June by Town & Gown Magazine

own own G T & June 2018

TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE .COM HOME . GARDEN . LIFE . STYLE . FOOD . HEALTH . FITNESS

Flip to page 34 for Q&Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with women working har to make a difference in our communirty!

on the cover..

On the Beautiful shot of the Cotton District by Cover Logan Kirkland

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In this Issue

Home, Garden and Lifestyle around Mississippi

8 12 16 21 24 28

Calendar of Events Congratulations to Starkvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rising Stars Under 35 Education Destinations in Starkville Made in Mississippi: Paintings by Melanie McNeel Connected Hearts Inc. A Beacon of Hope Taste & Toast

Mixed-use developments create neighborhoods & offer new living options

Starkville Women Making an Impact Sharon Oswald Michelle Amos Stacia King Kate Fabel Lynn Spruill Nadia Colom

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Farm to Fork Fiesta Features Local Farmers Events

June 2018 | 5

OLD MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

(662) 516-9722 WWW.OMOAMS.COM OLDMOUNTAIN RD OFF HWY 82 E, WINONA 6 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

A Product of Horizon of Mississippi

For our Readers

P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760 www.townandgownmagazine.com

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

{ s taf f } Stacia King | Publisher - sking@starkvilledailynews.com Courtney Cox | Editor - editor@townandgownmagazine.com Carole Ann Doughty | Circulation - circ1@starkvilledailynews.com

Announce your engagement or wedding with us! 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 and Gown! Town and Gown Magazine offers gift cards for subscriptions. Call us at 662-323-1642 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.

{ acco un t exe c u ti ve s } Wendi McMinn - wendi@starkvilledailynews.com Anthony Sclafani- anthony@starkvilledailynews.com

{writ ers} Ryan Phillips Logan Kirkland Mary Rumore Charlie Benton {photographers} Hunter Hart Adrianne Horne Logan Kirkland {Spec ial Cont ributors} Chromatix on Main - hair The Beauty Bar at R Tabb- make-up {Int erns} Sarah Massey {page design} Courtney Cox {adver t ising design} Chris Mcmillen

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

June 2018 | 7

Summer Events Starkville Community Market Shop local vendors at Fire Station Park Every Tuesday from 4-6pm Every Saturday from 7:30-10:30am

UnWine Downtown Participating boutiques and shops serve wine and appetizer pairings while you shop and socialize! July 26 in Downtown Starkville 5:30pm

Sunday Funday Join the fun at the Parthenon on University Drive. Music, Arts, children’s activities and more!

Downtown at Sundown Starkville’s Summer Concert Series on the third Thursday of each month! Admission is free, food and drink vendors will be on site. June 21st on Main Street 7-9pm July 19th in the Cotton District 7-9pm August 16th outside at Rick’s Cafe 7-9pm 8 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

June 24, 1-6pm

Starkville Public Library Summer Movie Night: Shreck. June 21 3pm Lego Day: Last Thursday of every month. Bring your kids to play! 3-5pm

VBS Around Starkville First Baptist Church: 8am -12pm June 4-8 First United Methodist Church: 5:30-8 p.m June 17-20 First Presbyterian Church: 8:30-11:30a.m. June 11- 14 Episcopal Church of the Resurrection: 9am-12pm June 4-8 Plair U.M. Church: 5:45 -7 p.m. June 4- 7 First Church of Christ Holiness: -9-11:25a.m. on June 4-7 St. Joseph Catholic Church: 8:30 -11:30a.m. June 4- 7

MSU Summer Camps MSU Continuing Education: ce.extention.msstate.edu/programs/summer-camps/2018 Sanderson Center http://urec.msstate.edu/programs-and-activities/camps/ Msu Athletic Camps hailstatecamps.com June 2018 | 9

Starkville Parks and Rec Camps

Summer Movie Nights at the Gymnasium : Friday, June 2nd @ 7pm Moana Friday, June 23rd @ 7pm The Secret Life of Pets Friday, August 11th @ 7pm TBA

Ceramics.

Lego Camp

June 1st::10am -12am (4-6 yrs), 10am-11:30am June 19th, 21st, & 23rd: 10am-12pm (7-10 yrs) Have fun making your own designs and folMaking a bird bath to put out in your yard. lowing patterns with designs from Legos. Boys and Girls can take their projects home with them when they are completed. Cheer Clinic June 1st & 2nd: 8am -8:30am (4-6 yrs), 10am11:30am (7-10 yrs)

Sewing Class

June 20th & 22nd: 10am-12pm Learn basic sewing skills, design and put together a square pillow working on straight lines in sewing. Fabric and pattern is proJune 6th , 8th, & 10th 10am-12pm Fun quick recipes for kids to make! Hands vided with the cost of the class. Bring your sewing machine, scissors, and spool of on! Lots of fun and eating. white thread!

Food Camp

Beginners Tennis Camp

Fundamentals of Boxing

June 12th-15th: 8am-10am Activities include learning basic techniques June 21st, 22nd & 23rd: 9am-11am of tennis. Participants must bring their Basic fundamentals of boxing taught and own racquet and water. demonstrated. Very interactive, emphasis on building skills, minimal contact.

Fine Arts Camp

June 12th-16th: 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm We will paint, draw, hand build with clay and learn some art history.

Fun Fitness Camp June 19th & 20th: 8am-10pm A two day class that encourages and promotes basic exercises, fundamentals of making health and fitness a fun way of life.

Wacky Crafts June 26th, 28th 30th: 10am-12pm Doing experiments with everyday supplies around the house.

