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Ridgeland Clinton Yazoo City 

(601) 898-8875 (601) 924-6842 (662) 746-4581 

mcl.cpa 

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 • MAY 2023

FROM OUR PUBLISHER 

“Spring has sprung!” Or has it? 

That’s the question the unusual April we had has caused us to ask. 

The perceived arrival of spring teased us with its early warm temperatures 

and balmy days. I even packed away my sweaters in anticipation 

of a long-awaited spring. Then the temps dropped drastically with killing 

frosts and caused spring to have to regenerate the young leaves on all 

the trees and shrubs. 

I understand weather forecasts are hinting at another possible drop 

in temps before the final release of spring. However, I’m sticking by the 

actual date that spring is designated to arrive while trying to ignore the 

outdoor thermostats. 

With the arrival of spring and all the promises of new life, it’s difficult 

to think that death is still a part of every season – even spring. I encourage 

you to read about the life and home-going of a remarkable woman of 

God in this issue. Dorothy Henderson, and her husband, Gene, have 

touched thousands of lives throughout our state by sharing the gospel. 

Mrs. Henderson realized death was the final exit from this life, and she 

certainly hated the thought of the temporary separation from family 

and friends. But she rejoiced in the thought of meeting Jesus face to 

face and being united with the Savior whom she had loved and served 

the major portion of her life. I assure you that you will never look at 

death the same way again, thanks to the example of Mrs. Henderson. 

I continue to be grateful for all our readers along with the many 

advertisers that make this publication possible. It remains a joy to 

feature neighbors in our hometown. So regardless if you read this 

snuggled under a blanket or on a sunny porch, we at Hometown 

Magazines wish you a blessed spring and a renewed picture of 

“homegoing.” 

PUBLISHER & EDITOR 

Tahya Dobbs 

HOMETOWN STAFF 

CFO 

Kevin Dobbs 

CONSULTING EDITOR 

Mary Ann Kirby 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

ASSISTANT 

Alisha Floyd 

IN THIS ISSUE 

Reader Spotlight 9 

Hometown Family 12 

All Pro Dad 18 

Mental Health Wealth 20 

Kids Who Care 22 

Habitat for Humanity 26 

Setting the Tone 34 

Fighting for Mississippi Veterans 48 

SPECIAL PROJECTS 

ASSISTANT 

Caroline Hodges 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

MANAGER 

Lexie Ownby 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 

Nikki Robison 

...see you around town. 

LAYOUT DESIGN 

Daniel Thomas 

3dt 

STAFF 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Othel Anding 

STAFF 

ASSISTANT 

Debby Francis 

ADVERTISING 

ASSISTANT 

Melissa Kennon 

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 • MAY 2023


8 • MAY 2023

READER 

SPOTLIGHT 

Sherry 

WHEAT 

_______________ 

Why did you decide to make Clinton 

your home? 

We moved from Alabama for my husband’s 

practice. We wanted a smaller town with a 

larger city close by. Clinton was a beautiful 

town and the residents were friendly. 

How long have you lived in Clinton? 

32 years 

Tell us about your family. 

My husband, David, has a family practice 

business here in Clinton. He has been a 

physician for 42 years. I am a registered nurse 

and have been for 45 years, and have a degree 

in microbiology. I also taught junior high 

sciences for 10 of those years. I now work at 

my husband’s practice as practice manager doing 

whatever needs to be done. Our daughter, Sarah, 

and her family live here as well as our son, Brett. 

Sarah is an attorney and Brett is in construction. 

Grandson, David, is seven and absolutely 

wonderful; he reads everything as well. 

What is your favorite memory of living 

in Clinton? 

Going to the Brick Street Markets and seeing 

everyone we know. 

Where are your three favorite places 

to eat in Clinton? 

Genna Benna , Bonsai, and Lillie’s. 

What are some fun things to do in 

Clinton on the weekends? 

Downtown market, shopping local. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in 

your spare time. 

I love to spend time with family, read everything, 

and sew. I enjoy French hand sewing, 

smocking, cross stitch, arts and crafts, and word 

games. I also enjoy my work—meeting and 

helping people at Clinton Family Care. 

What are three things on your bucket 

list? 

Go to Hawaii, read Gone with the Wind again, 

and see a spaceship launch. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

It’s corny, but I admire my husband. He is the 

kindest most patient person I know. He works 

hard, plays hard, and loves his family. 

Where do you see yourself ten years 

from now? 

I don’t look that far ahead. Sometimes if you 

do, you miss what’s important now. 

What is your favorite childhood 

memory? 

Playing in the country under shade trees; seeing 

relatives every day, and having parents that 

loved me unconditionally. 

If you could give us one encouraging 

quote, what would it be? 

Never give up—and have faith. 

What is your favorite thing about 

Hometown Magazines? 

I love the photography and learning about 

local people. 


What is something your mother or grandmother 

instilled in you that you would want to pass on 

to your children? 

Tiffany Edwards 

Laci Pittman 

Madeline Howard 

Karen Kostal 

Mother’s Day has become one of my 

most favorite celebrated days of the 

year. While I celebrate my mother 

throughout the year, this day is most 

special because now we share it 

together. My mother has instilled 

multiple core values in me. I believe 

the most instilled value she has given 

to me that I pour into my children is 

prayer. It began with my grandmother, 

Claudine, and her devout love for family 

and Christ. Her relentless efforts have 

carried our family for generations. 

Prayer is the cornerstone of our family. 

For example, each day before school, 

my mom prayed with my older sister, 

younger brother, and me, and poured 

positive affirmations into our hearts 

before entering the harsh world. I 

remember going to school undefeated 

and with a positive attitude the majority 

of the days. I now implement those 

same traditions with my daughter and 

son. God is so faithful! My children now 

cover me with prayer in both moments 

of triumph and despair. My mom 

always expressed to me, “What you 

begin with your children, is what will 

carry them through life.” I want to say 

to my mom, Thank you and I love you 

infinitely. We are because of you! 

My grandmother, Peppy, was such a 

huge influence on my life! She helped 

raise me and then when she needed 

someone to help take care of her, she 

asked me. So when my fiance, Russell, 

and I married, she came to live with us. 

She lived with us for nine years, until 

she passed away at the age of 96. 

There are so many life lessons, but 

I think the most important is to take 

care of others. Show your heart, be 

open, vulnerable,and show kindness 

to everyone. Everyone deserves a 

seat at the table and be hospitable 

in everything you do. She did this in 

many ways, but mostly in cooking 

for others. Russell and I love to host 

people in our home! She was my step 

grandmother, and she was never able 

to have children, but she loved me like 

I was hers. When my husband and I 

had trouble getting pregnant, then 

having two miscarriages, we were 

finally able to have our daughter Lily 

Beth. Oh, how I wish she could have 

known her! We talk of her often, she 

instilled so much in me and I hope to 

do the same with my daughter! 

(I cried all the way through this!) 

My mother always instilled in me to 

do everything with grace and to be 

relentless in my pursuit of passion. 

