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2 • NOVEMBER 2023

Hometown MADISON • 3

"We make buying floors easy!"
Unwrap your
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2660 Lakeland Drive
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 932-2926
4 • NOVEMBER 2023

For Nominating AFC in the Top 5 of
Hometown Madison Best of the Best!
Front row: Kalai Key, Meghan Watson, Ivey Shelton, Olivia Brown
Back row: Scarlet Middleton, Kim Woodward, MaryRhea Waterloo, Rosalynn Williamson, Shanika Wigley, Allyson Walker
Not pictured: Gabe Ibarra
MADISON & RIDGELAND | LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Hometown MADISON • 5

6 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 7

Let’s Talk...
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MASCAGNI WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. IS A REGISTERED
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8 • MARCH 2024

FROM OUR
CONSULTING EDITOR
Madison’s County’s Best of the Best Red Carpet Gala
Eight years ago, Hometown Rankin Magazine created a red-carpet
event that would serve to extend the offerings of our advertising platform,
create additional awareness of the many businesses nominated, and
provide an overall fun evening of glitz and glamour. In that inaugural
year, we had around 60 categories of businesses and the event was
attended by nearly 500 people.
In January of this year, the event spanned two nights, celebrating 108
categories, and had nearly 1,800 people in attendance. For two glorious
evenings, the single most repeated accolade was simple: “Thank you.”
Business owners were grateful for the opportunity to not only be
recognized, but to mix and mingle with other business owners and
leaders whom they, themselves, may have been inspired by. It was not
only humbling to see how much the event had grown, but humbling to
realize how much it was valued.
So, now we’re bringing a red-carpet event to Madison. Hometown
Madison Magazine presents Madison County’s Best of the Best Red
Carpet Gala celebrating 44 categories of business in this inaugural year
where the top five in each category have been overwhelmingly voted
upon. Winners will be announced at a black-tie gala held on March 21.
Congratulations to everyone nominated! We wish you continued
success and are honored to celebrate your achievements. We’re also
proud to be a part of your journey.
Thank you for supporting these businesses and ours. We’re all in
this together. When one wins, we all win.
We look forward to seeing you on the red carpet!
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Tahya Dobbs
HOMETOWN STAFF
CFO
Kevin Dobbs
CONSULTING EDITOR
Mary Ann Kirby
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Barbie Bassett
IN THIS ISSUE
Reader Spotlight 11
Go Red Woman of Impact 16
Madison’s Red Carpet 26
Hometown Family 32
Kids Who Care 38
5th Squad 56
Salute to First Responders 72
The Time Coin 82
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Amy Forsyth
ADVERTISING
ASSISTANT
Melissa Kennon
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Alisha Floyd
CONTENT MANAGER
Susan Wolgamott
...see you around town.
LAYOUT DESIGN
Daniel Thomas
3dt
STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
Othel Anding
STAFF
ASSISTANT
Debby Francis
COPY EDITOR
Jodi Jackson
www.facebook.com/hometownmadisonmagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042
All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Madison may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Madison is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.
Hometown Madison maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Madison is funded by advertising.
Hometown MADISON • 9

10 • MARCH 2024

READER
SPOTLIGHT
Brent
COFIELD
Why did you make Madison your home?
Stacy and I wanted to live where it is safe, had
great schools for our children, and near where
I was teaching and coaching.
How long have you lived in Madison County?
Twenty-seven years
Tell us about your family.
This April 2nd I will have been married to
Stacy for thirty years. We have three children.
Morgan (26) lives in New York City, Josh (23)
lives in Madison, and Ryan (21) is attending
Mississippi State. I started my career coaching
football, basketball, and golf at Clinton, Southern
Arkansas University, and Hernando. We moved
to Madison County in 1997 when I started
coaching basketball at Madison Ridgeland
Academy. The next year, I started my first of
twenty-years in the Madison County School
District, where I served as a coach, an assistant
principal, and the principal at Madison Middle
School, the Academic Options Center, and Rosa
Scott. I retired this past June and have circled
back to MRA, where I serve as the high school
dean of students.
What is your favorite memory of living
in Madison?
I was fortunate enough to be on the football
coaching staff at Madison Central in 1999
when we went 15-0 and won the 5-A State
Championship. We beat South Panola for
the first time ever in the north half and beat
Provine in the state championship game.
That was a fun football season with lots of
great players!
Where are your three favorite places
to eat in Madison?
Georgia Blue in Madison, Local 463 in
Ridgeland, and Railroad Pizza in Flora.
What are some fun things to do in Madison
County on the weekends?
Eating good food, going to ballgames, and
playing golf because the courses are great!
What are three things on your bucket list?
Playing golf at Augusta National Golf Club in
Augusta, Georgia; Pebble Beach Golf Links in
Carmel, California; and The Old Course at
St. Andrews in Scotland.
Who is someone you admire and why?
Ted Poore – He hired me at Rosa Scott in 1998.
Not only is he a great friend, but he is also a
spiritual, educational leader and mentor who
I can go to at any time.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I don’t really know. I will be sixty-eight, fully
retired, and maybe our children will be married
with a few grandchildren.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
That’s an easy one. I loved playing sports all year
long! I loved to have a ball in my hands.
If you could give us one encouraging quote,
what would it be?
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.
It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
Hometown MADISON • 11

Merit Health extends heartfelt gratitude
to our community for recognizing our
exceptional medical professionals.
Your trust and support inspire us to continue delivering
outstanding healthcare with compassion and dedication.
NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 BEST OF THE BEST AWARDS
Merit Health Medical Group, Canton
Nominated for Best Medical Clinic
Merit Health Madison
Nominated for Best Place to Work, Large Business
MHM Merit Health Madison Best of the Best Nomination 2024 Ad 8x5.indd 1
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12 • MARCH 2024

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Hometown MADISON • 13

The No-Delay
Debit Card
Lost card? You don’t have time to wait on hold, much less
for the mail. Just walk in to your nearest BankPlus and get an
Instant Issue Debit Card then and there. bankplus.net
INSTANT ISSUE DEBIT CARDS • LOCAL BANKING
Member FDIC.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, but it’s also one
of the most preventable. Fortunately, the rate of people diagnosed with colon
or rectal cancer continues to drop because more people are getting screened
earlier and changing their lifestyles to avoid health risks.
And even more good news: St. Dominic’s Comprehensive Cancer Program is
nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer for our high-quality and
comprehensive cancer care.
If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as being older, overweight,
tobacco or alcohol use or family history, talk to your primary care provider
about screening.
Early detection is the best protection.
stdom.com/colorectal
14 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 15

2024 METRO JACKSON
Woman
of IMPACT
The American Heart Association, Metro Jackson, is proud to be
celebrating the Woman of Impact Class of 2024, a complement
to the Metro Jackson Go Red for Women movement. Over the
past few months, AHA received nominations for a select group of
local women to be recognized for their passion and drive in building
stronger communities. The areas of impact were limitless – from
healthcare to philanthropy, from business to faith. If they “lead
with heart,” they were eligible for nomination.
Women of Impact are changemakers, dedicated to making a
lasting impact on the health of the Metro Jackson community;
women who lead by example, improving the well-being of those
around them. By joining the Go Red for Women movement as a
Woman of Impact, each honoree has assembled their own team of
volunteers, set a fundraising goal, and made a meaningful impact
on the health and wellbeing of the Metro Jackson community.
Teresa Boutwell
GI Associates
Teresa Boutwell describes herself as a born
and raised Mississippi girl. She was born in
Jackson and has lived in Rankin County since
1976. She serves as the director of human
resources at GI Associates in Flowood.
She and husband Michael are parents to
three children – Lindsey Shearer, Kevin
Boutwell, and Kelly Coleman, and have six
beautiful grandchildren, ranging from two to
fifteen years old. Spending time with family is
what makes Teresa happy, “Nothing brings me
greater joy than having them all together and
just hanging out with them.” Working with the
American Heart Association to combat heart
disease is close to her heart. In 2008, she
suffered a heart issue which resulted in
quadruple bypass, “Just at the time I was about
to have my first grandchild! My daughter,
Lindsey suffered a heart attack in February
of 2023. I want to help educate women
across the state about heart disease and the
importance of taking care of our bodies.”
For more information about
Teresa’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/TeresaBoutwell
For more information on how you can get involved with the
Metro Jackson American Heart Association, please visit
new.event.gives/jxngored
For more information about the Go Red for Women Movement,
visit MetroJacksonGoRed.heart.org
16 • MARCH 2024

Amanda Keith
Blog, Red Lips and Vino Sips
Mobile-native Amanda Keith is a blogger (Red
Lips and Vino Sips) and shares all about wine,
food, and travel. She and her husband, Peter,
have been married for thirteen years. They
met in high school but did not date until after
college. Amanda says their two yorkies Gibbs
and Bosch “are my heart,” and she finds joy
in spending time with them plus friends and
family. She shared that, unfortunately, heart
disease touches the majority of families in
some way. Her first experience with heart
disease was with her maternal grandfather.
“He had a long battle with heart disease for
many years and underwent open heart surgery
when I was very young. In his later years,
congestive heart failure eventually took his life.”
The next time heart disease would change
Amanda’s family was the day her mother
underwent quadruple bypass surgery. “After
watching her recover from that amazing
surgery, I knew I had to do everything I could
to prevent others from suffering through such
an excruciating and scary experience. I want to
encourage others to take the best care of their
hearts as possible, get their checkups, and
encourage others to do the same!”
For more information about
Amanda’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/AmandaKeith
Mindi Kern
The Winning Smile Dental Group
Mindi Kern is the director of marketing for The
Winning Smile Dental Group, a multi-location
dental practice with five offices in the Metro
area. A Corinth native, her family has lived in
Madison for the last thirteen years. Husband
Joey is the chief risk officer for PriorityOne
Bank. They have two children, son Everett (11)
and daughter Mirren (8). The kids’ schedules
keep them busy with tournament baseball,
football, competitive cheer, and tennis. They
recently added a new puppy to the family
named Duffy. The Kerns are active members
at St. Joseph Catholic Church. All of this brings
them joy and Mindi adds, “So does being with
our extended family on vacation, reading a
good book in the bathtub, watching the
sunset at the lake, learning to push myself
and challenge myself through activities; most
recently, learning to play tennis with a fun
group of women!” She said that heart disease
does not directly impact her life currently, but
statistics show that it will eventually, “whether
me or a loved one.” Mindi went on to share,
“As a woman, I know how much we take care
of others in our lives and often don’t prioritize
our own health and put our well-being last.
When I learned that heart disease is the #1
killer of women, it was a harsh reality check
that my heart health doesn’t only affect me,
but my children and husband as well. Joining
the mission of heart health awareness helps
better our community and our loved ones.”
Carla Kirkland
The Kirkland Group
Carla Kirkland is the CEO of The Kirkland
Group, an educational consulting company.
She is a native of Carthage and was married
to the late Malcoln Kirkland Sr. for 36 years.
Joy for Carla is found in travel, dance, and
gospel music. She is mom to daughter, Alexia,
and son, the late Malcoln Kirkland Jr. Carla’s
eight-year-old grandson Collin Malik Stanton
calls her “Gigi.” The fight against heart disease
has become very personal for her. She says,
“On February 4, 2023, I lost my thirty-threeyear-old
son to heart disease. As a mom,
nothing makes one fight harder than something
that affects our children. We found out
about his diagnosis of an enlarged heart ten
years before, while he was playing college
basketball at Arkansas State University. At age
twenty-three, this was devastating to our family
and heart disease ended his basketball career
early and brought about a deep sadness that
he never seemed to overcome. I fight this
disease because it ends lives too early.”
For more information about
Carla’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/CarlaKirkland
For more information about
Mindi’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/MindiKern
Hometown MADISON • 17

