Madison522web

FROM OUR CONSULTING EDITOR
As I write this, it is a stunningly
gorgeous spring day and I’m all
up in my feelings of gratitude.
Moderate temperatures and bright sunshine give my heart and
soul a much-needed boost.
It also makes me appreciate the different seasons of life we
encounter as evidenced by the wonderful people we’ll meet in
this month’s issue—and all making an impact on our community.
We’re grateful for the young families that have put their roots down
in Madison to ensure that our best days are yet to come.
Of particular interest to me, personally, is the story of the
precious mother that created the group Too Soon. She and a group
of amazing women channeled their grief after losing children into
creating a beautiful place to remember and reflect on the lives that
were indeed taken too soon. The Madison Children’s Memorial
Garden was born and they raise money by selling bricks that are
engraved and permanently placed in the garden to memorialize
those that have gone before us. One of those bricks was purchased
in honor of my nephew—so I’m thankful for the effort they’ve made
to help families cope with such loss.
And finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for the law enforcement
agencies that make Madison one of the safest places to live in
Mississippi. We whole-heartedly back the blue at Hometown.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you are all
healthy and happy and looking forward to summer as it’s barreling
‘round the corner. Enjoy!
– Mary Ann
ON THE COVER Madison Children’s Memorial Garden painted by Caroline Hodges
HOMETOWN STAFF
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
IN THIS ISSUE
Reader Spotlight 7
Hometown Family 10
Circle of Red 16
Kids Who Care 26
Too Soon 30
To Protect & Serve 36
Pickle Fest 44
Hometown on the Move 50
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
Brenda McCall
SPECIAL PROJECTS
ASSISTANT
Caroline Hodges
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVE
Tammy Haynes-Pecoul
LAYOUT
DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Lexie Ownby
...see you around town.
www.facebook.com/hometownmadisonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / 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.
Hometown MADISON • 5