March 2014 by Town & Gown Magazine

24 54

20 34

Table of

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE

6 8 12 14 71 72 82

Staff Letter From the Editor Trends Calendar Literature Events Advertisers

FEATURES

16 Backstage Pass: Mainstreet 20 Under the Cowgirl Hat 24 It’s a Southern Thing

HOME AND GARDEN 28 30 32 34

With these Hands A Cup of Lindsey Jo Gardening with Russell Hamilton Behind the Smell of DPM Fragrance

MARCH 2014

HEALTH AND BEAUTY 38 New Year, New You 2014 62 Beauty Fix

TASTE AND TOAST 46 Asian Cuisine

LIFE AND STYLE

50 A Promising Development Project in Starkville 54 Telling Stories One Stroke at a Time 58 Meet the Locals... Kate Mattox 64 Blog 66 Front Porch Frocks with the ladies of Women of Color Summit

On the Cover

Meet Kate Mattox, the 2013 Gatorade Cross Country Performer of the Year for the state of Mississippi and freshman at Starkville High School. Story found on page 58. Photography by Divian Conner. Corrections: February (Volume 3, Number 4): Page 52 - “Ashley Glenn-Bradley” is Amanda Glenn-Bradley.

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

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STAFF

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DON NORMAN | PUBLISHER - sdnpub@starkvilledailynews.com CLAIRE MASSEY | EDITOR - claire@townandgownmagazine.com

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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SAMANTHA BUTLER - samantha@ townandgownmagazine.com

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INTERNS

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BECCA HORTON SARAH CARPENTER LOREN GAMBRELL LINDSEY NORMAN CATHERINE STUKENBORG

{CONTRIBUTORS} LISA LAFONTAINE BYNUM AMY TAYLOR CHRISTINE TIBBETT LINDSAY JO WILKINSON

{WRITERS} FORREST BLACKBOURN JOE LEE SUSAN O’BRYAN RICHELLE PUTNAM

{PHOTOGRAPHERS} DIVIAN CONNER ASHLEY COVIN LAURA DANIELS

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STYLIST

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NATALIE PHILLIPS

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DESIGN}

CLAIRE MASSEY

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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. 6

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Editor

Letter from the

here is an old tradition of the ground hog seeing his shadow or not, and he did this year. This always disheartens many that live in the South, that long for those early Springs and long Summers. Winter this year was just not suitable for much, but it allowed more time to plan for our first-ever Flower Gardens 2014. After almost two years of having the privilege to be the editor of Town and Gown Magazine, I have listened to our readers, community and advertisers. You all are the ones who run this magazine and strive to make it better. I just make it all come together and for us to have a chance to see the magnificent gardens of the area and present them in the magazine as the Flower Gardens 2014 is just one of the exciting collaborations we have this year. Look for all the details on page 9 and be sure to enter your flower gardens to be judged by the ladies of the Town and Country Garden Club and have the chance to be named one of the Flower Gardens 2014. Now that we can shiver off the cold and see the light at the end of the tunnel, it is time to think about YOU! Take charge of your life and make 2014 the year for a NEW YOU! Those New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions have most likely eased their way back to a state of normal and routine, so we are here to regroup and get you back on track. Local experts from fitness to finance took time out of their busy schedule to give tips to remember, trends you might need or want to try and how you can be the NEW YOU. Then, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our March Makeover, Audrey Hutchinson, who was selected for her passion and dedication to her family and children. A well deserving lady who appreciated a day of pampering and relaxation, she is enjoying her NEW YOU. Happy Reading.

Claire Massey Editor

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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 662-3231642 or email info@townandgownmagazine.com.

Weddings or Engagements 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.

Give a Town andGown! Town and Gown Magazine offers gift cards for subscriptions. Call us at 662323-1642 to order. Pricing listed above under subscription.

Previous Issues

Miss an issue? We can ship a copy of any previous issue to you for only $6. Call us at 662-323-1642.

lower FGardens Town and Gown Magazine invites you to participate in our first-ever Flower Gardens 2014. To enter see guidelines below. Open to the Golden Triangle area and winners will be presented in the June issue.

Deadline to enter: May 5th Criteria Creation and Utilization of Space Principles and Elements Originality Materials and Structures Entry Form: Name:

Last Name:

Address: City:

State:

Zip:

Phone: Email:

Participants will be called after submission. Please do not call. Send all information to P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS 39760 fax to 662-323-6586 email info@townandgownmagazine.com.

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TRENDS

By Lindse y Nor man l Pho t og r aph y b y Jer em y Mur doc k

tarkville’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is proud to announce the second annual Restaurant Week will be March 17 through 23. In 2013, Starkville Restaurant Week had the most participation from area residents than anywhere else in Mississippi. We encourage everyone to make it even better this year! During Starkville Restaurant Week, residents can go to any participating restaurants and vote for one of the three local charities, Starkville Pregnancy Care Center, The Homeward Bound Project of Mississippi or TK Martin Center for Technology and Disability, that were nominated previously. To be able to vote for one of the charities you must order an entrée at one of the participating restaurants. An easy way to remember how to vote is 1 entrée = 1 ballot to vote! The votes will be collected into a ballot box at each restaurant that will later be collected by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership staff. The ballots will all be tallied at the end of the week. The three local charities will be competing to win $5,000 courtesy of Cadence Bank for first place, second place receives $1000 presented by SGK Landscapes, Inc. and third receives $500 presented by Insurance Associates. You have seven days and three meals a day to help your local charity win by the end of the week! At the end of Starkville Restaurant Week, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership will hold a press conference where they will announce the winning charity. Starkville is proud to showcase the best culinary specialties Mississippi’s College Town has to offer, as well as helping local charities grow.

The Veranda Disclaimer: Participating restaurants, sponsors and charities may change by event date. Check starkville.com for updated information.

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Charities on Ballot:

Participating Restaurants: 929 Coffee Bar Abner’s Beef O’Brady’s Bin 612 Bookmart & Cafe Buffalo Wild Wings Cappe’s Steakhouse Central Station Grill Chik-fil-A City Bagel CJ’s Pizza Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern Firehouse Subs Harveys Little Dooey Local Culture Lost Pizza Company

Mugshots Grill and Bar Newk’s Eatery Oby’s Old Venice Pizza Co. Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Tyler STAGgerIn Starkville Cafe Stromboli's Sweet Peppers Deli- University Dr. & HWY 12 W. The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester The Veranda Umi Japanese Restaurant Zorba’s Greek Tavern Restaurant Tyler

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March

2014

Catﬁsh in the Alley Starkville Area Arts Council hosts the Everything Garden Expo each March at the Mississippi Horse Park. Vendors are available with garden plants and other garden paraphernalia. Regional hobby gardeners learn the latest product information and listen to informed speakers. Educational opportunities and gardening entertainment are accessible to children, families and adults of all ages at a very nominal entrance fee of $5.00 with children under 6 FREE. Date: March 21-22, 2014

2nd Annual Seed, Plant, Bulb Exchange

Seed Swapping is an old tradition. Make it part of your annual tradition! Bring your saved seeds, cutting, bulbs, or plants and trade them with your neighbors for some new varieties. Just stick 10-20 seeds in an envelopes and label them, or stick a piece of tape on a plant container and label that. Date: March 22, 2014 Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Stay connected: 14

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The popular ‘Catfish in the Alley’ event returns to Columbus, Miss. during the 2014 Spring Pilgrimage. This year’s event – the sixth annual – will feature a day of fun for the whole family, including a catfish cookoff, vendors, fabulous food, cold beverages and some of the best blues musicians in the South. Date: March 29, 2014 Time: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The Young Professionals of Meridian will hold their 3rd Annual 59Twenty Music Festival during the last weekend in March. This day-long event will have music, food, drink, kids' activities and much more! This event goes to benefit Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter. Date: March 29, 2014

Roseanne Cash @ MSU Riley With such a pedigree, Rosanne Cash could easily feel overwhelmed by expectations, but this eldest daughter of Johnny Cash has made her own mark in her more than 35 years of singing, writing, and guitar playing. One Grammy, 12 nominations, and 17 albums later, she's still churning out original melodies and riveting storytelling to create her most recent album, "The River & the Thread," released in January 2014. Her latest work focuses on her strong ties to the South, spinning tales both old and new through its songs. Date: March 22, 2014 Time: 7;30 p.m.

Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival The Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival is enhancing the research in the area of ragtime music, increasing the awareness of the Templeton collection housed in the MSU Library and introducing people to the sounds of Ragtime being performed by world-renowned ragtime musicians. The festival is comprised of a blend of major concerts, mini-concerts, seminars and tours of the Music Museum. Seminars will be held in Mitchell Memorial Library and major concerts will be held at the McComas Hall Auditorium on the MSU Campus. Date: March 28-29, 2014 Time: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Facebook @ Town and Gown Mag; Instagram @townandgown; Twitter @townandgownmag1

Submit calendar events to be in our monthly calendar. Email info@townandgownmagazine.com with event information. Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

MSU Riley Center Mendelsshohn and Beethoven 7-9 p.m.

Distinguished Young Women @ McComas Theatre; 7 p.m. $12

Fat Tuesday

14 The Link Centre’s 4th Annual Don’t Be Cruel BBQ Duel a Kansas City Barbecue Society Sanctioned Competition, will be held at Fairpark in Downtown Tupelo.

First day of

Starkville Business After Hours @ Dave’s 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tupelo Craft Beer Festival 11 a.m. Fairpark District

Columbus Annual Spring Pilgrimage March 28 - April 14 Annual tour of homes with daily tours, candlelight tours, carriage rides of historic south side Columbus and double decker bus rides.

29 Crucible Challenge 7:30 a.m. -12 p.m. at Highland plantation in Starkville. The Big Event 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at MSU-Starkville. Catfish in the Alley in Columbus; $7.50; 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

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FEATURES

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By Joe Lee Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels and Ashle y Co vin

he third annual Back Stage Pass Conference, which was held in late January at the Hilton Garden Inn of Starkville, was far more than your typical two days of speeches, breakout sessions, catered food, a hospitality suite and a golf tournament. It was a unique opportunity for festival and event planners from all over Mississippi to learn how to make the best economic use of the vast creative talent in our state. Given that it was presented by the Mississippi Main Street Association, the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Mississippi Development Authority Department of Tourism, many of the best and brightest economic leaders were there to share their knowledge and expertise. “Even though the creative economy was not the reason we started the conference, it has been a very important emphasis from the beginning,” said Jeannie Zieren, Director of Community Relations for the MMSA. “We don’t put on festivals and events just to have them. There should be an underlying economic value to the community (which) benefits the town, city or region through tourism dollars spent in local stores and restaurants. And the event should include local artists, musicians and other people in the creative class.” Governor Phil Bryant proclaimed 2014 as the “Year of the Creative Economy: Mississippi Homecoming.” But what does that mean to you and your Golden Triangle friends and neighbors, both as consumers and business owners? “If you have visitors in town for MSU baseball, they might go out for great barbecue after the game,” said Mary Margaret White, Bureau Manager for Creative Economy and Culture at MDA Tourism. “Maybe they enjoy some great live music, and stop in and pick up a piece of locally-made, one-of-a-kind pottery. It all works together. This is the only conference in the state that offers professional development for grass roots festival and event coordinators.” Jennifer Prather, Special Events Coordinator for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, said Back Stage Pass helped attendees better understand the importance of giving local artisans the most exposure possible.

