Raymond News

Happy Easter from the Culpepper family! It looks like the weather pattern will shift from sunny, clear skies to regular rain and thundershowers. I hope April showers will bring May flowers – as well as a lift on the burn ban. Our Costco boxes are really piling up!

This past Palm Sunday, the big girls and I enjoyed the musical "The Witness" at the Raymond Methodist Church. The choir sang beautifully and the narration was delightful. This night was even more special as the Raymond Methodist Church gave a big thank you to Jim Bridges as he enters retirement after a storied 30-year career as musical director. After the performance, Jim's wife, Sharon, and daughter, Bethany, hosted a retirement celebration filled with delicious homemade cakes and plenty of hugs. Bethany told me at the reception that this "definitely feels like the end of an era." She is so proud of her daddy as she watched him direct choir throughout her entire life. Over the years, Jim has touched so many lives worshipping Jesus through music. Happy Retirement, Jim!

In more musical news, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, will host their Arts and Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30pm as they present an evening of music featuring Hinds Community College's Jazz Combo and Rock Band. All are welcome for what will surely be a memorable evening where history meets harmony. Set within the stunning acoustics of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, this performance will include a dual-genre showcase featuring a smooth Jazz Combo and a high-energy Rock Band. This is a special opportunity for the Raymond community to experience the incredible talents of the students of Hinds Community College. Don't miss this great event!

The Raymond Garden Club is accepting applications for their annual kid's camp. Virginia Rose has attended this camp two years in a row and she had so much fun! The 2026 Nature Camp will take place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 8:30am-11:30am at the Raymond Welcome Center (across Court Street from the library). This camp is for kids ages 9-12 and the camp is limited to 20 kids. Cost is $10. To request a camp application, email sew582@yahoo.com. The kids will have fun while learning about gardening and nature with games, activities, snacks, and goody bags!

The Raymond Library has announced new hours. To better serve the Raymond community, the Raymond Public Library will no longer close for lunch at 12:00pm. Their doors will remain open throughout the day until closing, to ensure more convenient access to library services. As always, the library appreciates your continued support and they look forward to welcoming you during their new uninterrupted hours! Library hours of operation are from 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Thursday and 9:00am – 5:00pm on Friday.

The Mississippi Animal Rescue League has always been near and dear to my heart as this is where we adopted Dolly over 11 years ago! Unfortunately, MARL is CRITICALLY low on dry food as well as several items needed to run the shelter. Our favorite Raymond breakfast spot, The Busted Biscuit, is proud to partner with MARL to support dogs and cats across Mississippi.

Here's how you can help MARL next time you are getting the best sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit in town: Bring a donation and get a FREE specialty coffee. Donations include dry dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, puppy and kitten milk replacer powder, dog and cat toys, collars and leases, Pine-sol, bleach, Fabuloso, laundry detergent, and paper towels. And if you adopt a pet from MARL before April 30th you can get a $50 gift card to The Busted Biscuit. Start your morning with purpose...and maybe a new best friend!

In other animal related news, our dear friend Peggy McKey is in rough shape (but high spirits as always) after a terrible fall off her horse last week. Peggy's daughter, Candace McKey Strong, reported that her mother was able to call for help and was promptly taken to UMMC. Peggy had surgery on Sunday to repair her broken pelvis. Her 10 broken ribs will need time to heal. Additionally, her lung was punctured, requiring a drainage tube and some internal bleeding. Thankfully, Peggy is receiving excellent care and is surrounded by family. She also suffered a concussion so the family is asking for no visitors at this time. Instead of texts or calls, please write Peggy a letter that she can read when she returns home from the hospital. Prayers for our special friend!

I hope everyone has a lovely Easter weekend with friends and family.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless king through all eternity.

Be kind and suffer well.