Madison118

Volume 4 Number 1
Jan/feb 2018
The Early Valentine
____________________
Special Agent-Special Man
____________________
A Picture of Happiness

Hometown madison • 3

publisher & Editor
Tahya A. Dobbs
CFO
Kevin W. Dobbs
Consulting editor
Mary Ann Kirby
Account Executives
Dacia Durr Amis
Karla Johnson
Contributing Writers
Camille Anding
Dani Edmonson
Mary Ann Kirby
Leah Mitchener
staff Photographer
Othel Anding
Administrative Assistant
Alisha Floyd
Special Projects Manager
Brenda McCall
Project Assistant
Carrie Truhett
Layout Design
Daniel Thomas - 3dt
• • •
As soon as I figure out how 2017 zipped by so quickly, I’ll try and find time to give 2018 its deserving
welcome. I stand amazed at time’s fleet-footedness and make new resolve to initiate needed adjustments
to our fast-track lifestyle.
Recently, Kevin and I visited a dear friend who played a positive role in our “newly-married” years.
It was a heart-rending visit because our friend was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Her daughter,
who has taken on the role as major caretaker, has made major adjustments in her own life to assume this
mission. She shared how she had intentionally simplified her life in order to be near her mother and
enjoy the dwindling moments while her mother still knows her.
Life truly is fragile. Sometimes it takes a disease, accident, or lab report to
realize just how fragile. Who knows what 2018 will write into our lives? I’m
certainly not greeting the New Year with gloom or fear, but I do sense a great
need to prioritize my time so that busy-ness doesn’t dictate life or suffocate it.
Take time to read the great stories we have in this issue of Hometown Madison.
It’s our intention at Hometown Magazines to make that time well spent!
Happy New Year!
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 Madison
may be reproduced without written permission from
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is not responsible for opinions expressed by its
writers or editors. Hometown Madison maintains the
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material. All advertisements are subject to approval by
the publisher. The production of Hometown Madison
is funded by advertising.
In this issue The Way We Were 8
The Early Valentine 16
I Love Us 26
Special Agent-
Special Man 30
A Picture of Happiness 38
Families First Canton 44
That One Thing 54
Hometown madison • 5

6 • Jan/Feb 2018

Hometown madison • 7

The way
WE were
Mary Lois & Gerald Rayburn
Leah Mitchener
There are many recipes for a
lot of things in this world. Ones
for pot roasts or chicken
casseroles, some for disaster or
success. But love? Oh yes–love is
probably the most desired yet
elusive one. Gerald and Mary Lois
Rayburn have done a great job of
throwing the ingredients of life
together to make their own love
story one worth sharing.
“Mother knows best” isn’t just a
platitude in the Rayburn household.
The couple was actually
introduced by Mary Lois’ mother,
lovingly known as ‘Little Momma’,
in early 1964 in Batesville,
Mississippi. They went out on a
double date with some of Gerald’s
friends, “and from then on it was
very nice,” said Mary Lois. “We
laugh about it even now,” she
added. It was a very short courtship
before they announced their
engagement and were married
on April 19th of that same year.
They lived in Canton, Mississippi,
for 45 years before they moved to
Madison where they currently
reside.
Gerald had spent some time
enlisted in the Navy and was
stationed in Hawaii working with
a flight crew before he met his
wife-to-be. The rest of his working
life was spent as a salesman of
some sort or another, mainly
dealing in farming equipment.
Mary Lois made a lifelong career
at bookkeeping–first for a car
dealership, then First National
Bank, and finally at Mississippi
State Extension Service in Madison
County for almost 20 years. She
retired in December of 2008,
excited to be able to spend more
time with her husband and their
grandchildren. Gerald continued
working in sales until he officially
retired “completely” in October
of 2016.
Family is the Rayburn’s main
ingredient in their happy marriage.
“We didn’t really even take any
pictures until the kids,” said Mary
Lois. When their sons were
younger, they would take family
trips every summer. “Probably
when we carried the kids to the
Grand Canyon would be my
favorite memory,” said Gerald.
“That was a beautiful, beautiful
trip,” added Mary Lois. Their
oldest son, Billy, and his wife and
daughter, live in the Memphis
area, while their younger son,
Bobby, lives in Baton Rouge with
his wife and two children. The
Rayburns are sad that they are so
far away from their sons, but love
the fact that they are pretty
centrally located between the two
of them. “If they leave our house
at the same time, they both call
saying they got home at about the
same time,” laughed Mary Lois.
8 • Jan/Feb 2018

“Go to church.
Don’t fight.
When you have problems,
sit down and talk them out.”
Mary Lois’ Famous
Painted Cookies
Since their retirements, their
time has been spent relaxing at
home and enjoying the little things
life has to offer. Gerald laughingly
talked about how he “enjoys
fooling with the flowers” and his
Mary Lois has a local claim to
fame as the baker of some of the
best Christmas cookies you will
ever eat. These light, delicate,
beautiful cookies have been one of
the highlights of the Christmas
Gerald and Mary Lois know
that, in addition to all of the little
things like family trips and special
cookies, the key ingredients to a
successful marriage are as follows:
“Go to church. Don’t fight. When
Cookies
• 1 cup Imperial Margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• 1-½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 3 cups Gold Medal flour
• 1-½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
love of golf up until recent years.
Mary Lois can be found almost
every day enjoying coloring in
season for many years among their
family and friends. If you ask her
about them, she will surely hand
you have problems, sit down and
discuss them and talk them out.”
Mary Lois added that “young
Icing
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Milk
• Food coloring
adult coloring books. “I usually do
one page around the news time,
and if I’m not too sleepy, I’ll stay up
and color. They are very relaxing!”
she beamed. The pair of them also
greatly enjoy watching sports as
well, Mary Lois perhaps even more
than Gerald. The Pittsburgh Pirates
and the St. Louis Cardinals will
you a sheet of paper with the recipe
lovingly scribbled on it, glowing
with pride. “They are fun to make
and I hope I’ll be able to do it this
year,” she said. “Just a few weeks
ago, my nephew’s wife came by
one night and they made those
cookies for Halloween. We used
to make them for birthdays and
people are missing out on
conversations with their loved
ones because all of them have
these phones in their hands.”
So keep these tips in your box
of recipe cards, and know that
these little things have cooked up
a wonderful life and marriage
for people like Gerald and Mary
Thoroughly cream margarine, sugar, and
vanilla. Add egg and water. Beat until light
and fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder,
and salt. Blend into creamed mixture.
Divide dough in half. Chill for 1 hour.
On lightly floured surface, roll dough to
1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes
with cookie cutters. Bake on ungreased
cookie sheet at 375º for about 6-8 minutes.
Cool slightly and remove from pan.
always be held in prestige in the
Rayburn household.
everything,” Gerald reminisced.
Lois Rayburn. n
Mix confectioners’ sugar and milk.
Add food coloring for desired color,
then ice.
Hometown madison • 9

