April 2016

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 4

Town &Gown

TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

ATD Designs APRIL • 2016

Living LIUID: SA alum designs own shoe line

Mother’s Day Brunch CiCi Zhang Named Starkville’s Distinguished Young Woman

Made in MS: Blue Delta Jeans

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Palmer Home for Children’s Southern Soiree Photos by Camille Watts

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1. Sarah Tyner, Cody Tyner, Camille Watts and Laura Kate Tribble 2. Matthew Bedwell, Steffany Bedwell, Karen Dabbs and Neil Dabba 3.

Maya Gregory and Aaron Gregory 4. Jasmine Murray and Nicholas Perness 5. Carolyn Brown, Emily Daniels and Julie Brown 6. Dave Bickerstaff, Cynthia Bickerstaff and Brandon Kim

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SHS Archery Photos by Ashley Covin

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1. Brian Kittrell, Payton Rogers, Joey Forrester, Luke Pannell and Michael Lee 2. Dr. Marty Brunson and Keeton Buffum 3. Omar Trejo and Molly Covin 4. Rick Welch Rhonda Lock

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Rotary Rodeo Photos by Ashley Covin

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1. Bruce and Chesney Rigdon 2. Joseph and Brittney Dees 3. Katelyn and Reese Hammett 4. Kim Lee 5. Nathan and Caroline Phillips and children 6. Ronnie, Tracy Seely and Tristan King

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MSU Tennis vs UGA Photos by Margaret McMullen

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1. Charity Holdiness and Rivers Holdiness 2. Dave Glasgow, Jamie Glasgow, Meg Glasgow, Julia Glasgow and Ryle Glasgow 3. Debbie Harris and Katie Ross 4. Sabrina Wallace, Elizabeth Brison, Steve Brison and Uga 5. Shannon, Steven and Rachel Price 6. William Hall, Coach Daryl Greenman, Laura-Read Lee and Robynn Coleman

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Starkville’s Distinguished Young Women Program Photos by Ashley Covin

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1. Becca Breckenridge and Sharon Breckenridge 2. Caroline Dewberry and Reagan Ruff 3. Maggie Fischer, Mallory Martin and Audrey Martin 4. Rebecca Martin and Sonya Fischer 5. Shannon Tucker, Ginny Belk and Tommy Tucker 6. Tate Honea and Melanie Dobbs

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A Jazzy Affair Photos by Ashley Covin

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1. Betty Jane Chatham and Paul Murray 2. Cecille Blustine and Lucy Phillips 3. Doug Feig and Bonnie Feig 4. Jeannie Godbold, Jeanne Marcus and Terry Thomas 5. Kate Ware and Chuck Ware 6. Nelson Jones, Beverly Jones, Olga Ryan and Mike Ryan

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UnWine Downtown Photos by Margaret McMullen

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1. Ashley Weekly, Summer Graham, Kristi Dickerson and Celia Kidder 2. Athena Nagel and Robika Mylroie 3. Bailey Poindexter and Katie Timmerman 4. Stephanie Dray and Catherine Schiller 5. Elizabeth Rugel and Tiffany Little 6. 5. Jennifer Lambert and Gina Deason

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Gypster Veil

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Outfit provided by Gypster Veil

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Outfit provided by R. Tabb & Co.

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Outfit provided by R. Tabb & Co.

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Outfit provided by R. Tabb & Co.

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Outfit provided by R. Tabb & Co.

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Outfit provided by Liza Tye and Company

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Outfit provided by Liza Tye and Company

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Sisters Fine Clothing

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Outfit provided by Liza Tye and Company

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Outfit provided by Liza Tye and Company

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Outfit provided by Liza Tye and Company

Town & Gown’s

April Fashion Photos by Divian Conner · Make up by Merle Norman Luna Bella •

April 2016 | 59

pan over plate for a few minutes to allow praline mixture to drizzle over biscuits. Serve warm.

Serves 8

Hot Curried Fruit 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 heaping cup of brown sugar 2 teaspoons curry powder 1 (14.5 ounce can) each, sliced peaches, sliced pears or pear halves, and pine apple chunks in water, drained 1 (14.5 ounce can) sweet cherries (not cherry pie filling) pitted and drained Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and curry. Stir until mixture is combined.

Mix fruit together and pour into a 9 x 12 x 2 inch baking dish. Pour butter mixture over fruit and stir to combine.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until syrup is bubbling.

Serves 4-6

Spiced Peach Jello Salad 1 (1 lb) can peaches in light syrup, drained, syrup reserved ¼ cup white vinegar ½ cup sugar 12 whole cloves ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 (3 ounce) package peach flavored gelatin ¾ cup cold water Coarsely chop peaches. Set aside.

Add enough water to reserved syrup to make ¾ cup. Pour syrup into a medium saucepan. Add vinegar, sugar and spices. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add peaches and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain syrup. Reserve peaches but pick out and discard cloves Add enough cold water to syrup mixture to make 1 cup.

Add gelatin to syrup and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add cold water. Pour gelatin mixture into a mold or individual cups. Place in the refrigerator and chill overnight.

Serves 4 58 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

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Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately. Sauce will keep for up to two hours at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or heat Hollandaise sauce.

Praline Pan Biscuits Biscuits: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup chilled unsalted butter or shortening

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¾ cup milk Praline topping: ⅓ cup unsalted butter ⅓ cup light brown sugar ⅓ cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cut butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk, and stir until dough comes together and begins to leave the side of the bowl, adding additional milk if necessary.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly knead 10 times.

Roll or pat dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into eight disks using a 2 to 2-1/4- inch round cutter.