She unknowingly exemplified her 

teachings daily as a single mother. 

She raised me to be the very best 

version of myself while fearlessly 

accomplishing all that she set out to do. 

I pray that I too am leading by example 

while raising my two incredibly amazing 

boys that I love dearly. 

Kristi Walker 

My mother definitely instilled a strong 

work ethic in us and I want to do the 

same with my girls. My mom went 

back to nursing school while working 

and raising three young kids. She 

works hard each day and gives her all 

with everything she does. I want my 

girls to work hard for what they want, 

not to give up or quit, and to put forth 

their best effort. 

My mom instilled in me a sense of 

empathy. Growing up, I remember 

seeing a homeless man, and my mom 

driving past him to a restaurant, picking 

up a meal, and taking it back to him. 

Whether it was stopping in the rain 

and giving her umbrella to someone 

getting wet or helping a lost child find 

their parent; whether gathering clothes 

for someone who needed them or being 

late somewhere because we had to 

stop and help the dog too close to the 

highway for safety; whether bringing 

a meal to a family going through a 

hard time or cleaning up for someone 

who couldn’t ask for help; my mom 

always reminds me of the importance 

of taking care of others. I hope to instill 

empathy in my children so that no 

matter what they end up doing in life, 

they remember to go slow enough to 

look around and notice who needs help 

and to do something about it. After all, 

that’s what Jesus calls us to do. 

10 • MAY 2023

Sarah Kieffer 

My mom is the hospitality queen. She 

is always opening her home to people 

who don’t have local family to spend 

holidays with. Or to house missionaries 

while they travel. She is always cooking 

meals, bread or pies to give to others 

who are grieving, sick or in need. She 

is the hands and feet of Jesus as she 

serves others. I want to instill a love 

of hospitality in my kids and want them 

to put others first and love well. 

Shirley Williams-Kane 

As a little girl my mother always said, 

“Pray before you go to bed, so that 

when God wakes you in the morning, 

and your feet touch the floor, the 

Devil knows you are ready to be a 

warrior for Christ!” As I got older, 

I truly learned what that meant. 

I hope as I share that with my children 

that they remember the warrior their 

grandmother was and the one I am 

becoming. 

Amanda Henderson 

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” 

-William Shakespeare. This is a quote 

spoken from a mother to her son in 

Shakespeare’s play, “All’s Well That 

Ends Well.” I live by this quote as it is 

a reflection of the values my mother 

instilled in me from early childhood. 

My mother is the epitome of kindness, 

patience, and grace. She taught me to 

be a reflection of what I want to see in 

others. This contributes to a peaceful, 

healthy, and happy life. I strive to exhibit 

these characteristics in all aspects of 

my life, so that my children will “do as 

I say and as I do.” 

Kimberly Purdie 

Both of my grandmothers, as well 

as my mother, were and are devout 

Christian women. They emphasized 

the importance of faith from the time 

I was born. For my daughter’s dedication, 

I selected this verse: “The Lord 

your God is in your midst, a mighty 

one who will save; he will rejoice 

over you with gladness; he will quiet 

you by his love; he will exult over you 

with loud singing.” –Zephaniah 3:17. 

I hope she always loves the Lord and 

trusts in Him. 


12 • MAY 2023

The Thomases 


Matt - 49 Enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, 

working in the yard and following his children around the country 

watching them play soccer. 

Amanda - 50 Enjoys time with family, having coffee with friends, 

and traveling on the weekends to watch her kids play soccer. 

Nathan - 22 Graduating from MC in May 2023 with a degree in 

biology/pre-med. He will be attending UMMC medical school in 

August. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing 

golf, hiking, and traveling. 

Hayden - 17 Graduating from CHS in May 2023. He will be 

attending MGCCC in August where he will be playing soccer. 

Enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing soccer, 

snow skiing, and wake surfing. 

Elise - 13 8th grader at CJHS. She enjoys spending time with 

family and friends, playing soccer, snow skiing, and going to the 

lakehouse. 


14 • MAY 2023

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

We were high school sweethearts at CHS and have been married for 

27 years. 

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

Date nights are sometimes planned and sometimes spontaneous. 

A quiet dinner and a quiet house are our favorites. 

What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? 

To watch your children grow and mature physically, mentally, 

and spiritually into the person that God desires for them to be. 

Each one is so uniquely different. 

What drives you to have the job that you have? 

And what do you do for a living? 

Matt I am a physical therapist and clinic director of Elite Physical 

Therapy in Clinton. I have been practicing PT for 26 years and the 

last 18 have been here in Clinton. 

Amanda I am a physical therapist at UMMC in acute care in the 

adult hospital. I have also been practicing PT for 26 years in various 

capacities at Baptist and UMMC. It brings us both great joy to come 

alongside patients and help them in their recoveries. 

Who is the financial manager in your home? 

We are both equally involved in managing the household budget. 

Amanda pays the bills, but Matt handles the monthly budget. 

When your children were younger, what was your 

discipline philosophy? 

Consistency. Setting clear boundaries with clear consequences. 

Leading by example and admitting mistakes. 

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

your family? 

To provide stability, support, love, and direction to our children. 

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

And who does the cooking? 

Tacos. And whoever gets home from work first. 

How long has Clinton been your home? 

Over 45 years. 

What are some of your favorite things about Clinton? 

College town, close-knit community, excellent public schools, strong 

churches, brick street festivities, and community events. 

How do you spend your summer breaks? 

Vacationing, going to Pickwick Lake, soccer, and summer camps. 

What accomplishments make you proud during your time 

living in Clinton? 

Matt 1991 CHS soccer state champion, 1992 CHS Hall of Fame, 

current CPSD school board member, 1992-1995 member of MC 

football team. 

Amanda 1990 CHS basketball state champion, 1990 CHS Hall 

of Fame, 1994 MC Hall of Fame and Founder’s Award. 

Hayden 2022 and 2023 CHS soccer state champion. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE KIDS 

What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? 

Nathan I love having a meal with my family and sharing stories 

about how our days went. 

Hayden Going to dinner and coming home and watching a movie. 

Elise Going on vacations so we can be away from all the distractions 

and be able to focus on one another. 

What’s your favorite restaurant? 

Nathan Newk’s. 

Hayden Cane’s 

Elise Chick-fil-A 

What’s your favorite TV show? 

Nathan The Last Dance 

Hayden Last Chance U 

Elise Outer Banks 


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hindscc.edu 

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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: Marquise Kessee, 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 

16 • MAY 2023 

www.clintonmscofc.com 

155 Broadway St. Clinton, MS 39056 

601-924-5300 

“Follow us on Facebook”


ALL 

PRO 

DAD 

Sumner Hill Junior High is honored to receive a Community 

Impact Grant from the New York Life Insurance Company for 

$12,000. Dr. Nikisha Ware will represent The New York Life 

Insurance Company and present the Community Impact Grant 

to Sumner Hill’s school counselor, Heather Norton, principal, 

Dr. Alexis Walker, assistant principal, Mr. Jermaine Brown, and 

Christie Claxton, former principal. 