Photos: Page 16 - Alphonso Sanders of Cleveland, Miss. playing at 929 Coffee Bar at the Starkville Main Street Assoc. Late Night Networking Event. Page 17 - Jennifer Prather, Greater Starkville Development Partnership Starkville Community Market Manager and Jennifer Gregory, GSDP CEO.

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“This conference really helped (us) focus on the creativity that is offered in our local communities, and to build festivals and other events – as well as marketing opportunities – around them,” she said. “MMSA always has so much knowledge to share with the communities that they support, and the resources they offer contribute so much to the work that we do.” “Starkville was a perfect location for this year’s conference because it has truly emerged as one of the most supportive and attractive cities in Mississippi for the creative class to live and work,” Zieren said. “The excellent ‘town and gown’ relationship that MSU has with the city and downtown is one reason; the youth – and smart, new ideas that come from being a college town – definitely helps to foster an environment that nurtures the entrepreneurial and creative spirit.” Zieren cites local restaurateur Ty Thames as a great example of that spirit, as well as Havilah Couvillion, a co-manager and part of the ownership group of 929 Coffee Bar on Main Street, where the Late Night Networking Event for the conference was held. “Havilah is a social media marketing guru and really reaches the younger demographic,” Zieren said. “She encourages new artists by opening up the lower level of the building for performances. This is where our Mississippi Artist Showcase was held, and everyone enjoyed the cool, intimate vibe – and great coffee and tea.” “We are still organically growing with putting together events, and opening our space to music and other art forms,” Couvillion said. “We are still so young, opening last year on March fourth. However, it was a significant part of our business plan – and a huge aspiration for us – to create a place for artistic community. I can honestly say we are lovers and patrons of anything that is made by hand and with heart. 18

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“We have had amazing responses to the events we have put together, and have been humbled by the support of everyone in this town. We have held several art shows, musical performances, and comedy nights that have done astronomically well. There is a desire in this town for people to be able to express their talents, and to experience the talents of others. We hope this part of our business only grows.” “One fundamental principle is to have an event that is authentic to your community and evokes the history, culture and sense of place,” Zieren said. “We are rich in heritage, culture and talent in Mississippi, and our events and festivals should show off these attributes in the best way possible. We don’t want our communities to be ‘best-kept secrets’ any longer.” Photos: Page 18 - Clockwise from top - Speaker Dr. Tom Pearson, Executive Director of the Miss. Arts Commission, Speaker Jill Conner Browne, The Sweet Potato Queens founder and Chad Barasch, store Manager at 929 Coffee Bar at the Late Night Networking Event. Page 19 - Late Night Networking Event

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Under the Cowgirl Hat

Miss Rodeo America Paige Nicholson

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By Becca Hor t on Pho t og r aph y submitt ed

aige Nicholson, an MSU graduate and the reigning Miss Rodeo Mississippi, was pretty sure she had made it into the Top 5 after winning the personality and horsemanship categories at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Vegas last December. Winning horsemanship was her personal goal of the pageant, so Nicholson was already on a cloud during the last round on the eighth day of the national competition. Dressed in her final piece of pageant garb, a gold satin mermaid gown with black lace overlay with a black belt and the Miss Rodeo Mississippi sash across her shoulder, Nicholson had then made it into the Top 2. She certainly stood out on the pageant’s stage – and not just because she was the only contestant wearing a black cowboy hat – surrounded by the other lovely contestants under the Miss Rodeo America logo in its wonderfully American blue and red. After having seen the pageant and its traditions four times, Nicholson knew what to expect. She understood what it would truly mean to be crowned Miss Rodeo America – the responsibilities, the expectations, the big moment of the coronation. And after eight exhausting days of the pageant, she had played this scene through in her mind many times. It was surreal for her to have made it this far in such a great competition with some of the best contestants around. As Nicholson held hands with the reigning Miss Rodeo Colorado, the two finalists patiently waited for the announcer to say the name of the First Runner Up. They smiled excitedly at each other, never breaking eye contact. “And the First Runner Up… Miss Rodeo Colorado, Sara Weins!” Nicholson’s mouth fell open, the two hugged and Miss Weins stepped back. The winner of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant waved at the adoring crowd who proudly gave her a theme song of applause. She closed her eyes for a brief second, almost unnoticeably, as she let the result sink in. Paige Nicholson had just been crowned the new Miss Rodeo America 2014. Nicholson, 22, is now the leading soul responsible for being the spokesperson and face of professional rodeo, their sponsors and the sponsors of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. She promotes rodeo everywhere and is a source of encouragement to anyone looking to feature a rodeo in his or her community. She boosts rodeo ticket sales, and she also helps sponsors get the most out of their donations by visiting and drawing customers to their businesses or organizations. Nicholson has quite a bit of rodeo experience to go along with her new title. She is a team roper and a barrel racer, and she also performed in most of the girl’s rodeo events while still in high school. Beyond rodeo, she is extremely passionate about agriculture. She discovered this love of agriculture at a young age while growing up on her parent’s dairy farm in Lawrence, Miss. When she was 16, her parents sold the dairy and got commercial beef cattle. The family – Nicholson, her parents, and her little brother and sister – maintain the land themselves without any outside help. When it comes to pageants, Nicholson certainly has a worthy resume. She was the 2007

Photo: Jason Goodman’s horse, Percheron Thunder, at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo. march

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Mississippi High School Rodeo Queen, the 2009 Miss Teen Rodeo Mississippi, the 2012 Miss Dixie National, and the 2012 Miss Maroon and White for our favorite university. At Mississippi State, Nicholson was involved in the Rodeo Team and the Dairy Club. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Information Science in May 2013, and is looking forward to spreading the word about agriculture and the western way of life – especially to the audience she has now gained through Miss Rodeo America. While she reports it is unfair that the cowboys get to sleep until noon and then do a rodeo, Nicholson loves her day-to-day life as Miss Rodeo America. A typical day requires an early morning alarm, media interviews, possibly a little time off, a visit to the sponsors, and the evening rodeo. The media interviews, normally for radio or television, require her to answer questions about the generalities of rodeo, what people can expect when they come to the rodeo, as well as questions about herself and her travels so far. Miss Rodeo America is a job that requires Nicholson to travel across the country at the drop of a cowboy hat. Although her term only started in December, she has already graced the cities of Las Vegas, Denver, Lake Charles, Jackson, Kissimmee, and Houston. Organizations inquire about having her come to their town and discuss rodeo; they then sponsor her trip there. She gets her schedule of appearances 22

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about a month in advance. One of the travel moments that has meant the most to her was getting to meet a revered rodeo announcer, Boyd Polhamus, during a production rehearsal while in Denver, Colo. “He’s a pretty cool guy and he’s respected,” said Nicholson, “and he kept playing it up that I came from Mississippi. I thought that was pretty cool. That was one of my favorite ones so far.” Nicholson will head to Dallas at the end of March to attend the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Seminar, an event that helps prepare girls for the national pageant. Despite this large trip and her myriad of other travels in the books – plus the location of the Miss Rodeo office in Colorado – she still maintains that her true residence is with her parents in Lawrence, Miss. Even though she knew what the Miss Rodeo America job would entail, Nicholson says it is largely different being on the managing side of the rodeo she’s loved for so many years. “The difference in being a contestant and being the rodeo queen is thinking about the production of the rodeo – how many tickets you sell, if the crowd is having a good time, and what it looks like if the sponsors are happy. It’s just about thinking of rodeo as a show instead of as a sport,” she said. “That is how you look at it when you’re involved in producing it.”

Above: Western TV star Buck Taylor with Paige Nicholson. Below: Sales representatives for Ram trucks, a sponsor of Miss Rodeo America.

After her look behind-the-scenes so far, Nicholson absolutely recognizes that her favorite thing about the experience is simply being a bigger piece of national rodeo. “The best part about this experience is just getting to be part of the production of the rodeo. I love professional rodeo and I love traveling. I love going to some really awesome professional rodeos that I wouldn’t otherwise get to see or be involved in.” Before winning the grand title of Miss Rodeo America, Nicholson had planned to attend law school at the University of Mississippi. After being crowned, however, she reports that she is no longer considering it. She is finding that the pageant has opened up a multitude of doors and options for the future. She would love to work as a spokesperson for her sponsor company, Wrangler, and the other organizations that are involved in anything professional rodeo or Miss Rodeo America. Although the future certainly holds some great employment opportunities, Nicholson says that if she could do anything in the world, it would be to return to Mississippi and farm. Like any person in a termed position, Nicholson has goals she would like to see accomplished before her term ends next December. More than anything, her goal is to be a Miss Rodeo America that younger ladies and rodeo queens can look up to and confide in. “A lot of the girls are a little intimidated by Miss Rodeo America,” she said, “and I don’t want them to be that way about me. I want them to feel that, in their preparation for the Miss Rodeo America pageant or whatever it is that they’re running for, they can call me or depend on me for advice. If she had any advice for these younger rodeo queens pursuing the Miss Rodeo America title, it would be to be positive and confident. “Do not let people tear you down or let your mind tear you down, because you can be your own biggest enemy. Just be a positive thinker, and that’s true of everything you do competitively.” The road to the Miss Rodeo America pageant has taught Nicholson to make herself happy and do the things she truly loves to do. She says that she has especially learned a lot about her own style, which certainly helped her get to the top of the rodeo nation. Although she had a Mississippi board of directors that each had a different idea of how she should dress and speak, it was important to her to realize that her own style and opinions could make an impact in the pageant. Nicholson is looking forward to crowning the next Miss Rodeo America 2015, as her term comes to a close next December, on the pageant’s sixtieth anniversary. At this special anniversary, she will get the opportunity to meet and spend time with many of the former Miss Rodeo Americas. Until then, Paige Nicholson will continue owning her position as Miss Rodeo America with the qualities that make her the best at what she does – ambition, beauty, poise, and a true passion for rodeo.

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It’s a Southern Thing...