In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until sugar is melted. Pour mixture into a 10inch cast iron skillet or a 9 x 1 ½ inch round cake pan. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Arrange biscuits in the pan.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Turn pan out onto a large plate. Leave

Bloody Mary Mix for a Crowd 1 (32 oz.) bottle Bloody Mary mix 16 oz. 100-proof vodka 2 celery sticks, cut into thirds 2 dill pickle spears, quartered 10 (or so) Manzanilla olives stuffed with pimento 1½ tablespoons hot sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 10 (or so) pickled Tabasco peppers ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes) Combine all ingredients into a large container. Mix thoroughly.

For best results, prepare up to a day in advance.

Strain Bloody Mary mix into glasses. Serve over ice, if desired.

Garnish with additional celery, olives, dill pickle spears, lemon wedges, etc., if desired.

Recipe can be doubled.

Serves 4-6

Baked Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce For the eggs: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter 8 eggs ½ cup diced ham or bacon ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika, to taste 8 biscuits or English muffins (you could even use toast) For the hollandaise sauce:

2 large egg yolks, room temperature 1 teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and brought to room temperature Juice of 1 lemon Salt and pepper, to taste For the eggs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put one tablespoon of butter into eight muffin cups. Crack one egg into each cup.

Combine ham or bacon, cheese, onions, parsley, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle mix-

ture over each egg. Sprinkle the top of each egg with paprika.

Bake for 20 minutes for hardcooked eggs, 10 minutes for soft-cooked eggs.

Serve over biscuits or English muffins.

Drizzle with hollandaise sauce.

For the hollandaise sauce: Blend egg yolks, salt, and cayenne pepper in a blender until smooth.

With the blender still running, add half of the melted butter.

Add half of the lemon juice.

Repeat with remaining butter and lemon juice.

April 2016 | 53

Town & Gown’s

Taste & Toast: Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes and photos by Lisa Bynum

Every salad is measured into a large (24 oz) mason jar in the order of the listed ingredients, first to last. (The dressing always goes in first, and will marinate the denser vegetables at the bottom.) Croutons should be stored separately and served with the salad at meal time.

NOURISH MOMMAS Dear Moms, you do a lot to nourish your families. From doing your best to serve quick breakfasts at the start of busy days, to packing healthy lunches, and planning nutritious dinners, you are always looking out for the well-­being of your littles and all of your loved ones.

The mason jar salads featured in this article are great options for busy work weeks because they can be prepared in advance and will still be fresh days later. Make them all on a Sunday afternoon, and be prepared for a great week of midday lunching.

Momma, you need nourishing meals too, and just like the healthy meals you make for your families, creating nourishing meals for yourself requires a little planning. Before you assume that this planning will add a whole lot to your to-­do list, consider what about an hour of preparation one afternoon can do for your week.

With mason jar salads that stay fresh for days, you can guarantee that you'll fill your body with nutrient dense meals that are heavily plant-­ based, and energy-­sustaining. That's a pretty big upgrade if your usual lunch includes leftover goldfish crackers and cheerios from your toddler's plate!

I've included a recipe for whole grain, homemade croutons, which of course are optional, but really…the body requires carbohydrates to burn fat, so if you needed an excuse to include a few of these on your salad, now you have one (as if you needed an excuse!). Of course if you want to be extra minimal in the calorie department, the vegetables in these salads provide healthy carbohydrates too, so you can leave them out if you choose.

What makes a plant-­focused salad such a good option for busy moms?

In the simplest of explanations, plant foods provide the body with a ton of nutritional value with the lowest possible caloric impact. A highly recommended book, Eat to Live, by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, describes this nutrient-­to-­calorie ratio as a standard that should dictate all of our food choices.

In an effort to keep things simple, all of the salads use just one homemade dressing (and it is so delicious!).

Lastly, enjoy knowing that all of these salads are made of real, whole foods, prepared in your own kitchen.

No preservative-­filled salad dressings, chemical laden croutons, or pesticide covered vegetables plaguing your plate. So get chopping, sister! Pour yourself a Sunday afternoon glass of red wine, and turn on your favorite music.

Dish up some weekday goodness, and enjoy the many benefits to your body!

April 2016 | 49

worship time into something her entire family can enjoy.

“My son takes to the young ladies from Phi Mu,” said Heather. “He does really well in situations that have one-on-one contact.” Nate can participate with other kids and not get too worked up or overly excited and stimulated. “If he does get to a point where it’s too much for him, someone can help him step away, recalibrate and get resituated and calmed down to do an alternative activity.”

It also means Heather can participate in Sunday School and church without worrying about Nate.

“Sometimes I teach my older son’s Sunday class, and this is something I wasn’t historically able to do. Now, someone is willing to shadow him for me,” said Heather. “The church has stepped in as a second family that helps support us.”

Brenda Kirkland’s daughter, Billiejean, is almost 14. She has been diagnosed with Autism.

“The whole church has been very welcoming of her,” said Brenda. “[Billiejean] gets angry and screams, but I have never had anyone complain.”

In fact, the people at Trinity seek Billiejean out.

Some of the older members get excited when Billiejean speaks to them because she doesn’t usually

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speak.

“It’s beyond welcoming her. They want her to be a part of the church family,” said Brenda. The inclusion program is good for Billiejean because of the social interaction with the sorority girls. They are very patient and love to work with her.

The best change has been in our expectations and educating ourselves by reading books on how to best understand the needs and actions of the special needs child, explained Alison.

Other churches have inquired about setting up a similar program, but programs like this probably fit better in a non-traditional, laid-back congregation similar to Trinity rather than a quiet, traditional service that is generally more reserved. Expectations have to be changed.