A diverse mix of young professionals, artisans and leaders are hard at work to drive the community forward, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and change in Mississippi’s College Town. For the inaugural Starkville Daily News Rising Stars Under 35, those nominated represent the best of what the Golden Triangle has to offer. From rocket scientists to elected officials, the first class of Rising Stars is sure to leave a lasting impact on their community long after the awards are handed out. We at the Starkville Daily News, along with our event partners at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, are firm believers that this college town, and the rest of the Golden Triangle for that matter, will only improve as more young leaders take the reigns. This is why we think it is important to promote a culture that is accommodating to young business and community leaders. Many city, county and university officials have stressed the need to stop the “brain drain” in Mississippi, as every year scores of talented scholars leave the state’s colleges and universities for what they believe to be greener pastures. This class, however, personifies the notion that talent is here to stay in Starkville. The bigger numbers around the country and globe support this trend, under-

JAMEY BACHMAN

scoring the role played by young professionals in the entrepreneurial sector. According to the latest BNP Paribas Global Entrepreneur Report, entrepreneurs under 35 are doing many things sooner, or at a higher rate than their older counterparts. For example, the report says the average age of starting a business for people under 35 is 27, while Baby Boomers 50 and over started their businesses at an average age of 35. Millennials are also stepping out to start businesses instead of inheriting them, with the report showing 54 percent of entrepreneurs under 35 are first generation business owners. Being an emerging entrepreneur or public figure often goes hand-in-hand with being a community leader, which factored into the selection process for each of our 21 nominees, who were nominated by colleagues and fellow community leaders. We look forward to seeing what these bright young minds will do and create in the years to come and are thankful to have the opportunity to let the community and the rest of the world know just how much they mean to the people of this area. - Ryan Phillips, Executive Editor, Starkville Daily News

MATT MATTHEWS

Access Outreach Coordinator Mississippi State University

Vice President of Commercial Lending Cadence Bank

MARY KATE SMITH

DAVID BUYS

Systems Engineer Insitu Inc.

Assistant Professor Mississippi State Extension and Research

ROSA DALOMBA

LAUREN BLACK

Certified Financial Planner Phillips Financial Development

PAIGE CANNON

Owner The Pop Porium

Graphic Designer - Pecan Paper Company and Tom Smith Land

LOGAN KIRKLAND

BARTON DINKINS

News Reporter & Photographer Starkville Daily News

Managing partner, founder Two Brothers Smoked Meats

HAGAN WALKER Chief Executive Officer Glo

ANNA BARKER

Director of Business Development - VIBE, LLC.

LAUREN ANN COOPER Owner L.A. Green

Instructor - Government Extension Service, Mississippi State University

BLAIR EDWARDS

BARBARA BURGESS

JENNIFER PRATHER

BRITTANY RADFORD-CLARK

Owner The People’s Cup Micro Roastery

JING LIAO

Engineer Clearwater Consultants

Sommelier Restaurant Tyler

Director of Tourism Greater Starkville Development Partnership

JORDAN RAMSEY

PAUL BRASFIELD

Associate Director, Internal Audit Mississippi State University

Part owner, full operator City Bagel Café and Italian Bistro

PATRICK MILLER

Graduate Assistant Mississippi State

SANTEE EZELL

Health and Wellness Coordinator Mississippi State University

June 2018 | 13

MSU Catering

Making life deliciously easy! You’ve got a busy summer, let us take some of the stress off! We provide: • • • • •

Varying menu options Quality Professional assistance Hassle-free food preparation Time savings

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June 2018 | 15

Education Destinations Area brimming with attractions for history buffs Article and photos by Ryan Phillips

tarkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University have no shortage of museums and other destinations sure to pique the interest of all ages. Whether it be the newly-opened Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana on the MSU campus, or the slightly hidden Starkville Civil War Arsenal, different museums dot the local landscape just in time for summer.

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM Located at 206 Fellowship St. in Starkville, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum has a wide range of permanent exhibits that range from early county history to a sports hall of a fame, featuring the likes of baseball star Cool Papa Bell and NFL record-breaker Jerry Rice. The museum was opened in 1976 in a 1874 Mobile & Ohio railroad depot to commemorate the national’s bicentennial and boasts an award-winning landscape design and event venue in addition to the museum offerings. Permanent exhibits at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum include civil war, military and local aviation history; Early home life, school and church keepsakes; local agriculture and industries’ evolution; A sports hall of fame; Evans Shine Parlor mementos; Historic Main Street photos; A retro doctor’s office; Memorabilia from Coca-Cola’s local history; An interactive children’s corner and a miniature railroad layout. Hours for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Group tours are available by special arrangement.

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STARKVILLE CIVIL WAR ARSENAL The brainchild of local historian and artillery expert Duffy Neubauer, the Starkville Civil War Arsenal is one of the best kept secrets in the area. While the collection of Civil War artifacts and recreations are private, visitors are welcome by appointment. The arsenal is one of only three facilities in the United States that displays all of the specialized field artillery rolling stock at the same time in one place, making this local piece of history an important destination for any Civil War buff. The visitor’s center at the arsenal sits roughly 30 people and a slide presentation accompanies the self-guided tour of the collection, which features equipment used by both the Union and Confederate armies. There is no admission fee but donations are welcomed to help with operating and maintenance costs. Programs include: artillery ammunition, sighting a canon, “The Forgotten Artillerymen: The Artificers,” “Bugle Calls: The Role of an Artillery Bugler,” “The Anatomy, Maintenance and Repair of a Civil War Wheel,” horses, mules and harnesses, Artillery, The Organization, A Featured Vehicle from the Rolling Stock, The Role of Artillery on the Civil War Battlefield, Wagons, Trains and Ambulances or Civil War Mass Production Capabilities. Public viewing is by appointment only and those interested are asked to call Neubauer at 662-323-2606.

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GRANT PRESIDENTIAL LIBARY AND LINCOLN COLLECTION Mississippi State recently saw the opening of two major exhibits that are sure to attract history scholars from around the globe. The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana officially opened its doors last December, and will be open throughout the summer to offer informative tours to groups or individuals. The $10 million facility is located on the fourth floor of the Mitchell Memorial Library and also includes the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana, the largest known private collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts and literature. While the Lincolniana exhibit features more tangible items from Lincoln’s life and research - including a wooden desk used by Lincoln at a clerk’s office in Petersburg, Illinois - the Grant Presidential Library features interactive exhibits geared toward promoting an interest in the nation’s 18th president. According to the the library’s website, all of the collection is open except the records of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. Library staff says the processing of unpublished materials is ongoing, but all the Grant papers are available for research. Hours for the museum are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The museum is closed on Sundays. To contact the library to learn more, call 662-325-4552.

