Hometown Madison - July & August 2017
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Volume 3 Number 4
July/August 2017
The Gluckstadt Community
___________________________
a Bicycle Revolution
___________________________
Messages from Heaven
2 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 3
4 • July/August 2017
publisher & Editor
Tahya A. Dobbs
CFO
Kevin W. Dobbs
Consulting editor
Mary Ann Kirby
Account Executives
Dacia Durr Amis
Carson Dobbs
Contributing Writers
Camille Anding
Mary Ann Kirby
Susan Marquez
Karleigh Wagner
Abbie Walker
staff Photographer
Othel Anding
Contributing Photographer
Lea Anne Culp
Administrative Assistants
Alisha Floyd
Brenda McCall
Layout Design
Daniel Thomas - 3dt
If there’s a certain spot on your kitchen floor that has a pattern of stickiness
during July, we are probably faithful members of the same club–Watermelon
Enthusiasts. Isn’t it a southern treat to find bins of watermelons in our grocery
stores and farmers markets and keep that tasty treat in our refrigerators?
I love that about July.
It’s another treat to see the giant fireworks tents going up around our
hometowns. Even though my days of shooting fireworks on the front lawn
have passed, I still celebrate the noise and heavenly display of colors in July.
Freedoms that we enjoy are worthy to celebrate with noise and light parades
in the night skies.
There’s much to celebrate in July. In this issue, we highlight a married
couple and the sacrifices they are making for our freedoms. We are also
featuring some of the entrepreneurs in Gluckstadt who are helping put that
community in the news.
Celebrating the people in our hometowns and the freedoms we embrace
as a nation should make very month notable–but especially the month of July.
We thank our advertisers for helping make this magazine possible and wish
each of you a Happy 4th!
Advertising Design
Leah Mitchener
• • •
www.facebook.com
/hometownmadisonmagazine
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 Madison
may be reproduced without written permission from
the publisher. The management of Hometown Madison
is not responsible for opinions expressed by its
writers or editors. Hometown Madison maintains the
unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted
material. All advertisements are subject to approval by
the publisher. The production of Hometown Madison
is funded by advertising.
In this issue The Gluckstadt Community 14
Young, Local, and Ready for Business 18
The Herb Doctor 24
A Bicycle Revolution 28
Game Day Ready! 32
Messages from Heaven 42
A Military Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Doe's Eat Place 62
The Chalkboard 70
Hometown madison • 5
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6 • July/August 2017
Sunnybrook’s 2nd Annual
Champions for Children Dinner
In 1963, Alonzo Welch, once a foster-child himself, began a ministry in Jackson, Mississippi.
Fifty-four years later, children continue to find home and healing at Sunnybrook Children’s
Home. As society continues to change, Sunnybrook is committed to providing programs and
hope for the young lives around us all. On August 12th at 7:00 p.m., you are invited to join the
Sunnybrook family on their campus for the 2nd Annual Champions for Children Dinner as
they celebrate and look forward to what God is doing in the lives of children in our state. Jill
Freeze, a champion for children with the Freeze Foundation, will speak as the Sunnybrook
family honors house-parents, as well as local adoptive and foster family heroes.
With thousands of young people in the foster-care system of Mississippi, Sunnybrook is
anxious to provide ways to fight for children in need. Come be a part of the movement by
hearing how Sunnybrook specifically plans to empower and encourage children and fosterfamilies.
Dinner tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.sunnych.net. Those who prefer
to purchase by mail may send a check to Sunnybrook Children’s Home at P.O. Box 4871,
Jackson, MS, 39296 marked for the Champions Dinner.
Hometown madison • 7
8 • July/August 2017
Keep Flora
Beautiful
Great American Clean-Up
Keep Mississippi Beautiful
May 19, 2017
Hometown madison • 9
serving our community
Captain Dustin Perry
Gluckstadt Fire Department
Why did you decide to be a firefighter?
I decided to become a firefighter because of my
dad. My dad has been a fireman my entire life.
How long have you been with the
Gluckstadt Fire Department?
For a total of 10 years now. I have been a
career fireman for seven years.
Tell us about your family.
I have an amazing and very supportive family.
My dad, brother, and uncle are all firefighters.
My wife is an emergency room nurse and is
very supportive of what I do.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
I would have to say the toughest part of my
job is any emergency call involving children.
Share some things you enjoy doing in
your spare time.
I love vacationing with my wife and spending
time with my family.
What are three things on your
bucket list?
I would love to go to New York City to visit
their fire stations and the 9/11 memorial.
I would also love to visit Europe and see all of
the history over there. And since I have no
children yet, I would definitely want to see
myself having children with my wife and
starting our own family.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
I see myself having a couple kids and still
working at Gluckstadt FD doing what I’ve
always loved to do.
Who is someone you admire and why?
My dad is and has always been my role model.
He has always worked so hard to provide for
my family, and has always been there for me in
any time of need. He is now a captain at
another local fire department, and I admire
how he has worked so hard to get to where he
is in life. Another person I admire is my fire
chief. He has always been a great role model
for me and has always supported me in
everything I have chosen to do.
If you could give one piece of advice
to a young person, what would it be?
I would say to always do the right thing no
matter if anyone is watching or not. Because
someone is always watching and it will pay off
in the end.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories are going to
the fire station to visit my dad and climbing all
over the fire trucks—and running around the
house in my play turnouts spraying the house
with the water hose pretending the house was
on fire!
What is the biggest mistake you think
young people make today?
I think young people could start trying to listen
to older and more experienced people in their
life or profession. The older and the more
experienced people have lived through more
things and have good advice to give.
What is your favorite thing about the
city of Gluckstadt?
My favorite thing about Gluckstadt is that it has
grown and is continuing to grow. Everyone is
Gluckstadt, in my experience, is very nice and
always willing to lend a helping hand.
10 • July/August 2017
idgeland’s finest
Officer Justin Crawford
ridgeland police Department
Why did you decide to be a policeman?
Since I was five-years-old, I wanted to be a
police officer. I was prophesied over twice as
a child and both of the evangelists said that
I would grow up to be a mighty warrior for
God. Also, most of my father’s friends, when
I was a child, were in law enforcement and I
always looked up to them. I come from a
military family, so serving and protecting the
innocent has always been in my family in one
way or the other.
How long have you been with the
Ridgeland Police Department?
I worked as a dispatcher for 2 years before
transferring to the patrol division and have
been there for 6 years.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married for five years to Jennifer
Crawford and we have a 4-year-old little girl
named Henley. My parents live in Flora,
Mississippi, and I have one sister who lives
in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
Becoming a field training officer. It does not
seem like it would be a “tough thing” to deal
with but when you are one of the people
responsible for ensuring that the police
department continues to have excellent
officers, it can be a challenging task. But
that’s why I love the challenge.
Share some things you enjoy doing in
your spare time.
My favorite off-duty hobby is spending time
with my wife and daughter. When I’m not
doing that, I’m either hunting or fishing.
What are three things on your
bucket list?
