Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment in BrookhavenTalent on display in cultural activities year-round
Newcomers to the Brookhaven-Lincoln County community can find a wide variety of artistic talents as well as arts opportunities here.
The Brookhaven Trust, founded by local residents in 1991, is committed to preserving the city’s heritage and promoting cultural events.
The Brookhaven Arts Council was formed in 1997 as a division of the Trust. The Arts Council provides the community with outstanding art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances and story-telling, activities not always offered in a community this size. Arts Council events usually are presented free of charge to the community.
Each year, the council also provides musical opportunities normally only found in larger venues, such as live performances by the Mississippi Symphony Chamber Orchestra or the Capital Brass.
Through a $25,000 grant obtained through the state, the Trust also is sponsoring the preservation of a photo collection consisting of thousands of images collected or taken by John H. Williams, a photographer and proprietor of the Art Studio in Brookhaven. His vast collection of photographs depicts life in southwest Mississippi from the 1930’s through the 1970’s. The Lincoln County Public Library is cataloging and archiving the collection and will make many of the photographs available on its web site at www.llf.lib.ms.us./Winnebago/index.htm.
In addition, the Trust partnered with the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi to provide an oral historian to the project.
The Brookhaven Trust is also involved in the Old City Hall/Chamber of Commerce Restoration Project, which began in 2001. A grant was obtained from the National Endowment for the Arts to start the process. Planning of the chamber renovation includes a large conference room, smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen, an art gallery and handicapped accessibility to the building. Much of the renovation has already been completed.
The Old City Hall restoration project is much larger, encompassing the entire downtown district, which is registered as a historical district by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the National Register of Historic Places. The Brookhaven Trust is always looking for new volunteers to assist them in planning and working on projects.
Theater is also popular here and is represented in the local arts scene by the Brookhaven Little Theatre, or BLT. The organization is the second oldest existing little theater in the state.
BLT stages three plays a year – usually November, February and April or May. BLT sponsors an annual membership party. Each production affords residents – old and new alike – the chance to allow the thespians within to come forth as they display their talents on the stage of The Haven, BLT’s long time home on West Cherokee Street in downtown Brookhaven. Those wanting to help backstage or with other production duties are also welcome.
The Haven is undergoing a series of renovations to modernize the theater in a way that does not lose its traditional charm. Recent renovations have included awning and lighting upgrades to the front of the building. Façade and interior work is being completed as funds become available. In the past few years, the theater has received new carpet in the lobby, new seats in the auditorium and a new paint scheme in both areas.
The Co-Lin Art Series at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson brings artistic events to the campus to entertain students and residents. Most series events, held several times throughout the year, are open to the public.
The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League is a no-kill shelter that provides a temporary home for 40 plus dogs and puppies and 20 plus cats and kittens. The BARL Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-4p.m Phone number is 601-757-4367.
CIVIC CLUBS
A.J.F.C. Community Action
Sonya Alexander
P. O. Box 1196
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-6349
Assistance to low or no income families. Energy, nutrition, rent and weatherization assistance. Case management.
American Legion Post #12
Keith Reeves, Commander
W. A. Matthews, Adj.
121 W. Enterprise
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-5438 - 601-833-8435
Promotes patriotism for the community and source of information about veteran benefits. Supports Boys State.
Monthly meetings, third Tuesday at State Bank, 7:00 p.m.
American Cancer Society, Mid-South Division, Inc.
1380 Livingston Lane
Jackson, MS 39213
1-800-227-2345 1-800-ACS-2345
Provide various educational and support programs
American Cancer Society
Betty Carol Martin
P. O. Box 539
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-4771
State Chapter - fund raising projects. Handles memorials.
American Heart Association
Lavern Hardin, Memorial Chairman
P. O. Box 539
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-4771
Handles memorials.
American Red Cross
Robin Ebert Mays, Community Programs Director
609 Hutchinson Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-582-8151; maysr@usa.redcross.org
Provide assistance to families whose homes have been affected by a natural disaster. Provide services to military servicemen and their families, such as emergency loans and phone messages. Provide training and certification in lifesaving skills, such as CPR, first aid and water safety.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Brookhaven Center
Cindy Ratcliff, Program Specialist
Sandra Wilcher, Program Specialist
711 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-3982
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the nation's oldest and largest mentoring organization. Since 1904 caring volunteers have been helping millions of children reach their potential and fulfill their dreams. Big Brothers Big Sisters of MS – Brookhaven Center offers school-based mentoring in the Brookhaven School District and the Lincoln County School District.