Dr. Catherine Lowe
Jackson Heart Clinic
Dr. Catherine Lowe is an interventional
cardiologist at Jackson Heart Clinic. She and
her husband met in medical school and have
been married for seven years. Catherine said,
“He makes me laugh daily!” They are parents to
two “wonderful little boys, ages one and three
years old, that keep us on our toes. We also
have two adorable pups that just add to the
fun.” When asked what brings her joy, she said
“Honestly, the dynamic of seeing my kids grow
and the honor of getting to be their mom
paralleled with getting to care for my patients
and forming connections that allow me to take
better care of them. I am glad to have stayed
in the state where I was born and raised and
provide care to those who need it most in our
state. Outside of home and work, I enjoy
water skiing, any activity outdoors, and a good
murder mystery.” What is Catherine’s why?
“I have joined the fight against heart disease
because I have seen too many women care
for others while missing the warning signs of
their own bodies. Heart disease is the number
one killer of women, and yet it is the most
overlooked. I want to provide awareness and
education so that if even one woman starts
taking preventative measures, then it will make
a difference.”
For more information about
Catherine’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/DrCatherineLowe
Dr. Ardarian Gilliam Pierre
University of Mississippi
Medical Center
Dr. Ardarian Gilliam Pierre grew up in Verona
and completed her undergraduate studies at
Mississippi University for Women with a degree
in microbiology. In 2012, she completed her
medical degree and returned to Jackson to
complete a residency in family medicine
followed by a fellowship in geriatrics and
gerontology at University of Mississippi
Medical Center. Because she has a passion
for education, she remained at UMMC as an
attending physician to train future physicians.
Dr. Pierre and her husband Dr. David C. Pierre
met in medical school. They enjoy serving in
the community with their beautiful children
- Arden, Avery, Dylan, and Aubry. In her free
time, she enjoys family time, playing the piano,
and traveling. She claims that her family “is the
best part of me! We are a nuclear family of six,
and we are adventurous. You can find us
anywhere between home watching movies,
to sporting events and traveling.” Day-to-day
connections with humankind are what bring
her immense joy. Ardarian joined the fight
against heart disease years ago before
embarking on her medical journey, saying
“A number of my family members suffered
from hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks.
I began seeing the need to educate people
about their health risks and the importance of
daily habits like eating appropriate foods and
exercise. As a physician, I often teach my
patients that prevention is key!”
Jennie Simmons
Simmons Erosion Control, Inc
Lake, Mississippi, native Jennie Simmons is the
president of Simmons Erosion Control, Inc.
She and husband Chris have been married for
over twenty-five years and have three daughters,
Katie Beth Simmons who is engaged to Bailey
McDill, Kariana Simmons, and Krissi Joe
Simmons. Jennie says, “Faith brings me great
joy, and I love learning about God through
His word. I love spending quality time with my
family. I am an avid reader. I love to volunteer
in the community, and at my daughter’s
school. I am a huge MSU Bulldog fan/alumnae,
and I love to attend Bulldog sporting events.”
Jennie has a family history of heart disease
through her father, her paternal grandfather,
and her maternal grandmother. She admits
that heart disease “isn’t something that a
person thinks about when they are younger.
However, as I grow older, I have begun to
realize that I should have been thinking about
it and taking proactive steps to make sure that
I remain healthy. Our younger generation
needs to become aware and remain vigilant,
especially if they have a family history of heart
disease.”
For more information about
Jennie’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/JennieSimmons
For more information about
Ardarian’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/DrArdarianPierre
18 • MARCH 2024

Cathy Lott Northington
Mississippi Economic Council, State Chamber of Commerce
Jackson native Cathy Lott Northington is the
COO for the Mississippi Economic Council,
State Chamber of Commerce. She is the
mother of three, Matt (Macie), Courtland, and
Jordan, and grandmother to Amelia. Cathy
said that, “Being a parent at such an early age
(21) helped me develop a profound work ethic
characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a
steadfast commitment to provide for someone
other than myself.” The joy of becoming a
grandparent to Amelia has further heightened
Cathy’s motivation, giving her a renewed
sense of purpose and responsibility. She said,
“My family’s unwavering support and inspiration
continue to fuel my dedication to serving
others.” What is Cathy’s why? “I am fighting
for heart health to unmask the myth of the
superwoman and advocate for a healthier,
heart-conscious approach to life. I am living
proof that our strength lies not in shouldering
unrealistic expectations but in taking charge
of our heart health — a far more enduring
and meaningful power. As women, we often
find ourselves juggling parenting, career, and
everyday life roles. I was no exception until a
pivotal moment changed everything.
Exhausted by a headache for almost three
days, I brushed off the warning signs, believing
I could power through. A good friend urged
me to check my blood pressure. Unaware of
what was considered high, I was shocked to
discover that my numbers were at stroke
levels. I quickly realized the importance of
knowing our numbers for heart health,
especially for black women. This realization
reshaped my perspective on what it means
to be a strong, capable woman. I now do my
best to urge any woman sharing my story,
especially those who might see me and
assume I’m a superwoman, to embrace the
true superpower of knowing their heart health
numbers. It’s a declaration of empowerment,
a commitment to prioritizing our well-being
over the unrealistic demands of modern life.”
For more information about
Cathy’s campaign, go to
www2.heart.org/goto/CathyNorthington
Since 2004, the American Heart
Association’s signature women’s
initiative, Go Red for Women, has
addressed the awareness and clinical
care gaps of women’s greatest health
threat, cardiovascular disease.
At the Heart Association, we are
prepared to meet the evolving needs
of women now, and at every age,
every stage, and every season of their
lives as their trusted, relevant source
for credible, equitable health solutions.
The Woman of Impact is an inclusive
initiative to drive awareness and raise
funds for women’s heart health in our
community. Together, our Women of
Impact are a relentless force, using their
voices to advocate for women’s heart
health and raise awareness that
cardiovascular disease is the
number one killer of women.
For more information about the 2024
Jackson Women of Impact campaign
or to support one of our nominees
with a donation, use this QR code.
SAVE THE DATE
2024 Metro Jackson Go Red for Women Luncheon
Friday, June 7 / Jackson Convention Center
The event chair is Debra McGee, senior vice president for BankPlus.
The luncheon includes a health fair and a heart disease survivor fashion show.
For more information, email our Go Red Director Katherine Byrd at katherine.byrd@heart.org
or go to heart.org/jxngored
Hometown MADISON • 19

20 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 21

Dr. Charlene Collier, MD, MPH, MHS, FACOG
OBSTETRICIAN/GYNECOLOGIST
22 • MARCH 2024
HAVEN
Pregnancy Wellness & Women’s Health
302 Higland Park Cove, Suite B, Ridgeland, MS
601.707.3970 / www.mycarehaven.health

Susan Marquez
advertiser spotlight
Dr. Charlene Collier
Provides a Safe Haven for Women of All Ages
When Dr. Charlene Collier moved to
Mississippi in 2013, she was excited to have the
opportunity to work in public health. The OBGYN
doctor is a native of New Jersey but was introduced
to Mississippi through her medical school.
“Brown has a fifty-year partnership with
Tougaloo College, which includes students from
Tougaloo attending Brown’s medical program
each year, and Brown students being able to visit
Mississippi. I visited Jackson through that program
and became fast friends with Jackson native Janelle
Thompson Vinson who became my med school
roommate.”
Collier visited Mississippi once during college
and returned for her roommate’s wedding. “I met
my husband there,” she laughs. Gerald Collier, a
Monticello native, attended Mississippi State
University and graduated from law school at
Mississippi College. “He was willing to move up
north, but I was excited that God led me to an
opportunity to combine my medical and public
health career in Mississippi. That’s what I had
always wanted to do.”
With a passion for trying to alleviate disparity
in the medical world, Collier is also very concerned
with patients having a good experience with their
doctor. “From the time I was a child, dreaming of
becoming a doctor, I never imagined I would
own a practice, but I wanted to build on what I
had been working on for so long. I had developed
programs and health policies, but I wanted a
more personal impact. It was important to me to
see these things in action. I wanted people to feel
seen, heard, and valued.”
After ten years of working in public health
and academic practice, as well as a brief year in
executive leadership at a maternal health startup
company, Cayaba Care, 2023 brought a year of
big changes for Collier. On October 24th last
year, Collier opened her practice, HAVEN:
Pregnancy, Wellness, and Women’s Health, in
Ridgeland. “A doula I often work with helped
come up with the name,” she says. “It reflects
comfort and acceptance, which is the spirit we are
trying to capture.” HAVEN is a comprehensive
women’s health practice that focuses on the
long-term relative to women’s health. “We treat
a full spectrum of women, from adolescents to
post-menopause and later years. From prenatal
care, to obstetric and gynecological care, women’s
health is important for their full life, and we are
here for all of it.”
Collier focused on three things that were
important to her when building her practice.
“First, we are family at HAVEN. Our staff is only
three people for now, but we take care of each
other, and we pray for each other, the practice, and
our patients. Providing a workplace where the
staff is valued creates a better overall experience
for everyone, and in the end, there are better
outcomes.” Trina Smith, the receptionist and
office manager for HAVEN, always makes patients
feel welcomed with a smiling face. Jakita Winters
is the lead practice nurse at HAVEN. “I help
make sure the practice runs smoothly and that
each person’s experience is positive.”
Next is the environment, which is soothing
and comfortable. Decorated more like a home
than a medical facility, close attention was paid to
the patient experience. Artwork is diverse and
empowering. Robes and slippers are in the rooms,
and chairs are cozy and easy for people of all
abilities and body shapes to be comfortable.
Finally, the practice is designed to care for
diverse patients – economically, socially, racially,
and ethnically. “I spent my career fighting
disparities in healthcare where Black women
were more likely to die during childbirth, have
preterm births, or experience infant deaths. Most
of those experiences were linked to women
having negative interpersonal experiences and
saying they were not being listened to or valued.
That is unacceptable, and no patient will ever feel
that way in our care.”
Collier says her doors are open to all women.
“We don’t want people to be denied healthcare
due to race or economic concerns. I believe in
equitable care. Everyone at HAVEN will receive
the care they need for the best outcome.” Collier
says that sometimes means making a home visit
or a telehealth appointment. “We try to be as
creative and flexible as possible, including things
like making sure people have a blood pressure
cuff so we can monitor them.”
More than anything, Collier wants HAVEN
to be a place where people feel heard. “I want
to focus on wellness and positive outcomes,
and I want patients to feel safe and comfortable
asking questions. If people don’t feel heard, they
may shy away from doctors. Our focus isn’t just
on surviving, but thriving. We want people to feel
grounded in a healing space to receive the care
they need. If people feel safe and special, they’ll
continue to come back.”
While the practice is small, Collier says she
hopes to grow. “My dream is to bring this model
of compassionate, close, and uplifting care to
as many people as God will bless me to serve.
I’ve found this to be a joyful way to provide care.
I never want medicine to be a source of stress –
it should be a relief from stress!”
Collier says she is happy to be in Ridgeland.
“I believe there is a real need for what we are
doing here,” she says. A part of the community in
which she services, Collier and her husband reside
in Ridgeland with their two sons.
www.mycarehaven.health
Hometown MADISON • 23