First, I want to be able to watch my daughter
grow up and have happiness in her life, and
grow old with my wife. Second, I want to
attend a Minnesota Vikings game, in Minnesota,
with my dad. He’s from Minnesota and I grew
up watching the Vikings. Third, I want to go on
an antelope hunt with my bow.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my father and grandfather. My
grandfather has gone on to be with the Lord,
but during his time here on earth, he was the
hardest working man that I have ever known.
He passed away when he was 70 and he
worked until the day he died. My father is the
second hardest working man I know. He has
always provided for us even when the finances
were not there. I never went a day without
food or clothes and he raised me in a way
that few too many people are now raised.
I owe everything to my father for what I have
become and hope to become in the future.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
I hope to be in some type of supervisor role.
I have always had a passion for leading and as
a field training officer I have already assumed
that role in some manner. Hopefully within ten
years I will be either a sergeant or lieutenant.
If you could give one piece of advice
to a young person, what would it be?
Be confident. It’s that simple. You might not
have any idea what you’re doing but don’t let
people know that. Always keep your head up
and have the mindset that you are the best
person at what you’re doing. You will fail but
as long as you learn from your mistakes and
do not accept the “I can’t do it mentality,” you
will succeed in life. When people tell you that
you can’t do something, simply respond,
“Watch!”
Hometown madison • 11
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12 • July/August 2017
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Family owned since 1957
Hometown madison • 13
Preserving Heritage
Susan Marquez
When Henry Klass, John Kehle, Valentine
Fitsch, Peter Schmidt and Joseph Weilandt
purchased farmland from the Highland Colony
Company in Calhoun, Mississippi, in 1905,
they probably never dreamed it would be a
burgeoning community a century or so later.
Yet, that’s exactly what Gluckstadt has become.
The German descendants from Klaasville,
Indiana purchased the land for $22,000 and
with great optimism, they changed the name of
the community to Gluckstadt, which in
German means “Lucky City.” Nine families
moved their belongings to the area, working
over the winter to build homes and clear land in
preparation for the spring planting.
“My grandfather, Anthony Weisenberger,
was one of the other German-American families
to join the growing community,” said life-long
Gluckstadt resident Bill Weisenburger. He was
joined by Henry Aulenbrook, John A. Minninger,
Peter Miller, Joseph Haas, Peter Endris, and
Peter Minninger. Kerry Minninger, another
lifelong resident, is a descendant from one of
those original families as well. “There have been
Minningers in Gluckstadt for over 100 years,”
said Kerry Minninger.
Minninger was born in South Louisiana
and lived in Jackson for a while, but when he
was young he lived with his grandparents on
their dairy farm in Gluckstadt. “My grandparents
migrated down from Indiana with other
German immigrants to make a new life in this
area. The land speculators with the Highland
Colony Land Corporation found land in
Gluckstadt that belonged to the three widowed
daughters of a judge. The speculator took an
option on the land. Three years after settling in
the area, the immigrants learned that the land
deal wasn’t a proper transaction and the land
wasn’t legally theirs, so they ended up having to
buy the land twice. They went to a Catholic
priest who got in contact with a law firm in
Jackson and they worked out a payment
schedule to pay for the land again.”
Minninger explained that the first building
in Gluckstadt was a church that had a kitchen
attached to a parish hall. “It was actually a
schoolhouse built in 1910,” Minninger said.
“My daddy went to school there.”
Weisenberger said he’s enjoyed watching
the growth of the area. “This used to be nothing
but cattle pastures and cornfields,” he recalled.
“There were probably more dairy farms here
than anywhere else in the South. German
heritage of this community is so strong. What
many people don’t realize is that many of our
dads and uncles fought against the Germans
during WWII. It is entirely possible that they
were fighting their own relatives. During the
war, the name of the community reverted back
to Calhoun Station for a time.”
Those who have lived in the community for
generations understand and appreciate the
heritage of Gluckstadt. “There are residents
who moved here as the area developed and they
had no idea of the rich German heritage,” said
14 • July/August 2017
The Gluckstadt Community
Weisenburger. “As they’ve learned about it,
they have joined with those of us who were
raised here to protect that heritage.”
The annual Germanfest at St. Joseph
Catholic Church has certainly helped to raise
awareness of that heritage, while also helping
to preserve it. The fall festival features German
food, including the famous sauerkraut made by
members of the church.
“It’s important that we do all we can to not
only preserve our heritage, but to protect our
community,” Weisenburger said. “We want
controlled growth for our community. I think
the growth is wonderful. Who doesn’t like the
convenience and all the wonderful new
neighbors? But there’s a place for everything,
and we want some say in how the community
grows.”
To that end, the community has tried a few
times in the past to incorporate. The attempts
have failed, but this time, a larger group of
residents have joined forces to work in earnest
to make Gluckstadt an official city. Lisa Williams
is one of those residents who was appointed to
the board after being carefully vetted by other
board members. “I want Gluckstadt to be a
prosperous community,” Williams said. “Issues
came out a few years ago and I knew Kerry
(Minninger) had been involved. I looked to
him for mentoring, support, and to teach me a
lot of the history of the area. I knew about the
previous incorporation attempts, and I became
determined to make this work.”
Williams moved to Gluckstadt eleven
years ago. “I wanted a place where my
father-in-law would be comfortable. I’ve
watched the community develop around us
and I want to be a part of its future growth.”
The legal petition to become incorporated
was filed January 3 of this year, with all the
signatures required. “It took a lot of long days
for us to confirm all the physical signatures.”
A summons process will be done, with
Canton and Madison named as defendants.
“That has to be done by law,” Williams
explained. A jurisdictional hearing will take
place September 5 through 15.
If it goes through, the new City of
Gluckstadt will cover an 11 square mile area.
According to the census, there are 2,500
residents, although Williams believes there are
more than that. It’s been a grassroots effort to
get this far. “Kerry told me early-on to get a
good pair of tennis shoes,” laughed Williams.
“So far, I’ve worn out three pairs, but I’ve made
a lot of new friends in the process.” There are
many folks hoping the incorporation goes
through this time. “There are more residents
here now than ever,” said Weisenburger.
“They want a good quality of life, and they
don’t want to be swallowed up by neighboring
cities with their high taxes.”
If all goes well in September, with no
delays or appeals, it’s possible we can be a city
by January 18,” said Minninger.
Hometown madison • 15
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16 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 17
Young, Local,
& Ready for
Business
Susan Marquez
They’re young, energetic, creative and driven.
Many of the newest businesses in Gluckstadt are owned and
operated by young adults who grew up in Madison County,
and when it was time to decide where to locate their businesses,
they chose the fastest growing area in the county.
Hunter Sartain
Hunter Sartain was born and raised in Madison County, moving to the
Gluckstadt area when he as in the fifth grade. He began looking around the
area and saw a need that he could fill. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for
four or five years, and when the opportunity presented itself, I chose to locate
in Gluckstadt. There are no other gun shops in this area.” Sartain opened
Guns-N-Gear in September 2016 and business has been good from the start.
