Hometown Brandon - Spring 2015

Spring 2015 

Busick Business 

______________________ 

The Queen of our Hearts 

______________________ 

on & off the field 

______________________ 

More Than Marching

2 • Spring 2015

Hometown Brandon • 3

4 • Summer 2014

Publisher & Editor 

Tahya Dobbs 

CFO 

Kevin Dobbs 

CONsultANT 

Mary Ann Kirby 

Account Executives 

Alicia Adams 

Camea Dobbs 

Rachel Lombardo 

Reese Suruvka 

Misty Taylor 

PhotogrAPhy 

Othel Anding Photography 

lAyout Design & Production 

Daniel Thomas • 3dt 

Contributing Writers 

Camille Anding 

Kyle Brown 

Brenda Emmons 

Olivia Halverson 

Charla Jordan 


Shelby McKenzie LeNarz 

Erin Williams 

• • • 

It’s hard to believe we’re embarking our second year of Hometown Brandon Magazine. 

The community has been so encouraging and we have cherished every new friendship made 

while interviewing people for the many stories we’ve covered. 

In this issue, we look at the life of Mary Ann Mobley, our own Miss America who did so 

much to put Brandon on the map. She was our queen and will be forever missed. We also 

introduce you to a couple of teenagers who struggle with a life-changing health issues but 

have found hope in the paws of some very special canines. And of course, spring is synonymous 

with Brandon Bulldog baseball and we meet Coach Hester who hits 

a home run on and off the field with his leadership and life lessons. 

Thank you to all the readers and advertisers that have made our 

first year in the Brandon market so amazing. Your feedback has been 

overwhelming, for which we are grateful. Please let me know if there’s 

ever anything that we can do to help promote our 

businesses, our community events and our people. 

Our Hometown is your Hometown. ■ 

www.facebook.com 

/hometownbrandonmagazine 

www.htMags.com 

ContACt us at 

info@htmags.com 

601.706.4059 

• • • 

Hometown Brandon is published by 

Hometown Magazines. 

All rights reserved. 

No portion of Hometown Brandon 

may be reproduced without written 

permission from the publisher. 

The management of Hometown Brandon 

is not responsible for opinions expressed 

by its writers or editors. 

All communications sent to our 

editorial staff are subject to publication 

and the unrestricted right to be refused, 

or to be edited and/or editorially 

commented on. 

All advertisements are subject 

to approval by the publisher. 

The production of Hometown Brandon 

is funded by advertising. 

On the cover: 

Brandon High School JROTC (L-R) Brandon Lyles, Katie Johnson, Daniel Allen, Hayden Gibbons, Tyra Jones 

In this issue The Way We Were .....................6 

Four Generations of Busick Business ... 1 1 

Never Far From Home ................ 15 

The Queen of our Hearts .......21 

Taking Man's Best Friend 

to the Next Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

On & Off the Field.................... 40 

More Than Marching ................ 50 


The 

way 

we 

were. 

Bobbie & John Ashley 

John Ashley, the new coach at Weir High 

School, was eating dinner at the Circle Inn in 

December of 1957 when Bobby Lacey and her 

sister, Evelyn, walked in. Evelyn, a football 

cheerleader, introduced Bobby, a sophomore 

at Mississippi College, to Coach Ashley. John 

was so impressed with this college beauty that 

he asked her out for a New Year’s Eve date. 

Later he heard her compete in a speaking 

contest where she described the home she 

wanted to help build. John remembers 

thinking that he needed to take this girl 

seriously, and he did. 

On March 31st, he asked her to marry him. 

Bobby didn’t hesitate. She said, “Yes,” and they 

set the date for August 23rd of that year. The 

rapid-fire plans shocked John since he felt sure 

she would want to wait until after college. 

He was concerned that he wouldn’t be able 

to support a wife on his meager first year 

coaching job, and there was no way he could 

pay for her to complete her college degree. 

Bobby added, “My parents loved John; they 

didn’t hesitate in giving their blessings for our 

marriage, and they paid for the remainder of 

my college tuition at Mississippi State University.” 

The “March Madness” was the beginning 

of a commitment that’s been celebrated for 

57 years. They were married in Weir Baptist 

Church on August 23rd, 1958 and honeymooned 

in Grenada for two days. The new 

coach was given one day for his honeymoon. 

From that first coaching job, John’s career in 

education spanned 34 years. He retired from 

his last job as counselor for HCC at Nursing 

Allied Health. 

Bobby has also had a lifetime career in 

education with employment in Rankin, Leflore 

and Pearl schools. She retired in 1997 after 


working as counselor at Brandon High School 

for 18 years. 

In their 42 years of living in Brandon, they 

raised two daughters who now live in Texas – 

Amy Withers and Lacey Schmelzle. Three 

grandchildren add to the Ashley’s joys. 

Bobby’s one-word description of John is 

“thoughtful.” Then she added “good” and “the 

ability to make a wise but snap judgment.” She 

remembers how impressed she was with his 

maturity when they began dating. “He had a 

grasp on what he wanted to do with his life.” 

John is quick to applaud his wife’s qualities, 

too. “I respected her and still do. She’s dependable, 

consistent and a Christian.” With a 

mischievous smile, John shared his sweetheart’s 

nickname, Ms. Right Now. 

He explained that when she has a job to 

do, she attacks it immediately. John shared an 

example. One night around 9 p.m., he was 

relaxing in his lounge chair and she asked if 

he would help her upholster the dining room 

chairs. “When?” he asked. 

“Right now.” she replied. 

Their advice for marriages was succinct. John 

said, “Like one another; love is not enough.” 

Bobby added, “Commit to stay – ‘til death 

do you part.” 

This exemplary couple that keeps physically 

fit and remarkably active in church and 

volunteer work may have initiated their union 

with March madness but only as a beginning. 

Their joined journey has been a rich, productive 

relationship with a “right now” mentality that’s 

garnered record investments in the lives of all 

who know them. ■ 

“Like one 

another; 

love is 

not enough.” 


Give Your Card Some Personality. 

Personalized Cards from Trustmark 

Forget ordinary. Make your card extraordinary with personalized cards 

from Trustmark. With just a few simple steps, you can make your 

Trustmark debit or credit card uniquely your own by adding your favorite 

photograph or select an image from our online gallery. For details, visit 

trustmark.com/personalized. 

trustmark.com 


Call us to schedule 

your next visit. 

(601) 825-3368 

Sarah Langston, DMD 

14 Woodgate Drive 

Brandon, Mississippi 39042 


Anh Giang Edwards, OD • John Lyon, MD 

Melissa R asmussen, OD • Michael Phillips, OD 

Julie Dawson, OD • Jimbo Bearden, OD 

COMPLEtE EyE hEALth 

DISEASES OF thE EyE 

EyE INJURIES 

LASIK VISION CORRECtION 

DRy EyE thER APy 

New location 

in Brandon 

1390 W. Government St 

Suite C 

Brandon, MS 39042 

601-825-8300 

CAtAR ACt SURGERy 

DIABEtIC EyE CARE 

Canton Office: (601) 859-3464 

Madison Office: (601) 605-2259 

Ridgeland Office: (601) 957-9292 

Yazoo City Office: (662) 746-4312 


The Busick family has 

been in the mercantile 

business dating back to 

1865 when Henry Anderson 

Busick moved from North 

Carolina to Mississippi and 

in partnership with his cousin, 

George Stevens, opened a 

general dry goods establishment. The 

name of the firm was Busick & Stevens. 

When Mr. Busick later bought out his 

partner the name was changed to H.A. 

Busick & Co. 

It was located on the south side of 

the square in downtown Brandon, a 

stone’s throw from the present building. 

In those days a store was the center of 

activity. Not only was food bought there 

but clothing, farm utensils and many 

necessary items to be found in the 

homes of that era. Customers could 

purchase baby buggies, wagons, even 

coffins and lots of things that today’s 

generation would not even recognize. 

Because of the large variety of items 

sold, there were several warehouses 

attached to the store. 

Farmers were furnished supplies for 

a year until the “crops came in”.Business 

flourished when the railroad came 

through Value, which was on the 

outskirts of Brandon. Mr. Busick built 

this business by hard work, honesty and 

integrity. He was highly respected in 

business circles throughout the state. 

Because of the trust that people had in 

him, he acted as a banker to 

many, as there was no bank 

in Brandon at that time. 

Money was kept in the large 

store safe which is still in 

use today. Later he and 

several other prominent 

Brandon businessmen organized the 

Rankin County Bank and he donated 

the lot on which the bank now stands. 

After Mr. Busick’s death in 1912, 

his son, Robert Richardson Busick, 

purchased the store. In the ‘30s, “Mr. 

Bob”, as he was known to everyone, 

became partners with his brother Henry 

and they operated as Busick Brothers 

until 1947 when Bob bought him out and 

became sole owner. By this time his sons, 

Bob, Jr. and Henry (Bubba), were grown 

and working with their father. The 

name was changed to Busick and Sons. 


In 1953, Mr. Bob retired and his wife, 

Dell, and the sons operated the store. 

In 1962 the family opened a second 

store in the McLaurin Shopping Center 

in Pearl known as Busick’s. When Mrs. 

Busick retired, Henry kept the store in 

Pearl and Bob, Jr. stayed with the original 

store. In 1968 Bob’s son, Nick, entered 

into partnership with his father, making 

the fourth generation to do business in 

practically the same location. After some 

research, done by a merchant in 

Pennsylvania, it was discovered that 

Busick’s was the second oldest 

continuously owned family business 

in the United States. 

In 1973, Mrs. Bob (Mildred) Busick 

opened a ladies shop in Town West 

Center known as “Mimi’s”. In 1977 

when the family decided to branch out 

into other businesses, they added “The 

Courtyard Shopping Center” directly 

behind the store. It was comprised of 

“Bob Busick’s Clothing for Men”, a 

western store named “The Hitching 

Post”, a children’s shop called “The 

Growing Tree”, and various other 

businesses. “Mimi’s” moved into the 

original store and remained there until 

Bob and Mildred retired and closed 

their stores. 

Nick then moved his western shop 

back to the original location. He has 

continued the family business using the 

same principles first practiced by his 

great-grandfather and passed down 

through his grandfather and father. The 

store has become a place for old friends 

to congregate and reminisce about the 

12 • Summer 2014

“good old days” or just catch up on the 

happenings of the day. Upon entering 

the store it is common to see Nick 

sitting behind the counter studying one 

of his well-worn bibles, and if given 

encouragement he will offer the plan 

of salvation to anyone who is interested 

in listening. On May 5, 2015, the Busick 

family will celebrate its 150 th anniversary 

serving the public with quality 

merchandise. ■ 

________________________________________________________________ 

Editor’s note: Mr. Busick was diagnosed with melanoma last year. Even though the treatments have been 

arduous, he continues to radiate a positive attitude and still sits behind his familiar store counter most 

weekdays. Our prayers are with this wonderful friend and exemplary businessman. 


Think Spring and Shop these 

Local Hometown Stores! 

Cobo’s 

boutique 

Rankin County Chamber of Commerce ▪ 101 Service Drive ▪ Brandon, MS 39042 ▪ (601) 825-2268 


BRANDON 

Growing Up in the Best 

Small Town in America 

Shelby McKenzie LeNarz 

Regarding biology and horticulture, the 

root of a plant serves the essential functions 

of anchoring and supporting the plant throughout 

its development and growth. Likewise, 

regarding anthropology and humanity, 

the hometown of an individual serves the 

essential functions of anchoring and supporting 

the individual throughout his or her 

development and growth. While I may 

have grown and blossomed and have now 

been planted in another state, Brandon, 

Mississippi, is more than home; it’s the roots. No matter where 

life takes me, part of my heart will always be rooted in Brandon, 

Mississippi, and the cherished childhood memories, teenage 

trials and triumphs, and invaluablelife lessons it provided 

along the way. 