24 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 25

Madison’s
BEST OF
THE BEST
26 • MARCH 2024

With a continued desire to promote Madison
County businesses, Hometown Magazines has created a
red-carpet event that will celebrate the outstanding business
community in which we live and work. Madison County’s
Best of the Best Red Carpet Gala is born!
Forty-four categories have been established to start.
We asked for submissions from the public for favorites
in each category. Thousands of votes were cast as
people voted for their top choices in each group.
On March 21st, nominees will walk the red carpet at the
inaugural event where the winners will be announced.
Listed here are all the nominees. We congratulate
every single business for this incredible achievement–
and love being a part of your success story.
Nominees
Hometown MADISON • 27

Dining
BEST BAR
Caet [seafood | oysterette]
Half Shell Oyster House
Koestler Prime
The Briar Patch
Two Rivers Restaurant & Catering
BEST BARBEQUE
Angelo's BBQ-Pizza-Italian
Boo's Smokehouse BBQ
Burgers Blues Barbecue
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Full Moon Bar-B-Que
BEST CATERER
Bless This Food Catering
Madison Graze
The Strawberry Cafe
Two Rivers Restaurant & Catering
Your Personal Chef
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Cups Expresso Cafe
Fusion Coffeehouse
Kudzu Coffee & Bakery
Mocha Mugs
Parkway Perk
BEST LUNCH
Aplos Simple Mediterranean
Mama Hamil’s Southern Cookin'
and Bar B Que Buffet
Primos Cafe & Bake Shop
The Strawberry Cafe
Trace Grill
BEST MEXICAN
Cazadores, Ridgeland
El Ranchito, Madison
El Sombrero, Gluckstadt
Fernando's, Ridgeland
Plato Feliz, Livingston
BEST PIZZA
Lost Pizza
Pizza Shack
Railroad Pizza Company
Sal & Mookie’s
Soulshine Pizza
BEST SHAKES/SMOOTHIES/
NUTRITIONAL TEAS
Madison Nutrition
MissiSIPPi Nutrition (Sipp)
Smoothie King
Stadt Nutrition
The Blend Nutrition
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Bill's Creole and Steak Depot
Ely’s Restaurant & Bar
Koestler Prime
Shapley's Restaurant
Two Rivers Restaurant & Catering
Health & Wellness
BEST SKINCARE SERVICES
Body Anew Spa & Aesthetics
Faces, PLLC
Gluckstadt Aesthetics
MAD Esthetics Medspa
SKIN Aesthetics
BEST DENTAL CLINIC
Center for Contemporary Dentistry
Murphey Dental Aesthetics
Olde Towne Dental
The Winning Smile
Tracey Douglas, DMD, PA
BEST FITNESS CENTER
Baptist Healthplex
Burn Boot Camp
Flora Fit - CrossFit Flora
Gluckstadt Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness
BEST MEDICAL CLINIC
AFC Urgent Care
Baptist Medical Clinic- Gluckstadt Primary Care
MEA-Madison Primary Plus Clinic
Merit Health Medical Group, Canton
Trustcare Medical Clinic, Highland Colony Pkwy
BEST OPTOMETRY/
OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC
Crawford Eye Care
Eye Group of Mississippi
Jackson Eye Associates
Northeast Eye Care
Professional Eyecare Associates, Madison
BEST ORTHODONTIC CLINIC
Boleware | Vassar Orthodontics
Dr. Eugene Brown, DMD
Jolly Orthodontics
Moffett & Walley Orthodontics
SmartSmile Orthodontics
BEST PHARMACY
Brick City Drugs
Flora Pharmacy
Saver Express, Ridgeland
The Corner Pharmacy and Market
Uptown Pharmacy
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY
CLINIC
Elite Physical Therapy
Healing Hands Rehabilitation Services
Performance Therapy
Professional Therapy Solutions
TherapySouth
Retail
BEST CAR DEALERSHIP
CIA Autoplex
Hallmark Hyundai North
Mac Haik
Mercedes-Benz of Jackson
Patty Peck Honda
BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Ace of Grace Boutique
CoatTails
Monkee's of Ridgeland
Pink Possum
West of Fifty Five
BEST FLORIST
Bellini Blooms
Gina Diamond's Flower Co.
Green Oak Florist
Mostly Martha's Floral Designs
Wisteria Lane Florist & Gifts
BEST FORMAL WEAR
Elle James Bridal
Once Upon a Dress
Prim and Proper
The Bridal Path
Tuxedo Junction, Ridgeland
BEST FURNITURE & HOME DECOR
Farmhouse
Interior Spaces
J.Allan's
Relish Home Accents
SummerHouse
BEST GIFT SHOP
Apple Annie's
Impromptu
Lagniappe Gifts
Madison Marketplace
Persnickety
28 • MARCH 2024

BEST MARKET/PLANTS/
PRODUCE
Callaway's Yard & Garden Center
Freshway Produce
Madison Garden Center
Martinson's Garden Works
Two Dog Farms
BEST NAIL SALON
Best Nails, Madison
Euro Nails
4 Seasons, Gluckstadt
Sandals Day Spa & Nails
Serenity Nails, Gluckstadt
BEST SALON/BARBER SHOP
Canvas Salon
Salon Honey
The Glossary Salon
The Tonsorium of Flora
Watercolor Salon
Professionals
BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM
GranthamPoole, PLLC
Harper Raines Knight & Company, P.A.
HORNE
Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.
Weems McDonald, LLC
BEST ARCHITECTURAL FIRM
Dean Architecture P.A., Ridgeland
Design Studio Inc., Ridgeland
Greg Ainsworth Architects, Madison
Joseph Orr Architecture P.A., Madison
Seabold Architectural Studio, Ridgeland
BEST AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
Big 10
Car Care Clinic
European Auto Repair
Madison Motor Werks
Mavis Madison Tire & Brakes
BEST EQUIPMENT
RENTAL SERVICE
Big River Rentals
Deviney Rental & Supply
Hartley Equipment Company
Mississippi Tent & Party Rental
Puckett Rents
BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
BankPlus
Cadence Bank
Origin Bank
RiverHills Bank
Trustmark Bank
BEST HOME BUILDING/
RESTORATION COMPANY
Cedarstone Construction
Ellard Properties
Servpro of Jackson & Madison County
Tate Properties
Watkins Construction and Roofing
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY
Allstate, Amy Edwards and Derek Tortorich
Nationwide Insurance, Rusty Healy
Shelter Insurance,
Bradford Foster and David Thames
State Farm, Robin Covington
Summit Insurance Group, Sarah McCurdy
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
Burleson Lawn Service
Kinkade's Lawn and Landscape
LawnScape Solutions
Pro-Lawn Landscape and Maintenance
Turf Solutions, LLC
BEST LAW FIRM
Baldridge Law Firm, PLLC
Butler Snow
Elliott Law Firm, PLLC
Luckett Land Title
Wells Marble & Hurst PLLC
BEST REALTY AGENCY
The Chandler Group
Haley Properties
Hometown Property Group
Keller Williams New Beginnings
Polles Properties
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA Travel
Allen Travel Planners
Elite Travels
For Travelers Only
Magnolia Travel Group
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
All Creatures Animal Care Center
Canton Animal Hospital
Flora Animal Hospital
Gluckstadt Animal Hospital
Mannsdale Animal Clinic
Community
BEST ASSISTED LIVING
FACILITY/NURSING HOME
St. Catherine's Village
Sunnybrook Estates
The Blake At Township
The Orchard
The Waterford on Highland Colony
BEST CHEER/DANCE STUDIO
ACE Cheer Company
Encore Dance Studio
JAM Athletics
Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy
Victory Sport
BEST PLACE TO WORK
- SMALL
(1-49 EMPLOYEES)
Flora Pharmacy
Morris Transport and Moving
MS Neurology Care Clinic
Repeat Street
SmallTown Hunting Properties & Real Estate
BEST PLACE TO WORK
- MEDIUM
( 50-100 EMPLOYEES)
AccentCare Home Health
Georgia Blue
Origin Bank
Sullivan's Marketplace, Gluckstadt
Watkins Construction and Roofing
BEST PLACE TO WORK
- LARGE
(101 + EMPLOYEES)
C Spire
City of Madison
Madison County School District
Merit Health Madison
Nissan
BEST NON PROFIT
Hope Hollow Ministries
Junior Auxiliary of Madison County
MadCAAP
Sunnybrook Children's Home
The Lily Pad
Hometown MADISON • 29

SAVE THE DATE
Open House
0 4 . 0 4 . 2 4
J e n n i f e r R a v e n s t e i n , F N P - B C - N u r s e I n j e c t o r
1 8 9 6 M a i n S t . | M a d i s o n , M S | 6 0 1 . 8 5 3 . 2 3 1 0
INFLUENCING POLICY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
PRIORITIZING EDUCATION
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTH & WELLBEING
QUALITY OF LIFE
MADISON COUNTY EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MADISON COUNTY YOUTH LEADERSHIP
The mission of the Madison County Business League & Foundation is to bring together, under one
organization, the voice of numerous entities in order to establish a clear and concise message for the future.
This organization, which is comprised of elected, appointed, business and individual leaders of Madison
County, will enable all partners in business and economic development to participate collectively in bringing
together the overall vision for Madison County.
135 Mississippi Parkway | Canton, MS 39046 | 601-707-3303
www.madisoncountybusinessleague.com
MADISON COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
30 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 31