While Sartain is quick to say it’s not a hunting store, Guns-N-Gear does
carry hunting rifles and ammo. “But we carry so much more. We have the
right gun for every person and every need. The big trend these days is women
shooters. That’s really up-and-coming. We work to find the right gun that will
suit every woman and man’s needs. If it goes ‘bang’ we most likely have it.”
Sartain is a big proponent of the ‘shop local’ concept and believes the more
Gluckstadt grows, the more residents will be able to find all they need without
leaving town.
18 • July/August 2017
Austin LaSource
Another young Gluckstadt entrepreneur is Austin LaSource, who has
a business that prints and installs vinyl signs. Called It’s Vinyl Y’all, the company
can make signs, banners, decals, vehicle graphics, vehicle wraps, business
signage, window signage, construction signage and even customizable
tumblers. They evolved from an internet business to a brick-and-mortar
store in Gluckstadt in October 2016.
“Why Gluckstadt?, asks LaSource. “Why not? This is an untapped market
for this kind of business. We cater to real estate agents, fleet vehicles and
network cabling companies as well as to the new businesses that are
growing like crazy in this market.” The LaSources live in Ashbrook subdivision
in Gluckstadt. “I love that we are close to home, and we have such strong
neighbors, friends and business. Our goal is to bring service with a more
personalized feel, and to go above and beyond, integrating marketing and
thinking through the most strategic way to impact our clients’ businesses.”
Dr. Delta Stark
Dr. Delta Stark grew up in Madison and felt like Gluckstadt would be the
ideal place to open her own chiropractic clinic. “My family is close by, and
I saw a real need for my services here. My husband and I lived in Atlanta,
and could have moved pretty much anywhere, but Gluckstadt feels like home.”
The Germantown Family Chiropractic Clinic is focused on family wellness.
“We want to be sure that all families are healthy and happy”, said Stark.
From pregnant moms to kids and families, the clinic began serving clients
on March 1. “We are picking up more and more clients each week.”
Paul Hopper
Of course, none of the businesses mentioned would be in Gluckstadt
without the residents to do business with them. Paul Hopper saw that there
was a wonderful residential real estate market in Gluckstadt, and because of
that, he expanded his company, Hopper Properties Real Estate, LLC, to open
a second office. “We have had an office in Brandon, but the Gluckstadt
market demanded that we open one here. I saw the growth each day, because
I live in Gluckstadt.”
Hopper grew up in Madison and attended Ridgeland High School. He
opened his Brandon office in the summer of 2014, and since then, the
company has grown to over 38 agents. He opened the Gluckstadt office the
first of June and has been busy ever since. “We did $55 million in sales last
year and we are on pace to do more this year.” The company handles both
land and residential sales. “I think this is the best place in Mississippi to sell
real estate. Anything under $250,000 won’t last more than a day or two here.”
Hometown madison • 19
20 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 21
22 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 23
24 • July/August 2017
When Caroline Warner
needs a casserole dish
or pot, she has to go to
her guest bedroom for it.
100%
chemical-free
100%
organic
That’s because her kitchen cabinets overflow with shower bombs,
essential oils, herbal teas, body creams, and herbal bug sprays.
In fact, most of the cooking done in her kitchen revolves around her
“made from scratch” creations using only organic products. “Everything
that I make is for medicinal and holistic purposes and is 100% chemicalfree
and 100% organic,” the innovative herbalist affirms.
If anyone could earn a degree as an herbalist, Caroline would
qualify. She has been a student of herbs, roots, spices, oils and any
other naturally growing flower or plant for a large part of her life.
She’s digested stacks of books about herbs and roots and taken
on-line classes about them.
She’s a firm believer that God’s world contains natural products
that are medicinal, restorative, and life-enhancing. It just takes an
herbalist to blend the key ingredients for specific needs, and that’s
what she’s been doing from her kitchen – fulltime – since she left her
former employment two years ago.
The latest creation to come from her kitchen is a cream for babies
that repels mosquitoes. She developed that after creating an herbal
bug spray for adults and children. It’s all perfectly safe because it’s
100% organic.
Her shower bombs are the relaxing answer to stressed, busy
adults who don’t have time for leisure baths. They simply add a shower
bomb to their steamy shower and inhale medicinal, relaxing aromas.
She and her husband, Jack, lived in Baltimore for ten years after
migrating from the south. When their daughter, Addison, was born,
they agreed to move back south before she reached school age so
they could teach her southern values. And they did. Caroline said,
“When Addison turned five, we were in a U-Haul headed south!”
Caroline’s vision is to have a production area outside of her
“wanna-be” kitchen with ample office space to share with clients
and give advice on medicinal products and oils. “My husband and
I have never had flu, flu shots, or strep throat,” she testifies under
her herbalist shingle.
Her products are available on-line at cwbodyorganics.com as
well as updated information on her Facebook page – CW Body
Organics. She also sells her products every Thursday at Livingston
Farmers Market, and in some area spas.
Caroline’s enthusiasm about her career choice surrounds her
like the sweet aroma of her medicinal steeped teas. Her client list is
growing daily. In fact she describes some days as overwhelming with
the orders to fill. “But I’m not complaining,” she adds. “Just be careful
what you pray for!”
Hometown madison • 25
26 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 27
A Bicycle Revolution
Susan Marquez
Jeremy and Paula Polk have created
a bit of a revolution in Gluckstadt.
They’ve been running their
Gluckstadt-based business, Bicycle
Revolution, for ten years out of a large
panel truck, picking up, fixing, and
dropping off bicycles. “We were the
first mobile service in Mississippi, and
when we started, we were one of just
five in the country,” said Polk. “And we
were certainly the first in the South. Now
they are more common and you’ll see
franchises of them.”
The company now has a storefront in
Gluckstadt, which opened March 1st.
“Paula and I work together in this
business,” said Jeremy, “along with
our business partner, Jayce Powell.
We all live in Gluckstadt. I have lived
here since 1998, so it makes sense to
locate our business here. Besides, there
was a wide-open market for this here.”
The mobile repair business initially
started in 2007 in a truck parked outside
of the Storage Max. Jayce had worked
at a bike store in Ridgeland for ten
years, and he liked the idea of being
closer to home. “I liked the idea of being
out here, and I liked the idea of a café.
It was something new and fresh.”
Bicycle Revolution not only repairs
bikes but sells them. “We literally
started out as a rolling bike shop,” said
Paula. “Convenience was our niche.
