May 2015

Town &Gown May 2015

A Different Kind of Hero Up close with Starkville’s Newest Distinguished Young Woman Subscription Boxes: Here to Stay?

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS. AND REAPING THE BENEFITS. Celebrate with us as we grow for another 100. wemeanbusiness.msstate.edu

LASIK Surgery No-Stitch/No Needle Cataract Surgery

Glasses & Contacts

“Your healthy vision is important. At the Eye & Laser Center of Starkville, we are committed to your eye care needs, from annual exams and glasses to LASIK and cataract surgery.”

Refractive Lens Exchange

Dr. Jim Brown

Eye Exams Therapeutic Eye Care

Multi-focal Lenses Available Toric Lens Implants for Astigmatism

Jim Brown, MD, FACS Al Lucas, OD

www.eyeandlaser.net

662.320.6555 • 100 Walker Way • Starkville, MS

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

13 Who we’re loving

14 Wishlist

16 What we’re loving

35 Meet Starkville’s Distinguished Young Woman

38 Made in Mississippi: SoDelta Candle Company

40 Taste and Toast: Cinco de Mayo Cuisine

22

The Guest Room: Starkville’s newest best-kept secret.

18

28

31

Patricia Kneely-Dorsey Named Mississippi’s Goodwill Ambassador

A new kind of hero. How one dog has changed the definition of hero.

Inside subscriptions boxes. The nation’s newest fad is here to stay.

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44 Inside the Cartney-Hunt Home

53 Cobo’s Boutique

56 May 2015 Fashion

69 Events

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

Subscription boxes, like Uppercase pictured, have been all the rage in recent years and it doesn’t look like they are slowing down. Check out our article on page 31 for more information.

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AGAZINE.COM

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Town &Gown

A Different

TOWNANDGOWNM

make up! Cover photos by Divian Co nnor. go and check out all Boardtown’s her Be sure to check bs and vegetables!

NUMBER 5

CovershoforotallourowifasnghiousntospruseeadBoandardMtowerlneGaNordermnsan andfor doiMngorethtoe

VOLUME 4,

on the cover.On. theLove our fashion shoot location? Thanks to Dawn Herring

Kind of Hero Up close wit h Starkville ’s Newest Dis ting Young Woman uished

Subscriptio n Boxes: Here to Stay?

May 2015

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

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MAY 2015 | 5

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

{ staff } Don Norman | publisher - sdnpub@starkvilledailynews.com Camille Watts| editor - editor@townandgownmagazine.com

{ account executive } Sarah Elizabeth Tyner - sarahliz@townandgownmagazine.com

{c o n t r i b u t o r s } Lisa Bynum S u s a n O’ B r ya nt {wr i t e r s } Jo e L e e Ri ch e l l e Pu t na m C l i nt Ki m b e r l i ng {p h o t o gr a p h e r s } Di v i a n C o n n o r Ke a t s Vo ge s -H a u p t L a u r a Da ni e l s Ra e l e y St e v e n s Sar ah T yner { stylist }

Natalie Phillips

{p a ge d e s i gn } Camille Watts

{a d v e r t i s i ng d e s i gn} 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 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

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MAY 2015 | 7

Letter from the

Editor

One of my favorite memories was attending the Lutheran church, Beth-Eden Lutheran in Louisville, Mississippi, that my grandmother grew up attending. Usually, we would go to the Baptist church down the road where my mother married my father, but every Mother’s Day we would go to Beth-Eden.

The church, which is easily over a hundred years old, has about 40 members and at least 35 of them are my relatives. One of the few who wasn’t was the pastor, Edward Post. He would always begin his Mother’s Day sermon with ‘How many of you are mothers?’ After the mothers raised their hands he would ask ‘How many of you have mothers?’ Of course, we would all raise our hands and we would all chuckle. As a kid I never knew why we laughed after he said this and, honestly, as an adult I’m still not sure, but every time I think about him and his Mother’s Day sermon I still smile and chuckle a bit.

I can never recall any about his actual sermon, but I can remember resting my head on either my mother’s, grandmother’s, or great-grandmother’s shoulders during the sermon and seeing my sister do the same. I still attend Beth-Eden every so often and though Pastor Post passed away about five years ago the church lives on guided by my aunt. As I sat on my pew Easter morning listening to her preach, her oldest child sitting to my left, head resting on my shoulder, eyes watching her mom and my own mother and grandmother in my sight, I thought back to all those Mother’s Days in the past and all the Mother’s Days to come. The dynamics of our families are always changing. Some of us will be mothers and some of us won’t for various personal reasons, but we will always have mothers whom we will always be thankful for. Don’t worry, we won’t forget to call or visit on May 10. We know how much it means to you, but it also means the world to us.

Camille Watts 8 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

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116 East Main Street • Starkville, Mississippi • 662-323-0929 Store Hours: Monday- Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm

MAY 2015 | 9

SEC Tournament

SEC Tournament

SEC Tournament

Adventure Kids Camp (mini-camp)

Adventure Kids Camp (mini-camp)

MSU vs LSU Market Street Festival Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum Open House 11-2

MSU vs Ole Miss

MSU vs UT

MSU vs Ole Miss

King Cotton Crawfish Boil

MSU vs LSU SAAC Art Walk Market Street Festival

MSU vs Ole Miss

MSU vs UT

MSU vs UT

SEC Tournament

Adventure Kids Camp (mini-camp)

SEC Tournament

SEC Tournament

Additional Event Information Adventure Kids Camp - Mini Camp Tuesday, May 26th - Thursday, May 28th Adventure kids get outside and greet the summer!

Zip lines, catching minnows, hiking, and art are all scheduled for this mini-camp. Perfectly scheduled for working parents during Memorial Day week, this camp was a blast last year and we can’t wait to make new memories this year!

This year our theme is Japanese culture. In addition to all the fun outdoor activities, campers will learn to paint their names in calligraphy, make sushi, and create their own anime characters. We welcome Hiroko Clay as one our counselors!

Evan O’Donnell, who teacher Science Club at Henderson-Ward Stewart will be rejoining us this year for Outdoor Games. Alison Buehler will be leading Into the Woods Science.

Ages: 5-12 Hours: 7:45am-4pm *Drop off begins at 7:30 Nature Kids: Bats, Bees, Butterflies, and Birds Monday, June 1st - Friday, June 5th Designed for our campers who aren’t ready to go the full day yet in the hot sun, Nature Kids campers explore their natural world through language, outdoor adventure, and plants. This year our three rotations include: Spanish - songs, arts, and language lessons focused on Bats, Bees, Butterflies, and Birds!

Helpful Herbs - learn all kinds of uses for herbs growing right under your feet and create useful products.

Outdoor Adventure - Build a bat house, visit the bee hives, learn about the birds in our area, and plant a butterfly garden Ages: 3 years - 6 years old Hours: 9am - 1pm - Parents come at noon and kids are welcome to swim with adult supervision.

Parents may team up to watch other children, but no more than three kids to each adult.

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Dangerous Boys Camp Monday, June 15th - Friday, June 19th As the parent of two boys, and the former teacher of lots of hyper young men, I believe boys need a certain set of experiences that they no longer receive in our culture. Boys need to learn to take risks within a safe container of apprenticeship. They need to learn real skills that are really useful. Boys need to feel like they have accomplished something “dangerous” outside of a video game.

This year we welcome counselor Patrick Gibson, outdoorsman and father of two children. He will lead the boys in one of the three rotation called Into the Woods Survival. Alison Buehler will be teaching The Science of Explosions, and outdoorsman Jarrat Baker will rejoin us this year to teach Primitive Skills.

Ages: Entering 1st grade - Entering 6th grade (Campers will be split into three groups by age) Drop Off and Pick UP: Camp begins at 9am.

Campers may be dropped off at 8:45 and must be picked up no later than 3pm.