Left Field Lounging

By Lor en Gambr ell Pho t og r aph y b y Lor en Gambr ell and submitt ed

an you recall the tailgating tents during football season? Well, it is nothing like that. Can you recall the student section at the basketball games? Well, it is nothing like that either. Left Field Lounge is like no other sporting event set-up and neither is it like any other baseball viewing in the country. To just catch a glimpse of what it is like, imagine this: Crack! The batter swings and sends the bright, red stitching flying over the outfielder’s head. The stands go crazy with hand-clapping and screaming. “Woo Hoo!” “Yeah!” “Home Run!” As the batter follows the ball intently with his eyes, noticing the ball as it goes over the fence, he sees the outfield teeming with some of his team’s number one fans. They all sit on vehicles of some sort - trailers or homemade decks. They fight for the ball as it lands among the masses of people, while others hang over the fence cheering on the batter. Rows of these vehicles are jammed pack with die hard fans yelling and representing their team any way they know how. Welcome to what we at Mississippi State University call the Left Field Lounge. 24

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Left Field Lounge has not always been around. According to MSU’s starting second baseman from 1962-1964, Jimmy Willcutt’s, “The earliest I can remember going out there was sometime probably in the ‘70s, and then there wasn’t anything permanent - no trailers or anything - you went out there in a truck. I have pictures of kids up on top of my GMC Jimmy. We just parked them out there in the outfield.” In 1967, the baseball team moved into the Dudy Noble Field. It was not until around 1982 that the first trailer ever remembered being parked in left field took its place. Around this same time, the athletic department announced that from that point on they were going to be letting vehicles into left field only on certain days and at particular times to set up trailers and vehicles. Willcutt, also known to many as “Papaw”, said, “In trying to have people get a visual of what that was like, I relate it to the old western land rushes with the covered wagons, and everybody just took off.” As the idea of the Left Field Lounge began to heighten, the athletic department set a new process in obtaining a secured plot in the lounge. In 1987, they started selling numbered passes. For example, the first person in line with pass number one was first to choose which specific spot he/she wanted. Willcutt, his family - Dell, his wife and Scott and Jim his sons - and his friends - the Kennard’s and Mike Rackley - were at the ticket booth two days prior to the passes going on sale. To this day, they occupy spots one, two and three in the Left Field Lounge paying annual dues. Left Field Lounge became such a rave over the years for fans everywhere. Willcutt describes it best.

Clockwise from top left: The early years of the Willcutt family Left Field Lounge in the late ‘70s; Dell, Jimmy, Bree and Jim Willcutt at the opening season game on February 14, 2014; Jimmy Willcutt and his sons, Scott and Jim; Jim and Bree Willcutt. march

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Clockwise from top right: David Kennard, Henry Pilkinton, Everett Kennard, Scott Willcutt, Sammy Willcutt and Jim Willcutt and Jimmy Willcutt; Jimmy Willcutt grilling at their Left Field Lounge and an old Mississippi State Baseball jacket.

“It’s unique. There is nothing like what we have in left field anywhere in the country. Nothing like it. It was selected some years back to be the best place in the whole country to watch baseball. It’s because of the atmosphere. It’s because of the grills and the cooking. We have a tailgate situation that begins way before the game and goes all through the game and then after the game too,” Willcutt said, stumbling to find just the right words to describe it. Now with right field’s cedar trees gone and 90 individual spots occupied between the two foul poles, fans thrive more than ever, many holding traditions from group to group. As a rule, profanity and racial slurs are not prohibited, but ragging the outfielders is one tradition MSU’s Left Field Loungers like to take part in. Another tradition that is prevalent within Willcutt’s clan is “the boot.” “The boot” is, you guessed it, an actual boot. It is on a 6-foot rope at the end of a pipe. When an outfielder of the opposing team makes an error, some stand fans and people around their trailer start chanting, “Boot! Boot!” The boot comes out and one member will swing it back and forth over the fence to taunt the outfielder. It is their harmless ragging that accompanies the traditions of classic American foods - hotdogs, hamburgers, and peanuts. Among all the changes from start to finish: the changing of location, the evolution of the Left Field Lounge, and the crazy traditions that company it, the Left Field Lounge has built a strong reputation. It is that reputation that has people in awe when coming to a MSU game. There are not many words to describe it, but at his best, Jimmy Willcutt makes it plain and simple. “It’s the uniqueness of Dudy Noble Field. The Left Field Lounge.” 26

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WITH THESE HANDS

Amy Taylor Taylor, a Petal native and Starkville resident, is a Southern Mississippi graduate where she earned a Bachelor degree in broadcast journalism and obtained a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from Mississippi State University. She is an avid do-it-yourself crafter, artist and has a passion for home design and projects.

Materials

Filing cabinet Fabric of your choice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; approx. 2 yards Multi-purpose spray adhesive Scissors Other handy items: straight-edge tool & hot glue gun

Turn that bland-looking filing cabinet into a showpiece that compliments your home dĂŠcor! There are so many different styles you can use. Try mixing and matching fabrics. You can even use faux leather on this project!

Directions 1.

1. Cut a section of fabric thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 2 inches larger than the circumference of the side of the filing cabinet. Then spray the adhesive to the middle section of the fabric. Using the straight-edge, smooth the glued section onto the cabinet. Try to do this quickly; the glue sets pretty fast. Continue to work your way out, and let some of the fabric over-lap. 2. To give the edges a finished look, spray the inside of the over-lapping fabric and fold inward, as shown in the picture. Then glue that part down. Repeat on every other side of the filing cabinet. For the handle section, I simply cut out a piece of fabric and glued it to the inside of the handle.

@townandgown Instagram us a photo of your projects. We love to see what our readers are up to!

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A CUP OF LINSAY JO Pho t og r aph y Submitt ed

Lindsay is an online lifestyle blogger. Her blog, www.acupoflindsayjo. com, has a primary focus on fashion. Lindsay is a member of the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) and attends various conferences and workshops with other fashion bloggers regularly.

Local Antiquing I

n recent years, antiquing has become increasingly popular with younger generations. More and more, decorators are incorporating the old with the new. It’s a new style that strikes the perfect balance between modern, trendy decor and timeless, classic pieces. There are numerous antique shops located in Northeast Mississippi. Start with Annabelle’s in West Point; The Old Stone Station in Eupora; and Becky’s Antiques in Louisville – these were voted Town and Gown readers’ favorites! See photos. I always keep an eye out for certain antique pieces – here is my list of go-to items to incorporate into your home: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Ginger Jars Vintage Baskets Cast Iron Banks Costume Jewelry Ceramic Dogs Queen Anne Wingback Chairs Dough Bowls Ceramic Lamps

1. 2.

Try others: Town and Gown Readers’ Favorites 1. Annabelle’s; West Point 2. The Old Stone Station; Eupora 3. Becky’s Antiques; Louisville *Posted to all social media for results. 30

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Columbus

Starkville

Beard’s Antique Ceebee Brothers European Antiques Magnolia Antique Mall Taggart Auction & Real Estate The Attic Stewart’s Antiques Appraisals

Back Roads Antiques Boardtown Trading Post

West Point Bits N Pieces Maw Maws Treasures Windmill Antique Mall

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2014 |

HOME AND GARDEN Gardening with

Russell Hamilton

What’s Springing this Spring? Russell Hamilton graduated from Mississippi State University with a major in horticulture and he has been the owner of Deep Roots Nursery for over 13 years.

ne of the coolest things I like to do each spring is to explore all the new varieties of annuals and perennials coming out this year. Actually as a grower I start exploring these plants way back at the beginning of winter. You have to get your name in line early if you want to be able to get your hands on some plugs so that you can supply them the following spring. Another thing I like to visit at the beginning of winter is what were the super performers from the last spring and summer? Did this variety live up to its hype? As spring begins to bust wide open let’s look at which varieties made it, which didn’t and which ones to give a try for the first time this spring.

Superbells Pomegranate Punch and Spicy Calibrachoa Calibrachoas have been super popular over the last several years. New series with new colors and growing habits come out each year. These 2 varieties introduced by Proven Winners are sure to be monster hits with gardeners this spring. Pomegranate Punch is a true deep red with a darker red throat and grows in a mounding habit. Spicy is a mixture of oranges and reds and yellows and also grows in a mounding habit. This makes them excellent choices for hanging baskets and planters. Don’t be afraid to mix them up either. Mixing calibrachoas in containers or hanging baskets can really put off a show. Just be sure to use complimentary colors and growth habits. 32

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Cora Vinca

Some call it periwinkle and some call it vinca. Regardless they are super performers when summer is kicking at its roughest conditions. The one problem we run into with vinca is that we often plant it too early. It may be that in certain areas we have to plant it early or supplies aren’t there when we go to buy them. If they are planted early you have the possibility of running into cool wet conditions which favor certain diseases that can really damage them. This is where the Cora Series comes in. Cora Vinca is the most disease resistant vinca out today. Last year I watched it thrive right next to vinca that were being attacked by botrytis. They come in many different colors and also have a spreading variety. Try these this spring and you won’t be disappointed.

Sweet Georgia Potato Vine

Sweet Potato Vines are very popular and used all over this part of the state. Bright Yellow or chartreuse is by far the most popular color. Have you ever noticed where a landscaping company has come by and trimmed it off of a curb? They do it because it is crawling out into the street right? But afterwards you see this 4” wall of ugly potato vine that is left. Sweet Georgia puts an end to that. The Sweet Georgia series is the most compact series of potato vines that you will find. By compact I don’t mean that they only spread 4”. They spread pretty close to traditional varieties. But they grow lower to the ground. So even if you have to whack them back they don’t appear so damaged. And you won’t have to prune that back near as much if any at all. Sure to be a better alternative for commercial landscapers as well as the weekend gardener, these varieties destroy the competition. If you like potato vines try these this spring and they are sure to surprise you. There are always so many new introductions that it is hard to mention them all. The varieties I have mentioned here are ones that will definitely be available garden centers surrounding our area this spring. Look for them and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed. If you have trouble finding them shoot me an email and I’ll let you know which garden centers in your area have them.

