stir in remaining butter, lemon peel, vanilla, lemon<br />

juice and dash of salt. Mix well. Cover and set aside<br />

for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon<br />

rounded Tbsp. into each cup. Bake 12-15 minutes<br />

until lightly browned around the edges. Unmold<br />

and cool. Makes about 2 dozen.<br />

(Note: Madeleine pans may be purchased at local<br />

cooking stores as well as online. Also, you may dip the<br />

ends of each cookie in melted chocolate if desired).<br />

Party Spinach<br />

Squares<br />

• 4 eggs<br />

• 1 - 10 ounce cream mushroom soup<br />

• 2 - 10 ounce frozen spinach, thawed and well<br />

drained and minced<br />

• ¼ cup green onions chopped<br />

• ½ cup chopped walnuts<br />

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese<br />

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />

• 1 - 8 oz. pkg. Crescent rolls<br />

Combine all ingredients except rolls in large bowl<br />

and mix well. Unroll crescent rolls but do not<br />

separate. Press into bottom of a 13 x 9 buttered pan.<br />

Press seams together. Spread spinach mixture over<br />

dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until<br />

knife comes out clean. Cut in squares. Makes 50.<br />

English Toffee<br />

• 1 cup sugar<br />

• 1 cup butter<br />

• 3 Tbsp. water<br />

• 1 tsp. vanilla<br />

• 1 bar – 4 ½ oz. milk chocolate<br />

• ½ cup chopped pecans<br />

Combine sugar, butter and water in heavy<br />

saucepan. Cook to 300 degrees or hard boil crack<br />

ball stage. Stir constantly. Add vanilla. Pour into<br />

9” square pan. Allow pan to cool for five minutes.<br />

Break chocolate into pieces and sprinkle over the<br />

top. Spread as it melts. Sprinkle with nuts. Press<br />

into chocolate. Let completely cool. Break into<br />

pieces and enjoy.<br />

26 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Peaches Imperial<br />

• 2 cans 29 oz. cling peach halves<br />

• 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese<br />

• ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts<br />

• 1 Tbsp. grated orange rind<br />

• ½ cup orange juice<br />

• ½ cup light corn syrup<br />

• 2 Tbsp. orange rind strips<br />

Drain peaches and set aside. Mix cream cheese,<br />

walnuts and grated orange rind well, and set aside.<br />

In small sauce pan combine orange juice, corn<br />

syrup and orange strips. Bring to a boil and simmer<br />

20 minutes. Put cream cheese in peach half and<br />

press other half of peach on top. Ladle sauce over<br />

peaches. Garnish with mint.<br />

Squash Pats<br />

• 1 - 10 oz. pkg. frozen yellow squash<br />

• 1 egg beaten<br />

• ¼ cup flour<br />

• ¼ cup cornmeal<br />

• 2 tsp. pepper<br />

• ½ tsp. salt<br />

• 1 medium onion chopped<br />

• Vegetable oil<br />

Boil squash until tender. Drain all water.<br />

Add all other ingredients and deep fry.<br />

Mexican Dressing<br />

• 1 cup self-rising corn meal<br />

• ½ tsp. salt<br />

• ½ tsp. soda<br />

• 2 eggs<br />

• 1 lb. ground chuck, raw<br />

• 1 large onion, chopped<br />

• 3 jalapenos, finely chopped<br />

• ¼ cup oil<br />

• 1 cup milk<br />

• 18 oz. can creamed corn<br />

• 8 oz. Velveeta cheese<br />

Mix all together. Pour in greased 8 x 13 pan.<br />

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.<br />

Rum Pecan Pie<br />

• 2 eggs slightly beaten<br />

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />

• 2/3 cup corn syrup<br />

• ¼ cup dark rum<br />

• 2 Tbsp. butter melted<br />

• 1 tsp. vanilla<br />

• 2 cups toasted pecans<br />

• 1 - 9” unbaked pie shell<br />

Mix well and pour in unbaked pie shell.<br />

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.<br />

Brandied Oranges<br />

• 1 pkg. large marshmallows<br />

• 1 carton sour cream<br />

• 2 Tbsp. brandy (or more)<br />

• 1 can mandarin oranges, drained<br />

• 1 cup chopped nuts<br />

Cut marshmallows into quarters and soak in<br />

brandy for an hour. Mix with other ingredients<br />

and refrigerate.<br />

Tarragon Chicken<br />

• ½ cup soy sauce<br />

• ¼ cup lemon juice<br />

• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />

• Salt and pepper<br />

• Garlic powder<br />

• Tarragon leaves<br />

Mix first 3 ingredients in a 2 cup container. Finish<br />

filling with water to 2 cups. Line baking dish with<br />

foil. Season skinned chicken with salt, pepper and<br />

garlic powder. Place chicken in baking dish and<br />

pour liquid over chicken. Liberally sprinkle<br />

tarragon leaves over the chicken. Place in oven<br />

and bake uncovered at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.<br />

Turn chicken, and put tarragon leaves on that side<br />

and finish baking, about 30 more minutes.<br />

(I like this with boneless, skinless chicken thighs).<br />

Onion Wine Soup<br />

• 5 large onions<br />

• 5 cups beef broth<br />

• ½ cup celery leaves<br />

• 1 large potato sliced<br />

• 1 cup dry white wine<br />

• 1 Tbsp. vinegar<br />

• 1 cup light cream<br />

• 1 Tbsp. minced parsley<br />

• Salt and pepper<br />

Melt butter in large saucepan. Add chopped onion<br />

and mix well. Add beef broth, celery leaves and<br />

potato. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 30<br />

minutes. Puree in blender and return to saucepan.<br />

Blend in wine, vinegar and sugar. Stir in cream,<br />

parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Heat but DO<br />

NOT boil. 6 - 8 servings.<br />

Chocolate<br />

Bread Pudding<br />

• 3 cups soft bread crumbs<br />

• 4 Tbsp. cocoa<br />

• ½ cup nuts<br />

• 2 eggs<br />

• ½ cup sugar<br />

• 3 cups milk<br />

• 1 tsp. vanilla<br />

• ¼ tsp. salt<br />

• Whipped Cream<br />

Stir together bread crumbs, cocoa and nuts.<br />

Set aside. Beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar. Beat<br />

well for 1 minute. Stir in milk, vanilla, salt and<br />

breadcrumb mixture. Pour into greased 1-¾ quart<br />

casserole. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.<br />

Serve with whipped cream.<br />

Gaye Ragland, MSN, RNC, is an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi<br />

School of Nursing and a resident of <strong>Madison</strong>.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 27


28 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


A Mississippi Girl<br />

Hannah Camille Roberts was crowned Miss Mississippi in 2015<br />

and went on to compete for the title of Miss America <strong>2016</strong> where she was named as first runner-up.<br />

As a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Hannah majored in biochemistry with a minor in biology.<br />

After getting to know her here, we were quick to realize that she’s as smart as she is beautiful.<br />

