May 2014 by Town & Gown Magazine

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36 16

30 40

Table of

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE

6 8 12 14 72 74 82

Staff Letter From the Editor Trends Calendar Literature Events Advertisers

MAY 2014

58 Here and Now 64 Blog 65 Tea on the Greens

TASTE AND TOAST 40 Summer Salads 44 Market Fresh

FEATURES

HOME AND GARDEN

16 Passing the Baton 22 Go Play Outside

48 Gardening with Russell Hamilton 50 With These Hands 56 Graduating your Makeup

LIFE AND STYLE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

26 30 33 36 56

MSU Outstanding Women Awards It’s a Southern Thing Meet the Locals... Minnie Fox Tablescapes & Tastings A Cup of Lindsay Jo

52 National Hospital Week

On the Cover

It’s a blossoming season, and Russell Hamilton brings tips on how to keep lawns and flowers at their peak during the summer starting on page 48. Correction: April (Volume 3, Number 6): Page 63, “Cook” in place of Cole.

TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE

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

SOCIAL NETWORK @J_Nicole167: Thank you @townandgownmag1 for featuring my favorite food group this month.

@Tombigbees: Everyone needs to follow @townandgownmag1 and check out this month’s issue. Huge thanks to them for featuring us!

@sallykatewinters Awesome 2 page spread in the Spring Issue of @townandgown!!!! Thanks so, so much for helping us encourage people to TAKE ACTION and support #childabusepreventionandawareness! Sweet Gum Springs Apothecary In the new issue of Town and Gown Magazine, Mandi shares some simple, natural and herbal recipes for personal care and home cleaning. Check it out and let them/us know what you think! Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter today for FREE! Email us at info@townandgownmagazine.com; subject: newsletter.

See if you were selected in Trends. Page 12.

THANK YOU ... “Just wanted to drop a quick thank you note for Susan’s review of my book on page 63. I really appreciate the coverage. Thanks again.”

“Thanks for your note and for sending us a copy of the magazine! The article and everything looks great! Thanks for thinking about us when you were looking for a story.”

- Bobby Cole - A.B. Puckett

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2014 |

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

{

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 - advertise@ 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 BETHANY HAIRSTON RUSSELL HAMILTON AMY TAYLOR TREY TEMPLETON LINDSAY JO WILKINSON

{WRITERS} JOE LEE SUSAN O’BRYAN RICHELLE PUTNAM LIZZIE SMITH

{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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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. 6

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may

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Editor

Letter from the

have always been a planner. I like to know in advance when and where something is going to happen and, if possible, exactly how it’ll take place. Starting January, I set out a few goals for myself: to live without regrets, go with the flow, try new things, listen and do what I love. So, when the opportunity came to my door to move to the next step in my career I said yes! I have accepted a position and will be leaving Starkville. Mississippi State University and Starkville have been my home since 2009. This community accepted me as the Editor for Town and Gown Magazine with open arms, and I thank you for letting me compile a publication that stands for the city and is the surrounding community’s primary resource for interesting lifestyle stories of all types! It has been a pleasure to be the Editor for Town and Gown Magazine and I hope you keep enjoying it for years to come. In this issue you will find a variety of home-based features such as the Academy of Competitive and Performing Arts and the transition of owners from the original owner to a previous student taking the reigns. Women need to be recognized for the hard work accomplished and Mississippi State University has selected their Outstanding Women of 2014, presented on page 26. See if you can recognize any faces! Then, turning to page 33, Minnie Fox talks with Lizzie Smith about her newest cookbook – pick her cookbook up at The Bookmart and Café on Main Street in Starkville now. Need some ideas for a fun, summer day? Turn to page 30 to see how to have the perfect picnic and on page 40, Lisa created fresh summer salads that are easy to carry in your basket for a light, easy meal. Get your veggies and produce from some of the farmers markets around the Golden Triangle – see what the farmers markets have to offer in Columbus, Starkville and West Point on page 44. This May, see our stylish locals, Arma De la Cruz and Charles Freeman, starting on page 56 - we talk style, and you won’t want to miss out! Then our stylist, Natalie, goes back in time for a tea party at Old Waverly Golf Club. See styles from all of our advertisers on page 64. I hope you enjoy this issue and again thank you for all your support along the way. Happy Reading,

Claire Massey Editor

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Weddings or Engagements January is our Bridal issue! Wedding and engagement announcement pricing is listed at townandgownmagazine.com. Submit 1520 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

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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:

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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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may

2014 |

TRENDS

By Lindse y Nor man l Pho t og r aph y submitt ed

Graduation Caps

raduation – a word that means a new journey is about to unfold. Whether it is high school or college you are graduating from, or even graduating from an old job, your new journey is right in front of you. We’ve asked our readers to submit photos of their caps they have decorated for their future graduation ceremony, and these are the ones we have selected. All of these caps represent some part of that person’s life that has brought them to this point today. We wish all of the graduates of 2014 the very best in their future endevors!

Pinterest Ideas:

Left: Linda Norman - submitted idea; Right: Emily Daniel - submitted personal cap.

Simply Home: The Welcoming House.

The Purple Elephant: Ronaldo Jewelry, “The Only One Mom.”

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> Susan’s Hallmark: How Moms Do It coffee mug.

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Goodies >

L.A. Green: Aquiesse Aesthetic Scents Pink Peony candle.

Deep South Pout: life is BEAUTY FULL gift card.

Merle Norman Luna Bella: Natural Life hand towel.

Pink Tangerine Boutique: Jennifer Zeuner initial jewelry.

> The Jewel

The Mill Design + Home: Macy Carlisle Designs jewelry.

Shoppe: Baroni Solo necklace.

Vitality: Olivia Riegel frames.

> Sisters Fine Clothing: Brighton Bellissima French earrings.

The University Florist: McCartyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pottery platter.

Thyme: Le Creuset 4.5 Qt Round French Oven.

may

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2014

May

Farmers Markets Starkville Farmers Market: Every Saturday and Tuesday in May - August (7:30-10:30 a.m.) Columbus Hitching Lot Farmers Market: Opens May 10 and every Saturday after (7 a.m.) West Point Farmers Market: Opens May 29-August - every Thursday (4-7 p.m.)

Market Street Festival The 19th Annual Market Street Festival, Columbus: May 2 (8 a.m.) - May 3 (8 a.m.) - Children activities, 5k run, arts, crafts, music, & food vendors throughout the weekend.

Oktibbeha County Hospital Lunch & Learn Wednesday, May 14 from Noon - 1 p.m. in the OCH Community Room OCH Wellness Connection Personal Trainers will host a lunch-and-learn on using exercise to treat diseases. RSVP - (662)615-3067 or mkight@och.org. 14

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Starkville Community Theatre presents "Don't Dress for Dinner" May 1-3. For more information: www. sct-online.org.

-Mother-to-Mother Support Group, OCH Community Room -Diabetes Support Group, OCH Ed Facility Both - 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Happy Mother's Day

14 Stroke Sup-

Backyard Homesteading Certification Weekend May 8-11 How we define Homesteading: Produce. Provide . Save. Thrive. - msmodernhomestead.com Grand Opening of Suzuki Strings, Columbus; 7-10 a.m.

Regional port Group, OCH Business After Ed Facility;10 Hours hosted a.m.-12 p.m. by Clay County: During National Hospital Week (May 11-17), nonmem- 5:30-7:30 p.m., bers can exercise at the Wellness Connection for free, location TBA. and if they join the Wellness Connection that week, their initial $100 joining fee will be waived!

French Camp Academy will host Pioneer Day May 10th.

COLUMBUS ANNUAL SPRING PILGRIMAGE Annual tour of historic homes with daily tours, candlelight tours, carriage rides of historic Southside Columbus and double decker bus rides. More information: Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation; 662-329-1191. Date: April 28-May 12, 2014 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Stay connected:

CLAY COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE The Clay Coutny Realy for Life will be held at Sally Kate Winters Park for a 5k run/walk. For more information visit relay. acsevents.org. Date: May 16-17, 2014 Time: 6 p.m.

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

2014 |

FEATURE

ACPA owner Ashley Cumberland Maples and former owner Glenda Clark take stock of the gym and students at ACPA. 16

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2013 ACPA Company Dancers pose with Glenda Clark during last year's Recital Showcase "Topsy Turvy".

Passing the Baton By Ric helle Putnam Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner and submitt ed

Dawg House Gymnastics competitive team members Ainsley Dobbs, Beatrice Dobson, and Sarah Blanton wait to compete.

he Academy of Competitive and Performing Arts (ACPA) enjoys a long history in Starkville. Founded by Glenda Clark in 1981 as Dancing Feet Academy on Lafayette Street, the Academy moved to the VanLandingham Lumber Company warehouse in 1989. New ACPA owner Ashley Maples, remembers the old building like it was yesterday. “It was one balance beam, one set of bars, one vault, one floor. It was one of everything.” Maples was three when she started taking classes at Dancing Feet Academy. She also took gymnastics at Starkville Gymnastics, then owned by Nancy Hawkins. “When I was younger, I really liked gymnastics better than dance. I ended up doing competitive gymnastics from age seven to thirteen with Starkville Gymnastics.” In 1997, Hawkins and Clark decided to combine their dance and gymnastics efforts in the community. They went into the business together and built a 22,000 square foot facility. “[Nancy] was in charge of gymnastics, and I was in charge of the dance program,” said Clark. “It’s a state-of-the-art facility. We hold two to three gymnastic competitions each year.” Clark was only two when she began taking dance under the direction of B. B. Hartness and Betty Williams, and she’s been dancing ever since – 64 years. For 23 years, she choreographed Starkville’s Junior Miss (Distinguished Young Women) and did the choreography, poise, appearance and fitness. Clark also choreographed the State Hospitality Pageant when it was held at Mississippi State University. She still helps with pageants and beauty contests and the talents. “What I love most about it is the children. It’s been so rewarding to see many continue their dance and theatre and musical abilities.” For Clark, teaching dance has been a calling, a way to witness to young people. may

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ACPA Teen and Senior Company members in sou-sou during a recent ballet pointe class.