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Hometown madison • 11

ServingOUR
Community
Why did you decide to be a firefighter?
I think, like most firefighters, it’s for the
opportunity to help other people on a
daily basis. And it’s awesome to show up
to a job you love and work within a team
that’s all striving towards a common goal!
It’s just what I wanted to do since I was
a kid.
How long have you been with the Madison
Fire Department?
Six years.
Tell us about your family.
It’s just me. But I have two amazing
parents and beautiful twin sisters who
keep me in check.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
I feel like the answer to this question
would be the same among most people
I work with. Although we train and
develop certain skills and are eager to
use those skillsets when needed, whether
fire or medical, it’s still tough when you
have to explain to a family member they
just lost their loved one, or see the
aftermath of the memories and things
destroyed in a fire. And no matter who
you ask, it never gets easy to see a child
scared and in pain. But there are way
more positive aspects of the job that
balance those experiences out.
What are three things on your bucket list?
It’s a really long list! Three things I can
think of right off are that I want to fly in
a fighter jet, scuba dive the Barrier Reef
in Australia, and I want to watch a
baseball game in every major league
stadium.
firefighter/EMT
Ian O’Leary
madison
fire department
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I love to travel! I get out of town at least
once a month and try to experience new
things. I’m big into anything health and
fitness related as well as instructing
martial arts. I’m an entrepreneur, so in
that “spare time” I usually enjoy creating
new opportunities and networking.
Who is someone you admire and why?
Definitely my dad! He is for sure my
hero! He has such a high level of
integrity and the way he spends his life
serving others is truly impressive to
witness. He’s overcome so many
obstacles in his life that have allowed
him and my mom to afford me so many
opportunities. It’s really remarkable. But
most important is his support and belief
in me to be happy in pursing my dreams.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young
person, what would it be?
If something seems too good to be true,
investigate it. People aren’t looking for
attention; they’re starving for connections.
Connect with people. Ask questions.
Never take advice from someone you’re
not willing to trade places with. Pursue
a life of significance, not success. If you
aren’t obsessed with your life then you
should be obsessed with changing it.
Find mentors who have what you want
and do what they’ve done to get it.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
I loved playing sports, so anytime I
was outside competing in a game I had
a smile on my face. I had the most fun
traveling with the family for summer
ball and competing against top teams
from other states.
What is the biggest mistake you think young
people make today?
Not seeing the big picture. Not thinking
for themselves and forming their own
ideas. Relying on social media and other
people’s opinions to develop their values
and self-worth. They allow others to tell
them what they “should” do, instead of
pursuing what is in their heart and what
they want to do. Trying to be perfect
instead of just being present in the
moment.
What is your favorite thing about the City
of Madison?
The people. We have a very supportive
community who show their appreciation
for the fire and police departments on a
regular basis. It’s nice to be appreciated
for a career that we chose.
12 • Jan/Feb 2018

Hometown madison • 13

14 • Jan/Feb 2018

ServingOUR
County
Why did you decide to pursue law enforcement?
I enjoy helping others and I knew by
becoming a law enforcement officer, it
would put me in a position to do that.
How long have you been with the Madison
County Sheriff’s Office?
27 years
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married for 23 years to Karen
Wilson and have three children, Olivia,
Macey, and Cody.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
Death investigations – whether it is an
accident or homicide (children especially).
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
Spending time with my family, also
hunting and fishing.
Captain of
Investigations
Todd Wilson
Madison County
Sheriff's department
What are three things on your bucket list?
Go on a cruise with my wife, kill a
trophy deer with my bow, and own a
piece of property in the country.
Who is someone you admire and why?
This is a tough one; I admire a lot of
people for a lot of different reasons so
instead of taking the risk of leaving
someone out, I will say that I admire
people that choose to do the right
thing–even when it’s not the most
popular choice.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I really don’t expect much will change in
ten years. I hope to be still serving the
people of Madison County.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young
person, what would it be?
Be a leader not a follower.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
Going to my grandparents’ house on
Sunday afternoons. It was always the
highlight of the week.
What is the biggest mistake you think young
people make today?
Again, I think it goes back to being a
leader. Too many young people today are
basing their decisions on popular trends
instead of making informed decisions.
What is your favorite thing about the City of
Madison?
The hometown atmosphere.
Hometown madison • 15

16 • Jan/Feb 2018

The Early
Valentine
Leah Mitchener
Jason and Kisha Flanigan
were excited about Valentine’s
Day of 2016 more than they
had been any year previously.
They didn’t have special dinner
reservations, bouquets of
flowers, nor heart-shaped
boxes of chocolates in order.
They had much better plans than that; plans to meet
their newborn son – Karter.
The pregnancy was going well, and the anticipation
and excitement of welcoming a new family member
grew daily for the Flanigans. The chilly days of
November came, and Kisha went in for a routine
doctor’s appointment. Feeling great for being six months
pregnant, Kisha was blindsided by the news she was
about to receive. She was going to have to deliver baby
Karter three months prematurely because she had
developed walking pneumonia and her kidneys were
starting to fail.
When most people think of a baby being born
prematurely, they probably assume that it is due to
something being medically wrong with the child. But,
like Kisha herself found out that day, that is not always
the case. She had absolutely
zero symptoms – no warning
that something could be
wrong. But her blood pressure
had reached dangerous levels.
“On the outside I was fine,
but I was not doing well on
the inside,” explained Kisha.
Karter was rushed into this world through an
emergency cesarean on November 7, 2015 weighing
just 1 lb., 3 oz. He remained in the NICU for three
months until his actual due date so that his lungs
could fully develop, and Jason and Kisha were with
him every day, sometimes multiple times a day, to
watch over him and help him grow.
As an 11th grade English teacher for Madison
County School District, Kisha had participated in
fundraisers and walks for the March of Dimes Foundation
on several occasions because of the support the district
had always lent to the charity. She was always happy to
help and participate, but never expected that she would
later benefit from the work that March of Dimes does
for new mothers and their premature babies. “The
research and the encouragement has really helped me,”
Hometown madison • 17

18 • Jan/Feb 2018

she said. “I read positive stories every day. Hearing what they went through
and that it’s not going to last forever helped me get through each
day. Three months may not seem like a long time, but it feels like an
eternity when you’re there,” she recalled.
Through their research, March of Dimes has transitioned from
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s original goal of finding vaccinations
for polio to that of helping and preventing birth defects and
addressing the alarming rise in premature births in the United
States and around the world. They have created many vaccines for
preemie infants as well as many therapies to help them and their
families develop healthy lives.
Because of March of Dimes, the Flanigans learned so much
about caring for their strong little man. They learned how to do
‘Kangaroo Care’ (a technique of skin-to-skin contact between
child and parents), which helped Karter’s breathing and heartbeat
regulate as well as develop a bond between him and his loving
parents. “I swaddled him every day. He still does it. Sometimes
I wonder if he remembers doing that,” laughed Kisha.
Since Karter has been home from the hospital, Kisha and Jason
have dedicated a lot of their spare time to participating with and
supporting the March of Dimes Foundation. Friends and family walk
with ‘Team Karter’ each year to raise money for research through
donations. “I participated, but didn’t realize the importance until I
had my baby,” said Kisha of her involvement before Karter arrived.
“Your time is just as important as money,” she added. But one of the
most important things Kisha said that these families need is the
power of prayer.
We were all small once. We came into this world in tiny
packages, some smaller than others, but no less full of joy. This little
boy, who was expected in the season of love, instead arrived in the
season of thankfulness. The Flanigan family surely wants for neither
of those feelings now that they are healthy and happy together. ♥
Contribute to the work the March of Dimes is doing for premature babies and their
families by making a donation. Please visit Kisha Flanigan’s fundraising website at
www.marchforbabies.org/KishaFlanigan.
Hometown madison • 19

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and readers.
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20 • Jan/Feb 2018

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2018
Livestock Show &
22 • Jan/Feb 2018

It’s that time of year again!
Time when cowboys and cowgirls from all over the
nation descend upon Mississippi’s capital city for the
annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. During
the month of February, The Dixie National brings with it
a variety of programs and activities that take place to
educate, entertain, and engage participants and onlookers,
alike. The 53rd annual livestock show kicks off February 1
and runs through February 18.
The Dixie National Rodeo is the largest professional
rodeo east of the Mississippi River. It is produced by
Smith, Harper, and Morgan Rodeo Company, hosted by
the Mississippi Fair Commission in Jackson, Mississippi
and has been nominated as one of the Top 5 Large Indoor
Rodeos of The Year for the past five years. This award is
voted on by the cowboys in the Professional Rodeo
Cowboy Association (PRCA).
The rodeo kicks off February 8 and goes through
February 14 at the Mississippi Coliseum. Special entertainers
are featured each day of the rodeo and include Josh Turner,
Frank Foster, The Bellamy Brothers, John Michael
Montgomery, Riley Green, Corey Smith, and Brett Young.
Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at the
coliseum box office.
The Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, the Southern
Classic, is the premier event of the Mississippi Quarter
Horse Association. Also held in February on the state
fairgrounds, it is the largest quarter horse show held
during a stock show in the nation. The Dixie National
Quarter Horse Show is the largest in the South and the
third largest quarter horse show in the United States.
The national exposure the quarter horse show receives
makes it a gathering place for the top horses in the country
and a field day for spectators. With an average audience of
over 4,500, the Friday night free-style reining is the most
crowd pleasing class and demonstrates the great physical
ability of the American Quarter Horse. The Southern
Classic dates are February 13-18.
The Dixie National Equine Expo, the largest equine
related trade show in the south, runs in conjunction with
the quarter horse show. It features everything imaginable
for the equine enthusiast. With over 65,000 sq. ft. of
shopping, the Equine Expo is located inside the Mississippi
Trade Mart on the fairgrounds. With vendors from across
the nation, the latest fashions, trends and shopping will all
be under one roof. It is one of the largest equine tradeshows
in the Southeast. The Equine Expo is February 14-18.
Hometown madison • 23