Bogue Chitto Community Women’s Auxiliary
Janet Holmes
P. O. Box 364
Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
601-734-2928 601-996-0160
A non-profit organization that encourages women of all ages to render charitable services that are beneficial to the general public by bringing the community together for reconciliation and restoration in unity and in growth. Through leadership development and character building will prepare our youth for good citizenship by serving and caring for others. Play a vital part both active and constructive in exposing our youth to multicultural materials through varied activities.
Boswell Group Home
Iris Smith
53 Sandalwood Tr., NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Houses individuals between 21 and 55 with some type of emotional and/or developmental disability.
Boy Scouts of America
Michael Culpepper
855 Riverside Dr.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-601-248-9243
Through this program, boys learn character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness; mental, physical and moral.
Boys & Girls Club
Bobby Bell
522 N. Third
Brookhaven, MS 39601
This program is available to boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 16. It instills in them a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Brookhaven Alpha Lions
Gail Freeman, President
717 Ann St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-1889 601-757-9591
Supports Adult Work Center. Supports all Lion Club activities. Yearly screen test eyes for Martin School, Fannie Mullins and West Lincoln. World Service Day - personal items for Country Brook residents. Support local charities. Helps with hearing impaired and diabetes. White Cane Day for Sight Foundation. Lions Sight Van for eye screening. Supports Mid-South Foundation.
Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL)
P. O. Box 3477
Brookhaven, MS 39603
601-757-4367
Website: www.barl.net
E-Mail: info@barl.net
Non-profit, no kill, volunteer-based animal welfare group that arranges shelter and basic veterinary services for abandoned and orphaned animals until they can be placed with families. No animals are killed just because they are unwanted. BARL provides medical care, food, and housing for these animals. The League also seeks to reduce the number of unwanted animals through education regarding the value of spaying and neutering. All League animals are spayed or neutered. Spay/neuter is available to the elderly and low income families at low cost.
Brookhaven Beautiful
Pam Cartwright
P. O. Box 978
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-1411
Continuous effort to beautify Brookhaven.
Brookhaven Camellia Society
Homer Richardson, President
1545 Friendship Lane, NW
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-4126
Interested in the growth and development of camellias. Hold an annual show open to the public.
Brookhaven Country Club
640 Country Club Rd., NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-6841
Offers 18 holes of golf, 8 tennis courts, 2 swimming pools and club house. Initiation fee and monthly dues.
Brookhaven Emergency Food Pantry and Transient Fund
Rev. Bill Matthews
1443 Monticello St. NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-8435
Needy Lincoln County residents who have an emergency need for food. Transients may apply for assistance in food, transportation and motel room.
Brookhaven Housing Authority
Mike Proffitt
501 Brookman
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-1781
Provides low income apartments. Rent is based on income.
Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 978
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-1411
Community Improvement and Economic Development.
Brookhaven Little Theatre
Matt Coleman
126 W. Cherokee St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-0068
Organized to present a wide range of live theatrical productions for the people of Brookhaven.
Brookhaven Moose Family Center 1968
Larry Ratliff
P. O. Box 476
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-835-1478
Support of many local and nationwide civic and non-profit organizations. Mostly support of Mooseheart and Moosehaven.
Brookhaven Police Department
Dispatchers
P. O. Box 560
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-2424
Will check with a local Outreach Ministries to see about a bed for overnight.
Brookhaven Skating Rink
1246 Calcote Loop
Brookhaven ,MS 39601
601-833-2829
Birthday - class or family reunions - schools - churches - open Fri. & Sat. nights - 6:30 - 10 pm
Brookhaven Trust
P. O. Box 615
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Promotes historical and cultural excellence.
Cherokee Garden Club
Jewel Davis
407 Industrial Park Rd.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-6089
Learn and participate in things concerning the beautification of home and community.
Climbers Club
Mrs. James Hall, President
P. O. Box 915
Brookhaven, MS 39602-0915
601-833-8960
Cultural Club. Organized in 1905.
Daughters of the American Revolution
Natalie Herndon Howard
Mrs. Jeffrey L. Howard
503 W. Chippewa
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-0410
Patriotic organization. Great believers in God, home and country.
Department of Human Services
Eleanor Monroe, Director
P. O. Box 538
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-3311
Aid to dependent children, medical assistance, food stamps, child support services. Social service for child abuse/neglect and foster care program.