32 • MARCH 2024

The
Chustzs
Tell us about your family.
We're Jamie-50, Katie-49, Steven-22, and Sam-18
We are members of Christ United of Jackson. All the boys love
to play tennis together and also with and among many friends in
their respective tennis communities. Both boys played travel and
high school soccer. Sam enjoyed many years of basketball and
baseball, and Steven played high school football. When the boys
are not playing sports, they all enjoy deer and duck hunting at
their camps in Yazoo County and near Greenwood. Katie enjoys
watching all sporting events, working out at Burn Boot Camp
and HOTWORX, running 5ks, traveling, and reading a variety
of genres of books. As a family, we have enjoyed going to MSU
football and tailgating for decades.
How did you meet, and how long have you been married?
We have been married for twenty-seven years this May. We met
at Mississippi State when Jamie was asked to coach my sorority
flag football team. As college sweethearts, we feel blessed to have
“grown-up” together during those fun days of campus life. We
moved to Madison in our first year of marriage and have loved
and appreciated how our city leadership has grown an exceptional
community for us to raise our family.
Hometown MADISON • 33

Do you allow time to be with your
spouse for a date night?
We have never had a scheduled date night,
per say, but we have many common
interests, so enjoying time together has
never been difficult. Traveling to a
sporting event is honestly some of our
best time together. We also like a rare
weekend getaway opportunity, too.
What brings you the greatest joy
as a parent?
As our boys continue to grow older, the
greatest joy is experiencing them both
maturing and becoming the two adults
that we like to hang-out with the most.
We get the most joy from talking to them
and learning from their perspectives on
everything from life, to politics, and
even religion.
34 • MARCH 2024
When your children were younger,
what was your discipline philosophy?
Looking back now, we laugh with our boys
about their bigger discipline moments.
We can also see now that what worked for
one son didn’t always work for the other.
Equal is not always fair, fair is not always
equal. Depending on the age and infraction,
we used a combination of corporal
punishment, time-outs, rewards, and
privilege management. For us, prayer and
talking to other boy parents was our
lifeline to all parenting challenges, and it
still is today!
Who is the financial manager
in your home?
Naturally, as a banker, Jamie is the
detail manager for all things financial.
I hate numbers.
What do you see in your role as the
greatest benefit to your family?
Faith. Communication. Laughter.
Forgiveness. Also, being near our extended
family here in Madison and within
Mississippi and the South has been a
benefit that reaps support and unconditional
love. Finally, strong schools and
church communities have helped come
along beside us providing the benefit of
growth personally and spiritually.
What’s a quick go to meal that isn’t fast
food? And who does the cooking?
Two boxes of Zatarain’s red beans and
rice and throw in some deer sausage that
is always available in our freezer. A Caesar
salad kit is always in our fridge, so toss
that with it. I probably do the majority
of school night meals, and Jamie is the
grill master on the weekends.

Note: Jamie is great at grocery shopping
and strangely enjoys it, which is great since
I truly dislike all stores.
How long has Madison been your home?
Twenty-six years. Wow!
What are some of your favorite things
about Madison County?
The walking and biking trails, sidewalks,
and the Reservoir for boating. We also love
the central location close to our favorite
weekend trips to hunting camps, Starkville,
Memphis, New Orleans, and the Coast.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
As a teacher, I view summertime as a
blessing! Since my days of managing my own
children’s summer activities have ended,
I enjoy finding ways to volunteer at various
non-profits. Digging in the dirt, cooking
new dishes, as well as reading and exercising
at decent mid-morning hours at both
HOTWORKS and Burn Boot Camps
keeps me busy. Summer also allows more
time spent with family and friends near and
far. Jamie likes to save a week of vacation
time for summer travel with the family,
typically to the beach.
What accomplishments make you proud
during your time living in Madison?
Katie Raising two boys to be good and
successful adults, and teaching generations
of students in both Madison County
Schools and Jackson Academy in my
twenty years as a classroom teacher.
Jamie Investing in raising our boys
throughout their lives and enjoying all the
moments while watching them grow and
flourish in our great community in which
we have been blessed to raise them.
What drives you to have the job that you
have? And what do you do for a living?
Katie I love my job as a 9th grade health
and electives teacher at Rosa Scott High
School. After teaching mostly science
classes 6-12th grade for the majority of my
career at three different schools, I feel like
I have landed in the best role for this season
of my life and career, both for my family
and students. Now that my own boys are
older, I particularly love coming to school
each day and spending my time with
fifteen-year-olds.
Jamie I have always enjoyed my career
in commercial real estate. I was blessed
as a young man to be hired by Leland
Speed at Parkway Properties, and now
I am blessed to use my background in
CRE to help others as a lender and advisor
for the projects they are passionate about,
which make an impact on our community.
I have also enjoyed doing so in a great
environment with my family at First
Commerical Bank.
What was your favorite memory
raising your family in Madison?
Katie Riding bikes with my boys to
Smoothie King and watching them
play baseball in the cul-de-sac with
neighborhood kids.
Jamie Walking the boys to school at
Madison Avenue and sledding on the
rare snow days.
QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN
What’s your favorite thing to do
as a family?
Steven Watch movies
Sam Play tennis with dad
What your favorite restaurant?
Steven Shapley’s or Koestler Prime
Sam Fusion
What’s your favorite TV show?
Steven For all Mankind
Sam Breaking Bad
What was your favorite childhood
memory growing up in Madison?
Steven Hitting a homerun at Liberty
Park and movies at Malco.
Sam Playing soccer and baseball at
Liberty Park.
Hometown MADISON • 35

Thank You!
for voting Elite PT
TOP 5 for Best
Physical Therapy
We are proud to provide physical therapy services
to Madison County and look forward to continuing
to serve the local community with exceptional
physical therapy care!
locations:
Flora
740 Highway 49, Suite F • Flora, MS 39071
P (601) 401-5073
Madison
1022 Highway 51, Suite 300 • Madison, MS 39110
P (601) 572-3818
Yazoo City
110 N Jerry Clower Boulevard, Suite M
Yazoo City, MS 39194
P (662) 763-3750
Request an appointment at ElitePT.com
36 • MARCH 2024

Helping Opportunity Take Shape
CadenceBank.com
© 2023 Cadence Bank. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
Hometown MADISON • 37

38 • MARCH 2024
Photos: Destiny Perkins Photography

KIDS WHO CARE
Mollie Buchanan
Susan Marquez
MOLLIE BUCHANAN CAN SEE THE
GIFTS IN PEOPLE. “SHE HAS ALWAYS
BEEN DRAWN AWAY FROM THE
CROWD AND TOWARDS THE KID
WHO MAY BE A BIT DIFFERENT
OR HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS,” SAYS
HER MOM, MARY BUCHANAN.
“That may come from growing up with a
brother who lives with autism. She has a very
compassionate heart.”
Mary and her husband, Curt, are very proud
of both of their children. Mollie is a tenth grader
at Germantown High School. Her brother,
Tripp, is thirteen months younger than Mollie,
and he attends Germantown High as well.
To say Mollie stays busy is an understatement.
In addition to her classes and schoolwork, she
participates in several extracurricular activities,
including being a member of the Diamond Girls,
a group of girls who support the Germantown
baseball team by running the music at the games,
working the concession stand, and even running
after foul balls. She is also on the yearbook staff,
Student Council Association, and she is currently
up for representative of the Interact Club, a
community service group club that serves different
roles in the community. Mollie especially enjoys
participating in the Healthcare Academy at
Germantown, a which requires an application/
process. Students are selected each year, and their
classes are on a medical track with RN’s teaching
their medical classes. “It is super fun,” says Mollie.
“It’s like the first couple of years of medical school.
Each semester we study a different system in the
body like the muscular system.” Participating
students will graduate already having certifications
in the medical field, so it is a step ahead for
those students who want to go that route.
Mollie says she wants to go into occupational
therapy for special needs kids. “My mom has a
friend who works at the Little Light House who
does that kind of work. I volunteer there when I
can. I think it would be amazing to help children
through occupational therapy and teaching them
to do things they thought they couldn’t do.”
She has seen the work of occupational
therapists first-hand with her grandmother. “It is
amazing what they are able to help her do.”
Growing up with Tripp has taught Mollie
patience and compassion. She volunteers regularly
at Hope Hollow Ministries, which provides
year-round Christian camp experiences for
families touched by disability. “A friend invited
me to go to a spring break camp there when I was
in the eighth grade,” she says. “We went every day
for a week, and I loved making crafts with the
special needs kids there.” Mollie now helps with
cooking classes at Hope Hollow once a week, as
well as Parent’s Night Out, but her favorite thing
to do there is a girl’s Bible study. “I work with a
group of middle school girls, and I love every
moment of it. We meet once a month, and the
girls always look forward to it. I have grown very
close to them while sharing God’s word.”
Mollie is also involved with the student
ministry at her church, Broadmoor Baptist, and
she loves spending time with her grandmother.
“My grandma is amazing, and with each moment
I spend with her, I realize we aren’t promised
tomorrow. She is such an inspiration. She has
done work with prison ministries, she has passed
out water bottles to people in her hometown, and
she has baked cookies for the firemen. She has
always had such a giving heart, and I think she is
one of the reasons I’m motivated to do all I do.”
To think what this sixteen-year-old can
accomplish in her next two years of high school
boggles the mind. She makes it all look so easy.
Her whole friend group is like Mollie,” says her
mom. They are all amazing kids. It gives you
hope for the future when you see them.”
Hometown MADISON • 39

Thank you for your
vote, Madison County!
We are honored by the outpouring of support
from our customers, family, friends, and
community. Protecting you is our passion!
Covington Insurance Agcy Inc
Robin Covington, Agent
118 Weisenberger Rd Ste 100
Madison, MS 39110-5012
Bus: 601-898-8110
www.rcovington.com
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®
40 • MARCH 2024

