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News from Tutwiler
by Janie Bruister

    That old saying about "an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure" still has merit and, if something threatening can be warded off, then we're for it. That's why we got our flu shots this week. Got pneumonia shots, too, since we'd neglected to do that in the past. After having a "touch" of pneumonia last spring, it was easier to remember the need for the shot...sort of like the little boy (who when asked what he'd learned in life so far) said he'd learned it was easier staying out of trouble than it was GETTING out of trouble. Be sure and get your's, ok?
    On Saturday, the 16th, East Central Comunity College in Decatur, Ms. held an impressive ceremony commemorating the naming of the Day Family Memorial Campus Arboretum and Outdoor Classroom which was established by planting more than 250 trees to honor the memory of Samuel Marion Day and Eliza Frances Day of Newton County.
    Mr. Day, the great, great grandfather of Daysidel Day Bruister, served as the first president of the college. Some of his descendants have served in the same capacity since, one of whom was the late Dr. L.O.Todd who served from 1934 to 1953.
    The meandering trail of trees presents a living outdoor learning experience for students today and will for years to come. What a beautiful way to remember. Of course, Daysidel was in attendance accompianied by her daughter Delanne Billingsly of Como and her son James and his wife Marilyn of Tylertown. Daughter Barbara Dunavent was unable to attend. Another happy occasion was the gathering of the Ashford Family, the first in 8 years, on Oct. 10th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hill in Greenwood. Mrs. Hill is the daughter of the late David Ashford of Grenada. Even though the older members enjoyed this time together, they wanted the younger members to get together and get to know one another so the tradition could and would be continued throughout the years to come. Those present were Mary Claire Foreman of Garland, Texas; Shirley and Edgar Gaston of Enid Shores; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Smith and three children of Clarksdale; Mrs. David Ashford of Grenada; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Mood and children Kelly and Jeannie of Oxford; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hill and children Leslie, Christy and 1 grandchild of Greenwood; Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Ashford and Blake of Houston, Tx.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ashford of Lyon, Ms.; Andre Ashford and children Allison and Alex of Germantown; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Osborn, Mr. and Mrs. David Osborn and three children, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Blackwood and two children all of Southaven and Hayward and Mable (Ashford) Callicutt of Tutwiler.
