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Rankin
Hometown
FROM OUR PUBLISHER
I think most of us know the number 7
in the Bible is a significant number. A little
investigating found the number 7 appearing
more than 700 times in God’s Word.
In the Bible it stands for completion and
perfection. God’s seven-day creation was
definitely a perfect and complete time frame
for mankind. That special number has an
added significance for me this year- the year
of seven years of publishing Hometown
Magazines. How God has blessed! His
direction along with key staff members has
allowed me to look back over these seven
years with joy and fulfillment.
Mary Ann, I’ll never forget the day I met
you for the first time at Table 100 to discuss
you coming on board. I’d say I was a little
intimidated because I’d heard so much about
you and your background in advertising.
We definitely “clicked” on that very first day,
and I count you as my dear friend. Thank
you for all of the advice you give and editing
you do. And for the example you set through
your involvement in Shower Power helping
the homeless. You’ve truly been a blessing.
Daniel, not many graphic designers could
work on three magazines at the same time
and keep the ads rolling in as quickly as you
do. I wish I knew how many emails I’ve sent
you over the past seven years. Thank you for
coming along side me and helping me
accomplish my goals. You’re the best!
Brenda, what a pure JOY you are! It’s hard
to find someone who is the whole package,
but God blessed me with that when He sent
me you. Thank you for being so organized
and hard-working. You have a heart of gold
and I wouldn’t want anyone else sitting at
your desk. I love ya!
Alisha, I appreciate your contribution to
Hometown Magazines and for handling our
accounting. You’re a no-nonsense kind of gal
who doesn’t mind rolling up her sleeves and
helping decorate for an event or changing
out a doorknob. Thank you!
Caroline, you can accomplish more as a
part-time person than a lot of full-time people
could. I love your professionalism and your
intentional efforts to help me any way you
can. Thank you for thinking outside the box
and for bringing great ideas to the table.
I’m incredibly blessed with my work
family, husband of 30 years, parents, children,
and grandchildren. Has 2020 been a crazy
year? Absolutely! But God has been so
faithful, and I thank Him for the greatest gift
of all this holiday season- the gift of Jesus.
HOMETOWN STAFF
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya A. Dobbs
CFO
Kevin W. Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
Brenda McCall
LAYOUT DESIGN
3dt
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
IN THIS ISSUE
The Way We Were 10
Reader Spotlight 15
Hometown Family 18
Handmade Christmas Treasures 26
Front Porch Memories 42
NWR Kids Q&A 48
Love and the Big Green Truck 54
Holiday Gift Guide 60
Cover Art Contest 88
Therapeutic Joy 96
On the cover: Cover art contest winner Jill Hardin, Northwest Rankin High School
www.facebook.com/hometownrankinmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 26 Eastgate Drive, Suite F / Brandon, MS 39042
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Rankin may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Rankin is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.
Hometown Rankin maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Rankin is funded by advertising.
Hometown RANKIN • 9