Raymond News

For anyone who knows me or has walked with me in the Raymond Walking Club, you know how much I love a good flea market, estate sale, or antique store. Rummaging through old, fun things is how I decompress on the weekend after a long week of schooling and motherhood. It is my favorite hobby. The Gathering Place on Court Street is one of my "happy places" that allows me treasure hunt to my heart's delight. I am so grateful it is just a hop, skip, and jump away from our house in Raymond.

Since the girls and I picked the Gathering Place clean last weekend, we drove down to Utica this past Tuesday for the spring sale at the Utica Baptist church. The sale runs all week, Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm and will conclude on Saturday, April 11th from 7:00am until noon. All items, except fine jewelry, will be half price on Saturday! There are so many things I love about the Utica Baptist Church sale (most especially how all proceeds benefit the Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry) but also how extraordinarily organized it is. Every toy is individually bagged with prices, the clothes are thoughtfully separated and hung on hangers, and the tables expertly categorized for easy and fun browsing.

Helen walked away with a fabulous toy "smart watch" complete with a button that teaches you important life skills like "how to tie your shoes," "how to cook an omelet," and "how to make your bed," - among many others useful tips and tricks. Lyda Belle picked up a pink light saber sword and you'll see Virginia Rose walking all over Raymond in her new pink high top boots. Bob just came along for the ride and made all the church ladies giggle and "oo and ah" over what a tall and handsome 2 year old he is! We are already excited for the church's even bigger fall sale in October!

Didn't make it to the Utica sale? Don't worry – a huge sale (with a special twist) benefiting Mercy House for Women is coming to Raymond on Saturday, May 9th at 134 Prassel Street, the home of "Raymond Community Collective" superstars, Kathy and Matt Rankin. Get your donation bags together and drop off items as you gather them in the Rankin's carport. This will help them price things as they are received. For larger items, please wait until Friday, May 8th to drop off.

However, this epic yard sale will have a special twist. The organizers are asking that you choose one item that you want to get rid of and write a little note to go with it that says what the item is, why it is special to you, and why you're letting it go. Don't sign the note. These items and notes will be placed on a special table to buy by donation only - no prices set. Your honesty and transparency may impact someone in a way you never imagined. What a beautiful way to clean out and give back!

Mary Etta Naftel shared that she and husband, John, took a Viking cruise of the western Mediterranean visiting Barcelona, Marseille, Monte Carlo, Florence, and Pisa. Mary Etta said the land tours were more challenging and stressful than they had expected. However, the scenery was beautiful, and the ship was luxurious with wonderful food and excellent service. What an amazing trip! This is getting me excited about a much-anticipated trip to Europe for the entire Culpepper family this summer. Mary Etta will have to send me all her travel tips and possibly be a guest writer for the Raymond News while I am out town – what do you think, Mary Etta?!

Sometimes it is the little things in life that can brighten up your day. And what's better than a FREE, delicious, ooey, gooey cinnamon roll? For the entire month of April, the first 10 customers at the Busted Biscuit each morning will get a free cinnamon roll. This is most certainly worth waking up for – doors open at 7:00am. You better race the Culpepper crew there!

Do you know a Hinds Community College graduate who is making a difference in their industry, field or community? Now is your chance to recognize their impact. Nominations are officially OPEN for the Hinds Foundation & Alumni Awards, honoring those who lead, serve, and inspire! The deadline for nominations is June 1, 2026. For more information, please call 601-857-3350 or email your nomination to Foundation@HindsCC.edu today!

A special happy anniversary to my beloved husband, Robert, whom I met 15 years ago today (April 10th, 2011) in the parking lot of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. We were married exactly 3 years later on April 10th in New Orleans. I am not shy about shouting my love for my husband from our West Main Street rooftop. Robert is my best friend, my love, my everything. You will rarely, if ever, see me without him and him without me. There is a difference between a family man and a man who has a family. I thank God every single day for this family man who loves me unconditionally – including all my quirkiest thrifting and rummage sale hobbies! I love you, Lovie, and I am so proud of you!

Be kind and suffer well.