December 2014

TOWN&GOWN DECEMBER 2014

GIFT GUIDE

SAVORY SOUPS

+ DECADENT DESSERTS

Happy Holidays!

Photography by Laura Daniels • See more on page 50

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table of contents who & what we’re loving lately p. 16, 18

gift guide p. 12

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taste & toast p. 22

every season has a story p. 19

giving guide p. 42

visit eupora p. 40

historic homes p. 54

homes & gardens p. 50 catch-a-dream p. 32

winter fashion p. 60

December 2014 • 5

A Product of Horizon of Mississippi P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760 www.townandgownmagazine.com

Don Norman | Publisher sdnpub@starkvilledailynews.com

Sarah Vaughan | Executive Editor editor@townandgownmagazine.com

Jordan Linton | Account Executive jordan@townandgownmagazine.com Sarah Elizabeth Tyner | Account Executive sarahliz@townandgownmagazine.com

{ contributors } Lorie Roach

{ writers } Joe Lee Richelle Putnam

{ photographers } Divian Conner Ashley Covin Laura Daniels Taylor Hager Keats Haupt Raeley Stevens

{ stylist } Sarah Vaughan

{ page design } Sarah Vaughan

{ advertising design } Chris McMillen Reproductions in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are available for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries,write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS, 39760, or call 662.323.1642.

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Townandgownmagazine

.com

Home. Garden. Life. style. food. HEALTH. FITNESS.

here comes the bridal issue!

?

Did you know

The wreath of candles worn by Alyce in this issue’s fashion section is a tribute to St. Lucia’s Day. In Scandinavia, it is celebrated on December 13. Historically, the day was celebrated through feasting and performing certain holiday traditions honoring St. Lucy, who it is believed was a martyr killed for her Christian beliefs.

It’s not too late to submit your wedding info to be featured in our January 2015 annual bridal issue!

Email editor@townandgownmagazine.c om for more information!

on the cover..

Blogger Lorie Roach whips up some deliciously decadent holiday desserts and some savory soups on page 22!

@townandgownmag

@townandgown

@townandgownmag1

@townandgownmag December 2014 • 7

editor's note

happy holidays!

I

absolutely love Christmastime. If I had my way, holiday

music and decorations would be perfectly acceptable year-round. And I may or may not wait until almost February to take my tree down. The chestnuts roasting on an open fire kind of weather, spending time with friends and family and of course, the presents. Who could forget about all of the presents?!

But the holidays aren’t just for giving and receiving physical gifts.

They’re also about giving back. Whether you’re giving your time through volunteering at a local animal shelter or nursing home, or whether you’re giving financial aid to a great cause so that someone else can appreciate the holidays, taking a moment to remember that there are many who are less fortunate than we are is important.

That’s why we’ve included a giving guide to local charities in the Golden Triangle in this year’s holiday issue. These folks have worked hard to provide a better life for orphans both here and around the world and to provide emotional and physical needs to those who otherwise wouldn’t have received them. We’ve even profiled a local group who makes sure that children with life-threatening illnesses get to experience life to the fullest by helping to fulfill their final wishes.

We encourage you to give what you can in whatever ways you can this holiday season. After all, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving,” as Mother Teresa once said.

We here at Town and Gown hope that your holiday season is filled with love, warmth and cheer. Happy Holidays!

Sarah Vaughan 8

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December 2014 • 9

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December 2014 • 11

wishlist

Gifts for Her

photography by taylor hager

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St. Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Giggleswick 200 Hwy 12 East Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

Butter London Nailpolishes

Kendra Scott Jewelry

Antica Farmacista Diffusers

Deep South Pout 329 University Dr. Starkville, MS 662.324.6055 12

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L.A. Green 500 Russell St. Ste 5 Starkville, MS 662.324.6280

The Mill 74 Brickerton St. Columbus, MS 662.370.1030

Macy Carlisle Designs Jewelry

The Mill 74 Brickerton St. Columbus, MS 662.370.1030

Merle Norman 202 S. Washington St. Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Rif le Paper Co. & Thimblepress Notepads

Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St. Starkville, MS 662.320.8476 December 2014 • 13

Gifts for Him Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St. Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

The Mill 74 Brickerton St. Columbus, MS 662.370.1030

Merle Norman 202 S. Washington St. Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Mason Shaker Cocktail Kit

Portable Wireless Speaker

Giggleswick 200 Hwy 12 East Starkville, MS 662.323.4438 14

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Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St. Starkville, MS 662.320.8476

Merle Norman 202 S. Washington St. Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Gifts for Kids Giggleswick 200 Hwy 12 East Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

Giggleswick 200 Hwy 12 East Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

P lay Cook Set

The Mill 74 Brickerton St. Columbus, MS 662.370.1030

Artisan S’mores Kit

U.S. Map Floor Puzzle

Elf on the Shelf

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St. Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Merle Norman 202 S. Washington St. Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Merle Norman 202 S. Washington St. Starkville, MS 662.323.5255 December 2014 • 15

what we’re loving lately • winter skincare essentials •

Origins Ginger Rush Body Cream Belk | Columbus • www.belk.c om

Clarisonic Mia2 Winter Hydration Kit Sephora | Ridgeland • www.sephora.c om

Treat yourself with this decadently rich, intensely sensory, deeply hydrating cream and not only will your whole body instantly become seductively soft to the touch, suddenly every inch of you radiates energy.

Clarisonic’s patented sonic technology gently removes the impurities traditional cleaning methods leave behind, cleansing up to six times better than your hands alone.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask www.beautybar.c om

ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner Beautyhabit • www.beautyhabit.c om ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner combines organic ingredients to soothe and condition the lips.