“All children are God’s children,” said Alison, “and we want them there.”

Trinity Presbyterian Church 607 Hospital Road Starkville, MS 39759 Telephone - 662-323-9340 Pastor- Rev. Buren Blankenship trinitypresstarkville@gmail.com http://www.trinitypresstarkville.org/

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401 E Lampkin St•Starkville•323-0995 • M-F: 10-5:30•Saturday: 10-5

April 2016 | 47

Trinity Presbyterian reaches out to those with special needs Story by Richelle Putnam Photography submitted

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t the end of a hectic week, Sunday is our day of rest and time for fellowship and quiet, prayerful worship in our church homes. However, for families with special needs children, Sundays can be stressful and unmanageable, especially during the hour of worship.

Family Outreach Coordinator Alison Buehler at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Starkville, who also taught special education, wanted to change this.

“We had two families with special needs kids that started attending about two years ago, and I had a niece who had special needs,” said Alison. “I remember that my brother and his wife would never go to church because it was too hard because their daughter could be loud and disruptive.”

Trinity started looking at ways to make it easier for parents of special needs, especially since there are no respite services for caregivers in the Golden 46 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Triangle. The family gets exhausted, said Alison. “I wanted to give them three hours on Sunday morning to actually rest, repair and fellowship without worry.”

The church also wanted their special needs kids to be able to participate in activities with the other children. Hiring Rosie Oppedal to coordinate Children’s Church and Fellowship Time and partnering with the Phi Mu sorority at MSU to provide “shadows” for special needs children during the Sunday morning programming made this possible.

“They may walk around or go to the respite room where there are books and things for drawing,” said Alison. “Our main goal is to have special needs children doing what all the other kids are doing.”

Heather Wainwright, the mother of 11-year-old Nate, who was diagnosed with 11q Deletion Disorder, feels the program has transformed Sunday

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local schools will participate

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countries will be represented by international performance

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bands playing live on three stages

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pets in last year’s pet parade

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years the CDAF has been in Starkville in some form

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culinary offerings prepared in A Taste of Starkville

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awards of all kinds handed out during the day

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attendees at last year’s CDAF smiles at last year’s CDAF April 2016 | 45

I was baffled that most people stood still to watch a show. They would clap and listen, but sometimes without expression.

“I was offended at first, but soon realized that I was playing for an entire audience of musicians. I am being critiqued in a completely different way. Don’t be surprised if someone spends more time scoping out your pedals or your amps while you are playing; it’s completely saturated with musicians. Not a bad thing, but it makes it extremely competitive.”

Stagolee’s lineup includes Pearce Harrison on drums and Collins Gordon on keyboards. Lead guitarist Kent said his influences include everything from Hank Williams and Peter, Paul & Mary to Public Enemy and Jesus & Mary Chain. And when you throw in the fact that the band is likely to listen to everything from Stevie Wonder to indie pop like Youth Lagoon and rap artists like Kendrick Lamar while on the road, it’s no wonder they’re difficult to pigeonhole.

As to a big recording contract, they’d love it, but they continue to pick up momentum while producing and releasing their work themselves.

Ever since Starkville businessman Dan Camp put together what eventually became the Cotton District Arts Festival (CDAF) back in 1986, the annual celebration of art, food, music and good times has widened and deepened its footprint and developed into a signature north Mississippi event that attracts tens of thousands of folks from all over the southeast each year.

“What’s always new (is) a great variety of local and regional artisans with handcrafted, original work,” said CDAF spokesman Jon Turner. “Some of the best music around, from old favorites to some up-and-comers. Starkville has a thriving restaurant/food scene and most of the major players bring their A game with new creations just for the festival and the Taste of Starkville.”

“It is always a goal of the CDAF com-

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“We just released our fourth record, ‘Love Is Criminal,’” Cooper said. “We recorded it ourselves, mixed it ourselves, and had a wonderful mastering engineer, Frank Gagliardi, put the finishing touches on it. (Look for it) on vinyl, CD, iTunes, or add us to your Spotify playlist.”

Watch for Stagolee at this year’s CDAF, and don’t look for them to forget their roots. Cooper is quick to say that the best thing any band that’s reaching for the stars can do is give it all your time.

“It has to take priority, and it has to be your job.

This is something I have always struggled with,” he said. “I think it is also important to be self-sufficient. Learn Pro Tools, learn Photoshop, learn social media, learn how to make websites, learn how to fix guitar and amps, learn how to book shows, and for heaven sakes learn how to work on a van.

“Anything you’re not doing, you’re paying someone else to do, and indie bands just don’t make enough money to hemorrhage it.”

Visit www.stagoleemusic.com and www.reverbnation.com/stagolee for more information, and like them on Facebook.

mittee to keep the Taste of Starkville fresh, unique, and supportive of our Starkville/Oktibbeha County culinary artists,” said Christy Cater. “This year we will have over 75 culinary options.

Festival-goers can expect everything from a variety of drinks – cold to hot – too many savory options and tempting items for a sweet tooth. This year we are very excited about the addition of several fried items stereotypical of family festivals.”

“There’s no better way to spend a spring Saturday: fine art, delicious food, great music, the 5K run – and Super Bulldog Weekend as well,” Turner said. “We truly appreciate all of our sponsors, including the City of Starkville, who really supports our efforts each year and MSU.”

Stagolee to headline 2016 Cotton District Arts Festival Story by Joe Lee Photography submitted

I

t’s easy to imagine up-and-coming rock bands resenting each other as they compete for recording contracts, club dates and audience share. But the members of Stagolee, the Nashville-based quintet that got their start in Starkville over a decade ago, have found the local competitors friendly to the point of brotherhood.