Spicy Calibrachoa

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2014 |

Behind the Smell of

DPM Fragrance By Ric helle Putnum Pho t og r aph y b y Ashle y Co vin and Submitt ed

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hat began in 1978 as Candles by Bert and the product, Aspen Bay Candles, has evolved into one of the most innovative and fastest growing companies in the country. “It’s really nice to educate people on who we are in general,” said Casey Wesson, DPM’s Director of Sales, who has been with the company for six years. “We began as Aspen Bay Candles. As we started growing we noticed we had different customer bases for some of our different lines, so we made a decision to re-brand and to split up Capri Blue from Aspen Bay. Found Goods Market was also going to be a separate brand.” Today, DPM Fragrance is the parent company of Aspen Bay Candles, Capri Blue Candles, and Found Goods Market, all specializing in candles and other fragranced products that are hand-poured in Starkville. “Technically, how we communicate that to our retailers and customers is that DPM is one manufacturer with three separate brands.” Though DPM doesn’t technically run as three separate companies, the sales side – orders, catalogs, etc. – are separate, as well as the websites. “We have separate social media accounts for each brand.” DPM Production Manager Mike Ferril, who started with the company in 2012, the year of the rebranding, explained that DPM has used the same technology since the first candle was poured. Because many companies decide to cut costs by automating their processes, this sets DPM apart. “We like the quality that a hand poured candle and all natural wax gives us. That’s what we stick to.” DPM candles stand out among competitors because in this digitized and technology-filled world, the company relies on the tradition of hand pouring its candles. “Every candle that leaves this plant has been touched by the workers who work here.” Wesson said the company’s reps cover different territories in the U. S. and sell DPM products along with any other product they sell through their agency. “That varies region to region,” she said. “Most of the agencies have showrooms at market. Therefore, our products are displayed at the various trade shows across the country.” Wesson pointed out that since the company sells internationally, it has distributors in different countries that actually sell the products and work as reps while also distributing the product in big bulk orders.

A favorite and classic candle, Volcano, being poured at the DPM Fragrance manufacture in Starkville, Miss.

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DPM constantly works with its fragrance vendors all over the world. “We came across some really fabulous fragrances that we knew would be a good fit for the new Homestead Collection. As we were developing this collection, we requested different types of fragrances from all of our vendors” said Casey. “The whole idea behind the Homestead Collection was to find a fragrance to really fit the story of that collection.” Design is another aspect the company doesn’t cut corners on. “We have a design team that is absolutely awesome and they come up with the design,” said Ferril. DPM obtains samples from its fragrance vendors in the various categories, such as woods, flowers, masculine, feminine and citrus. “If it’s not perfect for [the designers], they don’t’ settle. They wait for what they want.” The design team works with the sales and marketing team and together they figure out what the needs are in the market place for a new product. “The fragrances are kind of the last piece in product development,” said Wesson. “Depending on which brand we are developing, we take a look at the sales of our current fragrances, the trends with new fragrances for the upcoming year, and make decisions as to whether or not we want to bring in new fragrances or use existing fragrances.” Candles go through an intense testing process to make sure they burn as strongly as they smell cold. To decide what the piece needs to smell like, the design team considers the time of year, like the holiday season, spring, summer, etc. “If it’s a holiday piece, it’ll probably have a little more wood scent, like a Christmas tree. If it’s a spring piece, it might have more floral,” said Ferril. Once the design, color and fragrance are selected, everything comes together in the production facility. In the meantime, email blasts are sent to customers with questions like, “Have you tried our new fragrance?” Samples are poured and sent out to DPM reps. “This all happens before we actually manufacture the product.” The company works hard to provide customers with what they want, added Valerie Hicks, the Administrative Services Manager. “That has really helped with our growth and with our sales.” Word of mouth is a huge marketing tool for DPM. “You make a very high quality product, people like it and they spread the word about it,” said Ferril. DPM also donated candles to the White House for the First Lady’s luncheon and, Hicks added, “We had piece in People Magazine.” Being environmentally conscious is crucial to the company. “We try to use as many recycled materials as we can and recycle as many materials as we can,” said Ferril. “Not only does it make us feel better as a company to operate, but I think it also appeals to our customer that we are environmentally friendly.” All DPM’s metal products are recycled and most of its glass vendors use recycled glass and then hand blow the glass. “Anytime our vendors can’t use recycled glass,” said Wesson, “we try to make sure the material we use is recyclable.” The company also creates reusable containers. “That way, people don’t just throw them away when they’re done with the candle.” Buyers are educated on the various uses of the container after the candle has burned because it’s important to DPM that buyers recycle, too. 36

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DPM Fragrances were featured in Southern Living in December 2013 and People Magazine in 2014.

Much of DPM’s packaging is eco-friendly. “We use recycled paper and recycled craft materials,” said Wesson. DPM also uses a soy wax blend because it’s better for the environment than other non-natural wax. “We use an all natural soy wax blend because it burns cleaner and is better for the environment,” said Wesson. Another mission of DPM is to support the small local businesses. “The company was founded on small business so why not help the small business,” said Ferril.” If our customers went to the large corporations, where would that leave us?” “Any time we can order locally and work with a local vendor versus somebody far away, we definitely try to do that, to support the local community,” said Casey. Building close relationships in the community makes it easier when there is a rush on something. “We can drive and get [what we need] instead of having to wait for it to be shipped.” The methodology behind DPM Fragrance must be working because for the past two years, the company has been included on Inc.’s 500/5000 list of top companies in the U.S. In 2013, DPM was rated the 4th fastest growing business in Mississippi. “The company has grown a lot over the past four years and to be a part of that and to see the growth that we’ve had has been tremendous,” said Wesson. “A lot of people don’t realize how much the company has grown the past few years. Some people don’t even know that we exist or that we’re in Mississippi!” Change is inevitable for growth, to meet new market heights and to compete in business. DPM has managed to meet the challenges in an ever expanding market-

place, not only nationally, but internationally. Yet, DPM manages to maintain that small hometown persona with which it began, its roots remaining firmly planted in Starkville. But why? “It’s the people,” said Ferril. Hicks agreed. “We have a very low turnover rate for our employees. It’s a great place to work because we care about our employees.” May of DPM’s candle pourers have been doing it for 20 plus years. The actual pouring of the candle is a craft. “I think we only have two people in the entire plant that we allow to pour our votive candles,” said Wesson. “And only a select few are allowed to pour our pine cone candles.” DPM also hires a lot of new employees from the University. “The company is a young company in general and having the University there as a resource has really been helpful,” said Wesson. “There is a close connection and relationship with the long-time employees. Starkville is home and it always will be.” The Aspen Bay retail store in Starkville allows the local community to buy DPM products. “You name it, the store sells it,” said Wesson. DPM also uses the retail store to bring new talent to its wholesale division. “Actually, I started in our retail store years ago and worked my way into a position with the wholesale side of the business.” What most don’t know and can’t see about DPM is the passion that goes into every single item produced in the facility, from the design to the product being poured. “You can’t express that on the website,” said Ferril. “It’s amazing to see how much passion goes into every product.” march

2014 |

HEALTH AND BEAUTY By Lor en Gambr ell

It is a new year, and with the new year comes new goals we set for ourselves. But as we all know, between the first of the year and the middle of February, goals start to be put on a back burner and the stresses of life take over. For instance, have your finances become so overwhelming that between work, family, school, or other life agendas you lose hope of trying to gain that new tone of beauty you so hoped for by this coming summer? Or maybe life's stresses have driven you to a cold or sickness, and now you need a push or motivation to get you back to health? Well, you are in luck. Here are some tips and pieces of advice from financial advisors to counselors to beauty and fitness experts. Hopefully with their insight, it will help you to keep up the goals for the new you and help minimize the stresses of your everyday life.

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Medicine Ball Workouts

Powder Supplements Protein powders are the most popular. Which one should you use and what is the purpose of them? There are so many of them and you have to decide whether to try a new one or maybe you have never tried any. Protein powders are predominantly protein with almost no carbohydrates or fat. Protein powder is used as a supplement in your diet to promote muscle development and promoting fat loss. It is an easy way to add protein to your diet. There are several types of protein powders all of which are effective at building lean muscle mass. Integrating different protein powders into your regimen can yield better results instead of just using one. - Soy protein has all nine essential amino acids, a more complete profile than other protein powders. It is a plant based protein that is vegan and lactose free so it is more easily digested. Soy isolate is best. If you are allergic to soy do not use this product. - Whey protein has more branched chain amino acids than others. Whey isolate is the highest concentrate of protein and digests quickly. If you are lactose intolerant do not use it. - Casein protein digests slower than other proteins and is not lactose free. - Rice Protein is plant-based and is usually blended with other proteins such as pea protein to complete the amino acid profile. It is hypoallergenic and easily digested. - Pea Protein is plant-based and highly digestible but needs to be paired with other vegan proteins like brown rice or hemp. It is high in glutamic acid, which helps convert carbs into energy so they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be stored as fat. - Hemp Protein is almost completely plant based and offers the inflammation-fighting power of omega-6 essential fatty acids, high in fiber, hypoallergenic and easily digested.

Chest pass: You will need a partner or this can be performed against a wall. Begin facing your partner or the wall holding the medicine ball at your torso with both hands. Pull the ball to your chest, and reverse the motion by extending through the elbows. Your partner should catch the ball, and throw it back to you. Receive the throw with both hands at chest height. Perform 3 sets of 15 reps. Overhead Slam: Hold medicine ball with both hands and stand with your feet at shoulder width. This will be your starting position. Raise the ball above your head and fully extending your body. Reverse the motion, slamming the ball into the ground directly in front of you as hard as you can. Catch the ball with both hands on the bounce and repeat. Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

Keep Track! There are several fitness wristbands such as Jawbone, FitBit, Nike Fuelband and Basis B1 Band. These are body watches with an app. It is an integrated system that tracks how you sleep, move, exercise and eat so you can understand your physical output and recovery each day and make the best choices you can. After reviewing the information on each of these the FitBit Force is the best choice. FitBit is competitively priced at $129. Based on its synchronization, accuracy, comfortable design, battery life, software design and activity tracker, the FitBit is the best choice of all.

Our Fitness Expert

Melinda Duffie is a native of Columbus and graduated MSU with a Bachelor in Business. Fitness has always been a passion of hers. She has been a certified fitness trainer since 2000 and owned a gym in Jackson, Miss. where she lived for 21 years. She is currently the head trainer at The Core 24/7 Fitness in Columbus and trains clients around the state.