No matter where life takes me, I will always be rooted in the 

faith that I found on a weekly basis under a steeple on South 

College Street, the education that I received under a “tradition 

of excellence” on Mississippi 18, and the southern values that 

I obtained from living under the influence and examples of all 

who have the privilege of residing in 39042. For Brandon is more 

than a hometown, it is part of us, part of me. I am rooted in 

summer days spent at Crossgates pool, full of cannonballs and 

Coppertone. I am rooted in softball tournaments at Shiloh 

Park and U-8 soccer games behind the old Rogers-Usry. I am 

rooted in Brandon Days, packed with country music concerts, 

mayoral campaigns, and finding the courage to ride the Zipper. 

I am rooted in the middle school dances, Dog Jams, and 

awkward junior high carpool lines. I am rooted in the proms 

and the powderpuff games. I am 

rooted in the homecoming and 

Christmas parades, being more than 

part of a float, but part of a community, 

part of a family. I am rooted in Friday 

nights at Louis Gene Strickland Field, 

a seven-year-old girl simply trying to 

grow up and be like the cheerleaders and 

a seventeen-year-old simply trying to go 

back and experience it all again. 

Most of all, I am rooted in the people 

who made this hometown the wonderful 

place that it was, it is, and that it will 

undoubtedly continue to become. The true reason that Brandon 

is the anchor and support system that enables its residents to 

develop and grow is found in its people, its true roots. These are 

the families who have constructed their lives in this town and 

have in return built into the lives of those they surround, the 

teachers that instilled in us lessons and wisdom that far 

surpassed the classroom, the coaches that helped us be better 

individuals on and off the field, the youth ministers who guided 

us through the turbulence of adolescence, and most of all, the 

welcoming face and kind word that we consistently found in 

this town, reminding us of its worth, of its depth, of its roots. 

These memories, these people, these roots, are the reason that, 

despite the distance, I am never too far from home. ■ 

Shelby McKenzie LeNarz now lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband 

Andrew and is in her last year of occupational therapy school. 



H o m e t o w n L o v e 

brandon 

Brenda Emmons 

I have heard people talk about meeting their love at a young age, 

but I never knew that it would start for me at the age of four. Rickey 

and I lived down the street from each other in Pearl and spent 

many days playing together. After the sudden death of my father, 

I was abruptly resigned to the fact that I’d always be a country girl 

in rural Scott County. Growing up in the country, I’d soon learn that 

family and hard work go hand-in-hand. 

My mom and grandparents always expected our best—whether 

it was cutting that two-acre yard with the Yazoo push mower, 

working in the garden where the rows seemed a mile long, or 

making good grades in school. As I was learning these life lessons, 

I found myself reconnected with that person who would become 

the love of my life. We dated on-and-off, enjoying Sunday afternoon 

motorcycle rides, and finally said “I do” after I graduated from 

Mississippi State. That is when the “country girl” moved back to the 

city, moving into a house right across the street from where I lived 

at the age of four. I soon learned that life was different there, and 

that grocery stores now stayed open until midnight. 

I began my teaching career under the guidance of a wonderful 

principal, Mrs. Elinor Comfort, at Brandon Elementary. She placed 

me under the wings of two wonderful mentors, Mrs. Novis Jones 

and Mrs. Maxine Nail. During those early years of teaching, I 

followed the motto that Mrs. Nail had used for many years, “Learn 

to Listen, Listen to Learn.” Besides teaching the basics of reading, 

writing, and arithmetic, I tried to be an encourager to my students 

as I told them daily to always “Try Your Best.” I held high expectations 

for my students, and they learned quickly that school was a priority. 

As the years passed and we had two children of our own, I finally 

was able to convince Rickey to move to the town that I had grown 

to love and where my children would be educated, the town of 

Brandon. We have been here for the last 28 years, watching our 

children, and now grandchildren, grow up. I have watched former 

students grow up, marry, and have even taught a few of their 

children. Many times when I run into former students, they will tell 

me, “I remember when we did…” Those were the days!!! After thirty 

years of teaching in the Brandon Schools, I decided to retire and 

look for other opportunities to touch the lives of others. We are 

active members of Crossgates Baptist Church, where I served in the 

Greeter Ministry and work in Kingsingers. We are also avid 

supporters of our beloved Brandon Bulldogs through many 

activities such as band, football, and now baseball. 

Brandon has changed a lot over the years, but the people will 

always be kind, loving, and always willing to help their neighbors, 

as was witnessed by many during the tornadoes in 1992 and 2004. 

Even though I did not grow up here, I still call it my home, and 

love being able to say, “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!” ■ 



Celebration 

of the 

New Face 

of Healthcare 

February 9 

Merit Health Rankin 



Queen 

The 

Hearts 

of our 


Mary Ann Mobley was easily Brandon, Mississippi’s most famous 

and beloved child. In 1958, she was crowned Miss Mississippi, graduated 

from Ole Miss and went on to win the title of Miss America. 

Mobley took the nation by storm as she was crowned the first Miss America, ever, from the 

state of Mississippi. As the story goes, she arrived in Atlantic City wearing a bracelet that was 

very special to her – a gift from her Sunday school teacher. It was a bracelet with an encased 

mustard seed to remind her that with the faith of a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible 

– a scripture found in the book of Matthew. Mary Ann was a devout Christian and routinely 

proclaimed her faith in the media. 

“Lona Aldridge is a member of our church and gave her that bracelet”, said Charla Jordan, 

a longtime resident of Brandon. “My family moved to Brandon in 1958 just before Mary Ann 

was crowned”, she recalls. “She was a member of Brandon First Methodist. She and Gary were 

actually married in that church and their daughter Clancy was baptized there.” 


After her reign as Miss America, Mary Ann began to catch the eyes of Hollywood television and 

movie execs. The beauty-queen had become a sought-after guest star in episodic television of the 1960s, 

appearing on many hit series of that era including, Perry Mason, Love American Style, Mission Impossible and 

The Virginian, just to name a few. 

Her most important contribution to 1960s pop culture, however, was appearing opposite Elvis Presley 

in two films; Harum Scarum and Girl Happy. Elvis and Mary Ann became instant friends. They shared a 

common bond in that they were both from Mississippi. While filming Harum Scarum, there was 

apparently a scene where Mobley’s angry character was to throw a vase at Elvis. She was quoted as saying, 

“It was one of those sugar vases that doesn’t hurt you when it breaks.” But she nailed him, by mistake. 

She went on to say, “He wheeled around and said, ‘Mary Ann, you’re supposed to miss me’ and I said 

‘Yeah, but you forget I played softball in Brandon, Mississippi’”. 

Her success in film led to a 1965 Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. 

It was in 1966, on the set of Three on a Couch with Jerry Lewis, that she met her husband, a young and 

handsome actor by the name of Gary Collins. They were married for 45 years until his death in 2012. 

In the 1980s she starred in the final season of Diff ’rent Strokes as well as appeared in prime-time soap 

opera Falcon Crest. She continued to pop-up as a guest star on series like Hotel and Matt Houston and game 

shows like The Hollywood Squares. She also acted as her husband’s frequent guest co-host on his successful 

talk shows Hour Magazine and The Home Show, as well as frequently co-hosting Miss America Pageant 

with Gary. 

In the 1990s, she made guest appearances on the sitcoms Designing Women, Hearts Afire, Hardball, and 

Sabrina, The Teenage Witch along with a couple of commercial product endorsements. 

“I have always been so proud that Mary Ann was from Brandon. I even have a car tag that proclaims 

‘Brandon, Miss. Home of Miss America 1959’”, continues Jordan. I had several opportunities over the 

years to talk with her personally when she and Gary came back to Brandon for the annual Rankin Health 

Foundation’s Affair of the Heart Ball. I have such fond memories of her.” 


Brandon resident Billy Foxx Swilley remembers Mary Ann, too. “She and my older sister Joycelyn 

were in the same class and actually hung out and went to parties together”, he said. “One time I was at 

the Orange Bowl parade in Miami and Mary Ann was on one of the floats. She spotted me in the crowd 

and started waving like crazy. She shouted ‘Hey Billy Foxx!’ I’ll never forget it. She never forgot any of us. 

And when she’d come back to visit, it was like she never left.” 

Mobley was known as much for her sweet spirit and willingness to help others as she was for her 

beauty. She was a tireless humanitarian, and had taken a particular interest in world hunger and children 

with learning disabilities. She was active participant with the March of Dimes for over 25 years. She 

traveled to Cambodia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Sudan, documenting 

the plight of homeless and starving children. 

Mobley had Crohn’s disease and had been an activist for 

improvements in treatment. But in 2009, she was diagnosed 

and treated for Stage 3 breast cancer. She actually went into 

remission in 2010 – but sadly it would be short-lived and after 

a years-long battle, Mobley died at her home in Beverly Hills 

on December 9, 2014. She was 77. 

Back in September of 2014, we reached out to Mary Ann to set up an interview. 

We would feature her in an upcoming issue of Hometown Brandon Magazine. She was thrilled. 

So were we. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully connect due to her health issues. Her email read: 

Dear Tahya, 

I am so sorry that my treatment has slowed down our conversation. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks I will be better to visit. 

Just know…I really want to do this and I am so honored that you were thinking of me. I look forward to our future visits. 

We never got the chance. But what a beautiful and gracious woman she was, even until the very end. 

We couldn’t be more proud to claim her as one of our own. She will be greatly missed. ■ 



–engagements– 

LandonLeighHughes 

& MarkAndrewMerrill 

Mr. and Mrs. Roy William “Pete” Hughes III of Brandon, Miss. proudly 

announce the engagement of their daughter, Landon Leigh, to Mr. Mark 

Andrew Merrill of Nashville, Tennessee. Mark is the son of Mr. and Mrs. 

Wayne Andrew Merrill of Franklin, Tennessee. 

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mrs. and Mrs. Gordon 

Moore of Brandon, Mississippi and Mrs. Betty Snell Hughes and the late 

Mr. Roy William Hughes Jr. of Marcella, Arkansas. 

The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. 

Gene Austin and the late Mr. and Mrs. Bill Merrill all of Nashville. 

Miss Hughes is a 2007 honor graduate of Brandon High School. She 

attended Ole Miss and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of 

Science degree in dental hygiene from the University of Mississippi Medical 

Center. She is presently employed at O’Bryan Dental Clinic in Puckett, 

Mississippi as a registered dental hygienist. 

Mr. Merrill is a 2007 graduate of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, 

Tennessee where he was a member of the football and basketball teams. 

He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in civil 

engineering. He is employed with Ragan Smith Engineering in Nashville as a 

civil designer. 

The couple will exchange vows May 2, 2015 at 5p.m. at First United 

Methodist Church in Brandon with the reception to follow at the Ice House 

in Jackson, Mississippi. 

LaurenKimberThomas 

& JamesWilliamNorris 

Dr. and Mrs. Scott Thomas of Brandon are pleased to announce the 

engagement of their daughter, Lauren Kimber Thomas to James William 

Norris, son of Rex Norris and the late Terri Norris of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Billy R. Thomas of 

Brandon and the late Helen Figura of Natchez, Miss. and late Joseph Figura 

of Mobile, Alabama. 

Lauren is a 2009 graduate of Brandon High School. She is currently 

pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. 

She is employed by William T. Sloan, Attorney at Law, in Oxford, as a 

receptionist. 