“We are fortunate to have become friends with several bands in (Nashville) that are at the same level as us,” said bass player Breck Cooper.

“Our little coalition of bands is more concerned with helping each other out than being cut-throat.

We celebrate every win.

“Our local (independent) radio station, (WRLT-FM) Lightning 100, recently selected us to do a battle of the bands for a chance to play Bonnaroo (the annual music festival in Manchester, Tennessee). We were told over 300 bands submitted, and we scored in the top five.”

Led by vocalist and pianist Katie Robertson and guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Kent (who met while working at Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern while both were Mississippi State University students), Stagolee will headline the East stage at this year’s Cotton District Arts Festival (CDAF).

“I have always loved the CDAF,” said

Robertson, who cites blues belters like Etta James and Janis Joplin as influences on her singing style.

“It has always been a time to show off what a great community Starkville is. Every time I go back to Starkville, I feel at home.

“We played the CDAF in 2013,” Cooper said. “(It was) an absolutely beautiful day. It was so much fun to look out into the audience and spot the faces of people you hadn’t seen in years. You’d make eye contact with them, exchange a smile or some other type of acknowledgment, and get really excited to say hello after the show.”

In addition to playing in Mississippi cities like Jackson, Oxford and Starkville, Stagolee has toured up the east coast to New York City, performed as far west as Dallas, and played in venues throughout the southeast. Cooper cites St. George Island (off the Florida Panhandle in the northern Gulf of Mexico) as a regular stop and one of his favorite tour stops. He added that Nashville has changed a lot in the last ten years.

“Starkville is a place where music is held in high regard, and people make sure to let you know they appreciate what you are doing by dancing and singing along,” he said. “After going to my first few shows (in Nashville) and even playing a few,

April 2016 | 41

which outfits, such as a black pump or a nude wedge.

“It depends on what the model has in her closet,” said Rachel. “Supplying shoes can get pricey, so I just pray that whatever they have works.”

The Thursday before the show, Rachel heads to New Orleans praying that everything fits. If not, she has time to do the needed alterations before the show.

“It’s frantic backstage whenever you’re in the lineup and having to change hair and makeup and make sure [the models] are in your clothes, and they’re yelling your name, and you have to get ready to get on the stage.”

Rachel does whatever she has to do make sure everything goes smoothly on the runway, like undressing and dressing the models, throwing lipstick onto their lips and changing their hair. Her least favorite part is going down the runway with her models at the end of her show because she gets nervous. While watching the models on the runway, it’s difficult

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for an audience to realize the amount of time and thought in each piece.

Still, it’s very rewarding and worth the hard work, the craziness and the hours that goes into a two-minute show, said Rachel. “There’s a big relief when it’s over, and you feel like you have accomplished something. It’s another check off your bucket list.”

Right now, Rachel is perfectly happy being in Mississippi, working with Mississippi State and trying to make a difference in her community. Still, she dreams of one day having her RBW Design pieces in boutiques all across Mississippi and the South.

“We don’t always have to move off to New York or anywhere else to be able to do the things we love.”

RBW Designs by Rachel Woodward Find Rachel on Instagram: Rachel__Woodward Phone: 662/308-7019 Email: Rachel.h.b.woodward@gmail.com

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April 2016 | 39

designers. She also studies abstract paintings to see how she might incorporate shapes and designs. Her concentration is more on ready-to-wear and fast fashion because “that’s where it’s at,” she said. Some people buy a pattern and manipulate that pattern into what they need. Rachel, however, creates her pattern from start to finish. She still has access to the MSU facilities under the direction of her long-time mentor, Dr. Charles Freeman, Jr., Assistant Professor of the Mississippi State University Fashion Design and Merchandising Program.

As a designer, Rachel tends to stick to neutral colors, even in her personal style. “There may be a pop of color, but I like to stick to mostly neutral colors because anyone can wear those,” she said. “With this collection, I’m doing more browns and golds and a little bit of the blue.” In addition to focusing on shapes and patterns, Rachel also focuses on a three-set color scene to pull it all together. It may be a repetitive style, or a repetitive sleeve or a repetitive print. “I’ve also added vinyl this year to add a little more texture.”

Before the New Orleans show, Rachel will have already contacted the 12 models assigned to her and instructed them as to which footwear to wear with

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April 2016 | 37

Mississippi State University Fashion Design Alum launches RBW designs

Story by Richelle Putnam Photography submitted

R

achel Buchanan Woodward is still trying to decide her ultimate goal in the fashion design field. As she was growing up, art had been a big part of her life. Her elementary school offered a few art classes and at North Pontotoc High School in Ecru, Rachel blossomed as an artist. She later attended the art program at Itawamba Community College in Amory, Miss. and once she discovered the fashion design program at Mississippi State University, she immediately applied.

“I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do,” said Rachel.

“I thought it was a wonderful way to put both of my passions together because I was also obsessed with clothes.”

Rachel’s background in sew-

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ing, however, was limited. She had learned hand-stitching with her grandmother but didn’t learn how to sew on a machine until she was in the MSU Fashion and Merchandising Program.

That was where her passions quickly evolved--and I do mean quickly.

In 2014, Rachel graduated the program, married her sweetheart John David Woodward, and started RBW Designs. In 2015, Rachel became a finalist in the New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW) Top Design Competition. She has also been selected to participate in the Featured Designer Category of the 2016 NOFW where she will show her 12-piece Fall/Winter collection.