Should I Go To The Gym? Are you feeling self-conscious about going to the gym? You are one of many that face this decision. There are several things to consider in making your decision. First, determine what your goals are such as reducing body fat, increasing muscle tone, and feeling better. Next, how many times a week are you going to commit to exercising? Three days a week is a reasonable commitment. Now it is time to go take a tour of gyms in your area. Select a gym that fits your needs, for example, convenience, friendly staff, assortment of equipment, amenities, demographics that are close to yours and personal trainers. Lastly set up a consultation with one of the personal trainers and discuss your needs. Consults are usually free. Personal training can fit your budget and give you a plan of exercise and better eating habits to follow that will bring success and confidence to you. Get to know the staff and other gym members. You will have some new friends too. march

2014 |

Our Financial Expert

Building a Financially Sound, New You! It takes dedication and discipline to accumulate wealth and manage it effectively. For those Lynn Phillips-Gaines; CFP®, of you setting out on CRC, CLTC, is the owner and a path to a financially Registered Principal of Philsound, new you, the best lips Financial, An Independent advice I can give you is Firm. She has over thirty years to be incredibly mindful of experience in the financial of your assets and of services industry and her pracyour spending. Never tice manages more than $120 completely delegate your million in assets for its clients, financial decisions to as of September 2013. Lynn was anyone else, even a loved named one of 50 leading busione. Even with the best ness women and a nominee for of intentions, he or she Top Businesswoman of 2002 by may not be fluent in all the Mississippi Business Journal. facets of financial planIn 2010, she was selected as ning. Always be aware an expert on the Forbes.com and never invest without Intelligent Investor Team. She fully investigating each also organized the Bridges out opportunity’s potential. of Poverty initiative for Starkville The mistake I comand served as President of the monly see is not that Board until 2014. In 2011 and individuals make “bad” 2012, she was one of 400 finaninvestments, but rather cial advisors that were selected they invest inapproto attend the sixth-annual Barpriately. To avoid this you can educate yourself through online courses or books. For ron’s Winner’s Circle Top Women seniors, be careful about the “free lunch” seminars where annuities are presented. If Advisors Summit. becoming an expert yourself isn’t your forte, then it might be helpful to hire someone to assist you. An experienced independent Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) is a good place to start, because this professional is trained to ask the right questions. A CFP® would then look at your entire financial situation before making recommendations, and so you would find your investments would have a better opportunity for success. Consider a financial fire drill. Contemplate what would happen should you or your spouse be injured at work, how would you replace either of your incomes? What would happen to your children in the event of a premature death? Who would raise them and impart your values into them? Are you able physically, as well as financially to care for a parent should they need assistance? Given your current situation, will you be able to retire with the standard of lifestyle you wish? With the impact of the new tax act, are you optimizing your plan to avoid excessive taxes? Analyze these types of scenarios and plan accordingly. It is worth the money to have professional assistance so that you never have to worry your assets might Mint is the best free app in today’s market for fall short. personal finance, budgeting, and money manThe most successful individuals I know take time each year to evaluate agement. It includes a real-time breakdown where they’ve been and where they’re headed. Having a plan is one of the of your finances, active, zoomable charts and most critical elements of becoming significantly prosperous and indepengraphs, and is available for the iPhone and dent. After all, if you aim at nothing, you’ll be sure to hit it! iPad!

The Leading Financial App

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Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

How to stay motivated We know, we know, we know… “eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, reduce stress, and visit your doctor as needed.” But how? Eat healthy: take your own food and snacks to work. It may take extra time to prepare ahead but you will save money and time by not eating out every day. Be aware, even the grilled salads and healthy snacks at most restaurants are not as low-cal or as good for you as you may think. Exercise regularly: take a 10 minute walk around the office or outside twice a day. Perhaps use part of your lunch hour to go to the gym. You don’t have to put in a full workout in order to exercise daily. Get plenty of sleep: turn all media off! This includes the computer, cell phone, and television. Try listening to a sound machine or soft music if you ‘need noise.’ If you prefer reading, make sure that it is not work-related or an activity that stimulates the brain such as crossword puzzles; reading Scripture or a daily devotional is an excellent practice before bedtime. Perhaps go to bed a few minutes earlier than usual if you have trouble winding down. Reduce stress: each of the above will help decrease your stress levels, however, there is more we can do. Consider that stress is inevitable. We all experience both good stressors (starting a new job) and bad stressors (receiving disappointing news). It is our response to stress that can improve or negatively impact our health and daily functioning. Remind yourself that reacting to stress (or acting without thinking) tends to increase stress hormones. If you consider what choices you have and what level of input or control you have in a stressful situation, you can take time to think and respond appropriately—thus minimizing your stress. Visit your doctor regularly: whether you are relatively healthy or in your doctor’s office every month, keep in mind that most of us only go to the doctor when we are feeling ill or abnormal. It is important that you also go for regular checkups and yearly tests. Your doctor needs a baseline of information when you’re healthy so that he or she can make comparisons when you feel sick.

Stepping down from substance abuse what steps to take: - Acknowledge your lack of control related to substance use and abuse. - Seek professional assessment and treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient services. - Seek the personal support of family members and friends who are not using. Submit to accountability through drug screens, weekly meetings, participation in

treatment, and reporting difficulties to your treatment professional, family, and peers. - Participate in community support such as local AA/NA meetings, Celebrate Recovery, or local church groups. - Be aware that people, places, and things (old habits and behaviors) must change.

Our Counseling Expert

Wendie Woods, LPC-S, RPT-S, is the owner and Executive Director of Christian Changes Counseling and the Golden Triangle Recovery Center, both located in Starkville, Miss.

How to stay motivated - Set reasonable and attainable goals! - Have an accountability partner or join a support group. - Set boundaries with negative, unsupportive, or tempting people. - Reward yourself appropriately when you reach a milestone step or a small goal. - Be your own cheerleader! Why is laughter the best medicine? Laughter is known to help reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, improve blood pressure, can reduce pain, and more. Laughter produces a chemical reaction in the brain which is similar to exercise. When endorphins are released, our body feels relaxed and our mental and emotional responses are improved. Laughter is also a phenomenal coping skill when in stressful situations. Similar to choosing to view circumstances in a different or positive light, laughing helps us to refocus our thoughts away from the stressful event. Laughter is not a cure-all but it certainly has numerous positive effects on our brains and bodies. So go ahead, let it out, crack up, LOL!!!

LOL! march

2014 |

Our Beauty Expert

> > > > > >

PREVENT, PROTECT, PERFECT!

PREVENT! It is easier to prevent the detrimental effects that ultraviolet light has on our skin rather than to repair the damage. Being safe in the sun by limiting tanning and avoiding sunburns will help to diminish wrinkling and uneven pigmentation that results from ultraviolet exposure in our youth. PROTECT! We can protect our skin from environmental damage from ultraviolet light with sunscreens and that from weather changes by maintaining well-hydrated skin with use of moisturizers on a regular basis. Protecting your skin from the elements will make it easier to maintain its youthful appearance.

Bethany Reed Hairston, M.D., F.A.A.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who trained at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Born in Jackson, MS, Dr. Hairston grew up in Columbus. She practices dermatology at The Dermatology Clinic in Columbus and is the owner of Vitality Skin & Spa in Starkville and Columbus.

PERFECT! For those with signs of aging such as sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, we can perfect our skin with a vast array of cosmeceuticals and prescription skincare products. In addition, procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels can improve an aging complexion. To assist you in choosing the best products to improve those imperfections, getting expert advice from a skincare specialist can streamline your regimen and aid in maintaining youthful beauty.

Cheap Changes to your Beauty Routine

For beauty on a budget, you need to get the most out of the products you purchase. Consider buying products that are sold in larger containers and avoiding the small volume specialty products when you need to save dollars. For the best all-in-one purchase, consider a tub of petrolatum (petroleum jelly ointment) for the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Moisturizing dry cracked heels Softening ragged cuticles Sealing irritated hands Hydrating chapped lips Accelerating wound healing

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Masks Just for You

Masks are often incorporated into spa facials given by and the type of mask is typically chosen based on relaxation or therapeutic goals. At home, you can also add this beneficial step into your skin care regimen with a weekly facial mask. Your choice of mask depends on your skin type and specific complexion needs such as: Oily or acne-prone skin: Clay masks are beneficial in absorbing excess oil leaving a more matte finish to the complexion and aiding in drying up blemishes. Dry skin: Conditioning masks with plant extracts such as jojoba or sunflower seed oils can hydrate the skin leaving it soft and smooth. Mature skin: Dry, sun-damaged or aging skin will benefit from combinations of therapeutic vitamins and natural antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea. Dull skin: To rejuvenate, masks with fruit extracts are used to exfoliate and brighten the complexion. Normal skin: In addition to masks being used for complexion concerns, they are also helpful for normal skin maintenance. However, it is important to be aware of any allergies or sensitivity you have to natural ingredients prior to using any type of facial mask.

What are BB and CC creams?

Food for Skin

While there is hope and belief amongst nutritionists and skin care experts that foods such as fruits and vegetables rich in anti-oxidants can positively impact skin health, research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited. According to Dr. L.E. Gibson of Mayo Clinic, "Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general."

These all-in-one formulations are designed to be multitaskers, and finding the best one for your skin can be challenging. Both are designed to be moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation products; CC (Color Correction) creams tend to have more anti-aging and skin-tone enhancing properties when compared to BB (Beauty Balm) creams, although there is significant overlap between the two types of products. Additionally, there is variability amongst different brands which further complicates shopping for the perfect all-inone. It is best to choose your specific need first (degree of moisturizing, amount of sun protection, level of coverage) and confirm that the product you choose has good results for that primary complexion issue. If your initial concern is well-addressed, any additional benefit that the product has will be a nice bonus.

Can I go without makeup to the gym or not?? It is best to remove makeup before going to the gym for two primary reasons: 1. Makeup, especially foundation, will run during your workout and leave a residue on gym clothes and towels. 2. Makeup combined with sweat from your workout can congest your pores leading to acceleration of acne and breakouts. Best advice: Wash it off before the workout! march

2014 |

5 Points to Remember from the Experts: Fitness - Write down your goals so you can better pinpoint what steps you need to take to be successful in reaching them, such as desired dress or pants size, lower cholesterol, and feeling better. - Join a gym that best fits you. - Consult with a trainer, preferably one that has been recommended to you and can counsel you in planning daily healthy food habits. Develop a plan of action. - Make the daily commitment to exercise, start changing your eating habits and learn how to live a healthy life. - Track your progress.

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Finance

- Live within your means, and never delegate your financial well-being to anyone else. - Eliminate all consumer debt and plan accordingly for retirement. - Pay yourself first, but also do a reality report to see who you’re financially responsible for. - Make investments appropriate to your goals and time factors, and never be afraid to seek expert financial advice. - Always give to a cause that’s greater than yourself!

Mental Health

Beauty

Exercise and your skin: - Remove any makeup or cosmetics from your face prior - Spend time with to your workout with a gentle God for daily spiritual cleanser. wisdom, strength, and - For outdoor exercise, sunguidance. screens should be “water- resis- Make sure your goals tant” to be effective while sweatare reasonable and attain- ing and “noncomedogenic” or able. “oil-free” to avoid breakouts. - Surround yourself with - Rinse your face with cool positive and encouraging water immediately after your people who support your workout to remove sweat and goals. prevent acne lesions. - Expect ups and downs; - Shower as soon as possible take a small break if nec- after the workout to freshen up essary but do not give up. and remove body perspiration - Allow yourself to enjoy which can lead to skin breakhealthy and appropriate outs. rewards periodically. - Seal your skin after showering with a body lotion or cream to keep it from becoming dehydrated and to give it a healthy glow.