OTHER MSU MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Charles H. Templeton, Sr. Music Museum Colvard Student Union Art Gallery Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum Department of Art Galleries Dunn-Seiler Museum Giles Architecture Gallery John Grisham Room Lois Dowdle Cobb Museum of Archaeology Martha Lipsey Art Gallery Mississippi Entomological Museum MSU Archives MSU Campus Tree Trail MSU Extension Arthropod Zoo Mississippi State University Herbarium Stennis-Montgomery Room

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

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Made in Mississippi: Paintings by Melanie McNeel

Article and photos by Mary Rumore

tarkville artist Melanie McNeel has been surrounded by art her entire life, shaping her into painter she is today. “Painting has always been a part of my life,” she said. “My mother painted, her aunt painted. Mother took lessons in Jackson, and I can remember her bringing her paintings home and I can remember all of her art books. It’s just something I’ve always done.” While growing up in Jackson, McNeel took lessons from local artists that lived in her neighborhood and her grandmother’s neighborhood beginning in the fifth grade.

McNeel went on to major in art education with an emphasis in painting from the University of Mississippi, and she also attended numerous workshops. She taught Art History at Winston Academy along with art lessons to children and adults. McNeel said her artwork has grown and changed throughout the years. “It has evolved,” she said. “I did watercolors at first when I had younger children, and I moved back to oils when I had a little more time. It has always been a part of my life, and I love painting.” McNeel, who now lives in Starkville, said she draws her inspiration for her artwork from her surroundings. “Oktoc Road, the town, the campus — There are so many beautiful places to paint,” she said. “I’m just thrilled.” Many of McNeel’s paintings include scenes from the Cotton District, Tombigbee Waterway, MSU’s campus and her travels in Europe.

“I think I love water paintings the most. I just love the light dancing off of water at different times of day,” she said. “I just love landscapes in general, that’s probably my favorite.” McNeel starts off her work by making a sketch on canvas of what she plans to paint and plans out where the dark and light shades will go. She then begins building up layers with oil paint, starting out with a paint brush and then with a pallet knife to create texture in her work. McNeel said she paints between eight and 10 pieces each month, for her customers to to hang in her own home. “I put a lot of them in shows, and I do a lot for other people,” McNeel said. “I do their homes or a scene they like. For example, somebody’s father died, and they wanted their land painted. They wanted something big and pretty to remember their father.” McNeel said she often paints scenes that are special to her customers, including their grandchildren, church windows and steeples, weddings and a myriad of other things. “I do a lot of tailgates and families, and I just love the spontaneity and play of the children,” McNeel said. “Landscapes are probably my primary focus, but I love doing more and more children and families together having fun.” Just like McNeel’s mother shared her passion for art with her, McNeel shares it with her grandchildren. “I love painting with my grandchildren,” she said. “We paint together just about every time they come.” McNeel said she plans to continue painting and teaching art lessons for as long as she is able. For more information about lessons or custom works, contact McNeel through e-mail at melaniemcneel@yahoo.com June 2018 | 23

Connected Hearts Inc.

A Beacon of Hope Article and photos by Logan Kirkland

EO and founder of Connected Hearts Inc. Velma Givens-Warren looks to help those in Oktibbeha County and Starkville who are experiencing both domestic and sexual abuse.

For Givens-Warren and her team, their mission is personal. At the age of seven, Givens-Warren was molested by a family member. "At the time, you think you don't have anyone to reach out to," Givens-Warren said. "It takes a lot away from you, because it feels like 'I'm not a child anymore'." At the time of the act, Givens-Warren said she was easily manipulated, because she was at such a young age. She said she felt like she couldn't reach out to anyone, because it felt like she was at fault. She said during the sexual abuse, the assailant was saying he would hurt her mom, dad, brother and if she told anyone, he would cause additional harm to her. "The trauma of being molested takes a toll on you mentally," Givens-Warren said. "You carry that through life." It did just that, Givens-Warren said holding the secret of abuse led people to believe she was being "rebellious" or "acting out". She said as she got older, she found herself constantly being in abusive relationships whether they were physical, mental or verbal. "Then it'll be a continuing phase until you one day get some help," Givens-Warren said. When Givens-Warren got married, she said that's when God shifted her life. She said it was one thing after another of both physical and verbal abuse. She said he would always say things like "you ain't this," or "you're going to do what I tell you to do." "It was always things pertaining to me that I never felt like I had self control of my own life, of my own self," Givens-Warren said. The turning point for Givens-Warren was when she was preparing to get suits for her children to wear during their wedding. She said he had not put money in the bank when he said he did, and she sent a bad check. He never told Givens-Warren about the notices, where she ended up being detained in the Lowndes County Detention Center in 2010, where she would spend an entire month. At the detention center, Givens-Warren cried for the first few days. Her mother sent her a bible, where she would hold back her tears and read the scripture. While fervorously reading the scripture, Givens-Warren would receive the nickname of "bible girl", as many in the detention center would come to her for help. "I would cry with some, I would laugh with some and I would sing with some," Givens-Warren said. When it was time for Givens-Warren to be released, she said she wasn't ready to leave because she felt a responsibility for the women she was spending time with. Through her hardship, Givens-Warren said God was telling her that her calling was to help those in need. Givens-Warren said she wanted to bless other women with her testimony and to be their aid.

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"I need to let them know, you don't have to go through this," Givens-Warren said. "You don't have to settle for somebody telling you not to tell anyone because that is your life, that is your body, you have total control of that." Givens-Warren emphasized the difficulty of reaching out for help if someone is a victim of sexual or domestic abuse. She said there is a sense of embarrassment, or the thought that they are the one to blame for what happened. She said there are outside pressures, and it feels like the abuse was caused by the victim and are ashamed it's happening to them. She said many times victims will have a "painted smile" to cover up their situation. "This is not the true face, this is not the true thing of what you're seeing," Givens-Warren said. "This is all an illusion." Givens-Warren said the first time she reached out, was to a close friend at church. She said speaking with someone she could trust helped her transition out of the dark place in her life. She specifically remembered being told she wasn't the problem, and to never feel like she was. "Someone told me, don't stop, keep going no matter what it looks like, no matter what is sounds like, no matter what it feels like," Givens-Warren said. "Keep going, because you can rest assure God's got your back."

t's happens here, it happens and there's no economic status that prevents it from happening to you," -Director of Connected Hearts Inc. Errica Weatherspoon

t's a passion to me not only because I'm a survivor of domestic violence. It drives me to help others, to save them because not everybody makes it out." Counselor for Connected Hearts Inc. Quantella Harris.