    Others on the go this past week were Thelma Wright, Savannah Kellum and Leona and Johnnie Lane, each to visit their children in Alabama and Tennessee. Anne Barnes was accompanied by Tom, Polly and Barbara Jennings to Texas for a "fun visit" with Anne's brother Harlan and wife Mary. Martha Campbell journeyed to Texas, too, but to look in on her brother who is ill. We hope she finds him doing better.
    Sammy and Jerry Orman accompanied their daughter and her husband, Dr. Hugh and Diane Smith of Cleveland, to Birmingham then on to Jefferson City, Tenn. to see grandson Reeves play ball. They were instructed to enjoy the beautiful foliage for all of us, too, but reported that, although pretty, it was rather behind schedule in it's coloring.
    Anne Starr, Daysidell Bruister and I were priviledged to see and hear Anthony Burger (of the Gaithor Trio) perform on the new fifty thousand dollar Steinway Grand, a gift to the Como Methodist Church inComo. We joined Delanne Billingsly, Daysidel's daughter and organist for the church, for this inspiring dedication service. Anthony, who is a short bundle of dynamite, christened that beautiful instrument in unsurpassed style and humility. This young man who was burned so badly during infancy and was told he'd "never have the use of his hands" brought the house down and people closer to God with fingers that often resembled hummingbird's wings. Let me tell you, miracles do still happen. Perhaps not as dramatically and on the spot as in Bible times, but they're everywhere.
    Little Eren Pharis, grandaughter of Cebe and Linda Pharis, was baptized into the Baptist church family in Tutwiler a couple of Sundays ago. On the same day, Wilma Dyess moved her membership back here, too. Wilma's sister Sue and husband Al Applewhite of Clinton have been visiting, taking her home with them. Wilma fell and chipped a bone in her foot requiring a cast and she was ailing before that, so she returned with them. Don't know just yet whether she'll require hospitalization but we'll miss her. She loves and enjoys people and spreads cheer.
    William Smith (our mailman) of the Walnut Community at Vance is recovering from back surgery and we wish him well. Ruth Smith, formally of Tutwiler and now living with her daughter in Moorehead, is reportedly not doing well. We're always glad to hear from friends and acquaintances who've moved away and want to wish them God Speed.
    The community deaths include a former Tutwiler resident, Mrs Louise Lomenick. She and her family lived here years ago, operating a grocery store in town before moving to Nevada where she resided at the time of her death. Her obituary stated her survivors which included two daughters, Anne and Carol, and three sons, Don, John and James. Other deaths are Mrs. Pauline Jenkins, mother of Wilma Prine of Sumner and Mildred Campbell of Tutwiler, and Mrs. Ruth Goss, the mother of Freddie and Charles Goss of Webb. We extend heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
    That's about it, again, from Tutwiler where our congratulations go to Laura Beth Dong, daughter of Ronald and Linda Dong of Webb, for being named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Schoarship Program. Laura Beth is a senior at Lee Academy.