Farm Camp Monday, June 22nd - Friday, June 26th Bring back the tradition of sending the kids to the farm this summer. Farm camp is full of hands on, agricultural adventures. Campers rotate through three stations each day: Animal Husbandry, Food and Garden, and Natural Arts. We believe it is important for all children to know where their food comes from, how to produce and preserve it, and how to reconnect with their natural world.

Ages: Entering 1st grade - Entering 7th grade (Campers will be split into three groups by age) Hours: 7:45am-4pm *Drop off begins at 7:30 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.thehomesteadcenter.com

who we’re loving lately • Our favorites on instagram and Twitter • www.instagram/townandgown

Delta Blues Rice • @deltabluesrice • http://www.deltabluesrice.com Delta Blues Rice is grown, artisan milled, and packaged in small batches on a multi-generational family farm that has been operating in the Mississippi Delta for over 90 years. Delta Blues Rice can be purchased all over Mississippi, but can also be purchased online.

D’Evereux Foods • @devereuxfoods • http://www.devereuxfoods.com Located in Natchez, Miss. D’Evereux Foods is the only hot pepper sauce company in Mississippi. As of right now they have three different types of hot pepper sauce: Rogue, Fermente and Fantome. You can order any of these online.

The Greenhouse on Porter • @greenhouseonporter • http://www.greenhouseonporter.com This coffee, biscuit, beer and art shop is located in Ocean Springs, Miss and is completely unique. On Mondays your first cup of coffee is free and on weekends, the Pop-up Hood (the yard) will be buzzing with vendors made up of local farmers, artists and makers coming to get their products out there.

MAY 2015 | 13

Mother’s Day Wishlist Giggleswick 200 MS-12 Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.320.8476

Sisters Fine Clothing 401 E. Lampkin St Starkville, MS 662.323.0995

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Brickerton Day Spa 144 Brickerton St, Columbus, MS 39701 662.244.7100

Luna Bella 500 Russell St Suite 5 Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Mother’s Day Wishlist Giggleswick 200 MS-12 Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

Luna Bella 500 Russell St Suite 5 Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.320.8476

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Sisters Fine Clothing 401 E. Lampkin St Starkville, MS 662.323.0995

Brickerton Day Spa 144 Brickerton St, Columbus, MS 39701 662.244.7100

MAY 2015 | 15

what we’re loving lately Summer Staples for this Memorial Weekend

Flowy Maxi Dress

You don’t have to be six feet tall to pull off a maxi dress. For those of us on the shorter side check out the petite section and even invest in a good tailor.

Retro Swimsuit

Slide on Sandals

Easy slip-on sandals will be all the rage this summer. Just because they are slip-ons doesn’t mean that have to be plain. This sandals from Modcloth are a perfect combination of simple and beautiful.

Fun beach tote

If you plan on spending your long weekend at the beach be sure to pack a bright and colorful beach bag. One with a bright pattern, like this red chevron, will help make your easier to distinguish in the sea of beach-goers.

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A fun, vintage-inspired swimsuit will be f lattering on almost any body type. Choose one with ruching on the side to f latter your figure this Memorial Day weekend.

heavy-duty sunscreen

Just because the 90s are making a comeback doesn’t mean we can ignore our skin health. Try a heavy-duty sunscreen for this Memorial Day. Weekend and your skin will thank you!

Funky Sunglasses

Say good-bye to the standard, boring sunglasses in black or white. These lavender ones will make a bold statement this summer while keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

turkish towel

The Turkish towel is traditionally used in Turkish baths, but that’s no reason you can’t use them on the beach. These are usually hand-woven and are highly absorbent and fast trying. They are wonderfully soft and can be rolled up and stuffed in your beach bag with ease making them perfect for the beach.

MAY 2015 | 17

Tupelo Poet named Mississippi’s Goodwill Ambassador Story by Joe Lee Photos submitted

T

upelo poet Patricia Neely-Dorsey has gotten great results from Facebook in spreading the word about her work, and one of the most important friend requests she sent was to State Representative Randy Boyd of Mantachie, who serves her district in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

“That’s how I became acquainted with Patricia and her work,” Boyd said. “It became evident to me that she’s a special person and someone who needs to be heard and appreciated. I love her positive messages about her state, and she’s known widely – Governor and Mrs. Bryant have talked about her. The governor helped me with the resolution, and we plan on putting a bill in for next year to make ‘Meet My Mississippi’ the official state poem.”

That resolution, which cited the many positive things about Mississippi in Neely-Dorsey’s body of work, successfully cleared the legislative body in January and led to Governor Phil Bryant naming her an official Goodwill Ambassador for the state. As to the possibility of a poem of hers being named the official state poem (something only five other states have), that would be a dream come true.

“It would be such a tremendous honor,” said Neely-Dorsey, who was written poetry for nearly a decade. “‘Meet My Mississippi’ would be a permanent emblem, representative of our state like the state tree, flower, and song.”

Neely-Dorsey graduated from Tupelo High School in 1982 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. She spent nearly twenty years in the field of mental health before relocating to Tupelo in 2007. She wrote her first poem that year.

“I woke up with a poem swirling around in my head,” she said. “I got up and quickly scribbled it down. After that, they started to flow and flow.”

Two collections of poetry followed: Reflections of a Mississippi Mag-

MAY 2015 | 19

nolia – A Life in Poems (2008) and My Magnolia Memories and Musings – in Poems (2012). A third volume, Mississippi in Me, is coming in early 2016.

“There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general,” Neely-Dorsey said. “In my books and through my poems I attempt to give a more positive glimpse into our state and region, rather than all of the negative images usually portrayed. My greatest influence for my writing is my deep love for the people and places of Mississippi.”

“Patricia truly deserves the title of Mississippi’s Goodwill Ambassador,” said Lucille Armstrong, president of the Friends of the Bryan Public Library in West Point. “Her poems detail Mississippi people and places. They have that ‘sense of place’ that is common in the works of so many of our writers.

“She’s an excellent speaker who reads her poetry with such feeling, enabling her listeners to become part of the scene or event. Comments I’ve heard include, ‘She’s so real,’ ‘She writes about common, everyday things we can relate to,’ and ‘She makes us see ourselves through her words.’”

“She puts a positive slant on Mississippi and its hospitality and charm,” said Carolyn Abadie, manager of The Book Mart & Café in Starkville. “They’re pretty books, and we’ve sold many as gifts to people who are not from the south.”

“I have gotten overwhelmingly positive responses from the very beginning,” Neely-Dorsey said. “I love the fact that so many people outside the state have told me they never really considered visiting Mississippi until they read my poems. It’s also very encouraging that my books have seemed to help people give poetry a second chance.”

Neely-Dorsey’s books are available locally at The Book Mart, Reeds Gum Tree Bookstore in Tupelo, Party and Paper in Columbus, and online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Find her on Facebook and visit her website at www. patricianeelydorsey.com.

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“Meet My Mississippi”

“Southern Life”

Faulkner’s Sanctuary Eudora’s home state Elvis’ birthplace The bulk of the Trace; Sprawling beaches Along the Gulf Coast shore One blues man’s crossroads And inspiration for more; An abundance of history Tradition and folklore Warm front porch welcomes With a wide open door; A ride down the mighty river On the American Queen And some of the most Beautiful countryside That you’ve ever seen She’s music and melodies And the mockingbird’s songs, By valor and arms And faith ever strong; She’s magnolias blooming Around Jackson’s capitol dome And the sweet scent of honeysuckle That forever says “home” She’s My Mississippi She’s “The Hospitality State” Go Mississippi You’re a true State of Grace

If you want a glimpse of Southern life, Come close and walk with me; I’ll tell you all the simple things, That you are sure to see.

You’ll see mockingbirds and bumblebees, Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees, Caterpillars on the step, Wooden porches cleanly swept; Watermelons on the vine, Strong majestic Georgia pines; Rocking chairs and front yard swings, June bugs flying on a string; Turnip greens and hot cornbread, Coleslaw and barbecue; Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes, Fried pies and pickles, too.

There’s ice cold tea that’s syrupy sweet, And cool, green grass beneath your feet; Catfish nipping in the lake, And fresh young boys on the make.