Clark owned the facility with Hawkins until Hawkins retired in 2011. Then, Clark bought her out and ran the business until Maples took over in February 2014. “Ashley loves the Academy like I do,” said Clark. “But it still seems like it’s mine.” Working at ACPA is the only job Maples has ever had. “I’ve basically been there since I was three, so I have talked to Mrs. Glenda more than I’ve talked to my mother.” Maples took dance classes from Clark, but never competed in dance. “When I was 13, I got into cheer, but I was still taking some dance classes.” At 16, she started teaching gymnastics and in her junior high school year, she participated in the Junior Miss Program. “I performed an acro-dance piece, and Mrs. Glenda did the choreography,” she said. “That’s what got me interested in dance.” Instead of doing cheerleading at Starkville Academy her junior and senior years, Maples decided on dance team. “I started teaching dance for Mrs. 18

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Glenda at 17, so I’ve kind of done all of it.” Maples has been teaching ever since. Melanie Dobbs, another dance student Clark coached through Junior Miss, relocated to Atlanta and started her family there. Ten years later, she moved back to Starkville with a daughter of her own. “We ran into Glenda and she told us we needed to come to the Academy,” she said. Dobbs’ daughter, Ainsley, began dance lessons with Clark and joined the gymnastics team. “Now she is on the competitive gymnastics team and the competitive dance company. I was spending so much time [at the Academy], Glenda asked me if I wanted to work here,” Dobbs said.

Dobbs now runs ACPA’s pro shop, which sells dance and gymnastic clothes, shoes, concessions, and other items. “I help Glenda and Ashley with recitals and when we would host meets,” said Dobbs. “We do the decorations and take all the pictures of the recitals, so we are pretty self-contained.” As a transition into buying the business, Maples commenced running ACPA last May, said Dobbs. “Glenda sort of stepped out so Ashley could get her feet wet, and she has already grown the business,” she said. Enrollment is up; people have heard about it and drive from miles away to attend the Academy. Dobbs said, “Some travel two hours from Alabama to take lessons here.” Around October of last year, according to Dobbs, the Starkville School District included in their budget tumbling classes for their cheerleaders at ACPA. Recreational cheerleading classes train students to be well-rounded cheerleaders, while increasing strength, flexibility, and agility. ACPA’s recreational gymnastics students have the opportunity to participate in the Academy’s gymnastics showcase. The dance program implements a curriculum based on ballet fundamentals and jazz technique with dance classes targeting ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Dance improves flexibility, strength, technique, style, musicality and performance. “There are some children who can’t dribble a basketball or hit a baseball, but they can dance or cheer or do gymnastics,” said Maples. “That was my thing. I didn’t compete in sports at school. I did it at the Academy.” ACPA has something to offer anyone who wants to perform in the arts, explained Dobbs. “You can get it all in one place.” Many students go on to major in dance or to compete in gymnastics at the collegiate level and several ACPA dancers have been able to pursue dance as a scholarship opportunity. “One competitive gymnast is even on the Junior Olympic track.” Competitive dance is a lot healthier and a lot tamer than shown on TV reality shows. ACPA kids are really close, whether it’s the gymnastics team or dance company or competitive cheerleading squad. They form their own family. “The older ones look out for the younger ones, and the younger ones look up to the older ones,” said Dobbs. “They support each other.” “People don’t understand how important it is for children to dance and be on stage,” added Clark. “I can get up and sing and talk in front of people and never get scared because I‘ve been on stage.” Dobbs has witnessed ACPA develop her daughter’s sense of self-confidence and teach her discipline, healthy competition and fitness. “Any day you walk into the Academy, you can find the girls in the dressing room, books and papers spread out over the floor, doing homework, going to class, then coming back and doing homework. They all have a real sense of commitment,” she said. “A lot of competitive and performing arts centers have their one category of expertise,” said Maples. “While at ACPA, all three sports compete and are very strong. We are a well-rounded center so we can do any of the three sports at the highest level.” may

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ACPA has open gym during the week where they just come in to play. “We have birthday parties here non-stop on weekends and a Kids Night Out on Friday nights, so the gym is used a lot and is really community oriented,” said Dobbs. The Academy offers scholarships on a case-bycase basis and is the venue for the Distinguished Young Women Program to practice for their program. “We host the contestants and their ‘little sisters’ and allow them to use the studio to practice. We really want to be available to the community,” she said. Tanner Fant, a senior dance company member, assists in the “Let’s All Dance” class, a class that assists students with special needs. Every student in the class has one volunteer working with them individually. “They are beautiful when they dance,” said Dobbs. “They also perform at the recital. That’s probably one of my favorite things about ACPA.” Maples would like to utilize the facility 24 hours a day because currently the Academy’s prime time runs from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. “I want to keep adding things into the dead space,” she said. With an enrollment of around 500 students, ACPA has won several state and regional titles. In dance, the Academy won several overall top awards for routines and three of its dancers received Dancer of the Year. Fant, one of the Academy’s crowning jewels, has been at the Academy since she was a toddler. “She has received Dancer of the Year and Miss Dance

CPA Storm Competitive Cheerleader team members practice stunts in the ACPA cheer gym for an upcoming cheer competition.

ACPA Intermediate Dance Company members learn correct feet positions during weekly technique classes.

ACPA Senior Company member Tanner Fant performs at an MSU Men’s basketball game, one of several special performances presented by ACPA Company members.

at two dance competitions this year,” said Maples. “She also received the highest score at Celebration Talent Dance Competition, including all numbers and all ages at the competition. She won the whole thing. Fant was recently crowned Distinguished Young Woman of Starkville and for her talent she performed a self-choreographed dance piece. She hopes to go to college for dance.” Clark taught Fant her first solo. “It’s so rewarding to be a part of these kids’ lives and see them go on to better themselves,” Clark said. Dancer of the Year is broken down into different age groups. Dobbs’ seven-year-old daughter, Ainsley, received Dancer of the Year and another ACPA student, Savannah Munn, also won Dancer of the Year. “We had three at the first competition in 2014, which is fantastic,” said Maples.

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Awards have been as well-rounded as the Academy. The ACPA cheerleading team won first place at several competitions, and the gymnastics team won several state titles. “This has basically been the case for ACPA for many years,” said Maples “The trophy case goes around the entire gym.” The mission of the Academy, however, is much more than winning awards. One obvious mission, explained Maples, is for the children to get exercise and keep moving. Another is for them to find something they love. “They may be shy and not say two words off stage, but when they are on stage or on a balance beam they are different children,” she said. Maples said, they’re able to find themselves and perform. They have something of which to be proud, that builds their confidence. Every sport requires discipline. “Some gymnasts put in thirty hours a week, so they have to discipline themselves on how to divide their hours at home and school,” Maples said. Therefore, these children have to be very well-structured. “In the long run, it helps keep them out of trouble,” she said. Dobbs watches her daughter thrive at the Academy and how she loves the teachers and learns something new every week. “That’s why we’re here, because it’s what keeps her happy. She’s grown beyond what we ever thought about dance and performance and gymnastics,” she said. Dobbs believes a child who has more than just an academic background can accomplish more. Since classes fill up immediately, Maples’ goals for ACPA are to make more room for the current programs. “We’ve also played with ideas of doing fitness, not a gym per se, but setting up equipment parents can use while their children are there, instead of just sitting there for an hour,” she said. ACPA’s summer classes replicate their fall classes. Plus, they continue open gym and birthday parties. Summer Camp runs from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Clark plans on being active in the Academy and will continue doing costume alterations as she has done through the years, but she’ll concentrate on being a grandmother and traveling to see her children. “I have a two-year-old grand-daughter and a brand new six-week old granddaughter,” she said. “I really thought that I would teach until I was around 85. I never knew how much I would want to be close to my grandchildren. It was hard to give up.” Much of Clark’s time will be spent in Lexington, Ky. with her son’s family and in Atlanta where her daughter’s family lives. At home, she’ll concentrate on two other passions, her yard and vegetable garden. “It makes me happy to know that I have given to my community throughout my life,” Clark said. “Anything to better that will be wonderful.”

Area Recitals Date May 24 – May 25 (Saturday and Sunday) – McComas Hall, MSU For more information on ACPA, visit: www.acpastarkville.com may

2014 |

FEATURE

Go Play Outstide

Jan and David Morgan, owners of Boardtown Bikes in Starkville, Miss. 22

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By Joe Lee Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels

ant to feel young again? David Morgan of Starkville says it’s as easy as hopping on a mountain bike. “You ride the mountain bike like a kid,” said David, a radiologist who opened Boardtown Bikes with his wife, Jan, in 2008. “That’s a big difference between mountain bikes and road bikes. But both are great ways to stay fit and do a very healthy activity with other people, with no impact on your joints.” David already had over a decade of riding experience when he and Jan, a retired anesthesiologist, moved to Starkville in 2006. “I went into the local bike shop a couple of times when we first moved here and didn’t like the vibe I got,” David said. “I bought bikes in Birmingham and Jackson during that time, and Jan and I were at a race and heard someone say that another bike shop was needed in Starkville. Jan said, ‘Let’s do it.’ She gets credit for opening the shop.” The couple had no previous retail experience, but a friend from a Jackson bike shop counseled them on what to order when they were opening their first location in College Park Shopping Center. They soon needed more space and moved to Central Station (next to the Grill), and it wasn’t long before Jan caught the biking bug. “I owned a bike but really never rode before opening the shop,” Jan said. “An employee told me that since I owned a bike shop, I really needed to ride. Within two years I was training for an Ironman triathlon. David and I, along with some friends, did the 2010 Florida Ironman.” Jan was seriously injured three years ago and no longer rides, but she remains the face of the business to many loyal customers. One of them is Frank Jarman of Madison, a veteran cyclist who rode over 4,000 miles last year. Although there are quality bike shops just minutes from his home, he purchases bicycles from Boardtown Bikes and has them repaired there. “I bought a bike when I moved back to Mississippi in 2008 and had a lot of problems with it,” said Jarman, who’s in the Golden Triangle on business several times a year. “I bought a bike from Boardtown Bikes in 2011. Their employees made me feel like I was 25 years old and an equal of theirs – I told them what I wanted to accomplish, and they were all for it. It couldn’t have been a better experience. “When I needed another bike, I called them,” said Jarman. “ They ordered it, and I got it. I’ve developed a personal relationship with Jan and David Morgan, and I told Jan, ‘When I need the bike worked on, I need it repaired that day.’ And they always have it done.” may

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Boardtown Bikes offers a variety of bikes. Visit their website for more information: boardtownbikes.com.