Announce your engagement or wedding with Town & Gown Magazine. 1/3 - $50 1/2 - $100 Full Page - $150 Two Page - $210 Call 662-323-1642 or email info@townandgownmagazine.com march

2014 |

Asian Cuisine By Lisa LaFont aine Bynum

Mie Goreng

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If you have not ventured outside of your regular grocery store routine, this is the time to do so. From farmers markets and meat shops to cheese stores and Asian markets, you are sitting on a gold mine of opportunity to create a new recipe and try out-of-the-ordinary cuisine. Lisa LaFontaine Bynum did the research for you and created recipes with ingredients right outside your door. All ingredients can be found at the Asian Food Market in Starkville, Miss. located on Highway 12. Be sure to visit her blog at thecookingbride.com.

Mie Goreng Mie Goreng is a true Indonesian dish. Mie means “noodles” and “Goreng” means fried. 8 oz. dried noodles or one pack of fresh cooked noodles 4 Tbsp. sweet soy sauce, divided 2 large eggs 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1 large carrot, cut into thin strips like matchsticks 1 cup cabbage cut into strips or squares 1 cup cooked, diced chicken 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. dark soy sauce 2 Tbsp. light soy sauce 2 Tbsp. oyster sauce 1 tsp. sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil Cook noodles according to package instructions. Remove from heat and drain. Drizzle a small a small amount of vegetable oil over the noodles along with 3 tablespoons of the sweet soy sauce and stir until noodles are evenly coated. Heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Add the eggs and scramble. Remove eggs when cooked and set aside. Add a little more vegetable oil to the pan, then fry the garlic and ginger until they become fragrant. Add the carrot, spring onion, and cabbage and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables become tender. Add the diced chicken, scrambled eggs, and the cooked noodles to the pan. Add the light and dark soy sauce, remaining sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and continue to fry until heated through cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4

Chicken Udon If you can’t find sake, you can substitute with 2 additional tablespoons of mirin. Don’t skip the shichimi. It really adds a unique flavor to the dish. 4 cups Dashi ¼ - ½ tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 3 Tbsp. Mirin 2 Tbsp. Sake 2 chicken thighs or 1 chicken breast, cooked, cut into bite size pieces 2 packages dried or frozen Udon noodles 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided Continued> march

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Beef Rendang

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Beef Rendang 4 fresh banana peppers, seeded and chopped 4 shallots, chopped 5 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground red pepper 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes 1 (1/2 in.) piece galangal or fresh finger, thinly sliced 3 stalks lemon grass, chopped 6 lime leaves 1 tsp. ground turmeric 3 (15 oz.) cans coconut milk Place the banana peppers, shallots, garlic, salt, and ground red pepper in a blender or food processor and process until the mixture is a paste. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium high heat. Add the pepper mixture to the pot along with the beef, galangal, lemon grass, lime leaves, and turmeric. Cook the mixture until the beef is no longer pink inside and the juice have mostly evaporated, about 15 minutes. Pour the coconut milk into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and then simmer for about 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the pieces of beef from the pot and set aside. Continue to simmer the coconut milk until thickened, about 30 minutes. Return the beef to the coconut sauce, reduce the heat to low, and continue to simmer until the sauce turns brown and the oil has separated from the coconut milk, about 2 1/2 hours. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens. Serve over hot rice. Serves 8

Continued from page 47: Shichimi tĹ?garashi, also known as seven flavor chili pepper In a large saucepan, bring Dashi to a boil over medium high heat. Add salt, soy sauce, Mirin, Sake, and chicken. Bring soup to a boil. Add the Udon noodles and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Add the green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish. Divide noodles and soup into bowls and sprinkle on the remaining green onions. Sprinkle shichimi over the top if desired. Serves 4

GET TO KNOW Lisa LaFontaine Bynum

Lisa LaFontaine Bynum is a freelance writer from Grenada, Miss. Her work has appeared in several publications in Mississippi. She is a graduate of Delta State University where she received a BA in Marketing and her MBA. In her free time, she enjoys food writing and photography and documents her culinary happenings on her blog The Cooking Bride (thecookingbride.com). She currently resides in Brandon with her husband and son.

march

2014 |

A PROMISING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN STARKVILLE: The Cooley Building and Much More

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By For r es t Blac kbour n Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner Gr aphics Submitt ed

nyone who has traveled down Russell St. in Starkville in the past century has probably noticed a very important historical edifice. The Cooley Building – also colloquially referred to as the cotton mill and the physical plant – was built in 1902 and is on the brink of a significant, exciting renovation to be completed in the summer of 2015. Contributing partners for this development include Mark Castleberry, Greg Friedman, Jatin Desai, and Mitul Patel. Castleberry, managing partner, indicated that they “all have different strengths, and it works for the project.” The plan for this development, however, transcends the renovation of the Cooley Building. Castleberry said that the contributing partners’ plans also include the building of a Courtyard Marriot hotel (4 stories, 110 rooms), a parking garage (3 levels, 450 cars), and two restaurants on Russell St. The parking garage will be financed through a grant that of Starkville received. All in all, the budget for these projects is $55 million. “The [Cooley] building is still owned by MSU,” Castleberry said. “We are leasing the building for 55 years and bearing all of the costs of the renovation.” He also indicated that Mississippi State University will be leasing back 36,000 square feet of office space at a competitive, market value.

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Left: Cooley aerial view. Right: Castleberry at Castle Properties in Columbus, Miss.

Castleberry also indicated that the Cooley Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which implies that the National Park Service will oversee the renovation providing â&#x20AC;&#x153;significant oversight that the building retains its historical, structural integrity.â&#x20AC;? The Cooley building will maintain its grandiose timbers and windows. Also, the brick will be visible from the interior of the building, and the contemporary, urban finish will provide a very unique juxtaposition of

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newness and history. The renovation of the Cooley Building will provide businesses and organizations with a new, historical option for needs pertaining to conference space, meeting space, and 20,000 square feet of office space. This new development promises to benefit Starkville through the new businesses and events that it will bring to town at the same time that it maintains and cherishes something that has been around for a long time.

march

2014 |

Telling Stories One Stroke at a Time

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An older Southern Hospitality mural on Main Street.

By Joe Lee Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner

n addition to being conversation pieces, outdoor murals can bring a steady stream of tourism and revenue to our Mississippi communities. That’s certainly true in West Point, Miss., where the Main Street Association is working with painter Deborah Mansfield to create new murals as well as refurbishing the classic Coca Cola and Owl Cigar artwork along the Main Street corridor. “I fell in love with the town, the people and the history,” said Mansfield, who has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University and moved with her husband to West Point three years ago. “After settling into the new house, I looked for projects to paint. I found the Sally Kate Winters Home and asked if I could repaint the children’s recreation room with fun colors and small murals. “With this project under my belt I got the confidence to join the Main Street Design Committee and did water color renderings of what I thought the facades should look like. Kathy Dyess (who serves on the Mural Committee) and I solicited these ideas to the town and the business owners, who have been so open and willing to look at what we have to say and offer.” Many have chosen to make Mansfield’s vision a reality, including Cash and Carry Cleaners, Nix’s Barber Shop, and West Point Appliance. “The Cash and Carry mural was started last March,” Mansfield said. “I had a picture of a painting of clothes blowing in the wind on a stormy day, and I had always wanted to paint my own rendition of it. On a sleepless night I was thinking of different projects and it came to me that my stormy

clothes painting would be perfect for the side of the dry cleaner. “I got permission from (owner) Steve White, who supplied all of the materials, and got started. The mural shows clothes blowing in the wind with storm clouds in the background. I added my dog, Napoleon, flying around on the towel, and I added Steve’s two dogs as well as the pup of my friend Justin Estes.” Mansfield said the wall needed to be cleaned, sealed, basecoat painted, and then sealed again. The project took less than three weeks, with painting taking place each morning to beat the heat. She will also work on a Bryan Foods mural and completed a larger-than-life tribute last summer to blues legend Chester Arthur Burnett (known, of course, as Howlin’ Wolf), who was born in West Point and lived there until just before his teens. “The Cash and Carry mural is completely Deb’s baby,” Dyess said. “She had the concept, went to the business owner, and worked with him to make it happen. Her motivation was to put something out there that the public would enjoy, and to help business owners see that their façade could be made attractive and interesting, which would in turn benefit their bottom line.” “I could not be more excited, both as a resident and as a business owner, that Deborah Mansfield and her husband chose to retire in West Point,” said Scott Reed, owner of Petal Pushers and president of the Main Street Association. “My favorite is the clothes line painted on the side of Cash and Carry. march

2014 |

“But Deborah has told me a little about her posse’s plans to revive some of the historic murals and to create some new ones, so I am sure in the future it will be hard to choose a favorite. Our residents and visitors all love the murals. It’s like Christmas morning waiting for one to be finished. Customers in my store regularly ask about them and the artistic team behind them. It only adds to our already strong reputation of a thriving arts community.” The Howlin’ Wolf mural, which is a side street down from Anthony’s Good Food Market, was financed through a grant from Mississippi Development Authority. Forty by nineteen feet, it features a wolf howling at the moon, a Fender guitar, a harmonica, a replica of the old Chess record label, and a 56

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red rooster (a reference to one of Wolf’s best-known blues standards). “My dad owned Ramsey Tire and Appliance, where Wolf bought his hunting license and supplies when he would come home to hunt and fish,” said Richard Ramsey, program director for the Howlin’ Wolf Blues Society of West Point. “I wrote out his hunting license the year I was eight, which would have been 1965. “What makes the mural stand out from the others is the twelve-foot-tall picture of him that was taken by my good friend Brian Smith from Manchester, England, in 1964. It’s framed by a metal stage rack that lights up at night—it actually looks like it’s onstage. I come driving down the street and

see people across the way with cameras flashing. Kathy’s help and Deborah’s art expertise was fantastic.” “We have had an absolutely positive outpouring from the public and businesses,” Dyess said. “It was especially fun during the Howlin’ Wolf mural because we usually painted from 6:30 a.m. till eleven or until it got too hot. We started in June and just finished everything right before the festivals (Howlin’ Wolf on August 31 and Prairie Arts on September 1). “We had people stop or slow down to make comments, yell encouragement, or just blow their horn every day. Lots of people got out of their vehicles and came over to chat. Some offered to help paint, others had a story to tell about Wolf, and of course we got some advice.”

“It sounds kind of weird, but every wall has a personality. They tell you what they need,” Mansfield said. “It does not matter if it’s a huge exterior wall or a small oil painting— every surface is a canvas. “There is nothing more rewarding then painting a mural and having people stop by to watch and talk and tell stories of themselves or West Point. It has been awesome to see people’s eyes light up and say, ‘Thanks so much for painting the murals, we really appreciate it.’ I know it has changed me and made me a better person.”

march

2014 |

Meet the Locals..