Inpatient mental health services for senior adults ages 65+
Psychiatric assessments may be necessary
if an individual has trouble with:
• Memory loss
• Mood disturbances
• Depression or anxiety
• Coping with losses and transitions
• Activities of daily living
• Substance use
We can help with no-cost assessments
available 24/7. Walk-ins are welcome and
most insurances accepted. Call us today
at 601-936-7886 to take the next step.
Learn more at brentwoodjackson.com.
3531 Lakeland Drive • Flowood, MS 39232
601-936-7886
Model representations of real patients are shown. Physicians are
on the medical staff of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare, but, with
limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not
employees or agents of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare. The facility
shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the
nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 232304-2988 11/23
Hometown MADISON • 41

advertiser spotlight
Discover
Excellence
in Roofing
& Gutters
Courtney Ingle
A roof serves as the first line of defense for your home from the
ever-changing weather in Mississippi. When its time to repair or
maintain your roof, it is time to call Complete Exteriors. We treat
your family as part of our own, with a commitment to the highest
quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Excellence is at the
forefront of every project Complete Exteriors undertakes.
Protecting Your Home with Top-Notch Services
Your home is your haven, and Complete Exteriors understands the
importance of a sturdy roof in safeguarding it from the elements.
We offer a comprehensive range of roofing services, from installations
and repairs to inspections and maintenance. Our team of highly skilled
and certified roofing experts ensures that your roof is not just a covering,
but a shield that holds up to whatever weather the Mississippi climate
throws at it–and all certified by many of the top manufacturers
in the roofing industry including GAF, Owens Corning,
Velux and DoneRight LeafPro.
42 • MARCH 2024

With such a wide array of
expertise, Complete Exteriors
can offer you the very best in
all your roofing needs.
Professional Installations
Whether you’re building a new home, or
replacing your current roof, our Complete
Exteriors experts deliver precision craftsmanship
with every installation.
Repairs & Inspections
Timely repairs and routine annual inspections
are vital to prolonging the life of your roof.
Complete Exteriors not only offers you prompt
repairs, but with an annual inspection, the CE
family can provide you with time-stamped
photographic evidence of the wear-and-tear of
your roof each year, which aids in the insurance
claim process.
Highest Quality Materials
Complete Exteriors sources only the finest
materials to ensure durability and resilience
against the throes of Mississippi weather, come
sunshine, storms, freezing, and everything in
between.
Keeping the System Going
with Premier Gutter Solutions
Your roof and gutter system is just that— a
system that drives water and debris away from
your roof, foundation, and landscape. Our
gutters ensure that the water is pulled away
from your home quickly and efficiently,
preventing water damage to your home.
Custom Gutter Installations
Our gutters are tailored to the specific needs
of your property to ensure the very best in
effective water drainage and preventing
water-related issues.
Gutter Repairs
Life happens. From minor leaks to extensive
damage, our team is equipped to handle all
types of gutter repairs promptly and efficiently.
Routine Maintenance
Keeping gutters free of clogs is essential in the
health of your home. Our LeafPro filters make
the job of cleaning your gutters much easier,
and the Complete Exteriors experts can guide
you in the maintenance process and make
repairs when needed.
What Sets Us Apart?
Certifications and training ensure you get the
highest quality of work. But, what sets us apart
at Complete Exteriors is our determination to
serve you with the highest level of quality and
dependability. This is evident in the number of
Complete Exterior yard signs that go out after
a storm. Complete Exteriors isn’t just in your
community—it is part of your community.
Complete Exteriors has built a reputation of
excellence over our nearly two decades of
service in the community.
“We’ll have so many yard signs out after
a storm, that it almost looks like there’s a local
election taking place,” said General Manager
Eddie Coleman. “Since 2006, we’ve been your
trusted roofer, especially during storm season.”
Complete Exteriors takes being a part of
the community seriously and looks for many
opportunities to give back. “Because of our
valued customers, Complete Exteriors is able
to give back to the community so easily,” said
Coleman. “We’re able to participate in many
philanthropic activities, and it’s all because of
our dedicated customers entrusting us time
and time again with their homes.”
Joe Boyd is the owner of Complete
Exteriors and says being a family man inspired
him to create a family environment with his
employees. “We’re a cohesive staff and we
all work together with the united goal of
having a satisfied customer,” said Boyd.
“When you’re a Complete Exteriors customer,
you're part of our family.
Hometown MADISON • 43

44 • MARCH 2024
February 9 / The Vault Venue

Hometown MADISON • 45

Deposit Accounts to
meet your Personal
Banking Needs
Explore
our account
options!
MEMBER FDIC
46 • MARCH 2024

Registration
NOW OPEN
JEA is delivering an all inclusive, state-of-the-art vision center created just for you. All of our
specialists in one location with an on-site surgery center and the same great selection at JEA
Optical. Delivering convenience and service like never before. Schedule your appointment today.
Coming Soon to Our New Madison Location.
Hometown MADISON • 47

advertiser
spotlight
Susan Marquez
601-460-4675 / TheChandlerGroupMS.com / 145 Republic St. #111, Madison, MS
48 • MARCH 2024

When she graduated from
Brookhaven High School,
Christi Chandler
headed to Ole Miss to major in
communications and marketing.
“Honestly, I envisioned being
a news reporter. I wanted to
be a journalist.”
After she graduated, Christi landed a job
doing public relations work for a nonprofit.
“I worked for the March of Dimes before
getting a P.R. and marketing position with
Neel Schaffer, an engineering firm with
offices around the southeast.” Her next
stop was at Millsaps College in Jackson,
where Christi did public relations work for
the college’s graduate program.
The Millsaps position required a lot of
travel, which was fine before Christi and
her husband Blair started having children.
“I didn’t want to be on the road with babies
at home.” She did some copywriting from
home for a while before helping her husband
with his job.
“My husband is a mortgage lender, and
I started doing P.R. and marketing work for
him,” says Christi. “I got to know a lot of the
real estate brokers because I would deliver
promotional gifts to their offices. I began to
think what it would look like to be on the
selling end of that equation.”
It took a while for Blair to jump on board
with the idea. “He wanted to be careful to
create a boundary between his work and
mine.” Christi got busy taking a real estate
course online. “I had to do it that way because
I had littles at home.” She got her license in
2017. “I honestly thought I would do real
estate part-time,” she laughs. She quickly
learned that to be successful, real estate
should not be considered a part-time
endeavor. It is, however, something that
allows her the flexibility to attend kids’ events.
“I can always be where I need to be.”
After a short time, Christi found that she
enjoyed working with other agents in a more
collaborative role versus solo, so she was
determined to build a team. To form a team,
she had to obtain her broker’s license. So, by
late 2018, she became a broker associate.
The Chandler Group opened in the fall
of 2022 as a small, local, boutique brokerage
that specializes in residential sales. The
business is located in the beautiful Town of
Lost Rabbit in Madison, where Christi says
she strives to be the most trusted and
respected real estate agency in Central
Mississippi. “We represent buyers and
sellers throughout the area,” says Christi.
Staying small allows each agent at The
Chandler Group to provide hands-on service.
“We believe each client deserves white glove
service, and to accomplish that goal, we need
to focus on the family within.” Christi states
that each agent in the brokerage has been
selected not only on sales but also on their
professionalism. “We acknowledge the fact
that our brand depends on our salesforce.”
“I love producing, but
getting to know people
makes it so worthwhile."
Christi says that when she moved into an
area with a lot of new construction, she got
to know a lot of home builders. “I learned
the construction aspect of the business.
In our small group, each agent specializes
in different areas. From new construction
homes, custom homes, luxury homes, starter
homes, patio homes, investment properties,
relocation, and more, we have someone who
can fill each need. We like to think we are a
residential one-stop-shop of the top agents
in the area that have been handpicked to
meet specific real estate needs.”
Christi’s favorite part of the business is the
relationships she develops with her clients.
“I love producing, but getting to know people
makes it so worthwhile. It’s especially fun to
work with first-time homebuyers. Those are
the most fun closings due to their excitement.”
Christi says she has the honor of
working with people on the full spectrum of
life. “I see couples who are buying their first
home, those with growing families who need
a larger home, empty nesters who want to
downsize, and grown children who are
selling their parents’ home when they pass
away. I respect those times and give each
client the care they deserve.”
When she isn’t working, Christi enjoys
spending time with her family and traveling.
Christi and Blair have two children, daughter
Baili, who is seventeen, and son Phen, who
is sixteen.
Hometown MADISON • 49

50 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 51

advertiser spotlight
For more than 30 years, the Mississippi
Metropolitan Ballet has been a dynamic
force in enriching the cultural landscape of
central Mississippi. MMB, a pre-professional
and non-profit ballet company based in
Madison, brings the magic of dance into our
community through critically-acclaimed
performances, a commitment to quality dance education, and an extensive outreach
program that brings dance to children and communities that are typically underserved
by the arts. Artistic Director Jennifer Beasley and Artistic Associate Crystal Skelton
recently answered our questions regarding MMB and their upcoming performance of
“Alice in Wonderland” at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center on March 23 and 24.
Jennifer Beasley
Artistic Director
Crystal Skelton
Artistic Associate
What inspired the choice of “Alice in
Wonderland” as the Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet’s 2024 spring production?
Beasley Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet has created a
tradition of presenting beloved fairytale ballets each
spring throughout its 30 year history. Past productions
have included “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little
Mermaid,” “Frozen Heart,” “Cinderella,”“The Princess
and the Pea,” and “Alice in Wonderland.” We have
presented “Alice in Wonderland” a couple of times
since the company’s inception, and I choreographed
our original version more than 25 years ago. In 2018,
Artistic Associate Crystal Skelton and I decided that it
was time to bring a fresh, more elaborate production
into our repertoire that would better suit our bigger,
more resource-rich, company.
Skelton We began to research possible choreographers
for a new production of “Alice,” and as members
of the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association/
Regional Dance America, we were connected to a
network rich with talented options. After considering
several possibilities, we contacted Charles Maple,
a former dancer with New York’s American Ballet
Theatre who had recently created a critically-acclaimed
production of “Alice” with his own company, the Maple
Youth Ballet in Irvine, California. We were able to
watch some video of his production and we knew, right
away, this was the way to go. The choreography was
brilliant, the sets and costumes bright and inventive,
and the special effects totally stunning. The moment
we started a conversation with Mr. Maple about how
to bring his production to Mississippi is when we fell
down the rabbit hole and started a new adventure! We
had such an overwhelming response to our 2019
production and so much hard work went into the
creation that we felt this would be the perfect time for
the company to bring it back to the stage this season.
52 • MARCH 2024
Could you provide insights into the
collaboration between choreographers,
costume designers, and set designers in
bringing the production to life?
Beasley With so many quirky characters and
whimsical moments in this “Wonderland” came the
need for a lot of quirky costumes and whimsical set
pieces, all of which needed to be created from scratch.
This is where the army of volunteers and parents set to
work—from creating both Alice’s iconic dress and a
miniature matching version for “Little Alice,” to
constructing 18 petal costumes from foam, to creating
unicorn horns and tails, hedgehog costumes,
Tweedledee and Tweedledum’s suspenders and beanie
hats, the Queen’s elaborate red dress and red wig, and
the Cheshire Cat’s handpainted pink and purple
catsuit. Producing costumes for each of the ballet’s
more than 100 roles was a huge task. MMB recruited
current and past dancer parents who possessed sewing
skills, and they tackled the challenge over several weeks.
Additionally, MMB brought in Mr. Steven Inskeep,
the designer of Mr. Maple’s original “Alice in
Wonderland” at the Maple Youth Ballet, who worked
with MMB’s volunteer costume crew to instruct and
assist in creating costumes, headpieces, and props while
he was in residence with MMB for more than a week
in February in 2019. We set up what was basically a
costume factory in one of our volunteer’s garage for
that week, churning out petal costumes, bumblebee
headpieces, mushroom, spider, and ladybug costumes…
you name it. Mr. Inskeep and our volunteers worked
13- 14 hour days and accomplished in one week what
Mr. Inskeep said took him more than 2 months when
he did the original production with Mr. Maple.
Are there any unique elements in this
performance of “Alice in Wonderland”
that the audience can look forward to?
Beasley One of the main selling points for MMB in
acquiring Mr. Maple’s “Alice in Wonderland” was his
use of special effects. When we watched the video clips
of his DVD, the camera followed the White Rabbit as
he jumped off the front of the stage, presumably down
the rabbit hole, and then Alice followed him. Next the
camera panned up and there was Alice, suspended in
mid-air as she tumbled and tumbled. Our jaws
dropped! It was such a cool effect. To achieve this, we
cast a double for Alice (‘Tumbling Alice’) who hangs
from rigging above the stage that will be provided and
supervised by the professional theatrical flying service,
ZFX Flying Effects, which is considered the most
prolific and widely-respected theatrical flying service in
the world, and will send a flying director to
Mississippi mid-March to conduct all aspects of this
special effect in MMB’s show. There are several other
fantastic special touches and effects employed in the
production, but I hesitate to disclose too many of
our secrets. We hope to keep our potential audience
curious enough to come and see for themselves!
In what way does “Alice in Wonderland”
showcase the technical and artistic
capabilities of the Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet dancers?
Beasley There are many roles in “Alice in Wonderland”
for dancers of all ages which is one reason it was
appealing to our company. In selecting ‘Alice’ for our
2024 spring production, we actually had many
candidates. Mr. Maple was here in the summer of 2023
teaching at our Summer Intensive and selected a few
dancers at that time to learn selections of each featured
role as an audition. These dancers worked on the
choreography and auditioned again in January. We
narrowed it down to four candidates, and after many
videos being viewed by Mr. Maple, MMB soloist
dancer Rebecca Trowbridge was selected for the role.
Trowbridge, a senior at Madison Ridgeland Academy
and a dancer with MMDA/MMB since the age of 8,
was a perfect fit for the role. Trowbridge is both an
accomplished technical dancer and a talented actress.
Skelton I just knew from the beginning of rehearsals
that she would excel in bringing the role of Alice to life.
Obviously Alice has to carry the ballet. These are
Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, and there are many
of them! Alice is a tough role because she is in virtually
every scene. It requires a lot of stamina and technical
prowess, as well as a wide range of emotions. Alice

