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JOINTLY TREATING 

ORTHO-SPINE WALK 

IN PATIENTS AT NEW 

CLINTON LOCATION 

745 Clinton Parkway 

Clinton, MS 39056 

601-987-8223 

M-F, 8am - 5pm 

4 • FEBRUARY 2023

FROM OUR PUBLISHER 

Sometimes you’ll see it in calendars – 

pictures that best depict each month. 

There’s never a question about February – it’s the HEART month 

– kept true to its theme by Valentine’s Day. Our staff especially enjoyed 

working on this month’s content because love is a universal language, 

and if it’s the authentic kind, it will always be expressed. 

I know you will enjoy this month’s stories that cover the everyday, 

thoughtful acts of love, to the extravagant, extremely costly expressions 

of love. Perhaps as you read these heart-warming stories, you’ll be 

prompted to create your own expressions of love. 

We all must agree that love is an action word. When we love 

someone, we want to do something for that person. It’s putting love 

into action that changes the world around us. 

Where’s a good place to start? Reading the love chapter in the Bible, 

I Corinthians 13, would be a great place. It will challenge you with its 

definition and actions. I remember hearing about a Christian lady who 

confessed that she did not love others as she thought she should. She 

began reading that chapter multiple times a day for months. Gradually 

her life grew into a beautiful expression of love and kindness to all she 

knew or met. 

I’m grateful for a month that’s associated with love and the joy that 

comes with sharing that love. However, I believe God equips His own 

with the ability to show love and kindness every month of the year. 

Join me in steeping in a verb that the Bible calls “the greatest of all.” 

HOMETOWN STAFF 

PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin Dobbs 

CONSULTING EDITOR 

Mary Ann Kirby 

IN THIS ISSUE 

The Way We Were 8 

Reader Spotlight 11 

Kids Who Care 14 

Touch A Truck 16 

Ways To Say I Love You 23 

Hometown Family 36 

Chandra Broomfield 42 

Iron Sharpens Iron 46 

SPECIAL PROJECTS 

ASSISTANT 

Caroline Hodges 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

ASSISTANT 

Alisha Floyd 

ADVERTISING 

ASSISTANT 

Lexie Ownby 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 

Nikki Robison 

...see you around town. 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Daniel Thomas 

3dt 

STAFF 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Othel Anding 

STAFF 

ASSISTANT 

Debby Francis 

www.facebook.com/hometownclintonmagazine. 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 Clinton be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Clinton is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors. 

Hometown Clinton maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Clinton is funded by advertising. 

Hometown CLINTON • 5

6 • FEBRUARY 2023

YOUR HEART IS IN 

THE RIGHT PLACE. 

THEY SAY HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, 

SO WE PROVIDE HEART CARE CLOSE TO HOME. 

Our team of heart specialists are here for your routine 

and preventive cardiac care through lifestyle support, 

minimally invasive treatments and in emergent situations. 

When you put your heart in our hands, you get the 

benefit of skilled, experienced cardiovascular specialists 

and Merit Health Heart’s collaborative approach to care. 

To learn more, visit MeritHealthHeart.com 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 


Lori & Thomas Bobo 

Bethany Cole 

In the late 1980s, a young 

athlete transferred from Mississippi 

College to West Florida University. 

While at orientation, he spotted “a 

freshman girl wearing a blue dress.” 

Within two weeks, Thomas Bobo 

and the girl in the blue dress were 

a couple. 

Thirty-five years later, they’re 

still a couple, and after over two 

decades of being Clinton residents, 

they are staples of the community. 

Clinton roots run deep for 

Thomas. He was born in Fayette, 

Ala., but moved to Clinton his first 

week of second grade. Following 

graduation from Clinton High 

School, he attended MC during 

his freshman year, then transferred 

to University of West Florida on a 

soccer scholarship, where he met 

Lori. Eventually, he returned to 

complete his final year at MC. 

While Thomas grew up in a small 

town, Lori had a different 

upbringing due to her father being 

in the military. She was born in 

California, but moved to Pensacola, 

Florida, in her early childhood and 

called that her home. 

Lori and Thomas dated 

through college, even making their 

relationship work long distance 

when Lori’s parents were transferred 

to Japan. “Our phone bill 

was crazy,” laughs Thomas, 

remembering. But ultimately the 

costly calls were worth it. The pair 

married in 1992, in a chapel on 

the Pensacola military base. 

After Lori earned a degree in 

early childhood education and 

Thomas in business administration 

(and subsequently a graduate 

degree in the same field), the 

couple spent the early years of 

their marriage in Nashville. 

Thomas worked for Nike, and 

their family expanded while living 

there. Thomas’ career then moved 

the family to Birmingham, where 

he worked for Motorola. When 

Thomas’ father unexpectedly died 

in the late ‘90s, it brought the 

family back to Clinton. While 

attending the funeral, Lori says 

she realized the impact of the local 

community. “There were so many 

people attending,” she says. “I 

really realized then what kind of 

roots you can make in a small town.” 

Their family moved to Clinton 

in 1998. The couple’s three children, 

Shelbi, Tommy, and Graham, 

homeschooled with Lori for a 

while before attending Mt. Salus 

School, then transferred into the 

Clinton school system for junior 

high and high school. “Our kids 

got the best of both worlds 

growing up here,” says Lori. “They 

were fully involved in everything 

from travel sports to Attaché.” 

Thomas coached Clinton High 

School girls soccer for years, and 

was also involved with Brilla 

Soccer, which provided him a 

chance to be involved in the sport 

he loved and also participate in 

his family’s interests. The move 

to Clinton also provided Thomas 

with an especially sweet and 

nostalgic sense of bringing his 

brood back to his hometown. 

“My kids were able to grow up 

where their dad did,” he reflects. 

“They bled red, white and black.” 

Additionally, it afforded their 

family with the chance to be near 

Thomas’ mother and sister, and 

provide support in the wake of 

their loss. “Family has always been 

8 • FEBRUARY 2023

“Marriages are 

a model to 

teach us all 

what Christ 

is really like,” 

the most important thing to us,” 

says Lori. 

All three of the Bobo’s children 

graduated from Clinton High 

School, and then all attended 

Mississippi College. As Thomas 

and Lori have more recently 

settled into their empty nest phase, 

Lori continued to work at MC, 

where she has been for 19 years, 

and now serves as the university’s 

events coordinator, a job “I 

absolutely love.” Thomas has been 

in pharmaceutical sales for much 

of his career, and recently started 

a new job with Johnson and 

Johnson Vision. Their children 

also all ended up in the medical 

field. Their daughter works at 

Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, 

their son is a nurse at Mississippi 

Sports Medicine, and their youngest 

is a resident at Tulane University. 

Thomas and Lori are also involved 

with their grandson, John Caleb, 

helping to coach his sporting 

events. 

Throughout the seasons of 

their lives, faith has played an 

integral role for the Bobos. They 

are actively involved in their church, 

First Baptist Clinton, and cite faith 

as the most important foundational 

element of their marriage. 

“If we could give advice to a 

younger couple, it would be, ‘As 

long as Christ is the center of your 

marriage, it will endure,’” says Lori. 

“Through our marriage, we have 

dealt with family deaths, moving, 

loss of jobs, and learned we have 

to come together and let Christ 

navigate. We can’t do it on our own.” 

Thomas agrees. “The degree to 

which you are rooted and founded 

in the proper foundation will 

determine how you fare. Young 

people see the world from ‘What 

I can get out of it?’ But I think you 

learn over time that to have a 

successful relationship, you have to 

see it through Christ’s eyes and 

engage in a race to the back of the 

line. That’s a healthy and strong 

relationship, although it is contrary 

to human nature. But that will 

stand the test of time. Marriages 

are a model to teach us all what 

Christ is really like,” he says. 

As for what their next years 

will look like, the Bobos see 

themselves in Clinton, remaining 

involved in their community and 

the town they love so dearly. 

“Here, you have such unique sense 

of family,” says Lori. “It extends 

across blurred lines between work, 

activities, and church. Oftentimes, 

people put themselves in boxes— 

but those blend in a small town. 