Kate Mattox

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By Ric helle Putnam Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner Clo t hes pr o vided b y Deep Sout h P out Je w elr y b y Mer le Nor man L una Bella Hair b y Salon 28

rom the time Kate Mattox took her first steps as a toddler, she yearned to dash outside and run freely in her yard. “I would run laps around the house while my sister counted them,” said Kate. And as she grew, her desire to move quickly grew as well. “I started soccer when I was in kindergarten and that got me competitive.” After joining the swim team, Kate won the state championship in the breast stroke category when she was ten years old. When Kate attended Starkville Academy, the school had adopted a running program with Jackson Academy, Kim Mattox, Kate’s mother, explained. “They didn’t allow anyone to run over a mile and a half a day,” said Kim. Even as a fourth grader, Kate was passionate about running. Every day she ran. “It was a big competition for her to run against the boys. That’s where she got her start.” In the seventh grade Kate began competing and a champion was born. For the past 29 years, in partnership with USA Today High School Sports, the Gatorade Company has awarded the Player of the Year award to the best high school athletes in the country. Kate was named the 2013 Gatorade Cross Country Performer of the Year for the State of Mississippi. She also won the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A individual championship. Her team, the Jackets, finished as a team in third-place. Currently, Kate is a three-time individual state champion in cross country. Nevertheless, for Kate, running means much more than winning. “It gives me the opportunity to think about everything,” she said. “God has blessed me with

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the ability to run and sometimes when I’m running I think about how fortunate I am to be able to run.” Kate has a huge support system, including three sisters, Walker, the oldest, and her younger sisters, Caroline and Libby. “My sisters are so supportive. I love running with Walker and Caroline. We know how each other feels and we are always there for each other.” Kate’s family, church and team mates remind Kate of what’s important, what it’s all about. “They lift me up spiritually and physically.” According to Kate’s pastor, Reverend Giles Lindley, all four Mattox girls are outstanding. “They are funny and talented young ladies,” he said. Kate has a significant accomplishment that sets her apart, but all four of the sisters are sharp. “I’m proud to be their pastor and to simply know them.” Reverend Lindley teaches confirmation classes where 7th graders learn about church doctrine and what it means to be a member of the church. “When Kate was in that class, I really got to know her,” he said, adding that Kate was concerned about how to be a Christian and live out her faith. “I had a lot of personal interaction with her. She was inquisitive and had a lot of good questions, not solely about what we 60

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believe, but also what it means to live out what we believe.” In summary, running is Kate’s passion, but her faith remains the top priority in her life. “I want to remember that God comes before anything. If I do that, everything will fall into place.” She combines faith in every aspect of her life, said Kim. “She doesn’t put anyone, including herself, above anybody else. She looks for the best in everyone and points out the best in everyone.” Kate takes her faith seriously, said Reverend Lindley. “I’ve heard seriousness in her questions about how she can live her faith. You don’t always have kids at that early age asking that question.” Kate’s glowing personality reveals to others that she enjoys life and is engaged in life, he added, so people enjoy being around her. From the way she listens, however, it’s obvious she cares about people. Kate’s running is about glorifying God and not only about winning or getting the best time. “At the past state meet, I was in so much pain, but I kept pushing myself to get past that,” she said. “When I think about Jesus being crucified for me, I realize that I don’t really know what real pain is.”

In sports, victory and defeat go hand in hand. There’s always a winner and always a loser. How an athlete handles both possibly says more about the athlete than the sport itself. “Kate is not going to lose unless you’re really better than her,” said Kim. “When a runner is better than Kate, she is going to be the first to turn around and congratulate that runner.” She is quick to see what the best runners are doing and looks for ways to improve by asking a lot of questions about their training. After Kate finishes her race, she runs back to encourage the last runners regardless of the team they’re on. “She cheers them all on to the finish line.” During the race, Kate is focused and concentrating. When it’s over, she is back to her normal self. If she wins, she’s excited, but not a braggart, not overly proud, said Reverend Lindley. “She’s very competitive on the field, but sociable with the other competitors before and after the race.” When it comes to defeat, Kate sees it as a learning experience, realizing she has to test herself to get better. “If I go into a race that I’m capable of winning, I push myself really hard,” said Kate. “I know my major competitors from Mississippi.” At the start of a race, Kate gets as far ahead as possible. “If we are at a really competitive meet, I try to stay as close to the fastest one as I can and try to get a good time." Her team enters a race giving everything they have, so they know there is nothing more they could’ve asked for at the finish line.“We keep each other accountable for doing our best and we’re not disappointed in the results,” she said. “We have our good days and we have our bad days, but we’re all there to support one another.” Crossing the finish line, Kate is exhausted. Even so, she takes time to catch her breath and then converses with her teammates and competitors that have finished running. “I’ve gotten really close to some of the people that I compete with because we see each other so much.” Kate constantly challenges herself by going out and finding meets outside her area that she can’t win. “She can win about every race in Mississippi,” said Reverend Lindley. Therefore, she finds a race she can’t win because she knows she has to do that to get better. “She’s committed to improving herself.” Kate is also health conscious and reads a lot of books about nutrition. “However, she’ll eat a Reese’s Cup at the snap of a finger!” said Kim. Kate Mattox may be a champion, but she’s so much more than that. She’s a daughter, sister and friend. “She is well-rounded and a very funny child, 6said Reverend Lindley. A kind and generous person, Kate is a delight to be around and genuinely cares for other people. The one quality Kate’s pastor

admires most about her is perseverance. “I couldn’t run or exercise as hard as she does.” Kim wishes she had more of her daughter’s determination. “I don’t know a soul who works harder than Kate on anything.” Kate doesn’t see herself in the same light as others do, wishing she could be more patient and more open with other people. “Sometimes I get too much in my zone and I’m too much all about me,” she said. “I have to remember that’s not the way it works.” Still, after Kate removes her running shoes and takes down her ponytail, she is like any other teenage girl who loves to dress up for church and be among her peers. In her athletic crowd, Kate initiates friendship and conversation. Among her peers, she simply enjoys being one of them. “She by no means wants to be the star of the show,” said Kim. “I like to hang out with my friends,” said Kate. “Sometimes we’ll play basketball to get our mind off running for a change. Doing other things keeps me from burning out on running and keeps me enjoying it.” Her extracurricular activities include her youth group and church activities. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a 9th Grade representative of the student government at Starkville High School. Every summer at Mississippi State University, she’s a Camp Jigsaw volunteer, which is a camp for children and young adults with disorders within the Autism spectrum. “Kate would love to model one day,” said Kim. “But she is also thinking about becoming a collegiate running coach.” For now, Kate wants to run and remember that it needs to be fun. Mostly, Kate wants to be a good role model. “Just as I look up to others,” she said, “I want people to look up to me in the same way.”

march

2014 |

HEALTH AND BEAUTY By Chr is tine T ibbe tt Pho t og r ap h y b y Cat her ine S tuk enbor g and Laur a Daniels

After

Christine Tibbett, Starkville resident, is an MSU graduate with a Bachelors degree in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising. She studied makeup artistry at the Atlanta Makeup Academy, and she is a licensed Esthetician (skin care specialist). In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors, exercising, and has a passion for helping others look and feel their best.

March Makeover Before

Thanks to: Hair - Salon 28 Mak eup - Mer le Nor man L una Bella Clo t hes - L.A . Gr een Boutiq ue

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pring marks a time of the year that is full of promise with new life budding all around us. The air warms up, our skin softens, and we all think about the new projects and fresh beginnings on the horizon. We thought this month was the perfect month to give a well-deserved makeover to a local resident, so we asked for nominations from the community, and we were blown away with the response! Audrey Hutchinson was chosen because of her outstanding commitment to her family as well as her support of the community. She is an inspirational woman who deserved to be pampered! Audrey is a mother of three children, Tyler, Matt, and Jamie. When Matt was 3 years old, he had brain cancer and had several operations and treatments to save his life. His treatments left him handicapped, and Audrey is his constant friend, caretaker and companion. In addition to supporting her oldest son's pro-bike racing career and encouraging her youngest daughter's dreams, she makes sure that Matt has plenty of opportunity to pursue his own dreams. Last year, she built a team and trained for the Memphis Half Marathon where her team raised over $5,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “I never do anything like this! I’m most excited about getting some time to myself.” -Audrey Something Audrey Learned: Don’t use your fingers to apply foundation. Bacteria on your hands can spread easily into the pores on your face.

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2014 |

W N

Blog

By Sar ah Car pent er l Pho t og r aph y Submitt ed

or many of us in the Starkville area, we have seen new buses driving throughout the historic downtown district and around campus at Mississippi State University. After Christmas break for many students, they came back wondering where exactly the buses came from, and why they are now running to locations off of campus. The purpose of these buses answers just that! The S.M.A.R.T buses in Starkville and on campus stand for Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit. For the Starkville area, this is a new shuttle system transportation like there never has been before! Along with making Starkville more economical, the S.M.A.R.T buses are looking to be an efficient mode of transportation and also increase transportation alternatives for the

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City of Starkville and MSU. Linking campus to the Starkville community can also help decrease the amount of traffic coming on and off of campus, as well as providing links throughout the bus transit routes. Many are also wondering, is this free? Yes! Anyone can ride the shuttle at no cost, and children are to be accompanied by an adult. Next time you are trying to get out and about throughout Starkville, get S.M.A.R.T! Check out the new shuttles and the convenience that they can give you getting around town or just from class to class! Visit www.smart.msstate.edu for more information on the S.M.A.R.T Bus.

For more Town and Gown Blog posts visit our website: www.townandgownmagazine.com

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march

2013 |

Front Porch Frocks

with the ladies of Women of Color Summit

By Becca Hor t on Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner Clo t hes pr o vided b y L.A . Gr een Boutiq ue Je w elr y pr o vided b y Pur ple Elephant and Mer le Nor man & L una Bella Mak eup b y Mer le Nor man L una Bella Flo w er s pr o vided b y Oktibbeha County Co op

ashion – a thing that makes women stand out in the best way. The colors and styles we each select provide others with intimate knowledge of our choices and personalities. Fashion offers each buyer the opportunity to be unique and incredibly diverse in a world where women are certainly socially attached to stereotypes and conformity. When it comes to female fashion, each of us has the opportunity to be incredibly diverse. MSU has offered women opportunities to branch out and experience their individuality on campus, and this year is no exception. The 2014 MSU Women of Color event, Changing Lives: Destination Success, is being held on March 6 and 7 and sponsored by the university’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI). Attendees will enjoy the free Women of Color Empowerment Dinner and talks on March 6 from 6-8 p.m. Guests will also take part in a Women of Color Summit on March 7 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., which features a myriad of renowned speakers. Attendees will especially profit from those lecturing at the event – speakers that have not only made an impact in Mississippi, but in the United States. “Our goal is for our students and alumni to build long-lasting relationships,” said NaToya Hill, specialist at the OIDI and dinner speaker at the event. The speakers and MSU alumni should serve as mentors for the female attendees and inspire them through their knowledge of their respective fields. Each attendee will get the opportunity to be paired with a mentor, which in turn will hopefully lead to higher retention rates for MSU’s students of color.

