September 2013

Page 1

MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013

The

Football S CA N F OR ONLINE ISSUE

Issue


2

| townandgownmagazine.com


september

2013 |

3


4

| townandgownmagazine.com


Lindsey Norman talks with

Candace Leigh Williams minister and life coach for Candace Leigh Ministies

grow into successful young men and women one day.

LN: How did you get your start in ministry?

CW: I was born and raised

in Starkville and grew up in the church all of my life as well. I started getting into ministry when I was 12 years old and I gave my first sermon when I was 18. I drew everything I did out of the church.

LN: What is your overall goal as a minister? CW: I do a lot of life coaching via phone calls, but I would like to reach more people throughout the country. I don’t mind traveling to other places to speak, but Starkville will always be my home and I love helping anyone who needs it.

LN: What made you want to become a minister?

T

O

W

N

&

G

NEWS

O

W

N

By Lindse y Nor man

We’re Cooking Now! From moving into your first college apartment or your newlywed home, Designer’s Gallery can help you with all your furniture and decorating needs. If cooking or trying recipe’s is something you love, this stand could be functional for any cookbook or electronic tablet. Designer’s Gallery carries all your décor needs for all the rooms in your home, or even those outside patios.

CW: I couldn’t run away from it. I needed to step out on faith, and show others to set out on their faith and trust what the Lord has planned for them. People have a hard time believing in themselves and I want to show them that they can believe in themselves with their faith. LN: How have you helped the

Boys and Girls Club in Starkville?

HAPPY FEET

... Thought those Birkenstock’s you wore in middle school would fade out just like the hairstyles you wore with them? Well, the hairstyle might have gone out of style, but Birkenstock’s are coming back. You’ll never have to worry about tying another shoelace because you’ll be able to slip these sandals on and go right out the door. LA Green in Starkville on Russell Street has all new styles and colors of these comfy sandals.

Trendy

CW: I am a mentor and life coach for the children at the Boys and Girls Club. I like to teach the children self-confidence so that they will be able to prosper and

Looking for “one stop – that has it all” store? Aspen Bay in Downtown Starkville has everything you need. From décor for your home, stylish clothes for your weekend outings, or their popular hand-poured candles. You will never leave empty handed. september

2013 |

5


Advertise with Town and Gown Magazine ... Call 662-323-6242 or visit our website for more information at townandgownmagazine.com.

6

| townandgownmagazine.com


september

2013 |

7


8

| townandgownmagazine.com


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

SOCIAL

W

N

STATE the Facts What do all STATE fans agree on? Mississippi State University colors are great for the Fall; you can never wear enough Maroon!

Tag us in your photos or follow us @townandgown

The Egg Bowl is at HOME and on a THURSDAY for 2013; yay for turkey, football, and going back to traditions.

Tweet at us @townandgownmag1

Thanks for the Tweet: @mandwnation #FF @Todd4State @dirty_panda @Wool34 @BeastManSteve @EliteDawgs @mstatesports @RockyVaughan @CroomDiaries @ townandgownmag1 @TexasKickoff

All though NCAA rules do not allow #hashtags on the field as of May 2013, doesn’t stop the fact we started the marketing niche.

Did you catch the lingo? “FF” means Follow Friday.

Inbox Us!

Like us on Facebook Town and Gown Mag

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Johnston @KatieJ_2013 on winning a new cowbell from The Book Mart & Cafe.

By mail: P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS 39760 By email: info@townandgownmagazine.com

2013

Games Days Aug. Sept. Sept. Sept. Oct. 7 14 21 5 31

(See page 23 for full schedule.)

Oct. 12

Oct. Nov. 24 2

Nov. 9

Nov. 16

Nov. 23

Nov. 28

september

2013 |

9


Editor

Letter from the

“T

his time of year, I start getting really excited for

Fall. The weather starts getting a little bit cooler (mixed in with a good pair of maroon skinny jeans and winter boots of course) and there is excitment in the air on football Saturday mornings. Everyone is skirring around to get their tailgate set up to show out their neighboring tents. So, now it is time to stock back up on new recipes and trendy maroon and white decorations. I cannot forget to plan out my outfits for each home game – makes life a lot simpler and less stressful on game weekends. Yes, I stress about what I’m going to wear. This Fall we went to the next level for our readers and we are officially making our October issue an issue just for the guys called The Gentlemen’s Issue. T & G is super excited! We hope you enjoy it as much as we are planning it. Plus, this September is one not to miss either. Full of MSU, Bulldog, Starkville, Fall, maroon and white, and oh - football! It’s nice to have good help around to brainstorm and give our readers something they are running to the stands to pick up each month. Our interns and I have thought of a new page called T & G News and also look for our Town and Gown Blog on our website – it is something not to miss. T & G News has a variety of Golden Triangle happening, inspiring people, trends, and those just oh-so-random facts to be in the know. Our blog is another source updated twice a week with anything and everything that is perfect for those tech savvy or busy bodies. Issue after issue we dig deeper to make our readers excited about this area and what it has to offer. Email us with your ideas, comments or happenings. Who knows, it might be in the next T & G news or blog

Claire Massey

Choice r’s

Editor

Edito

r’s

Edito

post.