The prospective bride-groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. 

James M. Norris of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and the late Mr. Reid Dice and 

Mrs. Ida Taylor of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 

James is a 2011 graduate of Watson Chapel High School. He is 

currently pursuing a degree from Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist 

Theological Seminary. He is the youth pastor of Bethel Baptist Church of 

Water Valley, Mississippi. 

The couple will exchange vows on Saturday, April 25, 2015, two o’clock in 

the afternoon at the chapel of First Baptist Church of Jackson, with the 

reception immediately following. 

After the honeymoon cruise, the couple will reside in Water Valley, 

Mississippi. 

To submit your engagement or wedding, contact info@htmags.com 


The 

Wardrobe 

Whisperer 


What’s good for the closet 

is good for the soul... 

Hooray for sunshine. As we're about to emerge from the 

shadows of winter into the full-on explosion of spring, it’s 

time to transition from warm, earthy tones of chilly days’ 

past, into bright cheery sunlight-welcoming color. It may 

also be the perfect time for me to do some critical evaluations 

in my own closet. This might require some tough love. 

You see, I’m a gatherer – and I’ve decided to do some serious 

editing in my wardrobe. I have a generously-sized closet that 

literally cannot hold another piece of anything, and yet, I have 

a mere five pieces that I go to for nearly every occasion. I’m in 

need . . . of a closet cleanse. 

Letting go of things in your closet can be a frightening process. 

But when daily dressing turns into daily stressing, it’s time for 

an intervention. Doing a massive wardrobe therapy session 

is the perfect way to refresh your style and make sure your 

clothes are working with you – and not against you. 

So I’ve embarked on a wardrobe-editing tutorial and have 

scoured the internet for the very best tips in accomplishing 

the mission: 

1 The first thing to do is fix what’s broken. Don’t let items that 

need repairing or tailoring fall deeper and deeper into the 

closet abys. Either commit to fixing them, or get ‘em outta 

there. Be ruthless. 

2 Let go of clothes that don’t fit. (I can feel my throat tightening 

at the mere thought of it) You see, I have a “range” of sizes – 

and according to the closet doctors, I need to let them go. 

So here’s my take on it; if I happen to drop ten pounds and 

need to buy all new things, I’ll do it. I’m sure my husband 

will deal with it just fine. It will take this type of shopping 

rationalization to get me fired up. 

3 Let go of things that hurt – literally. I have a pair of shoes 

that may possibly be the best looking things I’ve ever owned 

in my life. I paid more for them than I care to admit and they’re 

excruciatingly uncomfortable. Well actually, they’re good for 

about an hour. So the only times I wear them is to one-hourlong 

events, which are few. It’s a love-hate relationship of 

epic proportions. I’m dreading this one – but they’ve gotta go. 

It’s a cold-blooded world . . . 

4 Let go of things that are tacky or out of trend. We’ve all 

made those critical buying mistakes – when the thought of 

a hot pink sequined fedora seemed clever at the time. Just 

chalk it up to a manic moment and cut your ties. Which 

is more valuable; the item, or the cleared space? A new 

smart-looking handbag could be sitting on that shelf. 

It’s all about managing resources. 

5 Think back on the last time you wore something. If there 

was a republican in the oval office, then it’s time to say goodbye. 

The general rule-of-thumb is two years. If you’ve not worn 

something in two years, it’s gotta go. This is tough love, people. 


6 Put all your garments where you can see them. Folding 

them leads to forgetting them. I know this first-hand as I have 

been guilty of buying exact duplicates before in completely 

unrelated shopping excursions. (At least I’m consistent and 

know what I like, right?) 

7 Get everything you can onto hangers. And if you really 

want to impress, buy matching hangers. I like the look of 

wooden hangers – but they’re bulky and expensive. The real 

blessing to all closets are those felt covered slimline type 

hangers. You can fit twice as many clothes into your space 

and they’re non-slip and gentle on your clothes. I’ve seen them 

in some of the big box stores for $9.99 a dozen. The fashion 

stylists to the stars swear by them. 

8 So, what to do with all the items that will not be living in 

your closet anymore? You should decide in advance who will 

get your cast-offs. There are lots of choices. The Salvation 

Army picks up. The Second Chance Thrift Store provides them 

to battered women or sells them to raise money for their 

shelter. Dress or Success is a great organization, too. You can 

also sell your pieces. Facebook has yard sale sites galore right 

here in our local area. Ebay and Craigslist are great for selling 

gently worn items as well. Or put them on consignment at 

any of the area consignment stores. They do all the work and 

you pick up your check once your items have sold. And if you 

have items that you absolutely know that you’ll never wear, 

but have sentimental value, pack them carefully and put 

them in storage. Let your grandkids deal with ‘em one day. 

Change your outfit, change your outlook, right? 

A closet cleanse may be just what you need, too. However, 

it’s hard work and time-consuming. Put some music on and fix 

yourself a refreshing beverage. Stay focused. This is therapy, 

after all, and it will be more than worth it. 


is a local writer and 

media consultant 

in the Jackson 

Metro area. 


Taking 

“Man’s 

Best 

Friend” 

to the 

Next 

Level 

Erin Williams 

For those affected 

by Type 1 diabetes, 

service dogs are not 

only a practical use 

for helping manage 

the disease, but also 

a source of comfort 

and companionship 

for years to come. 

It’s been said before that 

sometimes the best medicine 

comes with a wet nose and 

four paws. For two young 

Brandon residents affected 

by Type 1 diabetes, they know 

this all too well. After all, their 

stories prove it. 


McKayla’s Story 

McKayla Hand is the whole package. 

With a bubbly personality, a heart for 

missions and the hurting, a love for 

athletics and theatre, and a future with 

untold possibilities, McKayla is coming to 

the close of her senior year at Brandon High 

School and about to embark on a new season 

in her life. However, with so much in her life 

having changed in only a few years, McKayla knows 

that sometimes embarking on a new season in life is 

harder than it looks. 

McKayla’s journey with diabetes started in November of 2012. 

A sophomore at the time, McKayla began to notice that she was always very 

thirsty. “I remember camping with my grandparents and drinking a whole 

gallon of water they brought at one time.” McKayla said. “While I didn’t think 

it was that abnormal then, others did. That was the beginning for me.” 

On January 9, 2013, McKayla went to the doctor to get the required 

shots for a mission trip to Haiti that she would soon be taking. During that 

visit, her doctor preformed a routine physical; however, after seeing the 

results of her blood and urine test, McKayla realized that this visit would 

be anything but routine. 

“I found out from Dr. Roland that my body wasn’t projecting insulin and 

that I needed to get an appointment with an endocrinologist as soon as 

possible. I was critical at the time and had no idea.” McKayla said. “After 

praying intensely that I could get an appointment quickly, I saw an 

endocrinologist the next day and had to start giving myself shots 

immediately.” 

After getting weary of the four shots McKayla had to give herself daily, 

she now uses an insulin pump to help manage her insulin levels. Although 

she worked hard to compose herself, coping with the daily struggles of 

managing diabetes began to take its toll on McKayla – especially at night. 

“When you go to sleep, you can’t feel your blood sugar soar or drop. 

When I have a blood sugar high or low, I can go into a coma and incur 

serious problems really quickly.” McKayla said. “Because of that, I was 

actually really afraid to go to sleep. The fear 

handicapped me, and I knew something 

had to change.“ 

After contacting a friend who had a 

service dog, and inquiring about the process 

of getting one, McKayla applied for a dog 

with a Kansas-based program called CARES. 

Although she applied in May of 2013, she wasn’t 

notified until August of 2014 that her turn had finally 

arrived. After completing a week of training, McKayla came 

home with Mauro, an 80-pound black lab. 

“The day I got Mauro, he walked up to me and licked me in the face. 

That did it for me.” McKayla said. “Although he’s a normal dog and loves 

things like treats and being petted, he’s really helped save my life. Mauro 

has changed everything.” 

With Mauro’s rigorous resume and training, he is able to detect when 

McKayla’s blood sugar drops below 70 or rises over 200. Because dogs have 

such a powerful sense of smell, they can actually smell what a sugar high or 

low smells like when human’s noses aren’t strong enough to detect it. 

As a service dog, Mauro is always suited up in his vest and with 

McKayla–even at school. “One time I was at school and Mauro got up and 

jumped in my lap. I checked my sugar and it was very high.” McKayla said. 

“I just hadn’t started to feel the symptoms yet because my body had 

somewhat adjusted to being a diabetic. Had it been 15 minutes later, I 

would’ve been in trouble.” 

When McKayla talks about Mauro, it’s obvious that, in addition to her 

appreciation for him alerting her when her sugar levels start to rise or fall, he’s 

a loyal source of companionship. Next year, McKayla and Mauro will attend 

Mississippi College where McKayla plans on majoring in kinesiology. While 

much of her future is still unknown, McKayla doesn’t have to approach it with 

the fear of diabetes holding her back anymore. And, that’s because of Mauro. 

“I didn’t pick Mauro, Mauro picked me.” McKayla said. “I owe so much to 

him, and I hope for others to understand how important it is to embrace 

service dogs for those who suffer from a variety of diseases or conditions.” n 


Nathan’s Story 

Nathan Yow is a vibrant and tall 13- 

year-old seventh grader at Brandon Middle 

School. A young man of many talents, 

Nathan enjoys geocaching, playing soccer, 

and spending time with his family and 

friends. Like McKayla, Nathan has the world 

at his (calloused) fingertips; however, their 

stories differ in that Nathan doesn’t know 

a world prior to being a diabetic. Nathan 

was diagnosed when he was only three. 

His mother, Donna, recalled how 

Nathan was always tired and wanted to drink 

a lot of liquid. She spoke of how she knew his 

breath had a bit of a fruity smell, but didn’t think 

much about it. After all, because of his young age, 

Nathan couldn’t really communicate how he was feeling. 

However, it didn’t take long for Donna’s motherly intuition to kick in and 

realize something just wasn’t right. 

“I began researching the symptoms and decided to take in Nathan’s urine 

sample.” Donna said. “After it came back positive, we went to Birmingham 

to attend trainings for a week and learn more about his diagnosis.” 

Donna spoke of how helpless she felt that day and how the worrying 

hasn’t stopped since. Right before they learned of his diagnosis, she and her 

husband had just potty-trained Nathan where they rewarded him each time 

with a tootsie roll. 

“It’s just this immediate sense of guilt that sets in. We had no idea we 

were actually hurting him by giving him tootsie rolls while potty training.” 

Donna said. “It wasn’t just that, we didn’t know what to feed him because 

even milk has sugar in it. It was such a learning curve for us.” 

Now, 10 years later, the Yow’s are still learning daily new ways to help 

manage his disease. Donna identified with McKayla’s fear of going to sleep, 

as the same applied to Nathan. For years, Donna and her husband have 

taken turns getting up at night to wake Nathan up and check his sugar. 

“It’s a 24/7 type of worry that doesn’t go away when he goes to sleep, but 

instead gets worse.” Donna said. 

Recently, Donna’s fear was realized again when Nathan attended the 

Collide weekend at his church that included him staying in the homes of 

host families. Donna told Nathan that she’d call his cell phone in the middle 

of the night to wake him up so he could check his sugar but, when she tried 

to call him, he wouldn’t wake up. 

In a frenzy, she called the host mom who 

then also tried to wake him up, but Nathan 

hardly budged. Barely coherent, Nathan’s 

sugar had dropped to the severely low 40s 

range. Although Nathan has a pump that he 

changes every two or three days, he can still 

have an unexpected sugar low or high. 