We are so proud of this Mississippi girl!<br />

At what age did you first begin dreaming<br />

of being Miss America?<br />

I’ve watched Miss America every year since I was<br />

a young girl and I have always looked up to those<br />

women.<br />

Were you a regular in pageant competitions<br />

growing up? If so, were you encouraged by<br />

your results?<br />

I truly did not compete in a lot of pageants as a<br />

child. Other than Miss Mississippi, I have only<br />

competed in Jr. Miss/Distinguished Young Woman.<br />

Describe a typical day during your time<br />

at the Miss America competition.<br />

The days at Miss America typically included a<br />

rehearsal time in the morning until mid-afternoon<br />

and then a night event such as dinner.<br />

Who did you consider to be your biggest<br />

competitor in the talent division?<br />

I definitely considered Miss Georgia, Betty<br />

Cantrell, now Miss America, to be my biggest<br />

competition. She has one of the best voices<br />

I have ever heard in any pageant.<br />

What kind of food did you eat at the<br />

competition and was it all provided<br />

by the pageant?<br />

Our meals were all catered or provided by the<br />

Miss America pageant and were selected by a<br />

dietitian. I have never been a huge fan of dieting<br />

or restricting food so I had everything from salad<br />

to ice cream during those two weeks!<br />

What was your most enjoyable part of the<br />

pageant?<br />

The most enjoyable part of any pageant is meeting<br />

other young women. I made so many friends at Miss<br />

America and stay in touch with them all the time.<br />

What is something you learned at the pageant<br />

that most people would never know?<br />

Many people assume that “pageant girls” are mean<br />

or snobby. But through this organization, I have<br />

learned that these women are real girls. They all<br />

have struggles and they aren’t perfect, but they are<br />

supportive and loving and want to make a<br />

difference in the world.<br />

What was the most difficult part of the<br />

pageant competition?<br />

The most difficult part was not being able to see<br />

my family. My family arrived in Atlantic City very<br />

early in the week, but I had very little time to<br />

communicate with them and did not get to see<br />

them until Tuesday night. We are a very tight-knit<br />

group, so this was a struggle for me.<br />

Give some pointers to other girls who aspire<br />

to being Miss America.<br />

Being competitive at Miss America is all about<br />

preparation. If this is your dream, start preparing as<br />

soon as you can. Whether it’s developing a talent,<br />

creating a fitness plan, or learning about politics<br />

and interview skills, starting early is a huge benefit.<br />

Describe your interview with the judges.<br />

My Miss America interview was the most difficult<br />

10 minutes of my life! It’s set up like a press conference<br />

and all types of questions are fired at random.<br />

What was the one food on your “can’t eat<br />

list” that you craved the most?<br />

Although it may have been a good idea to have a<br />

“can’t eat list,” I never made one. However, my<br />

favorite “bad” food is Taco Bell all the way! I am<br />

known for showing up to interview practice with<br />

a take-out bag in one hand and my interview<br />

notebook in the other.<br />

Was there ever a time in the week that you<br />

wished you were back home living your<br />

normal life?<br />

Absolutely not. Only one girl from Mississippi gets<br />

to go to Miss America each year, and this year it was<br />

me! There was not a single moment that I regretted<br />

being there and I soaked up every second of it.<br />

What is your favorite memory from the<br />

competition?<br />

Sunday night (crowning night) after the top 15<br />

were announced. I was announced 14th and one<br />

of my best friends, Miss Arkansas Loren McDaniel,<br />

was announced 15th. I think I screamed louder<br />

when her name was called than I did for my own.<br />

I was very close to all of the girls that made it into<br />

the Top 15 and we were all so excited for one<br />

another. That is a moment I’ll never forget.<br />

What are your goals for the future?<br />

I will begin medical school at UMMC in August<br />

and plan to specialize in pediatric reconstructive<br />

plastic surgery. I hope to live in Jackson or Oxford<br />

once I graduate.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 29


30 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


A few years ago, my grandmother passed away and I was tasked with<br />

having to close her estate. I had never done it before, so every step of it was<br />

an educational and eye-opening experience. Despite my desire to keep<br />

everything I had ever known of her, it became necessary to let go of many<br />

of her possessions. So, we had an estate sale. There was just no way to keep<br />

96-years’ worth of stuff.<br />

The day of the sale, I drove over from Jackson and as I turned toward<br />

her house, there were cars lining both sides of the street. I couldn’t for the<br />

life of me imagine what had happened and quickly<br />

became concerned that anyone interested in<br />

attending our event, scheduled to start an hour later,<br />

wouldn’t have a place to park.<br />

But as it turns out, they were there for the sale–all<br />

those people. I started to cry. “Please God! Don’t let<br />

me fall apart now!” I prayed He’d allow me to quickly<br />

compose myself.<br />

That day, people from far and wide came to my<br />

grandmother’s house that had, for this occasion,<br />

been fully converted into one big retail space.<br />

Things that I had seen my whole life and completely<br />

taken for granted apparently not only had value–<br />

but now had price tags on them, as well. Dishes,<br />

step-stools, hammers, and clocks. Vases, rocking<br />

chairs, cast-iron skillets and cookbooks–all valued<br />

differently to different people. And for the first time in my life, I started<br />

to see things differently, too. I actually noticed them.<br />

American Pickers is a popular show on The History Channel that<br />

explores the fascinating world of antique picking and, since my own estate<br />

sale experience, has become one of my favorites. It follows two of the most<br />

skilled pickers in the business as they search for America’s most valuable<br />

antiques–along with stories of the people that owned them. They call<br />

themselves antique archeologists and they’re on a mission to recycle America,<br />

restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two<br />

about American history along the way.<br />

So with my new-found interest in things of the past, I began to enjoy<br />

going into antique stores and thrift shops looking for items that have “value”.<br />

Value to me might be something that reminds me of my grandmother’s<br />

former possessions. Even just recognizing things can often bring me joy.<br />

And I don’t know what anything is worth–I just know what I like.<br />

One day recently, I was in one of my favorite places and spotted this<br />

unusual little book—no bigger than the palm of my hand. It was in a glass<br />

curio cabinet with a thousand other completely unrelated objects and why<br />

I gravitated to it, or how I ever even saw it in the 50,000-plus-square-feet<br />

of antiques and random estate-type items, is beyond me. It turned out to<br />

be a Bible. And on its gold-plated steel cover were engraved the words,<br />

“May this keep you safe from harm.”<br />

Mary Ann Kirby<br />

♥<br />

The<br />

Heart<br />

Shield<br />

It was sold by the Know Your Bible Sales Company of Cincinnati, Ohio,<br />

and was designed to fit into the left-breast pocket of a combat uniform.<br />

The metal plate was securely attached to the front cover to stop a bullet<br />

from reaching a soldier’s heart. Commonly nicknamed the “bullet-proof<br />

Bible” it was officially marketed as The Heart-Shield. What I was holding<br />

in my hand not only served as a shield of faith, but as a shield against<br />

bullets, too. It literally felt sacred.<br />

The year was 1943. It was World War II.<br />

Pearl Harbor had been bombed in early<br />

December, 1941. In his famous “date which will<br />

live in infamy” message to Congress requesting<br />

that the United States officially declare war on<br />

Japan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated that,<br />

“With confidence in our armed forces–with the<br />

unbounded determination of our people–we will<br />

gain the inevitable triumph–so help us God.”<br />

His assurance in God and our military was<br />

further evidenced in the form of a letter from him<br />

that was included with every Heart-Shield Bible<br />

sold. It said, “As Commander-in-Chief I take<br />

pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible<br />

to all who serve in the armed forces of the United<br />

States. Throughout the centuries, men of many<br />

faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred<br />

Book words of wisdom, counsel, and inspiration. It is a foundation of<br />

strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of<br />

the human soul.”<br />

What changed with the bombing of Pearl Harbor was the fact that<br />

this war was one that the United States could not avoid. It was a war<br />

against a totalitarian ideology that was bent on world domination and,<br />

if left unstopped, would affect the course of human history. It was a war<br />

for the soul of the world. Sound familiar?<br />

President Roosevelt made no bones in reminding the nation of the<br />

Bible’s importance in America’s formation and continuance. He was also<br />

quoted as saying, “We cannot read the history of our rise and development<br />

as a nation without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in<br />

shaping the advances of the Republic.” And yet here we are, all these years<br />

later–removing it at every turn. My how times have changed.<br />

I paid a whopping $25 for my newly acquired piece of history. And in<br />

my quest to find its “true value”, I’ve learned more about our nation than<br />

I ever might have known otherwise. In some ways these current times<br />

seem unprecedented. In other ways, they don’t. But there should continue<br />

to be a profound longing to make things right with all humanity by people<br />

of every faith and conscience.<br />

We’re always at war, aren’t we? Sometimes literally–often figuratively.<br />

Your faith is your best armor. Don’t ever enter battle without your shield.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 31