Each shade carries a sheer touch of color that increases in intensity when applied liberally.

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Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Sephora | Ridgeland • www.sephora.c om With its rich infusion of rose, this formula provides the skin with balancing, moisturizing refreshment.

The perfect weekly deep clean to keep your complexion in radiant condition, Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask is also on hand when skin becomes stressed and in need of extra help from irritable breakouts, jet lag, or morning-after puffiness, this hard-working and versatile mask will help to get your skin back on the right track.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm Belk | Columbus • www.belk.c om A lip balm that protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips that’s formulated with soothing emollients like sweet almond oil, as well as Vitamins A and E.

Clinique All About Eyes Sephora | Ridgeland • www.sephora.c om This cream-gel formulation brightens dark circles and sends puffs packing while actually helping to hold eye makeup in place. For use morning and night under eyes and on lids.

RMS Coconut Cream Beautyhabit • www.beautyhabit.c om Certified organic, raw, unrefined, virgin coconut oil, untouched by heat or chemical treatment. Left in its raw state, every living enzyme and nutrient is left intact to nourish skin and lashes.

December 2014 • 17

who we’re loving lately • our favorites on instagram • www.instagram/townandgown

nine-twentynine coffee • @929_coffee • www.929coffee.com Starkville-based 929 Coffee is a popular gathering spot for locals and so is their Insta feed, complete with coffee, coffee and, you guessed it, more coffee, as well as their fun staff and delicious pastries.

folk magazine • @folkmagazine • www.folklifestyle.com Promoting an authentic lifestyle complete with adventure and the perfect Instagramming opportunities, Folk Magazine’s Insta feed includes snapshots of some of nature’s most beautiful places.

aspen bay • @aspenbay • www.dpmfragrance.com We might as well just go ahead and add everything at Aspen Bay to our Christmas wishlist. Candles, home fragrance sprays, jewelry, clothing, gifts and so much more fill their cool and creative Insta feed.

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every seaon has a story • our WINTER favorites on pinterest • www.pinterest.com/townandgownmag

December 2014 • 19

Sunday

MONday CHRISTMAS PARADE 6 p.m.

HOLIDAY IN THE JUNCTION 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 3

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TUESDAY BASKETBALL (W):

HOLIDAY BAZAAR October 3-4 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Starkville Sportsplex

7 p.m.

COTTON INC. FASHION SHOW

ORNAMENT MAKING CLASS

Colvard Union • 6 p.m.

Urban Den • 6 p.m.

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BASKETBALL (W): MSU VS. SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA 2 p.m.

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BASKETBALL: MSU VS. ARKANSAS STATE

BASKETBALL (W): MSU VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

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24 BASKETBALL: MSU VS. JACKSONVILLE 7 p.m.

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29 BASKETBALL (W): MSU VS. ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF 7 p.m.

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31 BASKETBALL: MSU VS. MCNEESE STATE 7 p.m.

FRIDAY 6

5 ATTALA COUNTY CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES 5-8 p.m.

Kosciusko, Miss.

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13 STARKVILLE CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

BASKETBALL (W): MSU VS. LOUISIANA TECH

1:30-5 p.m.

7 p.m.

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Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 2014

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B

4

SATURDAY

B

THURSDAY

December 2014 • 21

&

TASTE TOAST: Savory Soups

Easy Chicken Gumbo 22

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Easy Chicken Gumbo with Lima Beans, Corn and Crispy Okra 1 cup vegetable or canola oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 8 cups chicken broth or stock or 8 cups water and 8 bouillon cubes 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1 (16-ounce) package frozen lima beans 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen, breaded okra, fried to golden brown and crispy In a large heavy bottom pot, heat the oil until hot and add flour. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring often until mixture turns reddish-brown, the color of a copper penny.

Add the celery, onion and bell pepper and cook until vegetables are soft. Add the chicken stock, shredded chicken, lima beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Skim the oil off the top with a spoon and discard as much as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice and sprinkle each bowl with the fried okra.

December 2014 • 23

Roasted Caulif lower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Soup 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 large onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped, or equivalent from jar of minced 6 cups water 6 bouillon cubes or 6 teaspoons chicken base 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour Salt and pepper to taste Sour dough bread cut into small cubes Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the florets on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss using hands to cover evenly, then bake for 30-40 minutes stirring a couple of times until tender and golden brown.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring several times. Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add water and the chicken bouillon or base. Add the cauliflower. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream. Toss the shredded cheese with the flour in a small bowl, then slowly add to soup while stirring until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn off heat.

At this point, you can do several things. Eat soup like it is. Or you can use a potato masher to mashed cauliflower into tiny bits. You can also puree with an immersion blender or regular blender.

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Pimiento Cheese Potato Soup 26

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Pimiento Cheese Potato Soup 6 slices bacon 1 whole medium onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 2-3 pounds (approximately) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 6-8 cups (approximately) chicken stock or broth (or equal part water plus chicken bouillon cubes or chicken base) 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup all purpose flour 3 1/2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided 2 (4-ounce) jars chopped pimiento peppers, drained and divided Kosher salt and ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups sour cream Fry bacon. Crumble and set aside. Place the onion, celery and enough peeled and chopped potatoes in a 5-quart slow cooker to fill to about 3/4 full. Pour in chicken broth to just cover vegetables. Cook on high until soup is simmering.