“It is aggravating to have to do all this 

stuff,” Nathan said. “I don’t remember not 

having diabetes, but I wish I didn’t have it. 

Although it doesn’t hurt as much anymore to 

prick my fingers, sometimes I just want to have 

fingers without callouses like everyone else.” 

While Donna had been researching service 

dogs with CARES for a while, she wanted to wait until 

Nathan was older before obtaining his own service dog so 

that the dog would be able to go to college with him one day. Nathan 

has now been on the waiting list for a year to receive his dog. But, on March 

23, Nathan and his family will make the trek to Kansas to finally get what 

they’ve been waiting so urgently for–his own service dog. 

Although the Yow’s don’t know what type of dog it will be, or even what 

gender it will be, they are just excited to get one. “It’s like we can finally see 

a light at the end of this tunnel,” Donna said. “I can’t hardly think about it 

without getting emotional because I want the same things for Nathan that 

other moms want for their children. I’m just so excited; we’re all so excited.” 

However, due to the extensive training that the dogs require, obtaining 

a dog is very expensive – over $3,500. To help curb those costs, Allison 

Palmer, a family friend and co-worker of Nathan's mom, coordinated a garage 

sale stocked with donated items. The family is also selling raffle tickets for 

an iPad Air to be given away in May. Each day, Nathan takes the $5 tickets 

with him to school, but Donna can also be contacted at 601-573-8448 

to purchase a ticket. 

On May 1st, on Nathan’s 14th birthday, the Yow’s will choose the winner 

of the raffle. However, on that day, Nathan won’t be alone. He will have his new 

service dog also at the raffle, which, according to Nathan, is the best gift of all. 

“I just want to be like other people. Diabetes is annoying because it gets 

in the way of everyday life for me.” Nathan said. “I’ll feel better when I have 

my dog here. I think about it all the time.” n 


Brandon 

Discount 

Drugs 

Waymon Tigrett, RPh 

Family owned and delivering 

fast, friendly service since 1969. 

______________ 

Monday - Saturday 7:30am - 6:30pm 

601-825-2897 / 601-825-2898 

brandondrugs@gmail.com 


IS YOUR 

INSURANCE AGENT 

FREE TO GET YOU 

A BETTER DEAL? 

AN INDEPENDENT AGENT 

HAS FREEDOM OF CHOICE. 

With access to many different providers, Trusted Choice ® Independent Agents have more 

options at their fingertips. They can competitively shop around for you and put together 

a plan that suits both your needs and your budget. The only one they answer to is you. 

Find your independent agent. Find a better deal at trustedchoice.com 

Free to do what’s right for you ṢM 

LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE CAN DO FOR YOU. 

Insurance Associates 

of Rankin County 

Steven Wallace | 601-825-5242 

1301 West Government Street, Suite 105 

Brandon, Mississippi 

32 • Summer Spring 2015 2014

Back Around 

at Roundtree 

Brandon resident Noel Daniels is back at Roundtree 

and happier than ever. As someone who’s garnered 

respect in both the automobile industry and outside 

of it, Daniels recently returned to Roundtree Chrysler 

Dodge Jeep Ram as the executive manager. Daniels 

also brings with him to Roundtree, Keith Chambers, 

his long-time friend and successful associate to serve 

as the general sales manager. 

Noel is back with his buddy, Mort, “the dummy”. 

The public will remember Mort as Noel’s long-time 

advertising associate. 

Noel Daniels, we’re “absolutely!” glad you’re back. 

Contact Noel Daniels at ndaniels@roundtree.com 

“We’ll Beat Your Best Deal Absolutely!” 

(855) 369-5675 • 5395 I-55 North, JacksoN, Ms 


New Lights, New Life, New Love for 

If you’ve driven 

through Downtown 

Brandon recently, 

you probably 

encountered 

something new 

or that looked a 

bit out of place. 


What you may have sensed was a much more charming 

evening drive along Government Street while passing the 

courthouses and historic square. You may have seen people 

jogging down Felicity Street or children scurrying across 

Poindexter – or you could have seen construction or moving 

trucks in front of what you thought was an empty building. 

Downtown Brandon is seeing an impressive makeover. 

One of the most anticipated and talked-about upgrades to 

the downtown area has been the lighting. The Downtown 

Brandon Lighting and Landscape Project is nearing completion. 

McInnis Electric, Guest Consultants, and the City of Brandon 

have been working on this project for several months. The 

project consisted of the installation of decorative street lighting, 

landscaping, and sidewalk improvements along Government 

Street from College Street to Louis Wilson Drive and along 

College Street from Government to Dining Street. A majority 

of the funding has come from the Mississippi Department of 

Transportation. 

The final step in the project will be to remove the old, yellow 

burning lights attached to power poles. One of the benefits 

people will also see in the near future is the ability to attach 

decorative banners to these new lights. This project has greatly 

enhanced Downtown Brandon’s curb appeal. 

As a result of these improvements, new businesses are 

flocking to this area. Downtown has seen several businesses 

open in the past six months with other businesses relocating 

or opening in the coming weeks. 

Two new businesses opening in the coming weeks in 

Downtown Brandon are Bay Window Books and Presh Tots 

Couture. 

Bay Window Books will be opening in late February in the 

Boyce Building at 151 West Government Street. Over the past 

several weeks, they have been busy packing up books, 

separating shelves, moving shelves, putting shelves back 

together, unpacking books, and finally alphabetizing them 

to bring their dream to Downtown Brandon. 

Presh Tots Couture will be opening this spring next door to 

Bay Window Books in the Boyce Building. Presh Tots Couture is 

a children’s boutique for both girls and boys with sizes newborn 

to 10-years old. They will carry clothing and baby accessories. 

These two stores are located beside another business that is 

growing in the heart of downtown; Xpress Dance Company. 

Located in the historic Thompson Building, Xpress Dance offers 

a wide range of classes from musical theatre, contemporary, 

hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and tap. So the next time you see all children 

crossing Poindexter you will know where they are headed. 

One business that is relocating in downtown is Miss Priss, 

a women’s clothing boutique. Miss Priss is moving into her new 

location in Courtyard Plaza behind Busick & Sons. They have 

been busy painting walls, moving clothing racks, and purchasing 

new inventory for their new location. 

One of downtown’s success stories from last year was the 

seasonal opening of Twisted Tails. They feature fresh boiled 

crawfish and shrimp along with live entertainment. Starting 

February 28, they will be reopening for the season on Fridays 

and Saturdays. Visit them on Dining Street in Downtown 

Brandon. 

The people you saw running down Felicity Street are not 

just running, they may actually be completing their workout of 

the day at East Brandon Crossfit. Crossfit has been open for 

several months and their growth has increased as more people 

see and hear what’s happening. 

Another business that opened last fall is Interior Twist, located 

at 10 Overby Street. Interior Twist is much more than its name 

appears: they offer many unique items like pottery, candles, 

jewelry featuring local artist Chatham Kennedy, interior décor, 

and women’s apparel. 

The expansion of Highway 471 will greatly enhance 

people’s ability to get to and from Downtown Brandon, as well. 

The expansion ground breaking will be on February 23. This 

project will five-lane 471 from Downtown Brandon at West 

Government Street, where an upgraded traffic signal will be 

installed, all the way to the city limits, north of Hillcrest Drive 

and includes a bridge over the railroad tracks at Value. The 

project was awarded to Joe Magee Construction of Lake and 

will cost nearly 40 million dollars and will take about two years 

to complete. 

Not all of the construction will be centered on the west side 

of downtown because another project on the horizon will be in 

the area around Louis Wilson Drive. The expansion of East 

Government Street from Louis Wilson Drive to Trickhambridge 

Road will feature many upgrades including: a new traffic signal 

at Trickhambridge Road, the replacement of the traffic signal at 

Louis Wilson Drive, an enhanced bridge, and a walking path. 

This will greatly enhance the view as people drive west into 

Downtown Brandon. – Kyle Brown 



City of 

Brandon 

2015 

Princess 

Ball 




On & Off 

the Field 

Erin Williams 

A strong believer that a 

solid work ethic makes 

you a productive member 

of society, Stacy Hester 

isn’t subtle about taking 

that philosophy to the 

baseball field. 

Brandon baseball coach Stacy 

Hester is out to make his mark 

both on and off the field. Having 

grown up with a love for all types 

of sports, Hester went to college 

at Delta State on basketball, baseball, and 

track scholarships. Although his first love was 

basketball, Hester played baseball at Delta 

State under the great David “Boo” Ferris who 

he claims helped pave the way for his 

future coaching career. 

Before graduating in 1982, Hester, and 

the rest of the baseball team at Delta State, 

went on to play at the College World Series. 

After graduation, Hester began his coaching 

career at Greenville before coaching at New 

Hope, where his team had a 43-0 record. 

After his time at New Hope, he traded the 

baseball field for the field of landscaping 

and ran his own landscaping business 

full-time for a few years. 

In May of 2012, however, that all 

changed, after Hester received a call 

from Brad Peterson asking him to take 

the position as head baseball coach at 

Brandon. He came on board and hasn’t 

looked back since. 

“To say that I love coaching at Brandon 

would be an understatement,” Hester said. 

“I love everything about Brandon; the city’s 

character, the small-town atmosphere, 

the support the school receives from the 

community. I hope to get the chance to 

retire here.” 

Although Hester’s extensive 30-year 

coaching resume is impressive by itself, it 

is his character, work ethic, and coaching 

style that have made him an integral part 

of the baseball program at Brandon. 

“I am a big believer in taking care of 

the little things first,” Hester said. “I teach 

my guys that if they show up on time, 

keep their hair cut, keep their uniforms in 

good shape, be respectful to the umpires, 

and stay out of trouble on the weekends, 

I’ll let them play. If you can be faithful in 

the little things like that, I’ll give you time 

on the field.” 

Coach Hester has always been one to 

enjoy work, perhaps that’s why he was 

drawn to the landscape profession for a few 

years. A strong believer that a solid work 

ethic makes you a productive member of 

society, he isn’t subtle about taking that 

philosophy to the baseball field. 

“I told the parents when I started, these 

boys are going to work because I don’t like 

a lot of standing around in baseball,” Hester 

said. “It is a game that requires mental 

toughness and discipline, and if I can teach 

them a good work ethic on the field, I feel 


confident it’ll carry off the field as well. 

When you’ve been coaching as long as 

I have, it’s less about coaching and more 

about teaching.” 

Although Brandon baseball has seen 

players such as Brent Leach, Barry Wesson, 

Shea Snowden, Bryan Leach, and Tyler 

White go on to play at the minor and major 

league levels, many more have gone on to 

receive college scholarships and play at 

the collegiate level. 

And while the baseball program at 

Brandon has produced many great 

players, the team hadn’t had a lot of prior 

success with going to state playoffs. The first 

season Hester took over, the team finished 

with a 25-5 season. The following season, 

the Brandon Bulldogs finished with a 27-9 

season winning the most games they’ve 

ever won at the playoff level. This year, 

with nine seniors and fourteen juniors 

on the team, Hester is excited for what’s 

expected to be another great season. 

However, when speaking about winning 

games, Hester is quick to say that there is 

no magical formula. 

“We win games by letting the best 

players play; there’s no politics here,” Hester 

said. “You can’t have a good winning 

percentage if you aren’t fair and let the 

best kids play, which is the same reality our 

high school kids will also experience if they 

play at the collegiate level or higher.” 