“Before I start thinking about a collection, I like to fabric shop and think of a color theme or prints that I can put together with different textures,” said Rachel, adding that she utilized upholstery fabric on her last two collections. “I like thinking outside the box and not necessarily using everyday fabric. When I’m sketching, it makes more sense to think about the fabric I’ve looked at and see if completes a look or an outfit.” Overall, a designer creates the collection as one cohesive thought coming together, Rachel explained.

Collections can be a 12, 18, or 24-piece collection.

Rachel finds inspiration in patterns and textures and other

Science and Engineering Fair in Tucson. Her project involved developing a method of converting carbon dioxide to methanol using carbon encapsulated copper nanoparticles. She has a patent pending on the design.

Zhang says she is proud not only of the recognition but to develop something that is “taking harmful environmental waste and producing a value added product like methanol.” is currently undecided about her college plans but is certain she wants to major in Engineering with an emphasis in biomedical studies. Eventually, she intends to become a doctor and has an ultimate goal of bringing efficient health care to developing countries.

Susan Keith has spent 15

years as director of Starkville Distinguished Young Women.

She comes back year after year because “it’s wonderful to work with young women who are passionate about doing their best. I like to watch them grow through the program. It’s very rewarding for me. While we only choose one representative, it’s more than just a competition. Learning how to do your best and building friendships and cheering on one another is important than winning.”

Echoing that sentiment, Cico says her favorite thing about Distinguished Young Woman is the friendships. “There were 10 wonderful girls in the program, and I‘ve grown close to each one.”

www.bcbsms.com Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

April 2016 | 35

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April 2016 | 33

excellent opportunity for our girls to work with youth in the community. They were able to tutor and teach them about our Be Your Best Self program.”

During the talent portion of the competition, Zhang relied on her 10 years of piano practice. She played a classical remix of River Flows in You by Yirmua. It was a natural choice for her; she says, “Piano has always been a great passion of mine.”

And during the interview segment, Zhang said she was caught off-guard by a question about politics and her opinion on specific policies. Despite the tough question, she says, “Overall, I think my answer was sufficient.”

Zhang is excited about state competition this July in Meridian. “I’ve already started connecting with some of the other girls,” she says. To prepare for the Distinguished Young Women competition, Zhang won’t be doing anything much different. Her strat32 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

egy, she says, is to “Stay the course. Continue to eat healthy, keep my grades up, and reading about current events. All the things that helped me to win.”

Outside of Distinguished Young Women, CiCi stays very busy. When I ask about her other extracurricular activities, she takes a deep breath as if to say, “How much time do you have?” CiCi is heavily involved in several pursuits, including serving as President of Key Club and Vice President of the mathematics honor society, Mu Alpha Theta. In fact, CiCi will work with Key Club to continue her volunteer efforts with Brickfire. And last year, Zhang was a national finalist in National History Day competition and is hoping to return this year.

But the thing she is most passionate about is her involvement with a research project that recently won Best of Fair at the Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair earning her trip to Intel International

CiCi Zhang named Starkville’s Distinguished Young Woman Story by Clint Kimberling Photography Laura Daniels

I

n February, the Starkville chapter of Distinguished Young Women held a local preliminary event of the national scholarship competition at Lee Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. The event features young women competing in five categories: academic performance, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression.

And CiCi Zhang, a junior at Starkville Academy, was named the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Starkville. Zhang will represent Starkville at the state competition this summer.

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Distinguished Young Women of Starkville awarded a total of $6,100 in scholarship money to competition winners this year.

Susan Keith, Starkville Program Director, says, “CiCi is a very talented, smart young woman and she will represent Starkville very well at the state program. She is very dedicated to doing her best in whatever she does.”

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program for high school girls that promotes

and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent in young women. Beyond the scholarship competition, participants also complete community service projects and promote the DYW outreach program “Be Your Best Self.” The Starkville community outreach project involved working with the Brickfire Community Project where the young women tutored children twice a month. Susan Keith explains, “The Brickfire Community Project is an

perfect distressed pair of jeans isn’t always that simple. A quick internet search shows numerous sites explaining to distress a new pair of jeans.

Anything from sandpaper to power tools is suggested to create that perfect chic look, but with Blue Delta Jeans the only thing that’s required is to wear them. A lot. What’s most interesting is that these jeans should be worn more than they are washed. The more customers wear them,

the more they conform to the body.

Blue Delta Jeans are currently sold in 28 cities and the closest flagship store to the Golden Triangle is in Oxford, Mississippi. To make the long drive worthwhile, they have collaborated with the Graduate Hotel in Oxford to create a “Custom Fit” package for guests. If guests purchase the package they receive a onenight stay, a scheduled Blue Delta Jeans fitting and one

pair of custom tailored Blue Delta Jeans. When asked why customers chose Blue Delta, Josh and Nick explained some clients buy for the exclusivity of a Bespoke product, some valued a tailored fit, others valued the premium fabrics and the locals all appreciate the fact that Blue Delta Jeans are made right here in Mississippi.

To schedule a fitting call 888963-7879 or find them online at www.bluedeltajeans.com.

April 2016 | 29

28 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Made in Mississippi, Loved by America: Blue Delta Jeans

Story by Amanda Lucas Photography submitted

O

ne thing that all jean connoisseurs have struggled with is finding that perfect fit.

Thanks to Josh West and Nick Weaver that is no longer an issue.

These two are the founders of Blue Delta Jean Company. Based in Tupelo, Mississippi’s seventh largest city and four-time winner of the “All American City Award,” hasn’t been around long. It started in 2011 and seven months later the first custom pair of jeans was created.