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and continue to cook until potatoes are tender. Using a potato masher, mash some of the potatoes. Place about 4 cups of the potatoes and soup in a blender and process until smooth. Stir back into the soup. Toss 2 1/2 cups of the cheese with the flour in a small bowl until cheese is coated. Gently stir into the soup until melted. Stir in the crumbled bacon and 1 1/2 jars of the drained pimientos, and season with salt and pepper. Cook about 30 more minutes. In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, remaining cheese and remaining pimientos.

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No Churn Rice Krispie Ice Cream 28

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TASTE TOAST: Tasty Treats

No-Churn Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream 1 tablespoon butter 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow cream 1¼ cups crispy rice cereal ½ (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (reserve other half for another use) 2 cups heavy cream, chilled Melt butter and half of the marshmallow cream in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking until smooth. Add the rice cereal and stir to coat.

Spread onto a wax or parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer as much as possible.

Freeze until needed.

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and remaining ½ of the marshmallow cream. Whip cream to stiff peaks on high speed with an electric mixer. Fold in the sweetened condensed mixture by hand gently.

Remove the rice crispy mixture from freezer and break into very small bits with hands. Stir into the ice cream. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze for about 6 hours.

December 2014 • 29

Martha Washington Candy Stuffed Oreos

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Martha Washington Candy Stuffed Oreos 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature 1 (32-ounce) bag powdered sugar 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 (14-ounce) bag sweetened, flaked coconut 2 cups chopped pecans 1 (16-ounce) package Oreo or chocolate sandwich cookies Chocolate bark or chocolate disks for dipping (melted according to package directions) Coconut for decoration Mix the butter, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla together well. Stir in the coconut and pecans.

Separate each cookie into two halves. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop a level mound of candy mixture onto one of the halves and top with the other half, slightly pressing down. Repeat with remaining cookies. Chill in fridge for about an hour. Dip in chocolate, letting excess drip off, and place on wax paper lined cookie sheet.

Sprinkle with coconut and place in fridge until chocolate hardens.

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Catch- A-Dream FOUNDATION by richelle putnam • photography by laura daniels

From childhood to adulthood, dreams play an active role in our lives. Even our nighttime dreams turn into daydreams of what we want to do, who we’d like to be and places we’d like to go. Some dreams remain dreams. Some dreams never come true. Thankfully, some do. Since 2001, the Catch-aDream Foundation has helped make dreams comes true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The originator of the Catch-a-Dream idea, Bruce Brady of Brookhaven, faced his own serious illness: cancer. During his last days, finding strength and comfort in hunting and fishing and the great outdoors, he shared a dream with his family for a program that provided outdoor opportunities to youth with life-threatening illnesses. Because the Make-A-Wish Foundation established a national policy prohibiting the use of “…firearms, hunting bows, or other hunting or sport-shooting equipment,” Bruce knew there was a gap to fill for children who hunted and fished and longed to target special game in places about which they had only dreamed.

“We can’t change the whole world, but we can change someone’s whole world for at least a short period.”

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FEATURE: Catch-A-Dream Foundation

Starkville, Miss.

December 2014 • 33

Project Manager Brian Chisholm, Administrative Assistant Suzanne Brown, Graphics Design/Media Assistant Piper Free and CEO Marty Brunson

“A mutual friend of mine called and asked if Mississippi State University (MSU) could provide some assistance to his friend who was dying of cancer,” said Marty Brunson, CEO of the Catch-aDream Foundation. “We were invited to meet with Bruce in Brookhaven.”

That meeting never happened because, sadly, ten days later, Bruce lost his battle with cancer. Even so, his family and friends remained determined to make Bruce’s dream come true.

“I met with his widow, Peggy, and their three adult children to discuss Bruce’s idea,” said Marty, who was then MSU extension leader in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “As we were formulating the idea, we struggled with the central focus. I had done a lot a praying and came up with concept of Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

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Before presenting the concept to the entire committee, Marty drove to Brookhaven to meet with Peggy the verse he wanted to adopt as the organization’s central focus. Becoming very emotional, she stepped over to her kitchen window where she kept a daily calendar, the kind where each day was torn off. She told Marty how every morning Bruce came down the stairs and sat at the table to drink his coffee. One day, he came down and said to Peggy, “Something special is going to happen today.” When Peggy went to pour him another cup of coffee, she pulled February 7th off the calendar.

Four hours later on February 8, 2000, Bruce was gone.

Peggy had never changed the calendar and she showed Marty what scripture graced February 8, 2000. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“I knew then there was something of great significance happening, and I knew I was in this thing for the duration,” said Marty. This was the first defining Catch-a-Dream moment in his life.

The program made its first dream come true in January 2001. Realizing the idea was much larger than envisioned, the group formed a board of directors, wrote bylaws and in December 2003 chartered the foundation. In addition, they moved Catch-a-Dream from the Wildlife Fisheries Department. Marty had to decide between his wildlife and fisheries career or moving with Catch-a-Dream. This was the second defining moment in Marty Brunson’s life.

“In 2013, the foundation left its incubator at MSU, and we now reside off campus,” said Marty, who spent 32 years with the university. “Had you told me there would be a day that I would be in the fulltime ministry, I would have said you are wrong.”

Many volunteers help the Catch-a-

December 2014 • 35

Dream Foundation accomplish a myriad of tasks, such as helping at the new property southwest of Starkville, facilitating fundraising events, assisting with special activities, writing birthday cards to children who participate in the Catch-a-Dream program and thank you cards to those who contribute to the mission. Children receive a birthday card every year. Every donor receives a cash receipt and a handwritten thank you card thanking them for trusting and investing in Catch-a-Dream.