The city of Clinton truly provides 

so much opportunity—for young 

families, singles, seniors, and 

empty nesters! This town has 

been a huge blessing for our 

family.” 

Thomas concurs: “I love the 

sense of community here. From a 

full football stadium on a Friday 

night, to going to Kroger and 

seeing everyone you know. This 

is truly a special place.” 


10 • FEBRUARY 2023

READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

Jill 

HUTCHISON 

_______________ 

Why did you decide to make Clinton 

your home? 

I made Clinton my home because I grew up 

here and married my high school sweetheart. 

I went to school here and wanted my children 

to have the same opportunities of an amazing 

school system. 

How long have you lived in Clinton? 

I have lived here for 37 years. 

Tell us about your family. 

I am married to Chip Hutchison who is also 

from Clinton. He is a builder for Kirkland 

properties and has been in the building industry 

for 30 years. We have three children. Lake is 

our oldest and lives in the Dallas, Texas, area. 

Rowdy is our middle who lives in Starkville 

and attends East Community College. Londin 

is our youngest who lives in Oxford and is a 

freshman at Ole Miss and is also my partner 

with Brick Street Formals. She manages our 

staff and all of our social media. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

I hope to see my businesses grow with a 

helping opportunity for others to grow as well. 

Share some things you enjoy doing 

in your spare time. 

Hunting with my husband when I can. I love 

to garden in the summer and see my family 

together with my children every chance I get. 

What is your favorite memory of living 

in Clinton? 

On the weekends, when I was in high school, 

we cruised up and down Lakeview Drive 

listening to music. We would all meet in the 

Jitney Jungle parking lot (now Big Lots) and 

talk, laugh, and just hang out. On Sunday 

nights everyone met at the Dairy Queen after 

church for ice cream. 

What are some fun things to do in 

Clinton on the weekends? 

There are many weekends we have festivals, 

movies outside on the brick streets on Friday 

nights, markets, and parades. Our chamber 

and Main Street work hard to make sure that 

there is always something to look forward to. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

I don’t have just one person that I admire, but 

I admire lots of people who show great 

character traits. I admire people who are kind, 

compassionate, loyal, sincere, and confident. 

If you could give us one encouraging 

quote, what would it be? 

In 1640, George Herbert’s “to him that will, 

ways are not wanting.” Today’s version is 

“Where there is a will, there is a way.” I believe 

this. If you are willing to put in the hard work, 

a way will always present itself...if it is God’s 

will! God has a plan for all of us. He uses our 

gifts and talents to help others. He has truly 

blessed me in my business and my family. 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

I enjoy learning different things about people 

I already know. 


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KIDS WHO CARE 

Eliza Naquin 

Mistie 

Desper 

“SHE SEEKS GOD FIRST 

IN ALL THAT SHE DOES 

AND HER JOYFUL HEART 

IS A LIGHT TO THOSE 

AROUND HER.” 

Eliza, a senior at Clinton Christian Academy, 

is the daughter of Travis and Melanie Naquin. 

During her junior year of school, she was able to 

be the class mentor for the K4 students. She said, 

“We have a really small school so it has been 

very important to me to be able to be a good role 

model for those younger than me.” She recalled 

how special it has been to be a part of their 

young lives. 

While mentoring the K4 class, “she displayed 

such grace, love, and compassion for those kids,” 

said Melanie. She then added, “She was able to 

positively impact the lives of those children and 

being a part of their lives for that short amount of 

time was a blessing to her. It made me so proud.” 

When she isn’t serving or cheering for her 

school or attending church at First Baptist of 

Clinton, Eliza spends her time interning at 

Munday Morning Acres in Terry. Munday 

Morning takes in horses for training and 

rehabilitation services. Eliza interns there weekly. 

She said, “I love it so much. I help clean stalls, 

feed them, and of course ride them. I love to 

learn the different ways to communicate with 

them.” 

Munday Morning Acres owner, Betsey 

Munday said, “Eliza is a very sweet girl who has 

a very positive attitude and seems to love horses. 

She doesn’t seem to mind the grunt work either. 

You almost have to chase her away from the 

barn when her work is over!” 

Melanie added, “Since the beginning of her 

internship at Munday Morning Acres, she has 

realized the joy of having a servant’s heart. 

Although its hard work, she does it happily 

and willingly. She has learned that no monetary 

amount can bring you the joy you get when 

serving others out of the pure kindness of 

your heart.” 

Eliza’s love of horses began around age 10 

when she first started riding. This year, she has 

transitioned into competition riding. She said, 

“I have had so much fun doing this and being 

able to learn from like-minded people.” Dad, 

Travis, added, “It’s hard to believe how the time 

has flown by and my little girl has grown into 

such an awesome young lady. I’m so happy she 

gets to do what she loves…helping and spending 

time with horses.” 

Eliza’s joyful spirit is a blessing to all who 

know her. “Children love her. She’s silly, playful, 

and fun. I think she’s a role model because kids, 

especially young girls, see that she’s not afraid to 

get dirty and work hard. She is true to herself 

and does what she wants to do without fear of 

judgement,” said Melanie. Eliza also hopes to 

participate in mission trips with her youth group 

at church in the future. 

Travis and Melanie have instilled core 

values in Eliza and her two sisters, Victoria and 

Alexandra, by teaching them that “by letting 

your love and light for Jesus shine through your 

words and your actions, people, and especially 

children, will look up to and admire you and 

want what you have, which is Jesus in your heart.” 

As Eliza is closing out her high school career, 

she is excited to attend her last prom and walk 

across the stage with her peers for graduation. 

Excitedly looking forward to the future, she plans 

to attend Mississippi College and continue to 

help serving at Munday Morning Acres for as 

long as she can. 

“Whether horses or children, Eliza truly 

loves all of God’s creation unconditionally,” 

concluded Melanie. 


Touch A Truck ® Jackson 

Celebrates 10 Years 

Touch A Truck ® Jackson is a family-friendly, hands-on event 

offering opportunities for children of all ages to explore, 

climb, and touch trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy 

machinery, public service, and other equipment. Learning 

will come alive at Touch A Truck® Jackson, providing children 

with an opportunity to connect vehicles and equipment to 

our Mississippi economy and potential careers in industries 

like public service, farming, manufacturing, and construction. 

A decade ago, the Junior League of Jackson brought the 

Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience to the community as a 

hybrid fund development business and community project. 

The first Touch A Truck ® Jackson was met with resounding 

praise in the community. Katy Pacelli, the first Touch A Truck ® 

Jackson event chair, said, “our goal for the first year was to 

create a solid foundation for this event that would not only 

raise funds for our community partners, but also give children 


Presented by the Junior League of Jackson, 

Touch A Truck® Jackson rolls into 

Trustmark Park March 31 & April 1, 2023 

The 2023 Touch A Truck ® Jackson 

Steering Committee 

Meredith McCullough, Chair; Laura Hearn, Co-Chair; 

Jennifer Boydston, Chair-Elect; Megan McBeth, Corporate 

Sponsor Chair; Jasmine Smith, Finance Chair; Teneisha Wynter, 

Placement Chair; Jennifer Gray, Promotions Chair; Barbara Byrd, 

Special Events Chair; Sallie Campbell, Staging Chair; 

Mimi Arthur and Rebecca Henley, Sustaining Advisors. 



an opportunity to experience something new. It was a group 

effort from the entire League and was so much fun to launch 

something new in our community and League. I have enjoyed 

watching it grow and evolve over the past ten years,” Pacelli adds. 

A unique aspect of Touch A Truck ® Jackson is that it is a 

fund development business and a community project of the 

Junior League of Jackson. Each year, Touch A Truck ® Jackson 

invites 1,600 students from around the Jackson metro area as 

part of Field Trip Friday. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate 

sponsors, supporters, and Junior League members through 

Handy Helper donations, we are able to offer this educational 

opportunity to invited second-grade students at no cost. 