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At Connected Hearts Inc. Givens-Warren said they offer counseling services, help with housing placement, helping people get their GED, job placements and serve as a complete resource center for those facing domestic, sexual and substance abuse. "It's a silent epidemic, so you never know who is going through it," Givens-Warren said. "It could be the person next door to you, or it can be the person sitting next to you at work." After the business's ribbon cutting ceremony in April, Givens-Warren said her and her team are moving to its second phase of opening a safe house. She said the safe house is aimed to open in October, but at the latest, before the year is over. The safe house will have a total of 10 rooms, which can house six beds. She said with a safe house in Columbus, this can help serve both Starkville and others in need in the Golden Triangle. Givens-Warren gives all of her praise for the business coming to fruition to God and her two friends Director of Connected Hearts Inc. Errica Weatherspoon and Counselor for Connected Hearts Quantella Harris. The three went to church together and once she pitched the idea to them, they pushed to make the dream a reality. "We have to be a beacon, we have to be a mouth piece for those who cannot speak for themselves,"Givens-Warren said

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Taste & Toast

Mexican Style Street Corn Corn on the cobb Herb Mayo (recipe below) Cotija Cheese Crushed Takis Sea Salt & Pepper to taste Grill corn. Mix sea salt, cotija cheese and crushed takis on a plate. When corn is ready, lightly spread with mayo and roll in toppings. Great finger food or appetizer at your summer grill out!

Recipes provided by Commodore Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yacht Club

Herb Mayo 1 garlic clove 1 cup mayonaise 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed tender herbs (basil, chives, parsley, tarragon) 1 tsp grated lemon zest 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Kosher salt Stir garlice, mayo, herbs lemon zest and lemon juice in a small bowl until combined.

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Philly Cheesesteak Sandwhich Seared tri-tip Provolone Hoagie bun Choice of chopped veggies (sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes) Marinate tri tip (follow instructions for marinade>>>) Sear meat in pan to desired tenderness. In the same pan, sautee chopped veggies until tender. Toss veggies with tri-tip and place on toasted hoagie with a slice of provolone.

Tri-tip Marinade 2 cups red wine 1 cups of olive oil 1/4 cup garlic salt 2 tbsps beef base 2 tbsps minced garlic Juice of half of a lemon 2 tsps brown sugar Can add spices as desired Place sliced tri tip in baking dish or pan and cover with marinade. Refridgerate for 24 hours. June 2018 | 29

Spicy Strawberry Margarita Serves 10 people 15oz Tequila 5oz Contreau 7.5oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice 5oz Spicy Jalapeno Syrup (see recipe on next page) 10 fresh strawberries Ice Blend all ingredients together & Serve!

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Spicy Jalapeno Syrup 2 cups sugar 2 cups water 3 quartered jalapenos Bring sugar and water to a slow boil. Add jalapenos and let stand for about 3 minutes. *Note: Jalapeno seeds will make extra spicy. If you want a more mild flavor, make sure to remove seeds. June 2018 | 31

Mixed-use developments create neighborhoods & offer new living options

Article by Charlie Benton

here’s a new type of living space making its way into Starkville from larger communities. The city is seeing more and more mixed-use development, with both housing and commercial space in the same building. The trend has been ongoing across the country, particularly in large cities, but recently has begun to take hold in Starkville, with both private developers and Mississippi State University involved in mixed-use projects. City of Starkville Development Director Buddy Sanders said mixed-use developments in Starkville could technically be traced back to the Cotton District, with a mix of retail and residential in close proximity. Sanders said the large mixed-use developments going up in Starkville were part of a large trend going back almost three decades. He also said the idea of living near retail space was growing even more popular among millennials. “They’re great for creating urban areas, or adding to urban areas, as far as livability and adding population,” Sanders said. “They’re great for downtown areas and creating neighborhoods.” Sanders said the developments added rooftops, bringing in additional retail to a given area. “There is a livability aspect of being able to walk to a coffee shop or to a gym or to work,” Sanders said. “Also, most millennials don’t want to live in suburban-like areas. They prefer cool neighborhoods like Lincoln Park in Chicago or the Marigny in New Orleans or the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. That’s the type of area that people want to live in now. They don’t want the suburban strip malls that were popular from the 1970s to the early 2000s. One of the mixed-use developments being built in Starkville is Midtown, which is under construction on the northeast corner of N. Montgomery Street and University Drive. In addition to modern, upscale apartments in varying sizes, the development will also include six commercial spaces. Two of the commercial tenants have been announced as an additional Strange Brew location and interval training gym Orangetheory Fitness. Midtown Development Owner and General Contractor Jeffery Harless said he was in discussions with other tenants interested in the space, but was unable to release any more names. Midtown’s current completion date is Aug. 1. “We’re putting in stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, crown molding in the living room, a lot of security, cameras,

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touch badge entry so it will be very safe for the tenants and also for the people coming to the commercial spaces, whether it’s to eat dinner, work out or whatever,” Harless said. Harless also discussed the history of mixed-use developments. He said the idea had been around for a while, but was only recently becoming prevalent in smaller communities. “Mainly they were in larger cities where there wasn’t as much real estate as Starkville, Tuscaloosa and some of these other college towns, so a lot of cities and municipalities are requiring you to put commercial space on the first floor if you’re attempting to build housing around existing businesses,” Harless said. Harless also discussed some of the benefits of mixed-use developments, saying everything a tenant could need was in one place. “It’s really turning out to be a good deal for everybody, because in theory, I could have a tenant here at Midtown, and they really don’t ever have to leave. They can shop here. They can eat here. They can have drinks here. They can pretty much do whatever they want.” MSU is also building a mixed-use development of its own. The university and the Memphis-based Education Realty Trust (EdR) broke ground on the university's College View project in March. The $67 million project will provide much-needed living space for MSU upperclassmen, and phase one will include 656 beds in one, two and four bedroom configurations. The first floor will hold 46,000 feet of retail and commercial space. Other facilities will include an outdoor entertainment zone and a daycare center. The entire project is being financed by EdR. College View is located on College View Street, where the university's married

student housing wince stood. Second and third phases are also in the works for College view. "We took a look at what a number of other universities had been doing, both in the southeast, as well as nationally, and the idea of being able to partner with the private sector to develop some type of a public-private partnership arrangement or P3 was something that really stood out to us as a great opportunity," said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development David R. Shaw. Shaw also discussed the greater impact of mixed-use developments to the region. "It really does put a true mixed-use concept in place, with retail down below and residence space of various types above," Shaw said. "That has been phenomenally successful in so many places around the country. We're seeing that in the city as well." Shaw also spoke of the project thinning the "buffer zone" between campus and the city. "What I would love to see us do is more and more have this transition process, and have a vitally active north-south corridor that's right on the interface between the city and the university, and see that stretch from Highway 82 all the way to Highway 12." Greater Starkville Development Partnership Director of Tourism Jennifer Prather also emphasized the importance of mixeduse developments in creating neighborhoods and bringing businesses and customers in close proximity. “Anytime we have people living and working and able to do recreational activities and dine all in one place, it creates a strong sense of place that people want to be,” Prather said.