You’ll see all these things And much, much more, In a way of life, that I adore.

Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Copyright 2013 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

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MAY 2015 | 21

The Guest Room: Starkville’s Best Kept Secret Story by: Joe Lee Photos by Blake

C

lose your eyes and imagine living in Prohibition-era times, when alcohol wasn’t permitted by law and those who dared to drink socially lurked in dark corners of speakeasies that were dimly lit and almost impossible to find if you didn’t know the right person.

“The Guest Room has a speakeasy vibe,” said Brian Kelley of the Eat Local Starkville group, which owns Restaurant Tyler and the rooms above and below the restaurant.

The basement – now known as The Guest Room – is a craft cocktail bar that boasts no signage. “You enter through the back alley of Restaurant Tyler. When you go in, it’s a very dark space.

“We’re putting an emphasis on customer service and making the experience comfortable. You don’t come in

and stand in clumps of people while having your drink. You’re seated and interact with the bartenders and cocktail waitresses. Everything is unique in the creation of the cocktails, from the variety of glasses to the shape of the ice cubes and the different syrups. Everything is made in house.”

Designed by Starkville native Amanda Shafer, The Guest Room is 900 square feet in size and holds exactly fifty people. The space sure wasn’t the definition of elegance, though, when Shafer laid eyes on it

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the first time.

“Upon my first meeting with Brian to see it, he warned me not to wear nice shoes,” said Shafer, who spent a year working in New York City with renowned restaurant designer Adam Tihany. “When he took me through the Restaurant Tyler kitchen and down the stairs to the basement – still with a dirt floor and only six feet of headroom – I instantaneously knew this place was going to be something special in Starkville.

MAY 2015 | 25

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“New York City is filled with hidden speakeasies and tiny restaurants, and there is something magical about the small scale of those places. Brian’s vision was to design an elegant yet comfortable craft cocktail bar, a place that would make guest service its top priority and focus on top-quality handcrafted drinks unseen in the Starkville area.”

Shafer had six weeks to design and build The Guest Room before the soft opening last September (a fundraiser benefiting The Mullen 36 Foundation).

“The speakeasy vibe was not something Brian and Chef Ty (Thames) set out to do, but it came naturally due to the space being subterranean and the main entrance tucked away in the back alley,” Shafer said.

“The finishes, furniture and lighting were selected specifically to give the space a sense that it had been there as long as the building itself (which dates to 1875).

“We chose distressed wood floors, vintage pressed ceiling tile, and antiqued mirror to give it an authentic, warm atmosphere. The copper bar and metal ceiling tiles created a reflective quality that offsets the lower ceiling height. The mirror at the back is a French antique from 1880 that was found in New

Orleans. All the vintage light fixtures were put on dimmers to achieve the desirable level of light.”

Shafer also built out small wing walls at the back of the space to create an area that’s now curtained-off for special events (it holds thirty). And the full Restaurant Tyler menu is being served at The Guest Room, not just a few items.

“The most common comment is – and I’ve heard it hundreds of times now – ‘I don’t feel like I’m in Starkville, Mississippi,’” Kelley said. “The town has really embraced craft cocktails, and we are lining things up like cocktail/spirits classes and cocktail dinners for the spring and summer to keep things rolling.”

Restaurant Tyler is located at 100 East Main in Starkville. Visit online at www.eatlocalstarkville.com.

In addition to small renovations at the restaurant (which Shafer expects to finish by the end of May), the next project is one floor up.

“For Upstairs at Tyler, our focus is to create a new casual, fun atmosphere that will also lend itself to private parties like wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions,” Shafer said. “We hope to complete it by close of summer.”

MAY 2015 | 27

A Different Kind of Hero

Story by Richelle Putnam Photos submitted

“

When a person thinks of a hero, they often think of Superman, or a military veteran coming home to his family. They also may think of the qualities that make them heroes. Selflessness, determination and a willingness to serve at any cost are three qualities that make someone a hero. Heroes come in many different varieties, including dogs. One such hero in my life is Bentley, my guide dog.” Austin Marshall Austin Marshall met Bentley, a Southeastern Guide Dog in May 2014, but the story doesn’t begin there. It begins years ago when Austin is born with Chorio-retinal coloboma, an eye abnormality that occurs before birth. Though Austin had vision in one eye, getting around quickly and efficiently was challenging, especially on the Mississippi State Uni-versity campus where Austin was pursuing a degree in broadcasting. The story continues on the Atlanta subway where Austin noticed a dog under another passenger’s seat. The friend who was assisting Austin on the subway told Austin that the dog was a guide dog and the passenger was blind.

Later, Austin goo-gled information about guide dogs and discovered

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Southeastern guide dogs.

“Austin came here for his match and training call in May of 2014,” said Ruth Lando of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

To qualify for the Southeastern Guide Dog program, one must be 18 years of age and have completed O&M (Orientation and Mobility) training with a white cane. In addition, trainees have to get doctor exams and references. Outreach people visit potential trainees in their home to see what kind of environment the dog will be brought back to. No more than two other dogs may live in the home.

Those accepted into the program work with the certified trainers for 26 days.

“All the meals are provided and all of their needs are taken care of.” At the end of that 26 days, if the perfect match continues, they graduate and take their dog home, said Ruth. All of this is at no cost, thanks to funding from private philanthropy and grants. “We get no government funds and even the follow-up is included.”

Austin was matched with Bentley, a black Lab

male born in 2012.

“It was really stressful for [Bentley] because he was starting that next chapter, that next phase when the dog doesn’t know what’s going on,” said Austin.

After the dog is introduced to you, Austin explained, you have the rest of the day to be together. At first, Bentley was sort of withdrawn and quiet, walking away from Austin and then coming back, off and on all day.

“It was early the next morning when he finally wanted to play,” said Austin.

Austin took Bentley back to meet his family in Houston, Mississippi and back to school at Mississippi State. In December, 2014, Austin graduated Mississippi State University with a degree in broadcasting. Working for ESPN, he does audio work, utility work, and has done camera work. He has also had to travel a great deal.

“He told us on many occasions that Bentley has been terrific guide dog in all kinds of situations whether it’s crazy noisy stadium or in the airport when he has a long layover,” said Ruth. Bentley has always been helpful, reliable, and a great asset who helps Austin do his work flawlessly.

Guide dogs are constantly assessed from the day

they are born as to their suitability to be a guide dog, said Ruth. Taken into consideration are their temperament, intelligence, their ability and willingness to work, and their desire to work.

“The dogs really set the tone.” To be better matched, even gait is measured and whether or not they pull to the left or right. Other considerations are whether or not the person works and if their environments are in the city or the country, and do they have stairs, an elevator or an escalator.

“That is systematized and they come here to train with their dog,” said Ruth. “Their dog is learning 40 different commands for them, including something called intelligent disobedience, which is where the dog knows to counter a command and not go forward.” An example might that an electric car is coming that their handler can’t hear and the guide dog knows not to go forward.

“Once we got through that first day, [Bentley] started to open up and started working,” said Austin.

“I remember during the first walk, he’d look back at me.”

The trainer explained that Bentley was trying to get assurance from Austin. Bentley had several trainers, so once he got with Austin, Bentley was just

MAY 2015 | 29

trying to perform correctly.

“The emotional bonding didn’t take very long,” said Austin, “but the working bond took about a week.” Into the 2nd week of training, Austin and Bentley went on the night walk and that’s when it really started kicking in. “It’s been growing from there.”

Because Austin does have some vision, having a guide dog maybe not have changed his life as drastically as someone who is totally blind, but Bentley has helped Austin made some pretty big changes.

The biggest change has probably been that it’s more convenient for Austin to get around.

“I could always see where to walk and where to go, even though I might run into something here or there.”

But now, when he’s walking around on campus, he can look up, instead of looking down to make sure a curb isn’t coming up. He can look up at the person he’s walking with and hold a normal conversation.