Sumner Hill’s purpose for using the community grant money is 

to build family bonds with fathers and their children. After collecting 

data regarding fathers and positive male role models from Sumner 

Hill’s boys last year, the counseling program and administration 

wanted to provide services to strengthen father/son relationships for 

ninth graders. Research shows that children are likelier to do well 

academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and enjoy 

school, if fathers have high involvement as opposed to low involvement 

in the schools. Sumner Hill is an All-Pro Dad Chapter for 

the fifth year that meets monthly. All Pro Dad provides resources, 

training, and events to help fathers as they raise their children for a 

healthy and hopeful future. 

The goals of the community grant are to provide social and 

emotional support for our students and to strengthen the family 

unit within our Clinton community. We had a special dinner for 

our boys and their father/positive male role model on Thursday, 

March 2, at Clinton High School Culinary Dining Room. The 

Clinton High School Culinary Arts Program provided a threecourse 

steak dinner. Tony Dungy, cofounder of All-Pro Dad, spoke 

to our participants via Zoom. We asked him to talk about making 

positive decisions as high school students, the importance of 

positive relationships within the home, and learning to cope with 

difficult situations. Tony Dungy personally autographed 20 

footballs and books for our students who participated. 

Tony Dungy has many accomplishments. He served as head 

coach in the National Football League for 13 seasons. He led the 

Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl XLI victory, making him the 

first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl. He 

currently serves as an analyst on NBC’s Football Night in America. 

He is a national spokesman for the fatherhood program All Pro 

Dad and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. 

18 • MAY 2023

Coach Dungy has written several books, such as Quiet Strength: The 

Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life; Uncommon: Finding Your Path 

to Significance; and the most recent publication is Uncommon Influence. 


Mental 

Health 

Wealth 

Did you know that 431,000 adults in 

Mississippi have a mental health condition? 

(According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness) 

That’s almost 17 times the population of the City of 

Clinton. So, what is “mental health” and why do 

431,000 adults in Mississippi have a mental health 

condition? Mental health includes our emotional, 

psychological, and social well-being. It affects how 

we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how 

we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy 

choices. Mental health is important at every stage 

of life, from childhood and adolescence through 

adulthood. 

We can all admit that we have struggled with stress, 

over-thinking, and feeling down in the dumps more 

times, than none. May is Mental Health Awareness 

month and we wanted to emphasize to you the 

importance of taking care of yourself in these trying 

times and point you in the direction of the right 

people to turn to when you aren’t sure of what next 

step to take in life. 

20 • MAY 2023

Do you think mental health awareness 

is not talked about as much as it should 

be? If so, why? 

Mental health awareness is not talked about as 

much as it should be due to stigma. Stigma is having 

a negative perception towards a person or persons. 

This can lead to people not seeking mental health 

services due to fear of being viewed negatively by 

others. 

What type of different counseling 

services do you offer? 

We offer individual, family, and group therapy 

for adults and children to address a wide variety 

of clinical needs, as well as a multitude of specialty 

individualized programs. 

Why do you enjoy doing what you do 

every day? 

I enjoy what I do every day in mental health because 

I am giving back to my community and serving 

others with the knowledge and talents God has 

blessed me with. 

When a client is looking for a therapist, 

what are some questions they should 

ask to see if you are the right fit? 

Do I feel safe and that I can freely express myself with 

the therapist? Does this therapist have the necessary 

experience, skill, and certification to help me with my 

needs? Do I have a sense of connection with the 

therapist? 

Richard McMullan, CMHT 

Director of Children’s Services 

Do you see more of a specific gender or 

age and if so, why do you think that is? 

We see an equal proportion of individuals, both male 

and female, with age ranging from early childhood 

to elderly. 


22 • MAY 2023

KIDS WHO CARE 

Makinley FinneganMistie Desper 

FOR MOST PEOPLE, 

PARTICULAR TRADEMARKS 

AND CHARACTERISTICS 

MARK THEM FROM BIRTH. 

ADVENTUROUS OR 

OUTGOING, THOUGHTFUL 

OR BRAVE. 

For those who know Makinley Finnegan, 

they adamantly affirm that all the aforementioned 

attributes are fitting and inherent to her 

personality. “She has always had a heart for 

serving people,” says her mother, Nicole. 

In winter of last year, as her 12th birthday 

approached, Makinley decided she wanted to 

put her inclination towards service to use. “We 

began by having a basic conversation about ways 

to help the homeless population,” says Nicole. 

Subsequently, of her own volition, Makinley 

decided to begin taking donations for bags to 

distribute - bags that would contain items 

needed for those who do not have a permanent 

residence. “My birthday wish was to give out 

these bags,” she says. 

Items in the bag included a memory foam 

neck pillow with a snap (“The snap means it is 

not easily taken away,” notes Makinley) a mini 

Bible and journal, socks to keep warm, a detailed 

folder naming food banks and shelters, the 

national hotline list, waters, snacks, baby wipes, a 

toothbrush, toothpaste that doesn’t require 

water, a blanket, soap, bandaids, a hair comb, 

and an extra bag. Each item was carefully 

selected by Makinley, as she thought through 

what challenges people might face and what their 

needs would look like in hard circumstances. 

According to the U.S. Interagency Council on 

Homelessness, in recent years, the state of 

Mississippi has had an estimated 1,107 people 

who are experiencing homelessness, the majority 

of whom are in the metro Jackson area. As 

Makinley formed the idea of how to help these 

people, she began to reach out to those in her 

community. Her mother created a post on 

Facebook explaining how and what to donate, 

and the project began to receive feedback and 

contributions. 

Nicole and Makinley gave everyone a month 

to bring donations in. “Some people dropped 

off at our house,” says Nicole. “Some people 

mailed checks or sent Venmo. Teachers at her 

school became involved and also donated.” For 

Makinley, local participation was the realization 

of her goal. “I was so excited when I actually saw 

the project going,” she says. 

Once the bags were complete, Makinley and 

Nicole began to give them away to homeless 

people on their routes through Jackson. “I will 

keep three or four bags in the car and pass them 

out as needed,” says Nicole. “We now distribute 

them all over the Jackson area, from Lakeland to 

Northpark.” 

Makinley says that the comprehensive 

success of the endeavor, and the heart of her 

inspiration, stems from her mother. “My mom 

works at a non-profit agency, the Center for 

Pregnancy Choices (CPC). She helps so many 

people and she inspires me so much.” Nicole, in 

turn, says that Makinley volunteers alongside 

her at the CPC, stuffing envelopes and sweeping 

floors, completing tasks around the office, 

further proof of her daughter’s willingness to 

work hard and serve others. 

Aside from her service ventures, Makinley 

has a great affinity for playing soccer and the 

saxophone in her spare time. In school, she loves 

math and would like to be a doctor or a nurse one 

day. Over the summer, she is looking forward to 

church camp, and potentially, repeating the 

process of collecting bag items, once more 

recruiting involvement from others who want 

to ease the burden of those experiencing 

homelessness. 