Framed inside the wall of the baseball 

building is a jersey with the number 10 on 

it. After inquiring about the history behind 

the jersey, I found out that Mark Vinson 

was a baseball player at Brandon who wore 

that number before passing away in July 

of 1984 with leukemia. Vinson was a 

catcher for the Bulldogs and was selected 

to play in the all-star game that summer 

but had to decline due to his worsening 

health. Now, the field is named after him 

and his number is retired. 

And despite the fact that Hester wasn’t 

ever able to meet Vinson, he is humbled 

by his legacy. “He and I were close in age 

and, although I never met him, I feel a 

strong urge to keep the field up to date to 

honor him and his family.” Hester said. 

“I feel like our field is consecrated because 

of Vinson and it really humbles me to work 

on a field that somebody like that played on. 

That’s who I want my players to be like.” 

Coach Hester, we think you’ve hit it out 

of the park. n 



Hometown Brandon congratulates the 

Brandon Police Department 

on receiving their Certificate of Accreditation 

from the Mississippi Law Enforcement 

Accreditation Commission. 


serving our community 

Jerry King 

brandon Fire Department 

How long have you been with the 

Brandon Fire Department? 

Since March of 2006. 

Did you always know you wanted 

to be a fireman? If not, what drew 

you to the profession? 

No, I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a 

fireman. What drew me to the profession 

was that I had a couple of friends and family 

that were in the service. They talked me into 

becoming a fireman, and it was the best 

decision I ever made. 

What’s one of your favorite things 

about Brandon? 

Brandon is a very family-based community 

with good schools, and, of course, the fire 

and police departments 

are top notch. 

What’s a favorite childhood memory? 

Every summer my church youth group would 

take a trip to the mountains. We would go 

white-water rafting, which is a lot of fun. 

What’s the biggest mistake 

you think young people make 

these days? 

They don’t value the importance of a college 

education, which I think is a must-have in 

today’s society. 

What’s your favorite movie? 

Hands down…"Tombstone"! 

What are your three favorite 

places to eat in Brandon? 

I love Kismets, Remember When, and 

Applebee’s. 

Tell us a little about your family. 

I was very blessed with wonderful parents. 

I was born and raised in Pearl, Mississippi 

as the oldest of three siblings. My wife and 

I married a little over a year ago on the island 

of St. Lucia. We are expecting our first child 

in May. We love animals, and have three 

dogs, a cat, and a bird. 

Where do you see yourself in 

10 years? 

I see myself still at the Brandon Fire 

Department with two kids, with a house 

built on some land, and working towards 

becoming a flight medic. 

What’s the most stressful part 

of your job? 

Trying to always be prepared for the 

unknown. 

If you could travel anywhere, 

where would it be? 

I would either go to Hawaii or Australia. 

Please finish the sentence: 

One thing people would be surprised 

to know about me is…? 

I used to be a boxer in my early 20s. I fought 

twice in the MS Golden Gloves. 


BRANDon's finest 

Jason French Investigator 

brandon police Department 

How long have you been with the 

Brandon Police Department? 

I came to the Brandon Police Department 

in 2013, after serving with several law 

enforcement agencies over the past 15 years. 

Did you always know you wanted 

to be a policeman? If not, what 

drew you to the profession? 

No. I had friends who were police officers 

and began to ride along with them while 

they were working patrol. After riding as an 

observer a few times, I knew law enforcement 

was the career path I wanted to pursue. 

What’s one of your favorite things 

about Brandon? 

I like the small hometown atmosphere that 

is unique to Brandon. 

What’s a favorite childhood memory? 

It would have to be my grandfather 

teaching me how to hunt and fish. 

We spent a lot of time together during 

my childhood, and he seemed to enjoy 

teaching me. 

What’s the biggest mistake 

you think young people make 

these days? 

I would say texting while driving. 

What are your three favorite 

places to eat in Brandon? 

Kismets, McAlister’s, and Azteca. 

Tell us a little about your family. 

I am married to my wife Suzannah, and 

we have three children together, Harper, 

Landon, and Lauren. 

Where do you see yourself in 

10 years? 

I see myself being retired from public 

service and working 

in the private sector. 

What’s the most stressful part 

of your job? 

I would say being able to meet the 

deadlines and demands during our first 

accreditation assessment. 

If you could travel anywhere, 

where would it be? 

I would go to Argentina. I traveled there 

years ago, and I absolutely loved the 

country. 

Please finish the sentence: 

One thing people would be 

surprised to know about me is..? 

That my wife and I like to make homemade 

salsa. 

What’s your favorite movie? 

"American Sniper" 


Tyler Peterson and family 

Welcome 

reception 

for 

Tyler Peterson 

Athletic Director & Football Coach 

BHS Multipurpose Center 

Dana Martella, Jennifer Green, Kelsa Walker 

Coach Hill, Col. Lynn Pippen 

Amanda Stinson, Krista Bishop, DeeDee Stowers, Pam Smith 

Chat Butcher, John Stowers, Johnny Willis II 

Coach O & Coach Hester 

Don Williams & Bradley Alexander 

Mike Adcox & Dr. Charles Frazier 

Kimberly Bates & Mary Grace Bass 

Gail Twiner, Ryan Herndon, Martin Keil 

46 • Spring 2015 

Dr. & Mrs. Mike Vinson, Onsby & Cris Vinson 

Phillip Nelson, Greg Robinson, Undray Scott, Randy West

Watson Purvis & Philip Adcock 

Ginger Jones & Shea Carter 

Katelyn Morrison & Dr. Richard Morrison 

Coach Peterson & Bulldogs 

Lisa Hudson, Laura Ane Marshall, Angela Nichols 

Justin Hogue, Chris White, Dr. Sue Townsend 

Mayor Lee, Coach Peterson, Buddy Bailey 

Brian Gaddie & Robin Haney 

Kelli Adcock & Tanya Crain 

Sherman Foster & Daniel Baxter 

Michael Matrick, Jon Clingen, Mia Tymes, Natalie Lindsley 

Mr. & Mrs. Maxey Peterson 

Kyle Bishop, Brian Joyner, Buddy Bailey, 

Tyler Cummings, Jackson Mitchell 




What is the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps? 

Without prior knowledge, one might assume that JROTC is simply a class 

to fill in an elective slot in a student’s curriculum, serving no greater purpose 

than to teach students how to march in formation. In truth, JROTC is much 

more than marching. It is a program dedicated to teaching students the qualities 

of leadership and teamwork; it is a program committed to encouraging cadets 

to develop skills and traits necessary to thrive in the real world. It is a home 

and it’s a family. 

The JROTC Mission Statement sums up the purpose of the program: 

“To motivate young people to be better citizens.” To accomplish this mission, 

JROTC instructors educate cadets on a wide variety of topics, ranging from 

the qualities of a good leader and the benefits of teamwork to more practical 

skills including how to use a map and compass and how to behave at formal 

functions. Every year, students have the opportunity to voluntarily compete 

More than Marching 

Olivia Halverson 

in map and compass training. Their grade is based on accuracy and speed as 

students must collaborate to find 5 specific points using only map, compass, 

intellect and stamina. Accompanying this physical test is a mental assessment 

of map reading. The skill base to successfully complete map and compass 

training is varied and requires a collaboration of diverse minds and bodies. 

In addition to physical and mental training, JROTC students put their 

etiquette training to the test at the annual Military Ball every February. Ball 

attendees partake in formal elements which include the use of a receiving line, 

the demonstration of formal greetings, and the proper use of silverware. Senior 

Cadet Major Sherman Foster says, “The Military Ball is a great experience for 

students our age as we prepare to enter adulthood. Most of us have not 

attended a formal event.” 

Experienced cadet leaders combined with just the right amount of 

guidance and involvement from the instructors creates the perfect environment 

for leadership development. The JROTC program itself is almost entirely 

student lead. This allows the cadets to sharpen and hone their communication 

and leadership skills by putting them behind the wheel and allowing them to 

develop these skills through everyday class projects ranging from PT sessions 

to planning the end of year field trip. Physical training is a weekly requirement 

for all JROTC members and can be attained in a variety of ways. Students 

will often find opportunity for physical training in competitions. In regard to 

physical training, Cadet Command Sergeant Major Daniel Allen says “You 

get out of it, what you put into it.” Comradery is the inevitable result of PT as 

students encourage each other throughout the trials of any and all physical 

tests. Their labors are rewarded at the conclusion of each year with a field trip, 

which is yet another learning experience, as all things are in JROTC. The 

field trips usually include a trip to a museum or memorial and students are 


allowed the opportunity to continue their learning and development in an outsideof-school 

environment. For many students, the field trip is the best comraderybuilding 

exercise of the year. Senior Cadet Major Tyra Jones says, “We learn about 

our country and our military history, all the while sharing laughs and making 

memories with our peers.” 

True, the JROTC curriculum does involve learning how to march, but marching 

makes up only a fraction of what the JROTC program does. JROTC is a very wellrounded 

course, covering a wide array of topics, many of which are used by cadets 

for their entire lives. In short, JROTC is about more than just marching; it is about 

supplying cadets with tools that they can apply to every aspect of their lives in high 

school, college, and beyond. n 


Growing to meet our community’s needs. 

Brandon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's new therapy gym 

is now open for inpatient and outpatient therapy. 

335 Crossgates Blvd • Brandon Ms 

601.825.3192 •Fax 601.825.6398 


Crestview 

memorial 

gardens 

• 24-Month Interest-free Financing • 

• Discount on four or more burial spaces • 

• 50% Discount for Veterans with DD214 • 

MURPHY ADKINS • DEBBIE ALLEN • LEE BARLOW 

1106 Star Rd • Brandon, MS • 601-825-4240 • info@cmgardens.com 


HardworkingMachine 


There’s a treasure tucked away in most cities, 

and the majority of those city dwellers aren’t even 

aware of it. Those treasures are alive and living 

out their remaining years in retirement homes, 

assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Yes, 

there are those living treasures that are unable to 

share their wisdom due to their health or waivering 

mental acuteness, but a rare and select group still 

function with an agreeable quality of life. 

One such octogenarian makes his home at 

Peach Tree Village at 6100 Old Brandon Road in 

Brandon. He possesses a wealth of answers to 

questions and situations people face every day. 

Mr. Walter Martin, age 83, is a retired sales and 

management employee. He was forced to retire 

two years ago from heavy farm equipment sales 

due to his health. 

He admits to being a workaholic but always 

found it rewarding. The harder he worked, the 

further he advanced in salary and promotions. 

Last week he earned a commission check by 

making two sales over the phone. Sales continue 

to motivate him. 

After Mr. Martin graduated from Riverside 

High School in Wayside, Mississippi, there was no 

money for college, so he enlisted in the Air Force 

for four years. That’s when he met his wife and 

after marriage, began a career in sales. He 

realized that a college degree wasn’t a part of his 

resume, but “hard work would make up for it.” 

His disciplined work ethic moved him and his 

family from Louisiana to Texas and back to 

Mississippi. His sales travels covered three to five 

states with four nights a week in a motel. One of 


his tax accountants figured he had logged over 

two million miles during his employment. 

Family time tops his list of fondest memories. 

“We were close,” he said. “It was hard on my wife, 

Dot – raising children with me gone four nights a 

week.” His eyes welled with tears when he told of 

her lung cancer struggle that ended in 2013. 

He still delights in visits from his daughter, 

Kathy McDill, owner of the Beach Look Tanning 

Salon and Boutique in Pearl. His son, Neal, a 

dentist in Saltillo, Mississippi, still makes regular 

visits, too. 

Of all the lessons learned in his life, it was the 

one of adversity that proved to be the most 

challenging. But Walter Martin is an overcomer in 

that category, too. Within days of his wife being 

diagnosed with lung cancer, the doctors told him 

that he was in the early stages of Parkinson’s. The 

pain soon attacked his muscles and speech, but 

hard work would be a significant factor in the 

answer to that, also. 