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32 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 33<br />

2/11/16 10:01 AM


34 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Exceptional<br />

Experience,<br />

Always<br />

at Providence Hill<br />

Susan Marquez<br />

Travel west of Flora along winding country roads with gently rolling hills, and you may discover<br />

a hidden gem. The sight of the Providence Hill Farm Sporting Club’s majestic stables atop one of<br />

the largest hills in the area is simply breathtaking. The name comes from owner Jamie Martin’s<br />

belief that the property is God-given. “Providence actually means manifestation of divine<br />

intervention. My ex-husband and I felt strongly that we would not have gotten this property<br />

without God’s hand being in it. Also, his grandfather led the music at Providence Hill Baptist<br />

Church. The name just seemed natural for this place.”<br />

The property was purchased about twelve years ago, with a 160-acre lake built in 2005.<br />

Privately owned for several years, the farm was a place for Jamie to indulge her passion of riding<br />

and training horses. Later, a shooting range was added and in June 2014, Providence Hill Farm<br />

became a private club.<br />

A full equestrian program is now offered, from boarding to private lessons. The farm has its<br />

own equestrian team, and Jackson Prep has an equestrian team that also trains at the facility. On<br />

any given day, horses are being groomed, prepped and saddled up for rides in an open air pen or<br />

under the pavilion, which has an area for parents and others to observe.<br />

Shooting is a major activity at the farm, with skeet, trap and sporting clay shooting. Jimmy<br />

Grant, farm manager, designed and built the sporting clay range. “The state championship will be<br />

held here this year,” said Grant. “It begins August 2 and runs a full week.” A pheasant hunt was<br />

held at the property in February, with participants coming from several different states. “Pheasant<br />

hunting is an English sport. In the past, we’ve had shooters show up in kilts. It’s a very refined<br />

sport, with a gourmet dinner on the grounds in a large tent following the shoot.”<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 35


36 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Ben Blaine, clubhouse manager and marketing director for Providence Hill,<br />

explained that the club hosts a series of events throughout the year for members.<br />

“There’s the Taste of Game event, with an afternoon shoot. We bring in a chef,<br />

and afterwards, a meal is prepared with wild game served in some shape, form or<br />

fashion. We also have the Gun & Grub event, which is more casual. That event<br />

includes a shoot and a catered meal. Furs & Feathers is our big Christmas party,<br />

and we bring in vendors with all sorts of things for folks to do some Christmas<br />

shopping. And several times a year we do camaraderie shoots for our members,<br />

where losers buy the winner’s supper.”<br />

Another activity at the farm is archery. “We have a new 3-D archery range,”<br />

said Blaine. “Jackson Prep has an archery team that practices and competes here.”<br />

Fly fishing is one of the newest additions to the lineup of activities at Providence<br />

Hill. Christopher Haddad is the fly fishing specialist and teaches private lessons<br />

and leads fishing expeditions to Arkansas and other popular fly fishing<br />

destinations. “We have students from Jackson Prep and Mississippi College who<br />

fly fish here,” said Haddad. “Mississippi College recently added fly fishing as a<br />

physical education option. I think that’s a great idea, because fly fishing has<br />

become the new golf. Many companies now offer fly fishing as an outing during<br />

their conferences. It’s a great way to bond with others, and it’s something people<br />

can enjoy throughout their lives.”<br />

Blaine said that as the membership grows, the barn area near the back of the<br />

property will be expanded to include a clubhouse lounge. Already it features a<br />

shop with apparel from Circle 7 in <strong>Madison</strong>, as well as shooting attire and<br />

accessories, and a complete line of fly fishing lures and equipment. “We’ll also<br />

add more lodging as our membership grows, as well as meeting rooms and a<br />

conference room.”<br />

In addition to equestrian, shooting, fishing and archery, Providence Hill Farm<br />

has become a sought-after destination for weddings and receptions. The property<br />

makes a beautiful setting for rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding entertainment,<br />

and groomsmen, family and friends can be entertained on the clay range.<br />

Beautifully decorated suites situated above the stables are ideal for wedding<br />

parties to relax and get ready for the ceremony. The lakeside pavilion or the<br />

luxurious stables are both beautiful venues for receptions.<br />

“We do lots of weddings here,” said Blaine. “We also have a lot of organizations<br />

who use us for fundraising events. We like to say that Providence Hill Farm is a<br />

place of no boundaries. Our motto is ‘Exceptional Experience, Always” and we<br />

strive to provide just that.<br />

Martin said she’s thrilled with the partnerships the farm has with area schools.<br />

“We’ve only just started. I hope we get more schools on board that will bring<br />

their students out here to learn more about these sports and enjoy this place.”<br />

For more information on Providence Hill Farm Sporting Club, visit www.providencehillfarm.com.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 37


<strong>Madison</strong><br />

County<br />

Junior Tennis<br />

Team<br />

Takes State<br />

Championship<br />

The 2015 Junior Team Tennis Fall State Championship was<br />

held December 12-13, 2015 at Ridgeland Tennis Center and<br />

Parham Bridges in Jackson. Teams from all over the state came<br />

to compete for the title of state champion.<br />

The 10U girls team Smartt Tennis/Topspinners coached by<br />

Robert Beacham and Amanda Campbell beat out teams from<br />

Oxford, Hattiesburg and Columbus for the championship title.<br />

They won an astounding 20 matches with only four losses the<br />

entire tournament.<br />

This is Coach Beacham’s second state title. His 2014 team<br />

won state and went on to compete in sectionals in South<br />

Carolina. His team competes in loving memory of tennis pro<br />

Brian K. Smartt. His motto was and will forever be, “Play hard,<br />

have fun.”<br />

All six girls hail from <strong>Madison</strong> County. They are (L-R)<br />

Mia Madelyn Hatfield, Elizabeth Johnson, Sophie Sosa,<br />

Julia Kate White, Bowen Winans, Caroline Fisher<br />

and Coach Robert Beacham<br />

38 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


For The Exceptional Sporting Experience,<br />

Join the Club!<br />

Designed and built as a premier private sporting facility, Providence Hill Farm has opened its gates to a limited number of<br />

Members who desire unsurpassed excellence within the sporting lifestyle. Membership in the Providence Hill Farm Sporting<br />

Club offers access to some of the most beautiful and well-maintained land in central Mississippi. Authentic and unique, the<br />

Club is just 25 minutes from downtown Jackson, MS, and provides both the experienced and novice outdoorsman state-ofthe-art<br />

equipment and facilities for a truly exceptional sporting experience.<br />

PROVIDENCE HILL FARM Sporting Club ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES<br />