Ultimately, Makinley wants people to help 

any way they can. As Nicole says, “Service 

doesn’t have to be big. Because truly, everyone 

can do something.” 

If you would like to donate items to Makinley, 

please email Nicole at: finnegan24@gmail.com 


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Habitat for Humanity 

Re-Stores The Community 

Susan Marquez 

26 • MAY 2023

When Merrill Tenney McKewen was hired to handle the 

25th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area 

in honor of Elise Winter in 2011, she didn’t realize she would, 

one day, be the organization’s executive director. 

“I came back as a consultant in 2012, and in 2013, 

I accepted the full-time position as development director, 

and became executive director in 2016.” 

It’s a job that Merrill loves, and the 

difference she and her team are making in 

the tri-county area is important. “I have the 

most remarkable leadership including our 

board of directors, and an incredible team 

of dedicated, hardworking team members.” 

Merrill is often called upon to speak at 

area civic organizations about HFHMCA, 

and she starts by clarifying that President 

Jimmy Carter did not start the Habitat 

organization. “Millard Fuller was responsible,” 

says Merrill. “He was a businessman 

with a vision of providing affordable 

housing for people who may have a 

difficult time getting into a home on their 

own. Jimmy Carter helped him get the 

organization onto a national stage.” 

The homes are not given to recipients, 

explains Merrill. “The people who move 

into a Habitat home must first complete 

classes on financial education, wills, 

do-it-yourself classes, and classes on 

community relations. They must also put 

in 175 hours of sweat equity on the home. 

After they qualify, we offer a 30-year, zerointerest 

mortgage loan. If they fail to pay 

their mortgage payments, we are forced 

to foreclose on the loan and they lose 

their home.” 

While volunteers are involved in the 

building of each Habitat home, professionals 

are used for things like electrical 

systems, plumbing, and other items that 

require a skilled, licensed professional. 

“We are a not-for-profit organization, but 

we are also an economic engine. We buy 

local, and we use local subs and contractors. 

Every dollar we spend generates $8 to $9 

for the local economy.” 

Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital 

Area is a construction company, a mortgage 

company, and a Christian-based organization 

that does not discriminate based 

on age, race, sexual orientation, or religion. 

A side venture for HFHMCA is the new 

ReStore, a retail store located at 615 

Stonewall Street in Jackson that takes 

donations of furniture, surplus building 

materials, appliances, art, and anything 

else a home may need. Their motto is 

“You Buy, We Build,” and Merrill says it is 

a way to raise money for the mission. 

“We sell the items to the public at a greatly 

reduced cost. It can be a bit of a treasure 

hunt, as no two days are the same.” 

ReStore is ideal for someone renovating 

a home, as well as an affordable way for 

new Habitat homeowners to furnish or 


decorate their home. “We welcome 

donations of light fixtures, furniture, or 

other items that may otherwise be thrown 

away. We have a few companies that 

provide us with lighting, flooring, etc. 

from their warehouses when things are 

discontinued. We also get rugs and 

furniture from a name-brand store from 

time to time when they are clearing their 

old inventory. It’s amazing how much is 

thrown into landfills. I am guilty of 

dumpster-diving – if I see a piece of 

plywood we might be able to sell, I’m 

going to get it!” ReStore is open Tuesday 

through Saturday, 9:30am to 5:00pm. 

Volunteers are always needed for unloading 

donations, pricing items, stocking 

floors, etc. 

Merrill says her personal philosophy is 

to wholistically help the neighborhoods 

where homes are being built. “We not 

only build new homes, but we demo, 

recycle, and rebuild homes. We remove 

blight and often build new homes where 

old ones have been torn down. We do 

what we can to lift up an area, because, 

after all, a rising tide lifts all boats.” 

HFHMCA serves three counties: Hinds, 

Madison and Rankin. “Homes we have 

built in Madison County have been 

sponsored by Nissan. We have funds to 

build in Rankin County but haven’t been 

able to find property there. We are not 

allowed to build near railroad tracks, in 

flood zones, or near superfund sites. It is 

important to us that we build homes that 

are both safe, decent, and affordable.” 

About fifteen homes are built each 

year. Applicants are assessed on their level 

of need, their willingness to partner with 

Habitat, and their ability to pay a mortgage 

through an affordable repayment plan. 

For more information, visit 

www.habitatmca.org 

28 • MAY 2023


Five Minute Taco Dip 

• 8 oz. cream cheese softened 

• 1½ cups sour cream 

• 1 packet taco seasoning 

• Iceberg lettuce 

• Shredded cheddar 

• Diced tomatoes 

• Jalapenos 

• Green onions or red onions 

Mix cream cheese with hand mixer 

on medium until fluffy. Add sour 

cream and taco seasoning. Mix to 

combine. Spread into a dish. 

Top with toppings. 

Pico de Gallo 

• 6 plum tomatoes, chopped 

• 1 small onion, finely chopped 

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro 

• 1 to 2 jalapeno pepper, seeded 

and finely chopped 

• 3 Tbsp. lime juice (about 1 lime) 

• 1 Tbsp. cilantro stems, finely 

chopped 

• 1 garlic clove, minced 

• ¼ tsp. salt 

In a large medium bowl, 

combine all ingredients. 

Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours 

before serving. 

Cheesy Taco Skillet 

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 

• ¼ cup sliced green onions, plus 

more to garnish 

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 

• 1 Tbsp. chili powder 

• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin 

• Kosher salt 

• 1 lb. ground beef 

• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes 

• 1 cup black beans 

• 1 Tbsp. hot sauce 

• 1 cup shredded Monterey 

jack cheese 

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 

Heat oil in a skillet over mediumhigh 

heat. Add bell pepper and 

green onion and cook five minutes 

until tender. Cook garlic one minute, 

until fragrant. Add chili powder and 

cumin and stir until combined, then 

season with salt. Add ground beef 

and cook until no longer pink, five 

minutes more. Add diced tomatoes 

and black beans and stir until 

combined. Stir in hot sauce, cheddar, 

and Monterey jack. Cover and let 

melt, two minutes, then garnish 

with green onions and serve. Cut 

quesadillas into wedges and serve 

with lime wedges and sour cream. 

Refried Bean Tostados 

• 6 flour tortillas (8 inches) 

• ½ lb. sliced fresh mushrooms 

• 1 cup diced zucchini 

• 2 Tbsp. canola oil 

• 1 jar (16 oz.) chunky salsa 

• 1 can (7 oz.) white or shoepeg 

corn, drained 

• 1 can (16 oz.) vegetarian refried 

beans, warmed 

• 1½ cups shredded lettuce 

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 

• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled 

and sliced 

• 1½ cups chopped tomatoes 

• 6 Tbsp. sour cream 

In a large ungreased skillet, cook 

tortillas for 1-2 minutes on each side 

or until lightly browned. Remove 

and set aside. In the same skillet, 

sauté mushrooms and zucchini in 

oil until crisp and tender. Add salsa 

and corn; cook for 2-3 minutes or 

until heated through. Spread refried 

beans over each tortilla; top with 

lettuce, salsa mixture, cheese, 

avocados, tomatoes and sour cream. 