We would go into someone’s home or
office, showing up like little elves, do
the repair work and leave, sending
them an invoice through Quick Books
28 • July/August 2017
via email. So often we never saw
about 15 years since I have been
avid cyclists, and they wanted to
organization for the past eleven
our customers, but we knew their
in a kitchen, and it was something
create a business that had
years. “We have had a big hand
garage door codes, their dog’s
I was itching to do.”
something to do with their
in building the trail station off of
names, and what kind of furniture
The café serves up lunch daily,
passion for cycling. “We pretty
Livingston Road. Our Fat Tire
they had! We knew many of our
Tuesday through Saturday. Jeremy
much invented this business for
Festival is turning ten this year.
customers through the cycling
kicks off the week with Taco
ourselves,” said Paula. And even
It’s a family friendly event.”
community.” Paula said if they
Tuesdays, which features a
though there is a brick-and-
Always offering personalized
didn’t have something a customer
different variety of taco each
mortar store now, the truck will
service, Bicycle Revolution is
wanted, they’d order it and have
week, such as Thai, Indian and
continue to roll. “We will always
adding to the growing business
it to them within a day or two.
even traditional Mexican tacos.
have the mobile repair service.”
landscape in Gluckstadt in a most
The company started selling
“We serve pressed paninis Tuesday
The business is involved in many
creative and innovative way.
bikes eight years ago. In addition
through Saturday,” said Jeremy.
charity and community events,
to buying bikes, shoppers in the
“We also do a great Saturday
including providing SAG (support
store can also get a bite to eat at
brunch.” The café sells craft beers
and gear) support for cyclists
the in-house café. Again, a first,
as well. “We have over twenty
participating in races. Jason has
the store is the only bike shop in
craft beers in stock.” Coffee from
also served as president of the
the Deep South to house a café.
a local roaster, Beanfruit Coffee,
Tri-County Mountain Biking
“I spent many years in a kitchen
is offered, but as a cold nitro coffee.”
Association for the past five years,
as a chef,” said Jeremy. It’s been
The Polks have always been
and has been involved with the
Hometown madison • 29
30 • July/August 2017
,
Hometown madison • 31
Game Day
Ready!
32 • July/August 2017
The Ole Miss stadium will
have two less fans for some of the
football games this fall. They’ll be
Kathryn and Sessions Roland,
and their new outdoor structure
will be to blame. It’s the Rolands’
new happy place for family time
and entertaining. All the football
replays will be as close as their
remote–minus the crowds and
parking hassle.
The grill and kitchen amenities
are steps away from their cozy
sofa and chairs, and there’s no
dealing with cumbersome coolers
before or after the games. The
half-wall separating the driveway
from the outdoor kitchen serves
as a privacy partition and firewood
storage. Stained and scored concrete
flooring means easy upkeep, and
the impressive beams are just
that–impressive!
While the Rolands were in the
process of purchasing their new
Madison home in January of this
year, they already knew that the
grassy spot outside their den was
wasted space for their family
that loves the outdoors. Kathryn
contacted John Hertel with
Provision Design after seeing his
ad in Hometown Madison Magazine.
By late March, the Rolands
and John had worked out a
design, and John’s crew began
construction. Within one-anda-half
months, the family was
enjoying their new space
christened the “playroom”.
Kathryn says, “It greatly exceeded
our expectations.” Her favorite
parts of the whole space are the
fireplace and kitchen. “John was
so easy to work with and was
able to put our visions in the
construction.”
So now the Rolands are game
day ready–and all from the
comfort of their own backyard. n
Hometown madison • 33
34 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 35
Metro Jackson
Go Red
for Women
Luncheon
__________________
May 4
Jackson
Convention
Complex
36 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 37
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38 • July/August 2017
madison
Recipes
Strawberry
Cheesecake Salad
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 16 oz. Cool Whip
• 16 oz. strawberries, sliced
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 12 oz. raspberries
• 3 tbsp. crushed graham crackers
In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together
cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until
light and fluffy. Beat in Cool Whip until combined.
Fold in strawberries, bananas, and raspberries.
Transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle top with
graham cracker crumbs.
Frozen
Hot Chocolate
Cheesecake
CRUST
• 24 oreos
• 6 tbsp. melted butter
• 1/4 c. sugar
CHEESECAKE
• 2 blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 c. powdered sugar
• 1/4 c. chocolate sauce
• 2-3 hot cocoa packs
• pinch of salt
• 2 c. heavy cream
• 1 c. mini marshmallows
In a food processor, pulse Oreos until they are
fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl, then
add butter and sugar and stir until combined.
The texture should be similar to wet sand.
Grease a 9” pie plate and press in the crust
mixture. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat
cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add powdered
sugar, chocolate sauce, cocoa packets and salt and
mix until smooth.
Add about half of the heavy cream and beat
until smooth. Add the rest of the heavy cream
and beat until very fluffy.
Fold in mini marshmallows. Pour cheesecake
mixture into the prepared crust.
Freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
Peaches n’ Cream
Lasagna
• 8 small peaches, sliced
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 15 graham crackers
• 2 c. heavy cream
• 1/4 c. powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 c. sliced almonds
Macerate peaches: In a large bowl, combine
peaches, brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon. Toss
until the peaches are evenly coated in the sugar.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make whipped cream: In a large bowl, combine
heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat
mixture with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Assemble lasagna. In a 8” square baking pan,
place graham crackers in an even layer. Spread an
even layer of whipped cream over the graham
crackers, top with macerated peaches then sprinkle
some almonds on top. Repeat three more times.
Chill in refrigerated until the graham crackers
have softened, about 2 hours.
Serve cold.
Hometown madison • 39
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Finding
HER voice.
Jackson Academy student Sydney Thaxton
is part of a creative family with a television
producer dad, an English teacher mom,
and a brother who is first chair in the 2017
Lions All-State Band.
She dabbled in writing short stories
before coming to JA. But it was JA teacher
Grace Simmons’ fifth-grade English class
that inspired Sydney to complete her
first book, Dusk. Simmons focuses a lot
on writing, encouraging students to find
their voice and use writing as a means
of developing critical thinking skills.
Excited about Sydney’s success, the
school held a book signing to celebrate.
ALL FOR ONE. That’s the JA Way.
Sydney Thaxton, JA Student
40 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 41
Messages
Heaven
from
Mary Ann Kirby
42 • July/August 2017
Anyone that has ever lost a loved one
knows of the longing that comes with
wanting to somehow reconnect. In our
minds, we know they’re gone but we
still need to feel them to know that
they’re ok--- and neither time nor
distance can change that desire.
There’s an old saying that goes,
“When cardinals appear, angels are near.”
I’ve always been enchanted by that idea
as the red cardinal has played many
prominent roles throughout our history.
The notion that cardinals are messengers
of spirits exists across numerous
cultures and beliefs--- just ask anyone
that’s seen one when they
needed it most.
But truth be known, redbirds
are pretty common in this area.
They thrive in this habitat and while
I’d love to think that every time
I see one it’s a spirit-come-to-visit,
it’s just as easy for me to
imagine that it’s not.
In 2012, my grandmother died at the
age of 96. When it was time to clean
out her house, her youngest son from
California (and the sibling-declared
family-favorite among the four of her
children and two grandchildren) came
to Mississippi for a week to help with
the overwhelming task ahead. She had
lived in the same house in Yazoo City
for over 80 years.
There was stuff everywhere–in the
attic, in the garage, in drawers, and in
closets stacked from floor-to-ceiling.
Much of it I had meticulously sorted
over the course of several weeks and
months but when it came time to do
the final clearing, a lot of it was taken
to the curb. We worked for days to
ultimately prepare the house to be sold.