“Thank you cards have been worth their weight in gold to our donor base because it’s something that a lot of organizations don’t take the time or have a capacity to do,” said Marty. “Almost everyone involved in Catch-a-Dream is a volunteer. We have a very small staff.”

The most significant volunteer level is the “host.” This individual is specifically identified and trained, as well as background screened, because a host travels with the children and the families.

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“We’ve had 80 plus individuals over the years go through the certification process,” said Marty. “This allows the family to relax and not worry about anything but enjoying the trip with their child.”

An outfitter, which is the hunting or fishing provider, doesn’t have to be a commercial outfitter. However, it should be able to provide the venue and hunting and fishing experiences on a professional level. Catch-a-Dream outfitters are scattered from the Florida Keys to Alaska and everywhere in between.

Several hundred outfitters have come to the organization offering to provide various services: elk hunting, alligator hunting or shark fishing or sail fishing.

“They say they’re here and in the background when Catch-a-Dream needs them and that they’ll donate those services,” said Marty.

Many participating families ultimately give back to Catch-a-Dream in various ways. One father of a child who had

survived told Marty, “I don’t have a lot of money, but I’ll do whatever it takes to be a host and travel with another child to do what our host did for us.” He is now a host and has accompanied multiple children and families on their Catch-aDream experience. “That is the ultimate give back,” said Marty.

The Catch-a-Dream experience includes the entire family. Among these families were the Kains. The child’s name was Julia.

“I didn't think Julia would qualify as she had already been granted a wish through the Make A Wish Foundation in 2012,” said Tonya Kain, Julia’s mother.

“I read the [Catch-a-Dream] website and the eligibility requirements and thought, what the heck, it can't hurt to apply. Boy, am I glad we did.”

Tonya had grown up hunting with her dad and her husband grew up salt water fishing with his family. They asked Julia what she would like to do and were surprised when she chose hunting.

“Sitting in that deer stand with my daughters, husband, Mr. Bill, and Mr. Jim, watching the focus, excitement and anticipation of my daughter getting ready to shoot her first deer was definitely a highlight,” said Tonya. During the trip, Julia hung out with the other kids and formed a special bond with them. They all had either been through treatments, been poked and prodded by doctors, or witnessed their siblings enduring their treatments. “All the baggage attaches itself to a family that has been through illness or disease. They listened to each other and understood each other and bonded over similar experiences.”

Together with outfitters and local volunteers, the Catch-a-Dream experience nurtures the family and helps them

forge strong personal relationships.

Hosts, volunteers and families often become best friends and remain that way long after the dream trip concludes.

In planning a trip, Catch-a-Dream considers how many are in the family, the ages of the siblings, the child’s medical condition, the family dynamics and the location that best accomplishes the hunting and fishing desire. Also considered are the outfitter, location and which host would best reach and touch the family and give the greatest experience of the highest magnitude.

“We don’t allow families to tell us exactly where they want to go because we may not have an outfitter, the logistical support, or a particular location,” said Marty. A child from Florida may dream

of hunting in the snow. A child from Minnesota may dream of fishing at the beach. “We determine the location that best fits the hunting and fishing desire.”

When Catch-a-Dream began, they didn’t know how to approach or handle the word terminal. “We were afraid the term would not be appropriate,” said Marty. “What we learned early on is that these families come to grips with those things in ways that I can’t imagine, and they are able to talk about it.” Catch-aDream kids are wise beyond their years with five to ten-year-olds sometimes being far wiser than forty-year-olds.

“They go through things that force them to turn into young adults. It’s amazing the strength that many of them demonstrate.”

December 2014 • 37

The Catch-a-Dream experience does not end on the last day of the trip. The ultimate experience, the Presentation, facilitated by the host, shares and celebrates the real reason for the trip on the last night.

“Yes, it’s about catching trout in a sparkling Montana stream and seeing those beautiful mountains,” said Marty.

“But the real reason is to bring the family together to distribute special gifts to the child and the family.” One such gift is a camouflage covered bible given to the target child. The well siblings, explained Marty, are often left in the background.

“We bring them to the forefront and recognize them for being willing to stand in the shadows while their super star brother or sister is given a lot of things.” Catch-a-Dream inducts the siblings into the Barnabas Club because they step aside while still being supportive and encouraging. Marty pointed out how Isaiah 40:30 also plays an important role in the Catch-a-Dream mission: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.

The Catch-a-Dream experience touches everyone, including hosts, volunteers and outfitters. According to Marty, one volunteer eloquently stated, “We can’t change the whole world, but we can change someone’s whole world for at least a short period.”

“We were blown away by the care and love we received,” said Tonya. “They could have just brought us to the ranch, fed us, taken us hunting and sent us home. It still would have been a great experience.” Instead Catch-a-Dream provided the perfect environment to forget everything for a few days and meet other families who understood because they were also dealing with a child’s life-threatening illness. “So many people, even those close to you, can never understand what you and your family go through when dealing with disease.”

Catch-a-Dream received an email from the father of Hunter, a little boy from Colorado who had participated in the Catch-a-Dream program and was now in hospice care. The family had tenderly told Hunter it was near the end. Hunter’s response was something like, “Dad, I know I’m dying. But we’re all dying. It’s just that I’m dying a little quicker.”

Had Marty Brunson been divinely led to Catch-a-Dream to help one man’s dream come true?

“Absolutely,” he said. “God designed this. Had I designed it, it would have gone in a different direction. It is my calling in my life now. God took a simple idea that in 1999 many thought would never work and fulfilled a need never realized before.”