Alex and Piper Free are MSU students from Hernando who value the personal service and friendship they receive from the staff at Boardtown Bikes. “My freshman year, my resident adviser had a cool-looking mountain bike, and I was asking him about it,” Alex said. “He said to go to Boardtown Bikes and see what they had. I bought a Hardrock Sport with disc brakes and rode it straight to the trails – I rode that bike constantly and realized I wanted to start racing. All the guys there were really nice and invited me to ride with them. They helped me start with training programs and gave me good advice.” “Jan is always super sweet and greets me with a big smile,” Alex said. “If it wasn’t a good race, she always says, ‘Well, at least you beat the person who’s on the couch.’ David rides with me and the guys quite often. We’ll go mountain biking at the Noxubee trails or for a good long ride on the road. They’ve been a great inspiration.” “My first experience with them was when I bought a mountain bike, mainly to use for commuting on campus,” Piper said. “That first bike led me to not just commuting, but to mountain biking, and eventually road biking. Cycling has been a way for me to meet people in the Starkville community that I would have never encountered.” David and Jan are both seeing an upswing in biking popularity around Starkville. One of his favorite places to ride is the 4-5 miles of trails adjacent to the Research Park on North Farm. There are 30 miles of single-track trails in the Tombigbee National Forest near Louisville (known as the Noxubee Hills Trails) and a set of trails at Lake Lurleen, just west of Tuscaloosa. 24

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David Morgan and other staff members are available for in-house bike maintenance.

Boardtown Bikes is a hub for local bikers such as Wesley Haney, Sammy Griffin, Salvador Bartera, Liz Rayfield, Rob Wilson, Chris Zirlott and Matthew Storey.

“There’s a great website, www.msmtb.org, where you can find racing series schedules, posts about where folks are riding, and where trails are,” David said. “And look up the Starkville Cycling Club on Facebook.” Even without prior retail experience, David and Jan Morgan knew what they’d want to offer customers – and how those customers would wish to be treated – before opening their doors. “We try to provide better customer service than, say, Walmart,” Jan said. “Customers can’t get a bike store-quality bike there, and they aren’t advised as to appropriate sizing, riding styles and accessories. Buying from a bike store makes the entire biking experience much better, and you can go back for follow-up questions and issues.” Visit online at www.boardtownbikes.com or drop by in person at 200 South Montgomery. Call 662-324-1200 for information about any product they carry, as well as information about local group rides. “We consider Boardtown Bikes more of a community service than a business,” David said. “All we ever wanted from a financial standpoint was to break even, and for anyone to feel comfortable and welcome and to promote a healthy activity.”

may

2014 |

By Ric helle Putnam l Pho t og r aph y submitt ed

Each year, the President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) sponsors the Outstanding Women Awards to recognize women demonstrating the PCSW mission: to advocate for the well-being, development, and advancement of all women on Mississippi State University campuses and its surrounding communities. Founded in the late 1970s, PCSW advises the Mississippi State University president on issues affecting the status and role of women on campus and provides informational and educational programs addressing the concerns of women at the university. There are five nominee categories in the PCSW Outstanding Women Awards: Faculty Professional Staff (non-faculty) Graduate Student Support Staff Community

PCSW Outstanding Women Award Winners: Graduate Student Woman: Ms. Brittany Perez Faculty Woman: Dr. Kimberly Kelly Professional Staff Woman: Ms. Mitzy Johnson Community Woman: Ms. Felecia Brown PCSW Student Leadership Award Winners: Ms. Anja Scheib Ms. Nandita Gupta

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Kimberly Kelly (Outstanding Faculty Woman); Brittany Perez (Outstanding Graduate Student Women); Nandita Gupta (Student Leadership Award); Dr. Mark Keenum, MSU President; Anja Scheib (Student Leadership Award); Mitzy Johnson (Outstanding Professional Staff Woman); Felecia Brown (Outstanding Community Woman)

“We do a call for nominations,” said Delores Hudson, PCSW Vice-Chair. This includes a nomination form and two letters of recommendations for nominees. “We broadcast that through campus, radio and other advertising. Nominations are open to the Meridian and Starkville campuses and their communities.” Once PCSW receives the nomination packets, they are separated into categories. Copies of the nomination packets are sent to the awards committee. “This takes about a week to ten days,” said Delores. Packets are scored on a rubric in which nominees receive one to three points for four specific activities, based on the nominee’s level of participation. Nominees receive more points if they perform the activity on a volunteer basis rather than a job basis. “Once everybody is scored and a consensus is met, the winners and their nominators are contacted, as well as the other nominees to let them know their nominations were greatly appreciated,” said Delores. The PCSW offers two Student Leadership Awards to MSU stu-

dents, which are determined by a 900-1000 word essay contest describing the student’s campus involvement, field of study, community services and related work as it impacts and improves the lives of women. Included with the essay is a résumé of accomplishments, awards, honor, previous experience and a detailed career plan for future work and service. Outstanding Women recipients receive a $1,000 award check and a plaque. Student Leadership recipients receive an all expense paid trip to the National Conference for College Women Students Leaders at the University of Maryland and a cash award of $150. At the April 8, 2014 PCSW Awards Ceremony held on the MSU Starkville campus in the Griffis Forum Room, PCSW Chair Tamara Gibson served as Mistress of Ceremony and MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum as keynote speaker. For more information on PCSW, visit: http://www.committees.msstate.edu/pcsw.

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2013 |

Outstanding Faculty Woman Dr. Kimberly Kelly Dr. Kelly is the Director of Gender Studies at Mississippi State University, a faculty advisor for Delta Omega Lambda (an alternative sorority for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students) and an active board member/trainer for the Safe Zone Advisory Board. Her academic research focuses on gender and is directed toward abortion and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

Outstanding Professional Staff Woman Ms. Mitzy Johnson Mitzy Johnson is the Associate Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Mississippi State University (MSU). She also serves as the State President for Mississippi’s Kappa Kappa Iota Chapter which is the oldest organization for educators in the United States. She established the first formal mentoring program with the state regional professional organization, Southern Association of Institutional Researchers.

Outstanding Graduate Student Woman

Ms. Brittany Perez A graduate student in Applied Anthropology at Mississippi State University, Brittany Perez is active in advancing membership in the organization, American Association of University Women (AAUW), while also establishing an AAUW student chapter. She is a supporter and liaison for Safe Haven, an organization which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Outstanding Community Woman

Ms. Felecia Brown Felecia Brown is a certified nurse midwife, mother of four, and grandmother of two. She is employed at Purvis Clinic which is one of the largest OB/GYN clinics in Meridian, MS. Felecia founded an organization called “Divas on the Run” which focuses on assisting women in getting physically fit. She typically holds meetings twice a day, four days a week when working with women to reach fitness goals.

Student Leadership Award

Ms. Nandita Gupta Nandita Gupta is a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science and worked with MSU’s EcoCar2 Student Team. Nandita is the webmaster for the Indian Student Association, a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Shackouls Honors College, the Maroon Volunteer Center and the Starkville Multicultural Lions Club.

Student Leadership Award

Ms. Anja Scheib Anja Scheib is a freshman studying Business Administration, which fits into her career plan to be the director of a medical clinic serving women. Anja has led fundraiser efforts for St. Jude Hospital, volunteered with the Starkville Pregnancy Care Center and is an advocate for women facing childrearing challenges as they pursue their education.

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may

2014 |

IT’S A SOUTHERN THING By Lor en Gambr ell

Bless Your Heart It’s a Picnic

| townandgownmagazine.com

Salad in a Jar >>>>>>>> Jar

Cheese

Take a jar and add your salad ingredients from wet to dry. Then shake your salad and eat. This can be substituted for pasta salads and other salads that will keep for an on-the-go meal.

Essentials:

Activities:

Sun hat, portable speakers, blanket/quilt/ throw, cups, plates, sunglasses, pillows (throw pillows), water bottles, bottled soda, basket, utensils, tote, napkins, flowers, food.

Hackie sacks, board games, baseball glove/ bat/ball, football, frisbee, soccer ball, horseshoes/stakes, ring toss, bottles and rings, pebble checkers, croquet, yard size Jenga, bean bag toss, corn hole, Twister.

Spinach

Cucumber

Food: Chicken Salad: Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked, 1/4 cup creamy salad dressing, 4 tablespoons cole slaw dressing, 1 stalk celery, chopped, 1/4 onion, chopped, salt and pepper to taste. In a food processor, combine the chicken, creamy salad dressing, cole slaw dressing, celery, onion, and salt and pepper. Mix until well chopped.

Bannana Cream Pudding Parfait: Add banana cream instant pudding to 1/3 of jar. Add 2-3 vanilla wafers and then banana slices. Then repeat the process. Add whipped cream and a vanilla wafer to top.

Bacon

Carrots

Tomatoes

Fruit Kabobs: Ingredients: Strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi and blueberries. Take skewer and stack your ingredients. Switch up with your favorite fruits.

Salad Dressing may

2014 |

Picnic Goodies The Pink Tangerine: Savy Gourmand mixs: ~ Poppers and PineJalapeno apple Pecan Chicken Salad.

Merle Norman Luna Bella: Gibson salt and pepper shakers.

> The Purple Elephant: The Buckhead Betties wine bottle carrier.

> The University Florist: Rock Flower Paper tote.