Meredith McCullough, 2023 Touch A Truck ® Jackson chair, 

said, “I wanted to take on this role because I love hearing all 

the sweet stories of the children who attend Field Trip Friday 

and experience all the excitement that comes with interactive 

fun bringing classroom learning and pages of books to life. 

This year we have so many great activities planned, and I look 

forward to seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they explore, 

climb, and touch trucks and equipment at our various 

interactive exhibits.” 

Over the past ten years, Touch A Truck ® Jackson has raised 

more than $350,000, which stays here in the Jackson metro 

area. These funds allow the League to fund its mission, 

including the support of more than 30 community projects 

and initiatives in the areas of children’s health, early literacy, 

and social development. “Touch A Truck ® Jackson has evolved 

over the past ten years to incorporate activities and opportunities 

for children and schools in the Jackson metro area 

beyond the initial Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience. In 2018 

we introduced a literacy tent with guest readers throughout 

the day and in 2019 we established STREAM stations to further 

expand the hands-on learning experience. We continue to 

evolve the Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience to coincide 

with the mission of the Junior League of Jackson. This event 

has grown into an experience that showcases how fun and 

learning can come together beautifully through focused 

volunteerism and an impact-based model of service. I could 

not be more excited about this tenth anniversary event for our 

community,” said Bethany Smith, 2022-2023 Junior League of 

Jackson president. 

Touch A Truck ® Jackson 2023 kicks off Friday, March 31, 

with Donuts & Dump Trucks, a preschool event; followed by 

Field Trip Friday; and Unplugged, an event for children with 

sensory needs. The fun will continue that night with a new 

special event, Glow in the Park–a glow party like you have 

never seen with music from DJ Adam, illuminated exhibits, 

and fun activities! 

Big Wheel Breakfast will kick off Saturday morning, April 1, 

allowing attendees to enjoy breakfast and early access to 

exhibitors. General admission opens at 10:00am and will 

feature interactive science, technology, reading, engineering, 

arts, and math (STREAM) booths for children to enjoy, literacy 

fun, and so many exciting exhibitors. 

Tickets are available for Glow in the Park, 

Big Wheel Breakfast, and general admission at 

www.touchatruckjackson.com 

Our special events can sell out, 

so don’t delay in purchasing! 


White Chicken Chili 

• 2 lbs. of diced/cooked chicken 

(no bones or skin) 

• 1 onion diced and sauteed 

• 1 package McCormick white 

chicken chili seasoning 

• 4 cans of white beans, drained 

• 1 cup of chicken broth 

• 4 oz. of cream cheese 

• 8 oz. of sour cream 

• 6 oz. of heavy cream 

• 1 can of diced green chilis 

• 1 cup of shredded Monterey jack 

cheese 

Dice chicken into cubes and cook. 

Dice and sauté onion. Add cooked 

chicken, onion and remaining 

ingredients in a crockpot. 

Stir and cook until 

cheese is 

melted. 

Cabbage, Sausage 

& Potato Soup 

• 1 lb. Conecuh sausage, 

sliced into bite-sized pieces 

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 

• 3 medium leeks, slices into 

⅛ rounds, white and pale green 

parts only 

• 2 medium carrots, 

peeled and diced 

• 1 stalk celery, diced 

• 1 small green cabbage, 

chopped into bite-sized pieces 

• 3 cloves garlic, minced 

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable 

stock 

• 1 lb. red potatoes, diced 

• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning 

• 1 bay leaf 

• Kosher salt and freshly cracked 

black pepper, to taste 

Add sausage to a large stockpot and 

cook over medium heat for 5-6 

minutes, flipping occasionally, until 

lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon 

to transfer the sausage to a separate 

plate and set aside. 

Add olive oil, leeks, carrots, and 

celery to the pan, and stir to combine. 

Sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Then add cabbage and garlic, and 

sautee for 4 more minutes, stirring 

occasionally. 

Add stock, potatoes, Italian 

seasoning, bay leaf, cooked sausage, 

and stir to combine. Continue 

cooking until the soup reaches a 

simmer. Reduce heat to mediumlow, 

cover, and simmer for 15 

minutes or until the potatoes are 

cooked and tender. 

Taste and season with a few generous 

pinches of salt and black pepper as 

needed. (Depending on how 

seasoned your sausage is, feel free to 

stir in extra teaspoon of Italian 

seasoning if you think it needs some 

extra flavor. A pinch of crushed red 

pepper flakes and/or a Tbsp. of 

white vinegar will also help bring 

out the flavors.) 

Serve warm. Refrigerate in sealed 

containers for up to 3 days or freeze 

for up to 3 months. 


Shrimp & Black Bean Soup 

• 1 large onion, chopped 

• 1 Tbsp. of olive oil 

• 2 14.5 oz. cans reduced sodium 

chicken broth 

• 2 10 oz. cans diced tomatoes 

with green chiles, undrained 

• 2 cups of frozen corn 

• 1 15 oz. can black beans, 

rinsed and drained 

• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, 

undrained 

• 4½ tsp. chili powder 

• 1 tsp. sugar 

• ½ tsp. salt 

• 1 lb. uncooked medium shrimp, 

peeled and deveined 

• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley 

In a Dutch oven, sauté onion in oil for 

3-4 minutes or until tender. Add 

broth, tomatoes and green chiles, 

corn, black beans, tomatoes, chili 

powder, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, 

stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; 

cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 

Baked Potato Soup 

• 12 slices of bacon 

• ⅔ cup butter or margarine 

• ⅔ cups all-purpose flour 

• 7 cups milk 

• 4 large baked potatoes, 

peeled and cubed 

• 4 green onions, chopped 

• 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese 

• 1 cup sour cream 

• 1 tsp. salt 

• 1 tsp. ground black pepper 

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook 

over medium-high heat, turning 

occasionally, until evenly browned, 

about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain bacon 

slices on paper towels; crumble and 

set aside. 

Meanwhile, melt butter in a stockpot 

or dutch oven over medium heat. 

Gradually add flour, whisking until 

well combined. Slowly pour in milk, 

whisking constantly until smooth 

and thickened. 

Green Enchilada Soup 

• 2.5 lb. boneless/skinless chicken 

breast 

• 28 oz. can green enchilada sauce 

• 24 oz. can chicken broth 

• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream 

• 2 cups Monterey jack cheese 

• 4 oz. cream cheese 

(cubed and softened) 

• 4 oz. of green salsa 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

In a 6-quart slow cooker, add chicken 

breast, green enchilada sauce, and 

chicken broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 

hours. 

Remove chicken and shred. Add 

chicken, Monterey jack cheese, cream 

cheese, half and half, and green salsa 

to slow cooker. Turn slow cooker to 

warm and stir until the cheeses are 

melted. Serve and enjoy. Delicious 

topped with avocado, cilantro, green 

onion, and sour cream. 

Creamy Cheddar Cheese 

Soup 

• ¼ cup butter 

• 1 onion, chopped 

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour 

• 3 cups chicken broth 

• 3 cups milk 

• 2 8-oz. packages shredded 

cheddar cheese 

Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan 

over medium-high heat. Add onion 

and cook until tender, about five 

minutes. Stir in flour to make a roux. 

Add broth and cook, stirring 

constantly, until the mixture is slightly 

thickened. Add milk and cook until 

just boiling, stirring constantly. 

Working in batches, blend the soup in 

a blender until smooth. Return soup 

to the saucepan and cook on medium 

heat until just boiling. Remove from 

heat and whisk in cheese until melted. 

Stir in shrimp and cook 5-6 minutes 

longer or until shrimp turn pink. Stir 

in parsley. 

Add potatoes and onions and bring 

to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce 

heat and simmer for 10 minutes. 

Stir in crumbled bacon, cheddar 

cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. 

Continue cooking and stirring until 

cheese is melted. 


Discover your pathway 

to success! 

• ACADEMIC 

• CAREER-TECHNICAL 

• ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION 

hindscc.edu/betterlife 

JACKSON | NAHC | RANKIN | RAYMOND | UTICA | VICKSBURG 

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does 

not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn, work and serve 

our communities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies: 

EEOC Compliance:, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3458 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu. 

Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator , Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu. 


ways 

to say 

“I 

Love 

You” 

“I 

Love 

“I 

Love 

You” 

You” 

“I 

Love 

You” 

We all know that people experience 

love in different ways. Have you ever 

researched the different types of love 

languages? Everyone is unique and 

different in their own way in how they 

want to express and receive emotions, 

like love. Some people want affection, 

others need praise, and for others, 

actions speak louder than words. 

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day and 

how to love others, not only can we say 

“I love you” this month, but forever 

after that. Saying “I love you” is not as 

challenging and intimidating as we 

may think. Check out this list to see 

how you can spread love to others today 

and every day: 

♥ Buy that special someone flowers 

♥ “I am here for you” 

♥ Bring homemade cookies 

to the office 

♥ Pay for the person behind you 

in the drive-thru 

♥ Go above and beyond to celebrate, 

even the small things 

♥ “I care a lot about you” 

♥ Take dinner over to the neighbors 

We hope this list gives you some inspiration on how to show love for 

others each and every day! Continue reading through the next few 

pages to check out stories of different ways to really say “I love you.” 

We hope you share the love this Valentine’s season and for the 

months after as well! 

♥ Help with a task you know has 

been stressing someone out 

♥ “This made me think of you” 

♥ Talk less, listen more 

♥ Give a hug 

♥ Write a note of appreciation 

or a “Thank You” card 

♥ Cook someone their favorite meal 

♥ Do the dishes for someone 

♥ “You fill my heart with joy” 


Nevertheless 

He is GoodSarah 

“I 

Love 

You” 

Rein 


When Holly first met her future husband on a Friday in November, 

2008, she was a single mom whose mind was absorbed with 

raising her nine-year-old daughter and working full-time. 

Dating was the last thing on her mind. 

“I was thirty, divorced, and sad because things had not 

turned out the way I’d planned,” Holly remembers. On 

that particular day, she stopped in her local Kroger where 

she exchanged pleasantries with the manager. There had 

been an altercation of some sort in the meat department 

and Holly, who also worked as a manager in a retail store 

in Vicksburg, laughingly prodded him for information 

about what had occurred. 

Kroger was closing its original location in Clinton that 

day and opening its new one the next morning. On 

Saturday, Holly decided to check out the new location’s 

sushi offerings with her daughter, ex-husband, and friend 

in tow. This wasn’t unusual as the two of them had 

maintained a good relationship after their divorce. When 

she bumped into the same young manager, they spoke 

again. And, to her surprise, Holly found herself attracted 

to this stranger....so much so that she went back to let him 

know that she was indeed single. 

Their attraction became increasingly obvious as Holly 

returned to the grocery store the following two days. On 

Tuesday, the manager, whose name was Colley, offered to 

walk her to her car. But what Holly really wanted - she 

told him - was a date. “I was already planning to ask her 

out,” Colley insists as they both laugh at the memory. 

When he asked if he could take her to lunch the next day, 

Holly reminded him that she worked in Vicksburg. He 

told her he remembered and could he please come and 

take her to lunch. Shocked that he would drive that far, 

Holly and her employees at the Gap outlet picked out an 

outfit and she took a two-hour lunch break. The date 

went so well that the pair decided to meet at IHOP for 

breakfast the next morning. That was “the interview,” as 


Holly refers to it, “the time we talked about our goals and what 

we wanted out of life.” One thing they were both clear about 

was that they didn’t want any more children. Holly had 

difficulty conceiving during her first marriage, and she and 

Colley each had a child from their previous marriages. 

The pair dated through that fall and, as the new year 

rolled in, Holly told Colley she wanted two things in 2009. 

“I told him I wanted to get married, and go on a vacation, and 

I’d like all that to happen together.” When Colley responded 

that he didn’t have a ring, Holly assured him that she didn’t 

need one and, there in her kitchen on College Street, he asked 

her to marry him. 

Three years later, Holly had an unexpected miscarriage and 

the question of whether to have more children suddenly 

seemed less settled. “The Lord made me a promise that the 

time would come but that He had to make things ready first,” 

Holly shares. While on a business trip in Dallas sometime 

later, she became convinced she was pregnant and ended up 

walking seven blocks downtown to buy a pregnancy test. 

Anxious and excited, she woke in the middle of the night to 

take the test. Eight months later, she and Colley welcomed 

home their daughter. While preparing to leave her 3-monthold 

daughter for that same business trip the next year, Holly 

found out she was expecting again. The addition of a son 

completed the family the couple had never expected to have. 

Despite continuing to work and balance the needs of two 

young children, Holly was determined to keep her marriage a 

priority. “Colley is God’s ‘I love you’ to me. God has used him 

to heal places in me I didn’t know could be healed. We love 

well, we fight well, and we found out we work well together.” 

While Holly transitioned to working for a trucking 

association, Colley continued employment as a manager for 

Kroger and, later, Whole Foods. Having attended culinary 

school, he had always worked in the food industry in some 

capacity. “Everyone has something that sort of comes easily 

for them. And cooking just always came naturally to me.” 

And, while Colley liked the industry, he had yet to find 

work that felt right and purposeful to him. “My job has always 

been what I do but not who I am. My family was most important 

to me, so what I really wanted was a way to bring all that 

together - work, family, and serving.” 

Holly beams at him. “This man can cook and that is 

what God’s gift to him has been. So we started on a journey 

thinking of how we could use that talent to serve.” 

Trying to get things moving, Holly started baking cakes 

and they began taking small catering jobs. The more they did, 

the more business started to flow in. 


“It’s just fun. It’s fun to serve people and feed people. 

There is something intimate about that...sharing a meal with 

someone. As our business grew, we did events for our church 

and community, often donating our time. I just knew God 

had a purpose in what we were doing. It was never about making 

money - it was about serving.” Holly glows as she talks about 

their work. “I was just praying for a door to open for Colley.” 

And then one of their catering jobs led them to work 

alongside Donna Rush, who was making the dessert for the 

event. Holly and Donna hit it off, and Donna began confiding 

in her new friend about a vision she had for a business. She had 

worked in home health and saw the need people had for easy, 

prepared meals. Donna was looking for a location and trying 

to figure out how to get her business off the ground. “I finally 

had to tell her to reach out to Colley with her questions 

because they were about things I didn’t know,” Holly says. 

Donna started calling Colley for advice periodically and 

even had him come to the building she rented to determine 

the best way to lay out the kitchen. 

When Donna’s business finally opened, it was a success. 

So much so, in fact, that it became too much for her to handle 

on her own. And she kept reaching out to the Burns because 

“I 

she couldn’t shake the impression that they were, somehow, 

meant to be involved. 

But, in the meantime, Holly was spearheading a concept 

she had for Colley’s catering business. “It was shiny and pretty 

and everything I thought we should do.” Then Holly, who 

seems like the type of woman who is able to make things 

happen by sheer willpower, received some pretty clear 

direction from God. “He told me to shut my mouth, step away, 

and support Colley because this was going to be his thing.” 

In May of 2022, Colley reached an agreement with 

Donna to buy “Meals with Purpose,” and in July, the Burns 

finally saw their dream take shape as Colley began ownership 

Love 

You” 

of his own business. Their family life and work life interwove 

as they spent hours together teaching their children how to 

help and serving the community together. 

Holly knows to what to attribute their success. “Meals 

with Purpose has never been ours. We are the people who 

love it and run it but it was God’s idea started through Donna’s 

obedience. It’s not how I would have designed it but it’s how 

God designed it and it’s so much more than a place that 

prepares food.” 

She shares that thought just before the conversation 

transitions to the most recent part of their story - a health 

crisis that came out of the blue and threatened everything 

they had been working for. 


suspicion Colley had a gallstone that would require 

immediate surgery. “Great,” Holly remembers thinking. 

“How are we going to get this weekend’s wedding done?” 