The Catch-a-Dream experience shares with gravely ill children and their families the one true hope - the God who created us and His mighty love and strength that carries them through their darkest hours. “He ordained it and has sustained it to change not only my life, but the lives of many.”

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December 2014 • 39

Visit Eupora Eupora is the largest municipality in Webster County with a population of approximately 2,336. Eupora was earlier known as Early Grove.

In 1888, the Georgia-Pacific Railroad began surveying a route on the north

Historic Eupora

side of the Big Black River. The final route was a line down the Big Black Valley, passing through the site of present-day Eupora. Engineers laying out the route of the railroad boarded in the home of Jim Eudy and his wife, Eupora.

The engineers were so struck with the

White’s Creek Park

word "Eupora" that they declared the new town should receive that name. The settlement was given the name of Eupora and was incorporated in 1889. *Information from www.euporams.org Central Service Grill 40

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EUPORA, MS Population: 2,336 POINTS OF INTEREST: WHERE TO VISIT: • Downtown Eupora • James O. Gary Park • White’s Creek Park WHERE TO EAT: • Central Service Grill • Larry’s • The Sandwich Shop WHERE TO SHOP: • Amazing Grace • Hatlee’s • Old Stone Station • Southern Belle • The Wooden Door • Tiddlywinks

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:

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK HOLIDAY CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

By Joe Lee Photography Courtesy of Palmer Home, Reclaimed Project and Sally Kate Winters

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P hoto Courtesy of Palmer Home Looking for a way to help some of our less fortunate friends and neighbors here in the Golden Triangle? Or would you like to make a very positive difference in the life of a child? There are terrific giving options led by wonderful people right here in Starkville, Columbus and West Point, and they would love to hear from you.

December 2014 • 43

Palmer Home

P hotos Courtesy of Palmer Home

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P

“Palmer Home serves children from birth through college age through our Whole Child Initiative,” said president

and CEO Drake Bassett. “This is a deliberate approach to serving children in four key areas: emotional healing, educational support, physical development, and spiritual growth.

“We surround our children with strong Christian caregivers who understand and implement the Whole Child Initiative. Children live in homes on campus with caregiver families. We strongly believe in establishing a loving community where children feel safe, wanted and protected. This enables them to not only grow, but to heal from their past and develop healthy habits and mindsets as they move forward.”

Palmer Home raises funds through sales at thrift stores in Columbus and Starkville and sells everything from clothes and jewelry to furniture and home decorations. The proceeds are used for programs that benefit the children, whether the need is groceries or to maintain the equestrian program. Most donated goods, other than car seats and recalled items, are accepted.

“Palmer Home was officially chartered by the state of Mississippi in 1895,” Bassett said. “We opened the three-story Lindamood Building in Columbus and began admitting children in 1898. This historic structure was originally built to house the children, but now holds the administrative offices.

“We celebrated our centennial in 1995 and established a second campus in Hernando the same year. We want our children to have a successful transition into independence, be it college or a vocational program. But we remain close to them and coach them into their future.”

Visit www.palmerhome.org to make a donation, read their blog and subscribe to their mailing list. You can also help spread the word by liking the Palmer Home Facebook page and following them on Twitter. The organization does not receive government funding, so they rely solely on the generosity of donors to

Ceo Drake Bassett

continue caring for their children.

“The most challenging aspect of my work is connecting the appropriate resources with the present needs of children across the state and region,” Bassett said. “It’s a question of time and resources and how fast we can move to reach children that I believe desperately need a place like Palmer Home. My greatest reward is the satisfaction of seeing a new child on campus at play. They find peace, happiness and actually have the opportunity to be a child.”

December 2014 • 45

Reclaimed Project

P hotos Courtesy of Reclaimed

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The vision for Reclaimed Project, which began in Starkville in 2012, came as a response to a Bible verse in

the Book of James which focuses on looking out for widows and orphans.

“A mutual friend (of the group that became Reclaimed Project) was in the process of adopting but was having trouble raising the funds,” said Allison Barnhill, director of operations. “They decided to make that their first project and rallied together to help. Through that process, they were exposed to many more families who were seeking to adopt but were inhibited by the financial burden.”

Today, Reclaimed Project gives monthly adoption grants of $1,500 to selected families which have applied through the organization’s web site.

“The process of giving adoption grants opened their eyes to the deep needs of orphans around the world,” Barnhill said. “They began praying for a way to get connected with orphans on a personal level where they could share the love of Christ with them.”

Barnhill moved after college to the African country of Botswana to help a local church start a sustainable outreach ministry to orphans in their community. While there, she was contacted by Jason Stoker, president of Reclaimed Project, about joining the organization when her commitment in Botswana was complete. She and her fiancée, Brett (now her husband), got to know Stoker and became part of the team after their honeymoon.

“We sent two missionaries this past year to start our second orphan care center in Botswana,” Barnhill said. “In the coming year, we hope to start two new care centers in the country of Lesotho with our two new missionaries. All care centers are started in partnership with the International Mission Board through established local churches. They are completely self-sustaining and do not receive any funding from us or any other organization.”

Your contribution to Reclaimed Project provides funding for adoption grants and to help train missionaries to start orphan care centers. Visit www.reclaimedproject.org to find out how you can help.

“Our goal is to create difference makers who will make a difference in their communities,” Barnhill said.

“We have hope and love, and we want to share that with those who don’t have it. That’s our mission. The task can seem overwhelming at times. But we know God is on our side, and we are doing all of this for Him.”