“I remember the first day I was walking with [Bentley” in training and I was able to look at my trainer when we were talking. I told her how great it was to have a normal conversation on the sidewalk and not have to worry about what trees are coming up or if there’s a branch in the road.”

Bentley has stopped Austin for a few cars. “I’ll walk out occasionally and not pay attention to

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what’s on that left side, which is the side I can’t see.”

Bentley is there to stop him.

Entering Bentley in the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards is a way to spread the word about guide dogs and what they are doing.

The 5,000 dollar award is enough money to sponsor a dog. Bentley doesn’t know that there’s a contest going on and to Austin, it’s about giving back what’s been done for him.

“We are very proud of what Austin and Bentley have accomplished together,” said Ruth. “Can you imagine being able to do his job at ESPN while being visually impaired. It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment.”

The story continues for Austin and Bentley. “We are just into our first year and things are just now starting to click,” said Austin. “It’s a bond, sort of like marriage is, and when I do start a family, he’ll be right there in the middle of it.”

To vote for Bentley: American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards http://www.herodogawards.org/ The first round of voting to determine the top three semi-finalists in each category will remain open from March 9th to May 15th, 2015

Subscription Boxes, the Nation’s Newest Fad, is Here to Stay

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Story by Richelle Putnam Photos submitted

f you’re not familiar with Subscription Boxes yet, you will be. Since its inception four years ago, the Subscription Box industry has exploded into a fast growing business model that continues to grow stronger, according to Forbes.com. They are monthly gift boxes mailed to your address each month, filled with goodies that best fits your and even your pet’s personal style. From beauty aids to clothing and accessories; from books to pet products, most Subscription Boxes provide high-quality products at reasonable costs to consumers.

Based out of New York, Barkbox is the brainchild of dog lovers, Matt Meeker, Henrik Wer-

delin and Carly Strife.

“They thought it would be a great idea to have shipped to them monthly a box of products designed for dogs,” said Alexis Anderson, Head of Partnerships at Barkbox. “So a few years ago, they launched Barkbox, which is designed for dogs.”

Each box Barkbox mails to subscribers throughout the U. S. and Canada contains 4 - 6 full-size, all-natural and super-fun chews, toys and treats.

“There’s so much in the news about things that aren’t good for your dog. Barkbox wants to assure that everything in their boxes are good for the dog.”

The company has grown very quickly in three years and gotten better at choosing products to send out. Feedback from buyers helps and is crucial, said Alexis. “We learn what dogs love, so we get better and better at what we do. We want to be sure we are improving on every single box we send out.”

Barkbox has also grown tremendously from word of mouth. “We work with small vendors, mom and pop shops and we find and share things that are not necessarily available,” said Alexia. “We are very good at listening to things that dogs and their parents want.”

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In October, 2014, the company launched Bark Shop, which grew out of subscribers wanting to re-order products they received in a box. They now have their own Barkbox label and produce a line of toys for dogs. The BarkBox team is made up of dog-obsessed scouts scouring the country and Canada for small shops that produce the best, most healthy, unique stuff to keep dogs active and happy.

Barkbox subscriptions start at 19 dollars a month and shipping is free.

Uppercase is a Subscription Box specializing in young adult (YA) books. “A lot of people think young adult fiction is well...only for young adults,” said Lisa Parkin, Uppercase CEO and Founder. “I’ve been a reader my whole life, but I’ve always had a soft spot for young adult books.”

YA books are really for everyone, explained Lisa.

A recent Time article found that YA book sales have increased significantly and that a likely correlation is that more adults are branching out in this genre.

Every month, Uppercase mails to subscribers a hand-selected YA book and fun “bookish” item.

“When I was 10 years old, my mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer,” said

CHECK OUT OTHER SUBSCRIPTION BOXES:

Birchbox Beauty Samples for Men and Women www.birchbox.com Stitchfix Stylish Apparel and Accessories www.stitchfix.com Orange Glad Dessert Sweet boxes! www.orangeglad.com The Pony Box For the horse and rider www.theponybox.us Ipsy Beauty Samples for Women www.ipsy.com

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Lisa. “That was also around the time when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published. So during my mom’s oncology appointments and radiation treatments, I’d sit in the waiting room with my Harry Potter book and escape a little bit from my very scary reality.”

Lisa’s Mom has been in remission for 15 years, but Lisa’s soft spot for YA books remained and in 2011 she started a YA book review blog, Read.Breathe.

Relax.

“I’ve read and recommended so many great YA books to my readers and friends and family that I knew I could create a business out of this passion.

And, Uppercase was born.”

What excites both Alexis and Lisa about Subscription Boxes is that they are able to provide consumers with quality products or hard-to-find products for less money.

“For subscription boxes to be successful they have to be worth more than the fee that you are paying ,” said Alexis, “and that you’re using customer feedback to produce better products.” You also have to constantly bring in new creative products.” There needs

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to be a good creative team to select these products, she added. You have make sure people feel like there is value in what they are spending for subscription boxes and making sure that you’re holding up your end of the bargain.

“It is so much fun to surprise my subscribers with a book that I personally love and highly recommend,” said Lisa. “I read every book I send through Uppercase. I love the feeling of sharing what I love most in the world with people who also passionately care about the same thing.”

The future of Subscription Boxes looks bright, according to Lisa and Alexis.

“It’s about the person being really excited about receiving their box every month,” said Alexis Many subscription boxes cater to large markets of people with the same general interests like makeup, jewelry and clothes, said Lisa. “Some subscription boxes have already become more niche specific, like mine, and I think that will only continue to grow.

The beauty of subscription boxes is that they’re about discovering new things you didn’t even know existed and now desperately need.”

Marlee Maples Named Starkville’s Newest Distinguished Young Woman Story by Clint Kimberling Photos by Laura Daniels

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he Starkville chapter of Distinguished Young Women recently held their local preliminary of the national scholarship program. Where Marlee Maples, a junior at Starkville Academy, was named the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Starkville. With that honor Marlee was awarded a college scholarship and will have a chance to compete at the state competition this summer.

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program for high school girls that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. The young women are judged in five categories: academic performance, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Susan Keith, the Starkville Program Director, says she likes being involved with Distinguished Young Women because “the program rewards excellence in young women by promoting academic excellence, physical fitness, interview skills and I can see first-hand the positive impact it has on young women.”

Much more than just a series of competitions, participants also complete community service projects and promote DYW outreach program “Be Your Best Self.” Distinguished Young Women of Starkville awards a total of $4,900 in scholarship money to competition winners.

Marlee began her journey at the beginning of this school year. She remembers the first meeting and being overwhelmed at the requirements and work involved with completing the program. But she said it was tempered with everyone’s enthusiasm for the program and that it felt “so amazing to have that many people encouraging you to go forward.”

To prepare for the competition, Marlee spent three months in practicing every afternoon after school and Sundays for the pageant. In fact, that became one of her favorite things about the program—the camaraderie among the other 17 competitors and the friendships they formed. “We all go to different schools, so without DYW we wouldn’t know each other.”

Thinking back to pageant, Marlee recalls being nervous about the onstage question portion. But she still remembers the question she was asked and even recites back to me as well her answer as if the pageant just happened yesterday. Susan Keith praises Marlee, saying “She is a very focused, hardworking young woman who has excellent communication skills and intelligence. She really impressed judges with interview and onstage phases.”

Next for Marlee will be the Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi competition this July in Meridian. She is looking forward to the experience.

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“I’m very excited and I can’t wait for orientation and to meet all the other girls,” she tells me.

In the meantime, Marlee says she’s been doing a lot of push ups, practicing mock interviews, and preparing her talent. A longtime member of the school band, Marlee played the snare drum at the local competition but remains undecided about what piece she will play for the judges in Meridian. “I hope it’s a fun surprise for everyone involved,” she says.

Outside of Distinguished Young Women, Marlee stays very busy. She’s been a band member for five years, sings in several choirs including the school choir, the Mississippi Girls’ Choir in last year, and the Delta State Honor Choir. A member of Anchor Club, Marleee also and works as a pre-kindergarten gymnastics teacher four days a week after school.