Disabled American Veterans
Paul Lea
1135 Newman Trail
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-8497
Assistance to disabled veterans and their families within a ten county area.
Dixie Dancers
Crowley Dance Center – 108B S. Whitworth Ave. – 601-835-2447
Square Dancing - 1st & 3rd Thursday
Elks
Irma Powell , Daughter Ruler
Greg Tilliman, Exalted Ruler
902 S. Jackson St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-1956
Secret Order. Does charitable work for the community. Sponsor athletic activities.
Exchange Club
James R. Brady
2009 Pleasant Ridge Rd. NW
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Home: 601-833-0501
Exchange Club Park Rental: Jim Heard - 601-833-1480 - Operates the Exchange Club Park for community parties. Sponsors S.W. Mississippi Agency Child Protection. Gives annual scholarship. Puts out flags on eight holidays. Holds annual fair and livestock show.
Girl Scouts
Julie M. Pounds
214 W. Court
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-0189
Girl Scouting is all about fun, friends, and fantastic opportunities for every girl, everywhere . . . where today’s girls can become tomorrow’s leaders. Most girls can join a local troop or group for fun and friendship, but they also learn about building character, self-esteem, strong values and serving their communities – the core qualities of Girl Scouting. In Girl Scouts, girls find a safe place to grow and share new experiences, learn to relate to others, and come to realize their own potential and self-worth which will enable them to contribute to society. They can build skills for success in the real world that will serve them the rest of their lives. Membership is open to girls 5 – 17; women and men over 17 can join as adult members. Adults interested in becoming a troop leader, please contact Julie M. Pounds.
Greater Hope Foundation
Pastor Victor Mackabee, President
1955 New Sight Dr. NE
Brookhaven, MS 93601
601-754-8181
601-833-1253
An outreach ministry of New Hope M.B. Church serving residents in Lincoln County. Provides food and clothing to the needy. Provides counceling services, family enrichment programs, health fairs, awareness seminars on major health, education and legal issues, arts & crafts for both youths and adults, and self-esteem classes for young boys and girls.
Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County
Betsy Smith
P. O. Box 618
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Habitat Office 601-823-4061
Non-profit, Christian Housing Ministry
Junior Auxiliary
P. O. Box 169
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Service projects include: RIF, Child Welfare, Christmas Project, EARS, Crown Club, Life Choices and Scholarship.
Kappa Kappa Iota Alpha Beta Conclave
Rita Rich
431 Storm Ave.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-8023
Teacher Sorority
Kappa Kappa Iota Rhoconclave
Marlene Martin, President
Brookhaven Elementary School
1225 Wills Trail NW
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-7639
Teachers Sorority that upholds high standards of teaching profession.
King's Daughters Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteers
Jennifer Jackson
P. O. Box 948
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-8320 Ext. 227
Advance development of effective volunteer services at King's Daughters Medical Center.
Kiwanis
Robb Massengill, President
411 Brookway Blvd.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-3033
Promotes youth activities. Sponsors John W. "Dub" Sproles scholarship annually, given to high school student from Lincoln County in pursuit of higher education. Sponsors teams in Dixie Youth Baseball and AAU Basketball. Annual contributor to the Brookhaven Youth Soccer Organization.
Knights of Columbus
Earl Westfall
1000 S. Jackson St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-5610 601-835-2164
Charitable organization made up of Catholic men. Assistance to handicapped and mentally retarded based on need, not religious preference or race. Community service, patriotic activities and pro-life.
Lincoln County Health Department
Christine M. Smith, CCN
Stacy L. White, OM
1212 Northpark Lane NE
P. O. Box 630
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-3314
WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Food Program; based on income, for pregnant women and children birth to age 5); Immunization Program – begins with infants 2 months up to adults – vaccines include diptheria, pertusis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, prevnar, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotovirus, pnuemonia, flu, td; Tuberculosis Program – TB skin testing and diagnosis; STD Program – testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV; Family Planning – yearly routine bloodwork and exams for birth control; Breast and Cervical Cancer Program – yearly exams and breast check to individuals not covered under Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance, who are not considered Family Planning; Premarital Blood Tests – a test for syphilis, required in MS; PHRM – High risk program for Medicaid eligible pregnant women and infants to one year of age; Early Intervention – for children from birth to 2 years who have learning disabilities; Environmental – check and permit restaurants and new home sites.