Hometown
goodness
Chicken Tamale Pie
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
(about 12 ounces)
• 1-1/2 cups prepared salsa
• One 15-ounce can black beans,
drained and rinsed
• 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 scallions (white and green parts),
sliced
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
black pepper
• Sour cream, for serving
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat
chicken, salsa, beans, 1/2 cup of
broth and chili powder in a 10-inch
cast- iron skillet over medium heat,
stirring, until simmering. Stir in
scallions and remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, combine cornmeal
with the remaining 1 cup broth and
1 cup water in a medium pan. Bring
to a simmer over medium heat,
stirring, until very thick, 5 to 7
minutes. Remove from the heat and
stir in the cheese and butter. Season
with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4
teaspoon pepper.
Spread the cornmeal mixture over
the filling and bake until cooked
through, about 30 minutes. Let stand
for 15 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
Pizza Pot Pies
Tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced rosemary
• 2 ounces diced pancetta
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
(28-ounce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper
Pies
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups diced roasted chicken
• 2 cups broccoli cut into small,
bite-sized pieces
• 1-1/2 cups diced mozzarella
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds pizza dough
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Special equipment:
6, 10-ounce ramekins
For the tomato sauce: Warm the
olive oil in a small saucepan over
medium heat. Add garlic, rosemary,
and pancetta. Sauté until crisp and
golden, about 5 minutes. Add the
tomatoes, stir to combine, simmer
over very low heat for 15 minutes.
Add salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl combine tomato
sauce, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella,
salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Divide chicken mixture evenly
between the ramekins. Roll out the
pizza dough and cut circles with a
paring knife that are 1-inch wider in
diameter than the ramekins. Place
the circles of dough over the filled
ramekins and press down to seal,
making sure to pull the dough over
the edge of the ramekin. Brush the
top of the dough with olive oil and
sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Cut a small slit in the top of the
dough with a paring knife. Bake until
crust is golden, about 25 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool
slightly before serving.
Pork Chops
with Wine & Garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
black pepper
• 4 bone-in T-bone pork chops,
1 inch thick
• 16 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1-1/2 cups red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup beef broth, plus more
if needed
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of
the butter in a heavy skillet over high
heat. Salt and pepper both sides of
the pork chops and sear until golden,
about 2 minutes per side. (No need
to completely cook the chops at this
point.) Remove from skillet and set
aside.
Reduce heat to medium high,
throw in the whole cloves of garlic.
Stir and cook until golden brown,
Add red wine, then bay leaf. Stir and
cook, raising the heat inecessary,
until the sauce is reduced and thick,
several minutes.
Stir in beef broth (add more if it
needs the liquid) and add the chops
back to the skillet, arranging them
so they’re swimming in the sauce.
Cook chops in the sauce for a few
minutes, then add the balsamic.
Shake the skillet to distribute, then
cook for a couple more minutes, or
until the chops are done.
Remove chops from the skillet,
let the sauce reduce a little more if
needed, until it’s very thick and rich
and the garlic is soft. Swirl in the
remaining tablespoon of butter and
sprinkle in a little salt and pepper.
Arrange the pork chops on a
platter, then pour the whole skillet
of sauce (including the garlic) over
the top.
24 • Jan/Feb 2018

Spicy Turkey &
Green Bean Stir-Fry
Slow-Cooker
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cheesy Gnocchi Casserole
with Ham & Peas
• 1-1/2 cups basmati rice
• 1-1/2 pounds green beans,
trimmed
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 pound 99 percent lean
ground turkey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small half-sour pickle,
finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Asian chili paste,
such as sambal oelek
• 1 cup fat-free low-sodium
chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium
soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry or rice
vinegar (not seasoned)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Stir in the rice, cover and boil until
tender, about 18 minutes; drain well
and keep warm.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
Toss the green beans, 1-1/2
tablespoons vegetable oil and sugar
on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil,
stirring once, until the beans are
tender and charred, about 8 minutes.
Heat the remaining 1-1/2
tablespoons vegetable oil in a large
skillet over high heat. Add the turkey
and cook, breaking it up with a
wooden spoon, until browned,
3 minutes. Add the garlic, pickle and
chili paste and cook until the garlic is
slightly golden, about 3 minutes.
Whisk the chicken broth, soy sauce,
sherry and cornstarch in a bowl. Add
the green beans to the skillet with the
turkey mixture and cook, stirring,
1 minute. Add the soy sauce mixture
and cook, stirring occasionally, until
the sauce thickens slightly, about
3 minutes. Serve with the rice.
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons hot paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
pepper
• 1 3-to-4-pound boneless pork
shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar,
plus more to taste
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 potato buns
• Barbecue sauce and prepared
coleslaw, for serving
Combine 1 tablespoon brown
sugar, paprika, mustard powder,
cumin, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2
teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub
the spice mixture over the pork.
Heat oil in a large skillet; add pork
and cook, turning, until browned on
all sides, 5 minutes. Remove the pork
and transfer to a plate; whisk 3/4 cup
water into the drippings in the skillet.
Transfer the liquid to a 5-to-6-quart
slow cooker.
Add vinegar, tomato paste,
remaining 2 tablespoons brown
sugar and 2 cups water and whisk
to combine. Add pork, cover and
cook on low, 8 hours.
Remove the pork and transfer to
a cutting board. Strain the liquid into
a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook
until reduced by half, about 10
minutes. Season with salt. Roughly
chop the pork and mix in a bowl with
1 cup of the reduced cooking liquid,
and salt and vinegar to taste. Serve
on buns with barbecue sauce and
coleslaw.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• One 8-ounce piece deli ham, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• One 17.5-ounce package potato
gnocchi
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground
black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere
cheese
Preheat the broiler to high heat.
Melt the butter in a large ovenproof
skillet over medium heat. Add onions
and cook until softened, about 3
minutes. Add ham and thyme and
continue to cook until ham is lightly
browned.
Add chicken broth and 3/4 cup
water and bring to a simmer. Add
gnocchi, stir well, cover and cook
until gnocchi is slightly tender, about
5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Uncover and stir in peas, cream, 1/4
teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon
pepper. Sprinkle cheese over the top
and broil until golden and bubbly,
about 3 minutes.
Barbecue Mac & Cheese
• Kosher salt
• 1 pound large shell pasta noodles
• 4 cups stemmed and chopped
collard greens (about 1 large
bunch)
• 5 ounces beer
• 5 ounces half-and-half
• 2/3 cup your favorite spicy
barbecue sauce
• 6 ounces American cheese,
chopped or shredded
• 4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar,
shredded (about 1 cup)
• 4 ounces Havarti, shredded
(about 1 cup)
• Freshly ground black pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to a
boil. Cook the pasta and collards until
the pasta is al dente, according to
package directions. Drain and reserve.
Combine the beer, half-and-half
and barbecue sauce in a large
saucepan over medium-low heat and
cook, whisking, until it simmers.
Stir in the cheddar and Havarti and
cook over low heat, stirring, until all
the cheese is melted. Add the pasta
and collards and toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve
immediately!
Hometown madison • 25