encounters many interesting characters as she travels
through Wonderland: the White Rabbit, the Cheshire
Cat, the Tiger Lily, the Duchess, the Mad Hatter and
the March Hare, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the
Caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts—they all appear in
Mr. Maple’s version, and MMB dancers fill nearly all
the roles, except for the Mad Hatter and the
Caterpillar. These roles will be danced by professional
guest artists. Additionally, the role of the Executioner
will be played by William Johnson of Clinton who will
don rollerblades onstage as the Queen’s assassin. The
rollerblading Executioner is one of the many quirky,
whimsical elements of this “Alice in Wonderland” that
is sure to leave audiences smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
Could you elaborate on the role of
community outreach programs like
“Ballet in the Balcony” and how they
contribute to the mission of the Mississippi
Metropolitan Ballet?
Beasley Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet distinguishes
itself from all others with over 30 years of continued
dedicated service to the community through our
outreach program that has been generously supported
financially by the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation over
the past several years. Our organization strives to
produce sustainable, inclusive, and engaging outreach
programs that make ballet accessible to participants
of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
MMB is committed to making dance accessible to
everyone, from very young children to senior citizens,
through interactive dance demonstrations, discounted
and free theatre performances and lecture demonstrations.
Our “Ballet in the Balcony” program serves
thousands annually by allowing students from
organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club,
Sunnybrook Children’s Home, The Mustard Seed,
and Joni & Friends to attend our final Nutcracker
dress rehearsal.
What are the educational opportunities
available for aspiring dancers within the
company, and how does the ballet company
support the growth of young talent?
Beasley The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet is
comprised of dancers from its official school, The
Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy, who are
serious about ballet training and want more performing
opportunities throughout the year. Our company
dancers range from age 8-18. The dancers begin at the
apprentice level and progress through the junior level
into the senior level. A select few will become soloists
based on talent and ability. MMB is the only company
in the state of Mississippi that is a member of Regional
Dance America Southeast. Being a member of this
prestigious organization allows our company to be
adjudicated annually in class and performance by an
esteemed dance professional and receive valuable
feedback. Our dancers perform works chosen by the
adjudicator at the annual RDASE festival. Through
RDASE’s Emerging Choreographer’s Program, many
of our dancers have won scholarships to further their
education in choreography, many have worked on solo
variations with Crystal and myself to present in the
RDASE Outstanding Soloist Competition, and quite
a few have won scholarships to summer programs at
prestigious professional school across the country and
college and universities through auditions held at
RDASE festivals.
Can you share some highlights or special
moments from rehearsals that have been
particularly exciting for the dancers and
the creative team?
Skelton The youngest dancers in our company, our
apprentices, are mostly cast as the butterflies in the
garden scene. There is a great candid photo that we
took in rehearsal in 2019 of the butterflies in this one
particular section of the choreography where their
faces are just all full of joy. The part is so much fun for
them, and this photo so perfectly captured their joyful
faces. When we set the same part on the apprentices
this year, in the exact same moment of the choreography,
they all had the same happy smiles and sparkling
eyes. It was such a special thing to see the new cast
have the same experience as the previous cast, at the
same moment in the music and choreography. It really
speaks to the power of dance and how it moves the
soul... for the butterflies, for their teachers, and
ultimately for the audience!
How does the ballet company balance
preserving classical ballet traditions with
exploring contemporary and innovative
elements in its productions?
Skelton Jennifer and I both believe that bridging the
traditions of classical ballet with contemporary ideas
and advancements in the art of dance is essential, both
in the training of our dancers and in the productions
we put on the stage. There are very few, if any, strictly
classical professional ballet companies left in the world.
To be an employable and successful dancer in today’s
dance world, one needs to be versatile. The repertory
of ballet companies these days still includes the classics
such as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, but also
heavily includes neo-classical and contemporary works.
Dancers need to be proficient in both classical and
contemporary work, as evidenced in the rounds of
competition in the USA IBC, which was just held
here in Jackson last summer. Those who advance out
of the classical first round, must then compete in the
contemporary round before they can advance to the
finals, which then includes both classical and
contemporary. So, we work hard to train our dancers
with both a solid classical foundation and broad
exposure to contemporary choreography and classes.
As for our shows, we have found that when we
incorporate more modern technical aspects, such as
the background projections and special effects in
“Alice,” it is more appealing to today’s audiences. This
makes the show more exciting and visually appealing,
which then broadens our audience. Additionally, we
try to present story ballets that appeal to a contemporary
audience. Last year we presented “Frozen Heart:
the Tale of the Snow Queen” which is based on the
same story that inspired the Disney mega-hit Frozen
movies. We also have presented “The Wizard of Oz,”
“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” which
all still use classical ballet as the vocabulary for the
choreography, but the stories are more familiar to the
general public than say the classical ballet “Coppelia,”
which is a fabulous ballet, don’t get me wrong, but in
order to appeal to a broader audience, we have found
doing more familiar stories has helped us find success.
How does the Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet contribute to the cultural enrichment
of the local community, and what partnerships
and collaborations have been key to
achieving this goal?
Beasley Dance, like many other art forms, inspires
us, teaches us and ultimately unites us. Dance has the
power to bring people in the community together. It’s
a unifying force, transcending barriers of language and
heritage, and a medium for personal and collective
expression. We have collaborated with some of the
most well-known classical and contemporary
choreographers and guest artists from all over the
world over the years to bring the highest quality
performances to the metro Jackson area. This also
gives our dancers opportunities to work with leaders in
the artform from many different backgrounds which is
experience they need to move into the professional
world should they choose to.
What are the future aspirations and
projects for the Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet, and how can the community actively
support and engage with the company’s
artistic endeavors?
Beasley In all that we do at MMB, we strive for the
highest standards. We are creative with the resources
that we have but are always striving to improve, expand
and grow. Since 1992, The Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet’s core mission has been to share the power and
beauty of dance with our community. Your generosity
is critical to the success of our mission. What you may
not know is ticket sales account for only about 40% of
MMB’s annual operating budget. Nearly three-fourths
of the funds it takes to operate the Ballet come from
donors and other charitable giving.Without you, our
generous patrons and donors, the art we create would
not be possible. Without you, we would not be able to
present world-class ballets such as Charles Maple’s
“Alice in Wonderland,” to collaborate with other artists
and ballet companies, to spark the love of dance in
young students and to provide high-caliber training to
future generations. In closing, I would like to invite
new patrons to come see a Mississippi Metropolitan
Ballet performance. If you see something that makes
you smile, laugh, clap, or cry, please tell your friends and
family. Bring them to a future performance. Show
them that right here in our own back yard is a cultural
crown jewel for this community and state.
Hometown MADISON • 53

P r o u d l y s e r v i n g
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Hometown MADISON • 55