30 • MAY 2023

Easy Chicken Enchiladas 

• 1 10 oz. can enchilada sauce 

• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed 

• 1½ cups salsa 

• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken 

• 1 15 oz. can pinto beans, 

rinsed and drained 

• 1 4 oz. can chopped green chilis 

• 10 flour tortillas (6 in.) 

• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend 

cheese 

• Optional: lettuce, chopped tomato 

sour cream 

Spoon ½ cup enchilada sauce into 

a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. 

In a large saucepan, cook and stir 

cream cheese and salsa over medium 

heat until blended, 2-3 minutes. 

Stir in the chicken, beans and chiles. 

Place about ⅓ cup chicken mixture 

down the center of each tortilla. 

Roll up and place seam down over 

sauce. Top with remaining enchilada 

sauce; sprinkle with cheese. Cover 

and bake at 350 until heated through, 

25-30 minutes. If desired, serve with 

lettuce, tomato and sour cream. 

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas 

• 1 lb. ground beef 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 onion, diced 

• 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning 

• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 

• 8 oz. can black beans, 

drained and rinsed 

• 2 avocados, pitted and diced 

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 

• 4 tsp. canola oil 

• 4 large flour tortillas 

• 8 oz. shredded white cheddar 

• 1 lime, cut into wedges 

• Kosher salt 

• Ground black pepper 

• Sour cream 

In a large cast-iron skillet over 

medium-high heat, brown beef, 

breaking up with a wooden spoon. 

Season with salt and pepper. Sauté 

with garlic and onion until softened, 

3 to 4 minutes. Add taco seasoning, 

tomato paste, one Tbsp. water and 

black beans; cook on medium-low 

for five minutes. Turn off heat and mix 

in avocado and cilantro. Warm a large 

non-stick pan over medium heat with 

one Tbsp. oil. Place a flour tortilla in 

the pan and sprinkle half with cheese, 

beef mixture and more cheese. Fold 

tortilla over and fry lightly on both 

sides until cheese is melted. 

Repeat with remaining tortillas. 

Cheesy Chicken 

Enchilada Soup 

• 3 cups chicken broth 

• 2 lbs. chicken breast 

(skinless and boneless) 

• 1½ cup enchilada sauce 

• ½ cup yellow onion, diced 

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 

• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes 

• 1 15 oz. can black beans, 

drained and rinsed 

• 1 15.25 oz. can whole kernel corn 

• 1 7 oz. can diced green chiles 

• ½ tsp. ground cumin 

• 1 tsp. salt 

• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded 

Heat one Tbsp. of oil in a large pot over 

medium heat. Add chicken to sear 

for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook an 

additional 2-3 minutes on the other 

side. Remove the chicken from the 

pot, set aside. Add the onion and 

cook until softened. Add the garlic 

and continue to cook an additional 

30 seconds. Pour in the chicken 

broth and enchilada sauce. Stir and 

combine. Add diced tomatoes, black 

beans, corn and diced chiles. Add salt 

and cumin. Return the chicken to the 

soup. Bring the soup to a simmer. 

Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes 

until soup reached 165 and chicken 

is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, 

shred, and return to the soup. 

Remove the soup from the heat. 

Add shredded cheese and stir as 

it melts. 

Homemade Churros 

• ½ cup water 

• ½ cup 2% milk 

• 1 Tbsp. canola oil 

• ¼ tsp. salt 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

• 1 large egg, room temperature 

• ¼ tsp. grated lemon zest 

• Additional oil for frying 

• ½ cup sugar 

• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon 

In a large saucepan, bring water, 

milk, oil and salt to a boil. Add flour 

all at once and stir until a smooth 

ball forms. Transfer to a large bowl; 

let stand for 5 minutes. Beat on 

medium-high speed for 1 minute 

or until the dough softens. Add egg 

and lemon zest; beat for 1-2 minutes. 

Set aside to cool. In a deep cast-iron 

or heavy skillet, heat one inch oil to 

375. Insert a large star tip onto a 

pastry bag; fill with dough. On a 

baking sheet, pipe dough into 4 inch 

strips. Transfer strips to skillet and fry 

until golden brown on both sides. 

Drain on paper towels. Combine the 

sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over 

churros. Serve warm. 


32 • MAY 2023 

Like Us!


Setting 

the Tone 

The Story of 

Dorothy Henderson’s 

Homegoing 

Sarah Rein 

“I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship You 

And if it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice ‘cause You’re there too 

I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true 

If the cross brings transformation then I’ll be crucified with You 

‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life 

And if I join You in Your suffering, then I’ll join You when You rise 

And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints 

My heart will still be singing, my song will be the same.” 

Cody Carnes – Christ Be Magnified 

34 • MAY 2023


36 • MAY 2023 

In our world of modern medicine - with a seemingly 

endless array of treatment options and breakthroughs - 

it is unusual to hear people speak openly of death. We 

are much more comfortable pursuing and praying for 

healing. And, in a sense, that is right. 

God has given us good, often amazing, gifts in the 

care and medicine doctors can provide. It is not wrong to 

desire to be well and to pray and work towards that end. 

But what about when treatments fail? What happens 

when age or disease weakens our body to the point that 

there is nothing left to be done? 

For the Christian - it is time to celebrate. At least, 

that’s the answer Dorothy Henderson embraced as she 

prepared to meet her Savior. From the day of her 

diagnosis, she set the tone for how her family would 

approach the end of her life on earth. 

In October of 2019, the Henderson family was 

planning a large birthday celebration for Dorothy. Her 

five children would be present along with some of her 

grandchildren. Her daughter, Dawn, who was hosting 

the party at her family’s farm in Itawamba, answered a 

call from her parents while she was decorating. At a 

doctor’s appointment that morning, Gene and Dorothy 

had received the shocking news that she had cancer in 

her bile duct and pancreas - a dire prognosis. But they 

were still coming. 

Dawn immediately reached out to her siblings and, 

on a group call, they wondered aloud, “How do we have 

a party now?” But it dawned on them that God had 

known the news Dorothy would get that morning. 

And He had planned to have the family together that 

day...for a celebration. So they proceeded to have a 

beautiful candle-lit dinner, cake, gifts, flowers, and an 

evening of dancing to Elvis. Afterwards, they sat 

together under the family’s enclosed porch as it rained 

and affirmed their faith together. Their mother was 

choosing to trust Him and they would too. 

Dorothy shared her thoughts as she initially processed 

the news. “I told them then that I didn’t want it to be a 

gloomy thing - no slow walking and sad singing. We’ve 

told people all our lives how to live and how to die.”

And, as her cancer returned after the initial 

treatments and her health continued to deteriorate, it 

became increasingly obvious that the time had arrived 

for Dorothy and Gene to model that advice. Dorothy 

had turned to Jesus for salvation as a young child. 