Look for this throughout the magazine for my favorite parts of the magazine from delicious food finds to a video of Bully, MSU mascot, swimming for exercise.

Choice

Town and Gown Magazine Stylist, Natalie Phillips, models Shea ‘Randia Bogan and Chase Anthony Cooksey and I at Starkville High School football field for the Life and Style fashion shoot. 10

| townandgownmagazine.com


september

2013 |

11


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

{

STAFF

}

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

{

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE}

CHELSEA CURE - chelsea@ townandgownmagazine.com

{

INTERNS

}

BECCA HORTON SARA CARPENTER LOREN GAMBRELL LINDSEY NORMAN NATALLIE PHILLIPS

{

PHOTOGRAPHERS

}

DIVIAN CONNER ASHLEY COVIN LAURA DANIELS

{

ADVERTISING DESIGN

}

CHRIS MCMILLEN

{

PAGE DESIGN

}

{

WRITERS

}

FORREST BLACKBOURN JOE LEE HELLEN POLK RICHELLE PUTNAM

{

CONTRIBUTORS

}

LISA LAFONTAINE BYNUM RUSSELL HAMILTON CHRISTINA LUCAS NATALIE PHILLIPS AMY TAYLOR CHRISTINE TIBBETT LINDSAY JO WILKINSON

CLAIRE MASSEY SYRETHA TERRY 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.

12

| townandgownmagazine.com


Table of

Contents

SEPTEMBER 2013

On the Cover FEATURES 15 The Bulldog Experience 51 The Voice of the Network

MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013

The

Football Issue

Christina Lucas and her Southern Roots combine to make the perfect Tailgate for any MSU football game with homemade drink labels, a metal cowbell from Giggleswick, flower arangement from Bloom Flowers and Boutique and all natural Viril’s Rootbeer. Photography by Divian Conner

HOME AND GARDEN 28 DIY with Amy Taylor 30 It’s A Southern Thing 31 Southern Roots for the Perfect Tailgate 36 Gardening with Russell Hamilton TASTE AND TOAST 38 Quench the Thirst 41 Where the Wind Blows

HEALTH AND BEAUTY IN EVERY ISSUE 48 Game Day Beauty Secrets 5 T & G News 46 Moving into the Present 9 T & G Social 10 Letter From the Editor LIFE AND STYLE 12 Staff 56 For the Love of MSU 71 T&G Wish List 62 Meet the Local ... Lisa Pritchard 74 Literature 66 Fashion + Football 75 Events 72 A Cup of Lindsay Jo 81 Calendar 82 Advertisers september

2013 |

13


T

O

W N

&

G

O

FEATURE

W

N


W

The Bulldog Experience By Joe Lee l Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels hen conversa-

“It has everything,” Stricklin said. “It’s the first

tions and plan-

time we’ve had football operations under one room

ning for the

– training rooms, weight rooms, the team audito-

new Leo Seal,

rium, coaches offices. You walk out the back door and

Jr. Football Complex at Mississippi State University

you’re right there on the practice field. It creates a

took place in early 2010, Dr. Mark Keenum, Athletic

level of organization and efficiency we haven’t been

Director Scott Stricklin, Head Coach Dan Mullen, and

able to show in the past and makes a great impression

lead architect Bob Luke agreed on two things: they

when you walk through it.”

wanted the facility to be state-of-the-art, and to look like MSU as much as humanly possible. “We looked at similar facilities all over the country

All of which will make life easier for everyone connected to the MSU football program. “Our coaches were in the Bryan Building, and

(before getting started), and ours is one of the nicest

they’d outgrown those offices,” Stricklin said. “Across

in the U.S.,” said Luke, an MSU graduate who heads

the street was the Holliman Center with weight

up the architectural firm of LPK in Meridian and has

rooms, training rooms, and equipment rooms. On the

overseen projects ranging from large healthcare facili-

back side of the old Shira field house were meeting

ties to historic renovations. “We started the architec-

rooms, and outside that you had to walk around the

tural design in October 2010, and construction began

track to get to the practice field. (The coaches and

in October 2011. Thirteen months later, it’s open.”

players) stayed in shape, I’ll put it that way. They were

A $25 million project, the 88,000-square foot Seal

nice facilities but logistically didn’t meet our needs.”

