Hometown Rankin - December 2015 & January 2016

volume 2 number 5 

dec 15/jan 16 

Christmas Treats & Treasures

Thank You 

Paid for by Friends of Haydn Roberts 

My family and I sincerely thank 

the citizens of Rankin County 

for placing your faith in me by 

electing me as Rankin County's 

next Chancery Court Judge. 

The outpouring of love and 

support shown to us by so many 

is truly humbling and I 

appreciate all of you who 

donated your time, efforts and 

resources toward this campaign. 

I promise to all who call Rankin 

County home that I will 

dedicate myself to upholding 

and following the law and being 

the kind of Chancery Court 

Judge Rankin County needs 

and deserves…one of honesty, 

integrity and impartiality. 

-Haydn Roberts 

4 • December 2015/January 2016

publisher & Editor 

Tahya A. Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin W. Dobbs 

Consulting Editor 

Mary Ann Kirby 

Account Executives 

Alicia Adams 

LeeAnn Evans 

Rachel Lombardo 

Contributing Writers 

Camille Anding 

Susan O'Bryan 


Susan Marquez 

Kerri Walker 

staff Photographer 

Othel Anding 

Contributing 

Photographers 

Bubba Brantley 

Charla Jordan 

Angie Miles 

Administrative 

Assistants 

Alisha Floyd 

Brenda McCall 

Layout Design 

Daniel Thomas - 3dt 

Missy Donaldson - MAD Designs 

• • • 

This special Christmas edition marks Hometown 

Magazines’ second anniversary. As I celebrate our 

wonderful, exciting venture, I also reflect over the 

year’s happenings that have made up life for us in 2015. 

There were wonderful things that happened 

along the way but it was also a year of great loss. 

We attended two funerals—my grandmother’s and 

father-in-law’s. Then, in October, we experienced the 

loss of our family pet, Thatcher. Maybe it was that it 

all happened within a relatively short period of time 

–but it felt like a lot to deal with and it was hard. 

However, sunshine always follows the storms, 

and the July sunshine was a big part of our oldest 

child’s wedding. Camea and Justin’s ceremony was 

a memorable highlight of 2015. 

CandyLee, our youngest, added to the fanfare 

when she enrolled in summer school in order to 

graduate high school a year early. She completed 

her endeavor and is now a freshman at Hinds. 

And while we helped get her registered in early 

August, we packed Carson’s belongings to move him 

into an apartment in Oxford as a junior at Ole Miss. 

All those back-to-back highlights saved me a lot of 

tears because there was no time to cry! 

One of my favorite articles in this issue is the one 

on foster parenting. My own family cared for four 

brothers in the foster program for two years and saw, 

first-hand, the challenges and rewards. It changed 

our lives in such a profoundly positive way. 

In this season of giving, God may not ask you to 

become a foster parent, but He may touch your heart 

to encourage a foster parent you know. Perhaps you 

would consider a Christmas donation to an orphanage. 

Or, like the article suggests, be willing to help parents 

that foster by giving them a much needed break and 

offering an occasional hand. 

Christmas originated with the 

greatest Gift. In honor of Him, 

why not continue the giving spirit? 

www.facebook.com 

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For subscription information 

visit www.htmags.com 

Contact us at info@HTMags.com 

601.706.4059 

26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F 

Brandon MS 39042 

• • • 

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin 

may be reproduced without written permission from 

the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin 

is not responsible for opinions expressed by its 

writers or editors. Hometown Rankin maintains the 

unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted 

material. All advertisements are subject to approval by 

the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin 

is funded by advertising. 

On the cover: Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County members Mindy Gilmore, Allison Cox, Lexie Wren, Patti Bryant, 

Megan Dallas and Jennifer Salter 

In this issue Favorite Christmas Memories 4 

Christmas Treats & Treasures 13 

The Gregg Harper Family 26 

An Authentic 

Christmas Journey 32 

Teach the Children 44 

Another Place at the Table 54 

Recycled Love 58 

Making Memories 94 

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Karen Crowe 

My favorite Christmas memory 

is all of the Christmases of my 

childhood. I was blessed to be 

raised in a Christian home and 

the middle child of five children. 

My only grandparent lived with 

us. Holidays were magical and 

brimming with anticipation. 

As a family, we would go into 

the woods to select a cedar 

tree for Daddy to cut down. 

We made the decorations for 

our beautiful tree by stringing 

popcorn and making garlands 

of colored paper strips glued 

together. Our stockings were 

my daddy’s Sunday dress socks. 

They were filled by Santa with 

fruit, nuts and some candy. We 

gave gifts to each other like my 

grandmother’s favorite box of 

peppermint sticks or a neck tie, 

belt, socks, or a scarf—insignificant 

gifts by today’s standards, 

but it was perfect for us. They 

are priceless memories of love 

and family togetherness. 

Lisa Barber 

One of my favorite Christmas 

memories is when my younger 

brother and I would play the 

game Hangman together to 

guess what we got each other for 

Christmas. Once we both knew 

what we were getting, we went 

ahead and exchanged gifts— 

even if it was early in the month! 

Penny White 

My favorite Christmas memory 

is when I realized all our store 

bought Christmas stockings had 

worn out and then I looked at 

my girls and realized they are 

now in their teens. My how time 

is flying by! I decided to pull out 

all the craft boxes we had and we 

all, including my husband each 

decorated some amazing new 

stockings! No cell phones, or TV, 

just beautiful Christmas music 

and lots of laughter and time 

spent with my sweet family. We 

even decorated one for the dog 

and the cat! 

Michelle Moudy 

My favorite Christmas memories 

are simple times spent 

during the Christmas holidays 

with family. I remember the 

first Christmas pictures taken 

when our children were so 

young, making holiday candy 

and cookies with the kids getting 

their fingers so sticky and messy, 

playing games, and just spending 

time together. Every year we 

look forward to the Canton 

lights event with “Granna and 

Pop,” looking at all the beautifully 

decorated homes, and 

spending Christmas Eve together 

as a family, keeping focused on 

the true meaning of Christmas. 

It’s such a beautiful thing that 

Jesus was born so we could have 

life, and have it so abundantly 

in Him. Every good and perfect 

gift is from Him. I thank God 

for Christmas, family memories, 

and knowing that we will spend 

eternity with Him with even 

more beauty that we can think 

or imagine. 

Deron Harmon 

My most fond Christmas 

memory occurred when I was 

about ten. It was the year I 

received my first “Big Boy Bike”. 

It was a ten-speed, and despite 

it being a rainy and wet 

Christmas morning, it didn’t 

stop me from riding in the rain. 

Melinda Quick 

One of my fondest memories 

was the year my grandmother 

gave me and my twin sister, 

Belinda, baby dolls with “white” 

hair. We laughed because we 

wanted dolls with black hair to 

match ours. 

Chad Perry 

I would have to say back in 2002 

when I got my first guitar, an 

Ibanez electric Stratocaster. 

Curtis Carter 

I remember sitting around the 

dining room table and visiting 

with friends and family being 

among my favorite memories 

from the past. 


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ChristmasTreats 

& Treasures 

Recently, we spent the day at Mockingbird Marketplace 

with the Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County tasting some 

yummy Christmas treats while discovering creative ways of 

displaying them for the holidays. Featured on the following 

pages are the recipes from that day. We hope that you’ll enjoy 

serving them in your homes this Christmas and will support 

the Rankin County Junior Auxiliary whenever possible. 

The Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County was founded in 

1986 and is a non-profit, volunteer, service organization that 

serves the needs of children, youth, and families in our community. 

This is accomplished through community service projects 

and by working closely with schools and other organizations. 

JARC depends solely on donations and sponsorship from 

individuals and local businesses. Visit their website at 

rankinja.org for more information. 

And be sure to check out the incredible selection of 

Christmas and holiday décor at Mockingbird Marketplace 

in Brandon. Merry Christmas!

Chocolate Chip 

Pound Cake 

1 box butter yellow cake mix 

1 large box instant chocolate 

pudding 

4 large eggs 

1/4 cup milk 

1 cup oil 

8 oz. sour cream 

1 cup chocolate chips 

1 cup chopped pecans 

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients 

except chips and nuts (add after mixed 

well). Pour evenly into a greased/floured 

Bundt pan. Bake at 350 for approximately 

1 hour. Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, 

then remove to wire rack or cake plate. 

Serve warm or cold with whipped cream, 

ice cream and chocolate sauce. 

Allison Cox 


Brie &Jelly Tarts 

1 8 oz. wheel of Brie cheese 

24 filo shells, thawed 

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 

2 Tablespoons butter 

Hot Pepper Jelly 

Cut cheese in 24 one-inch cubes and 

freeze. Sauté pecans in butter, set aside. 

After removing cheese from freezer, cut 

off rind from each piece. Place each filo 

cup in small muffin tin. Put one cube of 

cheese in each shell. Bake at 350 degrees 

until Brie is melted (about 5 minutes). 

Remove from oven and top each tart 

with about 1/2 teaspoon of pepper jelly. 

Sprinkle with pecans. 

Lexie Wren 


Mexican Corn Dip 

1 lb. ground chuck, browned 

and drained 

1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained 

1 can cream of mushroom soup 

1 can cream of chicken soup 


1 can whole kernel corn, drained 

1 cup cheddar cheese 

onion/pepper seasoning blend 

to taste 

While meat is cooking, combine soups, 

Rotel, sour cream, corn, and seasoning 

blend in large saucepan. Mix until well 

blended and cook over medium heat 

until mixture is warm. Mix in meat once 

it is done. Place mixture in crock pot and 

keep on low. Top with cheddar cheese. 

Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos. 

Jennifer Salter 


Unbaked Cookies 

In 2 quart pot bring the following to a 

gentle boil while stirring constantly: 

2 cups sugar 

1 stick butter 

1 can evaporated milk 

1/4 cup cocoa 

After it boils, remove from heat and 

stir in the following: 

2 cups instant oatmeal 

1 cup peanut butter 

(can be smooth or crunchy) 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Stir well and when mixture starts to 

slightly thicken, use teaspoon to drop on 

wax paper. Do not move until completely 

cool. Enjoy! Store in airtight container. 

Mindy Gilmore 


Velveeta Fudge 

4 boxes powdered sugar 

4 sticks butter- real unsalted 

1 cup cocoa 

1 lb. Velveeta cheese (small) 

1 T. vanilla extract 

1 cup chopped pecans (optional) 

Mix powdered sugar and cocoa then 

set aside. Melt cheese and butter 

together then add vanilla. Pour cheese/ 

butter mixture into powdered sugar 

and cocoa mixture. Mix well. Fold in 

pecans. Pour into buttered dish and 

cool. Cut into squares. 

*Recipe can be cut in half. 

Megan Dallas 


Mississippi Sin 


8 oz. cream cheese at room temp 

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese 

shredded 

1/2 cup ham chopped 

1/4 cup green onion sliced 

hot sauce, a few dashes 

1 tsp worcestershire sauce 

1/4 tsp black pepper 

french bread unsliced 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cut a one inch thick oval slice off the 

top of the loaf of French bread leaving 

a couple of inch perimeter. Set top aside. 

Remove most of the soft bread to use 

later with the dip if desired. Mix the first 

8 ingredients together in a medium bowl 

until well combined. Pour the mixture 

into the hollowed bread bowl. Place the 

saved bread top on the loaf. Wrap entire 

loaf in a double thickness of heavy duty 

aluminum foil and bake in preheated 

oven for 1 hour. Serve with reserved 

bread or crackers. 

Patty Bryant 




Amanda Fontaine & Mandi Arinder Brenda Spiers & Rachel Lombardo Bridget Lowery & Jean Cooper 

Celeste Cade & Chrystelle Thames 

Annual Banquet 

September 29, 2015 

Clyde Muse Center 

Jack & Pauline Carroll, Ashley & Joseph Moss 

Debbie Blackwell, Kim LaFontaine, Daniel Elliott 

Tina Hooker, Joshua Lorenz, Anita Davis 

Laurin Bailey & Chris Walker 

Jack Stuart & Johnny Beck 

Noel Daniels, Betty Trammell, 

Tom Troxler 

Susie Wolfe, Kathy Deer, Jerry Hester Terri Wood, Barbara Mangum 

Mark Magee, Stanley Shows, Truitt Grubbs 


Bradley Alexander, Jacque Sullins, Kay Shelton, Leigh James Chris Fontan & Reed Nunnelee Jeanine Pickering, Molly Ferguson, Megan English 

Larry Swales & Jamie Higdon 

Senator Josh Harkins & Brad Davis 

Derek Milner & Keith O'Keef 

Tim Courtney & Steve Bozeman 

Kyle Keeton & Thomas Eastland Jennifer Anderson & Amanda Carraway Derrel Palmer & Buddy Bailey Dr. & Mrs. Billy Thomas 

Sheriff Bryan Bailey, Noel Daniels, Irl Dean Rhodes, Carolyn Boteler 

Jason Walker, Collin Jones, Brad Hill 



©2014 Ergon, Inc. All rights reserved. 

ergon.com 


Gregg 

The 

harper 

Family 


Home is a wonderful place to 

celebrate Christmas, and for 

Congressman Gregg Harper, it also 

serves as a welcomed reprieve from 

his hectic travel schedule between 

here and Washington D.C. 