• 13 Station Clay Range<br />

• 5 Stand Clay Range<br />

• 8 Machine Duck Flush<br />

• Skeet Range<br />

• Trap Range<br />

• Long Range Rifle Range<br />

• Hand Gun Range<br />

• 3-D Archery Range<br />

• Fishing<br />

• Quail Shoots<br />

• Pheasant Shoots<br />

• World-class Shooting Clinics<br />

• Shooting and Archery Classes<br />

• Outdoor Pavilion<br />

• Clubroom<br />

• Meeting Facilities<br />

• Organized Out-of-State<br />

& International Hunts<br />

• Overnight Accommodations<br />

Each Membership represents a non-exclusive license to participate in the Club-sponsored activities and amenities for<br />

the annual membership period, subject to all the rules and policies adopted by the Club from time to time.<br />

schedule a tour today<br />

Jimmy grant – 601.720.0383<br />

jgrant@providencehillfarm.com<br />

providencehillfarm.com<br />

Providence Hill Farm Sporting Club is owned and operated by Providence Hill Farm Sporting Club, LLC.<br />

SPORTING CLUB<br />

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<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 39<br />

5/14/14 9:19 AM


Less<br />

Clutter<br />

&<br />

LESS<br />

Stress<br />

40 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


The Principles<br />

of Organizing<br />

& Decluttering<br />

Diane Ryan<br />

• Once the clutter has been removed, begin sorting through<br />

items and placing them in “like” groups or categories. Of the<br />

categories, decide what things need to be readily available<br />

and which items should be placed in a more secure area.<br />

• Define the perfect space to store these items.<br />

• Finally, choose the right containers and bins for certain<br />

things. For example, photographs and memorabilia could go<br />

in cardboard boxes, but clothes and shoes should go in plastic<br />

containers for safer storage.<br />

Once you start a project, your enthusiasm becomes<br />

For any family, it can be a true challenge to keep a household<br />

organized. Keeping up with growing children, spouses,<br />

pets and all of their stuff in a small space can overwhelm even<br />

the most organized of us all. Coming home to clutter and mess<br />

sets a tone that can be harmful to your family and lead to<br />

unnecessary friction.<br />

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines organization as<br />

“the act or process of putting the different parts of something<br />

in a certain order so that they can be found or used easily.”<br />

You see, being organized is not about being perfect; it’s about<br />

customizing your whole world to work for you.<br />

If you have clutter or an organizational problem, it may<br />

seem overwhelming to tackle the problem on your own. But<br />

don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Using a professional<br />

organizer to walk you through the process will bring a<br />

new perspective, positive energy, and encouragement to your<br />

project with achievable goals.<br />

Here are some basic principles or steps in organizing any<br />

room of your house:<br />

• First and foremost, you must decide that you need and<br />

want to get rid of clutter. Ask yourself what is really important<br />

versus what you could let go of. Most importantly, answer<br />

these questions honestly.<br />

contagious. Knowing that there is a solution is half the battle.<br />

Another strategy used to declutter is home staging. Home<br />

staging is an organizational process in which professional<br />

organizers come into a home that is on or about to be placed<br />

on the market, and work to help remove clutter and make it<br />

as visually pleasing to the eye as possible. Staging your home<br />

before putting it on the market helps create a great first<br />

impression and sense of space for potential buyers. The goal<br />

is to highlight the strengths of your home, downplay any<br />

weaknesses, and appeal to the greatest pool of prospective<br />

buyers. This also helps a great deal with preparing the seller<br />

to move.<br />

For those who have gone through the decluttering<br />

process, there is a powerful feeling of accomplishment and<br />

freedom from the stress of “stuff” and the unyielding sense of<br />

obligation to deal with it. Organizing requires logic, common<br />

sense, and creativity; all of which tend to disappear when you<br />

are stressed and overwhelmed. Remember, no matter how<br />

large or small a project may seem, it can be done. With a little<br />

help, you may look at your task in a new light.<br />

Diane Ryan is the owner of DeClutter by Diane, LLC. Diane and her team<br />

would love to help you with your specific organizing projects. Consults are<br />

always complimentary. Diane can be contacted at (601) 291-0369. For more<br />

information, tips, or to join their email list, visit www.DeClutterByDiane.com<br />

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DeClutter-By-Diane.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 41


serving our community<br />

Lieutenant Paul Stegall<br />

madison Fire Department<br />

Why did you decide to be a fireman?<br />

I guess it’s in my blood. My father is a retired fireman<br />

and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided<br />

to make a career out of it.<br />

How long have you been with the <strong>Madison</strong><br />

Fire Department?<br />

I have been with the City of <strong>Madison</strong> for 14 years.<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

I have been married to my wife, Jennifer, for 12 years.<br />

She works for the Rankin County school district. My<br />

stepson, Coleman, is 16 years old and my daughter,<br />

Madye, is 9. She loves to do competition cheer.<br />

What is the toughest thing you have<br />

experienced in your job?<br />

Seeing a young person lose their life way to early.<br />

Share some things you enjoy doing<br />

in your spare time.<br />

In my spare time I enjoy boating, camping and<br />

working on classic cars.<br />

What are three things on your bucket list?<br />

Traveling across America in an RV for a year when<br />

I retire. Taking my family snow skiing, and driving my<br />

‘67 Camaro on the Hot Rod Power Tour.<br />

Who is someone you admire and why?<br />

My father. No matter what he faces, he always keeps<br />

calm. He puts God and his family first and is always<br />

there to lend anyone a helping hand.<br />

Where do you see yourself ten years<br />

from now?<br />

In ten years I hope to be able to retire from the<br />

fire department and start buying and selling classic<br />

cars full time.<br />

If you could give one piece of advice<br />

to a young person, what would it be?<br />

Listen to your parents. They have been through<br />

the same things you are going through. If you make<br />

a mistake, learn from it and move on.<br />

What is a favorite childhood memory?<br />

When I was 14, I got my first car and restored it with<br />

my dad.<br />

What is the biggest mistake you think<br />

young people make today?<br />

Wanting everything right now. Be patient, work hard<br />

and don’t live beyond your means.<br />

What is your favorite thing about the<br />

City of <strong>Madison</strong>?<br />

The city is very safe place to work or live. They give us<br />

the tools we need to provide a great service to its<br />

citizens.<br />

What is your favorite thing about <strong>Madison</strong><br />

County?<br />

My favorite thing about the county is the people.<br />

Whenever we run mutual aid calls or need help from<br />

other agencies, we all work well together.<br />

42 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


flora's finest<br />

Officer Andre Minter<br />

ridgeland police Department<br />

Why did you decide to be a police officer?<br />

I decided to become a police officer because of the<br />

passion I have for law enforcement and assisting<br />

individuals.<br />

How long have you been with the<br />

Ridgeland Police Department?<br />

I was initially hired November 16, 1998, as an animal<br />

control officer. I became a police officer in 2003.<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