December 2014 • 47

Sally Kate Winters

Transitional Living Program Coordinator Monique Tillman and a young participant in the Lunch and Learn Parenting Class

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P hotos Courtesy of SKW

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The Sally Kate Winters Memorial Children’s Home began in West Point in 1990 as an emergency

shelter. Sally Kate Winters Family Services (SKWFS) serves today as a temporary residential program for children who’ve been removed from their homes because of unsafe conditions.

“As an agency, we believe that education is the first step to prevention,” said outreach coordinator Heather Usry. “We exist to offer safety and support to children who are in need of protection, support and care. I believe it’s my responsibility to be aware of the needs that children face who have been neglected or abused.”

Children spend up to two months with the organization. SKWFS takes kids at a very young age – such as six weeks old – and currently has a group of siblings that are five years old, three, and nine months.

The teenagers on the campus included a seventeen-year-old who is expecting a baby.

“SKWFS offers children very fundamental and basic human needs – shelter, food and clothing. We do that first,” Usrysaid. “The intangible things we offer are where the real value is. I think we offer them childhood. We offer a foundation of experiences they take with them as memories and draw from the rest of their lives.

“It’s very typical for children of all ages to come here and be upset about it initially, even if the situation they were coming from was terrible. But intertwined with the basic human needs that we meet first, the sense of safety here allows the children an opportunity to let down their guard – and allow the people who are here to help them.”

The staff provides birthday parties, a Christmas morning celebration, an Easter egg hunt and much more to help enrich the children’s lives. Counselors work with each child to help them process their circumstances on an age-appropriate level. Their medical and educational needs are met as well – the staff works with schools and school districts to make sure they’re enrolled locally and can maintain their coursework.

SKWFS has two annual fundraisers, including the popular Spring Into Action 5K race. Donations of any size are accepted and can be made at www.sallykatewinters.org.

“The most rewarding thing is the value and reciprocal effect that giving, time and effort has on not only the child, but the giver as well,” Usry said. “The children who are here don’t just receive support, they give it too.”

December 2014 • 49

HOME & GARDEN: The Arnett Home

Starkville, Miss.

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like

Christmas

by Joe Lee • photography by Laura Daniels

Based on the way Maxine Arnett of Starkville decorates the interior of her home each Christmas, you’d never know that her family simply had a tree and a wreath on the front door when she grew up in Scooba.

“When I moved to Starkville many years ago, I had decorations that went with raising a family,” she said.

“I started out thinking I would downgrade, and I went with silver, tinsel, gold, glass and white – my theme is a winter wonderland. But I turned out getting many more decorations. I decorate the mantle, the dining room table, the master bedroom, the foyer, the kitchen, the master bathroom and the living area.”

Arnett’s home at 100 Lake Pointe Ln. in Huntington Park is one of five on this year’s annual Starkville Christmas tour of homes, a tradition since 2002 and the only

fundraiser for the Starkville Civic League. Tour leader Eloise Shannon is a past president of the Civic League and said that one hundred percent of proceeds always go right back into the community.

“This year’s tour, for the first time, is on a Saturday,” Shannon said. “It’s December 13 from 1:30 – 5 p.m. We sell 300 tickets, and it is always well-attended. There’s no real pattern to it – folks can start anywhere on the tour they’d like, and the houses are fairly large, so there’s not a congested area anywhere. My goal this year was to have most of them in a general area.”

This year’s tour includes Wesley and Cindy Ferguson’s home in Sherwood Forest, Ron Polk’s home in Browning Creek, Sheryl Oswald’s residence in Country Club Estates, and the home of Mike and Sandy Jackson (also in Country December 2014 • 51

Club Estates). Arnett’s location is approximately 2,400 square feet, and she’ll use every bit of space entertaining not only those who take the tour, but also her six adult children and stepchildren (and spouses) and 15 grandkids when they visit at Christmas.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed so much about Maxine’s home is that she uses gold, silver and crystal,” Shannon said. “There’s not red and green – or lime green – like the usual Christmas colors. It’s just lovely.”

There are four Christmas trees in Arnett’s home: a large one in the living room, a second that takes up most of the foyer, a third on the back patio and a small one in the kitchen. That one is notable for its MSU ornaments, as well as ornaments Arnett acquired from playing tennis in all fifty states.

“Even though I decorate throughout the house, it doesn’t take more than two days to get everything set up,” she said. “Outside, getting all the lights going and everything takes about half a day. I hook everything up, hit one button, and all the lights come on.”

Tickets for the Christmas tour of homes can be purchased from any Civic League member, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership office, and The Flower Company in College Park.

On the day of, tickets can be purchased at the Starkville Public Library, where there will be Christmas snacks and punch during and after the tour.

HOMES ON THE TOUR: • Maxine Arnett 100 Lake Pointe Lane (Huntington Park) • Wesley and Cindy Ferguson 502 Canterbury (Sherwood Forest) • Mike and Sandy Jackson 212 Turnberry Lane (Country Club Estates) • Sheryl Oswald 200 Oakmont (Country Club Estates) • Ron Polk 45 Fawn Ridge (Browning Creek)

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HISTORIC HOMES: Whitehall

Columbus, Miss.

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Historic

Whitehall

By Joe Lee | Photography by Divian Conner

A look inside the beautiful antebellum home of Joe and Carol Boggess.

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The lovely and historic Whitehall Home of Columbus, which sits in colorful splendor just blocks from the Tennessee Williams Birthplace and Welcome Center, is a big part of the annual Spring Pilgrimage that brings visitors from all over the world. Lovingly maintained by owners Joe and Carol Boggess, the antebellum structure was built in 1843 and has been in Joe’s family since his parents purchased the home two generations ago.