We had the privilege of spending time with the 

Harpers while they shared some of their favorite 

Christmas memories. We’re grateful to Gregg 

and Sidney, along with their children Maggie 

and Livingston, for inviting us into their lovely 

Pearl, Mississippi home. 


Do you have a favorite Christmas memory 

≤. from your childhood? 

Because my dad was a petroleum engineer, he was often transferred to 

new locations. From kindergarten through the 12th grade, I was in 10 

different schools in 4 states. Every Christmas was special because we 

were together as a family. 

What’s your favorite part of Christmas? 

≤. 

It’s always Christmas Eve! That’s when Sidney prepares an 

amazing dinner and family comes over. 

Tell us your wait-for-it-all-year-long Christmas 

≤. dessert or candy. 

My mother-in-law, Marjorie Hancock, every Christmas since Sidney 

and I started dating in 1974, has given me a box of Pangburn’s 

Millionaires – rich milk chocolate covered pecans with caramel. 

And no, I don’t share them! 

Can you remember a “challenging” Christmas? 

≤. 

I made the mistake of trying to put together a pirate ship for 

Livingston that said “some assembly required”. Let’s just say that by 

about 3 a.m. no further assembly was required and 

Livingston never received a pirate ship. 

What’s your favorite Christmas 

≤. movie? 

Without question, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is my 

favorite. I have a movie poster in my DC office 

that was signed by Jimmy Stewart and a small 

plaque that says “It’s a Wonderful Life” on my desk. 

It’s a reminder of how we all impact one another 

and how every life is special. 

Who are some of your past family members 

≤. that bring warm Christmas thoughts and why? 

I really miss my dad, Doug Harper, who died over 20 years ago. He 

was only 67, but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Christmas of 1945. 

He was a gunner on a B-17 in WWII and was assigned to Columbus 

AFB right after the war. My mom, Lois Harper, lived just up the road 

in Lackey, and some of her friends told her she should go to the 

Christmas dance at the base but she didn’t have a dress. Two of her 

brothers put their money together, bought her a dress, she went to the 

dance, met my dad, and they got married 3 months later. He always 

made Christmas special and he was a year-round encourager. 


What can you tell your Washington associates 

≤. about Christmas in Rankin County? 

It’s all about the fact that God loved us so much that He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, 

to save us, and that it’s not Christmas without hearing that message in music in one or 

more of our amazing churches in Rankin County. I would tell them that the warmth 

of our people, the closeness of our families and the demonstration of Christ’s Golden 

Rule, is not just a Christmas phenomenon but it’s a year round reason we call Rankin 

County home. 

What do you hope you have instilled in your children about 

≤. Christmas? 

That it indeed is better to give than to receive. I hope that they can make sure to relax 

and reflect on the hope of Christ and share their faith with others, in words and by 

how they live. Christmas can get so rushed and be so stressful that you have to slow 

down and cherish each moment with your family and friends. It’s also important to 

remember those that may be struggling and be “doers of the word” to lift others up. 

What was one of your childhood Christmas traditions? 

≤. 

We always opened gifts on Christmas morning, but on Christmas Eve, we 

were allowed to pick one gift from under the tree and open it that night! Every wrapped 

gift had to be carefully held, shaken, weighed and otherwise thoroughly inspected 

before making that final decision. The last thing you wanted to do was open up a pair 

of socks, so you usually opened the heaviest one or the one that rattled the most! 

Can your family members share a favorite Christmas memory? 

≤. 

Maggie: My favorite Christmas memory has always been my dad putting 

out lettuce and carrots for the “reindeer” after I had gone to sleep and making it appear 

as if they crash landed in weird places like the trees, the roof, and even my car to 

embarrass me as I got older. My fiancé, Brett, and I are getting married next month 

so I am excited to carry over some old traditions into our family, but looking forward 

to making many new and special memories with him. 

Sidney: One of my many favorite Christmas traditions carried over from my 

childhood before Gregg and I were even married. Growing up, my mom taught me 

how to make many sweets and candies that I now enjoy making and delivering to all 

of our neighbors. Also, I will always remember the year I let Maggie pick out the 

family Christmas tree. She insisted on getting one that was TOO BIG for our 8 foot 

ceilings. When she and Gregg stood it up in our living room, it put a scratch across the 

ceiling, we had to cut off the top of the tree to fit the angel, and Maggie hasn’t been 

allowed to pick out the tree ever since! 

Livingston: My favorite thing is going to our next door neighbor’s house every 

Christmas morning and having him cook breakfast. This will be the 30th year in a row 

that he’s cooked for my mom and dad and every year since I was born! n 


2016 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE 

Celebrate the spirit 

of the season 

JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF RANKIN COUNTY 

30 th Anniversary Charity Ball 

Saturday, February 27 

6:00 PM 

McClain Lodge 

HONORING MICHAEL & HALEY GUEST 

Entertainment provided by MEET THE PRESS 

Silent Auction, themed packages and door prizes 

$100 per couple (tickets may be purchased at the door) 

Cocktail Attire 

All printing donated by Dallas Printing 

1255 W. Government St. | Brandon |601-825-4323 

1871 Spillway Rd. | Brandon | 601-203-2500 

140 E. Metro Blvd. | Flowood | 601-919-4200 

2441 Old Brandon Rd. | Pearl | 601-939-7979 

CommunityBank.net 

®2015 Community Bank | Member FDIC 

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT 

THE CHILDREN OF RANKIN COUNTY 

Merry Christmas 

to our readers 

and advertisers! 

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday. 

Jackson-Flowood • 163 Ridge Way, Suite E • (769) 243-7108 

Like us on Facebook 

www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine 



Jessica & Ben Pettigrew Allen Cotton, Charlotte & Scott Stringer Amanda Cox, April Miller Amy & Kevin Rogers 

Carrie Thompson, Paige Muse, Gayle Matherne 

Brenda & Johnny Mardis 

Annual Auction Fundraiser 

October 22, 2015 • The Ivy 

Heath Jenkins, Sen. Josh Harkins, Dusty Rhoads 

Courtney & Reese Unger 

Debbie Hartung, Sylvia Russell 

Carrie & Gage Walker 

Beau & Cristen Nelson, Katie & Will Jones 

Gayle Fletcher, Julie Hart 

Nathan & Candace Smith 

Monica May, Kristi Peede 

Judge Kent McDaniel, Jay & Carly McDaniel 

Hailey & Reese Berry 

Eric & Lindsey Naquain 

Joe Brock Faulkner, Bryan Dallas 

Brian & Hollie Hall, Rachel & Zach Wade 


Mary Neese, Kim Allen, Robyn Prall, Vicky Prall, Kathy Barlow 

Chelsea Berry, Courtney Anders, 

Mallory Norman 

Chance & Lauren Hall, Katy & Will Crump 

Beau Edens, Jan Pourciau, Justin Edens 

Chad Falgout, Coleman Cummins, Jeff McDaniel 

Dianne Baer, Scott Eiliott, Ron Baer 

Lee Adams, Hannah Adams, Christy VanHorn 

David & Amy Horner, Danny Cawthon, Jason & Amy Parkes 

Dr. & Mrs. Michael Rogers 

Wayne & Tina Willard, April & Clay Savell 

Josh & Michelle Carson 

Keys & Tara Hayes 

Chris & Olivia Kneip, Tracie & Justin Barnard 

Tracie Barnard, Cheryl Armstrong, Kent Williams, Jody Haten, Stephanie Sing 

Julie Lang, Fernando Reis, Debra Watson 

Karen Dean, Ashley Godwin 


Ada Allison, Mr. & Mrs. Sammy Thames 

David Ruth & Michael Guest, DA 

Clara Nell & Billy Mancil 

prayer 

breakfast 

September 25, 2015 

Richland Mayor’s 

Richland Community Center • Guest Speaker Judge Kent McDaniel 

FUMC Men's Club 

Gloria Blales, Ethel Hines 

James Twiner, Michael Wolfe 

Lucien Bourgeois, Tom Troxler 

Judge Kent McDaniel 

Sen. Dean Kirby, Marty Miller Mr. & Mrs. Mike Hurst Mr. & Mrs. Prentiss Grant Mr. and Mrs. Eric Redd 


Miles McNair, Rickey Emmons 

Richard Thompson, Josh Hartfield 

Eddie Grimes, Don Wilson, Lester Spell, Ricky Chapman 

Camden Cummins, Emily Taylor, Anna Lee 

Jack Holmes, Mary Scarborough, Blaise Thomas 

Mayor Scarborough, Larry Swales, Haydn Roberts 

Olivia Ward, Jessica Berryhill, Baylie Cook, Kay Alexander, Ava Ray Sullivan 

Ed Steed, Supervisor Jared Morrison 

Bill & Weda Lee 

Dell Vance, Joyce Porter, Rachel Marquez 

Terri Wood, Barbara Adams, Debbie Brinson 

Pat Sullivan, Amy Lee, Alderman Clay Burns 


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–wedding– 

LauraAnnWhittington 

& Lukas HarrisCox 

Laura Ann Whittington and Lukas Harris Cox were united in marriage at the 

Cotton Market Venue, Pearl, Mississippi on June 5, 2015. The ceremony was 

officiated by Reverend Rod Borders of Madison, Mississippi. 

The bride is the daughter of Stan and Rhonda Whittington of Brandon, Mississippi. 

She is the granddaughter of Shelby Barnes of Philadelphia, Mississippi and the late 

Burdell Barnes, and the late Golden and Berteel Whittington of Carthage, Mississippi. 

The groom is the son of Mary Jane Cox and the late Nathan Cox of Canton, Mississippi. 

He is the grandson of the late J. C. and Hazel Smith of Poplarville, Mississippi and the 

late Sid and Pat Cox of Flowood, Mississippi. 

Guitarist Barry Leach of Brandon, Mississippi presented nuptial music. 

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of ivory lace and blush tulle 

by Maggie Sottero. The strapless mermaid gown featured a sweetheart neckline with 

embellished lace covering the fitted bodice. Layers of tulle with scattered lace appliques 

formed the skirt. Scalloped lace edged the hemline, ending in a sweep train. Her 

fingertip veil of ivory illusion was edged in beading. Her bouquet was an organic 

grouping of wedding white hydrangea, vendella roses, white stock, and white larkspur 

wrapped in organza ribbon with a white lace band. Her attendants carried a smaller 

version of her bouquet with an added collar of baby’s breath and burlap ribbon 

treatment with a band of mint organza lace band to complement their mint dresses. 

Matron of honor was Cayla Cain of Florence, Mississippi. Maids of honor were 

Bobbie Jo Beach of Nashville, Tennessee and Tamara Cumberland of Memphis, 

Tennessee. Bridesmaids were Lauren Cox of Canton, Mississippi; Kristin Cox of 

Brandon, Mississippi; Meagan Babb of Brandon, Mississippi; Claire Whittington of 

Brandon, Mississippi, and Spencer Brooks of Madison, Mississippi. Serving as flower 

girl was Ella Jane Babb. 

Groomsmen were Jake Cox of Canton, Mississippi; Joseph Cox of Brandon, 

Mississippi; Todd Babb of Brandon, Mississippi; Jay Whittington of Brandon, 

Mississippi; Nick Smith of Brandon, Mississippi; Sam Spengler of Shreveport, 

Louisiana; Brennon Sloan of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Adam Fowler of 

Birmingham, Alabama. 

The bride and groom, both graduates of Mississippi State University, proudly 

rang cowbells as they exited the ceremony. 

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

hall located on the grounds of the Cotton Market Venue. Guests danced to the music 

of Smiley and the Young Guns and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by Wendy Putt 

Fresh Cut Floral and Catering. That Special Touch of Pearl, Mississippi prepared the 

bride’s four-tier cake of strawberry, almond and funfetti while the mother of the 

groom lovingly prepared the groom’s favorite coconut cake in three tiers depicting 

their alma mater. On the eve of the wedding following the rehearsal, a dinner was 

hosted by the mother of the groom at the Cotton Market Venue. 