Lincoln County Life Skills
Rita Brown Bobkoskic, Program Coordinator
120 W. Monticello St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-8605
Evaluations, personal adjustment training, vocational training, counseling, assistance with social services, resource services from the Southwest Mississippi Mental Health and Mental Retardation Complex. Clients must be 16 or older and must be diagnosed as developmentally disabled or severely mentally ill.
Lincoln Residential Center
Charlyn Beeson, Administrator
524 Brookman Dr.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-1884
Intermediate care and training for the mentally retarded. Pamphlet available. Clients may be referred by families or any of the social agencies.
The Links, Inc.
Edith Richardson
107 Harris St.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-1759
Dedicated to service for humankind and seeks to improve the quality of life for others through four program facets. Services to youth, the arts, national trends and services and international trends and services.
Lions Club - Noon
Danny Crozier, President
P. O. Box 1368
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Sponsor annual Lions Club Beauty Pageant and sell pecans in the fall to raise funds for assisting needy individuals who are sight and hearing impaired. Support Lions Quest, a drug awareness program, in our local school system. Also, have an annual White Cane fundraiser to raise funds to support the Lions Eye Bank, Lions Mobile Sight Screening Van, Diabetes Awareness Program and the Hearing Impaired Program. The Brookhaven Lions Club scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Lincoln County student at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Test eyesight on students, 1st through 4th grades, each year.
Lions Club - Evening
Sarah Rutledge
2015 Parkhill Lane SE
Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
601-734-2697
Sell light bulbs and pecans to provide services for sight and hearing conservation; present a monthly citizenship award at Brookhaven-Lincoln County Vo-Tech.
Jane Walsh
Mississippi Chapter Make a Wish Foundation
323 Hwy. 51 N. 2nd Floor
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-898-8538 800-819-4072
jwalsh@ms.wish.org or info@ms.wish.org
Grants wishes for children between the ages of 2 ½ and 17 with life threatening illness to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Matinee Musicale
Mrs. Roberta Barnett, President
P. O. Box 267
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-8685
Brings musical cultural activities into Lincoln County. Provides musical scholarships.
Mississippi Department of Employment Security
David Holland
545 Brookway Blvd.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3511
Applications taken daily for those seeking employment or training. Unemployment claims taken from 8 am – 4 pm on Tuesdays. A Resource Center is available with personal computers for public use in performing job searches over various websites, preparing resumes, or accessing other job related information over the internet. Administer several programs under the Workforce Investment Act including on-the-job training and certification and referral to various training providers for those needing training to secure a job. Core and intensive services are provided to other job applicants who are more job ready. The office also administers the Trade Adjustment Act for those workers who have lost their jobs because of plant shut-downs resulting from trade related issues.
Miss. Regional Housing Authority No. VII
Sheri O'Brien, Section 8 Director
P. O. Box 430
McComb, MS 39649
601-684-9503
Assists very low income families in paying their rent. It assists with rent only on the private market - not with rent in federal housing. Lincoln County is one of the ten counties it serves. Persons contacting this agency will be put on a waiting list. Process is very slow.
Mu Pi Lambda Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
P. O. Box 733
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-835-1979
National Acitve & Retired Federal Employee’s Association
Southwest Mississippi Chapter 1146
Carroll E. Moak, Sr.
3391 Wallace Dr. SW
Bogue Chitto, AMS 39629-9440
601-276-3065
A non-profit organization that lobbies for federal employee rights, a major supporter of Alzheimer’s Research and supports the NARFE Scholarship Program/Federal Employee Education & Assistance (FEEA) Fund.
National Kidney Foundation of Mississippi, Inc.
Gail Sweat
P. O. Box 55802
Jackson, MS 39296
601-981-3611
Assistance to individuals with chronic kidney diseases.
Newhaven Recovery Center For Alcohol and Drug Treatment
310 Nalco Lane
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3698 fax 601-833-6141
Provides residential primary alcohol and drug treatment for males and females, outreach and aftercare and prevention services.
Ole Brook Wind Symphony
Shaw Furlow, Conductor
601-643-8353
shawfurlow@colin.edu
Community band for all ages. Performs twice a year.
Order of the Eastern Star
Emma Godard
P. O. Box 3698
Brookhaven, MS 39603
601-835-1169
Grant scholarships in any field of religious training. Contributes to heart and cancer research foundations and dyslexia.