I called the waste management
company to arrange for a special pick-up
since it was just too much to leave until
the regular trash day. They needed a
heads up–it was a lot. Besides, I needed
to get back to Jackson and wanted to
know that it would be taken care of.
Early the next morning, as promised,
the garbage truck ran and around
mid-day I called my uncle to verify that
it had, in-fact, all been cleared away. He
walked outside and was just astounded
at what had previously been an absolute
massive amount of rubbish. The
mountain had been reduced to a single
random Christmas ball. Every bit of it
was gone.
As he leaned over to scoop up the
old faded ornament, he noticed
something shining in the grass. He
reached down to find a little gold heart
charm. The irony was not lost on him
that it was all that was left–and that he
had found it. He stuck it in his pocket
and went back inside.
His wife was in the kitchen at the
stove fixing a late breakfast. They were
still on California time and were slow
to get going, not to mention worn out
from the several days of hard labor,
prior. He reached in his pocket and
showed her the heart-shaped trinket
and when she flipped it over, she
noticed right away that it was engraved
with the name John. That was his name
–my grandmother’s youngest son–the
declared family favorite, which now
seemed somehow divinely confirmed.
Coincidence? Maybe.
Hometown madison • 43
Several years before her death, my grandmother gave me an
enamel-coated steel colander. It had belonged to her, seen decades of
usage, and was the only “strainer” I had. I used it regularly and often.
It had long-since begun to rust where some of the enamel had
chipped away, but I continued to use it anyway. I eventually purchased
a new one–coincidently, after she passed. The one she gave me was
just too rusty. So one day I decided to throw it away.
I put it in the garbage. I took it out of the garbage. I put it back in the
garbage and before I even closed the lid I reached back in to rescue it.
It was not just a rusted colander but a piece of my past–and a piece of
someone important to me. I thought to myself, “This is ridiculous!”
And after wrangling with it for almost an hour, I proceeded to shove
it down into the trash bag and tie it shut, once and for all.
The weather on the morning of “trash-day” was bleak. It was
already drizzling and the forecast called for the possibility of severe
conditions later that afternoon. By the time I got home from work,
dark had fallen. It was storming with 30-mile-per-hour winds, and
my garbage can had blown clear to the end of the cul-de-sac. I had
no choice but to battle it out and go get it.
The rain was blowing sideways and I was soaking wet and dragging
the garbage can behind me. I noticed what appeared to be some type
of helmet in the grass next to the curb–dome shaped and glistening
under the streetlight in the pouring down rain. Maybe it was my son’s.
I’d grab it as I dashed up the driveway.
But it was no helmet. It was that colander, turned upside down and
sitting there all by itself. How did it get out of the bag that I had so
painstakingly and reluctantly tied together? I was stunned–and still
am to this day.
Coincidence? Maybe.
44 • July/August 2017
So a few weeks ago, I was in our backyard building a fire in our fire
pit. I had decided to dispose of some sensitive paperwork that really
should have been shredded, but burning was simply more convenient
and certainly more fun. In the closing of my grandmother’s estate, I
had stored countless banking statements and papers that needed to
be discarded but were too sensitive to just put in the trash–and still
held value in my heart. So I poured a glass of wine and my husband
and son helped load up the fire pit. I recalled funny stories about my
beloved grandmother as they continued to crumple up papers and
put them below the logs. Then we lit them.
The fire struggled to catch. My wood was wet. I decided to add
some kindling from a pot we keep nearby. That’s when I saw the
blooms. For 30 or 40 years, my grandmother had a pot of succulents
on her back porch that stood year-round on a little dime-store plant
stand in the rain, sun, sleet and occasional snow. She was a master
gardener and yet these succulents were the only plant-life I brought
home with me after her death. I’d had them now for four years and
they live on my back patio next to a big fat pot of kindling. I looked
down and they were in full bloom–and they hadn’t been the day before.
I’ve never seen them bloom. Ever. I didn’t even know they would.
So, I’ve decided they were blooming just for me. As if to say, it’s ok to
let go–just never forget.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it serves as a wonderful reminder that we’re
never far apart. The truth is that the bond we share with those we
love is a bond never lost or broken–not even by death. Death just
changes the dimensions–like water, evaporating into steam.
Or like a redbird sitting on a window ledge singing, “My spirit will
live on forever there within your heart.” n
Hometown madison • 45
46 • July/August 2017
Hometown Madison
Reader
SPOTLIGHT
Pamela
Hancock
Why did you decide to make Madison
your home?
There is no better place to live, work and raise
a family! There is a strong sense of community,
safety, and integrity.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to John MacLennan and have a
14-year-old son and a 17-year-old step-son.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Madison?
I remember how welcoming everyone was when
I moved to Madison twenty years ago. No other
county can compare to Madison County in terms
of combining a sense of community, pride in
property, and opportunities for fun activities.
Where are your 3 favorite places to eat
in Madison?
Georgia Blue, County Seat, and Angelo’s.
What are some fun things to do in
Madison on the weekends?
Shopping, golfing, and parks.
Share some things you enjoy doing in
your spare time.
Boating, concerts, and grilling with friends.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Write a bestselling book; attend a silence retreat;
and master a second language.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I have the opportunity to work closely with the
various law enforcement agencies that serve
Madison County and we are incredibly blessed to
be served and protected by these men and women
in law enforcement. I admire their dedication to
their profession and to the citizens of this county.
They take their jobs incredibly seriously and spend
long hours training, working and attending court
to see that justice is served.
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
I hope to still be living and working in Madison
County. I am enjoying serving in my role as
Madison County Prosecuting Attorney, and
feel that I am making a positive difference in
our county.
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
Follow your dreams, passions and calling in every
possible way. Give back to your community as often
as you are able. These are the things that make
our community a great place to live and provide
inspiration to our youth. Anything positive counts
and can make a difference in someone’s life.
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
It focuses on people and places relevant to
Madison County. n
Hometown madison • 47
What does it mean to you
when you see the American flag?
Tredina Davis
Patriotism.
Ansley Jones
America. Freedom.
Blaine Jones
Home. What this country
was built on—
morals and values.
Mike Jensen
History.
48 • July/August 2017
Gavin Callahan
Safety, freedom, and
democracy. White – purity and
innocence; Red – hardiness
and valor; Blue – vigilance,
perseverance & justice.
Rickey Dismuke
Justice, peace, and
the American way.
Molli Grace Amis
Being from a military family,
it makes me think of our
freedom and the sacrifices
they were willing to make.
Avy Akin
Freedom. A battle that we
had to fight to be able to
do what we do today. A long
and painful journey, but in
the end it gave us freedom
and independence.
Teri Gleason
I think about my Revolutionary War
patriot ancestor and his bravery and
courage to fight for our freedom.
Also, my gratitude for every one
who is serving or has served our
country to preserve that freedom.
Donald Foster
Patriotism, soldiers,
and veterans.