“It was built for James Harris, a planter, in the Greek revival style, and was made from pine and cypress floor joists,” Joe said. “We’re the second owners – my parents bought it in 1956. Carol and I have been married 34 years and moved in in 2004.”

A whopping 6,000 square feet (which includes the basement), the Whitehall Home served as a hospital after the Battle of Shiloh and housed both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. It was also a drop-in hangar during World War II. Famed writers Upton Sinclair and Mississippi’s own Eudora Welty visited over the years. Not surprisingly, Joe and Carol have gone to great pains to keep as much of the original architecture as possible while refurbishing as needed.

“There’s a major renovation every half century or so,” Joe said. “Several years ago we added central air and touched up the wiring, plumbing, roofs, the chimney and made a major repair to the front porch. We donated our December 2014 • 55

Whitehall was built in 1843 by James Harris and remains one of Columbus’ most important historic homes. façade to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, so they are in charge of maintaining the décor and do a great job. We’ve been very fortunate when it comes to bad weather – there was no damage at all from the tornado that hit MUW (and plowed through downtown Columbus in November 2002).”

Highlights include a New England bed with solid, hand-carved posts – it has been around 200 years and is the oldest item in the home. Just as eye-catching is an armoire from 1860 that’s oiled once a year. The parlor and dining room, which feature pine flooring, once had wall-to-wall carpet 56

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– it was in place for over a century before being removed by Joe’s parents in 1956. There are cornices over the windows and light fixtures downstairs which are original to the house.

“Kathy Davis of Columbus designs draperies to match the surroundings and does a great job,” Carol said. “We attend art auctions and visit antique shops and have acquired many paintings (that are on display in the home). We’ve decorated in many styles, from the 1800s through 2012.”

The galley-style kitchen is more recent. The original kitchen was in a separate building behind the house

which housed the servant’s quarters.

It still stands, as does the original carriage house. There are spectacular pecan, poplar, oak, hackberry and magnolia trees on the beautifully-kept grounds, not to mention three sides of porch around the house. Wood was burned for heat in the beginning, followed by coal and, eventually, radiators and natural gas.

A point of interest on the second floor is the tiny bathroom, which Joe refers to as a water closet – it has a lavatory, a tub and toilet in a most tiny area. There’s one bedroom downstairs and three on the second floor; the bedroom which belongs

From period furnishings to original details, Whitehall is a masterpiece of antebellum architecture and charm.

December 2014 • 57

Joe and Carol have managed to combine historic charm with modern amenities in their antebellum Columbus home.

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to Joe and Carol’s son, Thomas (a student at the University of Alabama) features the bed Joe’s grandmother was born in 150 years ago in Macon, Mississippi. The downstairs bathroom has the original tile and a 114-year-old tub, a separate sink for brushing one’s teeth and a foot-washing tub.

But perhaps the most eye-opening story the couple tells has to do with an item that’s kept near the front doors.

“Mrs. Harris had an old key bag with all the keys to the home, and in it is a bullet that was retrieved from the decking,” Carol said. “We were told by Rufus Ward, our local historian – and descendent of the former owners – that rioting took place here just after the Civil War. Carpetbaggers were burning buildings and shot at the home.”

Visitors have come from England, France, Italy, Russia, Canada, Mexico and Germany, as well as all of the southern states.

“We just had a husband and wife from Vermont and a busload of seniors from Meridian,” Joe said. “Every year we get people who come by yacht down the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway.”

The Whitehall Home is located at 607 S. 3rd St, and is open each Monday for tours from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Contact the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau at 662-329-1191 to make an appointment. The Boggesses expect lots of visitors in spring 2015, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the Pilgrimage.

“Carol loves teaching people the history of the town and sharing the memories of those who lived here with our visitors,” Joe said. “We both hope whoever owns it in the future can take of it in perpetuity, for the historic preservation. We will see one of these fine homes torn down every so often, and that’s very challenging for me because I grew up in this home.”

December 2014 • 59

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December 2014 • 61

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December 2014 • 63

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December 2014 • 69

KMG Creations Military Charity On November 6, the First United Methodist Church of Starkville hosted the KMG Creations Military Charity event honoring Starkville’s veterans as well as those who are currently serving.

Photography by Keats Haupt

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1. Tanner and Robin Fant • 2. Honoree John Robert Arnold and Mary Ann Arnold • 3. Dori Jennette and Kayla Gilmore • 4. Roberta Nicholson and Barbara Tucker • 5. Lt. Major Larry D. Daniels and Major Brad Hollingsworth • 6. Yasenia Pinkney, Morgan Gray and Jessika Depena

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FUMC Holiday Bazaar The First United Methodist Church of Starkville hosted their Holiday Bazaar in November.

Guests were able to purchase local handmade gifts and enjoy the music of the FUMC men’s choir.

Photography by Ashley Covin

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1. Julie Riekhof and Cathy McKee • 2. Kim Walters and Lanna Miller • 3. Lisa Hardin and Joanna McLaurin • 4. Mary Howard and Jane Windham • 5. Mary Reagan and Lindsey Wilkes • 6. Katie Robertson, Anna Hood, Janie Covin and Lynn Berch

Designer’s Gallery Christmas Open House On November 6, Designer’s Gallery of Starkville hosted their annual Christmas Open House.