News from Tutwiler
by Janie Bruister

    Back in Joshua's time God caused "the sun and moon to stand still". (see Joshua 10:12-14) Since we can't do that with time, we rearrange it and for a purpose. Falling back an hour enables school children to catch the bus in daylight hours rather than early dawn which had been the case. I much prefer daylight savings time, all for selfish reasons, of course, which makes us know time is best left in God's hands.
    No truer than in the Governor's race is the saying "time waits for no man" for, indeed, we are all waiting to know who our next Governor will be. I can't recall that happening during my voting lifetime (but that doesn't mean it hasn't). Makes it a mite interesting though, doesn't it?
    Congratulations to Bonnie Zella Wilson, daughter of Robinn Wilson of Jackson and Tennie Wilson of Sumner and grandaughter of Robin and Jane Wilson of Clarksdale for attending the University of Wales (at Swensen, Wales in Great Britain) Honor School. Bonnie Zella, one of five scholars from Ms. Southern and the only female, is a sophomore majoring in medicine.
    Wiley Jenkins, son of Zack and Edna Jenkins of Sumner, has been accepted in the Doctoral Program at Southern and will teach in England next year.
    At the same time, grade schoolers Phillip and John William Jennings made the honor roll, and their sister Ashley made the Superintendant's list. Their cousin Lauranne Vance participated in Delta State's Beauty Review along with Charity Swindoll of Tutwiler and Angenette Pennington of Webb.
    John and "Peaches" Denny are welcoming both a new grandbaby and a great grandbaby. We'll be writing about their achievements soon, too, I'm sure.
    Some people keep on achieving even after "school". Maude Schuyler Clay of Sumner has a newly published book of her photographs entitled "Delta Land". Congratulations!
    Jean Thomas attended her 50th High School Reunion in Drew recently. Among those present (including Jean) were six (of 12) girls who were classmates all the way through school at Drew.
    Jean reviewed the book (or one of them) that's all the rage right now, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling at last weeks Sandwich with Books luncheon meeting. This is an imaginative, magical fantasy written for children but has become a best-seller for adults, as well. And no wonder, with stark reality so unbelievable, who doesn't want to escape!
    Aide Whittaker visited her mother, Adelaide Steele, flying in from Tallahassee to Memphis where she was to connect with her aunt, Elsie Steele, who had planned a visit also but, due to a bug, was unable to come, much to her disappontment. (Let this be a reminder to get your flu shot.)
    Bro. and Mrs. J.B. Hays with children, Anna and Joel, attended the Pastor's Conference and Mississippi Baptist Convention in Jackson. While there, they visited Chris Wright at McGee and Wilma Dyess, who was hospitalized at St. Dominic's at the time, but has now been transferred to North Sunflower County Hospital in Ruleville. Mary Dean Abbey of Webb is home after being hospitalized in Memphis. We have both in our prayers.
    A group of youth and children from Tutwiler Baptist attending the Melendez Concert Sunday were Chance and Blake Smith, Joel Hays, Mary Beth and Ashley Hubbard, Sara Dunavent, John Phillip Gee and Brandon Wright, accompianied by adult leader Ronnie Smith. Bob Ed Wright attended the concert with them and all went to the Wright home afterward for supper and fun.
    Adults from Tutwiler enjoying the Singspiration on Tuesday night at Clarksdale Baptist Church were Savannah Kellum, Daysidel Bruister-Berryhill, Shirley Brougher, Agnes Martindale, Thelma Wright and Tom and Polly Jennings.
    That's it, again, from Tutwiler where the foliage is turning into beautiful colors and the weather is fantastic.