The disease debilitated his body to the point 

he couldn’t get out of the bed without assistance, 

and walking across the room was next to impossible. 

Home Health came to his aid and helped him 

slowly learn to take steps with a walker. 

He said, “I kept pushing myself – a little more 

every day.” When he moved to Peach Tree, 

therapists Becky Reynolds and John Kimbriel, 

assisted him with an advanced program of 

exercises, and greater strides were made. 

A regular morning workout is two to three hours 

including weights, biking, and squats. He’s so 

disciplined in his exercise that his therapists said 

he needed to cut his 7-day schedule to five. 

Today, his doctor is astounded that he marches 

down the hall using only a cane. Martin is grateful 

for the great care he receives at his new Peach 

Tree home and credits the positive changes he 

sees in the facility to Lanette Williams, the 

administrator. 

We ask, “What’s some good advice for the 

younger generation, Mr. Martin?” Without a 

pause he answers, “Be honest and work hard. 

Education is wonderful, but without it, hard work 

can overcome. And remember, if Plan A fails, 

switch to Plan B.” 

“One more question, Mr. Martin: What have 

you done in your life that was really fun?” 

Again, no hesitation: “Work!” 

For those still in the labor force and needing 

a crash course in Business and Hard Work 101, 

stop by Walter Martin’s room at Peach Tree 

Village. He’ll work you in! n 


BRANDON PUBLIC LIBRARY 

1475 W. GOVERNMENT ST • (601) 825-2672 

March-April-May Events 

Displays for March 

Mardi Gras Doll Collection of Nicki Robinson 

Mississippi Woodworkers 

Black Handmade Cloth Doll Collection of Diane Fletcher 

Displays for April and May 

Pencil and Mug Collection of Betty James 

Magnolia Wood Turners Display 

Teddy Bear Collection of Kathryn Barnard 

Regular Weekly Events 

Mondays - 10:15am Toddler Time 

Lapsit stories, songs, and finger play for babies from birth - 2 years. 

Mondays - 6pm Dulcimer Group 

Bring your own dulcimer and let’s jam together. If you don’t have an 

instrument, just come and enjoy the music. 

Tuesdays - 9am Computer Classes Free. Pre-registration requested. 

3/3 Publisher How to make your own cards using Publisher. 

3/10 Tips and Tricks for your iPhone. Learn how to fully utilize your 

iPhone. Tips, tricks and apps that will make your life easier. 

3/17 What is the cloud? Understanding the cloud or iCloud. What is it? 

How do you use it? What are the costs and safety factors? 

3/24 eBooks and Freegal Learn how to use the CMRLS ebooks system 

for ebooks and audio books. Learn how to download free music from our 

website using Freegal. 

5/5 Basic 1 Parts of the computer, how to get on the internet, and how to 

navigate the internet. 

5/12 Basic 2 Email and organizing yourself with folders. 

5/19 Basic 3 Email with attachments and searching with a search engine. 

5/26 Introduction to Windows 8 You have your new computer, but it has 

a strange new screen. Where did everything go? How do I do this? 

Bring your own device that has Windows 8 installed. 

Tuesdays - 4pm Kid Connection 

(3/10, 3/24, 4/14, 4/28, 5/12) Chess Club 

K-6th graders join us as we practice our skills to win at chess! 

3/3, 3/17 - Artist/Illustrators Month 

4/7 - Loch Ness Monster Mystery 

4/21 - Piggy Bank Problems 

5/5 - Cinco de Mayo 

5/19 - School’s Out for Summer Fun 

Wednesdays - 10:30am Preschool Story and Craft Hour Ages 3-5. 

Thursdays - 10:30am Preschool Story and Craft Hour Ages 3-5. 

Thursdays - 1pm BYOP - Bring Your Own Project 

Weekly daytime crafting group. 

Thursdays - 6pm Creative Crocheters 

Join us as we learn and crochet together. All levels of crocheters welcome. 

Fridays through 4/10 - 10am AARP Tax Aid 

Help with your taxes is available at the Brandon Library. 

Monthly Events and Meetings 

First Monday of the Month 

Brandon Bookees - 10:30am 

Brandon Library’s original book club. Stop by and discuss each month’s 

book with a group of dedicated bookworms. Call for book titles. 

Brandon Quilters - 6pm 

Cozy up with the Brandon Quilters for their meeting. 

Second Monday of the month 

Beading Class - 4 and 6pm Call to pre-register. Bring your jewelry tools. 

March 9 Pellet Bangle Bracelet $5 

April 6 Twin Beads Bracelet $5 

May 11 Tree of Life Wire Pendant $5 

Fourth Monday of the month 

Sit n’ Knit - 6pm Come knit with us. All levels of knitters are welcome! 

Third Tuesday of the month 

Friends of the Brandon Library Meeting - 6pm 

Support the Library by designating us as your Kroger Community Rewards 

Recipient. Drop by and we will show you how. 


First Wednesday of the month 

Gardening at Your Library - 10:30am Sponsored by the Master Gardeners. 

March - Dirt, Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers 

April - Medallion Plants 

May - Wind Chime Demonstration 

Second Wednesday of the month 

V.V.A. Meeting - 10:30am Join local veterans for their monthly meeting. 

Third Wednesday of the month 

Books and Brownies Book Club - 10:30am 

This year we will enjoy brownies with our books. Enjoy discussing books 

from different genres along with different brownies. Call for book titles. 

First Thursday of the month 

Genealogy Club - 10:30am Genealogy topics and assistance. 

Coin Club - 6 pm Love old and new currency? Join the Club! 

Fourth Thursday of the month 

Family Night - 6pm 

3/26 Mr. C.D. Hagan will perform and teach us about the clarinet. 

You can also join in the fun by making your own musical instrument. 

4/23 Oakdale Elementary Choir 5th and 6th grade students will perform 

Spring, Sacred, and End of the Year songs. We will also make piggy 

banks for Money Smart Week. 

5/28 End of the School Year Party! Music, games, and treats for everyone 

plus information about our Superhero Summer Reading Program that 

begins in June. 

Saturdays 

Sign Language Class - 3/21, 4/18, 5/16 - 10:30am 

Learn to speak with your hands! Free class. Registration suggested. 

Community Quilt Workdays - 3/21 - 10am Sponsored by the Brandon 

Quilters. Come by and watch, ask questions, or help us! 

Gaming Day - 3/28, 4/25, 5/23 - 12-3pm Come try out new games with 

us. Call the library for the latest details. Yu-gi-oh in March. 

Special Events 

Chess Lessons for Adults (3/10, 3/24, 4/14, 4/28) Tuesdays - 6pm 

Janet Paczak will be teaching our 6 week adult class. Please pre-register. 

Teen Night - Mondays 3/16, 4/13, 5/4 - 5pm 

Ages 12-18. College Life-Hacks Course. Things you need to know before, 

during, and after your college experience. 

Rankin County Historical Society Meeting - Tuesday 3/24 - 7pm 

How to Make a Memory Book - Monday 3/30 - 6pm 

Be inspired to make a memory book depicting different events in your 

family’s life. Melissa Black will give us hints and suggestions to get us 

started on this fun family activity. Free Class. 

National Library Week - 4/12-18 

Genealogy Workshop - Thursday 4/14, 10:30am 

Learn the basics of the free Ancestry.com Library edition database. 

Learn to print, download, and get the most out of your research. Free 

workshop. Call the Library or email brgen@cmrls.lib.ms.us for any 

questions. No registration required. 

Genealogy Workshop-Heritage Quest - Thursday 4/14 - 1 pm 

Learn to use the Heritage Quest free online database, which includes 

federal census records, books, PERSI, Revolutionary pension records, 

and the U.S. Serial Set. Learn each database, how to print, download, 

and get the most out of your research. Free workshop. Call the Library or 

email brgen@cmrls.lib.ms.us for questions. No registration required. 

Couponing 101 - Saturday 4/25 - 10:30 am 

Learn the basics of couponing from the couponing guru, Stacy Berry. 

Free class. Pre-registration requested. 

Painting with Carla - Saturday 4/30 - 6 pm Enjoy a painting with Carla 

Nations. $6 supply fee. Call to Register. 

What do you know about the Constitution? - Saturday 5/2 - 1-3 pm 

Sponsored by the LeFleur’s Bluff Chapter, National Society Daughters of 

the American Revolution and features Jeremy McNinch, Ad junct Professor 

of Law and Attorney-At-Law. Presentation will feature historical facts in 

the development of this vital document as well as changes which have 

challenged the intent of our founding fathers. 

Spring Cleaning Book Sale Friday - Saturday, May 15-16, 10am - 4pm 

Bag Day Monday, May 18, 10 am-8 pm 

The library will be closed: 

Monday, April 27, Holiday – Monday, May 25, Memorial Day 

______________________________________________________ 

Brandon Public Library is part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, which serves 

Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties.


Everything’s 

Roses 

Coming Up 

“Why do 

you do it?” 

This is the question that members of the 

Brandon Garden Club (BGC) are asked over and 

over, and there is one main answer. Although we 

do it for information on growing flowers, or tips 

on gardening and saving the environment, or 

the civic and community projects, or even great 

food, the most important reason is that we do it 

for the friendships. 

“How did you first start?” A friend asked me 

to a meeting. I called a contact number in a 

newspaper article or clicked on a link on a 

Facebook page or website. It looked like it might 

be fun, or a place to learn, or place to meet new 

people and make friends. 

“What are the members like?” BGC’s 

members are a diverse group. We have found 

that the more that they participate, the quicker 

they will find those who share their interests. 

There are those who play in the dirt and those 

who don’t. There are avid gardeners and 

beginners. Some belong to swap ideas and 

plants or to participate in outreach projects at 

nursing homes and schools. Still others enjoy 

working on civic development projects. There is 

a place for each member to use her talents. And, 

yes, questions and answers are always a part of 

meetings. If we don’t know the answer to a 

question, we will do our best to find it. 


Planning programs and activities to 

incorporate the group’s diversity of ideas, 

interests, and backgrounds is the responsibility 

of BGC’s executive committee. Twelve elected 

and appointed officers guide the club to present 

programs that educate, entertain, and 

encourage members. The February agenda for 

the executive committee included finalizing 

plans for the yearly Tablescapes Luncheon 

fundraiser, reviewing the club’s butterfly 

publication for June’s National Garden Week, 

and reporting on the civic development project 

to plant 40 Natchez white crape myrtle trees in 

Brandon cemeteries. Just for fun, there was a 

spring brunch with a centerpiece of flowers and 

plants that attract caterpillars that by summer 

will metamorphosize into beautiful butterflies. 

To make this lovely spring centerpiece with 

components that can later be planted in your 

garden: 

• Gather pots of herbs, other small plants, 

and fresh flowers. 

• Line a container with plastic. A folded, clean 

trash bag will work really well. 

• Remove herbs and small plants from plastic 

pots and bunch them in the container. 

• Insert stems of fresh flowers into water picks 

and place flowers strategically in the midst of 

the plants to resemble a blooming garden. 

(Note: Water picks are found at stores carrying 

floral design products and are usually slender, 

2 to 3 inches long, and green.) 

• Cover the dirt and other areas with green 

sheet moss. 

• Complete your centerpiece by adding a 

hardscape element, such as a pottery rabbit. 