56 • MARCH 2024

Veterans
Helping
Veterans
“And the truth is that
all veterans pay with their
lives. Some pay all
at once, while others pay
over a lifetime.” - JM STORM
Each year, Hometown Magazines is privileged
to honor local non-profits at their Best of the
Best Red Carpet event. After community voting,
this year’s Best Non-Profit winner was 5th
Squad, an organization whose mission is to assist
veterans across the state of Mississippi.
The idea for 5th Squad began in 2016 with
four members of the 184th Sustainment
Command. One of those men, 5th Squad
President and Co-Founder Lee Stringer, has
served in the Army for more than twenty-three
years and is currently a sergeants major with the
184th SC and defense movement coordinator
for the Mississippi National Guard. “The idea for
5th Squad developed one weekend at Camp
Shelby, after a situation where a fellow soldier
needed help with a utility bill,” says Stringer.
“Several of us pooled our money to pay the bill,
but it got us thinking that it would be great to
start an organization to provide assistance to
service members in need so they don’t have to
swallow their pride and ask friends for help.
We knew there were other organizations that
provide assistance to veterans, but often, the
help doesn’t arrive in time to meet immediate
needs. 5th Squad provided us with a way to not
only help service members like our friend, but
others across the state. It gives us the means to
help and gives veterans an organization to turn
to, since asking for help can be a difficult thing
for them to do.”
5th Squad became an official 501c3 in 2018
and has had tremendous support. They have
indeed been able to assist veterans in a timely
manner, just as they had hoped, without the red
tape that is sometimes unavoidable with other
organizations. Veterans connect with them in
many ways; some contact them directly, and
some are referred from Veterans Affairs or other
organizations that feel 5th Squad could better
serve the need at hand. “Once we receive a request
for assistance, we verify that the applicant is an
active service member, or a veteran who completed
his or her initial enlistment and was discharged
honorably,” says Stringer. “Upon verification,
we move forward with determining how we can
help with life-sustaining issues, such as money
for housing, groceries, or utilities.”
Through partnerships with other organizations
and the generous support of individuals, 5th
Squad has also been able to provide wheelchair
ramps, roofs, a van with wheelchair lift, and an
electric wheelchair, among other things. Last fall,
Keesler Federal Credit Union provided rolling
duffle bags with dental kits and other necessities
for over 650 homeless veterans. 5th Squad
distributed those bags to homeless and needy
veterans on the coast and in Jackson.
One of the biggest events of the year for 5th
Squad is Ruck for Rugrats. This communitywide
event gives 5th Squad and its supporters
the opportunity to provide patients at Children’s
of Mississippi with gifts and Christmas cheer.
Participants walk approximately four and a half
miles to the hospital, their rucksacks filled with
toys. “Soldiers understand being away from
home during the holidays, and while we don’t
compare our situation to theirs, we can
understand how these children may be feeling
being away from home during Christmas,” says
Stringer. “This event is truly a community effort.
The first year, we had approximately thirty
people walking, and $6,000 worth of toys
donated. Last year, we had 450 walkers and over
$120,000 in toy donations.”
As defense movement coordinator, Lee
Stringer coordinates deployments for service
members in Mississippi, so he is very familiar
with the long hours spent at the 172nd Airlift
Wing as they wait for flights taking them to
their assignment. “As these men and women
wait, they are often filled with nervousness and
anticipation, and 5th Squad is there to provide
snacks and drinks and just spend time with
them,” he says. ”This is just one more way we
support service members.”
Like any non-profit, 5th Squad relies on
donations and volunteers to achieve its mission.
Thankfully, they have been blessed by both, and
Stringer points out that there are many ways for
community members to help servicemen and
women and their families. “Bring the garbage
can in for the family of a deployed service member,
offer to cut their grass,” Stringer says. “Small
gestures can mean the world to these families,
and for those wanting to support 5th Squad
monetarily, a monthly donation of just $10 can
do so much to assist with immediate needs.”
As the organization continues to grow, those
involved have the same mindset they did in the
beginning stages of 5th Squad, which is to help
veterans however they can. “If we can provide
something,” Stringer says, “why wouldn’t we?”
For more information about the mission
of 5th Squad, visit www.5thsquad.com or
follow them on Facebook @5thsquadMS.
Hometown MADISON • 57

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in Ridgeland. We thank you for your support!
Call (601) 203-1882 to learn more!
blakeseniorliving.com/township | 608 Steed Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157
58 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 59

Peaches & Cream
Pound Cake
• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 cups sugar
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups diced fresh peaches
Preheat oven to 325. In a large
bowl, cream butter and sugar until
light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add Greek yogurt, eggs and vanilla,
beating on low until combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in diced peaches. Pour into
a greased loaf pan and bake
until a toothpick inserted
into center comes out
with just a few
crumbs, 68 to
70 minutes.
Easy Old Fashioned
Chocolate Pound Cake
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa
(or unsweetened cocoa)
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1½ cups softened butter
• 3 cups white granulated sugar
• 5 eggs
• 3 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup liquid coffee
• 1 cup buttermilk
Preheat oven to 325 and grease and
flour a 10-inch pan. Add flour, cocoa,
baking powder, and salt to a medium
bowl and mix. Add butter to a large
bowl, add sugar and mix well. Add
eggs, vanilla extract, and coffee to
the sugar mixture and combine.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients
and butter milk and mix until
combined. Pour cake mixture into
the bundt pan and bake for 60-70
minutes or until a cake tester comes
out clean. Allow the cake to cool for
about 20 minutes. Then, place the
cake stand on the cake pan and
gently flip it over. Frost the cake
and enjoy!
Twix Pound Cake
• 11 oz. soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 Sara Lee pound cake, defrosted
and kept in aluminum tin
• 2 cups chocolate chips
Keep the pound cake in its aluminum
loaf tin. Press against the tin so that
each of the four sides are flush with
the pound cake. (You want to create
a seal to prevent caramel from
leaking down sides.) In a medium
saucepan over low heat, melt
caramels. When beginning to melt,
add the heavy cream. Stir occasionally,
and cook until the caramels
melt completely. Immediately
remove from heat, and pour over
cake. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until
caramel hardens. When caramel is
set, cut around the aluminum pan
to reveal the cake. Remove the
caramel-topped pound cake from
the tin completely. Place a medium
glass bowl over a pot of barely
simmering water to create a doubleboiler.
Add chocolate, and heat until
melted through completely, stirring
occasionally. Turn off heat, and pour
melted chocolate over the pound
cake to cover completely. Let cool
until chocolate hardens.
60 • MARCH 2024

Million Dollar Pound Cake
• 1 lb. unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 300. Grease a 10- inch
tube pan with vegetable shortening or
butter, getting every nook and cranny
covered. Sprinkle a light coating of
flour over the greased surface. Beat
butter at medium speed with an
electric mixer until creamy. The butter
will become light yellow; this is an
important step as the job of the mixer
is to incorporate air in the butter so
the cake will rise. It will take 1 to 7
minutes, depending on the power of
your mixer. Gradually add sugar,
beating at medium speed until light
and fluffy. Again, the time will vary,
and the butter will turn to a fluffy
white. Add eggs, one at a time, beating
just until yellow yolks disappear. Add
flour to creamed mixture alternately
with milk, beginning and ending with
flour. Beat at low speed until blended
after each addition. Batter should be
smooth and bits of flour should be
well incorporated; to rid batter of
lumps, stir gently with a rubber spatula.
Stir in extracts. Pour into a greased
and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake 1
hour and 40 minutes or until a long
wooden pick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack
10-15 minutes. Remove from pan,
and cool completely on a wire rack.
Cinnamon Roll Pound Cake
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3¼ cups sugar, divided
• 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350. Line two 9x5
loaf pans with nonstick foil, spray
heavily with cooking spray. In a large
bowl, beat butter and sugar until light
and fluffy. Add yogurt, cream and
vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing
well after each egg. In a separate bowl,
mix flour and baking soda, add to wet
ingredients, and mix until combined.
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and
cinnamon. Pour ⅓ of batter into loaf
pans. Sprinkle half of cinnamon
sugar mixture into pan. Repeat with
remaining batter, then cinnamon
sugar, ending with batter. Bake 50
minutes or until edges brown and
toothpick comes out clean. If not
ready at 50 minutes, check every
5-10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Icing
• 2 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
Mix butter and cream cheese. Add
cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar
and mix. Pour over cooled loaves.
Allow to cool one hour before slicing
and serving.
Pecan Pound Cake
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 6 large eggs room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp. table salt
• 1½ tsp. baking powder
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted,
spooned, and leveled
• 1 cup buttermilk, room
temperature
• 4 cups chopped, toasted pecans
Preheat oven to 325. In a small bowl
toss pecans with ¼ cup flour. Beat
butter on medium speed with a stand
or hand mixer. Gradually add in
granulated and brown sugar, and beat
until light and fluffy (3 to 5 minutes).
Add eggs in one at a time, beating
until just blended. Stir in vanilla.
In a medium bowl, stir together
baking powder, salt, and 3¾ cups
flour. Add this flour mixture to the
butter mixture, alternating with
buttermilk. Begin and end with flour
mixture until just combined. Do not
over mix. Gently stir pecans into
batter. Spray a 10-inch tube or 10 to
12 cup bundt pan with baking spray
or butter and flour pan. Pour batter
into the pan, and smooth the top with
spatula. Bake for 70 to 90 minutes or
until a toothpick comes out clean.
Check at about 45 minutes and if the
cake is browning too quickly, add foil
over the top and finish baking. Cool
in pan for 15 minutes, and then turn
onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2½ cups cooked, mashed sweet
potatoes
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour
a 10-inch tube pan. Beat cream cheese
and butter at medium speed with a
heavy-duty electric stand mixer until
creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating
until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at
a time, beating to combine between
each addition. Add sweet potatoes,
and beat well. Stir together flour,
baking powder, baking soda, salt, and
ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Gradually add flour mixture to butter
mixture, beating to combine. Stir in
vanilla. Spoon batter into a prepared
tube pan. Bake for 1 hour and 5 to
10 minutes or until a toothpick
comes out clean. Cool in pan on a
wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove
from pan to wire rack and cool
completely (about 1 hour).
Hometown MADISON • 61

62 • MARCH 2024
Heart Ball
February 17
Country Club of Jackson

Hometown MADISON • 63

March 29-30 / Brandon City Hall
$5 admission includes entrance
and access to all activities
(Children under 10 get in free!)
MARKET • PETTING ZOO • BOUNCY HOUSE
FOOD TRUCKS • FACE PAINTING
EASTER BUNNY 10AM-4PM SATURDAY
TICKETS: tinyurl.com/HometownSpringFling
64 • MARCH 2024

In 2024, Wesley Biblical Seminary will celebrate its 50th anniversary, the perfect timing
for the seminary to launch its first-ever capital campaign, Steadfast. The campaign kicked
off in October of 2022 and has since raised more than $3,184,000 in gifts and pledges.
As an independent, multi-denominational seminary, WBS has seen enrollment grow
significantly through the emergence of the Global Methodist Church out of the United
Methodist Church. WBS is the first institution of theological education approved by the
GMC, making this Mississippi-based seminary one of the fastest growing in the nation.
The primary focus of the Steadfast Campaign is to make seminary education affordable
for all. Students who might not otherwise have been able to pursue their calling into
Christian ministry have already been benefitted through scholarships provided through
the campaign.
“Donors to the Steadfast Campaign are investing in the next generation of faithful
church leaders,” said Dr. Matt Friedeman, WBS interim president. “These pastors in
turn lead their churches to do good in their neighborhoods. When you give to Wesley
Biblical Seminary, you are making a difference in communities across the nation and
around the world.”
76% of the campaign’s $4.17 million goal has been pledged by leading donors.
The general public is now invited to help the campaign finish strong.
Hometown MADISON • 65

66 • MARCH 2024
Your architect.