Thyme: Burlap Bamboo Plate Cover

Simply Home: Pine Cone Hill Bunny Williams Collection throws.

Susanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hallmark: The Painted Teacher Party Market: basket. Mossy Oak Paddle Ball. 32

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MEET THE LOCALS ... MINNIE FOX By Lizzie Smit h l Pho t og r aph y b y Lindsa y Nor man and Clair e Masse y

may

2014 |

Three-day Coconut Cake

“I

love to cook. Cooking makes me relax, makes me happy; gives me a lot of peace and joy. Anything you like to do, you can do it well,” Minnie Fox said. Fox has a cookbook called In Mississippi, Minnie Knows Best, currently being sold at BookMart & Café in Starkville, that radiates how much she truly loves cooking. After all, she’s been doing it her whole life. Born and reared in Oktibbeha County, she grew up on her parent’s farm. At ten years old, her grandmother started teaching her how to cook. From there, she started making her parent’s lunch when they would come in from farming for the day. As she grew older, she noticed that everyone enjoyed her cooking. Fox had her own catering company that she operated by ‘word of mouth’ association for many years. She’s catered to over 100 people at one time. It would be her 14-year stint as a chef at Oktibbeha County Jail that would plant the idea in her head that she could have a cookbook, however. Fox, 67, retired from her job in 2011, and said even though she was cooking all day for her job, she would come home and make dinner just because she still enjoyed cooking. She said everybody enjoyed her food immensely at the county jail and would compliment her daily. “When I was working at the county jail, everybody was telling me ‘why don’t you do a cookbook as good as you can cook;’ I told them I wouldn’t be half tailed with a cookbook,” Fox said. It wasn’t until her cousin, Thelma Connely, a retired school teacher, spoke with her which convinced Fox to start her own cookbook. “She (Connely) told me ‘Girl you can do it. Just pray over it and you can get it together.’ So I was doing some things and showing it to her and she said, ‘ You got it.’ I started from there. I just started putting things together,” Fox said. This process took around two years as she started writing down her own recipes. She said it wasn’t a hard process because as a cook, you get a feel of what people like to eat.

| townandgownmagazine.com

“I’ve been cooking a long time to know what people would like. I just started putting together things I know people would like and put it in my book.” To put the final say on what would be selected in the cookbook, Fox hosted a dinner party where she cooked a variety of different foods for them to sample and to be very honest in their choice selection. She ended up having around 65 people show up. “I went around asking everyone what they liked and what should be put in the book and they said everything was good and should be put in the cookbook so that’s really what I done,” Fox said. Sometimes the choosing between recipes was tougher than one can imagine when selecting similar recipes. Fox had a recipe for coconut three-day cake but decided not to put it in the cookbook and instead, use a different coconut cake recipe. After all the recipes had been decided on, Fox was looking for a way to publish it. She met with Debra Rodgers, a freelance graphic designer, after being introduced through friends of friends. No-peek Chicken (no peeking until ready).

“We would just keep in contact week to week and on the properties of the book. She would take old recipes out, discuss the recipes and it was just a constant communication to we finally got the book ready,” Rodgers said. The first thing they did together was transcribe all of the handwritten recipes from Fox into print. Then, Rodgers would work on the design format and the graphics to how Fox wanted it. Once they had the pages done, they enlisted the help of an artist in Starkville to do the cover of her book. From there, all that was left was the writing of her introduction. The book hit stands in December of 2013 and has since produced around 350 copies and according to Fox, has been “selling very well.” So far, people have really enjoyed the recipes. “Several people have tried it and called me.,” Fox said. “One lady called me and she said she didn’t know how the pepper steak recipe was going to go (she’s never made it before) but she tried it and she said it was good. If you follow the recipes exactly how it says, it will turn out good.” Rodgers has even tried her Dr. Pepper cake and has “loved it.” Fox is planning on using her residuals from the book to donate to her church, the Blackjack Missionary Baptist Church, and her community. Fox also has solid advice for anyone that wants to start the own cookbook or have any other goals in life: “Any goal that you plan on doing or whatever you want to do in life, please keep on doing it. Be careful of being around negative-minded people because they will stop you from doing it. You pray on it and you go and do it, and you will succeed,” Fox said. She should know. She is already planning another cookbook that will come out in six months.

Favorite Recipes: Pot Roast Caramel or Red Velvet Cake may

2014 |

Tablescapes &Tastings Pho t og r aph y b y Clair e Masse y

he Town and Country Garden Club from Starkville, Miss. works diligently every two years to present their Tablescapes & Tasting. Local businesses have the chance to design a tablescape that represents their store. The Garden Club had a variety of tablescapes designed to inspire attendees such as Easter, Kentucky Derby and wedding tables. Catherine Strange, their special guest, spoke about entertaining with nature from her book series, Fearless Entertaining. Strange has lived in the Hawaiian Islands to the deep South and mixes styles from her travels in unusual ways. Other books from her series include: Fearless Entertaining Flowers, Fearless Entertaining One Vase, and Fearless Entertaining Beautiful Weddings. The Town and Country Garden Club was organized in 1964 and became a Federated Garden Club in 1966. The Club has 29 members who are involved in all aspects of the community through a variety of projects and activies. Dinah Clark is the president of the club and there are over 17 committees within the club. They work to encourage the love of horticulture and gardening, and to promote the cultivation, preservation, and improvement of the landscape through educational programs and direct financial support for organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and civic improvement. Catherine Strange, guest speaker and author of Fearless Entertaining series, and Dinah Clark, president of Starkville Town and Country Garden Club.

| townandgownmagazine.com

Strangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural/organic decorations for her presentation on Fearless Entertaining. may

2014 |

Above: Two of the tablescapes designed by the Town and Country Garden Club. 38

| townandgownmagazine.com

Above: Vicki Katz, Martha Wells, Mary Bradway and Jennifer Blackbourn - club members; a local businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tablescape; Beverly Jones and June Wallington - club members.

Local Businesses in Tablescapes & Tastings Alley Kat Glass Aspen Bay Book Mart & Café Colors of Life Flowers and Gifts Fleur de Lis Flowers and Gifts Flowers by the Bunch Front Porch Pottery Giggleswick Luna Bella Mak B. & Company

Maria J. Prather Designs Occasions Pail of Paint Palmer Home Something Southern Sprout Sullivan’s Office Supply Thyme Usborne Books Welch Floral Design

may

2014 |

TASTE AND TOAST By Lisa LaFont aine Bynum

food SUMMER SALADS

Warm Spinach Salad

| townandgownmagazine.com

< WARM SPINACH SALAD WITH CORNBREAD CROUTONS AND CHERRY TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Quinoa Salad

For Cornbread Croutons: 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 2 cups cubed day old cornbread 2 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste For the spinach: 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed, stems removed, torn or chopped into pieces Salt and pepper to taste For the vinaigrette: 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 4 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. honey 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Additionally: ¼ cup sliced almonds Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the cubed cornbread out in an even layer on a prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss until cubes are evenly coated. Bake until croutons are toasted and start to turn golden brown around the edges, about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through cooking time, rotate the croutons for even browning. Croutons will continue to crisp up after they cook. In the meantime, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the spinach (you may need to do this in batches) and toss in the pan to coat with the oil. Continue to sauté until spinach is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove spinach from the pan and set aside. Add the garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey, and mustard to the pan. Saute until garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute. Add the olive oil and stir to combine. Add the cherry tomatoes and stir to coat with the vinaigrette. Continue to sauté until cherry tomatoes are heated through. To serve, layer the wilted spinach on a plate or servings platter. Drizzle the cherry tomato mixture over the top. Add the croutons and finish with the sliced almonds. Serve warm. Serves 4

Healthy Reciepes

CUCUMBER, AVOCADO, AND QUINOA SAL AD

for any age.

2 cups uncooked quinoa 2 cups quartered seedless cucumber, about one medium cucumber 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 4 oz. crumbled feta cheese 1 avocado, diced Salt and pepper to taste Cook quinoa according to package directions. While quinoa is still warm, add cucumber, vinegar, and olive oil. Allow salad to chill for at least two hours, preferable overnight, so the flavors can meld. Before serving, add feta and avocado. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4

may

2014 |

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

| townandgownmagazine.com

< MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SAL AD 1 (16 oz.) package rotini pasta 1 (16-oz.) package frozen cheese-filled tortellini 1 zucchini, diced ¾ cup plus 1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 4-6 sun-dried tomatoes, in oil, chopped ½ cup pesto sauce 1 cup olive salad 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Cook pastas according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, sauté zucchini in one tablespoon of olive oil until crisp-tender. Remove from heat and set aside. Combine remaining olive oil and next four ingredients. Drain pasta and mix with sautéed zucchini. Pour dressing over mixture. Add chopped walnuts. Salad is best if allowed to sit for two hours or up to eight hours. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

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.

may

2014 |

N T

& A V

G E

Market Fresh By Lizzie Smit h Pho t og r aph y b y Ashle y Co vin and submitt ed

he farmers market is something we can look forward to each year with juicy and delectable fresh fruits and home-grown vegetables to expand our culinary tastes.