I have four sons, one daughter and three grandchildren.<br />

I love spending time with my family, especially my<br />

grandsons.<br />

What is the toughest thing you have<br />

experienced in your job?<br />

The toughest thing to me is losing a juvenile to<br />

a life of crime and I am unable to steer that child<br />

to a better path.<br />

Share some things you enjoy doing<br />

in your spare time.<br />

Fishing, attending church, singing in the choir,<br />

and playing with my grandchildren.<br />

What are three things on your bucket list?<br />

Go on vacation in Hawaii, visit the Grand Canyon,<br />

and go to Africa on a mission trip.<br />

Who is someone you admire and why?<br />

I admire my pastor for his wisdom and life<br />

experience.<br />

Where do you see yourself ten years<br />

from now?<br />

I would like to participate in a mentoring program<br />

geared towards the youth of today.<br />

If you could give one piece of advice to<br />

a young person, what would it be?<br />

I would stress the need for the young people to finish<br />

high school and attend college.<br />

What is a favorite childhood memory?<br />

I have many wonderful memories of my childhood<br />

so it is hard to choose just one, but primarily<br />

memories of my siblings and family.<br />

What is the biggest mistake you think<br />

young people make today?<br />

Having a lack of respect towards their parents<br />

and elders.<br />

What is your favorite thing about<br />

the City of Ridgeland?<br />

In my capacity as a community oriented police<br />

officer I have come into contact with so many<br />

fine citizens of this city.<br />

What is your favorite thing about<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> County?<br />

The mentality of the community leaders who think<br />

about the future of the county and how to provide<br />

a safe and productive place for individuals to live.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 43


Mary Anna<br />

Chaney<br />

Why did you decide to make <strong>Madison</strong><br />

your home?<br />

I decided to make the move to <strong>Madison</strong> mainly for<br />

the fabulous public schools and because it’s a safe<br />

place to raise small children. I also had a dream of<br />

one day opening a children’s consignment shop<br />

because there was not one in <strong>Madison</strong> and I felt<br />

there was a need for one with so many young<br />

families here with small children.<br />

How long have you lived in <strong>Madison</strong>?<br />

I have lived in here for over 16 years<br />

Tell us about your family.<br />

I have 4 wonderful children, 3 girls and 1 boy.<br />

Ashlie Dye (31) lives in Merigold, Miss. with her<br />

husband Adrian and 2 sweet daughters, Willow<br />

and Maryella. Holly Richardson (28) lives in Yazoo<br />

City with her husband Zack and 2 precious boys,<br />

Wrigley and Riley Banks. My baby girl Maddie<br />

(18) is a senior at <strong>Madison</strong> Central and will be<br />

attending MSU in the fall. Maddie enjoys piano,<br />

spending time at the animal shelters and loves<br />

working at Trace Grill. Christian (16) is a 10th<br />

grader at <strong>Madison</strong> Central and on most any given<br />

day you can find him hunting, fishing or enjoying<br />

an afternoon of archery. We attend Grace Crossing<br />

church in Gluckstadt and absolutely love our church<br />

and the loving church families there. My dream came<br />

true over 14 years ago when I opened Leap Frog,<br />

a children’s consignment shop in <strong>Madison</strong>. As a<br />

family we all enjoy getting together for holidays<br />

and birthdays. The one thing as a mom I truly<br />

enjoy is having my entire family together. Weather<br />

permitting, we always end up in the backyard for a<br />

game of kickball.<br />

What is your favorite memory of living<br />

in <strong>Madison</strong>?<br />

My family has always enjoyed meeting our dear<br />

friends and their families for the Christmas parade.<br />

Since our babies were little, we’ve enjoyed hot<br />

chocolate and donuts together on that special<br />

morning to kick off the holiday season. The<br />

Scarecrow Festival is always a favorite in the fall.<br />

44 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Madison</strong><br />

Reader<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Where are your three favorite places to<br />

eat in <strong>Madison</strong>?<br />

We enjoy Kristos on the patio, all the sushi<br />

restaurants and Donut Barn has the best donuts<br />

around!<br />

What are some fun things to do in<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> on the weekends?<br />

Our weekend fun will often involve going to the<br />

movies, boating at Lake Caroline, and taking<br />

Jeep rides to explore the beautiful backroads of<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> County.<br />

What is your favorite childhood memory?<br />

Our annual vacation to Biloxi, Miss. And riding in<br />

the large back window stuffed with pillows.<br />

Share some things you enjoy doing in your<br />

spare time.<br />

Well honestly, owning my own business doesn’t<br />

allow too much spare time but I gather unsold<br />

clothing donations through my business to send to<br />

various charities such as MADCAPP, The McCoy<br />

House, African Children Outreach, Teen Challenge<br />

and several others. I do enjoy any outdoor activities.<br />

Watching sunsets are always a joy. I love cheering<br />

for my son at the baseball field. I have a wonderful<br />

hobby of collecting pictures of everyday objects that<br />

are heart-shaped. I love this shape so much that<br />

I actually started noticing it in everyday objects.<br />

I glance over at an item, be it a water mark, spilled<br />

milk, food items or a leaf and always find the “heart”<br />

–so I snap a picture of it. It’s amazing to me what<br />

you can see in everyday life if you just stop to really<br />

see it. This hobby always brings a smile to my face.<br />

I plan, one day, to make a book of my large heart<br />

collection for all my loved ones.<br />

What are three things on your bucket list?<br />

Go on a cruise with my dear girlfriends. Own a<br />

secluded yellow beach house somewhere warm.<br />

Open a clothing center that any child in need<br />

could always come to and never be without decent<br />

clothing and shoes.<br />

Who is someone you admire and why?<br />

My mom is amazing, strong and loving during all<br />

seasons of life and is the most unselfish person<br />

I know. I also admire single moms that strive, on<br />

a daily basis, to provide for themselves and their<br />

children. Those that have a determination to climb<br />

the mountain even though the struggle is not<br />

always easy and believing that having faith in God<br />

that will get you through it.<br />

Where do you see yourself ten years<br />

from now?<br />

Hopefully in that secluded yellow beach house on<br />

my bucket list, enjoying visits with family. I hope to<br />

always be involved in collecting clothing for needy<br />

children.<br />

If you could give us one encouraging<br />

quote, what would it be?<br />

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation<br />

determines what you do. Attitude determines how<br />

well you do it.” – Lou Holtz<br />

What is your favorite thing about<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> Magazines?<br />

I enjoy reading about all the talented, gifted, caring<br />

people that make up our great community–in<br />

addition to finding new places to shop and dine. n


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www.blackledgefacecenter.com<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 45


Overcoming Anger<br />

Do you ever get angry?<br />

Feel your anger gets out of control?<br />

Can anger even be controlled?<br />

What if you were told you didn’t even<br />

have to get angry?<br />

In the following interview, anger is the topic of<br />

discussion between Jim Thorn of 103.9 WYAB<br />

Radio and Dr. Perry Sanderford, a licensed<br />

professional counselor at Crossroads<br />

Counseling Center.<br />

Jim Perry, everyone has found himself or herself getting<br />

angry. From your perspective, how is anger defined?<br />

Perry Anger is an emotion of the body that is designed<br />

to reach a goal. Anger has an objective, it wants to<br />

accomplish something.<br />

Jim Is anger natural?<br />

Perry I would say, yes. It is instinctive. We begin in<br />

early infancy to use our body to get what we want.<br />

Jim Are there any times when it’s healthy to be angry?<br />

Perry We want to think that anger is good. For example,<br />

the recent act of terror in Paris. Anger was our initial<br />

reaction–one that we may think should accompany<br />

the response to such a horrible act. But the truth is that<br />

anger, itself, is not necessarily the most effective tool for<br />

responding. We can and should respond decisively to<br />

such horrific acts of violence, but most of the time the<br />

anger, in itself, doesn’t really accomplish all that much.<br />

What you can do with anger, though, can be just as<br />

effective, or perhaps even more so, in solving<br />

problems–even very large ones.<br />

Jim How can we suppress the anger emotion that<br />

bubbles up so quickly? For example, when we are on the<br />

road someone unexpectedly pulls out in front of us.<br />

Perry I don’t believe it’s possible to suppress anger<br />

surging in the moment–simply because anger is a<br />

trained and instinctive reaction of our body. To not<br />

instinctively react in anger, we have to have something<br />

in place internally before the incident occurs. Again, I<br />

want to make it clear I am not saying that we do not act.<br />

I am simply saying using anger is not necessarily the<br />

most effective problem solver.<br />

46 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Jim Are you saying we can eliminate anger altogether<br />