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2014 |

2014 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN OF COLOR SUMMIT CHANGING LIVES: DESTINATION SUCCESS FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Registration Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks Ms. NaToya Hill Recruitment, Retention & Program Specialist Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion Mississippi State University

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Success Beyond the Numbers: Data Trends Mrs. Pearl Pennington Director of Student Affairs Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Jackson, Mississippi

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Building Your Brand: The Importance of Mentoring and Networking The Role of Women in Education and Politics Keeping up with the Kardashians/ Joneses: Entrepreneurship Innovation and Financial Success 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Break 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Networking Session for Alumni & Students A Conversation with Phi Beta Kappa Scholars Dr. Joy Harris, Georgia Institute of Technology Dr. Frances Carter, NIH CSR Ms. Christin Gates, University of Wisconsin-Madison

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Dr. RoSusan D. Bartee Professor and Program Coordinator University of Mississippi 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Break 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. A New Female Epidemic: The Burden of Greatness Women’s Health: When Your Body Talks, Do You Listen? Academic Success: A Student’s Perspective

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Women Empowerment: Loving the Skin You’re In 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Program Evaluation 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Moving Forward Dr. Tommy Stevenson Chief Diversity Office and Director Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Mississippi State University

february

2014 |

Tthe first MSU Women of Color Summit in 2013 was a large success for the university and garnered 300 attendees for its two sessions, which discussed work/life balance and women’s health. This year, they’ve set their sights even bigger. The planners for the Summit reached their goal of 500 registered attendees and are eager for the participants to experience six sessions, featuring discussions on the importance of mentoring and networking, women’s health and empowerment, a conversation with Pi Beta Kappa scholars, Keeping Up with the Kardashians/Joneses and more. “The state of Mississippi has its negative perceptions so to be able to defy the odds and host a Women of Color Summit speaks volumes. Our administration has supported our efforts 100 percent,” said Hill. “It’s very inspiring to know that we are taking a proactive approach to tackle issues such as retention rates among women of color.” The goal for the event is for the women to leave with a sense of empowerment – not because serious issues have been discussed, but because issues have been discussed and resolutions have been discovered. Fashion provides women with the power to be individuals – but the fantastic individuals we already have around us are never something to be overlooked.

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LITERATURE

The Reading Circle Book R e vie w b y Susan O’Br y an

How do you know when something has passed its prime, turning from useful and resourceful to obsolete and irrelevant? When is it time to pull the plug, so to speak? These questions, and more, are cause for concern in The Reading Circle, a follow-up to Oxford author Ashton Lee’s novel, The Cherry Cola Book Club. Reviews for Natchez native’s debut novel describe it as “a delightful read, written in a light and breezy style, with a cast of characters that is equal parts kooky and genuine.” The Reading Circle will be released in late March, one year after readers were first introduced to the small town of Cherico, Miss., and met Maura Beth Mayhew, a young librarian trying to save Cherico Library from budget cuts and residents’ general lack of interest. She’s pitted against conniving councilmen who want to divert municipal funds for their gain. With the help of the Cherry Cola Book Club, Maura Beth has combined Southern favorites – food, visiting and discussion – into a new town hit. People who previously never used the library now are coming to check out books, work on the computer and search the archives. After earning a year’s reprieve from closure, the clock is ticking as Maura Beth tries new, and often quirky, ways to build interest in the library. She encourages members of the Cherry Cola Book Club, known for its potluck dinners and literary reviews, to discuss novels such as Forrest Gump, which leads to a shrimp-theme feast and heated discussion about war and patriotism. Other readings led the group to explore their feelings about race relations, women’s roles and corrupt politicians. Food, as all Southerners know, is a centerpiece at any gathering, and Lee has included a culinary treat for his readers. At the end of each book are recipes sure to bring folks running to the folding table with their plates in hand. New book club members play a major role in The Reading Circle, including Jeremy McShay, a handsome Nashville teacher, and Parker Place, a pastry chef with a past. They join the cast of eccentrics introduced in the first novel, including Periwinkle (owner of Twinkle Café), Connie and Doug McShay, radio celebrity Becca Broccoli and husband “Stout Fellow,” spinster Voncille Nettles and her beau Locke. But, as with most things in Cherico, few things go as planned. Book discussions lead to life stories, many of which have been kept secret for generations. And just like many of the books on the library’s crooked shelves, stories come to life, producing unexpected “I didn’t see that coming” twists, heroes and life lessons.

march

2014 |

unWINE Dowtown

On February 18, 2014 Starkville held their popular unWine Downtown from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at participating merchants where guests were able to shop and receive 20% and taste different wine at each store. Photography by Sarah Carpenter

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1. Amy Hood, Rebecca Tabb and Heather Palculict 2. Amy Yates and Jamie Methvin 3. Beth Poganski, Kara Herman and Britney Tranum 4. Bonner Whittington and Lilli Harris 5. Christy Laughlin and Brigette Martin 6. Rachel Cannady and Greta Wood

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Any Warhol’s Fashion Factory

Fashion Board presented a Spring fashion show, “Andy Warhol’s Fashion Factory” at The Veranda in Starkville, Miss. Photography Sarah Carpenter

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1. Anna Leigh Richards, Blair Toney and Abbey Barker 2. Carson Taylor, Hannah King, Christa Hare and Stephanie Cruise 3. Chase Cooksey, Campbell Dobbs and Aaron Henderson 4. Daivion Neil and Jasmine Rillen 5.Samantha Eden and Tiffany Aultman march

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Souper Bowl of Caring

For the Super Bowl, Columbus Orthopedic Clinic and Outpatient Center teamed up with the Souper Bowl of Caring, a national campaign that participates in a food drive to help combat poverty and hunger. In 2012 the Souper Bowl of Caring raised $9.8 million dollars in food for local relief charities. Photography submitted

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1. Dakota, Jason, Kathleen and Kiley Caswell 2. Sarah Goldberg and Dr. Russell Linton 3. Jeannie Lackey, Leigh Ann Stringer and Diann Dale 4. Taylor Williams and Jan Freshour 5. Monica Nabors and Jade Cox, Suzy Brown

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Dance the Decades

First United Methodist Church in Starkville, Miss. held a Dance the Decades opening for their contemporary worship center called Connection on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Photography Ashley Covin

1. Callie Wells, Maggie Fischer, Molly Beth Covin and Regan Ruff 2. Sally Laughlin and Lynn Berch 3. Mel Thurlow and Renee Reedy 4. Cindy and Paul Ruff 5. Carole McReynolds Davis and Elizabeth Williams 6. The Shumaker family

march

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Back Stage Pass 2014 On January 23-24, 2014 Starkville hosted the Mississippi Main Street Association’s Back Stage Pass 2014 - “Celebrating our Creative Economy”. Photo below are from the Starkville Main Street Assoc. Late Night Networking Event held at 929 Coffee Bar. Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Jennifer Prather and Jennifer Gregory 2. Libbi Bryant - Ripley, Keisha brogan - Okolona and Amelia Treptow - Starkville 3. Quinn Jordan - Brookhaven, Alphonso Sanders - Cleveland and Melissa Dixon - Starkville 4. Alphonso Sanders 5. Clayton Waller - Starkville, Jeannie Waller Oxford and Bob Wilson - Jackson 6. Johnny Hollis 76

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Starkville Souper Bowl Starkville held their annual Souper Bowl at STAGgerIn Sports Grill on February 8, 2014. Tasters voted Harvey’s gator gumbo as Best in Show with Commodore Bob’s spicy pork and kale soup in first place, Bin 612’s smoked cheddar cheese soup with tomato slider in second place and Restaurant Tyler’s Vardeman sweet potato and turnip green chowder in third. Photography Laura Daniels.

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1. Kim Jones, Anna and Nathan Chaney and Charlotte Reed 2. Isabel McLemore, Lindsay Sellers and Luke Sellers 3. Joan Fuentes and Tim Raffel 4. Delia, Brooks and Melissa Dixon 5. Sam Caldwell and Hunter Smith 6. Neil Strickland, Jason Roden, Dan Camp and Alea Adigweme march

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GSDP Annual Banquet The Greater Starkville Development Partnership held their Annual Banquet at the Hunter Henry Center on January 27, 2014. Photos below are from the reception for Committee of 100 members. Photography by Laura Daniels

1. Gina Thrasher and Larhonda Latham 2. Darlene Comish, Pat Lane and John Crecink 3. Joey Deason, Annette Deason and Henry Vaughn 3.Darlene McMair, Rick Ferrell and Aleesa Jones 4. Fay Boren, Mark Boyer and Tonya Thompson 5. Amy Yates, Jay Yates, Charles Kelley, Jillian Matthews 6. Albert and Glenda Clark

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Dudy Gras Parade

Saturday, February 8th, 2014 at 4 p.m., the Left Field Loungers paraded through downtown Starkville to the Left Field Lounge at Dudy Noble Field in celebration of the opening season of Mississippi State University Baseball. Photography by Laura Daniels

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1.Joe Deere, Hobie Hobart and Hunter Renfroe 2. Paula Miller and Tony Cooper 3. Bill Enis, Roger Smith, Marlo Tipton, Tyson Gair and Susan McReynolds 4. Brittany Ousley and Carlee Hoffmann 5. Lindi Morgan, Anna Weis and Jordyn Potter 6. Britlee Telano and Makenzie Ingram march

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Cowbell Yell

Mississippi State University held its first Cowbell Yell at Dudy Noble Field on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in anticipation for Opening Day on February 14, 2014. Photography by Sarah Carpenter

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1.Alison Meeler, Jordan Dear and Amanda Meeler 2. Anna Claire Allison, Sidnye Smith, Megan Vandevender and Jack Butts 3. Anna Wise and Jordyn Potter 4. Ashley Banks, Lisa Hankes and Josh James 5. Front: Marc Quitalig, Ridge Winnett and Timmy Clark; Back: Patrick Coccaro, Andrew Collins and Cole Wyatt 6. Haley Carpenter, Rachel Nixon, Maggie Gardner, Meg Roberts and Elizabeth Garland 7. Marcy, Mason, Warren and Roger Smith 8. Maribeth Morgan, Madelen Creer and Sydney Woloshyn 9. Steve Scarborough, P.J. Williams, Trent Mosely and David Moulds 10. Will Carson and Baxter

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Happy march Readers For your loyal support, we would like to give anyone that mentions this advertisement 10% off a regular price ad. Only applies to new contracted ads. Not valid after April 14, 2014.

Happy Reading! march

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