News from Tutwiler
by Janie Bruister

    "The man who misses all the fun is he who says it can't be done." It was getting done and everybody seemed to be having fun doing it when we arrived at the Western Sizzlin' about eight o'clock Thanksgiving morning. The assembly lines were already in action, manned by youngsters and oldsters alike. After taking our turn, we left feeling good, knowing that many would enjoy a wonderful meal of turkey and dressing with all the trimmings due to the generosity of so very many who contributed their time and means so it could happen. The only person we knew among all the volunteers was Otto Preus but the day was still young.
    Thanksgiving is a state of the heart and mind which is every day with us. Most families around here fellowshipped around a bountiful table with loved ones and friends capping the day with the State/Ole Miss game. We had a ring side seat here at home and What a game it was!
    Others experienced their first Thanksgiving without a loved one such as the Jennings family and the absence of Polly Jennings whose death last week is being acutely felt by her church family and community as well as by her family and friends. Polly enjoyed life and was such a blessing to us all. Rose Califf, formerly of Dublin and long-time friend of Polly's, called from her home in South Carolina. She, too, lost her brother James just a few short weeks ago. Sympathy goes also to the Thomas family. Margaret Jane Thomas, wife of John who is Charles' brother, was buried the day Polly died. She lived in Winona and was buried in Rome.
    We're happy that Ruby Beaird is home and doing well and Wilma Dyess is improving though hospitalized still. Willie Belle Castle is much improved after a short stay in the hospital recently and last week was able to attend homecoming at her home church in Caile along with her husband and children, Katie and Jim Cox. Over two hundred came together for that reunion at Caile United Methodist Church. Pelham Turner is home after several day's stay in the Clarksdale hospital and is improving...the way he puts it is "he's walking now but not dancing yet."
    Nancy Thomas, formerly of Webb and now living in Cleveland, suffered a stroke this week and is hospitalized there. We continue to be concerned for her.
    There's much to report on since I didn't meet the deadline for my article last week making a three week interval this time. The NARFE meeting scheduled to meet at the Sam Orman's and the Book Review to be given by Zack Jenkins at the regular Sandwich With Books were both cancelled due to Polly's death. I was able to meet with the PEP (People Enjoying People) Group of Clarksdale's First Methodist Church for their Luncheon program but had to miss the "delicious meal" due to scheduling of her funeral and getting back for it. Mrs. Lorene "Teeny" Turner entertained the Clarksdale Garden Club with a program on trees last week at their regular meeting. She has a most interesting lawn filled with every variety imaginable and a joy to have.
    We're comforted throughout the life cycle process, bidding farewell to those we've known and welcoming those being born. Friends of Gaye Campbell Williamson gathered at Anne Barnes' home for a diaper and casserole shower in anticipation of the little one, due in December. Savannah Kellum and I were co-hostesses.
    On Saturday the 20th, Lisa Burton complimented Jamie McCoy of Mobile with a lovely bridal shower. Jamie is a former Tutwiler girl and the grandaughter of Leona and Johnie Lane.
    Another wonderful event (which we were unable to attend) was a reception honoring Margurite Webb for her many years of loving service as musician for the Sumner Presbyterian Church. She has used her talents beautifully and we congratulate her.
    We are thrilled for Reeves Smith, grandson of Sam and Jerry Orman, and happy for Delta State University because Reeves has signed to play college baseball there. "His fastball has been clocked at 91 MPH" and we are expecting great things in the years ahead for him. He has just completed the fall season with the traveling Mississippi Stars.
    Sumner Baptist are enjoying having John and Sue Blouin from Batesville as their enterim pastor and music director. They also direct the Delta Singers.
    Two out-of-towner home folks at Lion's Sunday Buffet were Jane Jernberg of Memphis and Harold Blaine of Winona.
    Joy Sossaman was one of the chaperones when her son Ruston and his class from St. George's went on a most enjoyable trip to Tishamingo State Park.
    Mistletoe Shoppers from Tutwiler were Anne Barnes and daughter Joy Bellipanni of Belzoni. A large group from First Batist attended the Vienna Boys Choir concert in Helena recently.
    Stephanie Shelby and baby daughter Sidney visited her parents, Bill and Carolyn Bruister, in Clarksdale and grandparents, L.W. and Frieda Kimzey and Myrna Mitchell in Tutwiler recently. Agnes Martindale had all her children together before Thanksgiving when daughter Bettye Langford and husband John came from Houston, Texas to attend his aunt's funeral in Oxford and spent several day's here with her. Becky Wellman of Dunlap, Tennessee spent several days last week with her parents James and Annette Brand.
    The Baptist TNT Group were joyfully entertained at their Luncheon Meeting by David Miller of Charleston. David holds the title of Champin Tall Tale Teller in the State which he has won three times. (I really think it's labeled the biggest liar) He has to compete nevertheless and he kept us laughing with his stories.
    That's about it, again, from Tutwiler where a Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 11th and I've noticed some much improved street decorations are sparkling already. Mayor Grayson or "somebody" is to be commended.