Hometown madison • 49
19th
madison county
Annual
BAR-B-Q
contest
june 10th
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Hometown madison • 51
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Hometown madison • 53
54 • July/August 2017
A Military
Marriage
Abigail Walker
First Lieutenant Jacob Carpenter and
his wife, Captain Becky Carpenter,
are no strangers to the long-distance
relationship. But they don’t let distance
keep them from serving their country,
and each other, to the fullest.
Jacob and Becky knew each
other growing up in the Memphis
area and became good friends
in high school. In 2002, Jacob
decided he wanted to try and take
their relationship to the next level.
“He asked me out the night before he was to be deployed,”
Becky says. “He figured it was a win-win for him. Either he had
a girlfriend when he left or he didn’t have to see me again if I
said no.” Thankfully for him, she said yes.
Jacob was on active duty when they married in 2004. In 2010,
Jacob left active duty to go to school full time. While earning his
bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at Mississippi College, he was also
teaching in their ROTC program. He then attended PA school
through the military. Since 2015, he’s been working full time as
a special forces medic. Becky received a bachelor’s degree in
business administration from Crichton College. In 2011, she and
Jacob made the decision that Becky would also join the military.
She works as an intelligence officer for the special forces.
Jacob and Becky’s mission is service, both in their careers and
in their marriage. “We focus on serving others, our state, and our
country together,” Becky says. They joke that they have a
3-person marriage: “It’s Jacob, me, and the army.”
With both spouses being moved around the country and
overseas, time together is precious. The longest the Carpenters
have gone without seeing each other is 13 months. But Becky says
if you add up all the time she and Jacob have spent apart over the
years, it’s half of their 13-year marriage. “We make it work,” she
says. “It’s all about quality over quantity.” Becky adds that they
make an effort to touch base every day, whether that’s a call, text,
or email.
When they were dating in the early 2000s, Jacob would send
Becky text messages that just said, “49.” After three months of
the cryptic note, he explained that if you added up all the numbers
it took to text “I love you,” it was 49. Becky said these simple
reminders of love have been an integral part of their relationship.
Hometown madison • 55
The uncertainty that comes with being a
service member can be stressful, but the
Carpenters choose to remain joyful. “The only
constant thing is change,” Becky says. “Our
marriage has to be a priority.” When opportunities
present themselves, they sit down and
discuss them as a couple, talking out the pros
and cons. That’s what they did when Becky
joined the military and that’s what they continue
to do in each phase of their careers.
But what ultimately keeps them going is their
foundation in Christ. “It’s challenging,” Becky
says. “But there’s a peace because we know we
are doing what we are supposed to be doing.”
Becky says that it is important for them as a
military couple, and for military spouses in
general, to grow even while they are apart. “It’s
not healthy to stay stagnant while the other is
continuing to mature and develop. It’s been our
goal to grow individually so that it’s also
reflected in our marriage.” She says their
relationship is based on encouraging each other
to reach their full potential. “I wouldn’t be the
soldier and the person I am if Jacob hadn’t
pushed for that passion in me,” says Becky.
They serve in different ways, but they both
have a heart for what they do. “Jacob has a
passion for meeting people’s needs and
explaining complicated medical concepts,”
Becky says. “He loves the comradery of the
community he works with.” As an intelligence
officer, Becky directs teams to gather and
process data that help determine what actions
need to be taken. “I truly love working with a
puzzle, putting raw data in a way that helps
drive decisions.” Becky is the only woman in her
unit, as well as the only woman in the state with
active jump status.
Becky says she and Jacob don’t try to compete
with each other. “We look at things differently,”
she says. “but it’s broadened our views.” She adds
that they have to be able to call each other out,
while remaining constant supports. “I try to be
his cheerleader.” They stay connected by
working toward a common goal and are all
56 • July/August 2017
about pushing each other to succeed. “We may
not be physically together,” says Becky, “but goalsetting
helps us grow. It helps us move forward.”
One of the memories that sticks out the most
in their marriage was in August 2008, when
Becky received a phone call that Jacob had been
injured. It was a terrifying experience, but Becky
said they were able to grow closer together
through it. She also saw the love of the military
community, especially the Christians in the
military. “Since we have no family in the
Jackson area, the military is our family,” she
says. It’s also helped her to “walk alongside
other military couples.”
Becky’s advice for military spouses: “Understand
what it takes to serve. A service member
can’t be successful at their job if they don’t feel
supported. One of the most dangerous things is
for a service member to be distracted by issues
happening at home. It doesn’t have to be happy
all the time, but support is essential.” Becky adds
she’s had to learn to trust the Lord with her
husband. “When you know that God has a great
plan, it’s easier to trust and go with the flow.”
Right now, Jacob is stationed in Kuwait, and
by the time this article is published, Becky will
be deployed to the same base. “It really worked
out,” she says. The two will be stationed there
until early next year and will get to spend some
time together between their jobs. “It’s a new
adventure,” Becky says. “It doesn’t fit the mold,
but it’s our story. God has already given us some
pretty cool opportunities to serve, and we are
excited for what he has next.” n
“When you know that God has a great plan,
it’s easier to trust and go with the flow.”
Hometown madison • 57
58 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 59
60 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 61
Doe’s
_______________
Eat Place
Blending the New
and the Old
Susan Marquez
The Beagle Family: Steve, Rachael Ann, Sarah Beth, & Lisa
The Signa Family: Dominic, Salvatore, Lena, Carmelo & Jack
steve and Lisa Beagles are astute business folks who have
worked in the corporate world for many years. While
they’ve been involved in many different aspects of
business, one thing they’ve never done is run a restaurant. Yet today,
they are the proud owners of Ridgeland’s newest dining establishment,
one that has brought a taste of the Delta to central Mississippi.
Doe’s Eat Place opened in the spring and enthusiastic diners
have already become repeat customers. The original Doe’s Eat Place
was established in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1941 by Dominick
“Doe” Signa and his wife, Mamie. The business went through a
few incarnations before becoming a respected restaurant, including
a grocery store and a honkey tonk. In 1974, Doe turned the
restaurant over to his two sons, Charles and Little Doe. They began
franchising the restaurant and today you can find Doe’s Eat Place
in several locations in Arkansas, as well as Baton Rouge and inside
Margaritaville in Biloxi. “We are the ninth Doe’s Eat Place to open,”
said Steve. “Each location has its own personality.”
After contacting the Mayor’s office in Ridgeland and expressing
a desire to open a business in the city, it was suggested to the Beagles
that they look into opening a Doe’s Eat Place. “It’s technically a
franchise,” explained Steve, “but we have control over what we want
our restaurant to be.” After eating at Doe’s in Greenville a few times
and getting to know the Signa family, Steve and Lisa decided they
wanted to honor the family’s reputation. “Their values simply
aligned with ours,” said Steve. “We were driven from the moment
we met them. What we were buying wasn’t an Applebee’s – it was
a family’s name. We wanted to recreate the same atmosphere as
the original, a place where people could come and relax and enjoy
a delicious meal.”