Building was not only completed on time, but it was finished in line with original budget projections. Luke said there were several challenges along the way, such as extremely tight site work, grade changes, and topographic issues. All the hard work has paid off, though, based on the rave reviews from folks who’ve visited the complex.

“I don’t think you can walk away from it without the feeling that football is really important at MSU.”

SEPTEMBER

2013 |

15


16

| townandgownmagazine.com


“...it was imperative that the coaches have a stately and sophisticated facility that best represents MSU and the athletic department.” Cyndi Rutherford, a graphic designer who works full time for Something Southern of Starkville and on a contract basis for LPK, was given the plans about six months prior to the completion date. She worked with Tyson Langston and Lorin Chancellor of Sullivan’s Office Supply of Starkville to stock the Seal Building with quality furniture, accents and a variety of decorative touches. “My design process was to select finishes for every surface on the inside and outside of the building, taking into consideration the purpose Photos (Left to Right): Team meeting room equipped with sound barriers and dividers for offense and defense. Whiteboard room perfect for learning and discussing plays. Staff and football team cafeteria with the Fight Song. Entrance to the complex with TV screens and floor-to-ceiling photos of football players.

of each space and who would be using it,” Rutherford said. “Two presentation boards displaying materials were passed through the department for approval. Then the selection of furniture began. Although functionality and durability were high priorities, an upscale design was extremely important.

september

2013 |

17


“I felt it was imperative that the coaches have a stately and sophisticated facility that best represents MSU and the athletic department. I met with Coach Mullen and several others twice in seeking their needs and wants for their personal spaces. After selecting furniture styles and meeting with the coaches, I worked closely with Tyson and Lorin in finalizing manufacturers and fabrics to keep the overall design cohesive.” “Sullivan’s Office Supply is proud to have been chosen to furnish the Leo Seal, Jr. Football Complex at MSU,” said Sullivan’s president Steve Langston. “We have a long history of working with MSU. Several key employees (of ours) are MSU graduates, and part-time positions are filled with current MSU students.

At the Leo Seal, Jr. Football Complex each room is adorned with a cowbell in memory of or provided by a sponsor(s).

Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Dan Mullen’s office is filled with inspirational memorabilia, such as his championship and class rings – 10 to count - to his prayer journal, Jesus Calling by Sara Young.

18

| townandgownmagazine.com


september

2013 |

19


(Left to Right): The Leo Seal, Jr. Football Complex weight room. Conference room with white leather chairs along a elongated table from Sullivan’s Office Supply. “Architect Bob Luke and his LPK team designed a great facility for MSU

“We’ve been doing this a long time and

football. It offered Sullivan’s an op-

are confident in what we do, but it feels

portunity to use many various types of

real good to hear Dr. Keenum and Scott

office and classroom furniture.”

Stricklin say, ‘We love it.’ We want it to

The furniture includes a U-shaped

feel like MSU – the logo, the brand, the

desk in each of the assistant coaches’

music – when those kids walk through

offices with seating and overhead stor-

it, and for it to be an awesome experi-

age; large conference table chairs for the

ence for them.”

auditorium with the MSU logo on the

Several thousand fans came through

back of each seat and tablet arms that

the Seal Building during Super Bulldog

fold up; tables and stacking chairs in a

Weekend in April, and a high school

large, multi-purpose room, classroom-

coaching clinic was held there. Stricklin

style tables and chairs where position

looks for lots of fans and supporters of

coaches and players have breakout

the university to visit the new complex

sessions to focus on specific skills; the

and take in the experience. And he has

pieces and seating area inside Coach

his own favorite personal touches.

Mullen’s office; the pieces and seating

“One of the things the design team

area in the remainder of the support

did a great job with is the bricks. They

offices through the building.

match the look across campus, that ‘Old

“Bob (Luke) did a great job. He

Main’ look,” Stricklin said. “To me, that

understands MSU and what we’re try-

says MSU. Some of the brick is inside,

ing to do as well as anyone,” Stricklin

too, including in the locker room. It

said. “Sullivan’s was a great partner and

represents the institution as a place

added another layer to the overall qual-

with a great past and promising future.

ity of the facility.”