As they were headed to the ER, Holly grabbed a book 

that had recently been given to her by the women’s 

minister at their new church - First Baptist Jackson. God 

had moved the Burns there in the spring of 2022 and they 

were still getting to know their new church family. That 

minister, Cindy Townsend, had asked to see Holly the 

week prior and given her a book called Fighting Words. 

“I have no idea why, but I think God wants you to have 

this. You probably think I’m crazy,” Holly remembers 

Cindy telling her. 

Waiting in the ER, Holly opened the book, which 

started with these verses found in Philipians 4. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness 

be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but 

in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your 

requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

In October of 2022, Colley was pouring himself into 

Holly found herself moved to speak the verses aloud 

running the new business, Holly was working full-time in a 

“I 

remote sales job that allowed the family some much-needed 

flexibility, and they were still catering events every weekend. 

So the fact that Colley was more tired than usual made 

sense and didn’t raise any red flags. When he began having 

additional symptoms such as back pain and vomiting, they 

were easily explained. Muscle strain, stomach bug. But he 

continued to feel worse. 

One evening, the couple was discussing his symptoms 

when Holly suddenly realized Colley’s color was off. “It 

was like we had been so busy that I hadn’t taken a good 

look at him in a while. But that night, I realized his skin 

had a yellow tone.” When they went to see his doctor the 

next day, she immediately sent them to the hospital with the 

Love 

You” 

into the chaos of the emergency room. “There were so 

many hurting people there,” Holly remembers. “People 

who were in the same boat we were in and I got to read 

scripture and pray with them. At one point, I even had 

a friend bring a case of water to pass out.” After hours 

of waiting, Colley was finally called back and taken in 

for a scan while Holly went upstairs to find some food. 

“When I got back, the doctor was waiting for me and 

had taken his mask off. And that’s when I realized 

something was really wrong.” The doctor shared that 

the scan had shown spots on Colley’s liver and that, in all 

likelihood, he had cancer. When he told them he wished 

there was something he could do to help them, Holly asked 

him to go home and take a good look at his wife and enjoy 

being with her. 


The emotions came in waves. Things felt unreal one 

moment and overwhelming the next. Holly shares, “You 

find yourself thinking about everything at once. All the 

things that are supposed to be and that you want to be.” 

The Burns went home and grieved hard. 

Holly said that the one thing that was most present on 

her mind, though, was that every single thing that Christians 

go through is woven together and that they wanted this to 

be used by God. “With this diagnosis, one of the things I 

have learned is that we don’t get a choice on the time we 

have with someone....and I got something I never thought 

I would have in Colley. We still don’t fully know what 

God’s purpose is in this but we know He has one.” 

Colley’s diagnosis was serious and his health wouldn’t 

allow him to continue working at that point. In one of the 

most emotional blows, the Burns had to close their beloved 

business after only four months. 

The original information the Burns received about 

Colley’s cancer left them with little hope for treatment and 

no clear path forward. But Holly refused for that to be the 

final answer and began reaching out for advice and help. In 

God’s providence, their new church family was filled with 

physicians, former physicians, and nurses. Both of their 

Sunday school teachers became invaluable medical 

resources. 

One name came up repeatedly when Holly was asking 

for advice - the Burns were told they had to get in to see 

Dr. Bobby Graham, who also attended FBCJ and was a 

friend of Cindy Townsend, the women’s minister who had 

gifted Holly the book. Through their shared network of 

friends, Holly received Dr. Graham’s cell phone number on a 

Friday and worked up the courage to call him that evening. 

After a twenty minute conversation, Colley had an appointment 

on the following Monday afternoon and suddenly - 

there was a path forward. They now had the official diagnosis 

(a different type of cancer than originally suspected and a 

more treatable one) and, more importantly, Colley’s liver 

was able to be stented.... a miracle their community had 

been desperately praying for that would alleviate some of 

Colley’s symptoms and allow him more treatment options. 

Dr. Graham immediately started his new patient on 

chemo and now Colley is feeling better than he has in 

months. Holly shares, “People keep asking for specifics 

about Colley’s condition....what stage it is and honestly, 

we don’t even know because that’s not important to us. 

What’s important is Colley’s treatment and that’s what 

we are focused on.” 

But Dr. Graham did tell them that Colley’s tumor 

marker - the chemical in his blood produced by the tumors 

- has dropped from 805 to 72.8 after only three rounds of 

chemo. And, while they celebrated that, and are so grateful 

for Dr. Graham’s care, Holly insists there is more to it than 

that. She asks me to step into their kitchen so she can show 

me something. 

Taped over most of the wall space in the room are cards 

written to the Burns from people who have interceded for 

Colley in prayer - friends, other church families, and people 

Colley has never even met. Holly has kept every card and 

displayed it as a visible reminder of the real reason for the 

healing Colley is experiencing. “None of this would be 

possible without God. Chemo alone doesn’t explain this,” 

she says through tears. 


In addition to the flood of prayers, the Burns’ community 

has supported them in very tangible ways. Two fundraisers 

have been held to help with their expenses and, when a 

need presents itself, people have been quick to step in. 

“When we had a bathtub emergency, there were immediately 

people here to help rip out sheetrock and pull up carpet. 

When I posted on Facebook asking for help finding a 

zero-gravity chair so Colley could sit comfortably, two 

were brought here within 30 minutes,” Holly recalls. 

“It has made this season that is supposed to be so sad 

and hard, better. When you have somebody carrying 

you, you can keep going.” 

Today, Colley is having a really good day. And, just days 

after our interview, he will reopen Meals with Purpose for 

a couple of days each week. 

When I ask the couple how they are doing emotionally, 

Colley says, “I was upset and honestly, I still am. I know 

how this works - I’m not going to do chemo six times and 

never have to worry about this again. But I don’t feel down 

and we are going to do everything we can.” 

Holly ends our interview with her answer, “I know 

where he would be going and I can’t help but have peace 

about that while, at the same time, it’s hard to think that 

we might not grow old together. But I remember when 

our pastor, Chip Henderson, taught from the book of 

Habbakuk and told us that God never answered Habbakuk’s 

questions - just like He never answered Job’s questions. 

He never explained to them why. But what He did do is 

reveal Himself to them through those times. God had to 

take me through that process to the point that I could say 

‘Nevertheless, He is good.’ Some days things feel really 

normal. But I’m not foolish enough to think that things 

can’t change in an instant. We get really comfortable as 

humans thinking that tomorrow is promised and it is not. 

Today, Colley and I have each other and I hope we do for a 

very long time. But what I know is that God has a purpose 

in everything, even when it hurts, and that He is good.” 

It seemed appropriate that our interview was temporarily 

interrupted by the delivery of the Burns’ new dining 

table....a hand-crafted piece of furniture Holly has been 

dreaming about for a long time. The table is carried into 

their dining room and positioned in front of the wall filled 

with cards speaking words of life and truth into their 

home. As they pull chairs and a bench around it, they stand 

running their hands over it and admiring this place where 

meals will be shared and family memories made. They 

don’t know what interactions will transpire around it in 

the years to come. But, joyful or difficult, they know things 

will be alright in the end. Their meals here, and the ones 

they are able to share with the community, will be filled 

with purpose - brining glory to their good God. 


“I 

Love 

You” 



It’s about 

forgiveness 

Dr. Bobby McGuffie, pastor, flowood baptist church 

“I 

Love 

You” 

On January 15, 2023, I preached a message 

on a very difficult subject–Forgiveness. It was 

one of the most convicting messages I have 

personally ever preached. Why was it so 

convicting? Because there have been many 

times that I have not forgiven when forgiveness 

was due. However, as long as there is 

opportunity (personally or collectively), there 

is time to forgive. 

There was one portion of the message 

that I would like to share in order for us, as 

believers, to truly understand. Without going 

into great detail, the passage I used was from 

the story of Joseph. This is a story that you 

may be familiar with. Genesis 45:1 says, 

“Then Joseph could not refrain himself before 

all them that stood by him; and he cried, 

Cause every man to go out from me. And there 

stood no man with him, while Joseph made 

himself known unto his brethren.” 