These jeans are considered must-haves for all Southern women. While the process from start to finish may take

a bit longer than going to the store and purchasing a pair off the rack (six to eight weeks), Weaver and West assure that the wait is worth it. Blue Delta measures each pair of jeans to ensure buyers get that perfect fit. Right after booking a fitting, customers are immediately assigned a style guide to help you through the process and answer any questions they might have. During the fitting, customers won’t just be measured; they help create their jeans. Customers will help decide denim selection, thread theory design, hard-

ware placement and, yes, get fitted for their new jeans. The effect is a long-lasting pair of jeans.

“The life of a jean always depends on how hard you wear them, we use premium raw denim with no pre-aging, washing, or shrinking, so they will last longer than the traditional rack jean. We also offer lifetime alterations,” explains West.

Denim is, once again, at the height of fashion. The trendiest design for this year is a 1970s style with a distressed look, but finding the

writing, and public performance skills.”

“The thing that is most appealing and compelling is that they’re actually learning skills that go beyond the classroom and they understand the value of it.”

The legacy of Tales from the Crypt is seen in several similar programs that take slightly different forms. The format is very s adaptable for the use in the community and is done in other towns such as Natchez who holds annual tour called Angels on the Bluff. And towns like Aberdeen, Pass Christian, and Starkville all do similar versions. However, the MSMS Tales from the Crypt remains the only student-driven experience.

Lauren Tice is a senior who participated last year and portrayed a Decoration Day Lady. Looking back on the experience, “It was very enjoyable. Doing the research and performance and rehearsal, it was all fun, it was a wonderful experience. Seniors always tell underclassmen to, take Tales from the Crypt because it’s the best class.”

Tales from the Crypt performances will be held at Friendship Cemetery on April 1, 4, 6, & 8.

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April 2016 | 25

After months of rehearsal and fine tuning, the monologues are performed in Friendship Cemetery by candlelight, in full costume of the period at the grave of their chosen researched person. The monologues are part of a full tour of the cemetery with students also serving as tour guides providing historical notes and context to the performances.

This year during Columbus’ 2016 Spring Pilgrimage, MSMS students will perform the 26th annual Tales from the Crypt. This year will be Yarborough’s 16th year as project director, and he is expecting about 1800 visitors to view the performance. “The community really values the program. Ultimately, it allows the audience to engage what they know about history, see what it was really like, what were the issues of the day, and how do they apply today. The goal is to create a new understanding of our experience. Not just for students, but for audiences as well.”

As an instructor, Yarborough puts a lot of stock in a quote from Edward Ayers, a Pulitzer-prize finalist and Historian at the University of Virginia, who said that “all history is local history writ large.” It is in this way that he teaches the lessons of U.S. history by having his students study local history. For example, there was the student who researched an Irish immigrant story and that allowed them to tackle the larger issue of immigrant assimilation. “Tying in lessons from the classroom to their individual research makes the story that much richer for the student,” Yarborough explains.

Students also find creative ways to deal with historical issues that could be troubling for the community. For instance, rather than portraying a slave owner, a student may choose to assume the role of a daughter or another family member.

By speaking from another angle, the student can fully explore race and violence without being offensive.

There are 64 students participating in the program this year, all juniors. While U.S. History is not an elective class, over half of all juniors at MSMS ask to be in the Tales from the Crypt program. Yarborough says students get very enthusiastic about being part of the project. “After the research process, they start to get a sense of how this could be fun and interesting. The program is useful to students in a variety of ways.

It develops fantastic research skills, college level 24 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Festivals and fun. Grand historic homes.

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A peek into the past: MSMS Students perform Tales from the Crypt Story by Clint Kimberling Photography submitted

I

t was William Faulkner who said, “The past is never dead. It is not even past.” Chuck Yarborough, a U.S. History at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science takes this quote to heart. Each school year Yarborough instructs his students with history lessons from the grave.

Yarborough is the project director for Tales from the Crypt – an award-winning and nationally recognized student research and performance project.

The year-long project student project starts when a student selects a single name of a person buried in Friendship Cemetery in Columbus. Yarborough collects a pool of about 100 names for students to choose from. He explains, “I don’t necessarily know anything about them, some are on the list just because they have funny names. There’s no rhyme or reason to the choices.”

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Students then visit the gravesite of their chosen name in order to begin the research process. They spend the fall semester collecting primary and secondary source research on their chosen subject. From their research students write a paper exploring the life of their subject, and placing their life in a larger historical context of their era.

From here, the project is unique and gets quite interesting for the students. Each student develops a character, writing and performing an original monologue script conveying the student’s interpretation of significant events surrounding the life of their research subject. Students then prepare these monologues, from which 9 or 10 are chosen for performance. Yarborough explains regarding the monologues, “Students are given freedom to make the project their own.”

to oversee our manufacturing – we manufacture apparel stateside, but we do not manufacture shoes here yet.”

LIUID stands for Loyalty, Inspiration, Unity, Innovation, Difference. Hu’s motto for the company is ‘Live Until I Die’; his logo depicts the road ahead and a mountain to climb. The company, which launched last year, offers casual, fashion and athletic shoes for men and women, and their product lines can be viewed at www.liuid.com. Hu knows success won’t come easy, but he has a long-term plan in place and has no doubt he’ll be successful.

“By year five, I hope we’ll be at the break-even point,” he said. “By year seven, I should (be making) some positive traction to generate better revenues.

By year ten, my plan is to acquire a nearby building to utilize as a studio, and to manufacture – when you come in, you’ll see the entire process (of how shoes and apparel are made) and then buy the product.

Ultimately, I want to create jobs and manufacture made-in-the-USA products.”

Hu was honored by his alma mater several years ago with the Jack Davis Professional Achievement

Award, which is presented annually by the University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences, and he set up an endowment at Bama to help fellow military veterans.