The Beagles took that family concept to heart, hiring a staff
and explaining to them that they were, first and foremost, family.
“No one leaves here without telling ‘Mama Lisa’ goodbye,” asserts
Lisa. “We have a grounded foundation of family here, both among
our staff and among our customers. We are learning their names
and we strive to make them feel welcomed when they come to
dine with us.”
The menu at Doe’s in Ridgeland is the closest to the original as
any of the other locations. “We have added a few items to the menu,
but our core is still steaks and tamales,” explained Steve. “We cut
our own meat for service here, as the steaks are ordered. All steaks
are cut two inches thick and we cook them like no other place does.”
The steaks are broiled at a very high temperature which gives the
meat a great charring for a very unique flavor. “You simply can’t
62 • July/August 2017
cook them this way at home,” Steve said. Steak choices range from
a 10-ounce filet to ribeye, porterhouse, and sirloin, all large
enough to feed a very hungry man or to split with others.
The Delta Hot Tamales are the same recipe that’s been served
at the original Doe’s since the beginning. “The chili we put over
the tamales is exceptional,” said Steve. “I also love our spaghetti.”
Steve, who had triple bypass surgery a few years ago, said he and
Lisa eat in the restaurant every day. “It’s really a healthy way of
eating.” One reason they dine in the restaurant daily is to assure
consistent quality. “That’s the magic,” Steve explained. “We want
to provide the same great experience each and every time someone
dines with us.” Some of the modifications they made to the original
menu include the addition of salmon and tuna, both of which are
Steve’s recipes that harken back to his days of living in Miami. The
Signas encouraged the Beagles to add a baked potato to the menu,
and Steve added his special grilled vegetables. There are also some
salad additions, including a spring salad with artichokes and
tomatoes, roasted in-house.
One of the new menu items Steve is most proud of is Lisa’s
pecan pie. “It was my grandmother’s recipe,” said Lisa. “I was
raised by my grandmother, and she had two large pecan trees in
her yard. We’d gather the pecans and she’d bake them into pies
she gave as gifts. She became known for her delicious pecan pies.
On her deathbed at age 96, she handed me an old recipe card,
stained with butter.” It was the recipe for the pecan pie, and Lisa
has been making them ever since for gifts. The pie served in the
restaurant is about six inches in diameter, and can be served ala
mode. Other deserts include rustic apple tarts, rustic berry tarts,
and chocolate fudge lava cake, all made in-house.
The Beagles settled on opening a restaurant because they
wanted to run a business that connected with the community.
“We wanted that for our girls,” said Steve. The couple has two
daughters, ages nine and twelve, who attend school in Madison.
“We want them to have roots here, and we already introduce
them to our guests as the future owners of Doe’s.” Lisa said that
they are fueled by the atmosphere and energy of the restaurant’s
guests. “We get great joy from serving folks in our restaurant.
It’s like being in a big Italian family’s kitchen.”
______________________________________________________
Doe’s Eat Place is located in the former
Beagle Bagel location on 898 Avery Boulevard.
Call 601-487-8954 For reservations.
Hometown madison • 63
Doe’s
_______________
Eat Place
Grand Opening
april 19
64 • July/August 2017
Hometown madison • 65
66 • July/August 2017
June 3, 2017
Ridgeland Recreation & Parks
Hometown madison • 67
68 • July/August 2017
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Hometown madison • 69
The CHALKBOARD
MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Madison Central
Hall of Fame Members from the Class of 2017
(L-R) Harrison McKinnis, Nathan Yin, Emily Zhang, Mason Joyner, Reyna Dixit,
Katie Christy, Abby Johnston, Connor P. Jones
Principal’s Leadership Award Winners
(L-R) Kate Russell Snopek, Emily Seiss, Anna Hill, Jesse Li.
Pawprint Yearbook Production members
(L-R) Social Media Managers Courtney Ragsdale and
Taylor Dancer; Production Editors Kaitlin Joshua and Sarah Bartley; Copy
Editor Caroline Lewis, Production Staff Member of the Year Haley Green.
Jaguar Spirit Award Winners
Back row is Tommie Gooden. Third row left to right are: Brenden Lyall, Morgan Partrick,
Evan Slay and Dawson Davis. Second row left to right are: Reggie Martin, Amelia Jarvis,
Mary Catherine Lee, Carter Griffin, Quentin Euell. Front row left to right are: Sydney
Brady, Parker Lick, Cheyenne Barker, Blake Collins, Sarah Weicks.
2016-2017 National Merit
Commended Scholars Amelia McKee,
Bradley Stokes, Hannah Gibbs.
70 • July/August 2017
Madison Central High School
Pawprint Yearbook Business
Managers Mason Joyner, Amelia Jarvis.
2016-2017 National Merit Finalists
(Back row L-R) Nathan Yin, Emily Zhang.
(Third row L-R)Riley Street, Alex Smith, Sydney Taylor, Sumner Thomas.
(Second row L-R) Paige Kessler, Jesse Li, Harrison McKinnis,
Sean Sawaya.
(Front row L-R) Reyna Dixit, Anna Hill, Kaitlin Joshua, Mason Joyner.
Blue and Orange Award Winners
(Back row L-R) Alex Dunn, Ben Jones, Preston McMillin, McKenzie Wilbourne,
Sydney Taylor.
(Middle row L-R) Danny Williams, Cole Kelly, Stephen Fowler, Sydney Brown.
(Front row L-R) Thomas Mozingo, Sean Sawaya, Lawson Stewart, Sarah Bartley.
2017 Star Student and Star Teachers
(Back row L-R) Jesse Li, Susan Shivers, Mason Joyner
(Front row L-R) Harrison McKinnis, Kristy Partrick, Reyna Dixit,
Emily Zhang.
Seniors who received all A’s for seven semesters in high school
(Back row) Thomas Morrison.
(Fourth row L-R) Denton Garvey, Reyna Dixit, Sydney Brown, Evan Slay.
(Third row L-R) Reggie Martin, Abby Johnston, Anna Hill, Tommie Gooden.
(Second row L-R)Harrison McKinnis, Jesse Li, Amanda Kim, Mason Joyner,
Katie Christy.
(Front row L-R) Emily Zhang, Lily Turnbull, Sean Sawaya, Rehma Siddiqui,
Thomas Mozingo.
(Left) Valedictorian for the class of 2017 is Emily Zhang. Emily is
the daughter of Yi Quian and Zhao Zhang. She will be attending
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.
(Right) Salutatorian for the class of 2017 is Harrison McKinnis.
Harrison is the son of Danelle and Patrick McKinnis. He will be
attending the University of Mississippi in the fall.
Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.
Hometown madison • 71
The CHALKBOARD
MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Germantown
The highest honor that can be bestowed
upon a graduate of Germantown High
School is to be selected to the Hall of Fame.
Those who will be honored must have made
a good and prudent academic effort, have a
respectful attitude, cooperative spirit, good
character, demonstrate good citizenship and
be a positive role model. The students must
also have been active in co-curricular and
extracurricular activities and have made a
positive contribution to Germantown
High School with a true love for the school.