3024 Highway 22 / Madison, MS / 601-427-9207 / info@bridlewoodofmadison.com
BV
@bridlewoodofmadison
Hometown MADISON • 67

What’s
your
all-time
favorite
book?
MADISON AVENUE
UPPER ELEMENTARY Adeline Henderson
5TH GRADE
My favorite book is “Ground Zero”
by Alan Gratz.This book is jam packed
with bravery and heroism. This book
is heartwarming with the stories of
Brandon Cruz and Reshmina living
through the war and terrorist attack.
I couldn’t put this book down
for one second.
BRANDON CHOW
3RD GRADE
“Dogman” is my all time favorite book.
It’s about a dog and a cop mixed
together fighting crime with a cat.
“Dogman” is the most hilarious book
in the universe! When I read it,
I laugh so hard I can’t breathe.
68 • MARCH 2024
Erin Randall
5TH GRADE
My favorite books is “Piggy & Gerald”
because they make me remember
when I was in kindergarten. It was
the first book I ever read in school
in Mrs. Kirk’s class. I used to laugh
loudly when I read it.
Evelyn Perkins
5TH GRADE
My all time favorite book is
“Series of Unfortunate Events”
because I love mystery and horror.
KINGSTON KEYS
4TH GRADE
My personal favorite book is
called “Four Eyes” by Rex Ogle.
This graphic novel is about a kid
named Rex who gets glasses in
middle school and his life turns
upside down! Rex learns through
experiences that having glasses
isn’t so bad. I like this book
because it relates to people
like me who have glasses.
Darsh Malhotra
4TH GRADE
”Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters."
The reason I chose this book is
because you never know what’s
coming next. Another reason is
because it’s filled with Greek myths,
magic, monsters, and so much more.
Lastly, at the peak of the story
when they were fighting with the
cyclops, I literally had goosebumps
and my heart was beating so fast
that I almost got a headache,
but I kept on reading!

Gurman Thind
3RD GRADE
Do you know about the eerie
elementary book called
“The Locker?” It is about three
kids going to a haunted school that
is alive. There three kids are saving
other children that are in the school.
madison tankersly
3RD GRADE
My favorite book series is
Junie B. Jones because she is so funny.
She reminds me of my little sister
when she does silly things. I picture my
sister in my head when I am reading.
Kate Putman
3RD GRADE
My favorite books series
“The Owl Diaries” is about Eva
the owl and her adventure with
her best friend, Lucy. When I read
this book series, I feel like I’m in
the book and part of the action.
Eva always helps others and
makes people happy.
TYSON TURNER
4TH GRADE
My favorite book is “Spiderman.”
I like Spiderman because he fights
villains. Spiderman is my superhero.
KATELYN NOBLE
3RD GRADE
If you love adventure and survival,
the best books are the
“I Survived Series.”
When I read them, I get to go
back in time to see what happened
in the past. I stay up all night just to
finish the books I am reading.
Evie Gandy
5TH GRADE
I think my all time
favorite books is
“The Day the Crayons Quit.”
They show you to fight
for your rights and to
never give up.
Hadley McClure
4TH GRADE
My all time favorite book is
“Best Friends” by Shannon Hale.
I love this book because it’s a graphic
novel and the pictures make the story
more enjoyable. Being in the fourth
grade, its sometimes hard to know
who your real friends are, and the
main character reminds me
of how I feel at times.
Hometown MADISON • 69

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FOR 2024 HAWAII
VACATION PACKAGES 1
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Guaranteed Lowest Hotel Rates for 2024 Hawaii Vacation Packages: Valid on new bookings for travel through 01/03/2025. All
offers require inclusion of roundtrip transpacific air and accommodations in select room categories noted above. Certain restrictions
and blackout dates may apply. All offers and programs apply to a limited number of rooms, and are subject to availability,
change or cancellation without notice.
Unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy.
Airfare, taxes, fees, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable
daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking.
Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies
subject to change without notice at any time. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits &
savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed
taxes or fees & supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or
omissions. Your local AAA club acts as an agent for cruise & tour providers listed. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and
use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. ©2023 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
70 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 71

SALUTE
to First Responders
What made you decide to work as a first responder?
When you are going through high school, the toughest question
you might be asked is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
I never had a true answer to that question. The one thing I did know
is that I wanted a career that would keep me interested, grow my
interpersonal skills, and encourage ongoing education. Working as a
first responder has allowed me to face challenging situations, stay
calm in stressful situations, and lead those around me in order to
achieve a positive outcome.
How long have you been with the Pafford EMS?
I have worked at Pafford EMS for three years. I graduated from
Holmes Community College as an EMT in 2021, and I furthered my
EMS career graduating as a paramedic in 2022.
Tell us about your family.
My parents both come from traditional Sikh families in India. They
came to America to seek a better opportunity for their children and
themselves. Through their hard work and support, my siblings and
I were able to focus on our studies. My sister is currently a nurse
practitioner, and my brother was able to start his own DJ entertainment
business. We travel to India often, so we are able to have a close
relationship with our extended family and are extremely connected to
the culture. Even though my parents have lived in America for the last
thirty years, they have continued to instill the importance of cultural
values in our day-to-day lives. The primary language in our home is
Punjabi, we are members of the Sikh Gurdwara, and we eat authentic
Indian food for every meal.
Paramedic
Sandeep
DHANJUNRP
PAFFORD EMS
What is the toughest thing you have experienced
in your job?
One of the more challenging things I have experienced has been
learning to balance work life and home life. Healthcare is a job that
requires great passion, dedication, and ongoing learning, which can
sometimes leave little time for your loved ones.
SPONSORED BY
72 • MARCH 2024

Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
EMS, at times, can be stressful. It is very important to have
healthy ways to cope with stress. A few of my favorite pastimes
are family game nights, catching up with friends, and playing
billiards.
What are three things on your bucket list?
As many people do, I have a great love for traveling. I enjoy
outdoor adventure, and I would love to experience snorkeling
in the Great Barrier Reef, doing a helicopter tour of the Grand
Canyon, and visiting Greece and enjoying the crystal-clear
waters.
Who is someone you admire and why?
Someone who I have great admiration towards is my grandmother.
Bibi Swaran Kaur grew up in the small villages of
Lamba Pind, Jalandhar, India. She faced many hardships, but
she was always able to maintain a positive outlook on life. Even
though she was never able to attend primary school, she was
still able to teach me the importance of education. She would
always say, “Education is the one thing that no one can take
away from you.” Bibi Swaran passed away July 2021, but she
continues to inspire and encourage me.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young
person, what would it be?
Life is not as linear as you think when you are young, and as
you grow, you realize that there are many curves and turns
that you must learn to navigate. Sometimes you may get
comfortable, but facing change allows you to grow. You must
remember that everything happens for a reason, and you are
right where you need to be!
What is your favorite thing about Madison County?
The comradery that all of the hospitals, EMS, police, and fire
departments maintain with one another. Due to the exceptional
teamwork between crews on-scene, we are able to achieve
better patient outcomes. Our relationships with the hospitals
allows for a smooth transition between prehospital and
long-term care. Throughout my time here in Canton, I have
been fortunate to have become a part of the local healthcare
family, and I have made many lifelong relationships.
Hometown MADISON • 73

74 • MARCH 2024

A Shopping Destination
2119 HIGHWAY 471, flowood, MS
Minutes from Dogwood and Reservoir • One-half mile off Lakeland Drive
601-487-8802
Hometown MADISON • 75

Thank you for nominating us
TOP 5 Best Medical Clinic
Township Urgent Care | 1051 Highland Colony Pkwy. Suite E, Ridgeland, MS
Township Primary Care | 1067 Highland Colony Pkwy. Suite G, Ridgeland, MS
TrustCare Kids Gluckstadt | 101 Lexington Dr., Suite A, Madison, MS
TrustCareHealth.com
APR. 12 & 19
FRESHMAN FRIDAY
is a special event each spring
designed to assist high school
seniors with registration for summer
and/or fall classes. This day provides
opportunities for students to meet
other incoming freshmen and get
some Holmes CC swag. We can’t
wait to see you on campus!
Save the Dates!
APRIL 12: GRENADA & RIDGELAND
APRIL 19: GOODMAN
1 (800) Holmes-4 | holmescc.edu
GET A FRESHMAN FRIDAY
Scan the QR code to reserve your spot & skip the crowds!
Holmes Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies:Title IX Coordinator: Vice President for Compliance and Institutional Research, Henry B. McClellan Administration Building, Post Office Box 369, Goodman, MS 39079, Phone: 662-472-9429, compliance@holmescc.edu.
76 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 77

ms egg marketing board
LIKEUS
78 • MARCH 2024

The CHALKBOARD
Madison Ridgeland
Academy
Students from involved in MRA’s Student Leadership Institute
dedicate a morning to actively expressing their love for the
community. Several SLI members filled stockings
for the Boys and Girls Club.
L-R: Britton Dickerson, Charles Simpson, Molly McPherson
80 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 81

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
There is a verse in Matthew that says, “When you enter into your closet and shut the
door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward
you openly.” I realize that the word “closet” could mean any secluded, private place, but it was
my closet that brought the conviction.
Recently, I was frustrated over the size of our bedroom closet and the way my clothes suffered
from suffocation with the crowded space. My closet housed more shoes than I really needed,
and the overhead shelves just gave room for more articles of clothing.
The solution was obvious. I could give a lot away and make a neat, welcoming closet.
Instead, I wished for a room-to-run-in closet that would hold four seasons of
clothing. A closet the size of a small bedroom would be perfect.
It was in the midst of my closet dreaming when I thought about the missionary
from Honduras. He told about the poor families in his home country, living happily
in single room dwellings with leaky roofs and outdoor water hoses for showers.
I did not recall his mentioning closets. Perhaps, it was because a single pair
of shoes and a couple of T-shirts do not require a room of their own.
It was a piercing conviction. I realized I could never refer to our closet as a
prayer closet until I made some changes. I would need to do some cleaning
out and giving away.
My own closet evaluation, I regret to say, is like a lot of other American closets.
Greed, excess, and hoardings are the culprits that infiltrate our closets. “Staying in style”
not only crowds our closets but can also drain our incomes.
God is not an outdated figure, galaxies away, and unconcerned with our lives. He desires to
wean us away from our self-centered lives. The world continually asks, “What’s in your wallet?”
I believe God asks, “What’s in your closet?”
82 • MARCH 2024

Hometown MADISON • 83

1 of 13 MS Certified
Retirement Cities
#1
Best Place to Live in
Mississippi
Best Place to Raise a
Family in Mississippi
Mississippi’s
Safest City
Thank you so much for
nominating Madison the CIty
as a Top 5 Best Place to Work in
Madison County!
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