2017 Lafayette-Oxford-University Area Women of Distinction Luncheon Souvenir Program

Wednesday

November 15, 2017 11:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 800 Van Buren Avenue Oxford, MS

and

Luncheon Program

Welcome...................................................................................................... Mary Haskell INVOCATION................................................................................................... Marcia Cole G i r l S co u t P l e d g e .......................Oxford-Lafayette County Area Girl Scouts introduction.......................................................................................... Mary Haskell K e y not e S p e ak e r .........................................................................Elizabeth Heiskell Girl Scout Highlights............................................Melanie Schild, GSHS CEO 2017 Nominees......................................................................................... Mary Haskell Vicki Sneed c losing .......................................................................................................... Vicki Sneed

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2017 Women of Distinction Nominees

Tricia Barrios..................................................................................................................page 4 Camie Bianco.................................................................................................................page 4 B e t t y B l oom ...................................................................................................................page 5 Kathy Brummett...........................................................................................................page 5 Ch e r y l C a n n on .............................................................................................................page 6 Patsy Haynie...................................................................................................................page 6 Sue Keiser........................................................................................................................ page 7 K a re n Pat te rson Ku r r .............................................................................................. page 7

2017 Girl Scout of Distinction Nominee Ya zmin Goulet...............................................................................................................page 8

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Nominees

tricia barrios “Tricia excels in helping many people but especially women and young women dealing with life issues and specializes in Rape Crisis Management.

She serves as a mentor/supervisor for social work students and has taught classes on campus for them. Tricia also provides leadership and insight to them as they pursue their degrees and clinical hours.” Tricia has overcome much. She was widowed suddenly 10 years ago and left to rear her two-year old daughter on her own. Out of tragedy came strength and endurance.

In her spare time, Tricia volunteers with More Than a Meal (for the past 8 years) and is a weekly volunteer with Inner Faith Compassion Ministry.

Tricia is passionate about reading weekly to our Veterans at the Veterans Home in Oxford. She assists the school district as a volunteer counselor when there is a disaster/emergency. In addition, Tricia volunteers at The Pantry and is involved in many programs at The Presbyterian Church. “Her life revolves around service, kindness and gratitude.”

camie bianco Camie Bianco is many things: mentor, tutor, PTO officer, Oxford School District Foundation President, legislative champion, volunteer, driver, meal provider and always an encourager. She has been selected as Oxford School District Volunteer of the Year, President of the Oxford School District Foundation, Lovepacks vice-President and catechism teacher for the youth at St. John’s Catholic Church. “Camie is the leader that we want to follow because she serves this community with the highest integrity and dedication to its success. She is also the selfless and often unknown volunteer that seeks to encourage and inspire those in our community that are routinely without a voice. One of her latest efforts is coordinating a team of parents and volunteers to support The Blue Ribband Life Program at OHS. This program teaches life skills and the importance of team building and it focuses on those students that are carrying burdens often unrecognized by their peers.”

Camie is the proud mother of 5, wife of Mike, the First Lady of Ole Miss Baseball, and the face and leader for so many efforts in our community. “These are all quietly and most beautifully Camie Bianco.”

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Nominees

betty bloom Betty Bloom’s last name goes well with her newest venture – Bloom Again Oxford – an all-volunteer-based agency focusing on recycling discarded/ donated wedding and special event flowers into the Oxford Community.

Recycled flowers are refreshed and delivered to Oxford health and care facilities like Oxford Health and Rehab, Memory Makers, NMRC, and Brookdale. Bloom Again’s mission is to provide a small bit of beauty to those who can enjoy the flowers. Betty is also co-founder of a non-profit organization – Dignity Period, an organization created to serve women in Lafayette County and world-wide with feminine hygiene products.

“Betty Bloom has shared her expertise by touching the lives of so many individuals, inspiring and nurturing a culture of care and compassion through the beauty of recycled flowers and partaking in offering feminine hygiene supplies to disadvantaged women. Creativity is definitely among one of Betty Blooms leadership qualities. Her positive attitude is contagious and has played a major role in her success, allowing her to move forward and achieve her goals in making a real impact in the Oxford-Lafayette Community.”

kathy brummett Wondering what to do after retirement, Kathy Brummett’s first prayer was for God to break her heart for what breaks His heart. The news about human trafficking was surrounding her from all sides so she began to pray a second prayer that God would show her where He was already working and join Him there. On a trip to China she found God’s mission for her – Life For The Innocent, an organization whose mission is to Rescue, Restore and Renew children from human trafficking. “Kathy educates men, women and children to the travesty in our world. She speaks to schools, clubs, organizations, church groups, youth groups – anyone who will listen to what has become the second largest criminal industry in our world.”