She had built a life on the truths of His Word. She had 

partnered with Gene as he shepherded a church and as 

they raised five children to love Jesus. And now, she 

would follow Him through this last part of her journey. 

She would follow Him into death. 

Dorothy shares, “There is great joy and it takes away 

the fear. I did not like the word hospice but they said 

that will help your family - well, ok - I love my family. 

God’s plan started a long time before this so I can trust 

Him now. His plan didn’t change when I agreed to 

hospice. But heaven doesn’t scare me. I told my grandkids 

not to worry. I know where I’m going. If I’m not in 

this bed, I’m with the Lord.” 

Of primary importance to her as she prepared to 

meet her Savior was the salvation of the people around 

her. After a fall landed her in a rehabilitation center 

earlier this year, Dorothy’s unconventional attitude 

about what she was facing drew the attention of some of 

the staff. “A lady came in to take my blood pressure and 

she asked me how we could have signs celebrating what 

was happening. She begged me to tell her about Jesus. 

Her father was in the hospital after a heart attack and 

she wasn’t sure if or how she could bring him home. So I 

told her - we will just pray and ask the Lord for wisdom. 

So we prayed for her father and held hands while I asked 

her if she knew Jesus. And then she immediately left and 

asked her supervisor if she could go buy a Bible and 

stopped by later to show it to me.” 

Dorothy’s family has been a large part of the mission 

field God gave to her, and it has been a fruitful one. In 

their 62 years of marriage, she and Gene welcomed five 

children, seventeen grandchildren, and seventeen 

great-grandchildren - with one more on the way. 

Knowing she would be leaving them soon, Dorothy 

wanted to make sure the separation was a short-lived 

one. On February 22nd of this year, the Henderson 


family had a “packing party” - a time when everyone 

would fill out a packing list with questions about their 

salvation, their final wishes, and their own readiness to 

leave this world behind. The following day, with 

Dorothy too sick to get out of bed, all the children and 

some of her grandchildren were present for a larger 

family gathering. Arrangements were made for a large 

monitor to be brought into her bedroom so the grandchildren 

and great-grandchildren who weren’t able to be 

present could participate remotely. 

Gene recalls the celebration - 

“I called it the funeral before the funeral. 

You know people always say - I wish I’d told them....well, 

everyone got to tell Dorothy how they felt about her, and 

she got to bless them. We arranged for a musician to be 

there to lead us in worship and we all prayed for her.” 

The next day, a Wednesday, Dorothy was feeling 

good and had a group of ladies coming to visit. They 

showed up in boas, and ended up having yet another 

party. More women kept calling and showing up as the 

day progressed and, with about twenty women present 

in the end, they sang and prayed as they encouraged 

Dorothy in her faith. 

Then, on Thursday, a group of women from First 

Baptist Brandon - where her husband had been a pastor 

for many years - came for a “going to heaven pep rally.” 

There were songs and cheers and more celebrating. 

“I know people think we are crazy having all these 

parties but it’s been a fun time getting ready,” Dorothy 

smiles. “And mainly, if God can be honored and lifted 

up and understood...” her voice trails off. 

38 • MAY 2023

Gene picks up where she left off, “You tell people all your life that 

death is not an enemy to be feared. Paul tells us that to live is Christ and to 

die is gain. I comfort my mind by thinking that what she’ll have in heaven 

is far better than what we have here. Dorothy’s gain is going to be my loss 

but it’s a temporary loss. I pray for grace and strength to be as strong in 

living as she has been strong in her passing. As a Christian, you can face 

death victoriously.” 

Dorothy’s hope in granting this interview in the last weeks of her 

life was that Christ would use it to call more people to Himself. As the 

discussion drew to a close, Gene prayed for this article’s effectiveness. 

That it would help others prepare for their own time to die and so be 

an extension of Dorothy’s witness and legacy. 

She ponders as we end, “If Jesus says He’s going to prepare a place for 

us...can you imagine what it’s going to be like? And to get to see my mom, 

my daddy, so many others. I love the illustration of it being like a child 

going to sleep in the back of the car. You go to sleep in the back of the car 

and you wake up and you’re there. Maybe going to heaven is a little bit 

like that. There’s such peace in that.” 

On April 10th, Dorothy Henderson was carried to heaven in the arms 

of her loving Father. We honor her final wishes here by posing a question 

for you, dear reader. Are you prepared for your own death as Dorothy was 

for hers? Do you know the One who defeated that final enemy and, most 

importantly, are you His? 

“Let us prepare for death. 

Let us cleave to the Lord Jesus, 

who is our all. 

Make our calling and election sure. 

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and believe intensely. 

Repent of sin and fly from it earnestly 

and with your whole heart. 

Live diligently. Live while you live. 

Let every moment be spent as you 

will wish to have spent it when you 

survey life from your last pillow. 

Let us live unto God in Christ 

by the Holy Ghost. 

May the Lord quicken our pace by the 

thought that it is but a little while!” 

Charles Spurgeon 

– Concerning Death 


SALUTE 

to First Responders 

Why did you decide to be a first responder? 

Honestly, for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a detective! 

Growing up watching Scooby Doo and The Adventures of Mary Kate 

and Ashley probably had some influence, but I’ve always enjoyed solving 

puzzles. But it wasn’t until I took a forensics class, taught by my volleyball 

coach at Clinton High School, that I made the conscious decision to 

pursue the career. So, I got my Bachelor of Science in Forensics with an 

emphasis in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

I was hired by the Byram Police Department and was the very first 

female they ever sent to the police academy. I moved on to the Richland 

Police Department where I became their first female detective. And now 

I’m home at the Clinton Police Department. 

How long have you been with the Clinton Police Department? 

I came to Clinton PD in October of 2021 and it has been one of the best 

moves I’ve made in my career. Chief Hayman is one of the most 

supportive chiefs I’ve worked for and encourages his officers to pursue 

the things they have a passion for. I am currently a detective in the 

criminal investigation division and recently became a crisis negotiator. 


I grew up right here in Clinton, so it was like coming home for me. My 

parents, Ray and Karen Johansson, still live in Clinton in the house my 

older sisters, Heather Lee, Anna Craig, and I grew up in. It never gets old 

being recognized as one of the “Johansson girls” from someone around 

town. But I consider myself lucky to have a family that goes beyond 

blood relation. My first responder family, and now my pageant family, 

are always there when I need them. And my family grows every day! 

Officer 

Amanda 

JOHANSSON 

CLINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT 

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

I have experienced a lot in my 10 years in law enforcement. I work cases 

involving special victims which consist mostly of women and children. 

I think the toughest thing for me is having to accept when someone isn’t 

ready to be helped. When it comes to victims of crimes such as domestic 

violence or human trafficking, you can’t make them leave their situation. 

You can’t “save” them. Trauma bonds are real and they are strong! A 

victim has to save themselves and, as for my job, I just need to continue 

to be there until they are ready. Unfortunately some victims never make 

that decision. 

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time. 