Even though she is only a junior, Marlee has plans to attend Mississippi University for Women and pursue a career as a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Despite the hard work and time commitment, Marlee holds no regrets about her decision to compete. Having participated in the program she feels like she is better prepared for college and has gained skills that she can take far. “I would encourage other girls younger than me to get involved because it’s a great experience.”

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Made In Mississippi: SoDelta Candle Company Story by: Joe Lee Photos submitted

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hen Lea Margaret Hamilton of Greenville was trying to think of a way to launch a new endeavor and contribute to the family income, she found the answer in a field of soybeans.

“I was driving to Greenwood to see a friend who owns a gift shop, and along the way I spotted a soybean field being harvested,” said Hamilton, a 1990 graduate of Mississippi State University who was born and raised in Hollandale. “It was an ‘a-ha’ moment. I couldn’t wait to get home to figure out how to make soy candles influenced by the Mississippi Delta.”

SoDelta Candle Company began with Hamilton experimenting while her husband and children were away from home (or still in bed). Once she told them what she was doing and received their blessings and encouragement, Hamilton made her first call to a merchant in Greenville. Although the store is no longer in business, they sold out of her

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candles in fifteen minutes. A second call went to Montage Marketplace, a customer to this day and the exclusive Greenville retail location of SoDelta Candle products.

“When I started SoDelta, I wanted to create the most natural, Southern-influenced candle on the market,” Hamilton said. “I use only American-grown soy wax, cotton wicks and phthalates-free fragrance oils. I use a variety of containers, from Mason jars to glass tumblers. Early on, I contacted a local potter, and together we’ve made fabulous, hand-crafted containers. A wonderful aspect of being a small company is that we can do custom fills and private labeling.”

Cary Karlson, executive director of The Chamber & Economic Development Center of Washington County, and his wife, Craig (owner of Montage Marketplace), encouraged Hamilton to display her work at the Mississippi Market Wholesale Show in Jackson Word spread from there – SoDelta products are now available in all fifty states and Canada. Hamilton has even shipped to an overseas military address in Afghanistan.

“It is one hundred percent family,” Hamilton said of the business, which is at its busiest each fourth quarter. “My son works in the afternoon after school. During busy times of the year, I call in other family members and friends. My daddy, ‘The Wicked Wicker,’ opens up every morning.”

“Lea Margaret began making candles in her kitchen and said it was an answer to her prayers,” said close friend Betty Dixon, who has watched the business flourish in the eight years the women have been acquainted. “I gave her a hot plate so she would have an extra heat source to use. She has called me to come over and smell scents she was trying out for new candles. While I have many favorites, Delta is my absolute favorite.”

“She had a wonderful vision and has grown by leaps and bounds,” said Craig Karlson. “Her candles are always presented (by my husband) in gift baskets to prospective business owners who visit Greenville. We recently sold 22 candles to one of the local schools, who gave them to their school board and administrative staff.”

Hamilton, who said her business grows through word of mouth (and sense of smell), said that Delta is indeed the most requested scent. The most popular containers for her candles are the Mint Julep and the Square Mason Jar. Visit SoDelta Candle Company online at www.sodelta.com, like them on Facebook, and find SoDelta candles at locations in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Bay St. Louis, and locally at Mak B and Co. on Russell Street.

“The containers are great. We started with the Tin Top and people just loved that look,” said Kay Black of Mak B and Co. “Then Lea Margaret progressed into the pottery and I think she hit a home run there. Often times – especially if it is a gift – I find people just want a great-looking container. At Mak B & Co. we sell a lot of the shooters – that way people can try a fragrance before making a purchase of the larger candles. It’s a great hostess gift or an inexpensive addition to a gift bag.”

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On the Menu: ยบ Lime Margaritas on the Rocks ยบ Tequila Lime Skirt Steak ยบ Cinco de Mayo Chicken Sliders Recipes and P hotos by: Lisa Bynum

Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, May 5th is not Mexico’s equivalent of our Independence Day. It actually commemorates a little-known battle in which Mexican forces were triumphant over France. So why exactly do we celebrate this holiday? Just as we celebrate the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo has become a way to commemorate our affection for the Mexican fiesta. Your fiesta is sure to be tasty with these Cinco-inspired recipes. - Lisa Bynum Lime Margaritas on the Rocks Serves 1

Ingredients: 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice 1.5 oz. good tequila 1 oz. orange liqueur ¼ oz. simple syrup Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.

Shake until well combined.

Pour over ice into saltrimmed glasses.

Tequila Lime Skirt Steak

Serves 4

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons tequila 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 jalapeùo, cored, seeded, and minced 2 green onions, whites and green parts, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1-1/2 pounds flack or skirt steak ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste 1 lime, cut into wedges

Combine tequila, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, jalapeno, green onions, garlic cloves, brown sugar, and black pepper. Pour mixture into a resealable plastic bag.

Add skirt steak to the bag. Seal the bag, then shake to coat the meat with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hour, preferably overnight.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for cooking.

Remove steak from marinade. Discard marinade.

Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.

Place meat on the hot grill and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 120 degrees. Remove meat from grill and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Thinly slice meat against the grain. Squeeze lime wedges over the meat.

Cinco de Mayo Chicken Sliders

Serves 4

Ingredients: Sauce: ¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream ½ teaspoon grated lime peel ¼ teaspoon lime juice Slaw: 1 cup broccoli coleslaw mix 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet red pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro 2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper 2 teaspoons lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar Sliders: 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each) ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 8 Hawaiian sweet rolls, split 1 cup mixed greens or torn lettuce 8 slices tomato

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lime peel and lime juice.

In a separate bowl, mix together the slaw ingredients. Chill both the sauce and the slaw until serving.

To make the sliders, cut each chicken breast in half widthwise then flatten to ½-in. thickness.

Mix together the cumin, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle each breast on both sides with seasonings.

Place chicken on a prepared gad or charcoal grill.

Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees and the center of the chicken is no longer pink.

Place roll cut side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted.

To assemble the sliders, place a small amount of lettuce and a tomato on each roll. Top with a chicken breast, coleslaw mix, then drizzle the top with the sauce.

Inside the Historic Cartney-Hunt House Story by Clint Kimberling Photos by Renee Reedy

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hen Marleen Hansen and her husband, Vagn, relocated from Virginia to Columbus in 2001, she only found one house that she really wanted to live in. That house was the Cartney-Hunt House, the oldest brick house in North Mississippi built in 1828.

At one point the house was condemned, but due to its historical status, and fortunately for the Hansen’s, it was not torn down. Instead, the Federal-style home was eventually restored by a local attorney, Mr. Hunter Gholson, in 1983 to

be used as a bed and breakfast.

Looking back on their decision to purchase the home Marleen explains, “I felt really good about the house, because it seemed like it was supposed to happen,” “Plus,” she points out, “I already had antique furniture to put in the house.

As everything fell in place, Marleen remained undaunted about taking on a new career as an innkeeper. She says quite matter-of-factly, “I knew I could run a B&B. I mean, if you have company, you have company. It didn’t matter to me if they were paying customers. Plus I needed something to occupy part of my time.”

The Hansen’s have operated the Cartney-Hunt’s three guest rooms since 2002. Guests can stay in rooms that are original to the home’s 1828 construction as well as relax in the sitting room, also original to the home. The Hansen’s live on the premises in a back wing that was added on to the home.

Breakfast at Cartney-Hunt features fresh fruit, juices and drinks and a revolving list of entrée that include omelets, breakfast casserole, and waffles. “We always ask guests before they arrive of any dietary

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restrictions or if they prefer a certain breakfast meal.

Its’ a personal touch we offer.” And with only three guest rooms, they are often able to accommodate very specific requests from guests. Marleen says, “Customizing breakfast meal makes for grateful guests and also returning guests.”