In addition to Life For The Innocent, Kathy is an advocate with Shared Hope International – helping the poor gain safe water, more food, good health, education and income. She is a supporter of A21, abolishing slavery everywhere, forever! And International Justice Mission – seeking justice for all around the world – is another passion. These are just a few of Kathy’s passions to eradicate the crime of human trafficking from our world. And, rescue is only the beginning of the process of rehabilitating these children.

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Nominees

cheryl cannon Cheryl Cannon has a tireless energy that is inspirational on many fronts. A former professional dancer and coach/choreographer for the Rebelettes, Cheryl has translated her passion for health and fitness into a 36-year career helping many in the Oxford community improve their lives and achieve their goals. She is truly amazing in witness to her ambition and drive in helping others. Currently teaching a fitness program for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease, “She has provided health care and fitness training to countless individuals in our community and Cheryl has helped both men and women of all ages for a variety of needs. She never shies away from helping others any way she can.”

Cheryl is involved in many charitable initiatives with her husband, Michael Joe. She has served on the board of directors for the Oxford-Lafayette County United Way and she is a personal trainer and instructor at the YMCA teaching everything from spin to Zumba. However, Cheryl says her favorite class is her Bible study class. Cheryl is a great role model of faith and fitness to her daughter, Morgan, and to countless other women and girls in our community.

patsy haynie Patsy Haynie exemplifies servant leadership and southern hospitality. No task is too small and she will never ask someone else to do something that she isn’t willing to do herself. If Patsy sees a need, if something needs to be done or fixed, she is willing to do it herself. This leadership style has gained her the respect of her employees and managers as well. Patsy is a motivator and has a compassionate nature. “Ms. Patsy always has a smile and a get-it-done attitude. She comes the earliest and leaves the latest. Her team knows that she will work beside them and not over them.

She invests in her team members. Each person is valued. Each team member’s birthday is celebrated. She is a counselor and role model. She cares for each person’s success. Patsy models hospitality and kindness.”

As General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Oxford, Patsy comes into contact with many people from diverse backgrounds and treats everyone she meets like a friend. Patsy is a role model in the Charter Road Hospitality family and certainly a Woman of Distinction in our community.

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Nominees

sue keiser Sue Keiser touches every issue at Ole Miss that relates to the Chancellor – which is everything. Her tireless efforts bring her into contact with faculty, staff, students, alums, and Vice Chancellors daily. She is literally the glue that holds all the moving parts together – organizing and communicating until each event or issue comes to fruition – whether it’s raising money, working with faculty and staff, overseeing IHL Board communications, meeting students, guiding events sponsored by Athletics, the Ford Center, the student organizations and managing the Chancellor’s busy travel schedule. The University is like a small city and Sue is helping in every area to aid the Chancellor in the important mission of Ole Miss.

“Sue is truly a superstar. Her endless energy and experience has been invaluable to three Chancellors and, therefore, the University. Her work goes unnoticed by many because she has her head in myriad communications from all over campus, the state, and the nation on a daily basis. However, she loves what she does and she loves being in the heart of the issues.”

karen patterson kurr Karen takes on many roles—Mother, Wife, Chef, Entrepreneur, Educator and Mentor. Karen found getting a meal on the table every evening a challenge. When she began cooking and freezing entrees on the weekends, the idea of frozen meals as a business was born. She began developing her recipe portfolio and testing products years before she founded No Time 2 Cook in 2005.

“When she isn’t cooking, Karen loves sharing her passion and enterprise with others. Regularly, Karen can be found participating in community service programs such as Empty Bowls. Initiatives that match her passion for feeding families to assisting those in need always grab her attention and commitment. Karen also enjoys encouraging young families with their mealtime efforts. As she delves into topics such as meal prep, table conversation and picky eaters, she shares stories and challenges as she attempted to keep her own family gathered around their dinner table.” Karen can be found mentoring other small business owners at the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce or sharing her knowledge to civic groups all around the Southeast.

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Girl Scout of Distinction Nominee

yazmin emily goulet Yazmin is presently enrolled at Ole Miss, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She graduated from OHS in May, 2017 where she excelled in academics and enjoyed participating in the high school band for six years. She was inducted into the Oxford Charger Band Scale Hall of Fame and awarded the Color Guard Spark Award. At Ole Miss, Yazmin is a member of the Wind Ensemble and Color Guard and is a member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. Yazmin is certified as a Professional Diving Instructor and is certified with the American Red Cross in CPR, First Aid and Infant CPR Training. And Yazmin still finds time to teach the Oxford Middle School Color Guard and has donated her hair for Locks of Love five times. Yaxmin received her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2017.

Master of Ceremonies

mary donnelly haskell Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Mary was crowned Miss Mississippi in 1977, and graduated with distinction from the University of Mississippi in 1981. She has starred in episodes of Touched By An Angel, Seventh Heaven, Sisters, Diagnosis Murder, Days Of Our Lives, and over twenty movies for television, including two of the Hallmark Channel’s highest rated Christmas movies - Once Upon A Christmas and Twice Upon A Christmas.