26 • Jan/Feb 2018
Mary Ann Kirby

alentine’s Day. My earliest
thoughts of the beloved celebration
date back to the third grade and are
of tiny die-cut cards stating such simple
messages like, “Some-bunny loves you”
and, “Will you be mine?” I can remember
the importance of finding just the right
cards to give out, too. No way did I want
anything too mushy or anything. Picking
out the card was serious business.
They would eventually be placed in
individually decorated brown paper
sacks that were taped to the back of
everyone’s little-person sized desk.
Love was so easy.
Years later, flowers and gigantic
helium balloons were the must-have
order of the day, often delivered to the
workplace. I was never the recipient of
such over-the-top deliveries and was
even admittedly a bit jealous of those
who were. I mean, had they somehow
figured out a secret code to love that I
hadn’t? And how were you supposed to
get those big ol’ things home anyway?
I eventually married in my early
thirties. Prior to that time, while I managed
a couple of fairly decent relationships,
I was mostly single–a lot. I mean, there
were easier things in life than trying to
find a nice guy, you know. Like nailing
jelly to a tree. But it was worth the wait.
I would eventually find my perfect
match and we will celebrate 19 years
of marriage this year. Yay!
So as I look through the thousands
of cards at the store and contemplate
the message I want to convey, I’m
struck by a simple yet powerful thought.
I love us.
In reality, the card I’m looking for
should say, “Happy Valentine’s Day.
Who, in a million years, would have
ever thought that I’d be standing here
for the umteenth time looking through
this sea of red and pink hearts? But,
despite the fact that I get grumpy and
have unpredictable mood swings, you
keep coming home–and I thank you
for that. And even though you’ve yet
to develop the ability to read my mind,
I continue to love you anyway. We’ve
made a pretty darn fabulous kid that,
with any luck, will think marriage is a
good thing after watching us. So, there’s
that. Happy Valentine’s Day! I love us.”
There need to be cards with those
types of “real” messages. Someone
could make a fortune.
Relationships are hard. All relationships.
And they take work. Anything worth
having, does. And while my husband
and I have certainly made a good run so
far, we’ve definitely had our moments–
but we always manage to work through
them. Eventually, we even laugh it off.
Laughter is about connection, and
laughter and love go hand-in-hand.
So while I might not be one of those
that gets $100 worth of helium delivered
to the front door, I will get a funny card
from my fella. It will likely still be in the
store bag from which it was bought
along with one of my favorite Hollywood
gossip-type magazines and a box of
little white powdered donuts. He knows
they’re my favorite and that means the
world to me.
The truth is that love isn’t always
perfect. It isn’t a fairytale or a storybook
and it doesn’t always come easy. Love is
overcoming obstacles, facing challenges,
fighting to be together, holding on, and
never letting go.
It’s a short word that’s easy to spell,
difficult to define, and impossible to live
without. Love is work, but most of all, love
is realizing that every hour, and every
minute, and every second of it was
worth it–because you did it together.
Maybe more marriages would
survive if people knew that sometimes
the “better” comes after the “worse.”
And that’s ok. A successful marriage
requires falling in love many times,
over and over, with the same person.
I’m thankful for my person. I really do
love us. ♥
Hometown madison • 27

Hometown Madison
Reader
SPOTLIGHT
Alison
Martin
Why did you decide to make Madison County
your home?
My mom’s family grew up in Canton, so I grew
up coming for holidays and spending time in the
summer with my cousin. My husband is from
Canton, so we eventually moved back “home,”
and I am so happy here.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Shan and I have been married for 19
years (20 in May!) and we have three boys: Lane
(16), Carter (13), and Sam (10). Both sets of their
grandparents live in Madison County, so we get to
spend lots of time together.
What is your favorite memory of living in
Madison?
Since my boys were born, we spend every day of
the summer at the pool at the Country Club of
Canton. The boys can now all ride their bikes
there, have become good golfers, and Lane wants
to be a lifeguard this summer.
Where are your three favorite places to eat
in Madison?
Chick-fil-A (of course), Santa Fe Grill is new to
Canton and is delicious, and Culinary Cowboy
Amish bread.
What are some fun things to do in Madison
on the weekends?
At this stage in our lives, we go to Canton
Academy ballgames of all sorts all the time!!
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I used to scrapbook with some friends once a month,
and we decided when our kids all get bigger, we are
going to try to start back. We all miss it!
What are three things on your bucket list?
Oooh. That’s a tough one. I’d love to visit somewhere
tropical, see the Grand Canyon, and visit the set of
the TV show The Goldbergs – my family loves that
show.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
When I was in elementary school, for summer
vacation a couple of years, my mom would let my
sister Ashley and me pick any place we’d like to visit
in the Rankin/Madison/Hinds area, and that’s what
we would do for her vacation week. We’d always
pick places we’d been on field trips like Vicksburg,
the Zoo, the Natural Science Museum or the
Petrified Forest. Ashley and I thought we were big
stuff when we went to see two movies IN A ROW!
Who is someone you admire and why?
Pam Moore teaches science at Canton Academy
and was our teacher of the year last year. She is
amazing – always prepared, covers so much
material, has tests graded the same day, and loves
her students. She does all this AND works at
UMC, too. She is definitely someone I admire.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I have thought at times that when my youngest son
graduated from high school that I’d like to go back
to school to become a nurse. We will see...
If you could give us one encouraging quote,
what would it be?
“If you don’t want someone to find out, don’t do
it.” I have a poster of that in my classroom because
I think that advice could save some teenagers
(and adults, too) lots of heartache.
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
I love seeing the good things people are doing where
I live. The news is filled with so much negative that
it’s great to see people who love their hometown
and are willing to invest time and money into making
it somewhere other people can enjoy, too.
Amy Edwards
601-707-9434
1716 Highway 51, Ste. I
Madison
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28 • Jan/Feb 2018

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30 • Jan/Feb 2018

Special Agent-
Special Man
Dani Edmonson
“In order to adequately serve our communities,
we need to know our community members,”
says Jeffery Artis, FBI Special Agent from Madison.
He adds that you have to respect someone before you know them—
words that resonate heavily in these times of national cultural confusion.
Artis, who specializes in investigating civil
rights violations within the law enforcement
and public official agencies, believes healing
communities can be as simple as following the
Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.”
“As law enforcement, we don’t disrespect
individuals intentionally,” Artis said. “It is complicated
because we are trained to take control and eliminate
the threat. But to what extent an incident is perceived a threat is
subject to human interpretation.” And with all manner of incidents
being posted on social media almost immediately without the benefit
of any context, often the public receives a version of the event that,
at the very least, needs to be vetted for clarity.
One moment of an officer’s interaction with a citizen is seen now
thousands of times before any law enforcement leaders have a chance
to sort things out. Sadly, often the officer is publicly condemned before
all the facts are disseminated. Artis added that for every officer that
actually does something wrong, at least ten of them do something
noble that rarely gets publicized. “But they don’t do
it for the recognition,” he added.
Born and raised in York, Alabama, his goals in
life were, “…not to live in York, Alabama, and not
be poor.” Although the statement was made in
jest, his work ethic along the way has enabled
him to achieve those two goals and much more.
He joined the Bureau in January of 1988 in
Birmingham, Alabama, working the lowliest of positions
available at the time. The initial pay was not enough to support
himself, so taking on a second job was necessary.
“While I was getting ready to attend grad school, my former
department chair at Miles College asked me if I could help him run
his pizza store,” he said. A “soft” job for the soon-to-be federal agent.
But the department chair appealed to Artis’ natural public-service
nature when he went on to say, “Right now I need to hire someone
who won’t steal from me!” Artis needed the additional income, and
the owner needed a trustworthy employee, so he juggled two jobs
learning extensively from both for one year.
Hometown madison • 31