“The first recipient was Michael Johns, an injured veteran who served in Iraq,” Hu said. “I’ve created the LIUID Foundation, which focuses on veterans, community education and community outreach.

I sponsor Simplify Racing, where a Vietnam veteran races and proceeds go to military families to help pay bills and renovate appliances and improve housing.

“Watching what my parents went through to bring my family to this country, being in the Army was a small way to pay them back. College granted me the opportunity to learn skills and go into the workforce, then be sent overseas and have to find a way to make it. My advice is not to give up – it can look overwhelming, but it’s how you handle obstacles that will determine whether you make it or fail.”

Find Hu on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, and email him at stan@liuid.com for information about carrying his product lines.

April 2016 | 21

the 9/11 attacks took place in New York and Pennsylvania, Hu was deployed with the 10th Mountain out of New York and on a tour in Bosnia. He was on active duty from 1997-2003.

“I’m a Starkville man – a good old boy from Mississippi. I love my games and my sports,” Hu said.

“My father, back in China, thought the Army had injured me. ‘You want to make shoes?’ He thought it was the funniest thing in the world.”

Hu enrolled in Tuscaloosa, and the networking discussion with the daughter of the talent scout for Brown Shoe Company (which is now Caleres, and remains headquartered in St. Louis) indeed had a profound impact on his future. He eventually became Director of Production and Operations, turning his division of the company from a $12 million business (at the time of the economic downtown in late 2008) to more than $300 million three years later.

“Toms Shoe Company came to recruit me in 2010,” Hu said. “They’re the company that donates

20 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

a pair of shoes for every one you buy. I researched them and liked what they were about; they were growing at an exponential rate, but quality control was an issue. I left Brown in 2011 to go with Toms as general manager for operations in China and, eventually, vice president of sourcing. I spent four years with them and learned about making business meaningful – we have a code of conduct we follow (in my company).”

Though in an enviable situation with a profitable shoe company in Toms, Hu had set himself a longterm goal long ago and knew he wouldn’t stay with his employer forever.

“By the time I turned 35, I knew I would (either) stay in the corporate world or start my own brand,” Hu said. “In 2015, I moved back stateside – to Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas – and set up shop.

I’m learning sales, marketing, and public relations.

Before, I had multiple teams that did that, but we’re doing it ourselves now. I have four staff (members) here and several overseas. I fly to China twice a year

April 2016 | 19

Living LIUID: Starkville Academy alum designs own shoe line Story by Joe Lee Photography submitted

S

tanley Hu describes a crucial conversation he had at the University of Alabama two decades ago that started him on his career path as dumb luck. But the argument could certainly be made that the Starkville Academy graduate and entrepreneur did some crucial networking that day which paid off in a big way.

“I was a (residence) hall director in college,” said Hu, CEO and founder of LIUID, a footwear company based in Henderson, Nevada. “The father of one of the resident assistants was the

18 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

chief talent officer for Brown Shoe Company. I was telling her about the jobs I wanted, and I said, ‘When is your father going to hire me?’”

Hu was nearing graduation at that point and told the resident assistant that he was sincerely interested in speaking with her father, and she put him in touch.

Hu took it from there, sending his resume and pitching himself to the company.

“My parents came to this country when I was five,” Hu said. “When Brown Shoe Com-

pany hired me, I went overseas; I speak Mandarin Chinese, so I understand both cultures and was a perfect fit. I became a management trainee and learned how to make footwear, (learned about) production, logistics, materials and quality control.”

Hu graduated from Starkville Academy in 1998. He didn’t go to college right away, opting to serve his country in the U.S. Army. An E-5/Sgt. Combat Medic, he was part of the 2-114th HHB Guard Unit in Starkville. On the day before

so talented, and her creative gift shines from within.

We started having trunk shows where our customers could meet and greet her, along with viewing her latest styles. After meeting her, they feel in love with her and the pride she puts in her creations.

“I love the fact that she encourages people to shop with her store accounts. I feel a lot of designers compete with themselves when they sell to a store, and then also try to sell themselves. She has done a great job being a professional wholesale account. That is what has made our business relationship and success.

We are supporting each other as women and as Mississippi business owners.”

Duease is launching an all-new collection for spring and summer 2016 which introduces metal work with fine sterling silver, yellow gold and rose gold. She’s incorporating Pave diamonds into the metal work and mixing in genuine, hand-cut leather and incorporating Tahitian and South Sea pearls.

“The biggest challenge right now is pursuing the growth of my business as hard as I possibly can, and still fulfilling orders,” she said. “That’s why I’m looking for design interns. I’m wanting to keep growing my business, but also wanting to grow my team to keep up with demand.”

Visit Duease online at www.annetaylorduease.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram. Wholesale inquiries can be made at info@annetaylorduease.com.

April 2016 | 17

proximity to Starkville. There are currently three students serving as spokeswomen for the product lines.

“They get five different pieces of jewelry to wear and display around campus, and they have an online store with credit card readers and can take orders,” she said. “They’re able to sell products and make commissions from those sales. It’s a great experience for students that want to go into retail later on, without being bogged down with a great deal of commitments.”

Olivia Bratcher, an MSU Communication major, is Duease’s marketing contact and said she has learned a lot from her boss.

“I handle a lot of the outreach for Anne Taylor by emailing potential stores to carry her jewelry, contacting bloggers who match the aesthetic, as well as updating social media accounts,” said Bratcher, who will graduate this summer. “I have also been able to help out with trunk shows and photo shoots for the upcoming spring/summer campaign, which is a lot of fun.