Joseph did something very direct that 

many of us should do. When the time came 

for Jospeh to have a conversation with his 

brothers (those who had hurt him or sinned 

against him), who had thrown him into the pit, 

he removed everyone from the room who 

had nothing to do with it. When we desire to 

forgive someone, genuinely, we do not bring 

other people into the situation who have 

nothing to do with the sin or wrongdoing. For 

instance, we do not go talk to someone about 

the wrongdoing of someone else. Why? 

Because they don’t have a dog in the hunt, 

per se. We go to the one who has hurt or 

offended us and follow church discipline of 

Matthew 18. 

And if someone comes to you and tells 

you what someone did to them, how they 

hurt them, or talked about them, or anything 

remotely close to that—if you are a believer, 

shut it down! We should not listen to what 

someone else says, negatively, when we are 

not involved. 

I would venture to say that most everyone, 

who knows Jesus Christ as the Lord and 

Savior, would agree with the things written 

above. I would also venture to say that not 

one reader enjoys hearing their name come 

out of someone else’s mouth negatively. 

So, what do we do? If we are going to say 

anything that hurts our witness, causes our 

brother/sister to stumble, or negatively impacts 

someone in the future, we ought not do it. 

There is a reason that church discipline is in 

the Gospel. 

The reason is simple, there will be wrongdoing, 

but there is a solution made possible 

through the blood of Jesus! May we all be 

willing to forgive like Jospeh, but ultimately 

like Jesus! 

Do you remember what Jesus said while 

He was hanging on the cross (for you and for 

me)? He said, “. . . Father, forgive them; for they 

know not what they do.” –LUKE 23:34 


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“I 

Love 

You” 

17 

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19 


Mr. Day’s Northside Elementary 3rd-Grade Class 

What does love mean to you? 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

Paul Roberts 

What I think love means is kindness, friendship, 

politeness, lifting other people up, sharing, 

caring for others, and supporting others. Don’t 

forget sharing is caring. 

Brooklyn Funchess 

Love means to me, family and friends. It means 

a lot to me. I will share my love with homeless 

people that need joy. God is the one that gave 

us love in our life. You can share love with 

people. 

Ava Montgomery 

Love is people who care for you or your family. 

Love makes me the happiest because a lot of 

people are not sick. So, love people who care 

for you because they can go on a trip. 

Harrison Green 

To me, love is God because God has a 

never-ending love for us and he sent his only 

son to earth to die for our sins. Love is also 

family and friends to always be by my side. 

Eve Cox 

Love means kindness to me and it means 

family and friends. 

Jianah Lewis 

Love is about being with your family and 

friends, teachers, and everybody. I love 

people and God. 

Benjamin Armstrong 

Love means friends to me. 

Carsin Grady 

To me, love means spending time as a family. 

It means being nice and kind to the people you 

love in your life. Love to me is everything. 

9 

10 

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Hazel Taylor 

Love means family to me. It means laughing 

and hugging and sometimes crying, but it’s still 

love. Love never leaves you. 

Danté Johnson 

I think love is about being with your family 

and friends. 

Amilah Warren 

Love is a really good emotion. Love is like 

when you have joy, peace, and lots of other 

good feelings. 

Noah Hines 

Love to me means friends and family. 

John Chapman 

Love means caring for each other. 

John Stephne 

Love is my life. 

Addie Wardlaw 

Love means taking time with the people 

that I love. 

Albert Wang 

Love means family to me. 

Kyler Denson 

Love means a lot to me. It means family 

and friends. It is a good emotion. 

Sebastian Torres 

The word love to me means treating others 

with kindness and respect. I also believe love is 

about spending time with family and friends. 

Gray Shelton 

Love means everything to me. But the thing 

I love the most is my family. They care for me, 

they protect me, they play with me, and they 

provide things for me. That is why my family is 

the most important thing to me. 



The Fortenberrys 


Brian and Susan enjoy running and working out. We have 

completed a few triathlons and quite a few half marathons together. 

We love to travel together and spend time together experiencing 

and exploring new places. 

Grayson 15, Ellen Claire 13, Emily 11, and Caleb 8 all enjoy 

sports, playing outside together, and watching collegiate and professional 

sports. 

How did you meet and how long have you been married? 

We met at Mississippi College. We began as friends running together 

and began dating from there. We will have been married 20 years in 

June 2023. 

Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night? 

We try to grab dinner once every couple weeks or so. It is more feasible 

now that our kids are a little older, and we can be more spontaneous 

with our dates. However, their busy schedules limit our availability to 

go sometimes, but it’s a season we will one day miss! 

What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? 

It brings us great joy when we see our children walking with the Lord 

and individually pursuing a relationship with Christ. As in any family, 

they fuss and fight, but it is rewarding when we see glimpses of 

kindness, selflessness, and love towards each other and their peers. 


Who is the financial manager in your home? 

Brian for sure. We try to be good stewards and managers of our 

money. Brian is much more organized when it comes to most things, 

including our finances! 

When your children were younger, what was your discipline 

philosophy? 

We were probably much more tough on our first than our fourth, but 

we have tried to teach our children respect for their parents and 

adults. Some require more discipline than others (not naming any 

names)! 

Even as our kids are older now, we most likely retain the “strict 

parent” reputation, but we tell our kids that we are ok with that title! 

We try to limit and monitor technology. Now we feel it’s important 

to be intentional in modeling the behaviors we want to instill in 

them, to be kind and to put others’ needs ahead of their own. 

We want them to be humble, giving, and trustworthy. 

What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to 

your family? 

We feel that our greatest role is to lead our kids closer to Christ 

and to raise kind, compassionate, self-sufficient kids who will make 

a difference in their world. 

What’s a quick go-to meal that isn’t fast food? 

And who does the cooking? 

We love to throw chicken or steak on the grill and a vegetable and a 

starch. Also, taco night is a fave. I do most of the cooking. Grayson 

likes to make chocolate chip pies and Emily loves to bake cakes and 

macarons. Cincinnati Chili has also become a family favorite. 

What accomplishments make you proud during your time 

living in Clinton? 

Our greatest accomplishments are the four little (and not so little) 

people we have been entrusted to raise! 

What drives you to have the job that you have? 

And what do you do for a living? 

Susan I am a pediatric dentist and I absolutely love my job. I love 

seeing a child, who is scared of the dentist, transform into someone 

who loves to come see us. I love helping kids who are in pain feel 

better, helping to give them a smile that they are proud of, and 

teaching them how to take care of their teeth. It is so rewarding 

watching my patients grow up and develop relationships with 

them and their families. We are sad when they get too old for us. 

Brian I felt from the time I was in high school that the Lord was 

leading me to work with students. Through circumstances that I 

believe were orchestrated by God, teaching just fell into place, and 

it has been the best career for me. I’ve worked in the Clinton Public 

School District for close to 20 years, serving as a teacher, coach, 

assistant principal, and now as athletic director. It’s been a joy 

working with our students and the community of Clinton. This 

is the best school system in the state, and the values and vision that 

were put into place by Dr. Virgil Belue over 50 years ago, have been 

carried on through many men and women over the years, and are 

still in place today. Those are values that parallel my personal values 

that I have for myself and my own children. 

How long has Clinton been your home? 

I have always lived in Clinton, besides two years in Birmingham 

for residency. Brian has lived here for about 20 years. 

What are some of your favorite things about Clinton? 

We love the small-town feel of Clinton, the superior academic and 

diverse environment of our schools, our precious friends that we 

have, and the overall support we feel from our community. 

How do you spend your summer breaks? 

Pediatric dentistry is quite busy during the summers! The kids are 

very active in sports and camps during this time. We all love going 

to the lake and spending time with our extended family. 


QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN 

What’s your favorite thing 

to do as a family? 

Grayson Vacation 

Ellen Claire Walk to the brickstreets together 

Emily Travel 

Caleb Play cards together 

What your favorite restaurant? 

Grayson Taco Bell 

Ellen Claire Bonsai 

Emily Salsas 

Caleb Raising Canes 

What’s your favorite TV show? 