Marleen’s favorite thing about running a bed and breakfast is the people she meets. “It’s so interesting to meet all kinds of people, from everywhere. You never know where the guests are coming from.” This has also convinced her that the six degrees of separation theory could actually be reduced one or two degrees as she sees constantly between guests.

Visitors come to Cartney-Hunt for Mississippi State football games and they have a lot of repeat customers who traveling through, mostly on their way to Florida. She also has permanent guests from Texas who are Mississippi State fans and stay several times a year for football and baseball weekends.

And the Hansen’s have their fair share of international visitors as well. Marleen always gets a kick out of guests who travel from overseas or even the northern United States to the south for the summer and always ask for a room with air conditioning. “I

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have to reassure them that, yes, the entire house is air-conditioned.”

When visitors to Columbus are in town, Marleen keeps a handle on events and special happenings around town. “I do what I can to help them find their way around town, suggest restaurants and activities. We can set up tours of Columbus if they’re interested.”

Marleen says she wants to keep running the Cartney-Hunt Home for the foreseeable future because she enjoys the people and being a part of the strong community of Bed and Breakfast owners in Columbus. She says the large number of inns in Columbus “reflect the history of town better than chain hotels can. We offer hot breakfast, real food, served on real china with real napkins served in quiet and nice atmosphere, in historic buildings.

You can’t get that just anywhere.”

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Susan O’Bryant’s Favorite Summer Beach Reads

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ellow coats of pollen signal spring’s arrival, but they also are reminders that it’s time to think about a vacation. Time to kick back, relax and escape the daily grind. Whether you’re planning a true vacation or a brief staycation, a good book is a great way to run away mentally.

Just as you worry about what to put in your suitcase, you may have questions about what reading material to bring along. Your choices in e-books, hardbacks and paperbacks are bound only by the limits of your imagination.

Jamie Kornegay of Greenwood captures readers’ attention with “Soil,” a story of obsession, intrigue and desperation. The nearly 400-page novel builds around three main characters – Jay Mize, broke-down soil expert; his estranged wife Sandy; and a sexcrazed deputy named Danny Shoals. When Jay finds a dead

body in his flooded pond, his over-the-top paranoia replaces common sense and widens the rift with his wife, a school teacher desperate for a normal life.

“Soil” is not a quick read. It’s intense, dark and deeply personal. This is Kornegay’s first full-length novel and it whets readers’ appetite for more from this talented author.

D.M. Pulley’s “The Dead Key” has been around a few months, but there’s a reason why it’s still gaining attention. And there’s a reason why it was named 2014 grand prize winner as the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

Picture a multi-floored office building with an elegantly decorated prestigious First Bank of Cleveland as its main tenant. Now, fast forward 20 years as it sits abandoned after an overnight closure, leaving files, briefcases – and unclaimed safety deposit boxes - to gather spider webs and mysteries. When Iris Latch, a recently graduated engineer, comes in to survey the empty building, she stumbles across more than dusty desks and hidden bathrooms.

Two intertwining timelines and a fast-paced plot will keep readers guessing until the last page.

Other books to consider include: “At the Water’s Edge,”

by Sara Gruen, author of “Water for Elephants.”

The bestselling author takes her readers along as heroine Madeline Hyde discovers love, destruction and possibilities in the Scottish Highlands during World War II. Just as with her previous novels, Gruen’s attention to period details makes the unfamiliar come to life and her characters breathe life.

“Pieces of My Mother,” a memoir by Melissa Cistaro. Thirty-five years ago, her mother abandoned Cistaro and her brothers by choice. Now with chil-

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dren of her own, the author fears she’ll never learn the truth about what hoped that summer so long ago as her mom lays dying. A hidden stash of letters that her mother wrote, but never sent, helps the author deal with how parents’ choices impact their children and the roads they are set to wander.

“Cold Cold Heart” by Tami Hoag, a bestselling author known for her thrillers. Her latest novel puts Dana Nolan, a young TV reporter, in the path of a serial killer and the road to a terrifying truth.

“The Beautiful Daughters” by Nicole Baart, author of “Sleeping in Eden.” The novel centers on Adrienne Vogt and Harper Penny, two former best friends and the small-town secrets they can’t escape. Baart gives her readers a rich, yet intense look at redemption, forgiveness and emotional scars and scrapes.

“Bettyville,” a memoir by George Hodgman. The author opens his life and heart as he tries to cope with his elderly mother’s loss of independence and mental grasp. Hodgman has written a verbal lesson in life for adult children facing similar situations.

“Dunaway’s Crossing” by Nancy Brandon. The novel is well-written historical fiction about two women and those they love as the 1918 Spanish influenza devastates the country. Bea Dot is forced to deal with an abusive husband and a new love, while cousin Netta faces a difficult pregnancy in a rural cabin while her husband tries to doctor their hometown.

“The Turner House” by Angela Flournoy.

The author’s debut novel focuses on a struggling East Detroit family, including 13 children, and how they deal with family issues, outside forces and their own human frailties. As they face what to do with the dilapidated homestead, each faces how the past has shaped the future.

Cobo’s Boutique: Getting to Know Starkville’s Newest Boutique Owners Story by Richelle Putnam Photos by Sarah Tyner and Submitted

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ourtney and Bob Frisby, owners of Cobo’s Boutique, tried to sneak under the radar with their soft opening on Cotton Mill Drive in Starkville, but curious onlookers, seeing the staff working through the windows, had to check it out. They left the store with smiles and bags in their hands.

But before we get to Cobo’s Starkville, we must first go back to Brandon, Miss., Courtney’s hometown.

After graduating Mississippi State University, Courtney left Starkville. For over ten years, she worked as a pharmaceutical rep in Hattiesburg, where she met soon-to-be husband Bob, also a Mississippi State university grad.

“When we moved back to Brandon, that’s when I started my clothing business,” said Courtney.

The couple took the first two letters of their first names, “Co” and “Bo” to come up with the name of their first store located in the historic district of downtown Brandon.

The Frisbys, however, had never quite gotten Mississippi State or Starkville out of their system or their hearts, which brings us back to Cobo’s Starkville, which opened March 28.

“Mississippi State is our second home,” said Courtney. “We have a place there and go back and forth.”

There’s nothing for sure in anything in this world, said Courtney, but she has faith in knowing God opened these doors. “He did for us, from Brandon to Starkville. I never dreamed I would be employing 12 people, plus myself.”

Both Brandon and Starkville boutiques cater to kids, preteens, juniors, misses and plus-size ladies.

Their motto is: Personal Shopping at its Best!

Whether shopping at Cobo’s in Brandon or Starkville or on the Internet, the store targets the same clientele.

“You get the same shopping experience and the same vibe,” said Courtney. “Whatever I do at market is at both locations.” What’s different about Cobo’s

is that Courtney doesn’t buy for one age group. “I buy for a melting pot.” So if a mama comes in with baby girl, they can find something to wear. And if Grandma walks in with them, she’ll walk out with a cute top or some jewelry, added Courtney.

When buying merchandise, Courtney follows her gut feeling. “If I go to market and someone tells me about a hot item everybody is buying and my gut tells me I wouldn’t wear it, I don’t buy it. I go with what feels right, what is my personality and my style.”

At market, Courtney stays an extra day to hunt and when she hunts…she hunts! “Everybody thinks it’s so easy for me to pick out stuff to buy, but it’s really so hard. That’s why I go to [Los Angeles], Dallas and Atlanta.”

Cobo’s also has its own clothing line through a company that inserts their label, “so we have say so with regard to the cut, the print, what we want, and even what’s coming out for the fall,” said Courtney.

“I know the patterns, I know how they fit.” Courtney can make special requests of the company, like altering the fit.

What you see when you enter Cobo’s is a reflection of Courtney and a reflection of her workers because they work the same way.

“We’ll all wear what I sell and we all love it. It’s for everybody and that’s what’s so cool.”

Perhaps the most important part of the business to Courtney is building personal relationships.

“The majority of my customers I’ve met or I know them or they’ve found us,” she said. “I get to know them by name.”