In Starkville, it’s no different. The farmers market starts the first weekend in May from 7:30–10:30 a.m. on East Lampkin Street. You can expect to see over ten vendors with various items from fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, canned and pickled items, fresh breads and other baked goods, and also artisans who sell hand-crafted goods. It’s a great way to support the local talent because all of the food items are grown or baked locally by the vendors. All of the artisan items must be handcrafted as well so there is no resold or wholesale merchandise so you know you’re getting a unique product. Not only can you buy local food and products, but you can also learn valuable lessons as well and have fun doing it. Starkville is hosting different activities each Saturday such as culinary and gardening demos. The culinary demos are offered by local restaurants and chefs while the gardening demos range from variety of options from handson pottery classes to demos that expose different products you can use in your own home. Farmers market aren’t just for the adults anymore. The event schedule will include a kids’ activity as part of their Little Gardeners. Each week the activity varies, but some options include covering information regarding fruits and vegetables, art activities and educational activities that will include the produce and the farmers market, and how to eat the produce. There will also be an activity that will offer up ways to get your children involved with planting and gardening. As far as entertainment goes, Starkville Farmer’s Market is also partnering up with MSU Center for Student Activities to offer live music entertainment by many of the local talents such as The Cedar Creek Ramblers and musical stars from the community. If you can’t make it on Saturday, Starkville is now offering is a Midweek Market on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. The Tuesday market will be a condensed version of the Saturday market but will still offer baked goods and produce. It is a way for the vendors to sell their items that are still fresh and for the community to get what they need to make it through the week. Market Manager Jennifer Prather said that this is something that the community has begged for and she believes that Starkville will really support and benefit from it. “The start of the Market is like an unofficial kick off to summer in Starkville, and the Starkville Community Market is like the town watering hole where you know you will always see your neighbor and friends, and also make new friends while you are there, and we love to see community members and tourists come and spend their Saturday mornings at the Market,” Prather said. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, have any questions about shopping, or to simply view the full schedule of events of what to expect for the summer, go to www.visit.starkville.org/market. 44

| townandgownmagazine.com

West Point’s Farmers Market will start May 29 (last Thursday in May) through August. It will be from 4-7 p.m. and on each Thursday. Under new supervision this year with Lisa Klutts, she said she’s using this year as a learning experience and hoping to make it a grand time for all. “I’m going to try hard to make it as big as it has in year’s past,” she said. West Point is having their setup so as not to compete with Columbus or Starkville as they have the same vendors as the ones that will be participating in the various markets, according to Klutts. You can expect to see all the basic food you can enjoy at the vendors such as fruits and vegetables, and jam and jellies. They are hoping to have a variety of vendors with a multitude of artisans as well. They had 28 vendors passing through last year so they are expected to see the same cakes and pies; beads and necklaces; and activities and entertainment as previous years. Some of the activities include Hydroponic growing methods, organic growing, and some information on bees. There is also a restaurant called BJ’s Pizza that is next to the farmers market that will have music on their patio. “You can walk down and get some pizza after spending time at the farmers market,” Klutts said. Under the pavilion, you can find a local farmer who, as part of his co-op, will have a variety package that may include vegetables, fresh baked bread, homemade noodles, jam jellies, pickles and sauerkraut that he will deliver to your home or business for a price ranging around $35. For more information on the farmer or the farmers market, contact Lisa Klutts at (662) 494-5121.

may

2014 |

You can expect to see about 45-50 vendors at the height of the growing season, with the average amount of vendors to be around 30 with 75 percent growers and 25 percent artisans. More big news that Munson announced was the partnerships with local restaurants, Mississippi University of Women and Mississippi State Extension Service that will help bring a more delightful and educational time to Saturdays at the market. For adults, learn how to juice and make green smoothies for a healthier living while also seeing your favorite local restaurants cook using the local grown vegetables and fruit at the market. Columbus has new and exciting things to offer for the farmers market. “The Hitching Lot” will extend through October. You can visit the farmers market on Mondays from 4-6 p.m; Thursdays from 7-10 a.m; and Saturdays from 7-10 a.m. on North 2nd Avenue & North 2nd Street. October will only be available on Saturdays. While Mondays and Thursdays will only have vendors with fruit, produce, canned and baked goods, Saturdays are filled with artisans and activities. You can expect a multitude of artisans that have sewing products, stained glass, wood workers, trickle birdbaths, birdhouses and painters. You can expect an array of creative products on Saturday mornings. Katherine Munson, farmers market Board Member, said that they still have a large number of annual vendors and still offer the daily route of paying $3 to set up for the day. She’s hoping that the promise of more options and bigger activities will help seal the market’s place as a great place to meet in the community. “We are going to have a lot more vendors and having more of a higher profile in the community is really what we’re aiming for.” 46

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For the children, Mississippi State Extension Service will have tractor days where they teach the kids how to plant and from there, how to help it grow. Mississippi University of Women will also have activities as part of their Healthy Initiative Program. There will also be a corn-shucking and watermelon seeds contest, a pet parade and a bike parade where children are encouraged to bring their bike to be decorated and parade around the market to be seen. The biggest news it seems is the brand new website launched called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hitchinglot.org.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; On the website are tabs that include the annual local vendors (as well as applications to apply to be a vendor and terms and guidelines), a list of special events to put in your calendar and a tab that includes recipes. Anne Freeve, a board member and chef, will be getting locally grown food from the market and prepare them in a YouTube video weekly that will be on the recipes tab. Wanting more avenues to highlight what food to look for at the market and how to prepare and cook it? Go to the hitchinglot.org for YouTube videos, Facebook and also look for food columns in local newspapers. For more information or to view the schedule, go to columbusmainstreet. com or hitchinglot.org.

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

may

2014 |

HOME AND GARDEN Gardening with

Russell Hamilton

Blossoming Season: Lawns & Flowers 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. 48

| townandgownmagazine.com

pring is peaking. It is a blossoming season finally at last and the cold and the spring rains are gone. As you gander across your landscape you notice the change. Instead of hunkering down or bending over because of strong winds and flooding rains, your flowers are perking up. They are bowing out their chests and soaking in the sunshine (and that slow release fertilizer you remembered to put out). It is a blossoming season at last, but your annuals arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only thing bursting to life. Summer is approaching and it will be here before we know it. This means that the night time temperatures are constantly reaching the mid to high 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. And with night time temperatures like that, your flowers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the only thing blossoming. It is now time to start focusing on that emerald green carpet we love to run barefooted across or sit down on to have a family picnic.

May is the opportune time to start a lawn if you plan to do so from seed. So what do you do if you want to get your yard carpet growing but you aren’t sure where to start? Start with your light requirements. Will your lawn receive eight hours of full sunlight? Will it only get half a day of full sun? That decision alone can be one of the largest factors determining success or failure. Bermuda grass thrives in full sun yet won’t grow at all in a shady location. St. Augustine will tolerate both shade and full sun, but seed isn’t readily available or it cost so much it is not an option for most.

Get a soil test done. A soil test will tell you what exactly you need to add to your existing soil to get it in optimum shape for starting your new lawn or keeping your existing lawn in great shape. You should fertilize your lawn around three times a year at minimum. The first time will be late April to May as your lawn emerges from dormancy. The second time is sometime in mid to late summer. The third time should be sometime in fall to get your lawn conditioned for the approaching winter. Depending on what type of grass you choose or have, the fertilizer ratio needed will be different. To keep from throwing money away by applying fertilizer that you don’t need you should use your soil test to your full advantage.

Watering your lawn can be another important trick to master. Keep this tip in mind about watering your lawn. It is better to water the heck out of your grass once a week rather than watering a small amount every day. Watering with this method will promote deep root growth rather than a shallow root system. This will make your grass more drought tolerant, more cold tolerant, and increase its tolerance to insects and diseases.

Scout regularly for insects and diseases. Some lawn types are more susceptible to diseases than others. St. Augustine grass is one such type and fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers can even increase that susceptibility. Systemic insecticides and fungicides are more effective on these types of lawns and should be used at the first signs of damage. Often times we wait till the damage is too extensive for it to be economically feasible to fully recover your lawn. Treat at the early signs to avoid much more costly solution later on. Weed control is often another huge hurdle. The best advice I have found for weed control is to regularly mow your grass. Mow your lawn weekly or bi-weekly before weeds have time to flower and produce seed and spread across your perfect plan of a lawn. Next, best advice is to use pre-emergent herbicides at least twice a year. Spray a pre-emergent herbicide in late winterearly spring to severely reduce the number of warm season weeds from sprouting in your lawn. Apply the same in mid to late fall to reduce the number of cool season weeds from germinating. Weeds are the one thing we don’t want blossoming this season. Follow these tips and tricks and you will be well on your way to that sticker free emerald green carpet that is the envy of the neighborhood. may

2014 |

WITH THESE HANDS

Garden Letter

| townandgownmagazine.com

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 Master’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.

DIY

CRAFTS

Using your initials for decoration is becoming an ever-popular trend. Join the fun and create a Garden Letter. Use succulents or plants that do not require much water. Or use artiﬁcial plants and change out as the seasons turn. Create personalized letter-art… “Garden style!”

Materials: Cardboard letter Small plants – I chose succulents because they’re hardy, easy to maintain all year and require very little water Box cutter or sharp cutting tool Potting Mix 1. Cut all the way around one side of the letter to expose the inside. 2. Remove some of the inside cardboard in the letter, add a small amount of soil, then arrange the plants like you want them. *Be careful not to overstuff the letter, so it doesn’t lose its shape!

Send us your finished projects to Town and Gown Magazine’s Instagram. Follow us and tag us @townandgown #DIY may

2014 |

HEALTH AND FITNESS

National Hospital Week By Joe Lee Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner and Clair e Masse y

ational Hospital Week, which is May 11-17 this year, is a great time to honor some of our hard-working physicians around the Golden Triangle. Town & Gown reached out to Baptist Memorial Hospital of Columbus, North Mississippi Medical Center’s West Point Hospital, and Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center to promote the crucial work their medical professionals do in our community, and we’re proud to honor John E. Reed, MD, FACP., Dr. Barbrette Baldwin, Obstetrician Gynecologist, and J. Travis Methvin, D.O., FACOS. “National Hospital Week celebrates hospitals and the men and women who – day in and day out – support the health of their communities through compassionate care, constant innovation and unwavering, unmatched dedication,” said a spokesperson for the American Hospital Association. “Take this year’s National Hospital Week as an opportunity to thank all of the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and so many more – for their commitment.”