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Starkville Women Making an Impact Nadia Colom • Sharon Oswald • Michelle Amos • Lynn Spruill • Stacia King • Kate Fabel

Photos by Hunter Hart Photography 34 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

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Sharon Oswald

Dean of the College of Business, Mississippi State University

Q&A pg. 38

June 2018 | 37

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Michelle Amos

Broker & Owner, Coldwell Banker S.R.E Realtors

Q&A pg. 39

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What advice do you have for young women pursuing leadership roles? Don’t expect everyone to like you all the time. In a leadership role, if everyone likes you all the time you aren’t doing your job. If you want to change things and make progress, you aren’t going to please everyone all the time. But above all, be fair. Surround yourself with good people, but not people who are always going to agree with you. I want people to challenge me and I think this is important in any leadership role. You are not always going to be right in every decision and you need to be open to other ideas. But in the end, you want people who will support you.

What challenges have you personally encountered in your career path? How have they helped you grow? I think with every challenge you grow. My first job out of college was a newspaper reporter. I worked the evening and weekend shifts and was the only female in the building. The men played practical jokes on me all the time, calling me from the back of the room and pretend to have a breaking news story. I would volunteer to cover murder cases because I wanted to be seen as a serious journalist. But in the end, they would send me out to buy their beer at the conclusion of the Saturday night shift. My next jobs were in health care, the second was with an investor-owned health care company. I was told up front that because I didn’t have a family I would not make as much money as the men. I worked my way up through the organization often working 12-hour days. But I learned something in those years—in order to succeed I had to be open to opportunities and take risks. I also learned that no matter how good I was at my job, politics had a way of getting in the way of success. I finished a Master’s and Ph.D. while working fulltime and teaching some evenings at two local colleges. When I finished my Ph.D. I took a job at Auburn University where I was paid less than half of my previous salary, and I began the path of trying to prove myself again. In the early days at Auburn there were few women in the College of Business, so again, I had to work twice as hard. I wasn’t given a computer like other new male faculty so I would lug a 30-pound Compaq computer up three flights of stairs every day for the first year. I had more than twice the number of publications than my male colleagues when I went up for tenure but I felt I needed this to be successful. I worked hard and set very high goals for myself. Eventually I became department head of the largest department and remained in that position for 12 years, until I left for MSU. I was the only female department head in the college throughout my 24 years at Auburn, and for much of my time, one of only two female full professors. But those challenges in my early career made me who I am today and also showed me how important it was for me to mentor young faculty members so they did not have to experience some of the things I did. Setbacks in life only make you stronger. When I left Auburn University, a group of six of my male colleagues (all who were there when I began my career at Auburn) took me to dinner. They wouldn’t let their spouses come with them. We sat for three and a half hours and reminisced and laughed. At the end of the evening I came to a great realization—they thought of me as one of them and had for some time. The picture of that evening is in my office.

What advice would you give to your 20 year old self? Don’t be in such a rush! I went through undergraduate school in two and a half years. While my friends were working at Yellowstone for the summer, I was going to school, or working while going to school. I was so motivated to get finished. I was masking my own insecurities by proving to myself that I could do it all. Most of all, I would tell myself to believe in myself and have confidence. Be comfortable with who you are. Stop and enjoy life.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career? I learned early on not to take myself too seriously. You have to be able to laugh at yourself and admit your mistakes. I laugh at myself all the time—and so does my entire office. But that makes a great office environment. You have to remain grounded. It doesn’t work to put on an “all-work persona.” People open up to you more and trust you more when they see you as a “real person.” Also, if you want to be a good leader you know that everyone is equal. I don’t care if you are the CEO, you are no better than anyone else. You need to treat people at every level with respect.

How can women better enable each other instead of compete? Women often feel threatened by other successful women. There is plenty of room in this world for successful women. We need to celebrate the successes of others and hope that they celebrate ours. Sometimes it is easy to sink into petty jealousy—we have all been there—but in the end it doesn’t benefit anyone, especially you. We need to be mentors to the next generation of females. The biggest problems women face is the business world is that there are still not enough female role models or mentors.

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Tell me a little about yourself. I’m one of “those people” who grew up in Starkville, graduated from State and then left to experience a different part of the country (or some might say “to grow up”). I spent 13 years in Fort Worth, TX, with the majority of my time spent at Texas Christian University in fund raising. Like so many, the call was strong to come back home, and I returned to Starkville in 2003 to become a part of the family business, Coldwell Banker S.R.E. Realtors. Since that time, I have not only been involved in the business, but taken a real interest in helping further grow our community so that we continue to be the kind of place where people choose to live—the kind of place people want to come back to! How do you maintain a work/life balance? I wish I were better at it. It’s not always easy, especially in a management role when I feel like I need to be available 24/7 for my agents and ultimately our clients. Real estate is never 8-5! However, technology has made it much easier to be accessible. We live in a time when communication is expected to be instantaneous. That’s not healthy and it’s not sustainable. Finding a balance that works for you is vital. And we all need to make time to laugh a little more often. It’s just good for the soul. I am a firm believer in taking time to recharge. The only way to be our best is to schedule down town. I love to travel and will try to get away at least once a year in a place where my phone doesn’t work. Between these adventures, I find outlets that provide a little bit of a get away, even if it’s just an evening at home reading a book with a bowl of popcorn instead of tackling laundry and cleaning house.