Everything about Cobo’s is about personal shopping. If you have a wedding coming up in a few months and need a Navy dress, Courtney will be sure to find several choices of a cute Navy blue dress at market and bring it home to her stores.

“Cobo customers get really spoiled and that’s one of the main reasons they keep coming back.”

Online shopping is also personalized with the dedicated phone number customers can call to get specific information about merchandise.

“I want people to know that when they come into Cobo’s, it’s a unique shopping experience where you can find something for everybody that’s different,” said Courtney. “We want you to feel good and look good but we also want you to enjoy the reasonable price and come back for more.”

For more information you can contact Cobo’s at: http://cobosboutique.com/ Starkville – 662/268-8086

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Printed pants, beige top & earrings from Cobo’s Boutique and turquoise necklace from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Turquoise & fringe dress & necklace from Cobo’s Boutique and peach colored purse from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Pink dress, necklaces & bracelet from Cobo’s Boutique and turquoise purse from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Yellow dress from Cobo’s Boutique and white scarf & bangles from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Blue printed two-piece from L.A. Green, necklace from Aspen Bay, and purple purse from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Tropical colored two piece from L.A. Green and black statement necklace from Susan’s Hallmark.

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Fuchsia dress from L.A. Green and necklace from Aspen Bay.

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Turquoise dress from L.A. Green, necklace and black purse from Aspen Bay

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Once in a Lifetime

Reflections of a Mississippi First Lady Excerpt and photos provided by University Press of Mississippi

The following is excerpted from Once in a Lifetime: Reflections of a Mississippi First Lady by Elise Varner Winter and edited by JoAnne Prichard Morris and is available now at your local bookseller.

William Winter had been governor for fourteen months when first lady Elise Winter made the first entry in her journal: For some time, I have planned to write a journal to make a record of my experiences as first lady during the years that William is governor of Mississippi.

Thus far I have postponed it, but beginning today, Thursday, March 19, 1981, I plan to do so.

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Between that day and the end of his four-year term on January 10, 1984, Mrs. Winter chronicled her daily activities, describing events and people and places she encountered and noting her observations and opinions. She tried to keep up her journal every day, but sometimes the days were so full she had to recap several days at once, often late at night or at odd times, when she could steal a few moments alone.

Soon after the inauguration, I began planning and coordinating an ongoing series of events that William had envisioned. We invited prominent Americans from around the country to be overnight guests at the Mansion. The special guests were artists,

writers, educators, diplomats, and industrialists, and many of them were native Mississippians no longer living in the state. Each one was honored at a dinner (and sometimes a breakfast or luncheon) that was also attended by an interesting cross-section of Mississippi people. After dinner, we moved to the Rose Parlors, where the honored guest spoke informally and the governor moderated a discussion among the guests. William and I believed that occasions such as these would improve the state’s national image and bring Mississippians in touch with some of the country’s most outstanding cultural and business leaders.

The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is superbly suited for elegant entertaining, and we felt incredibly fortunate to have this lovely building for such gatherings. Among the special guests who came in

1980, before I began my journal, were Dean Rusk, the U.S. secretary of state under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson; Turner Catledge, a Philadelphia, Mississippi, native and longtime editor of the New York Times; writer Margaret Walker Alexander, a professor at Jackson State.

And the entry below from Monday, September 27, 1982 describes a visit to the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion by another first lady —Nancy Reagan.

In early September 1982, the office of first lady Nancy Reagan contacted us about the possibility of Mrs. Reagan meeting the members of an antidrug organization in the Governor’s Mansion. We said, “Yes, of course.”

The state DREAM organization had invited her to Mississippi, and she accepted. They handled all invitations, and we provided the setting. We met

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several times with Mrs. Reagan’s advance team to determine where she would talk with the young people and their mothers and where and how to arrange lights and cameras and reporters. We cooperated with them in every way we could.

This was a full day. The house was buzzing with activity in preparation for Mrs. Reagan’s visit. I went to the beauty parlor and then worked at my desk. I went up for a fairly early lunch. William joined me, and as we lingered at the table, we got word that Mrs. Reagan’s plane was early and she would be on the ground within twenty minutes.We hurriedly dressed—I never got into the clothes I had intended to wear—and dashed to the National Guard landing strip. (As it turned out, her plane arrived at its previously scheduled time.)

Several of her people were there—the Secret Service and some staff members from the White

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House—and they told us exactly when to walk up to the plane and where to stand to wait for the steps to be brought down. We greeted her, as did Colonel John Little, the commander of the 172nd Airlift Group there, and Mrs. Little. Mrs. Reagan got off the plane and spoke to us. She was beautifully dressed in a white summer suit—one of the Adolfo creations I’ve read that she wears and has several like it. This one was white trimmed in black polka dots with a black-and-white striped blouse, and she wore black and white spectator pumps.

We had planned to bring her back in our car, but another car had been arranged. William and I got in in the backseat with her. We had been told that she likes to ride in the back right-hand seat. Then we were driven into the Mansion. William and I both had a difficult time talking with Mrs. Reagan.

We found that she answers questions with a Yes or

No and does not elaborate much. It was not until I asked her about her trip to Monaco for Princess Grace’s funeral that she became talkative. She spoke of their early friendship when they both worked at MGM. She talked about the deep grief of Grace’s family, particularly that of her husband and their very fine young son, Albert. She said that with his father so grieved, Albert might take over as prince.

By that time, we had arrived at the Mansion.

Apparently there were several cars in Mrs. Reagan’s motorcade, but there seems to have been little effort by the White House or local Republicans to alert people to her coming and drum up a crowd for her. There was just a mention on television. So there were only small groups of people gathered here and there, three or four on different corners. We walked

into the Mansion and were greeted by June Milam from DREAM, the drug research group that Mrs. Reagan was here to meet. I took her upstairs to the Bilbo Room to freshen up, as we had been told that we should. One or two of the Secret Service men followed us upstairs. She stayed in the room about twenty minutes, and one of her Secret Service men went in to talk with her. It seems that downstairs they were having difficulty with some of the equipment the White House had sent—they called it a “malt box”—a big box that all the TV lights and other equipment are plugged into. She was held upstairs until that was settled.

We went downstairs into the front Rose Parlor, where chairs were arranged in a semicircle according to White House instructions, and she sat in the cen-

MAY 2015 | 67

ter chair. June Milam was on one side of the circle, and I was on the far end near Carlton Turner, the drug expert from the White House who travels with her. The other seats were taken by ten students from over the state who were there at the invitation of DREAM. These students are working to combat the drug problem in their schools. June Milam served as moderator and asked the young people to tell about what they were doing in their communities. Mrs. Reagan offered occasional comments or questions.

Then we went into the foyer, where the White House people had us stand with our backs to the center table and the front door. All the guests—fifty or more parents from over the state who had been invited by DREAM—filed through and spoke to Mrs. Reagan. William and I and June Milam were also in the receiving line. The White House team managed the people so that each person had his or her picture taken with Mrs. Reagan. I even went into the kitchen and got the inmates and some of the kitchen help. I wanted them to have a picture made with her because I thought it would mean something to them in the years ahead. Then she went into the dining room and

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had punch and cookies.

After that, the White House managers let us know that it was time for Mrs. Reagan to go. She went from here in a car with one of the students to meet with the Clarion-Ledger–Jackson Daily News editorial board. I understand that she left there going to Arkansas to spend the night with Governor and Mrs. White and participate in a similar event.

Mrs. Reagan is lovely, and she looks at you with great big eyes that are so very expressive. She has a beautiful complexion and is beautifully dressed, but you have the feeling she does not really know who you are. (In fact, she never called either William or me by name—not that I would expect her to know us, but certainly she had been briefed that she was in Mississippi at the Governor’s Mansion, and this was Governor Winter.)

She just sort of floated around. They had her stand in various places, and then they took her in the car and whizzed her off. She did not speak about her husband’s programs or about his legislation. She did not talk about politics, and the Republican candidates who are struggling so to win the election next month did not appear with her at any point.