“Over the next six and a half years, I was able to learn exactly what
the FBI was about, and it gave me the opportunity to be sure that was
the career I wanted,” he said. “Although this is an honorable profession
in which to serve, it is not for everyone when you consider the fact that
we investigate over 300 federal violations to include cyber-attacks,
homicides, child crimes, public corruption and terrorism, oftentimes
having to confront well-known individuals.”
The FBI places agents within specialties that best suit each
individual’s background. “If a science major is hired, but that person is
tired of the whole ‘chemistry thing,’ he/she can be assigned to other
violations, such as national security threats,” Artis said. He entered
undergraduate school with the idea that he would become a politician
who would help bridge ethnic divides. “Jim Crow laws were still being
observed in some places in the South,” he said. “I wanted to be at the
table that brought about change in our community.”
Fate smiled upon his youthful aspirations, not through public office,
but through public service.
Artis is a special agent assigned to investigate civil rights violations.
“This includes hate crimes, human trafficking, and individuals using
their powers to take advantage of others,” he explained. “We may be
assigned to a case involving a 30-year veteran of the police force who
has a sterling reputation,” he began. “Then one day, the officer just has a
bad day maybe due to professional and/or personal issues. That cop
responds to a call, the suspect reacts negatively, and next thing you
know, we have an alleged violation.” If there are repeated complaints on
an individual or office, Artis checks that out as well.
But he is just one man.
In an effort to smooth the ethnic wrinkles that still raise their ugly
heads, Artis and his department provide satellite training to any law
enforcement personnel and public officials willing to undergo a
rigorous course in cultural diversity management. The training has
proven invaluable, and it is provided at no cost to the participants.
“We teach law enforcement to minimize their mistakes,” he said.
“For example, one can have good intentions when making a routine
stop, and a justified search. However, how will that officer respond
once they notice the individual stopped is wearing a turban or kippah?
We have to understand that each person has certain beliefs regarding
how his property and his person should be handled and treated,
especially in front of other people.” Artis said that even the tensest
situations can be diffused using basic human dignity.
“You must establish rapport. Be honest, clear, empathetic,” he
explained. “It cannot be made personal. We have to understand that
experiences are different, but emotions are universal.”
This extension of basic respect does not just apply to black and
white as is assumed in Mississippi. “Take a look around at the various
types of restaurants you will find in virtually every community,” Artis
said. “You will normally find Asian, Mexican, Greek and others.” These
businesses are representative of our communities at large, and bridging
cultural differences is key to healing diversity wounds. Being in touch
with all manner of citizens includes being able to manage sensitive and
even dangerous situations.
Crisis negotiation is the other area Artis specializes in. Although he
is based in Mississippi, he travels internationally responding to those
types of situations. “Using techniques largely developed by former crisis
negotiators, we help individuals manage their crisis,” he said. “We don’t
fix things, but we help that individual handle whatever it is resolving
things positively,” – a skill that would lend itself to a myriad other
professions.
“The five-day interactive training is not a seminar,” he said. “We
task them with one crisis experience after another to challenge them
emotionally. We need to be confident they can handle it.” This
intensive training is also provided at no cost, but is invaluable to those
who attend – although they do not know it at first. “Participants
oftentimes come in looking bored at having to attend more training,”
32 • Jan/Feb 2018

“
Although this
is an honorable
profession in
which to serve,
it is not for
everyone...
”
Hometown madison • 33

34 • Jan/Feb 2018

he explained. By the end of the training session, their minds are
blown and the typical response is, “This was the best training I’ve
ever received!”
Corporal Alan Chavers of the Tupelo Police Department
attended (and later assisted) a crisis negotiations training session
in 2010 where he first met Artis. “Jeff was able to keep the classes’
attention with knowledge and humor mixed in,” he said. Although
the comic relief element was emotionally necessary to handle this
type of intense training, Chavers said the primary content was life
changing. “I believe this training is the most important thing I have
ever been involved in,” he said. “When different cultures, races,
and religions begin to communicate, listen, and respect each other,
that’s when we see resentment, misunderstanding, and hatred
soften and subside.”
From talking a jumper down off the top of a building to
teaching others how to respect and handle diverse cultures and
lethal situations, we assume that spending quality time with the
family must be impossible. “No. I love the chaos and confusion,”
“...I am married
to a woman
who not only
understands my
working situation,
but is also strong
enough to tell me
to calm down
when I need it!
”
Artis responded. “We see it as opportunity or challenge, and I am
married to a woman who not only understands my working
situation, but is also strong enough to tell me to calm down when
I need it!” He admits he was in love the first day he met her.
“We met in Birmingham because we happened to be keeping
the scorebooks for our college basketball teams. I started pursuing
her that day.” Her name is Monica, and she admits Artis was
memorable but, “I can’t say that it was love at first sight.” Her sense
of humor is evident as she continued. “As a matter of fact, he made
me a little nervous at first because he wouldn’t stop talking and
was doing a pretty good job of distracting me from my assignment.
I would inch a little away from him, and he would in turn inch a
little closer to me,” she recalled. She was drawn to his sense of
humor and careless approach to life, “and it didn’t hurt that he
was pretty cute.”
How does the FBI agent and his professional forensics wife
manage a “normal” life outside of work? “As far as being normal,
I’m not quite sure that we are,” she quipped. She does understand,
though, that Artis often cannot afford to be distracted by personal
problems, “so, I try to make sure that when he is called upon to help
resolve hostile or touchy situations, he can do so without worrying
about me and the things that need to be taken care of at home.”
She said that she is thankful that he’s a great listener – most of
time. “Sometimes I stop him when his is agreeing with every word
and regurgitating my sentences and say, ‘Don’t forget that I have
seen your negotiations training material. Stop handling me.’”
Monica said she and the kids try to keep things light at home.
“Laughter is a big part of our gatherings, whenever they come
home from school.” And she stated she and Jeff spend plenty of
quality time together where she has his undivided attention,
“unless there is an Alabama game being televised!”
This sophisticatedly trained federal agent clearly infuses
humor in every aspect of his life. He said he is handy around his
home making nearly all home repairs himself, and has extended
his God-given handiness to family and friends. Upon explaining
that he has installed toilets for friends, he looked up seriously and
said, “There is nothing like messing with other people’s crap.”
A jest that could ironically apply to his difficult profession. n
Hometown madison • 35

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36 • Jan/Feb 2018

Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce
Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
December 19, 2017
Colonial Heights Baptist Church
Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University,
keynoted the breakfast with an inspirational and moving message,
“Peace I Leave With You; My Peace I Give You” – John 14:2-7.
The breakfast included area pastors and clergy giving scripture readings
as well as vocalist Michelle Johnston of Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Diamond Sponsor
C Spire
Gold Sponsors
BankPlus, MS Baptist Medical Center, Butler Snow, LLP,
CenterPoint Energy, Community Bank, Entergy Mississippi,
John Dorsa - State Farm Insurance, John Hancock-Southeastern Financial,
Madison County Journal, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., Origin Bank, PriorityOne Bank,
Regions Bank, Renasant Bank, Stewart Sneed Hewes/BancorpSouth Insurance,
Trustmark National Bank, Waggoner Engineering, Inc., Wells, Marble & Hurst, PLLC,
Young Wells Williams , P.A. and The Township at Colony Park
- a Kerioth Corporation Development
Hometown madison • 37

38 • Jan/Feb 2018

A Picture
ofHappıness
Leah Mitchener
If you want to know the real me, a stroll around my
home is a good way to find out. On my shelves you will
find books about Europe, architectural history, humor,
stories about good winning over evil, trinkets from my
travels, and mementos from friends scattered amongst
them. There are baskets and chests full of cozy blankets,
and two fuzzy cats that sit on the couch waiting to be
scratched under their chins. But the things you will
find the most of are a plethora of old cameras and
photographs that cover the living room walls and fill
countless boxes and albums in almost every closet and
bookcase. These are my treasures. Photography has been
a major component of my entire life. From the chunky
blue Fisher Price camera I wore around my neck as a
tiny child to the DSLR that travels with me and captures
life’s important and beautiful moments; photography
has and always will be my most fulfilling hobby.
It’s important for people to have a hobby to call
their own: something that takes their mind off of
their daily stresses and brings them joy in some way or
another. January just so happens to be National Hobby
Month, so I wanted to take this opportunity to talk to
people about what they love to do to enrich their lives
on a personal level.
Like my love for photography, some people’s
passions start very young. The students at Drama Kids
International have invested a lot of time and devotion
into their interests in the theatrical arts. Participants
Camille Toles (9), Sarah Carney (11), and Ellie Smith
(12), have all enjoyed taking part in dramatic
productions since the age of five. Camille especially
loves exploring what it’s like to step into a character’s
shoes and imagining being that person. Sarah shares
those sentiments saying, “When you act out a character,
it feels almost real, like you’re becoming something
different than yourself.” Ellie has realized that she has
not only received personal and social satisfaction from
acting, but confidence as well! “It’s nice to know I’m
better at conversations because of skills I’ve developed
[while at Drama Kids],” she said.
Social hobbies are a great way for people to meet
like-minded friends that they might not have otherwise
Hometown madison • 39