Spare time? That’s a good one! I am always busy doing something, but 

I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am the co-founder and current 

president of Bikers Against Trafficking MS. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit 

that promotes education and awareness about the realities of human 

trafficking as well as raise money for victims’ assistance. Oh, and did I 

mention we all ride motorcycles? I ride a 2019 Indian Scout Bobber and 

love every second of it! Motorcycle people are the friendliest people to 

strike up a conversation with. And they’re very generous too. I also train 

Rodric McClain got out of the car to take a photo 

of his best friend, Tia Denise Cook of Jackson. 

40 • MAY 2023

in Japanese Jiu Jitsu at the Florence Martial Arts Academy in Florence. 

I don’t get to train as much as I would like but I know that this training 

is important and could very well save my life one day. 

But my most recent endeavor would have to be competing in the Miss 

Mississippi for America Strong 2023 pageant…and I won! I grew up 

helping backstage at the Miss Clinton and Clinton Jr. Miss pageant, so 

this was a bucket list thing for me. I had an absolute blast, made some 

amazing friends, and now get to compete again in August at the Miss 

for America Strong National pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. I never 

knew how fulfilling it would be to have the opportunity to represent 

the state of Mississippi in this way! 

What are three things on your bucket list? 

Competing in a pageant was definitely on my bucket list! I don’t get 

many opportunities to put on a fancy gown working in law enforcement. 

It’s kind of funny to mention the second thing on my bucket list right 

after talking about being in a pageant…but I would like to build an 

AR-15. In January I decided I was going to mark this off my bucket list 

in 2023! I’m getting help from a few of the guys at work and I think 

they are enjoying it just as much as I am. I think the third thing on my 

bucket list would have to be to become a supervisor in CID. I will never 

forget the lessons I learned from my supervisor when I was a detective 

at Richland PD. In fact, I still call him all the time to run stuff by him. 

I would love to be able to pass on the knowledge and be that sounding 

board for someone else. 

Who is someone you admire and why? 

This was actually a question I prepared for during pageant interview 

prep. There is a little girl from one of my cases that showed me what it 

truly means to be courageous, being unapologetically herself, and have 

a forgiving heart. 

If you could give one piece of advice to a young person, what 

would it be? 

A piece of advice I was recently given by a close friend was “figure out 

what you want and learn how to ask for it.” This advice might have 

been taken from a Reese Witherspoon movie but it is great advice! 

Everyone should do more of what makes them happy, do less of what 

doesn’t, and take stock of the mistakes they’ve made. They should go 

after what they want, admit when they need help, and persevere 

through the inevitable challenges of life. 

What is your favorite thing about the city of Clinton? 

Clinton is the ever-present opportunity for growth. Clinton has always 

looked towards the future while preserving a little piece of the past to 

remind them of where they came from. Clinton is a city filled with 

history and a very promising future! 


XII USA International 

Ballet Competition 

Dances Into Mississippi 

this June 

Karen Gilder 

The USA International Ballet Competition (USA 

IBC) has invited 119 dancers from seventeen nations 

to compete in the 2023 USA IBC, the official 

international ballet competition of the United States 

by Joint Resolution of Congress. Normally held every 

four years, but delayed one year due to the pandemic, 

in Jackson, the 12th USA IBC is slated for June 10-24. 

The International Ballet Competition originated 

in Varna, Bulgaria in 1964. The competition eventually 

expanded to rotating annual events in Varna, Moscow 

and Tokyo. In 1979 the event first came to the United 

States in Jackson where it now returns every four years, 

all sanctioned by UNESCO International Dance 

Council. 

“Showcasing artistic excellence, the USA IBC is a 

platform for dancers to test their skills against the 

highest international standards,” said Mona Nicholas, 

USA IBC executive director. “Jackson is respected as a 

prestigious competition that launches dance careers. 

We anticipate a thrilling competition.” 

Fifty-three of the invited competitors are juniors, 

ages 15 to 18, and 68 are seniors, ages 19 to 28. The 

United States has the highest number of invited 

dancers (57), followed by Japan (17) and the Republic 

of Korea (15). Other nations represented are Armenia, 

Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Finland, France, 

Germany, Israel, Mongolia, Paraguay, Philippines, 

United Kingdom, and Venezuela. 

Selection is always a difficult process. Hundreds of 

videos must be reviewed and scored. The committee 

consists of seasoned dance professionals and final 

scores are tabulated using the exact tools used during 

the competition. 

Dancers can compete as soloists, with a partner 

who is also a competitor, or with a noncompeting 

partner. The competition’s two-week period is 

structured for approximately 100 dancers to proceed 

through three rounds of competition, successively 

trimming the field until judges determine medalists 

and prize winners. 

By accepting slightly more than 100 dancers, the 

USA IBC stands a better chance at hitting its 100- 

dancer target for the event since, inevitably, a few drop 

out because of injury, job offers or other issues. 

In the USA IBC, dancers come from around the 

world to compete before a jury of dance dignitaries as 

well as an audience peppered with ballet company 

directors and scouts. Medals, company contracts, 

Photos: Michael J Moore 

42 • MAY 2023

apprenticeships, scholarships and more than 

$200,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. All dancers 

who advance to Round 3 will receive a $1,500 stipend 

to off-set travel costs. 

The 12th opening ceremony will be held on June 

10, 2023, at Thalia Mara Hall. The evening will begin 

with the Parade of Nations honoring the more than 

twenty countries represented by the competitors and 

jury. Following a brief intermission, The Washington 

Ballet, including many competition alumni, will 

perform company repertoire. 

John Meehan, former American Ballet Theatre 

principal dancer, will chair the 2023 jury for the third 

time. “The USA IBC is about more than medals,” said 

Meehan. “It’s a celebration of dance that reflects the 

highest standards of artistic excellence.” Other jurors 

will be Paloma Herrera, Argentina; Frank Andersen, 

Denmark; Hae Shik Kim, Korea; Angel Corella, 

Spain; Lauren Anderson, USA; Ashley Wheater, 

United Kingdom; Feng Ying, China; Stanton Welch, 

Australia; Robert Curran, Australia; and André Lewis, 

Canada. 

David Keary, Ballet Mississippi artistic director 

and a former New York City Ballet dancer, will direct 

the 2023 USA IBC Dance School, held concurrently 

with the competition. Faculty members include, 

Lawrence Jackson, Charles Askegard, Lisa Johnson 

- Willingham, Gretchen Bernard-Newberger, Valerie 

Madonia, and Lisa Hess Jones. All classes will be held 

in the state-of-the-art dance studios of Belhaven 

University. 

Princess Reid 

USA IBC 2018 Competitor, 

Joffrey Ballet 


Julia Rust 

USA IBC 2018 Silver Medalist 

The Arts & Lecture Series will kick off with 

Ben Stevenson, USA IBC Honorary Chairman. 

Stevenson, a former dancer with Britain’s Royal 

Ballet and English National Ballet, has served 

as co-director of National Ballet of 

Washington, D.C., artistic director 

of Houston Ballet and Chicago 

Ballet, and served as the 

artistic director of Texas Ballet 

Theatre until his retirement in July 2022. 