After a wedding trip to Maui, Hawaii the couple is at home in Madison, Mississippi. 

The bride is an associate client services representative with Southern Farm Bureau 

Life Insurance Company and the groom is an electrical engineer for Automated 

Power of Flowood, Mississippi. 




For the 160 members of Shiloh United Methodist Church in 

Pelahatchie, Christmas becomes a church-wide journey to Bethlehem. 

Young and old, along with a few non-members, volunteer their time, 

talents, and animals to fully recreate the birth of Christ for two nights 

in December for all to come and see. 

The significant event was the brain child of the ladies’ Explorer’s 

Sunday School class in 2008. Even though that first year was a much 

smaller model, news spread rapidly about the drive-through tour of 

Bethlehem. The ladies followed with a similar production in 2009. 

The task was so daunting that the class decided to take a break the 

following Christmas. Debbie Rhodes, a major team member on the 

planning and production, said, “The community threatened to tar and 

feather us if we didn’t continue the event.” 

The class agreed to the challenge but turned to the entire church for 

help and support. Pastor David Slaughter of the Shiloh congregation 

was a first-time participant in 2014 but still recalls his shock in seeing 

the scale and quality of the now annual pilgrimage. 


Donna Miller, a retired Bank Plus employee and active 

church member, takes charge of the nativity staffing. Last year, 

120 plus members along with 40 or more animals were casts 

in the Nativity. “We have two veterinarians in Pelahatchie 

who help us locate farm animals as well as exotic collections. 

A volunteer near Pelahatchie raises camels and another 

volunteer from Purvis brings a pair of oxen for both nights.” 

The Sunday School teacher from the class where the idea 

was birthed is Judy Thrash. She, along with Skip Latham, a 

church trustee, are two more team members that help in the 

planning stages that begin in September of each year. 

“It’s been a major building operation,” Pastor David shares. 

A 40x40 foot storage room was built to house costumes and 

props. Wooden stations built around the church grounds serve 

as replicas of Bethlehem store fronts where cast members display 

wares authentic to those times. 

Debbie opened a thick binder and flipped through pages of 

neatly typed committees and scale drawings of the Christmas 

village. “It’s a major undertaking,” she said with a smile of 

accomplishment. “It’s our Christmas gift from our church and 

community. Admission is free, but be prepared for a wait. We 

have a growing problem with that much traffic.” Her records 

show 159 cars with 659 passengers in their first year. Last year 

they counted 723 cars with nearly 2,700 passengers. 

It’s a major commitment but a major blessing for its 

volunteers. Pastor David has emails and notes from grateful 

visitors. Some share how they pick up pizza and enjoy a 

Christmas picnic as they drive through the streets of Bethlehem. 

Others share how they viewed the production and rushed 

home to bring others back the same night. 

This year’s journey is scheduled for December 12 and 13 

from 6 to 9 p.m. The planning team promises an even bigger 

and better experience. Just put 2394 Shiloh Road, Pelahatchie, 

Mississippi in your map app. It will lead you to Bethlehem and 

a special Christmas blessing. n 


Teach the Children 

Author Unknown 

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I 

just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to 

go to bed when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the 

door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out 

next to the fireplace. 

"What are you doing?" I started to ask him. The words caught in my 

throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was 

gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then 

answered me with a simple statement . . . 

“teach the children.” 

He then pulled out from his bag an ornament of himself. “Teach 

the children that I, Santa Claus, merely symbolize the generosity and 

good will we feel during the month of December.” 

He reached in again and pulled out a holly leaf. “Teach the 

children the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the 

crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent 

blood shed by Him.” 

Next he pulled out a gift from the bag and said, "Teach the 

children that God so loved the world that He gave His only 

begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.” 

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and 

with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from 

behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, “Teach the 

Children. Teach them the old meaning of Christmas—the meaning that 

now-a-day Christmas has forgotten.” 

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a fir tree and 

placed it in front of the hearth. “Teach the children that the pure green 

color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the 

everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, 

making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.” 

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant star. 

“Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises 

long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the 

sign of fulfillment of that promise.” 

He then reached into the bag and pulled out a candle. “Teach the 

children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, 

and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces 

the darkness.” 

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a wreath and 

placed it on the tree. “Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes 

the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous 

round of affection.” 

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a candy 

cane and hung it on the tree. “Teach the children that 

the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The 

crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back sheep 

that have strayed from the flock. The candy cane is the 

symbol that we are our brother's keeper.” 

He reached in again and pulled out an angel 

“Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded 

in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 

‘Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will 

toward men.’” 

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he 

pulled out a bell. “Teach the children that as the lost sheep 

are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to 

the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.” 

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked 

back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his 

eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the 

true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in 

the center, for I am but a humble servant of the 

One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, 

our lord, our god." 



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Mr.& Mrs.TristenHarmonJackson 

Mr. and Mrs. 

Thomas Harmon 

Jackson of Brandon, 

Mississippi along 

with Mr. and Mrs. 

Thomas Flowers 

Dickson, Jr. of French 

Camp, Mississippi are 

pleased to announce 

the marriage of Mr. 

Tristen Harmon 

Jackson to Miss Jessica Lynne Dickson of Oxford, Mississippi. Tristen 

is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Dudley Ward of Brandon, 

the late Ms. Martha Egger Jackson of Shreveport, Louisiana and the 

late Mr. and Mrs. William Hutchinson Jackson of Shreveport. Jessica 

is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henry Nettles of 

Brandon and Mr. and Mrs. Tommie Flowers Dickson of Hendersonville, 

North Carolina. 

Miss Dickson graduated as the Class of 2008 salutatorian at Grace 

Christian School in Louisville, Mississippi. She earned a Bachelor of 

Arts in Chinese with a minor in biology from the University of 

Mississippi in 2012. During undergraduate, she was a member of 

the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Jessica was also a 

Luckyday Scholar and earned a Critical Scholar Scholarship, which 

allowed her to travel to China in pursuit of mastering the Chinese 

language. She then earned a Master of Science in Biology from the 

University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson in May 2015. 

Jessica is currently employed by Innovative Construction Management 

in Oxford and plans to attend medical school. 

The bridegroom is a 2004 honors graduate of Brandon High School. 

In 2008, He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a 

bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences. During his undergraduate 

time at Ole Miss, he was a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale 

Honors College, and Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, elected campus 

favorite and Who’s Who Among College Students, and he was actively 

involved with the 

associated student 

body as pharmacy 

senator representative. 

Tristen spent time 

volunteering and 

serving for several 

organizations, 

including the 

American Heart 

Association Heart 

Walk, Campus Crusade for Christ, and was a worship leader at College 

Hill Presbyterian Church. He was the School of Pharmacy Honor 

Council representative, Ole Miss Ambassadors co-director of special 

events/ housing ambassador, and the CHEERS webpage chairman. 

Upon undergraduate graduation, Tristen attended pharmacy school 

where he received his Pharm.D. in May of 2010. He is currently 

working on his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences with a concentration 

in pharmacy administration and has an expected completion date of 

May 2016. While in graduate school, Tristen has joined and is still 

a member of Rho Chi Pharmacy Honorary Society, Phi Kappa Phi 

Honorary Society, and Phi-Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership 

Fraternity. He has also served on the Graduate Student Council as 

secretary and president. 

The couple exchanged vows at half past five o’clock in the evening 

on the thirty-first of October at College Hill Presbyterian Church, 

followed by a reception hosted by the bride’s parents. Dr. Curt Presley 

officiated the double ring ceremony. The bride wore a Lillian West 

ivory gown with a fitted bodice and modified sweetheart neckline, 

accented by an Alencon lace bolero featuring a bateau neckline, and a 

“V” shape in the back with satin covered buttons. The natural waist 

was accented by a pleated cummerbund just below the lace bolero, 

and then shaped into a silk satin ball gown with a chapel length train. 

A cathedral length illusion veil, adorned with matching lace, accented 

the dress. 


The father of the bride escorted her down the aisle as she carried a 

bouquet of white O’Hara garden roses, pale pink roses, peach roses, 

and pale pink dahlia’s. The roses and dahlias were accented with a collar 

of lamb’s ear, and the stems were partially wrapped in an ivory ribbon. 

Serving as her matron of honor was Natalie Rose Dickson Richardson 

and serving as bridesmaids were Anna Beth Baker, Tabitha Bandi, Sarah 

Joy Champine, Andrea Thomasson Foley, Emily Powell Ford, Kaylin 

Mittan Satterfield, and Mollie Winter Wright. Each attendant carried a 

bouquet of pink and ivory roses with a touch of lamb’s ear that elegantly 

complimented their pale blue, cap sleeved, long chiffon dresses. 

The groom and his groomsmen wore boutonnieres made of a small 

pink rose, a mini succulent, a touch of silver brunia berries and backed 

with a leaf of lamb’s ear. Serving as best man was Brenden Reynolds 

Jackson, and serving as groomsmen were Edwin Brad Batte, Robert 

Louis Carr, Craig Neal Daniel, James Kyle Duff, Joel David Duff, 

David Daniel Sibley, and Clifford Thomas Wiggins. Serving as ushers 

were Samuel Thomas Dickson, Mitchell Chandler Goddard and 

George Brooks Richardson. Katherine Elizabeth Gilliam, Violet Wren 

Nettles, and Eva Valentina Nettles all served as flower girls. Robert 

Payne Gatewood IV and Beren Julian Nettles served as program 

attendants. Violinist Sarah Brannan and pianist Andrew Panney 

performed ceremony music. 

At The Lyric Oxford, guests were greeted by the bride’s three-tier 

cake that was finished with textured buttercream icing. Joyce Hudspeth 

of Mantee, Mississippi crafted both the bride and groom’s cake. The 

groom’s cake was placed to the right of the bride’s cake as guests entered 

and was an Ole Miss number “38” jersey and football. 

After walking past the cakes, guests were treated with a large spread 

of hors d’oeuvres. Upon the main food table, in the center of the room, 

sat a large arrangement of pink and white roses, white gladiolas, various 

greeneries, and curly willow. Each guest table was perfectly decorated 

with arrangements that consisted of flowers in the pinks, ivories, and 

gray-blue hues. Specialty lighting was brought in to accent the decor 

and a stunning five crystal column chandelier was hung over the dance 

floor. Brother of the bride, Samuel Dickson, introduced the couple as 

they made their way to the dance floor for the first dance. They were 

surprised to have Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters live-painting the 

scene of their first dance—a wedding gift from the parents of the 

groom. Following the first dance, the couple each held a special dance 

with their parents and Meet the Press kept guests on the dance floor 

for the night until it was time for the sparkler exit. 

The night before the wedding ceremony, the parents of the groom 

hosted a cocktail hour followed by a three course seated dinner in honor 

of the couple at the Oxford University Club. The theme of an “old 

world club” was kept with dimmed lighting, navy blue linens, wood 

chargers, wood club chairs, live piano music, and flowers upon each 

tabletop of blue hydrangea’s, yellow roses and calla lilies, peach roses, 

and touches of green berries, seeded eucalyptus, and various greenery 

in hand gold leafed containers. Following a salad, guests were treated 

to an entree created as a collaboration between the mother of the 

groom and bride that was a flight of proteins, consisting of a beef filet 

medallion, crab stuffed grouper, and creole chicken, all complimented 

with a side of asparagus, carrots, and mashed potatoes. Guests were 

surprised by dessert with another flight of New York cheesecake, 

chocolate cake, and bread 

pudding, all served on the same 

plate with a chocolate “J+T” 

written in the center. 

On the day of the wedding, 

the groom’s family hosted a 

“Groom’s Gathering” lunch 

held at South Depot Taco Shop 

on the Oxford Square for his 

groomsmen, friends, and 

wedding guests in town for 

the wedding. 

Following a honeymoon to 

San Francisco, Napa Valley, 

and Carmel, California, the 

couple will make their home 

in Oxford, Mississippi. n 


MilitaryBall 

November 7, 2015 Brandon Civic Center 

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ 





Another Place at the Table 

Kerri Walker 

54 • Winter December 20152015/January 2016

Scott and April Selman found a new calling when they discovered 

the great needs of foster care in Mississippi. 

The Selmans have four adult biological children, three adopted 

children, and currently two foster children. Two of their children were 

adopted through foster care, and one was adopted internationally. 

When their four biological children began transitioning into 

adulthood, the Selmans began to wonder what was next. 