If you could change/make a difference for anything in our community, what would it be? My community focus in recent years has been on the creation of an industrial park that will allow Starkville and Oktibbeha County to complete for advanced manufacturing industries. We’ve seen huge successes in Lowndes County and Clay County, but our ability to grow in Oktibbeha County has been hampered by the availability of a marketable site. Too many people in Oktibbeha County’s population currently live under the poverty level. It is imperative that job creation and workforce development be a priority for Starkville and Oktibbeha County. In order to impact the poverty level in our community (which is the highest in the Golden Triangle) we need to provide jobs that pay a living wage, jobs that provide opportunities and benefits. In addition, the lack of high-income, high-skilled jobs in Oktibbeha County results in a brain-drain. In order to cultivate and keep talent, jobs must be created in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. To succeed, we have to continue working on our image. Mississippi (and especially Starkville) is a great place to live and work, but the rest of the country doesn’t always see it that way. We need to be open to change as we compete in a global society and we need to help open the eyes of outsiders to all that we are and all that we can be. We’re close, we’re oh so close, but there’s still work to be done. I am proud to say that our City, County, Mississippi State, the LINK and the Partnership are working together in a way that makes the future brighter than ever been. We just need to stay focused on the common goal.

What advice would you give to your 20 year old self? • Slow down, be flexible and listen. • Most problems come down to miscommunication. Texts and emails aren’t always the best way to communicate. Sometimes you just need to pick up the phone, or better yet, meet face to face. • And from those years when I called my mother at the end of my rope and she always asked, “Is it a life or death situation?” The answer (through my tears and runny nose) was always “No.” Life or death situations do happen, but most of the time, we need to manage our perspective.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career? People matter. Make them a priority. Learn from them, laugh with them, make them better and let them do the same for you. Take time to develop strong and long lasting relationships. But if necessary, let go gracefully and don’t burn bridges. It’s a very small world. To paraphrase the late Barbara Bush, the people in your life’s journey are far more important than the next deal.

How do you hope to mentor young women? I think it’s time we stop thinking that way. I would mentor a young woman entering the business the same way I would mentor anyone, age and gender aside. That includes helping them set goals, giving them the tools to succeed and then providing the opportunities to use those talents and tools. When she or he falls short (that’s life), the value of a mentor is to help them learn from the experience and then move forward with this new found and hard earned wisdom . . . the art of never giving up.

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Stacia King

Publisher, Starkville Daily News

Q&A pg. 46 June 2018 | 43

Kate Fabel

Manager, Firefly Yoga Studio Q&A pg. 47

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In about a paragraph, tell me a little about yourself. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio but have lived all over the country including Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin. This is my second time in the great state of Mississippi having lived in Jackson prior to moving to La Crosse Wisconsin. I have been in media for most of my adult life. My Bachelor’s Degree is in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a specialization in advertising. My minors were graphic design and philosophy. My professional experience has been on the advertising and marketing side of our business until recent years where I have been responsible for the entire operation. I left the publishing industry for a brief period of time where I worked with businesses on top down restructures. Most of my assignments were within the consumer goods realm so this gave me some experience on the other side of the desk with real-life experience as to what is important to a business owner.

The media as a whole seems to be a topic of controversy today. What issues do you see that need to be addressed? “Media” is such a broad term. It encompasses the giants like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Fox, Breitbart and CNN all lumped in under the same umbrella as independent bloggers and news aggregators. The term media also includes local news operations in small community markets such as the Starkville Daily News with many other mid-size market news organizations in between. These news operations run the gamut from local broadcast television to radio to print and digital media organizations. I genuinely believe that there is room for all but we have to be true to our niche. For the Starkville Daily News and Daily Times Leader, that’s making sure we report on the issues driving the community discussion. Our role is to present the topic from all sides so that our readers can make informed decisions. The biggest issue that needs to be addressed is ensuring our communities remain well rounded and informed. It is concerning to hear so many people say they get their news from social platforms. Social platforms are great but they are algorithm based. When people get their news based off of their preferences, it can further polarize the discussion.

In your opinion, what is the most important role that media plays in our society? Our role is simple in principle and much more complex in practice. Whether it’s high school sports, local government or business, we are reporting what’s happening in Oktibbeha and Clay Counties to our readers. Our purpose is to provide a fair and balanced report on the issues important to our readers and residents. From a society perspective our role is one of accountability. The Washington Post has a subhead that reads “Democracy Dies in Darkness”. Big or small that sums up what we do every day. We make a daily (sometimes hourly) difference in the communities we serve. Journalists are also humans. That’s the complexity of our role. We have to deal with some difficult situations daily. Fortunately we are well trained and know what lines not to cross. We are also very clear about our editorial (opinion) pieces and sections as opposed to reporting the news.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the workplace? The biggest challenge is that this question is still relevant today. The skills and unique abilities that we bring to the workplace are important regardless of gender. Diversity in the workplace is critical. When you bring people together from all different backgrounds and experiences it makes the work environment rich and rewarding. I am a lifelong learner. Whether I agree with you or share the same perspective is one thing but to respect and understand where you are coming from is quite another thing. Some of my most respected colleagues have completely different viewpoints and experiences from mine and this has made me a much better contributor to the workplace and a far more valuable asset to any company.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing leadership roles? An area where I find the most professional satisfaction is mentoring and coaching. My advice for anyone entering into or pursuing leadership roles is to listen and learn. Listen and learn from those in higher-level positions along with your peers and employees. Some of the best solutions come from within your team as opposed to coming from the top down. Find a mentor. A mentor will help move you out of your comfort areas and doesn’t necessarily need to be in the same industry as yours. It’s someone who will be supportive while pushing you to think and look at things from all angles.

What advice would you give to your 25 year old self? Speak up! You have an awesome opportunity and a seat at the table. Don’t let fear of looking uninformed or unintelligent prevent you from contributing. Take more risk and put yourself out there. Saying the “wrong thing” pales in comparison to your silence.

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Tell me a little about yourself. I am yoga alliance certified 200 hour yoga teacher and also a manager of Firefly Yoga Studio here in Starkville. I have been teaching yoga for over 10 years. I found yoga to be therapeutic for me to deal with my emotions and life’s ups and downs; it helps me stay focused and brings more clarity. I first came to Firefly when it was a hot yoga studio and fell in love with hot yoga. Shortly after I was invited to teach yoga at the studio and later decided to sign up for yoga teacher training. Training really opened my eyes to how yoga is for everyone no matter what age, body type, race or religion you are. Everyone will find something healing in yoga. This is my teaching philosophy: yoga is not about being flexible, but about being present. I also teach fitness and yoga classes at Sanderson center on MSU campus, and I am a lecturer of Russian Language at Mississippi State University and usually teach 3 or 4 Russian classes each semester. I am married to Paul Fabel, who teaches math at MSU, and have two daughters- Marina, 18, and Sophia, 13. I love travelling, hiking, gardening and exercising. I am turning 50 this November so want to get a few things off my bucket list before then. I grew up in Uzbekistan and came to the USA in 1991 for grad school. I have a Master’s degree in English (Mississippi College), a Master’s degree in French Literature (MSU), an International MBA from University of Memphis and spent two years working on my PHD in French Literature but never finished my PHD work.