News from Tutwiler
1st half of Jan.
by Janie Bruister

    Greetings and welcome to the new year! I'm excited to have my article in the first issue of the Clarksdale Press Register in the year 2000. Just think, this could be the year you've been waiting for if you happen to be one of those waiting for something special in some way. Maybe if the past year wasn't too kind to you, then hopefully this one will be better. Some of us just hope it will be as good as the last. At any rate, I'm wishing all of you health, wealth and happiness. That's a time-worn phrase, I know, but it sums it up well.
    Perhaps wishing you joy would be better because I know that even through pain and poverty, one can still experience joy. Yes, I wish you joy. And all the other good things for your well-being during this year that so many seem to dread its coming.
    We don't want to be like the centipede Mrs. Edward Craster wrote about who was quite happy until a toad, in fun, said, "pray, which leg goes after which?" Well, that worked her mind to such a pitch, she lay distracted in a ditch, just considering how to run.
    We fare much better when we know WHO holds the future and put our trust in Him.
    One of the saddest stories I heard last year was about the California woman who had her husband's body held in the cooler for a month because "he happened to die during the party season and she didn't want to miss any of the fun."
    Life proves every day to be a mixture of joy and sorrow. Winfred and Martha Campbell were celebrating the birth of their first grandchild when word came that her brother in New Mexico had died. So the holidays for them were divided, not only in feelings, but time and travel.
    The same was true for the Kellum family. Savannah divided her time, being with her visiting children who came here and visiting her nephew, Joe Kellum, who is seriously ill, hospitalized at Baptist East.
    Hayward and Mable Callicutt attended the funeral of her sister-in-law, Mrs. David Ashford, whose husband and son both preceded her in death during the year. Mable's brother, Henry Ashford of Lyon, continues ill in the Clarksdale hospital at this time. Our sympathy and concern certainly go to these families as well as all the families celebrating the holidays for the first time after the death of a loved one, and there are many in our Tutrovansum area.
    An update on Wilma Dyess is that of being transferred from the Ruleville hospital, where she's been for some time, to the Clarksdale hospital after sustaining a fall, breaking her leg. Our prayers are with her. She is so ready to come home, but unable to.
    Probably every family in Tutwiler either visited their children or parents away or those family members came here during the holidays. Some of those are Sammy and Jerry Orman who had all their children and grandchildren, Hugh and Diane Smith and family of Cleveland; Bruce, Nancy and children of Clarksdale and John, Joy and Ruston Sossaman of home. Thomas and Jean Callicutt had their children Tommy and Connie of New Orleans, Dr. Dan and his family of New Albany and Mike and Cheryl Swindoll and children of home. Earline Burton had her children Gregg and Velmarie and children of Belzoni, Barry and family of Clarksdale and Rodney, Lisa and children of home. Anne Barnes divided her holiday time with her children and grandchildren in Cleveland and Belzoni. We gathered at my sister Yvonne's home in Cedar Hill, Tennessee for our family gathering, then spent Christmas day in Starkville with our children and grandchildren. We're awaiting the arrival of our first great grandchild who was due on Dec. 26th, but has yet to make an appearance.
    The Brands, James and Annette, were joined by their daughter, Becky Wellman of Dunlap, Tn., for a Christmas visit with Beth and Tom Maylik and family of Houston, Texas. Grandaughter Caitlin came back with them for the remainder of the holidays and will return by plane on Sunday.
    We were back and forth so much during the holidays and missed several parties, one of which was a bridal shower honoring Kimberly Grissom, bride elect of Jeffrey Corso, on Dec. 21st given by Alice Grimsley, Dede Medders, Linda Smith and Georgianna Smith and held in Everett Hall at Tutwiler Baptist Church. A large crowd attended and she received many lovely gifts.
    Another group who had a wonderful time were the residents of the Ruleville Convalescent Center when Barbara Jennings entertained as Dolly Parton. She dons a wig and with other attributes au natural, she keeps you laughing and this time two of the male residents followed her to her car. She managed to get away anyway!
    Barbara enjoyed a trip to Branson, returning to host her children and grandchildren during the holidays here at home.
    That's about it, again, from Tutwiler where I'll share words from the pen of a former Tutwiler Baptist Minister, Jimmy Martin concerning each new year...

"Now fresh in our hands once more is laid
A clean, new book, by the Master made
Unmarred are the pages lying there...
Twelve new chapters so fresh and fair."