Photography by Keats Haupt

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1. Susan and Janet Boyett and Jinette Williams • 2. Nicole and Arlee Oswalt • 3. Joyce and Dick Crawley • 4. Howard and Kim Duncan and Jim Brown • 5. Cindy Akers and Amy Tuck • 6. Corey Lewis and Mallory McCain

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Bulldog Brunch & Browse Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. following home football games, Starkville residents and visitors joined area shops including Thyme, Urban Den, LA Green, Aspen Bay and more for a unique shopping experience known as Bulldog Brunch and Browse.

Photography by Keats Haupt

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1. Andrew and Leigh Dragos • 2. Lauren, Beverly and Robert Guisiner • 3. Brian, MaKeena, Currie and Jazell Ladner • 4. Matt and Cassidy Camp • 5. Annie Cate Garrett, Jullian Fischer, Sarah Barton and Christian Holmes • 6. Maggie Kennedy and Mary Leighton Parsons December 2014 • 73

Haunted Horse Park On October 30 and October 31, the Mississippi Horse Park hosted “Haunted Horse Park,” a spooktacular event that included plenty of ghosts and ghouls.

Photography by Keats Haupt

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1. Christian Jordan and Chanta Williams • 2. Alexis Caudill and Elliot James • 3. Abigail Poole, Julianne Martin, Katherine Grate and Katie Flowers • 4. Dipa Patel, Avneet Singh and Annant Patel • 5. Rachel Henderson, Marianna Myrick, Skyler Kennamer and Julia Putt • 6. Kandyce Carter, Michael Peterson and Sarah Young

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Trashion Show On November 12, the NOMAS + MSU Fashion Board Trashion Show was hosted at the Giles Architecture Building.

Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Asher Paxton, Olivia Labella and Melissa Weitzel • 2. Cindy Phillips and Joan Brown • 3. Emily, Mary and Trish Sanders • 4. Alainay and Mary Beth Griffin • 5. Sonia Nichols and Jasmine Rillan • 6. Blake Marler and Anabel Wilson December 2014 • 75

Japan World Heritage Event On November 10, The Japan World Heritage Photo Exhibit was held in the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery.

Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Rui Larson and Derrick Lewis • 2. Farshid Vahedifard and Sara Ebrahimi • 3. Mirae Lee and Mina and Sachi Clay • 4. Ikue Yamada and Satoshi Honda • 5. Masu Yoshi Sho and Chikako Yoshida • 6. Chi Little and Hiroko Clay

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MSU Homecoming Parade On November 7, the MSU Homecoming Parade took place in Starkville. The parade began at the intersection of University Drive and Nash Street and proceeded to campus before ending in The Junction.

Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Felisha and Jordan Hester and Walton Mallette • 2. Garrett Yeager and Anna, Maggie and Michelle Gardner • 3. Elizabeth, Carolyn and Stephen Moody • 4. Branson, Henry, Lesley and Jane Strawderman • 5. Magnolia Allen and Kaitlyn Caldwell • 6. Tracy and Logan Darnell, Tim Gordon amd Katie Childers December 2014 • 77

MSU Little Rascals Movie Night On November 6, Mississippi State University hosted movie night on the Drill Field, where students gathered to watch “The Little Rascals.”

Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Gerah Baker, Sarah Stukenborg and Madison Lessley • 2. Pepper Taylor and Chandler Pride • 3. Kelly Cobler and Haley Parker • 4. Fredd and Alexandria Wilson • 5. Baylee Davidson and Suebeen Noh • 6. Cori Brunet, Ellery Chancellor and Celine Brazeal

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Woodcut Exhibit On October 29, Mississippi State University’s department of art hosted the “Mike Stephens Woodcut Prints” exhibit in the McComas Hall student art gallery.

Photography by Raeley Stevens

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1. Molly Howell and Ty Barnes • 2. Donovon Grimsley and Sarah Prater • 3. Jordan Bishop and Dominique Smith • 4. Kyle Carpenter and Randi Watson • 5. Artist Mike Stephens • 6. Andrew Prudhomme, Paul Prudhomme and Mark Slawson December 2014 • 79

Trick or Treat on the Row On October 31, Mississippi State University fraternities and sororities hosted “Trick or Treat on the Row,” where many MSU students and young Starkville residents showed off their best costumes.

Photography by Raeley Stevens

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1. Diego and Gabriel Corrigan • 2. Caroline Glenn, Caitlyn Atkins and Hannah Hathorn • 3. Audrey Blake and Asher Ellison • 4. Sarah Elizabeth and Audrey Neel • 5. Scott, Rita and Ruby Grice • 6. Annie Mullen and Mary Reagan Wilkes

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Costume Carnival On October 30, the annual Costume Carnival was held in The Junction on the campus of Mississippi State University.

Guests enjoyed several fun festivities, including trick-or-treating at “Trick or Treat on the Row.” Photography by Raeley Stevens

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1. Joy and Ben Nabors • 2. Delise and Delilah Aiken • 3. Sally Vaughan and Amelia Moore • 4. Sage and Traci Linley and Peyton Whitehead • 5. Nikki and Georgia Brooke Tucker • 6. Andrick and Ashley Doubleday December 2014 • 81

Japan-America Society Event On November 13, the Japan-America Society social celebrating Japanese-American culture in Starkville took place at MSU’s Bost Conference Center.

Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Thom Eason and Shintaro Watanabe • 2. Chieko Iwata, Satoshi Honda and Ikue Yamada • 3. Jennifer Swoope, Sammy Slaughter and Cole Brazil • 4. Kiane Hunt and Shirley Hanshaw • 5. Brother Rogers and Chip Templeton • 6. Loretta and Billy Milican

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