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John E. Reed, MD,FACP Baptist Memorial Hospital - Columbus 2520 N. Fifth Street – 662-244-1000 T&G: What’s your hometown? JR: Columbus, Miss. T&G: Where did you go to Medical School, and where did you do your undergraduate work? JR: Medical School was at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where I received my Doctor of Medicine. I did my residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala. My undergraduate work was at MSU. T&G: What’s your specialty/area of expertise? JR: Hospital Medicine T&G: How far back did you know that you wanted to practice medicine, and treat people? Was there a specific moment when you said, “Now THAT’S what I want to do with my life?” JR: I attended a pre-med honor society meeting in 1967, and Dr. Henry Holleman spoke to our group; he was the commanding officer of the 8055 M*A*S*H unit in Korea and was awarded the Bronze Star by the U.S. Army and the Order of the British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth; his service was memorialized in the book, movie, and TV series M*A*S*H. He talked to college students in a way that we could relate to what a career in medicine could be like. That was the “now” moment for me. I knew I wanted to take care of people. T&G: In what ways is the practice of medicine different from when you started, and how is it similar? JR: I have been able to keep up with changes in medicine through internet learning. Advances in radiologic imaging, MRI, and CT had dramatically enhanced our ability to better diagnose and treat patients. Interventional cardiology has given us the ability to dissolve clots and open blocked arteries, and the electronic medical record allows us to share information among providers and allow patients to better participate in their healthcare. The basic history and physical examination of the patient that I learned to do in medical school is the same – it remains the basis for the workup and for ordering tests to diagnose the problem. Communication with the patient has not changed. It is very important that we educate our patients and manage their expectations and communicate with the rest of the care team. With 315 beds, Baptist Golden Triangle is the largest regional hospital affiliated with the Memphis-based Baptist Memorial Health Care System. The 14-hospital system includes facilities in Columbus, Oxford, New Albany, Booneville, and Southaven. Visit online at www.baptistonline.org. may

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Dr. Barbrette Baldwin, Obstetrician Gynecologist North Mississippi Medical Center – West Point 835 Medical Center Drive – 662-495-2300 T&G: What’s your hometown? BB: Birmingham, Ala. T&G: Where did you go to Medical School, and where did you do your undergraduate work? BB: Medical School was at Loyola University’s Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill., and undergraduate work at the University of Alabama. I was a Human Development and Family Studies major. I worked as a child welfare social worker in Birmingham before deciding to return to school to pursue medicine. I did a post-baccalaureate premedical program at Loyola University of Chicago. T&G: What’s your specialty/area of expertise? BB: Adolescent Gynecology. I work at the West Point and Columbus Women’s Group Clinics. T&G: How far back did you know that you wanted to practice medicine, and treat people? Was there a specific moment when you said, “Now THAT’S what I want to do with my life? BB: I remember always having a passion for helping others. As a fifth grader, I tutored first graders. As a child abuse and neglect caseworker, I was often frustrated with the lack of resources for needy families. It was that frustration that catapulted me into the field of medicine. Though I still encounter instances where resources are less than optimal, I am thankful that I am able to make a difference in patient’s lives on a daily basis. T&G: In what ways is the practice of medicine just the same as when you started? BB: I graduated medical school in 2009, which isn’t very long ago. While medicine is very dynamic with frequent technological advancements and ever-changing protocols, I think the fundamentals of the practice of medicine are very much the same. I try to focus on educating and empowering patients to promote better health. NMMC’s main campus is in Tupelo. Satellite locations are in West Point, Hamilton, Iuka, Eupora and Pontotoc, with many area clinics. Visit online at www.nmhs.net.

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J. Travis Methvin, D.O. FACOS Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center Starkville 400 Hospital Road – 662-323-4320 T&G: What’s your hometown? TM: Helena, Ark. T&G: Where did you go to Medical School, and where did you do your undergraduate work? TM: Medical School was at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo.. My residency was at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville. Mo. I did a Laparoscopic fellowship at the Surgix Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute in Kansas City, Mo. My undergraduate work was at MSU. T&G: What’s your specialty/area of expertise? TM: I’m the Medical Center Director for Breast Health and Imaging. The medical staff at OCH is great with true Southern hospitality and congeniality. My wife and I fell in love with Starkville while at MSU. Really feel like it is a great place to raise our children. T&G: How far back did you know that you wanted to practice medicine, and treat people? Was there a specific moment when you said, “Now THAT’S what I want to do with my life?” TM: When I was 16 years old, my grandmother – who raised me – got breast cancer. She had ignored a lump for some time and never had a mammogram. Through that process, I realized I wanted to help people and bring patients along in the process of their health. I realized that was what I was meant to do. T&G: In what ways is the practice of medicine different from when you started, and how is it similar? TM: I can access charts and imaging from home or wherever there is a WIFI connection, and HD cameras and monitors have improved visualization with laparoscopic surgery. Patients still need one-on-one discussions, counseling, and encouragement. Medicine is still – and always will be – about people. Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center is located at 400 Hospital Road in Starkville. A county-owned hospital, OCH also own the following clinics: Center for Breast Health & Imaging, Parsons Family Clinic, OCH Medical Associates, OCH Regional Health Clinic, OCH Center for Pain Management, OCH General Surgery Associates, Urology Specialists of Mississippi, Holliday Lung & Sleep Center, and OCH Center for Sleep Medicine. Visit online at www.och.org.

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What’s in Arma De la Cruz’s beach bag?

Q & A With Arma: TG: What is your favorite activity during the summer? AD: I love to go to a music festival and take a girls beach trip. This year I get to do both! I am going to the HangOut Fest again and I am excited that my Bunco group is going on a girls beach trip for the first time this summer. If I am not at the beach then I try to go white water rafting with my family or on a sailing trip with my oldest sister’s family. ANYTHING OUTDOORS! TG: What is your favorite place to vacation during the summer? AD: I used to live in Indonesia and loved going to Bali. I would love to return to Bali again. However, Destin has beautiful water. TG: What is your favorite summer snack? AD: Surf, sand and sun always makes me crave pineapples, kiwis and mangoes. TG: What is your favorite summer drink? AD: The Green Mile is on the secret bar menu at Central Station Grill. Most people just say “Arma’s drink.” It’s vodka, Sprite and cucumbers. Refreshing and delicious! When I make it at home I use diet Sprite or just water when I don’t want too many calories. Guess it’s not a secret anymore!

TG: If you could go one place this summer, where would it be? AD: As much as I want to go back to Bali, my dream summer vacation has always been to go to Bora Bora and stay in one of those stilt huts in the middle of the water. Who wants to take me?

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Photographed: L.A. Green Boutique: Molly G crown, Tie Dye dress, Lucky Brand wedges, stone pendant necklace, L.Space swimming Suit and Mud Pie Beach Bag.

L.A. Green Boutique: Butter Lippy

Sweet Pepper Deli Cap, iPhone and sunglasses.

A CUP OF LINSAY JO Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner 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.

Deep South Pout Boutique: Disco Tech Wrislet in peach.

L.A. Green Boutique: Tie Dye Paige hair ties. Susan’s Hallmark:

Headphones

The Purple Elephant: Occasionally Made drink huggie.

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Sister’s Fins Clothing: Great Cavalier top. Deep South Pout: Disco Tech waterproof bags.

Vitality Spa and Skin: Elta MD UV Tinted Moisturizer.

Pink Tangerine Boutique: Susan’s Hallmark: O2 Denim Life is Good beach towel. shorts.

Merle Norman Luna Bella: Ganz lipstick pen.

Merle Norman Luna Bella O.P.I Brazil nail polish. The Mill: Home + Design: Bedside Water Carafe.

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A Man of Style: Charles Freeman

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Here & Now Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels

Trey Templeton is a ﬁfth generation Starkville native. He is a 2003 Graduate of Mississippi State University and serves on the boards of the Starkville Area Arts Council and the Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival planning committee. He is passionate about his career in men’s clothing and is an exercise enthusiast.

fter spending only a few minutes with Charles Freeman, I came to appreciate one of his defining characteristics – attention to detail. Being in the clothing world, I naturally noticed that his put together appearance was no accident. His sharp attire had been perfectly planned. Charles had on his signature suit, including a dress shirt complemented by a matching pocket square. His brown lace-up oxfords had a perfect shine to them. As we visited over a cup of coffee I became aware that in each aspect of his life, from his work as a professor at Mississippi State University to a devoted husband and father of two (the second born just three days before we met), Dr. Charles Freeman is a detailed man! Deciding what to do with one’s life is no small task, so I was curious to learn about Freeman’s background and how he ended up on a path dedicated to fashion, research and education. With a little soul searching and some help from a career interest inventory, Charles came to realize that he could have the best of both worlds. Charles, who grew up in central Florida, attended Florida State University earning both a Bach-

Freeman mentoring a Mississippi State Univeristy Textiles and Merchandising student for the Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival’s Gastby Gala Fashion Show.

elor’s and Master’s degree. It was no surprise to me that he graduated with honors. During his time at Florida State, not only did he discover a passion for fashion and design, but also for working with students. He told me, “each semester was new and exciting.” After graduating from Florida State he started his own custom tailor shop in Jacksonville, Fla. There he specialized in custom clothing for men and women. Freeman designed and pieced together clothing for customers, which is no simple task! Although he enjoyed

Freeman is known for his favorite fashionable socks.

owning his own business, Charles felt there was something missing. Charles realized that he missed teaching and may

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Freeman’s students designed twenties-inspired outfits for the Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival 2014.