known. Jackson Area Gamers, a club formed through Meetup
(an online interest-based group organizer), has brought together
dozens of people to do what they enjoy most: play games! Adam
Chance, a married father of four, has been enjoying playing video
and board games for the majority of his life. He started out playing
video games in the heyday of the 1980s, but soon discovered that
he enjoyed board games even more because of the social aspect.
Adam’s main interest is in historical games, and he takes
advantage of the availability of game nights with Jackson
Area Gamers whenever he can—which is about once
every other week.
Fellow JAG member Jay Ouzts is also a fan of board
games—Pax Brittanica and Terraforming Mars being his
favorite. “I enjoy the games and the strategy,” he said.
“The social aspect is secondary for me, though
it is important.” Jackson Area Gamers has
many events throughout the week
covering different gaming interests and
encourages people to come out and have
a great time together.
While some enjoy the comforts of indoor activities,
others love to get out into the fresh air and onto the water
like Robert Muller, the incoming rear commodore for the
Jackson Yacht Club. Robert has been an avid sailor since
the age of 12 when his father purchased a Catalina 22-foot
sailboat. Upon moving to the Jackson area in 1975, his
parents joined the Jackson Yacht Club and he has been an
active member ever since. “I am at the club 3-6 days a
week,” he said. There is almost always something going on
like youth swim team meets, Picking and Grinning on
Tuesday nights for some great food and local music, blue plate
dinners on Wednesdays, bingo games once a month, Commodore
Steak Night on Fridays, beer can racing on Saturday afternoons,
after-church brunches and racing on Sundays, and year-round
pool access with a view of the reservoir.
Some hobbyists focus less on social activities and more on
creating something tangible. Artists like BJ Weeks have become so
passionate about their creative endeavor that they’ve built their
professions around it. She has worked as a painter and multi-media
artist for nearly 10 years, and her pieces are available in over 50
retail and gallery spaces across the southeast including Texas,
Oklahoma, and Kansas. “I am blessed, truly blessed,” she said, “to
use my gift to create and ‘color’ someone else’s space.” Thankful
for all of God’s blessings in her life, BJ has dedicated herself to the
pursuit of creating beautiful art full-time.
Other crafty people have taken to the internet to sell their
wares on websites like Etsy, which celebrate hand-crafted work.
Jennifer Wigginton, owner of Deep South Handmade, has
found a great way to put her hobby of embroidering to
good use as a source of extra income for her household.
“I’ve always enjoyed seeing ‘plain’ things transformed into
beautiful things,” she said. After helping her mom run an
Etsy shop selling clothing for American Girl dolls, Jennifer
decided that it would be a great way to share her work and
hobby with others. In addition to her shop,
she has partnered with the Madison
Marketplace gift shop and “loves to
work with the wonderful ladies there!”
Like Jennifer, Maggie Owen has also
opened a successful Etsy shop called The Gold
Magnolia, which has turned into her full-time career.
Maggie has honed her life-long hobby of sewing into a
home-grown clothing design empire. “I love to plan,
pick out fabrics, select designs, and then create!” she
exclaimed. Her repertoire includes modest and stylish
clothes for girls. Shops like these are great not only for
the crafters themselves, but also for consumers who
want to support artists and find the perfect gift for their
hard-to-buy-for loved ones.
The celebrated ‘French Chef’ Julia Child encouraged
us to “find something you’re passionate about and keep
tremendously interested in it.” Her words have stayed with me and
fueled my desire to be in the constant pursuit of happiness by
indulging in interests and curiosities whenever possible. Our
hobbies help us connect to people and find ways to express our
identity to the world.
So what will you be passionate about? Cooking? Reading? Bird
watching? As for me, my camera will never be far away. n
40 • Jan/Feb 2018

Hometown madison • 41

42 • Jan/Feb 2018

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Hometown madison • 43

Families
First
for
Canton
Leah Mitchener
Families First for Mississippi has become a staple in
communities across the state because of their resources
for youth development, parenting and life skills, employment
aide, and a myriad of other positive life assistance topics.
Their newest location in Canton is sure to be a treasured
gift to those in the community who could use a helping
hand. They opened their doors on November 7th, 2017,
and have hit the ground running. This month they are
hosting a health expo to help locals make sure they start
out the new year happy and healthy!
44 • Jan/Feb 2018

Hometown madison • 45

Families First is always looking for
donations and volunteers willing to help.
Their clothing closet offers people in
need a place to come and find suitable
clothing for interviews and work attire
once they have procured employment.
Gently used, work-appropriate clothing,
shoes and accessories in a variety of
sizes are always well received.
Children’s clothing and books for all
ages are also always accepted.
Every service offered by Families
First is available to everyone free of
charge. “Our goal is to connect the
dots and strengthen entire families
through a generational approach
called Gen+,” said Community Liaison
Betsy Nicholson. Classes like Workforce
Development, Life Skills, Parenting,
Child Care Classes, and Anger
Management are offered as well as a
program called Read and Reap. “Our
Read and Reap class takes place on
Friday mornings from 9:30-11am. This is
an opportunity for parents with young
children to come in and spend quality
time with their children reading and
doing fun activities that promote school
readiness and literacy,” said Betsy.
46 • Jan/Feb 2018

“Many of our participants come in needing help
with employability skills,” explained Betsy. Families
First offers people assistance in creating resumes
and provides resources to aid in finding suitable
jobs. They even have a place for job-seekers to
come and practice interview skills and learn tips to
handle stress and conflict in the workplace. “We also
have a lot of parents interested in our parenting
classes,” she continued. “These classes are designed
to enhance and support parents in their
mission to raise healthy and
school-ready children.”
Executive Director of Mississippi Community
Education Center, Dr. Nancy New and Executive
Director of Family Resource Center, Christi Webb
explain, “Our main goal for Families First for
Mississippi is to impact the entire family by
connecting the dots between all of the Mississippi
family services. We are serving people in all areas
of life. We believe that everyone deserves an
opportunity to become a success.”
__________________________________________
If you are in need of assistance or would like to
make a donation of time, money, or clothing,
the new Canton location of Families First
will be happy to see you.
Hometown madison • 47

48 • Jan/Feb 2018
A Hot Night Out for a Cool Cause
September 19, 2017 • Renaissance at Colony Park

Hometown madison • 49

The Price
Of Fame
movie Premiere
The Story of
Ted
“Million Dollar Man”
Dibiase
November 6, 2017
malco grandview
theater
50 • Jan/Feb 2018

Hometown madison • 51

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52 • Jan/Feb 2018

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54 • Jan/Feb 2018
That One Thing