“We started hearing about the needs of foster care,” said April. 

“We listened to a sermon series by David Platt on the book of James. 

He talked about how his church in 

Alabama was basically emptying the 

foster care system. They were licensing 

families in their church to become foster 

families, and we started thinking that 

was something we could do. James 1:27 

calls us to care for orphans and widows. 

meal that day and they will have clothes to wear and they will be 

protected and safe. It’s a big change.” 

This healing brings joy into the Selmans’ hearts. April said, 

“We’ve had kids come through who really had no idea how to give or 

receive affection, and we see that slowly start to change. All kids crave 

love–they need it. It’s incredible. I never expected to be able to 

witness that. You get so much joy out of seeing that healing take place.” 

“The ultimate goal is for the kids to gain the ability to become 

functioning adults—to break the cycle and to have the ability to 

come to know about God’s love,” 

continued Selman. “A lot of kids come in 

and don’t know the first Bible story and 

have never set foot in a church, which is 

unfathomable with us living in the bible 

belt. It really happens, and it’s great to see 

them learn about the Bible and God’s 

We got started. It’s our next step.” 

love. They become different people.” 

The Selmans have cared for several 

“One day after supper, we had a child 

children placed in foster care throughout 

who asked, ‘How do y’all always have 

recent years. “Group homes are not the 

food?’ I asked, ‘What do you mean?’ 

best solution in my opinion, and that’s 

“Once our eyes are open to the need, 

The child said, ‘Well at my house we don’t 

where a lot of kids end up,” said April. we are commanded to respond.” always have food, and we’re hungry. Y’all 

“I think that giving kids a chance to see a 

always have food,’” April recalls. “This 

–Scott Selman 

functioning, healthy family is way more 

child was trying to figure out how we 

preferable. It also brings you a lot of joy to see them heal and grow could make that happen, and it kills your heart when you hear a kid 

and start to flourish. There are kids every week that need a place to say that. Here in Brandon, Mississippi, there’s a kid who is hungry. 

sleep. We’re a very affluent society, and a lot of us have extra bedrooms. That seems crazy to us. There shouldn’t be a kid who is hungry when 

Why not meld kids who need a place with us who have extra space? we all have so much to give.” 

I think God calls the church to take care of vulnerable children and 

“It’s bittersweet when a child goes back to his or her family 

people. You just don’t get much more vulnerable than a kid in foster because you do get attached and learn to love them,” said April. 

care who doesn’t have the support of his or her biological family.” 

“In some cases, you can still have contact and in some cases you can’t. 

Becoming a foster parent is not without its challenges. “Kids who You just have to pray that you’ve done a little bit of good for them 

come from traumatic backgrounds have many different behaviors than while they were with you. That’s the number one thing that people 

our biological children did,” said April. “The biggest challenge is say to me: ‘Oh, I could never foster because I would get attached.’ 

learning how trauma affects children and how to best help them heal.” You do get attached. But fostering isn’t supposed to be about the 

Despite the challenges, the Selmans have seen a lot of healing in adults. It’s about the kids. If everyone decided they couldn’t do it 

their home. “It really is amazing to see a child that comes into your because they would get attached, then we would just have group 

home withdrawn, introverted, closed off from building relationships, homes filled to the brims because kids have to have somewhere to 

and completely at a loss for how to function, go through a complete go and somebody to take care of them.” 

transformation—to laughing, telling jokes, smiling, and wanting hugs. “I think it’s good when you can step in and be a safety net for a 

To go from almost being expelled at school to being a great student family and give the parents time to stabilize so they can get their kids 

within a short period of time. The kids learn how to feel safe and back,” said April. “That’s good because kids should be with their 

how to count on people when they’ve never been able to count on families. That’s the ideal solution. It’s bittersweet because you miss 

someone before. They learn how to trust that they will have another them and think about them, but if their parents are able to get things 


ight and have their kids returned, then that’s where the kids should 

be long-term. That is the goal of foster care—to help families fix what 

needs to be fixed and reunify. When a family is able to do that, it’s a 

good thing. And sadly, sometimes they’re not able.” 

“You don’t have any idea what you’re getting into if you haven’t 

been exposed to it,” said Scott. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of energy, a lot 

of sacrifice. But at the end of the day, you have to look at what you’re 

sacrificing for. We all take for granted the luxuries in our lives. There 

are so many people who don’t have those. If you educate yourself and 

get exposed to it, it’s hard to turn away. Once you’re aware, it takes a 

pretty hard heart to back away from it. I went into it thinking these 

must be some bad kids. I don’t know why I thought that. But once you 

get into it, you realize that these children have done nothing. They 

don’t deserve the hand they’ve been dealt in life. It breaks your heart 

because they didn’t ask to be born into these situations or handed 

disabilities, diseases, or whatever. But here they are, and a lot of times 

they just have no chance. I think we should all do something to help.” 

“At one point, we wrote down verses that jumped out at us,” said 

April. “We were filling up books with verses. If God puts something 

in the Bible over and over, clearly it’s very important to Him. Isaiah 

1:17 tells us to bring justice to the fatherless. Ephesians 5:1 says to be 

imitators of God. That’s so simple. If you’re going to imitate God and 

He’s commanding us over and over to care for children, then we ought 

to care for children.” 

“At some point, Christians abdicated compassion to the government. 

I think it is up to us as the church to pull it back,” said Scott. “The 

story from Biblical times is that if Romans had a child that they didn’t 

want, they would set that child beside the road or outside at night and 

it would die. It was the Christians that would pick these children up, 

care for them, and show value for them. I think that’s what we are 

called to do today. There are a lot of children that are being cast aside 

by society. It’s up to us to show compassion and take them in.” 

Jonathan Nason, the Next Generation pastor for Crossgates 

Baptist Church in Brandon, shares the view that the church should 

step up to the plate. Nason has two biological siblings and one 

adopted brother. His parents have been foster parents since before he 

was born. Some of Nason’s foster siblings were with his family for just 

a weekend, but most were with them for one to six months. Many of 

the children became like family, and a couple of sibling groups were 

with the Nasons for up to three years. By the time Nason moved out 

of the house as an adult, he had been a brother to 73 children who 

had been placed in his family through foster care. His parents 

continue to foster children to this day. 

“Foster care has been my family’s ministry for my whole life,” said 

Nason. My brother who was adopted is my best friend. I can’t imagine 

not having him as well as other foster brothers and sisters growing up. 

It’s highly affected my wife and me because we want to do the same 

thing. I don’t believe the church has done a very good job of taking 

care of orphans and widows in the state of Mississippi. My wife and 

I want to make a statement of taking care of orphans and widows.” 

Nason and his wife plan to become a foster family when they 

become fully eligible. “My wife and I haven’t spoken on foster care 

here because we haven’t led by example on that. We fully intend to do 

so, but you can’t ask people to do something that tangible that you 

haven’t done, yourselves. We see ourselves as advocates for orphans 

and widows, but in order to advocate for that as a pastor, we have to 

model that. We want our kids to have what I had—to see the nations 

in our home. It changed my life.” 

“Kids who are adopted or in foster care go through a season of 

realizing: ‘Yes, I was adopted, and I’m thankful for that, but in order 

to be adopted, I was rejected at one point by my parents.’ For kids to 

be in a gospel-centered home when they’re going through an identity 

crisis is extremely important. We can explain that we were all like that 

in our sin, but Christ adopted us. As the church, we should model the 

gospel of adoption. My wife and I are passionate about that.” 

“Christ gave his life so we could be adopted. We should be willing 

to give our lives, our time, our money, our energy, our complacency, 

whatever it may be, for the sake of adoption. It’s about taking one more 

that doesn’t have a home or family and giving them something that they 

could never earn or get on their own. People’s lives are at stake, and 

you have the opportunity to change someone’s future in an extremely 

tangible way. That’s pretty rewarding in and of itself,” said Nason. 

The Selmans cited a number of ways that we can help foster 

families. Clothing and school supplies donations are great when a 

new placement arrives. Meadow Grove Baptist Church in Brandon 

accepts brand new clothing and hygiene items to have on hand for 

foster children. The church also accepts duffle bags to put the items 

in so children do not have to carry a trash bag or grocery bag. Families 

can also become licensed to provide respite, allowing foster families 

to have a safe home to temporarily keep the children when the foster 

parents, themselves, must go away overnight. Or just delivering 

meals, mowing the grass, and visiting the children. The possibilities 

for lending a hand are endless. 

“Not everyone is called to full time foster care, but we are 

commanded to care for orphans and widows,” said Scott. “There’s 

not more clarity than that.” n 


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Love 

Recycled 


Peggy Sims had no idea what she initiated on February 28, 1980 

when she delivered her sister’s birthday card at Trustmark Bank’s 

drive-thru window in Richland, Mississippi. Her sister, Clara Nell 

Mancil, was handed the card but “got mad” at her sister for not 

taking the time to hand-deliver it. “I saved the card and decided I’d 

send it back to her on her birthday on September 11,” she admits. 

That was the beginning of the recycled, traveling birthday card 

that made its 70th round this year. If the story of a repeated, recycled 

card is strange, the manner of the recycling is even stranger. 

The sisters, whose love for each other is enviable, have tapped 

into their creativity for their card delivery, and the postal service 

can’t take any credit. 

In 1981, Clara Nell had the Richland Chief of Police, complete 

with siren and megaphone, deliver the card to Peggy’s office at 

Hubbard Butane Company. Peggy reciprocated by copying the 

original card 48 times and giving the copies to random bank customers 

to hand-deliver to Clara Nell on her birthday. 



That infamous card has been frosted between birthday cake 

layers (in a Ziploc), replicated in 4x8’ plywood sheets, transported 

with their mother’s doll in a glass case, shipped UPS, and delivered 

by a florist with a funeral wreath. And that’s only a partial list. 

The sisters have a collection of treasured photos depicting many 

of the deliveries. The original card has a birthday bunny that 

Peggy impersonated when she sewed an identical rabbit outfit 

and hid in a giant box. When Clara Nell began opening 

the box, Peggy, the birthday card rabbit, hopped out. 

On Peggy’s 80th birthday, a community-wide birthday 

party/reception was held and stories shared about the 

rambling card. As usual, the birthday card was part of the 

celebration. 

The sisters’ merry laughter and light-hearted personalities 

are contagious. They give their mother great credit for raising 

them and their two brothers in a safe, loving environment 

while their carpenter dad made a good living for them. They 

now enjoy families of their own. Clara Nell has two children 

and Peggy has five. When they gather for family celebrations, 

the crowd of spouses, grands, and great grands spill out of the 

homes. 

The traveling birthday card isn’t their only binding similarity. 

They were both Miss Florence High School, salutatorians, 

basketball team players, city board members, presidents of the 

PTA, Sunday school teachers, and both married husbands from 

Richland. 

As for the birthday card delivery challenge, this past September, 

Clara Nell felt like she had topped the charts when she conscripted a 

son-in-law to deliver the card via drone. Peggy nodded in agreement 

that the idea would be hard to top. However, she hasn’t given up on 

delivering it atop a live elephant. 

“Anyone know where to rent an elephant?” she asks. n 


WE ARE IN MADISON! 

Since 1973, we’ve made hearts beat. 

Highland Medical Arts Building 

106 Highland Way, Suite 200 

Madison, MS 

For an appointment please call 601-982-7850. 

www.jacksonheart.com 


April Rigsby, Weatherly Rose 

Ariel Barnes, Tanner Aby 

Laura Harper, Anna Shorter 

Rob Oates, Jairo Garcia 

Flowood Health Fair 

September 24, 2015 • Flowood YMCA 

Theresa & Harold Parks 

Tina Hooker 

Monica Evans, Jeanette Evans 

Pam Hamrick, Ashley Biggs, 

Ann Marsh 

Meredith Anne Hornsby, Kate Arthur 

Charle Osborne, Brittany Kane 

Doris Everett, Pete Everett 

Robby Stringer, Kyle Clayton 


Avery Mitchell, Audrey Capton, Autumn DeHuff 

Brenda Hutton, Hunter Chisholm, Britton Bufkin, 

Megan Pierce 

Derrel Palmer, Leigh James, Kay Shelton 

Emma Shorter, Riley Miranda 

Spencer Pipitone, Andrew Fox 

Lizzy Lacoste, Justin Brumfield 

Erin Williams, David Ruth 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Porter, Jennifer Anderson 

Kylee Grace & Laurie Cutrer 

Shane Dubois, Tammy Phillips, Deborah Bryant 

Kevin Collins Family & Johnny Harper 

Harold Horton, Shirley Huches 




HOMETOWN 

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For ten weeks, Renasant Bank and Hometown Rankin Magazine honored school personnel 

throughout Rankin County for outstanding work in their fields. Nominations were accepted 

through Facebook each week and those receiving the most nominations were awarded 

gift baskets from our sponsor. 