Our centerpiece included sample host 

plants for the caterpillar or larva stage of the 

butterfly such as dill or dill weed, fennel, 

nasturtium, and parsley. It is too early to 

include host nectar plants for butterflies, such 

as black-eyed susan, Queen Anne’s lace, and 

zinnias. For more information on butterflies 

and your garden, contact Mississippi State 

University Extension Service or the Rankin 

County Extension Office at 601 Marquette Road, 

Brandon, Mississippi, 601-825-1462, email 

rankin@ext.msstate.edu. 

BGC is affiliated with The Garden Clubs of 

Mississippi, Inc. (GCM), and National Garden 

Clubs, Inc. (NGC). BGC was recognized by GCM 

as the 2014 Outstanding Garden Club, First 

Place, Natchez Trace District. The outstanding 

garden club award is given each year based on 

total points scored for the club’s projects and 

programs. BGC was also recognized as an Honor 

Roll Club. There are 18 clubs in the Natchez 

Trace District under the direction of Natchez 

Trace District Director Suzanne Ross. 

Brandon Garden Club welcomes volunteers 

for both small and large projects. For more 

information, visit thebrandongardenclub.com 

______________________________________________________ 

BGC Board members pictured above: 

(L-R) Lynn Mahoney, Delena Hamel, 

Mary-Ellen Hester, President Charla Jordan, 

Dixie Vance, Suzanne Ross

Chile Cheese 

Egg Casserole 

_________________________ 

• 1 stick butter 

• 10 eggs 

• 2 egg whites 

• 1/2 cup flour 

• 1 teaspoon baking powder 

• 2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chiles 

• 1 quart (4 cups) cottage cheese 

• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese 

• 1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese 

• 1/2 pound cooked sausage 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter in 

9x13-inch baking pan. Place pan in oven until 

butter melts; pour 1/2 butter into small bowl 

and set aside. 

Beat eggs and egg whites slightly in large 

bowl; stir in flour, baking powder, chiles, 

all cheeses, salt and pepper, and mix well. 

Pour egg mixture into baking pan and pour 

reserved butter evenly over top. 

Bake 15 minutes in 400 degree oven; 

reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 35 to 

40 minutes more or until casserole is set. 

Mixed Green Salad 

with Praline Topping 

__________________________ 

• 1 (10 oz.) mixed spring greens 

• 8 ounces strawberries, sliced 

• 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced* 

Praline Topping 

• 1 cup chopped pecans 

• 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Mix topping ingredients. Spray a baking sheet 

with butter flavored cooking spray. Spread 

mixture on baking sheet, forming a thick 

covering. Bake at 325 degrees for 24 minutes, 

stirring every 6 minutes. Cool and crumble 

topping. 

Praline Vinaigrette 

Whisk together: 

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar 

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil 

• 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 

• 1/4 teaspoon salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste. 

Combine greens with fruit. Drizzle with 

praline vinaigrette. Sprinkle with praline 

topping. Serve immediately. 

*If preparing in advance, soak apples in a 

mixture of lemon juice, lemon-lime flavored 

soft drink, and water to prevent apples from 

turning brown. 

Quick Romanoff Sauce 

and Strawberries 

___________________________ 

• 8 ounces sour cream 

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar 

• 1 tablespoon vanilla 

• 3/4 cup Cool Whip 

• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur or 

1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate 

Mix sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla 

in a bowl. Add whipped topping and orange 

liqueur or orange juice concentrate. Mix well 

and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Serve over hulled strawberries. 

Optional topping: Blue, goat, or feta cheese. 

Serves 8. 

_______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 

Charla Jordan, President, Brandon Garden Club; Public Relations Chairman and Photographer, The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc. 

Suzanne Ross, Chairman, Brandon Garden Club Civic Projects; Natchez Trace District Director, The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., National Garden Clubs, Inc. 


The CHALKBOARD 

Brandon Middle School 

Testing, testing, testing! 

It seems that testing is all that is talked about this time of 

year, but there are many other things happening at Brandon 

Middle School. The Student Council is partnering with Mrs. 

Withers’ special education class to sell “candy-grams”. Students 

can purchase candy grams with messages to send to friends at 

school. The proceeds will go to benefit the Pennies for Patients 

campaign to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma 

Society. A portion of the proceeds will also be used to fund 

field trips and other activities for the special education students. 

In other areas, the 8th grade class recently took a field trip to 

tour Brandon High School to allow our upcoming 9th graders 

to preview what they had to look forward to. Students were able 

to view several academies at the high school including health 

science, Ag, JROTC, design and others. 

Show choir competition is in full swing now! Our BMS show 

choir “Blitz” recently earned grand champion award at the 

Jackson Prep Show Choir Invitational. They faced stiff 

competition and came out ahead. Blitz has several competitions 

coming up including Jackson Academy, Homewood and Petal. 

We hope they “break a leg”. 

Many students are also preparing to tryout for various 

activities. Volleyball and cheer tryouts are being held the week 

of February 9th through the 13th. Dance team tryouts will be 

held the week of March 2nd through the 6th. And finally 

auditions for Blitz will be held the last week of March. 

So you can see that our students have many activities to 

keep them busy in addition to the dreaded testing. Many great 

things are happening at Brandon Middle School. ■ 

Mrs. Withers’ special education class 



Brandon elementary school 

first lego 

Imagine a learning environment where 10- and 11-year-old 

students research, interview, and collaborate with entrepreneurs, 

scientists, engineers, and software developers from all over the 

country. That’s exactly what happens in the 5th Grade Venture 

program at Brandon Elementary each fall as students, coached 

by teacher Donna Mabus, prepare for and participate in the 

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Competition. FIRST LEGO 

League is a worldwide competition that introduces students to 

robotics, programming, and real-world problem solving. Last 

year’s challenge, NATURE’S FURY, required students to 

study natural disasters, identify a problem, and develop a 

solution. This year’s challenge, WORLD CLASS, required 

students to reimagine the way people learn new information or 

new tasks. More than 260,000 children in 80 countries all 

work on the same challenge each year. Imagine all that collective 

brainpower focused on solving real-world problems! 

This year’s five FLL teams at Brandon Elementary spent 11 

weeks preparing for the first level of competition. In the 

beginning, teams learned how to design and build a robotic 

vehicle using LEGO Mindstorms NXT and EV3 kits. Then 

they learned how to program the robot to autonomously 

complete a set of missions on a 4’ X 8’ playing field. The 

programming requires a lot of strategy because the robot only 

has two and a half minutes to complete as many missions as 

possible during the competition. In addition to learning about 

the robots, students researched their topic, identified problems, 

created a solution, and connected with mentors who helped 

them work through the details of their proposed idea. Their 

research efforts were then turned into a creative skit to present 

to the judges. Teams identified themselves with costumes and 

names like Camo Warriors, Rockin’ Roos, LEGO Lunatics, 

Super Nerds, and Minecraft Minions. 

This year the Rockin’ Roos won first place at the school 

level and had numerous opportunities to share their idea and 

their research with authentic audiences on the federal, state, 

and local levels before heading to the state competition in 

Vicksburg. Competing against the top 30 teams in the state, 

they won the Research Award for their innovative idea that 

uses virtual reality to help students “experience” the lessons in 

their social studies book as opposed to only reading about 

them. This award embodies everything the Venture program 

represents: innovation, creativity, collaboration, technology, 

research, and 21st Century skills. The Rockin’ Roos also 

captured lots of attention at their booth with their Cardboard 

Virtual Reality goggles that allowed other teams to experience 

virtual reality for the first time. 

Besides the obvious bonding that goes on when you are part 

of a team, one of the things that makes the FLL experience so 

special is that everyone operates under the umbrella of Core 

Values where kids compete like crazy against the game, but 

show great respect for teammates, coaches, and even their 

competitors. By embracing the FLL Core Values, participants 

learn that friendly competition and mutual gain are not 

separate goals, and that 

helping one another is 

the foundation of 

teamwork. ■ 



brandon high school 

Brandon High School continues to expand the extra-curricular opportunities 

available for students. Among the new offerings over the past three years are 

the mock trial club, the Brandon High School DECA chapter, and the 

academic team. We are proud of these groups and their accomplishments 

this year. 

Mock Trial 

This year marks the first year of Brandon High School’s mock trial club, 

and members have represented the school and Rankin County well. The two 

mock trial teams, called the red and black teams, competed in the Mississippi 

Bar’s high school regional mock trial competition on Saturday, January 17, 

2015, at the Mississippi College Law School, Jackson, Mississippi. Our black 

team won the opportunity to advance to state. 

In addition, special awards were presented as follows: 

-Best attorney, rounds one and two: Jake Mullins, Red Team 

-Best attorney, round one: Hannah Nolan, Black Team 

-Best attorney, round two: Ben Kaminsky, Black Team 

-Best witness, round one: Haley Templeton, Red Team 

-Best witness, rounds one and two: Chase Baker, Black Team 

-Best witness, round two: Sarah David, Red Team 

BHS Mock Trial Team • Back, L to R: Caleb McClain, Chase Baker, Matt McCurley, Ben 

Kaminsky, Jake Mullins, Will Brown, and Brandon Norton. Front, L to R: Mrs. Sarah Printz 

(sponsor), Haley Templeton, Sarah David, Leann Ward, Hannah Nolan, Morgan Mundy, and 

Mrs. Lady Baker (sponsor). 

According to the co-sponsors of the mock trial teams, history teacher 

Sarah Printz and English teacher Lady Baker, all the team members worked 

diligently on the case for several months before the competition. Baker 

reflects: “We are appreciative of all the hours that our attorney coach, Judge 

Kent McDaniel, spent with our teams. He practiced with team members 

numerous times after school, on weekends, and during the holidays to 

prepare them for trial.” Regarding the recent competition she adds, “The 

Mississippi Bar does an excellent job of presenting the trial simulation 

materials and organizing the regional event. Our students had a positive 

experience and look forward to competing again.” 

This year’s simulation lawsuit addressed privacy laws and concerns for a 

school sponsored one-to-one computer program. Students not only learned 

about the rules of evidence and rules of procedure for trying a civil lawsuit, 

but also learned about privacy rights of students who are issued school 

computers to take home for assignments. Ben Kaminsky, one of the mock 

trial lawyers who is also on the BHS tech team notes, “This case helped me 

see that a school should not rush into a one-to-one computer opportunity for 

students without really thinking through school policy and procedures that 

should be followed.” ■ 

DECA 

“DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in 

marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges 

around the globe.” This is the mission statement of the DECA organization. 

The Brandon High School chapter of DECA is now in its second year, under 

the leadership of Brian Gaddie and Lindley Peterson. Membership in DECA 

has grown from fifteen 

students last year to 

over fifty this year. 

Through DECA, 

students are able to 

learn about all facets 

of business, as well as 

compete individually 

in approximately fifty 

different areas. At 

competition, DECA 

members take tests in 

L-R Chandler Permenter, Jonathan Bailey, Zach Beasley, Meg 

Walker, Laura Bowden, Hannah Caraway, Melanie McMillan 

their respective categories and complete role plays before a professional judge 

who works in the field they have chosen. This year, twenty-eight students 

went to the regional competition and twenty-six of those students qualified 

for the state competition in Jackson, where they will compete against 800 

students from all over Mississippi. This year’s DECA officers are: President- 

Ben Kaminsky; Vice President-Elden Robison; Secretary-CandyLee Dobbs 

and Historian-Jovonna Lacy. ■ 

Academic Team 

The academic team is now in its third year after a hiatus of several years. 