I don’t think you can walk away from

“Scott is real big on ‘The Bulldog Experience’ and wanted that, and for it to be a state-of-the-art facility. Dan

20

sees it as a recruiting tool,” Luke said.

| townandgownmagazine.com

it without the feeling that football is really important at MSU.”

Mississippi State University Fight Song Hail dear 'ole State, Fight for that victory today; Hit that line and 'tote that ball; Cross the goal before you fall, And then we'll yell, yell, yell, yell! For dear 'ole State we'll yell like hell! Fight for Mis-sis-sip-pi State, Win that game today.


september

2013 |

21


The Season Ahead with Maroon and White Nation

M&WN is a private own site run by graduates of Mississippi State. Maroon and White Nation.com is not affiliated with Mississippi State University. The views and opinions express are that of the author and may not reflect the views of other members of the site. maroonandwhitenation.com Twitter: @mandwnation Facebook: Maroonandwhitenation

Pho t os b y Mississippi S t at e Univ er sity A t hle tics

nce again the thrill of a new foot-

O

This year's offense should see some changes from 2012. The Bull-

ball season is upon the Mississippi

dogs plan to put 5th year Senior quarterback Tyler Russell under center

State faithful. The 2013 season

in some new formations in an effort to try and bolster the run-game.

brings the usual excitement, but with it lot

This will also get more tight ends on the field for the Bulldogs – a

of questions and concerns about how things

position group that has a lot of talent. In addition to helping the run-

will be handled both on the field and on the

game, this should also make the play-action passing game tougher to

recruiting trails going forward.

defend this season.

The 2012 season was the best of times and

22

OFFENSE

Offensively, there are plenty of reasons for optimism with 7 starters

the worst of times. That old saying describes

returning (if RG Tobias Smith returns for a 6th year of eligibility).

Mississippi State football best for its results last

At QB, Tyler Russell returns as the starter after breaking many school

fall. The best of times as State started off 7-0

passing records in 2012, passing for 2,897 yards and 24 touchdowns.

and Bulldog Nation was extremely hopeful and

Russell is a borderline draft pick for the NFL and is hoping to have a

excited. The worst of times as the Bulldogs lost

good season to help his cause. He is very accurate on short to medium

5 of their last 6 games including the Egg Bowl,

passing zones, but needs work throwing the ball down the field. He

which left some fans with a feeling of gloom

also needs to work on getting rid of the ball a little quicker. The hard-

and doom. Where does that leave State head-

working Russell had a really good spring and hopefully made strides

ing into 2013? Can Mullen get the ship back

on those weaknesses. Russell is backed up by Sophomore Dak Prescott.

on course and lead the Bulldogs to their 4th

Dak is the more prototypical Spread QB, and is biding his time behind

straight bowl game – a feat that has never been

Russell. Dak accounted for 8 TD's last season (4 running and 4 throw-

done in Mississippi State history?

ing).

| townandgownmagazine.com


QB – Sr. Tyler Russell (13), holds 7 of the 8 At running back, State returns the whole herd. 5th year Senior LaDarius

major passing records for a single season in MSU history / So. Dak Prescott (0), 4 TD, 0 INT as a freshman

Perkins is the leader of this group. Perkins rushed for 1,024 yards last season and scored 10 TD's (8 rushing, 2 receiving). Perkins is also a borderline NFL draft pick hoping to work his way into next April's draft. The shifty Perkins (5’-10” 195) is a very good runner outside of the tackles and has great hands in the receiving game. Many are looking for him to be more involved in the passing game in 2013 because of his impact there. Perkins is backed up by ‘bowling ball’ Josh Robinson (5’-9” 225), Derrick Milton and Nick Griffin. Robinson showed flashes of being a very good RB, but needs to work on being consistent and his pass blocking. Milton is a natural runner but needs work on ball security and pass blocking. Griffin is a tough runner who has been plagued by injuries throughout

and should play a good bit. Other WR's

his career in Starkville. His return from

factoring in will be Sophomore Joe

knee surgery would be a big, big plus.

Morrow and Redshirt Freshman Fred

Wide Receiver is a huge question

Brown, plus highly touted true Fresh-

mark for the Bulldogs offense going into the year. This group has no start-

man Fred Ross. The Tight End position at State

ers returning. The most experienced

returns some very talented players. The

returnees are Juniors Robert "RoJo"

leader of this group is Junior Malcolm

Johnson and Jameon "Tubby" Lewis.