In the age of social media/constant stimulation, people are having a harder and harder time just being still, quiet and alone with themselves. What advice do you have on this topic? Yes, I struggle with that as well and that is why I always encourage and invite people to give yoga a try. This is the time to put your phone away and focus on your breath, on the poetry of movement of your body from one pose to the next. I also teach mindfulness, slowing down, noticing our thoughts, savoring our food, listening to the birds, and looking at the shapes of the leaves on the trees. There are many apps now for meditation that you can find. For many people it’s hard to have self-discipline to meditate on their own, so when they come to a yoga class they do it with others and it often helps to do it as a group. I teach restorative yoga class each Sunday at 6pm and we almost always begin our class with a meditation, then do gentle stretches and later use restorative poses to slowly open our shoulders, or stretch our hips, necks and sides. I would advise a mindful walk in nature, writing in a gratitude journal, calling a friend to chat about your day, or listening to music that resonates with you. The thing we all should work on is really listening to others when they talk, really being present, making eye contact with them and simply being kind. Everyone needs kindness, everyone is struggling. We are here to help each other make our life better as a community, offer support. I love the famous saying “We rise by lifting others.” It is important to be present for others, but it is not an easy thing to do.

How can women better enable each other instead of compete? I do not see too much female competition in a yoga studio, in every class I teach I remind students that their practice is going to be unique just like they are, that we need to embrace our unique genetics, body type, history of injury. Yoga is not Olympics, it is a personal practice where we all go inward, notice what is going on with our body, mind and spirit as we pay attention to breath and movement, observe sensations we feel in the body and listen to our own inner teacher. I think women and men who come to yoga learn compassion for themselves and others because all of us are struggling with something on a daily basis, we need more kindness, better listening skills, holding space for each other. Often in my classes I invite students to think about an act of kindness someone extended to them, express gratitude to the person who did it and then think of when was the last time they extended kindness to someone. These things could be small: like a compliment, a thank you, a kind word.

How do you hope to mentor young women? This is a great question. First I would like to have a clone or two, so I could do everything I want to do and if not a clone then maybe 48 hours in a day and not just 24. I wish to teach young girls that their self-worth is not defined by how skinny they are, or how great their makeup looks, or fashionable clothes they wear. It is in their ability to stand up to what is right; to defend those who cannot speak for themselves, to help those who struggle, to be kind to each other, to never be afraid to break stereotypes, to dream big, question authority, learn from other strong women. One day I hope to teach teen yoga again and volunteer at the boys and girls club.

What advice would you give to your 20 year old self? I came to America when I was 23. I had never been to a foreign country before. It was a hard adjustment period without my family. I had cultural shock, was overwhelmed about the cornucopia of choices here. I had to learn how to drive a car. Being a poor graduate student for many years was a challenge, I had various jobs to support myself. The advice I will give my 20 year old self is to procrastinate less, to travel more, to figure out career track faster. But I have no regrets in learning everything I did while being a student for so long.

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Lynn Spruill Mayor, City of Starkville Q&A pg. 52

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June 2018 | 49

Nadia Colom

Chief Executive Officer, Golden Triangle Boys & Girls Club Q&A pg. 53

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As someone who has worked in multiple male-dominated industries, what challenges and advantages have you experienced in those settings? The challenges are mostly the acceptance of the male co-workers and sometimes female co-workers as well. Some issues were raised about the interaction between co-workers working closely in a collaborative way. That is a matter of the integrity of the people who are involved not the concept. The cure for most if not all of that is to make certain you perform your job professionally. The advantages have been the ability to help make the rules and create the programs that include women in meaningful ways.

How have those challenges benefitted you in the long run? I have learned to operate under the premise that challenges are always beneficial because they are learning experiences. Learning to cope and adapt and accept criticism with a degree of equanimity and resolution is a hard lesson. Learning to listen to others and incorporate new ideas into your vision makes you a better person and a better manager.

What advice would you give to other women struggling in a male dominated industry? The first piece of advice is to strive to be the best you can be. The biggest obstacle to acceptance in a non-traditional field is overcoming a belief of entitlement from others. Once you have convinced them that you know your job or profession then you have gone a long way to winning the battle. Most people hate change which includes new people and new ideas. Show them what a great team player you are and make your co-workers comfortable with you.

What do you think is the biggest advantage that women bring to the workplace? There is definitely a disadvantage to any organization that does not include 50% of the population in their planning and calculation of what their work force and their constituencies need and believe to be important. It is no different than if you tried to field a football team of all quarterbacks. Diversity is what makes us stronger and more competitive. Professional, talented and experienced women bring valuable views and skills to any management position.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career? Be the best at your job that you can be and do right by others. That will take you through any and all career paths and I am an expert on having multiple careers. I have had several over the years.

How can women better enable each other instead of compete? Be a mentor is the first and easiest way. It is also important to encourage other women to think through their choices. Challenge their stereotypical behavior and encourage them to get outside their comfort zone. Life is not a zero-sum game. Just because someone else wins doesn’t mean you lose, so help other women win or succeed and you will create the overall atmosphere that embraces women and their success.

Which other female leaders have influenced you and how? Most of the females that I consider to be leaders have influenced me indirectly simply by the fact that they were in their position. For instance, when I was in college and wanted to be an airline pilot Emily Warner became the first female pilot for a commercial airline. I didn’t know her but now I knew it could be done. Ann Richards as governor of Texas showed the way to a path from the grass roots to the spheres of serious influence in politics that weren’t through being elected as a replacement for your incapacitated or dead husband. Margaret Thatcher as the first female prime minister of England was another example of strong women in their own right leading and being accepted on their own merits

What are the driving factors that motivate you to work towards your goals each day? I love being productive and getting things done. I believe in the greater good and I believe government can and should contribute to that greater good. It is motivating to make a positive difference in people’s everyday lives through even small things like filling potholes and repairing water lines and making things more beautiful. I get up every morning to see what good we can do for our city today.