Grayson Sports Center 

Ellen Claire National Treasure 

Emily National Treasure 

Caleb Sports Center 


SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 

9AM • Traditions (Sanctuary) 

10AM • Sunday School 

11AM • Connections (Worship Center) 

601-924-6671 / firstmethodistclinton.org 

100 Mt. Salus Road, Clinton, MS 

Thanks to all of our readers and advertisers. 



Chandra 

Bethany Cole 

Broomfield 

For some, childhood ambitions reveal a future career. 

Such was the case for Chandra Broomfield, the director of the 

therapeutic recreation department for the City of Clinton. 

Early on in her life, Chandra began to 

exhibit a desire to help, assist, and serve others. 

Currently, as director, she is able to transfer 

those characteristics and skills to her job, as she 

leads the department, which is focused solely on 

therapeutic recreation services for individuals 

with special needs and senior adults. Her job 

description runs the gamut of responsibilities, 

including planning, leading programs, evaluating 

programs, and mentoring intern students, all 

of which she facilitates with unparalleled energy 

and kindness. 

42 • FEBRUARY 2023 

The Early Years 

Born in Galveston, Texas, Chandra moved 

with her family to Hattiesburg when she was 

three years old, where she remained through 

college. While her current field is rather 

specialized, Chandra says that she had specific 

motivation for pursuing the field, which began 

to blossom during childhood. “Growing up, I 

always had a heart to serve others,” she says. “I 

was involved in several clubs and organizations 

that helped build a passion for serving others. 

In fact, I received the Luckyday Scholarship 

for that reason, serving my community.” 

This later morphed into volunteer 

endeavors in high school, which served to not 

only assist those in Chandra’s sphere, but also 

fortified her own sense of self. “Even while in 

high school, I was given the opportunity to go 

into our special education classes and work 

with students individually,” she says. “As an 

extremely shy teenager, it helped bring me 

out of my shell and really brought so much joy 

into my day. Volunteering at nursing homes 

and working with underprivileged youth, all 

cultivated my passion for servant leadership 

in those formative teenage years.” In reflection, 

she says, “I feel that anyone in the field of 

therapeutic recreation has to have a heart 

to serve others. There’s no way around it. 

It’s the backbone of the profession.” 

On a Career Path 

After her childhood in Hattiesburg, she 

graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 

2003, then moved on to pursue a degree at the 

University of Southern Mississippi. Five years 

after completing her undergraduate degree, 

she decided to obtain a Master of Arts in Health 

and Human Services at Liberty University in 

Virginia. Her next step was to complete 

certification. “Upon completion of my internship 

with the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical 

Center in Biloxi, I was eligible to sit for the 

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation 

Certification exam,” she says.

“The ultimate goal for anyone majoring in 

recreational therapy is to receive this certification, 

so it was never a question of “if ” but “when” 

I would be certified.” Not wanting to waste 

time, Chandra signed up for her certification 

exam as soon as she could, and passed in the 

first round, earning the designation of certified 

therapeutic recreation specialist. 

Clinton 

In the fall of 2007, Chandra began 

working for the City of Clinton one month after 

completing her internship. She began as the 

special services coordinator for the Parks and 

Recreation Department. “In that position, I 

planned all youth an adult activities and special 

events,” she says, also noting that some of those 

initial programs are still maintained today. 

Eventually, her responsibilities were solely 

focused on the Living Young and Challenger 

League programs. “Then, in 2015 those programs 

were moved from the umbrella of the parks 

and recreation department into the newly 

formed therapeutic recreation department 

where I now serve as director.” 

A Typical Day 

While many jobs run on repetition and 

consistently prescribed agendas, that is not 

always the case for Chandra. As she notes, “A 

typical day varies for me. Each week is different 

as far as programming, but there are some 

things that remain constant. We are always 

planning for the next event, making sure our 

participants are in the know, leading programs, 

evaluating programs, mentoring intern 

students, etc.” While those aspects are 

consistent, Chandra says she “gets to wear 

many hats in this position… fitness instructor, 

event coordinator, counselor, principle, coach, 

friend, granddaughter… so many different hats 

that are so meaningful in their own way.” 

Each role, however different, gives her an 

appreciation for the work. “I start each 

morning feeling blessed that I get a chance to 

do what I love and leave each evening with a 

full heart from the amazing people that we 

come in contact with each day.” 

An added benefit of multi-faceted work is 

that Chandra is able to use her planning skills 

and creativity. “I get to dream up a program or 

activity and make it happen for the people that 

we serve,” she says. “It truly is a pleasure to 

come to work each day. Both groups that we 

work with are so grateful and appreciative of 

the programs that we offer. Seeing the smiles 

and hearing the laughter is so rewarding. I 

must say that although the Challenger League 

program takes up only about a 10th of what we 

do throughout the year, I find it to be my 

favorite aspect of the job. I just love them to 

pieces and have watched many of them grow 

into young adults (some old ones too). The 

transformation for some has been amazing to 

watch.” 

As a component of her work, Chandra 

organizes a formal for program participants. 

Marlee Price, Clinton’s director of communications, 

says, “Chandra hosts a sweetheart 

formal for some of her program participants. 

The program is such an incredible asset to the 

community yet I’m not sure everyone knows 

about it!” 



Inspiration and 

Future Endeavors 

In the day-to-day of her work, Chandra says she draws 

on inspiration from multiple sources. Her three-yearold 

daughter, Joelle, is a constant source. “She is a light 

that shines so bright in my life that nothing else can 

ever compare to; she makes me want to be a better 

version of myself daily so that she can continue to 

grow to be the amazing individual that I know God 

has destined her to be.” Chandra’s older sister, Renisha 

Whitley, also serves as a recreational therapist. “We 

overcame a lot of adversity in our childhood and had 

each other to lean on through it all. The same is true 

in our careers,” Chandra noted. 

“For many years she worked with individuals 

receiving help for various addictions. Seeing the impact 

that her program had on the lives of hundreds, even 

thousands of people, really inspired me to do more. 

I’ve even implemented many techniques that she used in 

the past with our Living Young group and have yielded 

some amazing results in areas of self-actualization, 

acceptance, self-esteem and so much more. She is my 

biggest and best cheerleader,” Chandra continued. 

Chandra also cites professional influences in two 

professors at USM. “Dr. Rick Green and Dr. Brent 

Wolfe, were two of my professors at Southern Miss 

who embody everything that a recreational therapy 

professional should be.” She continues, “Aside from 

those two role models, there are countless individuals 

within our program who proved that what you achieve 

in life is boundless when you are determined, focused, 

and have a support system that encourages you to do 

all that you can without excuses.” 

As Chandra continues to do what she loves, she 

notes that she is grateful to do it in the city of Clinton. 

“After living here for over 15 years, I can truly say that 

Clinton feels more like home than Hattiesburg does,” 

she says. “I love the small-town feel of it due to the 

people being so welcoming and inviting. My daughter 

thinks that I know everyone in town because there 

doesn’t seem to be any place where I can go and not run 

into someone that I know. There are so many treasures 

to be found here for all ages and abilities. That’s what 

makes Clinton special.” 

TO LEARN MORE 

ABOUT CHANDRA’S WORK, 

VISIT CLINTONMS.ORG/ 

DEPARTMENTS 


Alexander Nazario 

CEO - IRON SHARPENS IRON 

In the United States, a vast majority of 

people that we encounter have no idea that 

modern-day slavery is happening in our own 

backyard. 

It was during a gathering of like-minded 

individuals that changed my life forever when 

our conversation steered towards things we 

could do to help the local community. All our 

wheels started turning and we immediately 

began to research what we believed was the 

largest problem that our community and state 

were facing. As our focus landed between 

recovery or human trafficking intervention, we 

realized that human trafficking was an area in 

which the state of Mississippi has limited 

resources. We encountered numerous safe 

houses and programs for recovery, but there 

were limited programs for survivors of human 

trafficking and human trafficking awareness. 

At that time, Mississippi rated #2 in the U.S. 

with the most cases of human trafficking – as 

of now, we rate #1. 