We are pleased to have been able to celebrate with these amazing school employees 

that were voted on by their peers. Thank you to all who participated and 

congratulations to all our winners. 




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Susan Marquez 

Started in the 1920’s by a Greek immigrant baker, 

Primos Café has successfully blended the past with the present– 

appealing to both lifelong Primos diners and a new generation of customers. 

For more than 85 years, the Primos name 

has been synonymous with good food in 

the Jackson metro area. Angelo “Pop” 

Primos first started a bakery on Capitol 

Street in 1929. Feeling the need to do more 

than bake bread and doughnuts, he added 

a grill and his business evolved. Primos and 

his wife had four sons and a daughter, 

and as they became adults with families of 

their own, he built a restaurant for each one. 

My first memory of Primos is the old 

Primos Café, located on the corner of North 

State Street and Fortification, followed by 

Primos Northgate Convention Center, the 

place where many in the area celebrated 

with wedding receptions and other social 

functions, meetings and dinners. It was 

there that Don Primos first cut his teeth in 

the restaurant business in 1977. He managed 

the banquet facility until a Jackson attorney 

offered to buy the property. It was a huge 

operation, and the family felt it was time 

to move on to something new. 

The newest Primos ventures are nearidentical 

restaurants, one on Lakeland Drive 

in Flowood and the other on Lake Harbor 

Drive in Ridgeland. The Lakeland location 

opened in January 2002 as an all-new 

concept that gives a definite nod to the past 

Primos restaurants. The restaurant features 

an open dining room filled with deep vinyl 

booths and tables. It has a very nostalgiameets-contemporary 

feel that creates a 

cozy dining atmosphere which appeals to 

both lifelong Primos diners as well as young 

moderns. An almost identical Primos Café 

opened in Ridgeland in January 2006. 

Primos is what is known as a “fast 

casual” restaurant, which means you place 

your order at the counter, grab a number, 

and seat yourself. The food is then brought 

to your table quickly and great service 


continues throughout the customers’ stay. 

Service begins with breakfast at 6:30 each 

morning through lunch and dinner. The 

restaurants close at 9:00pm.“I love 

breakfast at Primos,” said Mary Claire 

Primos, the daughter of Don. She began 

working at Primos in high school, and for 

the past five years, she’s been the marketing 

and branding expert for the company. 

“The batter is an old family recipe. As a 

matter of fact, my dad brings the batter 

home during the holidays and we have a 

huge pancake breakfast while everyone is 

together. A lot of people don’t know we 

sell the batter, so you can include that 

with your holiday order, along with our 

fantastic cheese grits and homemade 

cinnamon rolls.” 

Like the pancake batter, most of the 

recipes for food served at Primos are old 

family recipes, cooked for generations at 

the Primos restaurants. “We make all our 

food from scratch,” said Mary Claire. “We 

tell folks that at Thanksgiving and Christmas, 

they can order their meal from us and all 

they have to do is set the table!” 

Many families enjoy delicious holiday 

meals from Primos in their own home each 

Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each holiday 

season, Primos cooks entire turkeys and 

hams, and offer cornbread dressing, giblet 

gravy and everyone’s favorite side dishes, 

including squash casserole, sweet potato 

casserole, green bean casserole, macaroni 

and cheese, butter beans and turnip 

greens. And of course, there’s the famous 

Primos desserts. The two most popular are 

the caramel cake and strawberry cake, but 

equally delicious are the Italian cream cake 

and red velvet cake. Also offered are sweet 

potato, lemon ice box and pecan pies, 

lemon pound cake and German chocolate 

cake. “And our gingerbread men have 

become legendary,” laughed Mary Claire. 

Holiday parties aren’t complete without 

Primos cheese straws. “They make great 

appetizers for parties and football games, 

and people love to receive them as gifts,” 

said Mary Claire. “They pair well with red 

wine. Our signature cheese straw tins 

feature Pop on the top, since he’s the 

godfather of Primos!” 

Ordering holiday meals from Primos 

has become a family tradition for many. 

“Our pickup dates for Christmas are 

December 22, 23 and 24,” Mary Claire 

stated. “We close at 11am on Christmas 

Eve, and we are seeing a real trend of 

families coming in for a big breakfast on 

Christmas Eve before picking up their 

pre-ordered dinners to take home for 

Christmas day.” 

The entire holiday menu can be found 

online at www.primoscafe.com/holiday. 

Ordering early is encouraged. n 


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Pearl 

River 

Wood 

Carvers 

Susan Marquez 

From Santa heads carved in cypress 

stumps to fire-breathing dragons, 

the Pearl River Woodcarving Guild 

show is a treat for everyone. 

Sitting on the front porch, pocket knife in one hand, block of wood in the other, a pile 

of shavings at your feet...it all seems very, well, Mayberry RFD. So yeah, Sheriff Andy would 

whittle to relax after keeping the peace in Mayberry all day, but whittling and wood carving 

are still just as popular today right here in Rankin County. 

The Pearl River Woodcarving Guild is a non-profit organization that exists solely to 

promote woodcarving through regular meetings and an annual show. It started in October 

1983 as the Mississippi Pearl River Woodcarvers. The meetings are held on the third 

Monday night of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Brandon City Hall/Senior Center 

on West Government Street. The annual show was held in October, with entrants in a 

number of categories. 


To go to a Pearl River Woodcarving Guild show is a treat. The first 

thing you may notice is the person working the registration table is 

doing double duty, pocketknife in hand and actively carving Christmas 

stars for ornaments. Dale Anderson, clad in his green vest and Pearl 

River Woodcarving Guild hat, carves for the fun of it. “It’s relaxing and 

it’s fun,” the 88-year-old Reservoir resident says. “I enjoy taking a 

simple block of wood and creating something out of it. It’s ideal for me, 

because I do it just about anywhere.” 

Inside the Brandon municipal complex, an array of birds, fish, bears, 

ducks, dolphins, deer, and other wildlife are caught in poses, frozen in 

time. Hands have carefully carved the figures out of a variety of different 

woods, then painted or stained them to look as real as they do in nature, 

or artfully stylized. There are Santa heads carved in cypress stumps, a 

fire-breathing dragon, humorous caricatures and more. The pieces are 

entered in the appropriate categories then a panel of judges evaluates 

the relief carvings, miniatures, embellished turnings and other wooden 

works of art. 

Wade Buie coordinated the show for the second year. He’s been a 

member of the Guild for about six years. “My cousin, James Buie, was 

one of the founders of the club. He and another cousin, Kendall 

Winstead, tried to get me to visit one of the meetings. I finally did, and 

then decided to attempt to carve something. That was it. I fell in love 

with it.” Buie had four pieces in the show for competition, with another 

three on display only. 


“I enjoy carving because it’s relaxing. It’s my quiet time, and it 

takes all my stress away. I love the joy of seeing characters emerge 

out of a piece of wood.” Buie said he carves caricatures, 

snowmen and Santas. 

This years’ show had more in the open class than ever 

before, but the entries in the interim and novice classes were 

down. “That shows that we need to recruit more folks,” 

Buie said. 

Horace McNeal serves as the Guild’s 

president. A resident of Pelahatchie, McNeal 

only joined the group in 2013. “I started 

carving in 2012,” he said. “I attempted carving 

in prior years, but it didn’t really go anywhere. 

Then I met a gentleman in Rankin County who helped 

me get started. I ordered some tools and he helped me 

until I felt confident on my own.” 

The attendance for this year’s show was good, according 

to McNeal. “We had demos throughout the day, and those were 

well attended. Everybody seems to like to learn something new.” 

The woodcarvers in the Guild are from all different walks of life, 

and all ages. The scope of their work is broad, and there’s a strong 

emphasis on encouraging one another. The monthly meetings 

feature various speakers and artisans who provide informative 

seminars and workshops, and the public is always welcomed. 

A typical meeting consists of a word of welcome by the president, 

introduction of guests, presenting of a carving project consisting of 

a cut-out and a pattern, a “show and tell” time, special program and 

a give-away of donated items related to woodcarving. The club 

maintains a free lending library of books about woodcarving and 

related subjects that can be checked out by members. 

From the inception of the Pearl River Woodcarvers organization, 

the experienced wood carvers sit with beginner carvers and help 

them carve a heart, mostly out of donated basswood or water tupelo. 

The patterns are taken from books and magazines, or sometimes 

original patterns by club members. “We want to expose as many 

people to woodcarving as we can,” said McNeal. n 

________________________________________________________ 

For more information, visit www.pearlriverwoodcarvers.org. 


Saturday 

December 12 

9am-4pm 

Richland Community Center 

Free Admission 

Come join us at Richland’s 

Totally Locally Christmas Market 

where shopping is made simple 

as vendors come together in ONE 

place to meet your last minute 

Christmas Shopping needs! 



Get your next Chevy at the home of great sales and service, 

Rogers Dabbs Chevrolet 

Rankin County's Hometown Chevy Dealership. 

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601-825-2277 


Be a Scout 

Susan O’Bryan 

Scouting is about more than just 

camping out and building camp fires. 

It provides a sense of family, 

teaches character, and truly 

builds future leaders. 

More than 140 Rankin County boys and 

parents are learning the value of old and 

new as they work to produce upstanding 

young men. With the help of enthusiastic 

leaders, parents and volunteers, the boys 

of the Boy Scouts of America’s Pack 85 

and Troop 85 are preparing for whatever 

may come their way as adults. 

It obviously appeals to the boys in 85, 

a single number shared by the pack and 

troop. 85, part of the Andrew Jackson 

Council of the BSA, now is one of the 

largest Scouting groups in Mississippi. 

It has grown from 14 members in 2008 

to more than 140 boys and teens today. 

The national average size for a pack or 

troop is 25. 

“The growth is outstanding and quite 

extraordinary,” said Tony Haines, CEO and 

scout executive for the Andrew Jackson 

Council. “Cubmaster Todd Bridges and 

Scoutmaster John White have taken 

scouting to a whole new level for the youth 

in the Florence/Richland area. The kicker is 

that they have accomplished this in an 

area that is more rural than urban and where 

the median income is below average. 

I would say ‘phenomenal’ is a great word 

to describe the program’s growth." 

Haines said Bridges and White saw a need 

for a quality youth program for boys in the 

area, and they committed themselves to 

achieving that goal. “And it wasn’t just a 

flash in the pan for one or two years. They 

have maintained a quality program, quality 

leadership and excited youth for over five 

years. Now that is commitment,” he 

continued. 

More than 38 adult leaders help Bridges 

and White with Pack and Troop 85. The 

pack is for boys in grades 1-5 and the troop 

for fifth-graders through age 18. 

“Nowadays boys don’t get out as much 

because they’re glued to their video games. 

There are more single moms with no men 

in the home,” White said. “Boy Scouts is 

the best organization for boys this age, bar 

none. What they experience by way of the 

program prepares them for life.” 

Victory Congregational Methodist 

Church, where Pack 85 meets, is proud of 

their scout program. “It’s exciting for our 

church and other people in the community 

to see what the boys are doing,” said the 

Rev. Chris Covington. “We’ve had several 

Scout families become church members, 

and then some of our church members 

have joined the Scouts. It’s a circle where 

we all benefit.” 

When fifth-grader Bryce Henderson was 

in the first grade, he told his mother that he 

wanted to join Pack 85. “I always thought 

of Boy Scouts as a father-son thing. As a 

single mom, I didn’t think we’d fit in,” Kim 

Henderson said. “Todd told me it was OK, 

that the pack was family-oriented. He 

wasn’t kidding. All the family is included, 

whether it’s mom, brother or little sister.” 

“We call ourselves the 85 family 

because everyone does what they can. 

Everybody takes ownership. Whether it’s 

a campout or a meeting, parents are 

involved,” said Bridges. “They do what they 

can, whether it’s leading a hike, preparing 


up to 1,000 feet of wood for birdhouses, or 

making meals for 300 people at a camp out.” 

“The success of the Pack 85/Troop 

85 program is about great quality adult 

volunteers and involved parents and 

guardians,” Haines said. The Andrew 

Jackson Council provides services and 

facilities, “but the leadership for Pack/Troop 

85 provides the lifetime memories and 

experiences.” 