“Anne Taylor is truly a wonderful person to work for and is inspiring to be around. The most important thing I’ve learned from her is just to go after what you want and put yourself out there. Interning with her has shown me the ins and outs of the business aspect of retail. It’s great for me to have an idea of what type of career I would like to pursue.”

“The designing part (of what I do) was God-given, I think,” Duease said. “It was something I enjoyed doing, and I took it up as a hobby. Once I was approached by store owners about picking up my jewelry lines and carrying them, I thought about making a living at it. After college, I realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Duease has expanded her lines into handbags and custom bridal jewelry, and she’s preparing to display at the Atlanta Apparel Market and will attend trade shows in Miami and Las Vegas.

She’ll be at the Double Decker Festival in Oxford late this month, and her merchandise can be purchased at Steve’s on the Square in Philadelphia and Arabella in Ridgeland.

Locally, L.A. Green in Starkville is the exclusive Golden Triangle outlet for Duease’s product lines.

“I loved Anne Taylor from our first meeting,” said owner Lauren Ann Cooper. “She is

Following your passion: ATD sees much success across the country Story by Joe Lee Photography submitted

M

any millennials are still trying to figure out what to do with their lives as they approach their thirtieth birthday, but Anne Taylor Duease of Starkville has already launched a high-end jewelry and accessories line and has crucial business contacts in major markets all over the country. Also, the 2013 Mississippi State University (MSU) graduate is also providing a valuable mentoring service to area college students.

“I started my jewelry business after graduating high school,” said Duease, who finished at Madison-Ridgeland Academy in 2007. “I began selling wholesale to (Atlanta-based) Swank in 2008 – they were in Birmingham then. My sophomore year, in 2009, I made a contact in Los Angeles and got my jewelry into five stores out there.”

Duease earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design with a minor in Business. She moved to New York City after college, spending two years in the Big Apple and continuing her jewelry line while doing freelance design for designers in the shoe and handbag industries.

“I bought a house in Starkville in January 2015 and have a studio here,” she said. “My jewelry is all handmade. I have two interns and am always looking for anyone who’s interested in graphics, marketing and design. It’s hands-on, and we’re a tight-knit family.”

Duease created the ATD Ambassador Program for students at Southeastern Conference schools and began with MSU because of its

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April 2016 | 13

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Merle Norman Luna Bella 500 Russell St Suite 5 Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Gypster Veil 103 E Lampkin St, Starkville, MS 662.617.8053

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C a r i n g . C o m f o r t. E x c e l l e n c e .

April 2016 | 9

Letter from the

Editor

Inside these pages you’ll find not only one of our largest fashion spreads to date, but also several stories about Mississippi natives making waves in the fashion industry. A few are even graduates of Mississippi State University! Turn to page page 36 to read all about Rachel Woodward’s newest designs and about how she got her start in the fashion world. Or to page 18 to find out how Stanley Hu was inspired to start his own shoe line. We also feature Anne Taylor Duese about how she broke into the industry. Mississippi State University really helped them along the way.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so in this issue we’ve included all the recipes that you’ll need to create the perfect Mother’s Day brunch.

If you’re a new mama or a busy mama, be sure to check out our health section. Katie Zampini has created the perfect solution for busy moms to get the nutrients that they need.

The start of April marks the beginning of Columbus’ annual Spring Pilgrimage. Each year the students of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science prepare to put on a play of sorts entitled Tales from the Crypt. Students choose someone from Columbus’ cemetery and complete a research project on them. The project includes a monologue from the character to be performed during the Spring Pilgrimage. This is a must-see event for this month. I, for one, will not miss it!

For our Readers Subscribe Get Town and Gown Magazine delivered right to your doorstep! Subscribe for $48 a year, $26 for six months or $6 for one time. To order call 662-323-1642 or email info@townandgownmagazine.com.

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January is our Bridal issue! Wedding and engagement announcement pricing is listed at townandgownmagazine.com. Submit 15-20 wedding photos to info@townandgownmagazine.com for review to be featured in Town and Gown Magazine.

Events Town and Gown Magazine would love to be at your next event. If your organization or business is having an event please email info@townandgownmagazine.com a month before event date.

We cannot promise we will be at all events, but we will try!

If we missed out Send us your event photos with names from left to right (if available) and a brief description of event to info@townandgownmagazine.com or mail or drop off a disc to 304 Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759.

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April 2016 | 7

A PRODUCT OF HORIZON OF MISSISSIPPI P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760 www.townandgownmagazine.com

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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

Mother’s Day might be next month, but that’s no reason not to start planning that special day for her. Turn to page 52 to begin planning your menu!

on the cover.On. the Every year during C olumbus’ Spring P ilgrimage,

Follow us on Instagram to see more shots from our photo shoots, articles from our current issue, our Friday Faves and so much more!

Coverthe Mississippi School of Mathematics and

Science present the Tales of the Crypt. This will be held at the beginning of April. It’s a must-see!

@townandgownmag

@townandgown

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@townandgownmag April 2016 | 5

In this Issue Home, Garden and Lifestyle from around Mississippi 10 Calendar of Events

12 Wishlist

27 Made in Mississippi: Blue Delta Jeans

30 CiCi Zhang Named Starkville’s Distinguished Young Woman

36 Rachel Buchannan Woodward

42 Stagolee to headline the Cotton District Arts Festival

49 Health: Mason Jar Salads that Nourish Mamas

52 Taste and Toast: Mother’s Day Brunch

14 Following your passions: ATD designs sees much success across the country

18 Living LIUID: Starkville Academy Alum launches own shoe line

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59 Fashion

MSMS to debut Tales of the Crypts

76 Events