The participation in and success of the team are steadily growing. In addition 

to fall competitions at Murrah and Madison Central high schools, the 

Brandon High School academic team recently competed in the Mississippi 

College Academic Competition. Thirty-eight teams from around the state 

competed in the quiz bowl competition. Brandon High’s team made it to the 

“Final Four”, earning scholarships for all team members. The team will 

travel to Oxford on February 21 for the annual University of Mississippi 

Academic Invitational Tournament (UMAIT). On March 20th, the team 

will host the second annual “Battle of the Brains”. The inaugural competition 

last year pitted the academic team against the principals. This year the team 

will face off against a team of teachers. Last year’s competition was a big hit 

with students and teachers alike, and we look forward to seeing who emerges 

victorious this year. ■ 



ROUSE Elementary school 

Happy New Year 

The New Year at Rouse Elementary started off with a BANG! 

January 20th marked the 100th day of school with celebrations of 

being 100 days smarter. Kindergarten and first grade classes wrote 

short stories about what they will do when they are 100. Briaunna 

Anderson in Mrs. Boddy’s kindergarten class wrote, “I will be a 

grandmom and I will have grandcrldrn (grandchildren). I will be a 

babby (baby) siter (sitter) and I will make a fier (fire) and sit arode 

(around) the fier look out for my grandcrldrn.” Another kindergartner 

(Alondra) in Mrs. Youngblood’s class wrote that before she 

is 100 she would “be a mofisor (moviestar).” Many of classes had 

special 100th day snacks and exercised them off doing sets of 10 

jumping jacks, toe touches and other cardio movements. 

Classes also studied and learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, 

Jr. Students in Mrs. Busby’s kindergarten class found that his birth 

name was actually Michael and later changed to Martin. They also 

made a bubble map writing important facts about Dr. King: he was 

a pastor, an author, a leader, and from Atlanta, GA. One student 

stated that Dr. King wanted everyone to be friends. Balou Hicks 

wrote, “My friend is Makala. We pla(y) gams. We hav(e) fun.” 

We are so proud that Dr. King’s Dream is our reality! 

As we begin the month of February, units of study include 

Cowboys and the Rodeo, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. 

As usual, reading, researching and writing as well as math activities 

are incorporated in our units. Student favorites include graphing 

“Cowboy Trail Mix,” making 

sentences and adding with 

conversation hearts before we eat the yummy goodness of each! 

We are looking forward to March and not just because of Spring 

Break, but also because of our love of Dr. Seuss and Read across 

America week! Learning about Dr. Seuss and reading as many of 

his books as we can is so much fun! Students will write opinion 

pieces about their favorite Dr. Seuss books in addition to learning 

more about rhyming, alliteration, counting and adding. 

March also brings Kindergarten registration for the 2015 

– 2016 school year. Is your child ready for next fall? As you can 

see, this is not the same kindergarten most remember as a child. 

With today’s standards, what was the goal for kindergarten student’s 

reading levels by the end of the school year 10 years ago is now more 

like what was acceptable for the end of first grade. For your child to 

be prepared, work with him or her on not just being able to say their 

ABC’s but that they can recognize the letters by sight. Help them to 

count as high as they can. Assist them in writing their first name 

and recognizing what each letter is by name. Read more to them 

and talk about what the book is about. Let them ask questions about 

what you read. Rouse kindergarten registration will be March 24th 

from 8am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm. Kindergarten teachers will be 

available to assist with registration and greet parents on this day as 

well as our principals. For more information on what is needed for 

registering your child for kindergarten check the RCSD website at 

www.rcsd.ms. We look forward to seeing you there! ■ 



stonebridge Elementary school 

SAMR 

We live in a world filled with technology and our students 

must know how to use technology to inspire their ingenuity, 

creativity, and problem solving skills. At StoneBridge Elementary 

our mission is to develop the knowledge and skills of students that 

would allow them to become the leaders of tomorrow. In order to 

complete this mission, technology is heavily integrated into the 

classrooms. 

The Rankin County School District and StoneBridge Elementary 

have implemented the SAMR model to better engage the 21st 

century student. The “S” in SAMR is described as substitution, 

which uses technology to act as a substitution for an activity that 

previously could have been completed through paper and pencil. 

The “A” in SAMR stands for augmentation, which uses technology 

to slightly enhance, or augment, a previous use, such as an internet 

search engine. Modification is the third level and provides 

significant task redesign. Then the final level of SAMR is redefinition, 

which allows the students to use technology to create new 

tasks that were previously inconceivable. 

When entering into the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms at 

StoneBridge Elementary you may find students creating websites, 

using Tackk.com, based on the information they have found 

researching through Symbaloo.com. You may even see a teacher 

using Padlet.com in a lesson 

to incorporate parent 

responses during a lesson, 

which creates a more personalized 

lesson for the students. 

In addition to students writing 

what they learned, they might 

create a Voki through voki.com by creating an avatar, which can be 

programed to share what the students learned. With all of these 

new and engaging websites that teachers are using, the parents are 

eager to see what students are creating using technology. Therefore, 

teachers are creating QR codes that parents and students can scan 

which creates a direct link to individual student’s electronic 

portfolio. 

It is exciting to enter a classroom filled with students who are 

engaged, excited, and eager to learn the content through the use of 

innovative technology approaches. Benjamin Franklin once 

quoted, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve 

me and I learn.” By engaging and involving the students through 

technology using the SAMR model the students at StoneBridge 

Elementary will retain the content at a deeper level and remember 

their exciting days as a StoneBridge Bulldog. ■ 

Miles in the 

Moonlight 

5KRun/Walk & Fun Run 

Saturday, March 28 

Brandon Educational Scholastic Team 

Register at msracetiming.com 


Join Crossgates United Methodist Church 

for a 40-day Journey to the Cross to 

change our hearts and lives forever. 

WORSHIP WITH US EACH SUNDAY 

8:30am & 10:30am 

Strength for the Journey @ 6:30pm 

and explore weekly opportunities for 

more ways to grow at crossgatesumc.org 

join us the last week of Lent for 

March 29 thru April 4 

Experience The Last Days each night 

@ 6:30pm in the Sanctuary 

Molly 

Hunter 

Miss Teen Magnolia State 

Molly Hunter, a Junior at Brandon High School 

was recently selected from a field of 53 state wide 

contestants as Miss Teen Magnolia State. 

She represented Rankin County and the title 

has earned her a $1,000 prize and a seven day 

cruise next summer. She competed in interview, 

casual and evening wear. Molly is the daughter 

of Tommy and Tara Hunter of Brandon. 

A Community of Faith called to love others the way God loves us 

23 Crossgates Drive | Brandon, MS 39042 

601.825.8677 | crossgatesumc.org 



The Time Coin 

Mrs. Bailey was pleased that 

Cynthia wanted to volunteer in 

her class. She only had six 

students, but each one was challenged in 

mind and background. Volunteers were 

needed and welcomed. 

The special-ed class was at the end of 

the hall – away from the bustling classrooms 

of twenty-plus. Cynthia was a bit 

apprehensive on her first day, but even 

without adequate training in their needs, 

she was confident that love and compassion 

would be a compensating factor. 

Cynthia opened the door wearing her 

best smile and greeted Mrs. Bailey as she 

scanned the students. They were elementary young and all watched 

her with inquisitive eyes. “Students, I want you to meet a new friend, 

Ms. Cynthia. She’s going to be a regular in our room.” 

The children continued to stare as Cynthia pushed her purse behind 

the desk and waited for her first assignment. “Ms. Cynthia, I think you 

and Toby would make a great team. We’ve been working on colors 

and letters, so I’m going to let you two sit at this table and get to know 

one another.” 

Toby’s small frame stepped away from his desk, and he sat down 

beside Cynthia. His tiny hands were chalky and dry, and his shirt sleeves 

were two sizes too short on his thin arms. Toby was blind in one eye and 

always turned his head – like a little bird – favoring his seeing eye. His 

hair was matted in curls that weren’t accustomed to enjoying a comb. 

“Hello, Toby, can you show me a red block?” He turned his head 

toward the stack of blocks and picked up a yellow one. For the rest of 

Cynthia’s time, she played games with Toby and the blocks. She was 

overjoyed when he identified red and yellow colors. 

On Cynthia’s second visit, she wasn’t apprehensive but excited. Toby 

was already at their table, and they chose a game with colors. It was like 

Toby’s memory had been wiped clean, waiting for a transfer of new 

information. Before frustration won the 

morning, Cynthia pushed the blocks aside and 

pulled the A, B, C’s from the alphabet row. 

Toby not only was seeing and learningimpaired, 

his communication skills didn’t 

resemble skills. Cynthia wished for a magical 

key that would unlock his tongue but knew 

none. Progress with his alphabet was stalled 

and wouldn’t budge. 

Over the next weeks, Toby and Cynthia 

didn’t necessarily make strides in learning, but 

their friendship grew. Cynthia invested in a 

new wardrobe for Toby and found the key to 

making his face light up – books. Cynthia 

would read, pointing to colors and sounding 

out letters at opportune moments. 

Still, Toby couldn’t remember colors or letters, but he was learning 

friendship and trust. Over the next several weeks, they read and reread 

every book on the small blonde bookshelf. On Cynthia’s next visit, she 

planned to bring some books from her own children’s library. 

As she thumbed through the titles, she passed the “pineapple” book 

– a favorite of her children’s about a missionary discovering the key to 

reaching people of a primitive culture. Cynthia quickly pushed it aside 

– too advanced for Toby’s small intellect. 

Then that still small voice urged her to take the pineapple book. 

She argued with God briefly, but finally slid it into her satchel. “This 

will be a wasted read,” she told herself as she left for school. 

When she opened the door to the classroom, all six of the children 

were gathered around Mrs. Bailey. The aroma of fresh pineapple filled 

the room. “Come in, Ms. Cynthia, we’re studying about pineapples 

today, and we’re about to sample a piece.” 

Cynthia’s heart rejoiced, and it wasn’t about the aroma of pineapple. 

It was the flood of assurance that God was working. His voice is always 

right, and today she learned, right along with Toby. God holds the keys 

to all of our challenges. n 


CELEBRATING 115 YEARS OF LASTING IMPRESSIONS 

No matter where our location – from above a Chinese Laundry, to East Pearl Street, 

to 500 Steed Road, our door is always open. 

Offering full-color printing to specialty finishes, to addressing postcards and providing 

complete variable one-to-one marketing campaigns, Hederman Brothers is your one door shop. 

If you are looking for a marketing partner and not just a print vendor, call Hederman 

Brothers at 601-853-7300 and let us open the door to creative and innovative solutions. 

PRINT 

CROSS 

DIRECT DIGITAL GREEN DESIGN 

MEDIA 

500 Steed Road • Post Office Box 6100 • Ridgeland, MS 39158 

601. 853. 7300 • f 601.853.7335 • www.hederman.com

Because there’s Merit 

in, “Location. Location...” 

No matter where you are, chances are one of our hospitals or clinics is just down 

the road or around the corner. We’re Merit Health. Six hospitals. 

36 affiliated clinics. And a combined medical staff of more than 

1,800 physicians. All working toward one goal: your health. 

You’ve known us for years, but now we invite you to get to know our 

new names and the Merit our new network can offer you and your family. 

Find out more at MyMeritHealth.com. 

Central Mississippi Medical Center is now Merit Health Central 

Madison River Oaks Medical Center is now Merit Health Madison 

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital is now Merit Health Rankin 

River Oaks Hospital is now Merit Health River Oaks 

River Region Health System is now Merit Health River Region 

Woman’s Hospital is now Merit Health Woman’s Hospital 

1,800 Physicians. 

36 Clinics. 

Six Hospitals. 

One Goal. 

Your Health. 

MyMeritHealth.com

Hometown Brandon - Spring 2015

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?