White, himself an Eagle Scout from 

Troop 85, has been Scoutmaster since 

1996. He wanted to expand the program, 

so he signed papers in 2008 to begin Pack 

85. That year Bridges and his son Joshua, 

then a first-grader, joined the pack with 11 

other boys and four leaders. There were 

only two Troop 85 members at the time. 

Participation increased the next year, just 

as it has done every year since. 



Henderson wanted to be involved with 

her son, so she became a den leader three 

years ago. “He is doing things that he would 

never have been able to do with a single 

mom,” she said. “The memories we’re 

making are very special.” 

“When these boys come together, 

there’s no black or white, rich or poor. 

Everyone is equal whether we’re working 

or playing,” he said. “At school they might 

not have ever been friends, but come a 

scouting activity, and they’re all friends. 

It’s one place where it doesn’t matter what 

you do – athletics, band, theater or being 

smart. What matters is you belong here.” 

Bridges and White grew up in scouting. 

“We didn’t do cool stuff then like we do now,” 

Bridges said. “We don’t just go camping or 

learn to make fires anymore. In 85, we do 

it to the max. In 85, it’s cool to be a scout.” 

There’s a weeklong summer camp, 

several tent campouts and nearly a dozen 

overnight trips to science museums, 

observatories, planetariums and battleships. 

There’s also time for rappelling, swimming, 

zip-lining, geocaching and mountain biking. 

Bryce Henderson doesn’t have a favorite. 

Instead, he says he likes “everything.” His 

mom prefers the trips, especially spending 

the night at the McWane Science Museum 

in Birmingham, Ala. “We slept under this 

huge tree, so it felt just like camping, but 

with an indoor bathroom.” 

Service and leadership are the heart of 

the 85 program and a point of pride for 

Bridges and White. It is the foundation of 

the group’s motto, “We help those who 

can’t help themselves.” 

“I tell the boys that people will help any 

worthwhile cause, but they need leaders 

to get the ball rolling and they are those 

leaders. We have rallied the community 

for tornado relief, comfort supplies for 

soldiers stationed overseas, food drives 

and countless hours of community work,” 

Bridges said. “What seems just like work 

to us adults is fun for these kids. They not 

only don’t mind spending their free time 

and weekends helping others, they think 

that is normal behavior and it’s what you 

are supposed to do.” 

“At the end of every meeting, I challenge 

my boys to make a difference,” White said. 

“Make a difference in their communities, 

their homes, their churches and their 

schools. They’ve never let me down.” 

The 85 family is known throughout 

Rankin County for its abilities in organization, 

leadership and service. “People know 

they can count on our help,” Bridges said. 

“We’re a machine that can come in and 

make it happen, whether it’s for one person 

or several hundred.” 

85’s latest project is heading up the toy 

drive for Batson Hospital for the council. The 

boys are working with other scout groups 

around the state and the community to 

collect toys and gift cards for kids that have 

to be admitted to the hospital. 

“The toys not only provide Christmas 

cheer for those who are there over the 

holidays but also throughout the year,” 

Bridges said. “Doctors and nurses use 

the toys to help take the kid's minds off 

of chemo treatments, dialysis and many 

other illnesses. With over 150,000 patients 

a year they can use our help.” 

Each year when registration rolls around, 

Henderson gives Bryce a choice about the 

coming year’s extracurricular activities. 

She asks if he wants to stay in scouts or 

do something else. Each time he gives his 

mom the same answer. 

“Why would I not do scouts?” he asks. 

Henderson doesn’t argue. n 

For more information about Pack 85 and Troop 85, contact 

Todd Bridges at todd_bridges@comcast.net. To learn 

more about Boy Scouts of America, visit beascout.org. 


84 • December/January 2015/January 2016

Alex Kelly, Woody Barnett 

Belinda, Austin, & Emma Harrell 

Carmen, Kate, & Leo Roa 

Chris Walker, Ray Morgigno 

Kiwanis Club of Pearl 

Annual 

Pancake 

Supper 

Pearl High School 

November 19, 2015 

Diamond Vanderford Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Tadlock, 

Sheila Vanderford 

Jerry Hester, Brande Lewis 

Chris & Bailey Chism 

Erma Gay Jones, Mitch Childre, Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Castens, 

Jim Withers, Leon Miller 

Houston Briggs & 

Sheriff Bryan Bailey 

Jim & Susan Newton 

Dave Burke, Steve DeSalvo, Jim Bishop 

Nicole Westerfield, Nicole Marin, Rebecca Watkins, 

Doyle Russell, Jean Cooper 

John Branch, Bryan Ellis, Gene Newman 

John Perry, Mr. & Mrs. Garren, Marie Braswell 

Kathy Deer & Shawn Cochran 


Olivia Herring, Breanna Mcquirter, Azazih Parker 

Madison Canfield, Kaehlyn Saxton, Morgan Olexy 

Rebecca & Hawk Alexander, Susan Alexander 

Nikki Graham, Steve Alexander 

Kim & Ainsley Scutch 

Sheila & Kayla Karr 

Ron & Emmalyn Humphrey 

Samuel & Kim Miller Sean Nissen, Jennifer Darling Melissa & Josh Murray, Caroline, Gabriel, David 

Elizabeth Varner, Layla Childress, Ed Varner 

Shirley Russell, Anne Edwards, Merri McCoy 

Shelby Chapman, Sarah Romines, Jake Watts, Morgan Olexy 

Thomas Blanton, Hannah Chapman 

Tracy & Shelby Yates 

Tyler & Reid Stephens, 

Debbie Jones 

Zack & Mayor Brad Rogers 


Let our Cypress Swing 

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and into a state 

of relaxation. 

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1-888-490-9046 • 601-845-8600 



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Beloved Pottery Nativity Plate 

polk's drugs 

E-Z-GO Terrain 1000 

Ben nelson 

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BLACKLEDGE FACE CENTER 

Costa Sunglasses 

PROFESSIONAL EYECARE ASSOCIATES 

Lit Coolers 

Rankin county co-op 


Fringe Booties 

Miss Priss 

Kendra Scott “Elle” earrings 

Apple Annie’s 

Alex Ladner artwork 

Chapman’s Florist 

Bethany Lowe 

Retro Red Nosed Reindeer 

THE OLIVE BRANCH 

Ceramic Santa Ornament 

Handmade in Mississippi 

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14k rose gold amethyst, garnet, pink 

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SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. 

SPEND LOCAL. ENJOY LOCAL. 

Support the local businesses who support 

the area where you live, work and play. 

www.rankinchamber.com 


Making 

Memories 


Sometimes you will never 

know the value of a moment 

until it becomes a memory. 

- Dr. Suess 


This time five years ago, my family was 

gearing up to move into a new house. If 

you’ve never moved anywhere the week 

of Christmas, don’t. It’s insane. And it’s the 

second time we’ve done it. The first time 

was sixteen years ago as newlyweds into 

a home that my husband and I had just built. 

It was Christmas week and all we had was 

some random furniture, each other, and big 

dreams. Our biggest priority, at that point, 

was to have people over for New Year’s 

Eve to ring in Y2K before the cyber-world 

collapsed. 

The second time we moved was different. 

We were a family that included a child, two 

dogs, a cat, and more stuff than anyone 

should haul from one place to another— 

all, of course, in boxes. Countless boxes. 

We stuck a tree up in the corner and put a 

handful of ornaments on it including one, 

brand new and still wrapped in tissue that 

said “Our New Home”. I was starting a new 

tradition of collecting ornaments that told 

our story, and this was our first. There were 

no elaborate decorations or 

wreaths or swags. There 

was no gourmet meal, no 

Christmas cookies and no 

eggnog. But despite the stress 

of moving, and all the 

back-breaking work that comes with it, it was 

undoubtedly one of the best Christmases I 

can remember. 

It allowed us to reflect on the true meaning 

of the season. Actually, it forced us to, I guess. 

We had each other, a roof over our heads 

and a warm place to sleep. My husband and 

I didn’t even exchange gifts that year and 

my then-seven-year old son only had a few. 

I would love to tell you that we limited our 

gift giving as the result of some new-found 

stance on materialism–after all, Baby Jesus 

only got three gifts. But the truth is, that with 

the all the packing and moving and working, 

I hadn’t had time to shop. And as it turns out, 

no one seemed to mind at all–particularly 

my son. It made me proud. There we were– 

all genuinely grateful for what we had and 

for being together. It’s one of my fondest 

Christmas memories. 

It is incredibly easy for us to take our worlds 

for granted and many of our children may 

likely never remember a time when things 

weren’t constantly available–and in great 

abundance. But sadly, we are surrounded 

by people in our own zip codes that struggle 

with keeping a roof over their heads or 

feeding their own families. 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of 

seeing, firsthand, what the efforts of a 

determined few can do to offer hope to the 

weary. I’ve volunteered for several organizations 

that are committed to changing people’s 

lives and I’ve learned more from the broken 

than I ever learned anywhere else. It makes 

me appreciate, even more, all we have, and 

even more so, all we can do. It’s important to 

help others–particularly during the holidays. 

Remember, “To whom much is given, much 

is required,” Luke 12:48. 

So this year, as we continue to whittle 

down our holiday to-do lists and prepare for 

our annual family gatherings, let’s remember 

those who are truly in need of our time and 

generosity. 

Consider sponsoring a needy family. 

Help to put food on the table for those 

that might not have the means to do so 

themselves. Or commit to helping the 

homeless. At a time when warm homes 

and family get-togethers are common, 

the homeless are left feeling particularly 

isolated. 

Deliver a meal, visit a senior, or adopt 

an angel. (The Salvation Army Angel Tree 

program is one of my favorites.) Help a 

co-worker or over-tip your waiter. There 

are lots of ways to make an impact. 

I know that as a child, I couldn’t wait to 

open gifts on Christmas morning and 

probably asked a hundred times when it 

would be time. But, looking back, I don’t 

remember many of the gifts I received. 

I do remember baking holiday cakes in 

my grandmother’s kitchen, though. Those 

memories are more valuable than any board 

game or Barbie doll I ever got, I can assure 

you. Making memories is what it’s all about. 

And so, time marches on. My son will 

turn thirteen just two days into January. And 

since that first Christmas in our new home, 

we’ve collected five more years’ worth of 

memories–many commemorated by special 

ornaments on our tree. There are no 

cardboard boxes in our living room and our 

halls are all suitably decked. But nothing will 

ever take away from the lesson we learned 

from our very first Christmas here. We know, 

beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the most 

important things in life are being grateful for 

what you have and being together with 

people you love. 

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Serving our county 

Constable Barry Bean 

rankin county sherriff's Department 

Why did you decide to become a 

constable? 

After serving 9 years with the 113th Military 

Police Company in Brandon, I realized my 

passion was law enforcement. 

How long have you been with Rankin 

County Sheriff’s Department? 

I was sworn in as a reserve deputy in 1995 

under J.B. Torrence’s administration and 

continued to serve as a reserve officer until 

I was elected constable in 2000. I have been 

honored to serve as bailiff in Rankin County 

Chancery Court for Sheriffs’ Ken Dickerson, 

Ronnie Pennington and Bryan Bailey, since 

2001. 

What do you enjoy most about 

your typical day as a constable? 

There is never a typical day. My duties as 

constable are varied with a new experience 

every day. 

What is the toughest thing you have 

experienced as a constable? 

Responding to a scene with fatalities and 

having their family members present. Also, 

an unfortunate part of the job as constable 

is having to evict people from their homes. 

Tell us about your family. 

While I have a small family, I am so blessed. 

I have been married to my loving wife, Angela, 

for 28 years. I have the best mom around, Kitty, 

who has always shown me love and compassion. 

A great sister in law Sherry Sills and her two 

children, Taylor and Meredith Sills. 

Share some things that you enjoy 

in your spare time. 

SEC Football, hunting and fishing. 

What are three things on your 

bucket list? 

Travel to Alaska, Hawaii and enjoy the 

experiences of another mission trip to 

Nicaragua. 

What do you consider your greatest 

achievement/accomplishment and why? 

I am humbled to have been elected to my 

fifth term as constable in Rankin County. 

I am grateful to know that the citizens in District 

Three have stood behind me and continue to 

support me as their constable. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

My late brother in law, Jeffrey Sills, for his 

direction and encouragement to run for this 

office and impressing on me the ability to 

help others. 

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

I have two; Christmas, celebrating the birth of 

our Savior Jesus Christ and Easter where we 

are able to celebrate His resurrection. 

What is your favorite childhood memory? 

Hunting and fishing in the Delta with my late 

father, Carlos Bean. My father taught me many 

things that I will cherish and always carry with me. 