from our lives?<br />

Perry Pretty much. But to do so, one has to have<br />

confidence they have the ability to think and the ability<br />

to respond purposefully to solve the problem. Without<br />

that kind of confidence, we instinctively resort to anger.<br />

For example, a spouse who feels disrespected or<br />

controlled by an angry spouse often responds, in return,<br />

with anger. The problem here is that we now have two<br />

angry people–which, more often than not, creates an<br />

even greater explosive situation. On the flip-side, when a<br />

spouse is confident they can think and act appropriately<br />

to the reality of the situation, they then are in a position<br />

to respond with greater clarity and decisiveness.<br />

Jim From a Christian perspective you mentioned<br />

replacing anger with something else. Talk about anger<br />

from a Christian perspective.<br />

Perry Therein lies the very essence of Christianity.<br />

Christians have a great confidence in the sufficiency of<br />

God to provide for our every need. Christianity is not just<br />

a label, it is “trusting in God”. If Jesus can be crucified,<br />

placed in a grave, and then come back to life, then<br />

Jesus can certainly be trusted to protect us in any given<br />

situation. Confidence in Christ is what keeps us from<br />

being angry. And by the way, we don’t have to win every<br />

disagreement. In fact, Jesus said we can lose and still<br />

win. Now that’s powerful.<br />

Jim Often anger comes up because we defend our<br />

perspective and what we think is right. But are you<br />

saying that sometimes it’s best to kind of back away<br />

even if we stand firmly on our position?<br />

Perry I’m saying we can be powerful in the story. We<br />

don’t have to be a doormat. But we can be more powerful<br />

if we remain calm. We can think, and then if necessary,<br />

express ourselves with confident actions. We are not<br />

asking people to be stupid. You can distance yourself<br />

from someone that wants to harm you. Don’t make<br />

yourself available to somebody who attacks you. But at<br />

the same time, you don’t necessarily have to respond<br />

immediately with a fight. For Christians, there is a<br />

greater force within us and we can trust Him.<br />

Jim I would imagine that someone who gets angry<br />

fairly regularly would take a little more time to re-program<br />

in order to get back to the position that you are talking<br />

about.<br />

Perry Getting angry regularly is a way of saying we<br />

have programmed our body to use anger to problem-solve.<br />

But we can ‘un-train’ ourselves, too. It requires confidence<br />

and practice. It’s like jumping out of an airplane. You<br />

believe the parachute is going to hold you up–but you<br />

really don’t know until the ripcord is actually pulled.<br />

You hope life will go better if you don’t respond in<br />

anger, but you are not 100% sure until you try it. The<br />

more you practice trusting God and not attempt to solve<br />

problems with anger, the more confidence you build in<br />

this process.<br />

It’s a matter of learning how to do life in a way that works<br />

better. But, you may insist you can do life better with<br />

anger, and if so, then keep doing it. But my observance<br />

in everyday life is that people not only accomplish very<br />

little with anger, but they actually make the situation<br />

worse.<br />

Jim What would you recommend for someone that<br />

struggles with anger?<br />

Perry: Chronic anger means something in life is not<br />

working. If something is not working, you don’t want to<br />

keep doing it. A lot of people do, however. They go to<br />

their grave using that same anger that has accomplished<br />

very little. The definition of insanity is doing the same<br />

thing over and over again expecting different results. If<br />

anger is not working for you, consider doing something<br />

different.<br />

However, you may not know what to do. If I know where<br />

I want to go but am not sure how to get there, I use a<br />

map plotting the pathway to the desired destination.<br />

If you want to overcome anger but don’t know how,<br />

then find someone who knows, and ask. A good Christian<br />

counselor is actually a life-coach who can teach you<br />

how not to be angry. Remember, lots of people say they<br />

know the pathway to living well, but they may only be<br />

guessing. Guessing, when in error, has its own negative<br />

consequences.<br />

That’s why I think Christian counseling is the finest<br />

source of information available to the world. Jesus was<br />

the smartest human that ever lived. He knows how to<br />

live well. This information has been proven reliable for<br />

thousands of years or it would have died out by now.<br />

A confident life in the pathway provided by Jesus Christ<br />

is truly living well–even in overcoming anger.<br />

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />

For more information, please contact Dr. Perry Sanderford at Crossroads Christian Marriage & Family Counseling. 601-939-6634.


<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 47


Bill Clark<br />

&<br />

Company<br />

Spring<br />

Musical Extravaganza<br />

48 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Branson, Missouri is 445 miles from Brandon, Mississippi<br />

which means seven hours and fifty minutes of driving or travel<br />

time–and Bill Clark, a Brandon resident, was a Branson visitor<br />

six years ago. Since his life had been musically oriented dating<br />

back to his first piano lesson with Mr. Clyde Howell, Bill was<br />

immediately drawn to the music/variety culture of Branson.<br />

That’s when and where the idea came: “Why not provide<br />

the same kind of musical/variety show to Mississippians?”<br />

That meant assemble the talent, find the stage, and put it on<br />

the calendar.<br />

Bill did just that in December of 2010 at the Mississippi<br />

Agriculture and Forestry Museum. He was pleased with the<br />

quality of the musical performance but learned quickly that<br />

December was already over-loaded with music programs.<br />

Ticket sales were disappointing.<br />

November would be the next choice for his fall show. The<br />

results were so positive that Bill added a spring show. This year’s<br />

spring show is scheduled for May 12th with Dr. Dennis Swanberg<br />

as guest comedian. He will be the headliner at each of the four<br />

shows: 9:30am, 12 Noon, 2:30 and 7:00pm.<br />

Andrew Ishee, who played for the Kingsmen, will be the<br />

piano artist. He’s sensational. Allen Harris, the well-known<br />

featured tenor for The Singing Churchmen, will bless you with<br />

musical favorites. David Holmes, drummer for the First Baptist<br />

Church orchestra, along with his daughter, vocalist Victoria<br />

Holmes, will add significant talent to the roster. CandyLee<br />

Dobbs, another talented stage vocalist and aspiring artist, will<br />

round out the singing talents. Bob Saxton, famous Nashville<br />

guitarist, will accompany the musicians and vocalists.<br />

Bill Clark’s quick wit and keyboard-playing genius will keep<br />

the entertainment flowing with laughter and delight as he<br />

blends his talents while serving as master of ceremonies. His<br />

musical resume is convincing evidence of the quality of music<br />

he performs and the productions he brings to the stage.<br />

This year’s May 12th stage will be situated in front of the<br />

theater-style seating in the Christ Life Church at 670 Highland<br />

Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. Make early plans to purchase<br />

your tickets online and notify your church leadership of the<br />

musical extravaganza. Spring and music are in the air!<br />

For more information, go to: billclarklive.com<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 49