Steel sculpture artist Jack Howard-Potter 

will discuss his creation, Dancer 12. Author and 

dance critic for The New Yorker, Jennifer Homans, 

will discuss her meticulously researched book 

Mr. B: George Balanchine’s 20th Century. Bournonville 

stager Frank Andersen’s lecture will highlight 

The World of August Bournonville. 

44 • MAY 2023

Brooklyn Mack 

USA IBC 2006 Silver Medalist 

In 2018, its most recent year, the USA IBC 

drew 40,400 attendees in two weeks and generated 

a $12.5 million economic impact for Mississippi. 

For a complete list of competitors, visit 

www.usaibc.com/compete. Tickets are on sale at 

www.usaibc.com/attend. 

For more information visit www.usaibc.com. 


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(601) 200-4800 or 

use this QR code. 

46 • MAY 2023


Fighting for 

Mississippi’s Veterans 

Poppy Williams 

“Sometimes the hardest wars 

are fought at home.” - Anonymous 

Cheryl Bruce is a shining example that one 

can use their life experiences to positively impact 

the lives of others. Although she is too humble to 

admit it, through the work of her nonprofit, the 

Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, Cheryl has 

shaped the lives of hundreds of Mississippi 

veterans. 

According to Cheryl, this all started through 

the inspiration of her son, Dustin Ryan, who 

bravely served in the U.S. Army and was deployed 

to Iraq in 2005. After a IED (improvised explosive 

device) hit his vehicle and resulted in serious 

and traumatic brain and back injuries, Dustin 

returned home. However, the Dustin who 

returned was admittedly different than the 

Dustin who first deployed. 

“You might not always see a veteran’s injuries 

since not all of them are visible. Post 9/11, we have 

hundreds upon hundreds that came back with 

physical and/or mental scars. They made the 

sacrifice, served our country, and then came 

home as a changed person – just like my son,” 

said Cheryl. 

Through her experience seeing Dustin 

struggle with those mental and physical scars, 

Cheryl knew, first-hand, that veterans needed 

more – more support, more camaraderie with 

other veterans, more action, and more prayer. 

Though Cheryl initially raised money for the 

national Wounded Warriors project, she decided 

her time would be best spent focusing on 

Mississippi’s veterans. And just like that, the 

Wounded Warriors of Mississippi came to life 

and is thriving nine years later. 

Wounded Warriors of Mississippi is a 501(c)3 

nonprofit organization that supports Mississippi 

veterans who have served in the armed forces post 

9/11. They aim to support Mississippi’s veterans 

mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually, 

through a wide range of services and aid. They 

also stand up for veterans to educate against and 

prevent veteran abuse. 

48 • MAY 2023

This support is multi-faceted, and it looks 

different for every veteran and their specific 

needs. Some examples of the real ways they’ve 

put their words into action for Mississippi 

veterans are through organizing events where 

veterans can meet other veterans and share life 

together, by providing physical assistance with 

daily tasks that many struggle to complete after 

injuries, by matching veterans with a service 

dog, and much more. 

Some days serving Mississippi veterans looks 

like a roof repair, making a wheelchair ramp, 

providing physical therapy or counseling, 

providing financial advisement sessions, or even 

helping to provide Christmas gifts for their 

families and kids. No matter how it looks that 

day, serving Mississippi’s veterans means that 

meeting their needs is – and will remain – a 

priority. 

“I can’t begin to explain the many ways that 

we’ve been able to help Mississippi’s veterans 

– mentally, physically and financially,” said 

Cheryl. “These things are not gifts to our veterans. 

Instead, they are small tokens of our appreciation 

for the huge sacrifice that they’ve given. Nothing 

we do will ever match that, but that doesn’t stop 

us from trying to do everything that we can. 

This all started because of my son, but now I 

feel like I have hundreds of sons!” 

Wounded Warriors of Mississippi speaks 

for, and acts, on behalf of our state’s veterans 

because not every warrior can speak for 

themself. With the support of the community, 

donors, and volunteers, they work tirelessly to 

give a voice to those needs and empower our 

state’s heroes to begin the journey to recovery. 

According to Cheryl, their strength, and 

the ability of current and future support, is 

amplified with collective action. They continuously 

welcome others to join their mission of 

making a difference in the lives of Mississippi’s 

veterans through volunteering, donating, or 

learning more about the organization at 

www.woundedwarriorsofms.com. 


TheTime COIN 

Camille Anding 

“They don’t make them like they used to.” 

How many times have we heard that statement? But that’s the appropriate description of the 

salad bowl I got as a wedding gift some fifty-five plus years ago. I was closing out my days as a 

student/employee at the Ole Miss infirmary. It was a great experience working in the lab and 

sorting files along with making sweet friends among the nurses and doctors. 

They celebrated my engagement by giving me a shower on my last day with them. It’s a mystery 

how our minds work because I can’t remember any specific gift I opened except for the apple 

salad bowl that the senior doctor gave me. For some reason it has stayed in our kitchen cabinets 

wherever we’ve lived. If you were to eat salad at our table now, you would almost positively eat 

from that salad bowl painted in red apples. It’s very lightweight - not exactly plastic but a cousin. 

Anyway, it’s been more than serviceable and still is perfect for what it was designed. 

Another go-to item in our kitchen is a set of aluminum measuring cups with handles. They’ve 

rested in a kitchen cabinet drawer since the wedding day gifts. I have several other measuring cups 

– various sizes, made from a variety of materials. However, the one cup container is washed more 

than all the others combined. Its measurement is accurate; it’s lightweight and easy to pick up with 

its handy handle. 

Last week I reached for it, and it wasn’t in its usual place in the drawer. I scanned the 

countertops. Not anywhere. Then I checked the dishwasher. Wasn’t there either. Where 

could it be? Surely, I wouldn’t have put it in the refrigerator, but I looked! No, I hadn’t 

been that confused, yet. I went on with my cooking wondering where it could be and 

wondering where I could go to replace it. It was just a very plain aluminum measuring 

cup but so convenient for me. 

The next day I was baking and stirring and reached under the counter for my flour 

container. There peeping through the floured glass was my measuring cup. I was elated. 

Inadvertently when measuring for my last baking episode, I had left it in the container. 

It’s just a very old aluminum and very plain measuring cup, but it’s very valuable to me. 

Sometimes as a Christian I have wanted God to use me in ways I would know, ways that would 

benefit others, ways when I felt like I wasn’t just “waiting on a shelf.” My apple salad bowl and 

aluminum measuring cup answered all those questions. God is not so much interested in our 

abilities as He is our availability. My bowl and cup are readily available and always meet my needs 

for what they are designed. They are both lightweight – easy to use without necessary care or fear 

of my hurting them in use. And they are always ready, just waiting to meet their owner’s specific 

needs. 

I know God is never limited in what or who He needs. However, isn’t it an endearing thought to 

think He would always have a need for us and for that specific need He would know just where we 

were - ready, willing, and available. 

50 • MAY 2023


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