Mary Ann Kirby
In light of the recent flooding in Houston and wildfires in California,
where people were literally forced from their homes with only what
they could carry, and no time to spare, I considered the daunting task
of having to decide, what does one take in that situation knowing
that a complete loss was imminent? What is that one thing you
couldn’t leave behind?
Asked that question in two different decades and my answer might
be drastically different.
In my 20s, I would have been most concerned with my shoes and
clothes. My purse collection, makeup, and favorite leather bomber
jacket with fur trim would have all made the list, too. To this twentysomething
year old, “stuff” was important.
At fifty, my priorities have dramatically shifted. But when faced
with the question about choosing what to take, I still can’t come up
with a definitive answer.
It’s a given that people and animals come first, so we’re going to
assume that my family and dog are safely evacuated in our little pretend
scenario. We’re also going to assume that we all have our phones,
laptops, purses and wallets, driver’s licenses, and important documents
and papers.
But now comes the tough part. What non-essentials do you take?
What is that one thing that you absolutely would not want to part with?
I recently posed this question on social media and the responses
were varied . . . and fascinating. Many of them were, understandably,
about precious family photos – boxes of pictures and photo albums
that have been curated, inherited, or passed along from one generation
to the next, which could never be recreated. Ironically, it has been
during my lifetime that many people have actually stopped printing
pictures. I pause for a moment and wonder how future generations
will remember us without printed evidence of our existence.
Bibles ranked as a top item along with jewelry, treasured artwork,
children’s blankets and hand-made family quilts. Guns and ammunition
were surprisingly important to many, as well. I’d never considered the
need for weapons in an evacuation-type situation, but anyone that’s
ever misplaced a child’s cherished binky knows that it is worthy of
being heavily guarded.
So as I continued to contemplate the question at hand, my inability
to easily identify what “things” I would take was becoming a source of
frustration for me. I began to realize that I’m not particularly attached
to anything! And don’t get me wrong, I have a safe-box and fully
understand the importance of protecting certain legal documents, but
it was very revealing to me that not one material possession in particular
stood out as being of paramount significance.
Things don’t wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve and watch
Christmas movies seen so many times that every line can practically
be quoted by heart. Things didn’t cheer on our favorite kicker on the
football field or feel the excitement of watching him make his first-ever
field goal.
Things can’t get all dressed up and take you to dinner on your
birthday or celebrate when you achieve an important milestone.
Things can’t reassure you when someone’s hurt your feelings.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my most
prized possessions are my memories–of the life experiences and
adventures shared with the people I adore most–and no box or album is
big enough to contain them. They’re the people and places and feelings
and moments. They’re the hugs and the smiles. And the laughter.
It’s not about what we’ve bought, but what we’ve built–and no
fire or flood can destroy it. And it is in that moment, the moment
I was forced to articulate what it was that I actually treasured most,
that I had a breakthrough and it was an amazing feeling.
While it is not likely that my son can tell me a single thing he
received last year for Christmas without having to really stop and think
about it–he can sing every word to the family vacation song we made
up while driving through the mountains six years ago. We hiked to a
waterfall hidden deep in the elevations and got caught in a rainstorm
on our way out. It was freezing and we were soaked to the bone . . . yet
it will go down as one of the single greatest family experiences that we
ever had. We were with each other, where we’re truly the most happy,
and we wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Experiences make for the greatest treasures. And memories.
So while this exercise has come full circle and prompted some
much-needed soul-searching on my part, I come away with a single,
glorious realization. When the waters rise, and the flames grow near,
I’m already packed. And while I’d never want to be faced with having
to part with the material things that have played such an important
role in creating our comforts of home and have helped to define our past,
I know that as long as we have each other, everything will be alright. n
Hometown madison • 55

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56 • Jan/Feb 2018

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Hometown madison • 57

The CHALKBOARD
madison county Schools
Madison Central
Madison Central High School broke its own record for the
2016-2017 school year with a total of 80 AP Scholars. AP Scholars
were awarded for scoring a three or higher on three AP exams.
AP Scholars with Honor were awarded for scoring at least a 3.25
on all AP exams taken and scores of three or higher on four or
more exams. AP Scholars with Distinction were awarded for
having an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and
scores of three or higher on five or more exams.
Emily Zhang, a 2017 graduate, was awarded State AP Scholar,
which goes to one male and one female in each state with scores
of three or higher on the greatest number of AP exams and the
highest average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken. Zhang
took a total of 14 exams. National AP Scholars were awarded for
having an average of at least four on all AP exams taken and scores
of four or higher on eight or more exams. The following 2017
graduates were the National AP Scholars for Madison Central:
Reyna Dixit, Kurk Harris, Jesse Li, Harrison McKinnis and
Emily Zhang.
Front row L-R: Current students AP Scholars Anna Bonvillain,
Zoe Bush, Hannah Weaver and Kaylee Ricchetti. Second row left
to right are AP Scholars with Distinction Parth Malaviya and David
McDonald, AP Scholar with Honor Daniel Ramsey, AP Scholar
Michael Zhang and AP Scholar with Distinction Rimika Banerjee.
Third row L-R: AP Scholars Eli Howland, Chanu Cherukuri and
Abigail Barton, AP Scholar with Honor John Michels and AP
Scholar with Distinction James Michels. Fourth row left to right
are AP Scholar with Distinction Jake Dellinger, AP Scholars
with Honor Trey McMullan and Will Humphreys, AP Scholar
Stroud Tolleson, AP Scholar with Honor Maddie Gall and AP
Scholar with Distinction Alex Nguyen. Back row L-R: AP
Scholars with Honor Luke Little, John Bethea, Logan Scott and
John Walker Webb, AP Scholar with Distinction Noah Grovich.
AP Scholars not pictured are Martha Brinson, Anna Brock, Alida
Leroux, Bailey Magee, John Martin Paczak, Erin Patton, Advait
Praveen and Aditya Surakanti. AP Scholars with Honor not
pictured are Alexa Aubrey and Case Draughn. AP Scholars with
Distinction not pictured are Mary Ranie Miller, Maeve Rigney
and Claire Smith.
Senior Nelson Washington represented his class at the Beyond
Horizons–A Recognition of Scholarship and Achievement on
December 8. This event was hosted by the University of Mississippi
Medical Center. Students were chosen based on academics
and plans to major in a STEM discipline in college. Pictured with
Washington are parents Tiffiney and Curtis Washington.
Seniors John Martin Paczak and Mary Ranie Miller are the
Wendy’s Heisman winners for the Madison Central Class of
2018. This award is based on academics and athletics.
58 • Jan/Feb 2018

Homecoming court, Front row L-R: Nora Bennett, Stone Finley,
Harper Yowell. Second row L-R: sophomores Diamond Bracey,
Chloe Livingston; juniors Hannah Brady, Vertreace Sanders;
seniors Laquintiana Kidd, Catherine Whitten, Brooke Thomas,
Julia Bhansali, Brookleigh Johnson, Isabella Wade; juniors Bonnie
Hill, Sydney Storm; sophomores Anna Cate Strong, Allison Hill;
freshmen Lana Evans, Lexie Sanders, Anna Kay Bumgarner.
Back row L-R: sophomores Reggie Black, Graham Quarles;
juniors Myles Hopson, Peyton Wilbanks; seniors Bailey Magee,
Will Stanard, Adam McDonal, Cedric Beal, Kobe Cole, Brooks
Parker; juniors Xeric Watson, Michael Zhang; sophomores
Brooks Stewart, Logan Landis; freshmen Creek Robertson,
Daniel Zhang, Duke Arnold.
Madison Central High School senior Brooke Thomas was
crowned homecoming queen. Pictured with Thomas is her
father, Dave Thomas.
Journalism students attended the Mississippi Scholastic Press
Association fall conference at the University of Southern Mississippi
on October 30. Madison Central’s yearbook staff brought home
awards for: best yearbook copy, illustration/graphic package, sports
writing/reporting, state finalist for best yearbook of the year, overall
design, senior advertising design, photography, feature spread, two
awards for sports spreads, two awards for academic photos, sports
writing/reporting, and two awards in feature writing/reporting.
Pictured are members of the broadcast crew, yearbook and
newspaper staffs. Front row: broadcast adviser Josh Stanford and
yearbook/newspaper adviser Vicky Williams. Second row L-R:
Emma Stone, Emma Gibbs, Alex Ricketts, Reagan Leeper, Caroline
Riley. Third row L-R: Porter Herrington, Jillian Russell, Kaylee
Ricchetti. Fourth row L-R: Carter Slater, Cameron Rogillio, Adele
Russell, Phoebe Waters, Maeve Rigney, Ashton Giesecke. Fifth row
L-R: Cameron Broadway, Gene Crunk, Sara Cavicchi, Mary Grace
Nelson, Jordan Carter, Katie King, Kaitlyn Sills, Hayden Ray,
Bradlea James and Bezal Jupiter. Sixth row L-R: Ryan Ricchetti,
Ella Ward, Katherine Pudish, Elizabeth Barton, Vanessa Anguiano,
Jordan Williams.
Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.
Hometown madison • 59