Paradise Sam Club
Yogi Bruce, Chapter President
409 Storm Ave.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-835-1859
International RV Club
Rose Craft Garden Club
Sibyl B. Smith
546 W. Monticello
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-2928
Participates and promotes educational, civic and community beautification projects through planting and study of flowers, shrubs, trees and flower designs.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Brenda Brown-Orr, Dean of Community Programs
Doris Ratcliff, SCSEP Program Coordinator
P. O. Box 649
Wesson, MS 39191-0649
601-643-8674 or 601-643-8670 fax 601-643-8672
Work-training program which enables senior citizens 55 and older to provide services to non-profit and governmental agencies while seeking employment.
Small Business Development Center – Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Jeff Waller
Co-Lin - Natchez Campus
11 Co-Lin Circle
Natchez, MS 39120
601-446-1254
Indepth counseling assistance for new businesses and strengthen existing firms; business plans and loan packaging assistance; small business workshop seminars, assistance to minorities, women, veterans, the handicapped, exporters, inventors, research and innovation. Counseling offices located on Natchez, MS campus (601-445-5254) and Southwest Community College (601-276-3890).
Sons of American Revolution
South Central Mississippi Chapter
Tom Sasser
1684 Calvary Dr., SW
Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
601-734-6907
Historical and patriotic organization
SW Miss. Planning & Development District/
Area Agency on Aging
David Caulfield, Aging Director
100 S. Wall St.
Natchez, MS 39120
601-446-6044 or 1-800-338-2049
Summit – 601-276-2919 Meadville – 601-384-5200 Monticello 601-587-0870
Congregate meals, home delivered meals, legal assistance, case management, homemaker information referral/outreach, senior discount, MICAP, family caregiver support program, Ombudsman, elder abuse prevention, medicaid waiver program, long term care alternatives and preventative health.
SW Miss. Mental Health Complex
511 Brookman Dr.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-5386
Individual, family and group counseling; testing; alcohol and drug treatment; programs for developmentally disabled; programs for chronically mentally ill; children's services, consultation services; psychiatric services, and emergency services. Fees are based on cost of delivery of services and are adjusted on the basis of the number of persons in client's family and income.
SW Miss. Planning & Development District
Wirt Peterson, Executive Director
100 S. Wall St.
Natchez, MS 39120
601-446-6044
Services provided to local units of government in the areas of economic development and social services.
Telephone Pioneers of America
Carl Dyess
1811 Nola Rd. NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-7480
Aid visually impaired children. AID's awareness, Project Aware (Kids Against Drugs). Fund raisers include Purple Martin Birdhouses and Bell's Best Cookbooks. Promotes education. Send one boy and one girl to Boys & Girls State each year. Give Crime Stoppers $150 annually.
United Way of Lincoln County
Pam Cartwright
P. O. Box 978
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-1411
Supports 23 local agencies.
Upward Bound Program
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Julia Parker, Coordinator
P. O. Box 649
Wesson, MS 39191-0649
Phone: 601-643-8676 Fax: 601-643-8672
Upward Bound is a program for high school students with potential for post-secondary education who come from low income families and/or are potential first-generation college students. The program assists students in developing the skills and motivation required to experience success in post-secondary education.
VFW - Johnson Day - Post 2618
Commander Joe Gibson
Lodge - 728 Industrial Park Rd. NE – Brookhaven, MS 39601
172 Auburn Dr. SW; Bogue Chitto, MS 39629 601-833-0016
To rent lodge: Joe Gibson 601-833-0016
Veterans of Foreign Wars. Aids veterans and their families.
VFW - Thomas E. Sullivan - Post 4806
Webster Sias
P. O. Box 633
Brookhaven, MS 39602
601-833-9979
Veterans of Foreign Wars. Provides programs on safety features for children, aides one local needy family at Christmas.
Willing Hearts Circle of King's Daughters & Sons
Martha Sinclair, Circle Chairman
1220 Kraner Lane
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-823-6295
A Christian organization established in the late 1800's for service and support; currently providing through Willing Hearts Circle Boards of Trustees for King's Daughters Medical Center, Silver Cross Home and Kingsborough Apartments.
Woodmen of the World Lodge
Roger Leggett
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(w) 601-833-1612
Fraternal insurance society. Provides American flags to schools, government agencies and churches. Works with children ages 8 - 15, with their youth program. Also offers senior camp for members 60 and over. Monthly meetings. To reserve the Woodmen of the World Lodge, contact Dorothy Hill at 601-833-9483.