working with students, which had been a highlight of his graduate school days. He explained that he felt called back to the classroom. So, after just a couple of years of running his own business, Freeman made the life-changing decision to go back to school. He left Florida and entered a doctoral program of fashion design at Louisiana State University. There he began a stream of research, which he continues on today – the creative design process and the use of cotton. After years of hard work and dedication to the fashion industry, Freeman arrived at MSU and currently works as an assistant professor in the School of Human Sciences. Throughout our two-hour visit I learned some interesting facts about Freeman. With the tee shirt trend that we see going on in the world today, Freeman chooses to be the contrarian. Not a day goes by that Freeman does not wear a suit. In fact, he was wearing a suit at the hospital when his children were born! That’s because appearance matters so much to him. We both agreed that appearance can reveal a lot about one’s character. Freeman’s appearance commands a certain degree of respect and reveals certain things about him. For example, I quickly learned that socks are Freeman’s favorite article of clothing to wear. His love for socks reveals that Freeman has a sense of whimsy and a fun side. He told me he must have over 30 pairs of socks, all in unique colors and designs! The pocket square, as I mentioned earlier, Freeman never wears a suit or blazer without one. We both agreed that it’s those small details that can brighten up your attire! At home, Freeman is the chef. After menu planning for the week, Freeman does most of the grocery shopping in order to prepare each meal from scratch. “Cooking relaxes me,” he said. He believes that time in the kitchen is a great way to unwind from the day and spend time with his family. He even sets the table each evening, pulling out all the stops. The family china and silverware make an appearance each night. No detail is left out from food to the presentation. When it comes to his job as a professor, every detail counts. For example, he most recently worked with his students on a design project for the Gatsby Gala in the MSU library. This gave students the opportunity to create and design clothing for Fashion Board models in a 1920’s style. This was a part of kicking off the weekend for the annual Charles Templeton

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Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family: Lori Neuenfeldt, Ella Freeman-3, Celia Freeman-newborn and Charles

Ragtime and Jazz festival. Since I was a spectator at this event, I must say the designs were incredible! Freeman said that this was a great project for his students and he had high expectations for the quality and design. He was there and involved for the entire event. Like I said, he is a detail man! I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to visit with Freeman. He is so well thought of among his colleagues and students. His students are eager to learn from him and get his take on their design projects. He is such a wonderful guy with a high quality of style and an eye for fashion. Starkville and Mississippi State University are very lucky to have him as part of our community.

Dinner is cooked and table is set by Freeman every night.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS By Be t han y Hair s t on, M.D., F.A .A .D.

Graduating your Makeup M

ay is a wonderful month! Graduation ceremonies celebrate the accomplishment of goals and progression into different phases of our lives. In the South, May also heralds a transition into the summer months where the temperatures drive fashion trends. With the sunshine breaking through the gray tones of another bygone winter, it is time to clean up our wardrobes with fresh styles. However, transitioning your style for the season changing is not just about your clothes: skincare and cosmetic updates play a major part in completing your â&#x20AC;&#x153;graduationâ&#x20AC;? into summer.

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Skin care needs during the summer are different than in winter due to temperature and humidity changes and spending more recreational time outside. Heat and perspiration can increase clogged pores leading to acne. Oil-reducing washes which contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help prevent weather-induced breakouts. Exfoliating can also rid the skin surface of dead skin cells, reducing the clogged pore tendency. You can easily incorporate this into your cleansing regimen by using an exfoliating scrub twice weekly. With winter dryness out of the way, switch to lighter moisturizing formulas that absorb quickly. Look for formulas described as lotions or gels rather than creams. Avoid products containing lanolin, glycerin, or petrolatum if you are trying to allow your pores to breathe. For UV protection, consider a moisturizer and sunscreen combination product to help prevent sun damage which can lead to premature aging of the skin and increase risk for skin cancer.

Amy Head

Tangerine Mist liquid lips

How do you graduate your cosmetics into a beautiful look for summer? At Vitality Skin & Spa we turn to Amy Head, a leader in the cosmetics industry and founder of Amy Head Cosmetics, for expert advice. According to Amy, “Increasing overall color into the complexion is key for a beautiful transition into summer looks!" With an emphasis on achieving results while still appearing natural, she recommends making color choices that “look like they belong there.” A native Mississippian, Amy opened Amy Head Studios in September 1987. Her business has expanded to include three large studios in Ridgeland, Oxford and Birmingham and locations across the southeast like Vitality Skin & Spa in Starkville and Columbus that carry her retail line, Amy Head Cosmetics. "The most important ontrend addition to your makeup collection for this summer is a pop of color on the lip. This can be done through a brighter lipstick shade or a bright gloss on top of a softer shade of lipstick. Shades of orange are important to embrace,” she recommends. Amy’s top picks for summer lip trends are her Orange Ice, Geranium and Catwalk lipsticks as well as Palm lip gloss and Tangerine Mist liquid lips. Another change that's gorgeous for summer is highlighting the skin at the top of the cheekbones and at the outer corners of the eyes. Amy calls this "pearlized skin" and chooses highlighting powders along with the mineral foundation products in her line to create just the right amount of sheen. This can really make a significant impact on the luminosity of your complexion when coupled with an effective skin care regimen. Amy recommends Golden Lustre Highlight Powder, Mineral Glaze, and Mineral Foundation in Silk, Flax, and Tea to achieve radiant results. To successfully graduate, whether it is from an educational program or in our style and fashion choices, expert advice can be extremely helpful. Prior to embarking on a new skincare or cosmetics routine, consider seeking professional consultation to assist you with your choices so that you achieve your best results effectively and before those summer days drift away!

Palm lip gloss Catwalk

Geranium

Orange Ice

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Blog

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

Arts Walk

West Point W

ith so much already going on this spring, there is always more to do! Saturday, May 17, the 2nd Annual Downtown Art Walk is coming to West Point. What better way to spend your Saturday then among some great art and artist? There will be over 50 fine artists, craftsmen and women displaying their artwork all throughout Main Street. Sponsored by the West Point and Clay County Arts Council, the Downtown Art Walk will display fine arts that consist of painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking. With a great look into the arts, there will also be handmade and original craftworks! The day will be filled with activities to entertain everyone. Pottery, fused glass, metal-works, and fiber arts will all fill the Art Walk, so there is a little something for all taste! Local businesses throughout West Point will host these artists as they open their doors to display artwork in the stores as well as filling out into the sidewalks. With so much to see, you are sure to find just the piece to take home with you! With all of the activities that will be going on during the Art Walk, music is also on the agenda! There will be music from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. as you walk about and enjoy the day! But, that is not all! There will also be an “Amazing Art Chair Silent Auction.” It will be in the Sunny Side Building on Main Street. This is an event where local artist have painted chairs to be sold to benefit the future Beautification Project and murals for Downtown West Point. Event organizer, Chairperson Vickie Burris, is delighted with the response for this event. “The enthusiasm with which everyone I have spoken with about this event is overwhelming,” said Burris. The Downtown Art Walk is sure to be an exciting day throughout West Point. With all of this art and music going on throughout the day, you are guaranteed to get a little hungry. But, that will not be a problem! A menu has been created for the Art Walk at downtown eateries that will include the Ritz Café, Twisted Burger Company, Dot’s BBQ, and Main Street Market. This is just one day filled with tons of fun! Whether you want a date day, a day out with the family, or just a simple day to yourself, the Downtown Art Walk is sure to be a day for you! Do not miss out on such an amazing event that will display so much creativity and get you in the spirit for summer!

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

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Tea at the Greens

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S ty led b y N at allie Philli ps Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner Baloons pr o vided b y P ar ty Mar k e t Mak eup b y Mer le Nor man Location: Old W a v er l y Golf Club

Clo t hes pr o vidied b y Deep Sout h P out L.A . Gr een Boutiq ue Pink Tang er ine

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Left: Everly Dress baby pink dress, Deep South Pout; Lucky Brand woven platforms, L.A. Green Boutique; Baby pink necklace, Deep South Pout. Right: Blue fitted lace dress and pearls, Pink Tangerine.

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Pink Martini coral and v neckline dress, L.A. Green Boutique.

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Left: Hat by Purple Elephant. Below: (L-R) Hot & Delicious mint green dress with lace detail, Deep South Pout; Light coral dress with tie, Pink Tangerine; Crochet Ivory with cross back, L.A. Green Boutique. Below: Mariana necklace, Purple Elephant.

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Everly Dress baby pink dress, Deep South Pout; Lucky Brand woven platforms, L.A. Green Boutique; Baby pink necklace, Deep South Pout

Cotton Candy floral dress, Deep South Pout; Hat, Purple Elephant.

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ttt t t t t t t tttttttt t t t t tttttttttt (L to R): Everly Dress baby pink dress, Deep South Pout; Lucky Brand woven platforms, L.A. Green Boutique; Baby pink necklace, Deep South Pout. Blue fitted lace dress and pearls, Pink Tangerine; Bamboo nude wedges, Deep South Pout. Pink Martini coral and v neckline dress, L.A. Green Boutique; Betani camel wedges, Deep South Pout; White skinny belt, Pink Tangerine.

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LITERATURE

Susan’s Picks for a Summer Read B y Su sa n O’ B r y a n

Thinking ahead to time at the pool or beach? Perhaps you’re planning a short family vacation or even a stay-cation, preferring to hang out at the house and visit nearby attractions. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to involve distancing yourself from the office and taking some much deserved downtime. One of the easiest, and quickest, ways to get away is through the pages of a good book. Whether you prefer holding a novel in two hands or swiping pages with one finger on an e-reader makes no difference. There’s simply an abundance of adventure, history, romance and fun available for all ages. One of the most talkedabout novels this summer is Greg Illes’ Natchez Burning. Fans have been waiting five years for another novel by this gifted Natchez author disabled in a horrific accident. Readers weren’t sure if they’d ever read more about lawyer/former prosecutor Penn Cage and his struggles with Southern justice. A short story entitled The Death Factory was released in March to help readers catch up with Cage. Cage has been the lead character in several of Iles’ novels, including The Devil’s Punchbowl and Turning Angel. With Natchez Burning, the Natchez author brings Cage into a trilogy that weaves together crime, passion, lies, treachery and redemption. Unlike John Grisham, Iles doesn’t go for courtroom tactics as much as he does personal drama. His characters have a combination of past and present that results in deeply developed relationships. At the heart of the latest novel is a conspiracy of greed and murder involving a vicious KKK group backed by wealth and political power. If you’re in the mood for Southern Goth, no one does it better than R.B. Chesterton aka Carolyn Haines. Her latest, The Seeker, is a far leap from the author’s Mississippi roots as 72