The CHALKBOARD
madison county Schools
Canton Academy
The newly formed Outreach Club at Canton Academy organized
the upper school students who collected 595 boxes for Operation
Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. Pictured are CA
Outreach Club officers Shelby Johnson, Prestley Smith, Sloan
Powell, Emerald Ravenstein, Annaleigh Sandridge, and Betsy Pace
during their packing party.
The student council organizes Santa visiting elementary
students. He listens to the wishes of Ava & Will Hughes.
After reading “Same Kind of Different as Me” and having heard
about the movie’s creation from Executive Producer Stephen
Johnston (Jackson, MS), Canton Academy’s upper school took
a trip to Malco to see the movie.
The Canton Academy student council spent the morning at
MADCAAP packing food boxes and helping organizing
supplies. Pictured are Front: Sydney Thomason, Jenson
Williams, Allie Parkinson, Taylor Rosamond, Macy Gordy;
Middle: Ava Dickerson, Betsy Pace, Leah Brooke Irby, Virginia
Grace Lavender, Lyric Stewart, Edi Craft; Back: Andrew
Hankins, Brayden Brumfield, Hayden Vaughn, Chris Clanton,
Tony Handy, Lane Martin, Jacob Lott, Mrs. Lucy Johnson,
Colson Lambert, Case Lambert
60 • Jan/Feb 2018
Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.

MRA
Academy Talent Show Contestants
The following students at Madison-Ridgeland Academy auditioned
for and were selected as 2017 Talent Show contestants.
Congratulations on this honor! These MRA Patriots did a
wonderful job during last week’s talent show:
L-R: James Hutcheson, Kat Nurse, Davis Moody, Parker Anderson,
Sara Carson Hailey, Noelle Gee, Audrey Harper, Lilly Cobb, Sarah
Powell, Caroline Redman, Skylar Jacobs, Drew Douglas, Sydney
Holladay, Abby Sheffield, Lucy Allen, and Kate Hendry
Fall signing day was held on Tuesday, November 28, . MRA had the following seniors commit/sign to play collegiately:
Davis Ferguson
Baseball
Meridian
Community College
Bryson Jones
Golf
Copiah Lincoln
Community College
McAuley Ross
Equestrian
University of
Tennessee at Martin
Grace Self
Softball
University of
West Alabama
Breckon Young
Track & Field
Mississippi State
University
Congratulations to Aubree Dillon for being named
Madison-Ridgeland Academy’s 2017 Homecoming Queen!
Back Row: Blake Baldwin, Aubree Dillon, Caroline Cobb/2016
Homecoming Queen, and MRA Board President Alan Hart
Front Row: Hattie Hedglin and Harrison Rich
Hometown madison • 61

The CHALKBOARD
madison county Schools
Madison Avenue
Over the summer, French drains were placed in front of MAUE.
While the construction workers were digging they made some
amazing discoveries. The crew found a tooth from a Megaladon,
an arrowhead, a map with riddles, keys, a piece of train track and
plow parts. Mayor Mary expressed her excitement when keys
were found because she had a treasure chest at City Hall and
didn’t know where the keys were. Most of these exciting finds
were sent to museums for further analysis.
The teachers began studying the history of Madison with
their classes. Students learned about the Native Americans
who lived in the area and the railroad that passed through town.
Students also learned about the fire of 1900.
On Thursday, October 26th, students and parents were
invited to Adventure Night at MAUE. Students and their
parents learned about the different time periods of Madison
and read a clue by the Madison Fire Department, the Madison
Police Department, and Mayor Mary. The students had to work
their way through STEM activities to earn a portion of the key.
After completing all three challenges, students were able to earn
a key. One student from each grade pulled a key to open the
treasure chest Mayor Mary had at City Hall. The third key
worked! When Mayor Mary opened the treasure chest, she
found a golden caboose!
62 • Jan/Feb 2018

Ann Smith
Principal Melissa Wise Philley traveled to Washington, D.C.
to be recognized by NAESP as a National Distinguished
Principal.
During the month of December, we celebrated our students
and taught them about generosity. We had three different
stations for the children to attend during the event. At one
station, the students were celebrated for their positive behavior
and the counselor discussed the importance of generosity.
At another station, students made cards to be donated to local
nursing homes and organizations. At the third station, students
packed blessings bags for individuals in need at local organizations.
We celebrated students and taught them a lesson to encourage
their personal character growth.
Rosa Scott
Three students won first place in the Madison County District
Reading Fair. High School Fiction Storyboard- Emily O’Reilly
High School Fiction Digital- Marshuna Pippin
High School Non-fiction Digital- Christian Gines
Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.
Hometown madison • 63

The CHALKBOARD
madison county Schools
Germantown
Connor Carter, a senior at Germantown High, signed his letter
of intent to play baseball at Hinds Community College. Pictured
with Connor (front row) are parents, Christian & Lesley Carter.
Back Row: Drew Crowell (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach),
Wesley Bolden (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach), Brian Hardy
(Head GHS Baseball Coach), TJ Grissom (Assistant GHS
Baseball Coach), Presley Hill (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach).
Harrison Haley, a senior at Germantown High, signed his letter
of intent to play baseball at Hinds Community College. Pictured
with Harrison (front row) are parents, Chris & Leianne Haley.
Back Row: Drew Crowell (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach),
Wesley Bolden (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach), Brian Hardy
(Head GHS Baseball Coach), TJ Grissom (Assistant GHS
Baseball Coach), Presley Hill (Assistant GHS Baseball Coach).
McKenzie Nichols, a senior at Germantown High School, signed
her letter of intent to play softball at Mississippi Gulf Coast
Community College. Pictured with Kenzie (front row) are
parents Jason & Courtney Nichols. Back Row: Assistant GHS
Softball Coaches, Karen McCullouch and Kenny Perry, and Head
GHS Softball Coach, Lindsey McMullen.
Laura Peyton Trammell, a senior at Germantown High School,
signed her letter of intent to play softball at Jones Community
College. Pictured with Laura Peyton (front row) are parents
Shane & Paige Trammell. Back Row: Stella Melton (grandmother),
Assistant GHS Softball Coaches, Karen McCullouch
and Kenny Perry, and Head GHS Softball Coach, Lindsey
McMullen.
64 • Jan/Feb 2018
Submissions provided by local officials from each individual district and not to be considered editorial opinion.

Hometown madison • 65

The
Time
Coin
Camille Anding
Ole Man Winter is in the
process of wrapping us in
his gray cloak.
Just when I need to have visions of
spring-green and flowers, the arctic winds
pop the tree limbs and chase the little birds
into hiding. New Year seems to come at a
poor meteorological time.
January days usually mean times of
looking through the flower and seed
catalogs to select plants for the new flower
bed that I’m always preparing for spring.
With temps in the up and down, cold and
warm, I can’t concentrate on blooming
plants! In fact, I’m concerned that the bulbs
I planted in the fall have enough antifreeze.
The only things that seem to flourish
in these wintry conditions are flu and virus
bugs. The winds speed their arrival and
energize them as they travel. Grocery lists go
from the party ingredients of December
celebrations to fever and cough reliefs and
remedies for chapped lips and skin.
And the nights come quickly! They
pounce on 5:00, and their darkness
magnifies the chilling howls of the winds.
Even the sun seems to have run for cover.
It’s a brand new year – 2018 – a mere
infant in the first days of January, but the
bleak landscape and the constant hum of
the heating unit are attempting to give a
dismal outlook for the coming year.
Suddenly I have a mental picture of
our children when they were toddlers.
They had no fears as little ones close to
their parents. They would climb onto the
kitchen chair, scramble to the kitchen
island and squeal for their daddy to catch
them. And he would, and they had every
assurance that in their mid-air flight,
Daddy’s strong arms would secure them.
The night is still dark, the winds are
whistling, but there’s a special warmth
about me, and I know it’s not related to
the thermostat. That mental picture has
reminded me that my Heavenly Father
stands within arms’ reach, and He says,
“Launch out into the New Year. I’m here –
always – and I know the way.”
It’s a small Voice, but it muffles the
winds and my fears. n
66 • Jan/Feb 2018

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Hometown madison • 67

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