Shortly after this conversation, I went to 

Mexico. It was there in Mexico that I was able 

to become very hands-on and interact with 

many human trafficking survivors. We even 

connected with a team in Texas that works 

with survivors of human trafficking. After 

returning to the United States, I had a burning 

desire to help more survivors of human 

trafficking. I was not able to sleep at night 

thinking about those survivors and the terrible 

circumstances they have been through. I was 

waking up in a warm bed every day while 

someone out there was being abused, and 

that put a burden on my heart. 

I immediately knew I had to do something, 

and that is how Iron Sharpens Iron came to 

be. Iron Sharpens Iron partnered up with 

Senda De Vida in Mexico. This partnership 

has allowed us to provide so much help and 

guidance to many survivors of human 

trafficking. Iron Sharpens Iron has been able 

to accommodate many survivors’ needs by 

providing a safe place for participants and 

sustaining their basic needs. We also assist in 

relocation efforts, with local and out-of-state 

agencies that can accommodate survivors. 

Since our partnership with Senda De Vida in 

Mexico, we have been in direct contact with 

approximately 7,900 survivors from several 

countries. 

The main purpose of Iron Sharpens Iron 

is to train, restore, and assist in the healing 

process of survivors of human trafficking. 

We would not be able to make this possible 

without utilizing sources and programs within 

our community and partnering together with 

other organizations that also have common 

views in the fight against modern-day slavery. 

Celebrate Recovery, Beautiful Deliverance, 

Senda de Vida, Impact Youth Program, The 

Pointe Church, The MS District Pentecostal 

Church of God, and Elevate Church are some 

great resources and organizations that fight 

to end human trafficking and help spread 

awareness every day in this state. 


It is important for us to keep raising 

awareness every day of human trafficking in 

the state of Mississippi. Teams in Louisiana, 

Texas, and Florida that we partner with and 

work with have a higher awareness rate than 

in our own state, and that is something worth 

fighting for to make a change and an impact. 

Iron Sharpens Iron also focuses internationally, 

and we focus on 13 countries which 

include Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, 

Nicaragua, El Salvador, Haiti, Venezuela, 

Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Belarus, and Russia. 

We also focus on the Mexico border, with a 

presence in Texas. We have volunteers that 

help us raise awareness about Iron Sharpens 

Iron and the fight against human trafficking in 

Texas, Louisiana, and in Florida. 

Our programs include “Impact Summer 

Camp,” where the participants can spend a 

week outside their environment to heal from 

their trauma and have the chance to enjoy 

what it is like to be a kid again. We provide 

meals, games, and worship. After the week is 

over, we give them an opportunity to stay 

connected throughout the year with monthly 

meetings and activities until they meet again 

the following summer. The camp forms 

long-lasting friends and a support group. 

We want to ensure the participants of the 

summer camp that they are not alone. 

The fight to stop human trafficking is a 

hard fight, but solely a fight that is from the 

Lord, given the fact that Beautiful Deliverance, 

Celebrate Recovery, and SWAG ministries 

are 100% volunteer based. Approximately 

two-thirds of our program’s participants have 

experienced some form of human trafficking, 

which just shows how real modern-day 

slavery is in today’s world. Participants 

experience healing from any hurt, habit, and 

hang up, aiming to fulfill neuroplasticity healing. 

We offer services to over 350 individuals a 

month, with a meal at each meeting, and 

worship. Following worship, Iron Sharpens 

Iron participants break out into classes. 

Our intent for the following years is to 

bring the fight to our backyard and make sure 

the human trafficking ranking in Mississippi 

drops below #1 in the United States. By raising 

awareness and training to the local community, 

NGO, local schools, and businesses, with the 

intent to prevent and identify potential new 

victims, we can help fight to stop end human 

trafficking. 

All of the efforts of Iron Sharpens Iron 

have been funded by CEO, Alexander 

Nazario’s retirement check, and our team 

is formed of volunteers that have a burning 

desire to help others and they love to see 

the restoration of others. 

www.isiron.org 


SALUTE 

to First Responders 

Why did you decide to be a fireman? 

Growing up in the fire station with my dad, who was also a 

Clinton firefighter, I decided, early on, to be a fire fighter as well. 

How long have you been with the Clinton Fire Department? 

I have been with the Clinton Fire Department since February of 2016. 


I come from a first responder family. My dad was a fire fighter and 

my stepmom is a paramedic. My mom was a 911 dispatcher and 

my stepdad is a firefighter. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, 

Mackenzie, for two years, and we have a perfect little girl. 

What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job? 

The toughest part of my job is being away from my family. Knowing 

everything is taken care of at home by my wife makes this a little 

easier though. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. 

I like hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors. I love to smoke 

BBQ and invite my friends over to eat and have a good time. I am also 

a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

Lieutenant 

Patrick 

VALADIE 

CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

I would have to say that I haven’t really thought much about my 

bucket list. I would like to have tickets to the World Series in St. Louis. 

I would also like to be able to have my daughter’s college paid for and 

go on a vacation with my wife for a week or so. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

The person I most admire is my dad. He is still the person I talk to 

about most things. He always finds a way to make things happen. 

What advice would you give a young person? 

The advice I would give to a younger person is to enjoy the ride. 

Don’t stress too much—and have a good work ethic. 

Rodric McClain got out of the car to take a photo 

of his best friend, Tia Denise Cook of Jackson. 


What is your favorite thing 

about Clinton? 

Clinton is a great town to raise a 

family and it has great schools. 

What is your favorite thing 

about Hometown Magazine? 

It takes time to highlight people like 

me and first responders. It means a 

lot to me to be chosen for this issue. 

Thank you! 


TheTime COIN 

Camille Anding 

College days were fun days for me. 

It was truly independent living and a carefree attitude that was a gift from my parents - chiefly 

because they paid all my expenses my freshman and sophomore years. I helped supplement 

a small amount of my monetary needs the remainder of my college life with part time work, 

but it was those first years of life-on-my-own that I loved. 

Marriage and family were far from my thoughts as I indulged in my freed lifestyle. 

Life moves quickly. Love intervened, and suddenly my conversations turned from “I” to “we.” 

“I” meant lonely and too quiet. “We” meant fun, laughter and a kind of joy I hadn’t experienced. 

Marriage vows could make us “we” permanently, so I chose “we.” 

The “we” was truly the joy and more than I had hoped. I hadn’t been surprised by that joy, 

but I was surprised when my doctor told me that my tiredness wasn’t from a lack of vitamins. 

I was pregnant! 

The initial shock carried me to wondering how this unknown family member-to-be would 

affect our utopia of marriage. Life was just about as perfect as it could be. Was all of that about 

to change? I had no idea what kind of changes were coming. 

The love that God pours into our hearts for spouses, parents and siblings is prodigious, but 

that mother’s love that He supplies comes in king-size quantities. How else does one explain 

a totally dependent stranger suddenly consuming its mother’s quality sleep with no complaints 

for that interruption? Every need is met for that tiny creature that can’t speak a word, because 

a mother soon learns to interpret that infant’s cries. With that love, God sends Wonder Woman 

hearing to the mother that enables her to detect a change in her infant’s breathing in the same 

room or down the hall. 

Before postpartum leaves, a mother BEAR makeover invades the new mother. A shield like no 

other allows or denies any or all access to the newborn. The mother remains on guard 24/7 

whether rested or exhausted! 

I’m grateful that I asked Jesus to invade my heart when I was young. That gave me insight into 

the various kinds of His love that I have experienced over the years. When our first grandchild 

was born, I scooped her – gently – into my arms and said, “Lord, how can such love continue?” 

Then in more blessed years, God gave me the joy of holding our first great-grandchild. 

By now I have no words to describe my Father’s love, but I somehow think a mother might 

have the closest understanding. God truly is LOVE. 



Let’s Talk... 

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you need advice on your retirement plan. 

The team at Mascagni Wealth Management 

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205 E. Main Street • Clinton, MS 

For an free initial consultation, 

please call 601-925-8099 or visit 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

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