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it takes readers to Walden’s Pond and a fantastical tale of past meets present. Heroine Aine Cahill visits Henry David Thoreau’s woods as she works on her dissertation. While she seeks solitude to write about Thoreau and a secret lover, Cahill discovers she is not alone. The past keeps rearing its head as Aine tries to escape a family curse, solve a local mystery and find romance. As she soon discovers, there’s more in the woods than just trees. Another must-read is Nevada Barr’s Destroyer Angel, the latest in the Anna Pigeon series. This time the former Mississippi author takes the mystery-solving U.S. Park Service ranger to the Iron Range in Minnesota. Anna, the heroine in 17 best-sellers, is enjoying the outdoors with two friends and their daughters. Mom Heath is a paraplegic, and they are helping friend Leah test camping equipment for disabled adventurers. When Anna returns from a solo canoe float, she finds four crooks holding her small group captive. It’s up to her to save the day with her come-to-be expected resourcefulness, resilience and respect for the land. Those wanting more fact than fiction will enjoy Freedom Rider Diary: Smuggled Notes from Parchman Prison by Carol Ruth Silver. In 1961, the Jewish Northerner was arrested for violating Jim Crow laws and spent 40 days in Mississippi jails and Parchman after she joined the Freedom

Riders. The civil rights activists rode buses into segregated states, including Mississippi, to test the U.S. Supreme Court rulings banning segregation on buses and in terminals. Silver’s detailed recollections and passion for others makes for a compelling read that lets readers feel the energy of the civil rights movement. The book includes photos ranging from arrest shots to long-after reunions. The book is published by the University Press of Mississippi as part of its Willie Morris Books in Memoir and Biography collection. If your teenager, or you, saw the featured film “Divergent” starring

Shailene Woodley, must-reads for the summer will include the other two books in Divergent trilogy. The trio of books by Veronica Roth include Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant. They are similar in style to The Hunger Games series, drawing upon a dystopian society where group mentality rules over individuality. Set in a slightly futuristic Chicago, Roth’s characters struggle to find a place for themselves in a word divided by idealistic beliefs. Note that there are violent scenes, but little graphic sex. Speaking of feature films, “Heaven is for Real” is out. Whether you enjoy the movie or not, be sure to read the film’s inspiration, Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo. The best-selling Christian book is the true story of a pastor’s 4-year-old son’s near-death experience and the incredible journey he made to Heaven. When Colton wakes up, he matter of factly describes who and what he saw during his brief heavenly stay. If you’re vacationing with a little one, or perhaps just looking for a new bedtime story, Frozen has been released by Little Golden Book. Who can forget Little Golden Books with their distinctive binding! Young children ages 2-5 who might not fully comprehend the animated Disney movie will enjoy seeing their favorite characters again in this kid-friendly book. It recounts the adventures of Anna and Kristoff as they race to reach the Snow Queen Elsa and save the kingdom from eternal winter. Whatever you do or wherever you go, remember, there’s always room to slip a book or e-reader into your bag.

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Cotton District Arts Festival

The annual Cotton District Arts Festival presented by the Starkville Area Arts Council was held on April 12, 2014 in the Cotton District with arts and crafts, great food and music for all. Photography Laura Daniels

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1. Craig Reed and Doug Cater 2. Andy Graydon, Beth Rhodes and Hannah Burnett 3. Elizabeth Woods and Reed Gaddise 4. Molly Howell and Meghan Millea 5. Elliot Rezek and Zach Wagner 6. Chad Fondren and Lori Williams

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Phi Mu Alumni Wine and Cheese

The Starkville Phi Mu Alumni group joined at Thyme for their monthly social for wine and cheese. Photography Sarah Carpenter

1. Holland Roundtree, Lexi Vaughn, Abby mcMillian and Kathryn Rooker 2. Jenny Lenn and Jamie Methvin 3. Karen Templeton and Emily Owen 4. Katherine Brown, Holland Roundtree and Jennifer Winfeild 5. Laura Bowman, Emily Owen, Robin Jones and Dess Britt 6. Lexi Vaughn, Dess Britt, Laura Bowman and Hunter Harrington may

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MSU Fine Arts Thesis Exhibit & Reception The MSU Fine Arts Thesis Exhibit and Reception was held on April 15, 2014 at the McComas Hall art gallery on Mississippi State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus. Photography by Laura Daniels

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1.Brian Greco, Andre Hernandez and Robert Jacks 2. Leanna Scott, Amanda Leclair and Dave Hood 3. Adrienne Callander, Mary Lucas Halliwell and Sarah Kilpatrick 4. Carley Robertson and June Upton 5. Landen Peairs and Jamie Mixon 6. Annie and Darin Peairs

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Delta Gamma Lectureship Mississippi State University Delta Gamma held their annual Lectureship featuring Bethany Hamilton, the inspiration for the movie “Soul Surfer” on April 2, 2014 at Humphrey Coliseum. Photography Laura Daniels.

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1. Mary Liz Herrington and Elise Friloux 2. Mallory O’Sullivan and Elizabeth Foster 3. Haley Bodden and Kaylie Mitchell 4. Cathelin McCarthy and Katy Deaton 5. Lauren Farrior Glaser and Megan Filka 6. Fressia Bechard and Natalie Bechard

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Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival The 2014 Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival was held at the Mississippi State University Library on March 28-30, 2014. The event is to enhance the research in the area of ragtime music comprising a blend of major concerts, mini-concerts, seminars and tours of the Music Museum. Photography by Laura Daniels

1. Virginia Tichenor and Stephanie Trick (speakers at the event) 2. Martin Spitznagel and Jeff Barnhart (speakers at the event) 3. Janet Smith and Sylvia Clark 4. Douglas Ann Graham and Becky Perkins 5. Paula Mabry and Bill Parrish 6. Ann Chiles and Summer Mord

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Highland Games

The 2014 Central Mississippi Scottish Highland Games was held on March 29-30, 2014 at the Starkville Sportsplex. Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Victoria Roberts and Hal Bullock 2. Brian Arnett and Tracy Arnett 3. Brad Latham, Ramona Booth and Shannon Williams 4. Angela and Shane Rayburn 5. Amber and Eric Holmbeck 6. Jonathan Nixon, Trevor Pruitt and Anthony Ray

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Gatsby Gala

The annual Charles Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival kicked off on March 27, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the Mississippi State University Library with the Gatsby Gala, a 1920s-inspired fashion review. The Gala showcased talents and skills of MSU students and creative opportunities available at Mississippi State. Photography by Laura Daniels

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1. Summer Mord, Leilani Salter and Ashley Brown (Event Coordinators) 2. Cindy Phillips and Megan Coalter 3. Jessi Cole and Natalie Hall 4. Hunter Harrison and Melissa Archer 5. Kris Lee and Amanda Clay Powers 6. Jeanne Marszalek and John Marszalek 7. Karen Davidson, Whitney Hilton, Elaina Mcmillen and Kathy Jacobs 8. Debra Fairbrother and Stephen Cunetto 9. Brenda Sanders and Jessica Williams 10. Sid and Leilani Salter 80

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Happy may 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 Juen14, 2014.

Happy Reading! may

2014 |

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Allstate Vic tor Nickles 314 HWY 12 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-4628 Ameriprise Financial Stevan B lack 512 Main Street Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-798-0031 ameripriseadvisors.com/ stevan.black

G reater Starkville D evelopment Par tnership 200 E . Main Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-3322 starkville.org

Nor th M ississippi Medic al Center 830 S. G loster St. Tupelo, MS 38801 P. 662-377-3000 nmhs.net

L.A. G reen B outique 500 Russell St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6280 lagreenboutique.com

OCH Regional Medic al Center 400 Hospital Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. (662) 323-9355 och.org

Avant G arde S alon 503 Ac ademy Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-0866

Merle Norman Luna B ella 202 Washington St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5255

Cadence B ank 803 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-329-6555 301 Main St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-4733 107 Commerce St. West Point, MS 39773 P. 662-494-5284 c adencebank .com

M iss. Modern Homestead Lake Valley Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-694-0124 msmodernhomestead.com

Columbus O r thopa edic Clinic and O utpatient Center 670 Leigh D r. Columbus, MS 39705 P. 662-370-1021 columbusor tho.com

MSU Foundation P.O. B ox 6149 MS State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-7843 msufoundation.com

D eep S outh Pout 329 Universit y D r. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6055 517 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-241-7055 deepsouthpout.com ER A Town & Campus Realt y 111 W. Main St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-615-6077 eratownandc ampus.com

MSU College of B us iness 114 McCool Hall MS State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-2580 business.msstate.edu

Nor th M ississippi A sthma & Allergy Center 1512 Medic al Park Circle Tupelo, MS 38801 P. 662-620-0688 1207 HWY 182 W. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-0688 nmaac.com

Penny B owen D esigns Inc. and B ella Interiors 515 College St. Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-241-5055 bellaPBD.com

S usanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hallmark 100 Russell St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-0810 1217 HWY 45 Columbus, MS 39705 P. 662-241-4412 hallmark .com The Jewel Shoppe 215 W. Main Street Louisville, MS 39339 P. 662-773-3320 thejewelshoppe.com The Universit y Floris t M ini Mall on Lee B lvd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-325-3585 theuniversit yflorist.com

Pink Tangerine B outique 2118 HWY 45 N. Columbus, MS 39705 P. 662-368-1224 pinktangerine.com

The Veranda 208 Lincoln G reen St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-1231 verandastarkville.com

Purple Elephant 401B E . Lampkin Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-4008 422 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-327-1008

Thyme 402 Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5979

Room to Room 3651 Cliff G ookin B lvd. Tupelo, MS 38801 P. 662-844-5378 S alon 28 500 Russell St., S uite 28 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6900 S imply Home 402 Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-4323

Vitalit y Skin and S pa 321 Universit y D r. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5377 724 Leigh D r. Columbus, MS P. 662-328-3323 vitalit y-skin.com Wesley Ferguson 405 Ac ademy Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-2876 wesleyferguson.com

S isters Fine Clothing 401 E . Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-0995

To Adver tise: adver tise@townandgownmagazine.com . P. 662-323-1642 . F. 662-323-6586 . townandgownmagazi ne.com 82

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