Mississippi State University’s Historical Costume Exhibit Photos by Camille Watts

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1. Elizabeth Biddle and Ashley Cook 2. 3. Margaret Allison, Lydia Allison and Charles Freeman 4. Kelsey Preston, Sarah Gardner and Jamielee Davis 5. Madison Pemberton and Patrick Dreher 6. Kamau Bostic and Justin Mayfield

MAY 2015 | 69

Merle Norman Luna Bella Ribbon Cutting Photos by Camille Watts

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1. Richard Blackbourn, Tommy Prentice, Brian Jones and Heath Barret 2. Jennifer Gregory, Rebecca Tabb and Jen Prather 3. Kathy Prentice, Peggy Buckley, Nina Welch and Jennifer Blackbourn 4. Alaina Prentice and Forrest Blackbourn

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International Fiesta Photos by Laura Daniels

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1. Masoud Gheisari and Elham Fadavi 2. Priyanka Shrestha, Urusha Silwal, Aisha Ghimire and Srijana Shrestha 3. Ruth De la Cruz and Armando De la Cruz 4. Asya Cooley and Sky Cooley 5. Lauren Bosch and Marty Blackmon 6. Maria Keith, Sal Keith, Isabel Keith, Sophia Keith and Jason Keith

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Tupelo’s Antique Car Show Photos by Sarah Tyner

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1. Hannah Boone, Kaitlyn Sabourin and Regan Sanders 2. Breana Temple, Dallas Riley and Ashton Clark 3. Stephen Hayden, Casey McGee and Christina Hayden 4. Tyler Powell and Bailey Powell 5. Courtney Teague, Brent Teague, Carah and Paul 6. Tyler Winstead, Ashton Brooks, Molly Scott, Aubrey Oswalt and Sydney Holmes

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Miss Maroon and White Photos by Keats Voges-Haupt

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1. William Redd, Tanner Myatt and Haley Gilbreath 2. Holli Nutt, Shannon Potratz, Peyton Obannon and Katelyn Tootle 3. Alexis Griggley and Nikki Griggley 4. Kayla Stephenson, Beth Baker and Annie Taylor 5. Kristen Grace Nettles, Abby Hollingsworth and Madeline Eune 6. Jim Turnbull, Davis Holaday, Cori Holaday and Missy Tumbull

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Home and Garden Expo Photos by Laura Daniels

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1. Henry Sue Kennard, Teresa Brook and Dale Welch 2. Tina McCarthy and Mildred Pitman 3. Regina Livingston and Mary Juggle 4. Jen Gambino and Sarah Dreitlein 5. Leigh McKinion, Ashton Deweese, Cohen Deweese and Jenny Deweese 6. Dawn Herring and John Herring

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Gatsby Gala Photos by Laura Daniels

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1. Megan Henderson and Amy Foster 2. Kate Gregory and Leilani Salter 3. Jesse Newton and Savee Delgo 4. Carol Reed and Evelyn Thompson 5. Holland Downs, Carlton Hamilton and Morgan Davis 6. Chip Templeton, Trey Templeton, Laura Templeton and Connie Templeton

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Columbus’ Pilgrimage Photos by Laura Daniels

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1. Chelly Tucker and ≠Valerie Phillips 2. Layne Gerber and Emma Carlyle 3. Eli Herring and Kathy Herring 4. Brenda and Sidney Caradine 5.

Christine Carpenter and Pauline Fehrenbacher 6. Linda Creek and Susie Engleke

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Starkville Young Professionals Monthly Meeting Photos by Raeley Stevens

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1. Kevin Howe and Cullin David 2. Blair Edwards and Keith Kakadia 3. Shane Warren and Laurence Wainwright-Maks 4. Jennifer Riley, Heather McGinn and Catharine Hammett 5. Dani Smith and Elizabeth Lavender 6. Kaushal Kakadia and Hillary Williams

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Columbus Orthopedic Ribbon Cutting and Open House Photos by Sarah Tyner

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1. Jase Abraham, Kevin Randall and Brittany Chorley 2. Angela Lane and Mary Watson 3. Allison Lunsford, Judy Bumgardner and Jennifer Robers 4. Karen Smith, Eddit Turner, Jr. and Gina Walker 5. Jody Kennedy, Amy Sharp and Leslie Hutchins 6. Joey Bragg, Dr. Chad Altmeyer, Dr. Kenny Edwards, Dr. Scott Jones, Dr. Chris Galjour and Paige Lowe

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Windsor Ruins Photos by Laura Daniels

Located in Claiborne County about ten miles southwest of Port Gibson, not many people know about the Windsor Ruins. The ruins only consist of 23 standing Corinthian columns that were once part of the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion built in the state. The mansion survived the Civil War only to be burned down by a party-goer’s cigarette or cigar ashes in 1890 leaving only the columns, balustrades, cast iron stairways and pieces of bone china.

Windsor mansion was constructed between 1859 and 1861 for Smith Coffee Daniell II though he only lived a few years after its completion. Not much is known about the design of the mansion, but we do know that it consisted of a ground floor basement, with living quarters on the second and third floors.

When completed, the 17,000 square foot mansion contained three hallways and 23 to 25 rooms.

When Catherine Daniell died in 1903, her daughter, Priscilla Daniell, inherited the mansion property. Priscilla married Joseph Magruder, and the mansion site remained in the Magruder family until 1974, when they donated 1.84 acres , containing the mansion ruins, to the state of Mississippi. The historic site contains 23 standing columns and 5 partial columns; it is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Through the years, three of the cast iron stairways, that survived the 1890 fire, disappeared from the site. The fourth stairway was moved to Alcorn State University and serves as the entrance to Oakland Memorial Chapel.

North of Windsor ruins, is a cemetery where members of the Daniell and Freeland families have been buried since the early 19th century. The earliest grave is that of Frisby Freeland (1747 – 1819), an American Revolutionary War soldier.

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DIY: Make your own head board!

Not Crafty?

Premiere Fabrics in Columbus can make a headboard for you!

What You Need: • 2 2x4s at desired height of headboard from the ground to the top • 2 2x4s for the width • 1 piece of plywood • screws • screwdriver • drill bits • 1/2” thick foam, enough to cover the plywood • batting to cover the plywood and wrap around for stapling • upholstery fabric of your choice, same size as batting or slightly larger • staple gun • staples 1. You’ll want to measure your bed and decide how high you want the headboard to be on the wall. Measure from the ground up to the spot on the wall to get your height. Now measure the width of your bed and add

a few inches if you want the headboard to go a little over the sides of the bed. Now you have the height and width of the frame, and you’ll now need the plywood height. You also want to make sure the headboard extends below your bed, so measure from the spot on the wall where the headboard hits and measure down behind your bed a few inches.

2. Lay down your 2x4s to create the basic frame. Place the plywood on top and line up all your edges. You want the sides and top flush with the 2x4s to create a crisp edge.

3. Use a drill bit to create holes for the screws. Then screw each piece through.

4. Next you’ll want to lay down your batting and then the foam pieces on top of that.

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Again, you want the foam to be flush with the edges. Even if the foam has irregular sides, get it as close as possible. The batting will round out the edges. Cut the corner pieces at angles and then tightly wrap the batting around and staple it down. Continue to tightly pull and wrap the batting around the entire frame until you have it all stapled down.

5. Have a friend help you stand it up while you lay down your fabric of choice. Lay down the frame again with the backside facing up. Again, cut diagonally at the corners and start pulling tightly and stapling.

6. If your frame has a place to attach the headboard, drill holes at the bottom at the same height from the ground as the holes and attach to the frame with a nut and bolt.

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SOUTH OPENING MAY 2

CRAW FISH BOIL

Join us this Summer, every

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At OCH Regional Medical Center, our vision is to care for our community with advanced medicine and compassion, one patient at a time. We’re achieving this vision by providing superior health care services that are tailored to each individual’s needs. We care for you — for life.

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