An accomplished singer, Mary has performed at venues including The Kennedy Center, The White House, and with The Prague Symphony Orchestra. She is also a popular children’s recording artist, having released four CDs through her company, My Songs. In 2005 she released her first contemporary adult album entitled Inspired - a collection of inspirational standards. In May 2007, she released Power Of The Cross - a collection of Sacred Hymns and Praise Songs recorded with The Prague Symphony, and in Christmas 2008 she released a Christmas CD entitled Just In Time for Christmas. Mary continues to perform with various Symphonies and at churches across the country.

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Keynote Speaker

elizabeth heiskell Elizabeth Heiskell was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, an agricultural area bordered by the Mississippi River where food and fun go hand in hand. With her passion for food, fun, and adventure, Elizabeth started her culinary journey with courses at the Culinary Institute of American in Hyde Park, New York. Chef Heiskell has prepared food for such notables as the Dutchess of York, Former Vice President Al Gore, Chef Thomas Keller, Priscilla Presley and the governors of Mississippi, Texas, and Arizona.

As Lead Culinary Instructor at the Viking Cooking School in nearby Greenwood, world headquarters of the Viking Range Corporation, she has represented Viking on exclusive Silver Sea cruises through Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, and has made multiple television and public appearances including The Home Shopping Network and the CBS affiliate out of Memphis, Tennessee. With all of her culinary events and classes, Elizabeth adds fun and vitality.

In 2011 Elizabeth moved from the flatland to the hills of Oxford, Mississippi. There, she and her husband, Luke, run Woodson Ridge Farm with a little help from their three girls. She also maintains her catering company, Elizabeth Heiskell Catering, now in its fifteenth year, through which she provides delicious eats for events all over the Southeast.

Elizabeth is The Today Show Food Contributor. She has also been featured in Garden and Gun Magazine, Southern Living, Delta Magazine, Commercial Appeal, The Clarion Ledger and Taste of the South. Debutante Farmer is her bloody mary mix, that was born on Woodson Ridge Farms. It just won the coveted Southern Living Food Award for one of the best products in the South. Elizabeth’s latest cookbook, What Can I Bring?: Southern Food for Any Occasion Life Serves Up hit bookshelves on October 17th.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South wishes to thank our dedicated 2017 Women of Distinction Committee Members: Chairperson - Vicki Sneed, Jennifer Eastland, Mary Haskell, Margaret King, Molly Meisenheimer, Katie Naron, Kyle Still, and Abi Rayburn.

Without you, this extraordinary event would not be possible.

Thank you for investing your time and talents to help recognize and honor Women of Distinction in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community and to promoting Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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ambassador level sponsors Kappa Delta Sorority

mTrade LLC

Alpha Mu Chapter

cadette level sponsors Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. Ole Miss Athletics Foundation The University of Mississippi Foundation

junior level sponsors Sam & Mary Haskell Abi Rayburn Bill Tait Harry & Vicki Sneed

Abbeville Bank Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi

Cannon Motors of Mississippi

brownie level sponsors FNC, Inc. Jerry and Gloria Kellum

The Oxford Eagle, Inc. Y’all Twins Margaret & Katherine King

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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Event Sponsors

luncheon sponsors Many thanks to the following businesses for providing such a wonderful lunch. As you patronize these locations, please thank them for their generous contributions to our community.

Details Rental Elizabeth Heiskell Catering McAlister’s My Michelle’s

No Time 2 Cook Oby’s Party Waitin’ to Happen Tallahatchie Gourmet

Special thanks to Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders and Holli’s Sweet Tooth for providing lunch and treats for our attending Girl Scouts.

floral arrangements by Oxford Floral Company University Florist

The Twisted Twig Mimosa Flowers, Gifts & Gourmet

Thanks to Regions Bank for the generous gift of the Life Green Bike, and spcial thanks to Oxford Floral Company for donating our speaker’s gift.

This world needs more G.I.R.L. leaders, and no organization prepares girls to lead better than Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead by practicing the skills that many of today’s leaders lack - the four key G.I.R.L. leadership skills - grit and goal setting, innovation and real-world problem solving, risk taking, and leading others with empathy. We believe deliberate practice is the key to reaching one’s full leadership potential, and we do this by preparing girls to lead—deliberately and consciously—through everyday experiences and activities. Girls can only reach their full potential when they practice leadership the Girl Scout way over a lifetime, not just during a specific life stage.

Girl Scouts is for every girl, at every age, every day.

Help Girl Scouts Heart of the South build more G.I.R.L. leaders who are ready and prepared to create a better future for themselves and for their communities.

Visit us online to Give for G.I.R.L.s today!

http://bit.ly/gshs_GiveforGirls

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South www.girlscoutshs.org I 800.624.4185