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Tell me a little about yourself. I like to consider myself a Golden Triangle girl. While I’m a native of West Point and a proud Greenie at heart, I’ve got pretty strong ties throughout the Golden Triangle thanks to my involvement with the Boys & Girls Club. After high school, I went to college at Jackson State University and from there, I went on to pursue graduate studies at New York University. Both were great choices for me because one gave me a greater sense of pride and awareness of my own history and culture, while the other deeply broadened my worldview and increased my ability to have compassion towards others. I’d definitely say that the combination of these and many other important life experiences have served me well in my 5+ years with the Boys & Girls Club.

How do you maintain a work/life balance? The key to maintaining balance for me, especially as a working mom, has been having a strong support system. My husband and I both have pretty demanding work lives so sometimes it can be hard to remember to enjoy the life you’re working hard to build for each other. He’s definitely a great accountability partner for me in this way. We are also blessed to have our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles nearby to help out when we need time just to re-set ourselves. Without them and my supportive staff, I don’t think I could do as much as I do.

What are the driving factors that motivate you to each day? It’s the sense of urgency for our youth that motivates me to do my work each day. I know that second to the school system, we are the best shot some of these kids will have at creating a great future for themselves and their families and for me, that’s what it’s all about. Helping a child find his path to being a productive citizen in life so that they will help create and maintain healthy, positive communities for us all to enjoy. That gets me going!

How can women better enable each other instead of compete? It’s about having a mindset that seeks collective good. First, remembering that the competition is really with yourself and staying focused on self-improvement is key. Then, it’s about remembering that a win or achievement for any woman, whether directly within your work environment, in your field or just in any form of advancement is an achievement for us all. Especially with there still being so many advancement gaps for us to overcome as women; including equal pay and the lack of balance in leadership roles within business and political office. It’s all about the mindset…

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Farm to Fork Fiesta Features Mississippi’s Farmers

he Greater Starkville Development hosted the Farm to Fork Fiesta May 1 to kick off the Starkville Community Market and raise money for the annual event. The third annual event featured a Mexican-inspired meal from chefs David Crews of Delta Supper Club; John Currence of City Grocery Group and Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford; Derek Emerson of Walker’s Drive In, Local 463 CAET and Parlor Market in Jackson; Ty Thames of Eat Local Starkville Group; and Cuylor Reeves and Dillon Han of City Bagel Italian Bistro, a part of Eat Local Starkville. The first course featured gorditas prepared by Han followed by Deviled Mole Eggs with wasabi micro greens and jalapeño dust prepared by Thames. The main course consisted of stewed beef tamales with chimichurri sauce, lime cream and Mississippi red hot sauce prepared by Thames. Next was lamb neck pose with farmers vegetables created by Currency. Oaxaca-style gulf shrimp with pit charred corn, cotija, micro cilantro salad, lemon balm and roasted garlic dressing garnished with nasturtium, sliced peppers and lime by Crews. Emerson prepared the next course of verde Colorado with farmers vegetables. Reeves prepared the final course of goat cheese cake with strawberry compote, sweet potato panocha caramel, candied strawberries and sweet potato chips. Partnership Director of Tourism Jennifer Prather said since the Partnership took over the Community Market five years ago, she has wanted to create an even to act as a fundraiser to promote the weekly market. “I had this desire to do some type of fundraiser that would not only promote the market itself, but also showcase our culinary envi-

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Article by Mary Rumore • Photos by Logan Kirkland

ronment here in Starkville,” Prather said. “It’s very authentic in the aspect that chefs really buy from our local farmers here. You see chefs come to the market and pick up their items.” Apart from some of the proteins used in the meal, Prather said all the products used were sourced from the local area, and all the ingredients were from Mississippi. “It’s a great way for us to show the public what the difference is with fresh, local foods,” Prather said. “There really is a difference and a taste difference.” The funds raised during the event benefitted the Starkville Community Market, which takes places every Thursday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. “This fundraiser is to benefit the sustainability of the community market,” Prather said. “What we’ve done is create a savings account where we are able to raise money and start collecting so that we’re able to do things like improve the aesthetics and the usability of this area for the community market and other events in general.” The funds also go toward potential future projects such as building a stage or pavilion, Prather said. Along with acting as a fundraiser for the Starkville Community Market, Emerson said Farm to Fork Fiesta also allowed chefs from across the state to come together to showcase Mississippi’s food scene. “We all support each other a lot,” Emerson said. “Ty and I do events together multiple times each year and there is a camaraderie, and using local ingredients is better for us, its better for the farmers, and it’s better for the community.” Thames said the event allowed for Mississippians to be aware of locally sourced restaurants throughout the state regardless of where they travel, and it allowed for restauranteurs to support each other. “It’s really cool to get to support each other,” Thames said. “And our customer base, especially with the football teams because they travel around, they understand what we’re doing here. For example, they know what Derek is doing at his restaurants. Events like these help people to know what restaurants to go to when they’re in town.”

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Junior Auxillary Kentucky Derby Photos by Barrett Gutter â&#x20AC;¢ May 5, 2018

6 3. Kathryn Byrum, Kristen Skinner, Jordan Ramsey and Mary Kathryn Kight 4. Caroline Skelton and Sarah Smitherman 5. Catherine Ann Davis and Missy Walters 6. Shirley Skinner, Cheryl Lyon and Sandra Waldrop

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Town & Country Garden Club Tablescapes Photos by Courtney Cox â&#x20AC;¢ April 25, 2018

6 1.Carolyn Abadie 2.Whitney Wofford 3. Kandiace Brown 4. Glenda Clark and Suzanne Lindley 5. Sheila Rees 6. Cathy Kemp and Michelle Rackley

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Books & Authors: Joe Lee Photos provided by Lynn Reinschmiedt â&#x20AC;¢ May 10, 2018

6 1. Ginny Holtcamp, Joe Lee, Sue Minchew and Betty Lynn Hunt 2. Connie Ford and Susan Brown 4. Tani Dubuisson, Myrna Lott, Georgia Murphy 5. Joe Lee 6. Fay Fisher and Brenda Garner

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er m m u S or Sav your Best

STARKVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

Tuesdays • 4-6pm Saturdays • 7:30-10:30am Fire Station Park

DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN 7-9pm Thursday, June 21 Thursday, July 19 Thursday, August 16

unWINE DOWNTOWN Thursday, July 26

Sweet Note

. s d n u o S t o H . s. Local Flavors starkville.org June 2018 | 59

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