News from Tutwiler
by Janie Bruister

    It's time for the Spring Standards Review Committee to accept applications for membership in the Craftsman's Guild of Mississippi, headquartered in Jackson. "Exhibiting membership is open to anyone whose work reflects professional standards and a high degree of competence in creating fine handmade crafts," says V.A.Patterson, the Guild's Executive Director. I've mentioned before that Carroll and Melanie are both members, with Carroll becoming a member within a few years of its inception. Now, from Tutwiler, we have the Tutwiler Quilters who became members about three years ago. If you would like to have your work reviewed with the potential of becoming a member of this prestigious group, call (601)981-0019.
    We're enjoying something different close by. Snow geese are flying in by the hundreds, landing in a cotton field and making it look, at a distance, like the cotton did when it was all white, waiting to be picked. When they lift off is when they're so beautiful.
    An even more beautiful sight was seeing our newborn great grandaughter, Rhiannon, for the first time last week. She's unbelievably perfect and the radiant faces of her parents, Keryn and Brandon Page, tell you they think she is, too. She has several sets of grandparents, great grandparents, and even a great great grandmother beaming over her, too, not to mention those she's made aunts and uncles (and all that) for the first time. "Welcome to the world baby girl."
    We've had several deaths in our Tutrovansum Community and our sympathy goes out to the families of all of these: Sabrin Spencer of Sumner; Eva Kendall of Webb; the brother of Sue Jue, Sally Lay and Mary Hoskins. Sue's brother lived in Jackson and the funeral was Saturday. Sally Lay became a patient in River Oaks Convalescent Center in Clarksdale after her husband's death, having to leave her home here in Tutwiler. Mary Hoskins would have been 103 in March. She died at home and, up until that time, was active and alert, quoting scripture, talking to friends (like me) about her flowers, even cooking and caring for one of her (many) grands every day.
    I know that every one of us would like to be able to do the same thing.....be active every day of our lives and live to be old. What I want has been voiced beautifully by Erma Bombeck who said when she faced God she hoped He could say,"You used ALL your talent!" I thought about this as Carroll and I enjoyed the entertainment at the North Central Baptist Assn. Merrymakers Celebration at First Baptist Church in Grenada on Thursday. The musical group was called the "Three 'R' Trio plus Two" from Calhoun City and consisted of four men who were "old", but so young in spirit, as was their female pianist. Each played an instrument and sang solos. "You used all your talent" means we keep at it till we die. Right? We enjoyed seeing Dora Jones, Mary Harpole and Bro. Truman Scarbrough of Charleston there, too. Others there from Tutwiler were Savannah Kellum, Tom Jennings, Thelma Wright, Shirley Brougher and Agnes Martindale.
    The Rev. M.C. Johnson of Clarksdale filled the pulpit at First Baptist Tutwiler while our pastor, Bro. J.B. Hays was hospitalized recently. Bro. J.B. is back home now and improving daily. Bro. Johnson brought word of Rev. Lucious Marion being ill but, although confined to bed, his spirits are high.
    Bro. Marion served as interim pastor at Tutwiler Baptist and both he and his wife, Mildred, are loved by us. Let my column today be a big get-well card to you, Bro. Marion. We have both of you in our prayers.
    The TNT Group had an upbeat, enthusiastic speaker Tuesday at their Luncheon Meeting. Ed Heidorn, a partner in Bird's Eye View, Inc., a company that makes aviaries, lives at Carthage, Ms., but commutes to Charleston each week where he manages Charleston Industries. These aviaries are beautiful, glassed-in cabinets filled with colorful birds in an outdoor type setting. They are great for restaurants, schools, hospitals, private resdences or just about anywhere. I've seen two of their aviaries, one in the entrance of River Oaks Convalescent Center in Clarksdale, the other at the Ruleville Nursing Center in Ruleville. Go by and take a look. It'll make you want one.
    Donna Drake enjoyed the aviary in Ruleville when visiting her mother, Frieda Kimzey, who is a resident there, while home from Crusade for Christ in Russia, making home base with Dad, L.W. Kimzey, in Tutwiler.
    As a Christmas gift, Barbara Jennings took daughter Luanne Vance to see Ragtime at the Orpheum in Memphis and lunch at the Peabody. Gifts like that make Christmas last longer.
    Barbara's grandchildren, Ashley, Phillip and John William were on the honor roll again! Others in our area from schools and colleges are Phillip Clark, Bo Catoe, Anna Booth Clay, Melanie Dong, Julye Clark, Melinda Brett, Jeffrey Clark, Laura Beth Dong, Edward Woo, Corley Luckett, Ellen Whitten and David Athey. Congratulations to all of you and I apologize for those I probably failed to list.
    That's it, again, from Tutwiler where colds and flu are happening as elsewhere in the Nation. James Brand, Jackie Downs, Agnes Martindale and Anne Barnes have had bouts with it and I'm sure there are more. Hope the rest of us miss it! We're looking forward to winter.....the weatherman says it might come tonight!(Thurs.)

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