What is the biggest mistake you think 

young people make today? 

Succumbing to peer pressure. 

If you could give one piece of advice to 

a young person, what would it be? 

Like my father always told me, “Remember 

where you came from and where you are 

headed.” 

What is most rewarding about your job? 

Helping people. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

Enjoying retirement and helping others. 

What’s your favorite thing about 

Rankin County? 

First and foremost is the quality of life that 

includes a strong law enforcement presence 

and the ability to work together for the common 

good. This combination provides an unparalleled 

quality for the present and future generations. 




The CHALKBOARD 

rankin county School district 

Florence 

During homecoming week, Florence Elementary School 

was asked to spotlight firefighters as their highlighted “Heroes.” 

The staff and students raised money in honor of their highlighted 

heroes, and the money collected was donated to the Mississippi 

Burn Camp Foundation. 

FES is full of heroes, and during Florence High School’s 

homecoming game we were able to recognize a few of our 

Firefighter Heroes (pictured L to R): 

• Florence Elementary School Principal, Vallerie Lacey 

• Richland Fire Department - Assistant Chief Scotty Gainey 

(with son Ben Pruett) 

• Pearl Fire Department - Lieutenant Preston Harris 

(with son Kayson Harris) 

• Pearl Fire Department - Lieutenant Blake Ball (uncle of 

3rd grade student Conner Ball ) 

• Florence Fire Department - Firefighter Michael Burkes 

(with son Jacob Burkes) 

• Flowood Fire Department - Lieutenant Robert Wilson 

( father of 4th grade student Gage Wilson) 

• Flowood Fire Department, Captain Karl VanHorn 

• Flowood Fire Department-Lieutenant Michael Lacey 

( father of 5th grade student Emma Lacey) 

• MS Burn Camp Foundation representative Tammy Moore, 

counselor in training Mercedes Carnell, and camper Jada Amerson. 

The MS Burn Camp Foundation is an independent group of 

citizens and fire service volunteers who provide a free summer 

camp for young burn survivors ages 7-15. This camp includes a 

week of food, lodging, and fun for the participants and is funded 

entirely by donations. This is offered at no charge to the participants. 

It is with great honor we presented our check for $2,553 to 

the MS Burn Camp Foundation. 

Top: FES Homecoming MS Burn Camp f loat 

Bottom: Ms. Sones 4th Grade Class 

100 • December 2015/January 2016 

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.

McLaurin 

Shelby Tew and Jade Westbrook, sixth grade McLaurin Beta students 

McLaurin Elementary, is located in Florence, Mississippi. 

As a model school, we proudly support PBIS. What is PBIS? 

It is Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports or a positive 

reinforcement system. This system creates a safe and positive 

environment for students and teachers. 

We are in our sixth year with this system and have been a model 

school for the last five years. To reinforce good behavior, teachers 

give out tiger tickets and correct behavior as nicely as possible. A 

whole class may receive a golden ticket, meaning that the class has 

been safe, respectful, and responsible. PBIS benefits teachers by 

giving them more instructional time because they spend less time 

correcting students. 

Parent and community volunteers help during Big Events. Big 

Events are scheduled every nine weeks to reward students that had 

good behavior. Members of our PBIS team also meet with other 

PBIS schools. 

On October 28, we had Jr. Beta Club induction. This included 

fifty students from the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. McLaurin Jr. Beta 

members are participating in Beta Buddies. Beta Buddies is a 

tutoring program where we are assigned a certain class to tutor 

different students. In the spring we are planning to attend the 

Mississippi Jr. Beta Convention in Biloxi. 

At last year’s state convention, Lily Kaczkowski placed 3rd in 

handmade jewelry, which qualified her to attend the National Beta 

Convention in Nashville with a group of McLaurin Beta students 

and Mrs. Consuela Dixon. The girls competed in “Convention 

Invention”, placing 5th and “Reimagine – Recreate – Recycle”, 

placing in the top ten of the fashion show. Lily also won the John 

W. Harris Leadership Award and will attend the Beta Leadership 

Camp this summer. 

Girl’s attending 2014-2015 National Beta Convention: 

From left: Rebecca Ozborn, Lily Kaczkowski, Nyla Johnson, Emily Webb, 

Olivia Crosser Back row: Sara McRaney, Paula Duplessis 

McLaurin Elementary 

Jr. Beta Club Induction 

Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion. 




Northwest 

Rankin 

What is so special about Northwest Rankin Elementary? Out of 

the abundance of blessings to choose from, one stands far above 

the rest – we’re a family. The moment you walk onto our campus 

you are included into our circle of family members, be you faculty, 

parent, student, or community associate. 

In this circle of family we have surrounded one of our own 

- our librarian, Ms. Alicia Bowie, as she has bravely fought and 

CONQUERED cancer. Not an 

easy topic to approach with young 

children, Ms. Bowie has kept her 

loving smile as she openly explained 

to her students that her lack of hair 

is due to medicine that will make 

her better. 

Only being absent from school 

when absolutely necessary, Ms. 

Bowie is there for her students as 

they come to the library looking for the most amazing book to 

read next. On days when she would rather be resting and 

recovering, Ms. Bowie is opening new worlds for children 

through books. No one at NWRE doubted that Ms. Bowie 

would not get well. We have our very own miracle on Vine Drive! 

Ms. Bowie, you are a true friend and teacher, and we are all 

blessed to call you family. Thank you for your daily example of 

how to live, love, learn, and leave a legacy. Stand strong in the 

comfort that we’ve got your back! 

Pelahatchie 

On November13th, the Pelahatchie High School JROTC 

underwent its first command formal inspection administered by 

members of U.S. Army Cadet Command in recent years and 

achieved a highly proficient rating well above the 90 percentile 

threshold under new 

Cadet Command 

regulatory guidelines. 

The unit achieved an 

overall 93 rating exemplifying 

the outstanding 

job the cadets did on the 

inspection. This 

inspection occurs once 

every 3 years on average 

and rates the unit’s overall proficiency in a number of areas to 

include a formal company in-ranks inspection, formal Color Guard, 

and full staff briefings focusing on continuous improvement 

efforts and service learning highlighting community service. 

Under the command of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Hunter 

Martin, a junior at PHS, the entire JROTC battalion was inspected 

with all of our cadets performing their command and staff 

assignments. We are very excited about our high rating as we are 

the first school in the RCSD and Mississippi and among the first 

in our nation to be inspected and accredited under the new 

regulations and guidelines. 


As shown by the high inspection rating, the Pelahatchie High 

JROTC is achieving its mission to motivate students and teach 

them the values of citizenship, leadership, service to community, 

personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment while 

building upon teamwork, self-discipline, and enhancing self-esteem. 

PHS Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) 

is a program offered to high school students that teach cadets 

character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, 

and diversity. Collectively, these lessons motivate cadets to be 

better citizens which is the main focus and mission of JROTC. 

In addition to promoting citizenship, JROTC also prepares 

cadets for college while providing service opportunities involving 

school and community. 

Pelahatchie Chiefs - Game Changers Building Literacy 

Dr. Bryan Marshall and Lisa Attkisson 

How to motivate young children to read is a question that is 

typically asked by most parents and teachers. When contemplating 

how to reach beginning or struggling readers, it is highly 

important to bring a sense of excitement to the literature. 

This year at Pelahatchie Elementary and High School, 

students are helping students learn to read and to develop a love 

of reading. These are not 

just ordinary students 

from Pelahatchie High 

School but are senior 

football players. The 

players spend their time 

reading to the kindergarten 

through third grade 

students. These reading sessions are held several different ways. 

Some sessions are held with individual students, groups of 

students, and sometimes they read to an entire class. The football 

players are given a series of questions that probe for higher order 

thinking to ask before, during and after the reading session. 

This program has been hugely successful and has brought 

about a new attitude toward reading in the schools. This is a two 

way street because the football players see how much of a role 

model they really are and how much the younger students look 

up to them. The elementary students, in turn, see the importance 

of reading, and it is fun for them to see their heroes up close and 

personal. 

Literacy has been a focus on both campuses at Pelahatchie and 

will continue to be an important part of the education of the 

students. Literacy is the foundation for building life long readers 

and consequently life long learners is the ultimate goal of the 

Pelahatchie school zone. The faculty and staff at Pelahatchie 

Elementary and High School encourage each parent to promote 

reading and to help develop a love of literature that will spill over 

into the school. It is the parents that make our jobs easier, and we 

thank you for sending the students we educate daily. We are truly 

blessed to be a part of their lives. 

Pisgah 

Pisgah High School is proud 

to announce its Teacher of the 

Year for 2015-2016, Mrs. Lindsey 

Winn. Mrs. Winn has taught 

junior high science at our school 

for the past five years. She 

graduated from William Carey 

University with a degree in K-8 

Education, and also earned certification to teach reading, history, 

and science. She recently earned her M.Ed. in Administrative 

Leadership from the American College of Education. She is 

originally from Flowood and is a graduate of Northwest Rankin 

High School. Lindsey is married to Jamie Winn and they have 

two children, Rivers and Laken. 

Mrs. Winn teaches all of Pisgah’s seventh and eighth grade 

science courses, and therefore is able to guide students through 

both grades, culminating at the end of eighth grade with the 

Mississippi Science Test 2. Mrs. Winn chose a career in teaching 

science because “it is full of experiments, it is engaging, and it 

allows me to create a fun learning environment.” She enjoys the 

challenge of competing to improve her students’ test scores each 

year and also creating innovative ways to design a reflective 

environment. Last year, her eighth graders created a portfolio of 

their strengths and weaknesses in science; the preparation taught 

them to be optimistic about their abilities, and she thinks that 




impacted their success in science the most. Mrs. Winn’s students 

earned 86% proficient and advanced on the 2015 MST2 test 

(with zero scoring minimal) and they had the highest average 

scores in the Rankin County School District. 

Mrs. Winn also recognizes the importance of literacy as a key 

to success schoolwide and is always looking for new ways to 

improve literacy at PHS. She works with teachers from all 

departments to improve reading instruction and comprehension, 

and trains new teachers on Achieve 3000 (a reading program at 

the school). Mrs. Winn is a wonderful team player and we are 

honored to have her as a part of our PHS family! 

Puckett 

Welcome to Puckett, Mississippi, home of “300 Good 

Friendly Folks and a Few Old Soreheads,” according to the town’s 

city limits. This is what most passer-byes know about the town, 

but its residents know it and its school as one of the best-kept 

secret in the state. 

During October, the Wolves sought to get involved with the 

community and raise awareness for breast cancer research. We 

held Pink Out week where students donned pink and raised 

$1,000.00 for the Tackle A Cure Foundation. Students have also 

raised their ACT scores, participating in a $30 for 30 campaign 

where they receive real compensation for academic excellence. 

Dr. Blanton from Millsaps College recently conducted a two-day 

ACT boot camp and will return for future test preparation. 

Seniors have already received multiple scholarship offers nearing 

$1 million, to date. 

Teens are not only hitting the books but also getting their hands 

dirty to keep the campus beautiful. This fall, the art program sold 

coloring books and marble cheese cutters at the Canton Flea 

Market to raise funds for its school gardens. The department has 

added two waterfalls, a stream bed, and with a generous grant 

from Lowes, a sprinkler system for the newest garden expansion. 

Lastly, we owe a big shout out to the spirited students of PHS. 

This year, they created the first ever student section to cheer on 

the Wolf Pack football team. They are donning maroon and 

white and celebrating success with our football team. They have 


een an intimidating presence at the games this year, and the 

team is feeling the love, reeling with an exciting 9-1 record. 

The city limits may advertise small-town soreheads, but 

students and community partners are working together to change 

the world from the inside out. 

Park Place 

Lori Clendinning, PPCA Librarian 

PPCA announces first-ever National Merit semifinalist 

Matthew Wise, a senior at Park Place Christian Academy (PPCA) 

in Pearl, Miss., was among those announced as a semifinalist in 

the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Out of a pool of 

about 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools, the 

prestigious honor of being selected as a National Merit Semifinalist 

is limited to approximately 16,000 students in the United States. 

The selection proclaims Matthew to be an individual student 

who shows exceptional academic ability and potential for success 

in rigorous college studies. He will have the opportunity to 

compete for one of the 7,400 National Merit Scholarship awards 

worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. 