Mail<br />

Order<br />

AnnieSusan Marquez<br />

Those who aren’t used to driving past Larry and Janne Swearingen’s<br />

home in <strong>Madison</strong> might involuntarily slam on the breaks when they see<br />

a full-sized mannequin standing in the front window of their Tremont<br />

subdivision home. And it’s not just any mannequin, but a chocked-fullof-personality<br />

member of the family lovingly named “Mail Order<br />

Annie.” Annie’s permanent home is in the large picture window in the<br />

Swearingen’s dining room where she brings smiles to her neighbors<br />

and anyone else who drives past the home.<br />

It started a few years ago when Janne’s college friend would come<br />

to town for the annual Sweet Potato Queens weekend. “I had an<br />

inflatable doll that I dressed up and put in the front yard with a<br />

welcome sign. It was so well received that I did it again the next<br />

year, until the doll got a hole and I looked for a replacement.”<br />

Janne found a suitable substitute in Second Hand Rose–a<br />

half-mannequin. “She is semi-retired now, however, because she<br />

is very difficult to manage. She is heavy and hard to move.”<br />

With a “significant” birthday approaching, Larry asked Janne<br />

what she wanted as a gift, and she said all she wanted was a<br />

mannequin. “We did some research on mannequins and learned<br />

they are very expensive–but Larry was a good sport and soon<br />

Mail Order Annie was standing in our front window.”<br />

50 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


“She has<br />

more clothes<br />

in her closet<br />

than I do.”<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 51


Janne has fun dressing Annie for various holidays and<br />

creating corresponding window decorations. Her years as a<br />

middle school English teacher helped her in creating scenes that<br />

easily convey a message. Through the years, Annie has evolved<br />

as Janne’s interests have changed. While many of Annie’s outfits<br />

are holiday-related, others directly relate to things happening in<br />

Janne’s life, or causes she is passionate about. “If there’s no<br />

holiday, Annie is definitely my alter-ego,” Janne said. When<br />

she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, Janne became a<br />

supporter of the American Cancer Society and has had a<br />

“Save the Ta-Tas” window lined with bras. Her love of animals<br />

and her research on how raising animals is detrimental to the<br />

environment led Janne to become a vegan in 2012. “Before that,<br />

I’d include an inflatable turkey in the window with Annie, but<br />

last year I had a ‘Happy Vegan Thanksgiving’ window.”<br />

Janne has had a life-long commitment to animals. “I became<br />

affiliated with ARF and the work Pippa Jackson is doing there,<br />

and I became actively involved in volunteering to help animals.<br />

I helped the shelter move from Rankin County to Jackson, and<br />

I’ve fostered many dogs over the years. I love going to the shelter<br />

to sit with animals who may be skittish around people.”<br />

Mail Order Annie’s outfits are as varied as the holidays and<br />

other events throughout the year. “She has more clothes in her<br />

closet than I do,” laughed Janne. Annie dresses beautifully on a<br />

budget, with most of her outfits coming from secondhand stores<br />

and Goodwill. She’s dressed Annie in overalls and a tool belt to<br />

recognize blue collar workers on Labor Day, and as a horse<br />

jockey with the names of horses whose lives were lost while<br />

racing. She’s had a “School Daze” back-to-school outfit and<br />

“Downton Annie” attire. “I really just have fun with it,” she says.<br />

The neighborhood children especially like Annie, and look<br />

forward to her outfit changes, which Janne says happen about<br />

once a month. “I invited the neighborhood kids to dress Annie<br />

once, with the instruction that they could not spend any money.<br />

They got really creative, using pieces from Annie’s wardrobe.”<br />

So many people have become Annie fans that Janne has<br />

started a Pinterest board where she shares some of her favorites.<br />

You can find it at The Many Faces of Mail Order Annie on<br />

pinterest.com.<br />

52 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 53


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54 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


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<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 55


Sunnybrook is the befitting<br />

name for the children’s home<br />

on Sunnybrook Road in<br />

Ridgeland, Mississippi.<br />

Camille Anding<br />

Why? It’s a place of hope and a brighter future<br />

for children ages five to eighteen who have been<br />

abused and neglected as well as for those placed<br />

there voluntarily by their guardians. Secondly, the<br />

environment is blessed with children-friendly<br />

amenities: a gated community, modern home<br />

housing, husband and wife parenting teams,<br />

gymnasium, library, commissary, and a staff that<br />

radiates with smiles and hospitality.<br />

The group home houses a capacity of thirty-two<br />

children with a maximum of eight per each of the<br />

four cottages. A husband-wife team lives in the home<br />

with the children 24/7 and fulfills the role, as closely<br />

as possible, of loving, protective parents.<br />

Sunnybrook was formed in 1964 by a group of<br />

concerned Christians. In 1967, it moved from<br />

downtown Jackson to its present location. Executive<br />

Director, Rob Salley, along with twelve administrative<br />

staff members and eight house parents, are responsible<br />

for the nurturing and care of the children. The<br />

majority of the youths come from abusive and<br />

deprived backgrounds, so love is Sunnybrook’s<br />

56 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


specialty. Sunnybrook also fosters the development of<br />

morality, responsibility, and spiritual strength through<br />

a belief in God where children are taught to hope and<br />

trust again.<br />

Shelby Waites, the Community Development<br />

Coordinator, is quick to share, “Only 5% of our budget<br />

is funded by the government. The remaining 95%<br />

comes from donations.” That brings up volunteers,<br />

another integral and much needed ingredient for the<br />

home’s operation.<br />

Anyone with a special skill or talent who would be<br />

interested in sharing with the children is always<br />

welcome. Other volunteers might want to sponsor<br />

drives to help with the home’s expenses. Sponsoring or<br />

hosting a museum or movie outing is another option<br />

that’s open to individuals, churches or civic groups.<br />

Shelby also offers to tell the Sunnybrook story to<br />

civic groups, clubs, sororities, schools or churches to<br />

help stimulate interest in the home’s worthy tasks.<br />

She adds, “We’ll entertain any ides that would be<br />

investments in our children’s futures.”<br />

Thirteen surrounding counties are being serviced<br />

by Sunnybrook Children’s Home. For children who<br />

have been denied the blessings of a safe, loving home,<br />

Sunnybrook is answering the need. If we, who are<br />

now informed, help carry their load through prayer<br />

support, giving and volunteering, their role to the<br />

children can be greatly enhanced.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 57


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the highest quality of retirement living & memory care<br />

assisted living in a state-of-the-art setting that was built<br />

from the ground up specifically to meet the unique needs<br />

of the seniors it serves. Beau Ridge offers two gorgeously<br />

appointed, top-of-the-line freestanding communities;<br />

an exciting, engaging Independent Living community for<br />

active seniors, and a neighboring Memory Care community<br />

that provides highly personalized care to residents with<br />

Alzheimer’s/dementia.<br />

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• Suites featuring personal entrances & private balconies<br />

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Call 601-863-8883 to tour Independent Living.<br />

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• A full-time memory care director<br />

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Occupational, & Speech)<br />

Call 601-863-8442 to tour Memory Care.<br />

650 Highland Colony Pkwy. in Ridgeland<br />

www.Beau-Ridge.com<br />

58 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 59


The CHALKBOARD<br />

St. Joe<br />

madison county Schools<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> Station<br />

Elementary<br />

Bowling: Coach Chris Callahan’s team finished 7th in the state, the highest finish<br />

in school history.<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> Station Elementary held a Family Fun Night in conjunction<br />

with its annual reading fair on February 4th. This year’s reading<br />

fair theme was Charlotte’s Web. The school held a contest to raise<br />

money for the school’s library. The contest was between the school<br />

librarian, Mrs. Grimes, the assistant principal, Mrs. Hanna, and<br />

principal, Mrs. Johnston with the winner having to kiss “Wilber<br />

the Pig” belonging to the school maintenance man, Mr. Washington.<br />

Mrs. Johnston was the lucky winner that had to pucker up to<br />

Wilber. The event included games, a special appearance by<br />

Clifford the Big Red Dog, snacks, and of course shopping at the<br />

book fair.<br />

Bishop Kopacz with the cheerleaders at a basketball game.<br />

We hosted a blood drive during Catholic School Week. Allie Milner and Leah<br />

Blevins shown donating blood.<br />

60 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.