The seniors selected to the Hall of Fame
by the faculty and staff truly possess all
these characteristics.
Owen Ivan is the son of Kirk and Ginger
Ivan. He has been a part of our SGA for
multiple years while participating in Beta
Club, National Honor Society and St. Jude
Steering Committee. He has earned a
plethora of subject awards while maintaining
honor roll status. Owen was also named a
National Merit Finalist this school year.
He plans to attend the University of
Notre Dame in the fall.
Amber Young is the daughter of Keith and
Camille Young. Amber has been a part of
student government for multiple years while
contributing to Beta Club, Yearbook Staff
and National Honor Society to mention a
few. Amber has also been named Student of
the Month multiple times and named Miss
GHS this school year. She plans to attend
Mississippi State University in the fall.
The goal of the Germantown MAVS
Booster Club is for our student athletes to
be ambassadors for the Mavericks not only
on the field but also in the classroom.
(L-R) Josiah Thomas, Larry Taylor, President
of the MAVS Booster Club, Emma Simpson.
Germantown High School is fortunate to
have support from our community.
St. Dominic Hospital has been particularly
instrumental in helping to build a strong
foundation for Germantown High School.
They have gone above and beyond with
their support by establishing a scholarship
for GHS seniors.
(L-R) Erin Kight, Owen Ivan, Breana Pigott.
The GHS Ted Poore Distinguished
Maverick Scholarship in recognition of
Mr. Ted Poore, the very first principal of
Germantown High School, recognizes
seniors who have distinguished themselves
as true Mavericks.
(L-R) Laurel Lee, Miles Murphy, Torri Duckworth.
72 • July/August 2017
Shelby D’Amico is the daughter of Dan and
Martha D’Amico. She has been a vital part
of Student Government for numerous years
and served as executive co-president this
year. She has earned an abundance of
subject awards and maintained honor roll
throughout high school while participating
with various clubs such as Yearbook, Beta
Club, Interact Club and St. Jude Steering
Committee. She plans to attend the
University of Mississippi in the fall.
Anna Shepard is the daughter of Rob and
Sue Ellen Shepard. Anna has been an officer
with SGA for many years and served as
executive co-president this year.
She represented GHS with Madison
County Youth Leadership and was an
important part of our Beta Club, Yearbook
Staff, FCA and National Honor Society.
She has been named Student of the Month
and won the Citizenship Award. She plans
to attend Mississippi State University
in the fall.
Brantley Hudnall is the daughter of Kristof
and Amy Edgar and Thomas Hudnall.
She has been a massive part of the Speech
and Debate Team, Beta Club and St. Jude
Steering Committee. She has earned the
Citizenship Award, been named Student of
the Month and earned an abundant of
subject awards. Brantley was named a
National Merit Commended Scholar
this year and she plans to attend the
University of Mississippi in the fall.
Consumers shopping for a new or used car in Mississippi have been
choosing Mac Haik as their dealership of choice for many years.
Their ability to meet and exceed every car shopper’s expectations is
what helps them succeed as the premier car dealership in Mississippi.
With 3 locations to choose from and their newest location to open
soon in Gluckstadt, GHS is pleased to partner with them and offer
several scholarships for students.
(L-R) Laurel Lee, Natilyn Hasty, Shelby D’Amico, Louis Jones, Director of Operations
for Mac Haik Mississippi, Brantley Hudnall, Torri Duckworth, Madeleine Case.
The GHS PTO is always ready, willing and there when needed.
(L-R) Josiah Thomas, Laurel Mahaffey, PTO President Kim Magoun,
Cameron Petermann, Emma Simpson.
Hometown madison • 73
The Time Coin
Things I learned at the beach:
• God’s greatness becomes more
real to me when I see the
vastness of the ocean.
• The sun will always find that portion of
the body that missed the sunscreen.
• Peanut butter sandwiches taste ten times
better on the beach, even if they include a few grains of sand.
• Seagulls are like gossipers – news travels rapidly among them.
• The roll of the ocean waves is far more effective than Tylenol PM.
• Sand shovels never dig deep enough to find the end of the sand.
• Watches and clocks lose their power to dictate.
• The waves are like God’s love; they never stop.
• Children’s abilities to withstand and tolerate the brisk water
temperatures far exceed mine.
• Aloe lotion is an essential item for beach vacations.
• Reading God’s Word on the beach only enhances its power.
• We should all learn the contentment that a pail and shovel gives a child.
• Regardless of what the extended family eats, it’s fine dining when we
do it together.
• A full moon shining through the trees at our home doesn’t carry the
same impact that the moon’s reflection on the ocean carries.
• Swimsuits come in ALL sizes.
• The ancient practice of sun worship
still exists.
• Even rainy days are pretty on the beach.
• Infants cannot enjoy the beach.
• Mothers of infants learn that quickly.
• A heavy fog can obscure the beach but can
never muffle the waves’ symphonies.
• Krispy Kreme Donuts were conceived for vacationers.
• Diets were designed for donut-eating vacationers.
• Teenagers can survive on minimal sleep during beach vacations.
• Parents should always chaperone teenagers on beach trips.
• Forget the policy of jean Fridays. Make it pajama day every day.
• The volume of portable electronic music should never be allowed
to mute the sound of the waves.
• Families love each other more and are more considerate of one
another when they are on the beach.
• Some gulls have learned the practice of freeloading.
• An early morning walk on the beach will inspire you to save
for the next beach vacation.
• The last walk on the beach before heading for home is never
long enough. n
74 • July/August 2017
I choose Merit.
Phillip Ley, M.D., FACS
Board-Certified Surgeon
Specialist in Cancer Surgery
Because there’s Merit
in providing specialized care.
Surgical oncologist Phillip Ley, M.D., FACS, has joined the team at Merit Health. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Ley
has special expertise in breast cancer surgery. He provides minimally invasive biopsy, breast cancer management, hereditary
cancer risk assessment, and oncoplastic breast cancer surgery. An advocate for breast cancer prevention and research, he is
continually exploring new options for patients, such as genetic testing and clinical research for those with a family history of
breast cancer. Dr. Ley is also experienced in treating melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and thyroid and parathyroid disease.
Dr. Ley brings his patients the benefits of advanced research,
training and techniques. For more information, call 601-326-2175.
Talk with your physician about a referral to Dr. Ley.
Member of the Medical Staff at Merit Health River Oaks and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital.
1030 N. Flowood Dr.
Suite C • Flowood, MS
MyMeritDoctor.com
Hometown madison • 75
RUNNELS
C E N T E R
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Announcing
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There’s a reason Runnels Center
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It's our commitment to bringing only the best
to Mississippi. So we're pleased William North,
Jackson native and graduate of UMMC, returned
to his medical home and chose to practice
with us. Dr. North brings the latest techniques
and unparalleled experience from the
prestigious University of Kentucky
Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington.
voted
The Clarion-Ledger’s
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L-R: William North, MD • Scott Runnels, MD, FAC, Diplomat, American Board of Plastic Surgery
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