Matthew is the son of Michael and Susan Wise. He is a member 

of Park Place Baptist Church in Pearl, Miss., where he is active in 

the youth group, helps with mission-focused activities, and assists 

with media ministry and worship, handling camera and sound 

equipment duties. An avid reader, Matthew is a member of PPCA’s 

National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Book Club, as well as the 

cross-country and tennis teams at PPCA, where he has attended 

since three-year-old kindergarten. Matthew has served in student 

government, helped begin the school’s Robotics Club, and 

supervises the student team responsible for hoisting the PPCA 

flag every morning. As a junior, Matthew placed first in the MAIS 

District Science Fair and was awarded second place in the MAIS 

State Science Fair. Always willing to help out faculty, staff, and 

fellow students at PPCA, Matthew is currently considering 

pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering at Mississippi State 

University. 

“We are especially proud of Matthew,” said Ted Poore, PPCA 

Head of School. “He is a fine young man who has worked diligently 

and we are pleased that he is our school’s first-ever National Merit 

Scholar semifinalist. We are praying for him as he continues to 

pursue the very best that God has for him.” 

Richland 

Richland Upper Elementary, a third through sixth grade school, 

is excited to have introduced a new program this year entitled, 

“Parent Parties”. This initiative works to promote parent education 

and parental involvement in our schools and community. The 

faculty at RUES believes parents are one of the greatest resources 

we have, and feel these parties are an excellent way to increase our 

parent participation and celebrate the diversity of our community. 

The faculty wants our school to be an inviting place for parents to 

feel welcome and to participate in the educational journey of 

their children. 

Informational flyers were sent home with all students to 

encourage parents to attend the initial organizational meeting. 

Interested parents met with faculty members in September and 

began planning the various events. RUES parents have been 

instrumental in the planning and implementation of the monthly 

parties that will alternate between day and evening events in 

order to accommodate parent schedules. 

October’s topic focused on our school’s literacy initiative with 

“A Story and a Snack”. Each homeroom class invited parents to 

read from various genres while enjoying delicious snacks sent by 

other parents who could not attend, but wanted to participate. 

November’s topic will emphasize family fitness by hosting a 

two-day event at the Richland High School old gymnasium 

entitled “Zumba Fitness Night”. Various activities are planned 


Kick Off The Season 

Alumni House Style 

Located inside the Holiday Inn-Trustmark Park 

110 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl 

With over 27 HD TV’s all tuned to sports, you won’t miss 

a pass, punt or touchdown. Even if you’re not the world’s 

greatest sports fan, you can still have a lot of fun, and 

score some of the finest cuisine around, as well as a huge 

assortment of craft beers. Come on over! 

Join us for Happy Hour! Monday–Friday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. 

Lunch & Dinner: Mon–Sat: 11:00 am–10:00 pm • Sun: 11:00 am–9:00 pm 

Breakfast: 6:00-10:00 am, 7 days a week 

Phone ahead: 601-939-5238 • www.alumnihousepearl.com 

This Year, 

Go Bowling 

In The House. 

The Alumni House! 

In the Holiday Inn, Trustmark Park 

It’s as good as being there! Whatever bowl game your 

team is going to, with over 27 HD TV’s all tuned to sports, 

you won’t miss a pass, punt or touchdown. And, you can 

score some of the finest cuisine around, as well as a huge 

assortment of craft beers. Come on over! 

Lunch & Dinner: 

Mon–Sat: 11 am–10 pm, Sun: 11 am–9 pm 

Breakfast: 6–10 am, 7 days a week 

Happy Hour Mon–Fri: 

3 pm until 7 pm 

Phone ahead: 601-939-5238 

www.alumnihousepearl.com 


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throughout the remainder of the year such as a Baptist Heart 

presentation for parent and students on being heart healthy. 

Richland Upper Elementary is excited to already see the 

growth in our parental participation! It is the school’s passion to 

help empower our parents to make a difference in the lives of 

their children. 

Steens Creek 

Rankin County School District has an exceptional reputation 

for preparing students academically, socially and emotionally to 

be the best citizens and community members within our society. 

Through our Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) 

at Steen’s Creek, we are able to reinforce students showing good 

character by giving out tickets that they are able to redeem for 

rewards. 

with glowing jack-o-lanterns in the hallways of Steen’s Creek. 

The students created their own lantern with a milk jug that 

represented each student’s unique qualities. On Thursday, 

October 29th, the students were given a glow stick to put in their 

lantern to symbolize everyone’s exceptional qualities and to 

remind students to think about all they say or do. 

We are excited to see our Steen’s Creek Elementary students 

shining brightly with respect for all! 

StoneBridge 

Elementary students Avery Magee (2nd grade) and Lacey Wheeler 

(3rd grade) were presented awards by Principal Angela Nichols 

for receiving first place in the Mississippi Counseling Association’s 

poster contest. Students participating were to illustrate a career 

which represented the theme “Fostering Well-Being Through 

Meaningful Work.” The posters were exhibited at the 2015 

Mississippi Counseling Convention in Biloxi. 

Steen’s Creek Elementary has embraced the whole child 

approach and strives to promote good character through their 

counseling program led by counselor Chelsea Rushing. Ms. 

Rushing has been apart of SCE for the past two years and is a 

Mississippi State Graduate as well as a Brandon native. 

The students have a character trait focus to explore each 

month through our classroom guidance program. For the month 

of October, SCE students focused on respect. During the 

character lessons the students are able to identify, discover, and 

show how to be respectful to others. Ms. Rushing allowed 

students to demonstrate this respect through a spectacular lesson 


Northshore 

The families of our Kindergarten through second grade 

students were invited to Thanksgiving lunch. 

The PTO had a coupon book fundraiser. Students that sold 10 

books celebrated with a pizza party. Students that sold 20 books 

got to ride in a Limo when they went to lunch at CiCi’s Pizza. 

Our PTO honored all of the students making all A’s for the 

first nine weeks with a breakfast. 

Some of the NWR High School football players and cheerleaders 

helped out with car rider duty one morning. A pep rally 

followed. 

The Kindergarten classes celebrated the 50th day of school by 

dressing up. They enjoyed Coke floats, a hoola-hoop contest, who 

could blow the biggest bubble, and dance off doing “The Twist”. 



pearl public school district 

ECEC Fall Fest Fun 

Fall is a favorite time of the year for the little Pirates at the 

Pearl Public School District’s Early Childhood Education Center. 

Following a study of fall’s changing leaves, creating scarecrows, and 

exploring the many uses of corn, students celebrated with a full 

day of hands-on activities during Fall Fest. Some of the activities 

included a cookie walk, mural painting, parachute toss, and corn 

sensory tubs. Among the volunteers were Pearl High School 

drama students who assisted with face painting, puppet theatre, 

and dress up fun. Arianna Nunnery (far left) and Destaniee 

Chenshaw (far right) are pictured with Viking maiden Keri 

Green and Princess Nevaeh Pennington. 

Three performances of this play were held in the William 

Dodson Performing Arts Center on the campus of Pearl High 

School on November 13. This special event was sponsored 

through an Enrichment from Experts Grant from the Pearl 

Educational Foundation for Excellence. 

Annual Farm Day 

Northside Enjoys 

New Stage Production 

Pearl Lower Elementary recently held its annual PTSO Farm 

Day. Students dressed in various farm attire and participated in 

numerous activities associated with living on a farm. From eating 

freshly roasted corn-on-the-cob and singing campfire songs to 

petting small farm animals and shearing shaving cream sheep, 

PLE kindergarten and first grade students had a “hoedown good 

time” pretending to be farmers for a day! Students in Mrs. Nicole 

Jones’ class learned how to plant vegetables with help from Scott’s 

Miracle-Gro representatives during Farm Day. Pictured clockwise 

are kindergarteners Benton Campbell, Gracie Brun, K’Mari 

Hicks, Peighton Graves, and Bailey Shack. 

Elementary students were treated to an in-school performance 

of Androcles and the Lion, a part of New Stage Theatre Arts-in- 

Education statewide touring program. This play cleverly combined 

two of Aesop’s famous fables: “Androcles and the Lion” and 

“The Lion and the Mouse.” 

Pictured with Mrs. Darah Peacock’s second grade class from 

Northside Elementary are Colin Baylot (Androcles), Briana 

Thomas (Mouse), Chris Ambrose (Lion), and Allison Heinz 

(Emperor/Narrator/Mother). 


Pie the Principal 

The students at Pearl Upper Elementary were challenged 

during the first nine weeks to reach various achievement goals in 

language arts and mathematics. The goals were to demonstrate 

growth on STAR reading and math assessments and to earn the 

individually set number of Accelerated Reader points during 

the term. The reward for reaching two of the three goals was an 

opportunity to “pie the principal.” Pictured smearing a whipped 

cream pie on the face of PUE Principal, Gavin Gill, is Ja’Marion 

Turner. Preparing the next round of pies is Candace Batson, 

PUE counselor, with Adrianna Greenfield and Jocelyn Haymon 

anxiously waiting their turns. Over 450 fourth and fifth grade 

students met their goals and celebrated the accomplishment with 

Mr. Gill. 

PHS Performs 

Steel Magnolias 

Marshmallow 

Challenge 

Students in seventh grade math classes at Pearl Junior High 

School recently took part in the Marshmallow Challenge, a design 

exercise to encourage teams to experience simple but profound 

lessons in collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Each group 

was tasked with constructing the tallest free-standing structure 

possible using twenty sticks of spaghetti noodles, one yard of 

tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The teams were 

given eighteen minutes to complete the assignment. In this short 

period of time, students engaged in the mathematical practices 

of making sense of problems and persevering to solve them; 

reasoning abstractly and quantitatively; and constructing viable 

arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others. 

Pictured L to R with their structure are Brady Helms, Tori Douglas, 

and Weslyn McMurrin. 

The Pearl High School Drama Department recently presented 

Steele Magnolias. This classic story about the bond of friendship 

and the inner strength of southern women set in a Natchiotches 

beauty shop was brought to the PAC stage under the 

direction of PHS drama instructor Lacey Smith. 

(L to R) Raven McGowan (M’Lynn), Anna Smith (Clairee), Taylor Carpenter 

(Annelle), Jodi Bullock (Truvy), and Julia Smith (Ouiser). Sitting is Natalie 

Davis (Shelby). 

The mission of Pearl Public School District 

is to prepare each student to become a 

lifelong learner, achieve individual goals, 

and positively impact a global society. 


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The Time Coin 

It was with reluctance and a heavy 

dose of nostalgia that Maria turned 

the calendar page from December to 

January of a new year. She regretted leaving 

all the joys that spilled over the month of 

December. She wasn’t ready physically or 

mentally to leave the celebration and return 

to schedules and neat, uncluttered bedrooms 

– to meals that didn’t end in chocolate – to 

a pantry and cabinets void of grandchildren 

delights – to workdays that would replace lazy mornings of flannel 

pajamas and flavored coffees. 

Maria smiled as she remembered her pajama-clad family rushing into 

the frosty backyard to “ooh” and “aww” over the trophy buck draped 

over her grandson’s four-wheeler. She would want to remember the 

tastes of her mother’s ambrosia and grandmother’s tomato gravy 

brought to the table via their original recipes. 

Her December sound bank was packed with harmonious blending of 

grandchildren’s voices from the fireside carols and the squeals of 

grandchildren running down the hall Christmas morning. Reading 

books to her toddler grandchild still carried a warmth that blankets and 

thermostats couldn’t duplicate. 

Suddenly a regret from one of those December nights settled over 

Maria in a nostalgic cloud. The entire family had just finished another 

meal. The men had retreated to a lounging 

position near the den fire and the females were 

intent on making dessert and coffee last a few 

minutes longer. Virginia, her five-year-old 

grand, leaned into Maria’s ear and whispered, 

“Nana, let’s go snuggle in your bed and watch a 

Christmas movie.” 

Maria gave her a typical “just a minute” 

reply as the dirty dishes and clean-up took 

priority. In what seemed like a short time, 

Maria went to join her little bedfellow. She was under the covers but 

already in a deep sleep. Maria’s heart sank. She whispered her name, 

but Virginia’s childhood energy mode had switched to “recharge” and 

her day was ended. 

Maria had missed the special invitation and the calendar wouldn’t 

offer another like it in December. To most, it might appear a small thing 

among so many joys, but it continued to leave Maria with regret. Some 

joys, some invitations have expiration dates. 

The New Year begins with a new resolve for Maria. She’s acutely 

aware that the year will hold opportunities to respond immediately to 

life’s invitations and promptings. She could fall victim to busy-ness and 

forfeit blessings or indulge in treasured memory-making. It would be 

her choice. She had grown wiser. She knows from experience that regret 

is a heartless thief. n 


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116 • June 2015 

MyMeritHealth.com

Hometown Rankin - December 2015 & January 2016

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