<strong>Madison</strong> Avenue Elementary<br />

1st Grade Career Day<br />

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 61


The CHALKBOARD<br />

madison county Schools<br />

<strong>Madison</strong> Avenue Upper<br />

Reading Fair & Upper Pathways.<br />

62 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

62 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.


MRA<br />

<strong>Madison</strong>-Ridgeland Academy’s K-4 recently enjoyed<br />

“Career Day”<br />

Mrs. Sosebee’s Class<br />

Back Row - Julie Sosebee, Middle Row - Taft Johnson, Evelyn Smith,<br />

Camille Crawford, Maddie Glidewell, Alissa Martin, Sidney Doty<br />

Front Row - Jude Nichols, Tyler Triplett, Carson Lynch, Brooks<br />

LaRose, Harley Young, Mary Winston McCraney, Neely Grissom<br />

Mrs. Barber’s Class<br />

Back Row - Tonya Barber, Middle Row - Weslee Kyzar, Ann Austin<br />

Smith, Mae Myers Naccarato, Culley Hutchins, Adda Laine Patti,<br />

Luke Rhea, Eliza Reynolds, Front row - Ashton Jackson, Grayson<br />

Smith, Ava Claire McHann, Jack Heard, Mason Jones<br />

Mrs. Jones’ Class<br />

First row: Sims Wiggins, Ella McQueen, Collins Kirk, Brilee Lillis,<br />

Stella Grace Fuller, Adeline Murray, Hayden Banks and Mrs. Jones<br />

Second row: Lucy Mason, Ann Felder Cook, Will Fede, Hayden<br />

Hurst, Perry Hearst, Pablo Arcas Raez, Marko Laureano, and<br />

Sherry Jones<br />

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 63


The CHALKBOARD<br />

madison county Schools<br />

MRA<br />

On Tuesday, February 9, <strong>2016</strong> several<br />

elementary students who participate in<br />

Chapel Singers enjoyed performing<br />

during chapel.<br />

(L-R) Lucy Watt, Emery Grissom, Gracie Rhea,<br />

Clancy Baker, Emma Kate Cook<br />

MRA Seniors Named<br />

Candidates in the<br />

<strong>2016</strong> U.S. Presidential<br />

Scholars Program<br />

Kayla Lovitt and Anna Daniels, both<br />

graduating seniors at <strong>Madison</strong>-Ridgeland<br />

Academy, have been named two of more<br />

than 4,000 candidates in the <strong>2016</strong><br />

U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.<br />

The candidates were selected from nearly<br />

3.3 million students expected to graduate<br />

from U.S. high schools in the year <strong>2016</strong>.<br />

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars<br />

Program, now in its 52nd year, is one of the<br />

highest honors bestowed upon graduating<br />

high school seniors. Scholars are selected on<br />

the basis of superior academic and artistic<br />

achievements, leadership qualities, strong<br />

character and involvement in community<br />

and school activities.<br />

Kayla Lovitt<br />

Anna Daniels<br />

64 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

64 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.


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Camille Anding<br />

The Time Coin<br />

The walls were Wedgewood blue,<br />

a lovely shade of my mother’s favorite<br />

color. The back wall, with its door to<br />

the kitchen, was papered in a floral pattern<br />

with blues and rosy pinks. Another wall<br />

was home to a large mahogany buffet that<br />

sat beneath an oversized mirror, encased<br />

in a sophisticated gold frame.<br />

Mother’s heirloom wedding gift, a<br />

multi-gallon, Fostoria punch bowl, was<br />

fixed in its reserved spot on the buffet. Always generous, Mother<br />

loaned the party bowl for every community wedding reception and<br />

baby shower. Even as a child I learned that the things we value, but still<br />

share, have God’s hand of protection on them. At least that’s what was<br />

true of the heirloom bowl. It always returned unscathed.<br />

The mahogany table with its two center leaves stretched the length<br />

of the dining room and was flanked by ten ladder back, mahogany<br />

chairs. Dusting the furniture was always my job, and Mother wanted<br />

to see that table polished to a high gloss.<br />

That was confusing to me because when company came for a meal,<br />

one of Mother’s white, hand worked table cloths always covered the<br />

shiny surface. She ironed every wrinkle from the heavily starched cloth<br />

and then repressed it before spreading it over the table. It made an<br />

elegant background for the Lenox fine china setting. Our best<br />

silverware from the felt bed in the buffet drawer was freshly polished<br />

and rested adjoining the silver-trimmed plates.<br />

Fresh flowers completed the table setting.<br />

A crystal bowl to match the Fostoria ice tea<br />

glasses held arrangements from one or<br />

more of several flower beds in our yard.<br />

An occasional summer drought harassed<br />

our flower selections, but Mother was always<br />

competent to salvage some color for the<br />

dining table centerpiece.<br />

The visitors that sat around the table<br />

were the crowning touch. My parents were<br />

recipients of the gift of hospitality, so we enjoyed guests often. Cousins,<br />

aunts, and uncles were always welcome, but visiting evangelists and<br />

missionaries were my favorites. They shared stories of hardened<br />

sinners softened under the sword of God’s Word, miracles that proved<br />

the Old Testament God was still active, and described distant, remote<br />

areas that I had only read about in my geography books.<br />

Some spoke in strange accents and fascinated me with their<br />

choruses of “Jesus Loves Me” in foreign languages. They brought us<br />

carved animals from Africa and silk scarves from China.<br />

The floor fan that hummed in the background of our conversations<br />

dissipated the summer heat and helped to prolong our dining experience.<br />

No one wanted to hurry through Mother’s apple pie or leave the<br />

atmosphere of hospitality and good news.<br />

After my parents’ deaths, family members kept the mahogany<br />

dining set plus the china and silverware. Mother left me the crystal<br />

punch bowl and all the memories that hospitality makes. I’m blessed<br />

and extremely grateful.<br />

66 • <strong>March</strong>/<strong>April</strong> <strong>2016</strong>


Charles Black, D.O.<br />

Orthopedic Surgeon<br />

Because there’s Merit<br />

in staying active.<br />

Merit Health Medical Group is proud to welcome orthopedic surgeon Charles Black, D.O., to the staff. Dr. Black<br />

focuses on innovative care that can help you quickly get back to living a happy, healthy and active lifestyle.<br />

Dr. Black provides treatment for many orthopedic issues, including:<br />

• Fractures • Hip and/or knee pain • Carpal tunnel • Breaks, sprains and strains<br />

Dr. Black is now accepting new patients, and same-day appointments are often available. No physician<br />

referral required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 601-855-4840.<br />

Member of the Medical Staff at Merit Health <strong>Madison</strong><br />

160 River Oaks Drive, Suite C<br />

Canton, MS 39046<br />

601-855-4840<br />

MyMeritDoctor.com<br />

<strong>Hometown</strong> madison • 67


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