Johnson. ‘MoJo’, as he has been nick-

These two guys look to be the leaders

named, has very good hands and could

of the receiving corps in 2013. John-

be a real force in the passing game. He

son (17 catches for 164 yards), looks

has gained a little weight also to make

the part at WR and the time is now for

sure he can do a better job of block-

him to show that he can be a play-

ing in the run game. Another junior

maker. Lewis (10 catches – 108 yards)

factoring in at TE is Brandon Hill. Hill

is small but lightning quick. Lewis has

is the better blocker of the two, but he

worked hard to be more consistent and

has good hands also. Christian Holmes

improve ball security and should be

moved to TE from the defensive side

counted on heavily in 2013. He is also

of the ball and has found a new home.

electric in the kick return game. WR

Rufus Warren and Gus Walley also look

Jeremey Chappelle comes in from the

to factor in, making this one of the best

juco ranks to push for playing time

groups of TE's in the SEC.

Schedule Aug. 31

Oklahoma State

Sept. 7

Alcorn State (H)

Sept. 14

Auburn*

Sept. 21

Troy Univ. (H)

Oct. 5

LSU* (H)

Oct. 12

Bowling Green (H)

Oct. 24

Kentucky* (H)

Nov. 2

South Carolina*

Nov. 9

Texas A&M*

Nov. 16

Alabama* (H)

Nov. 23

Arkansas*

Nov. 28

Ole Miss* (H)

*Conference Games Time, results and other information regarding game at hailstate.com.

september

2013 |

23


Finally - a look at the big boys up front that make having a good offense possible. The Bulldogs return not only 5, but 6 starters on the offensive line from last season. Senior leader Tobias Smith looks to play his last season in a limited role to help the team as much as he possibly can. Tobias has battled injuries his entire career, but when healthy, he is a real road grader upfront. Having him back on the field and in a leadership role is huge for this OL. He will be sharing time with Sophomore Justin Malone at Right Guard. Malone started a few games last year and played in all 13. At Left Guard is a Senior and our other leader – Gabe Jackson. Gabe is one of the country's best guards and will be a high draft pick in next April's

LG – Sr. Gabe Jackson (13), pre-season 1st team All-SEC pick / Jr. Ben Beckwith (0), played in 23 out of 26 career games

draft (potentially 1st round). At Left Tackle is Blaine Clausell, now starting for his 3rd season. Clausell has gotten better every season and should have a good junior season. Right Tackle will be manned by Charles Siddoway, who started last season even though he played hurt a lot. Damien Robinson is a junior that could factor in and see significant playing time there also. At Center will be 3 year starter Dillon Day. Day does a great job making calls and plays with a mean streak. Back-ups on the OL include Justin Senior, Ben Beckwith, Dylan Holley,

and Archie Muniz. State's OL should be one of the better groups in the SEC this season.

Defense

L

ook for the Bulldogs to employ a much more aggres-

...one can really only expect a return trip to a bowl game.

the defensive staff feels his game will fare better on the inside.

sive scheme on defense in 2013 than 2012 under new

Joining him at DT will be PJ Jones. Jones is talented player

defensive coordinator Geoff Collins. Former DC Chris

that had some growing up to do after a 4 game suspension

Wilson liked to play a "read and react", bend but don't break

in 2012. All indications are that he has matured and has been

defense the last two seasons, but that will be thrown to the

working hard to have a good 2013. Rounding out the DL

scrap heap. Collins wants his guys to get in there and create

at weak-side DE will be Junior Preston Smith. Smith led the

“defensive mayhem”. With a more aggressive style, a better

team in sacks last season in limited playing time. After having

pass rush, and talented LB's it's hard not to project the State

a great spring practice, many feel like Smith could really be a

defense as being a very improved unit in 2013.

breakout player for the Bulldogs’ defense this season. Sopho-

The Bulldogs return two starters to the defensive line –

more Ryan Brown, R-Freshman AJ Jefferson, and true Fresh-

end Denico Autry and former end but now tackle Kaleb Eulls

man Chris Jones look to get playing time at DE also. Jones was

(6’-4” 290). Autry really played well the final third of the

one of the country's top recruits for 2013, but he will have

season after transferring in from the juco ranks. He should

to work hard to steal playing time from Brown or Jefferson.

be competing for All-SEC honors at the end of this season.

Other DT's in the mix for playing time are Nick James, Quay

Eulls makes the move from DE to DT. He has done a good job

Evans, and Curtis Virges. The whole DL should be vastly im-

playing the run, but his pass rush skills have been lacking and

proved in 2013 under the new leadership of David Turner.

24

| townandgownmagazine.com


Linebacker is another real strength for the Bulldogs in 2013. State returns 2 of 3 starters here. Freshman AllAmerican Benardrick McKinney is the man in the middle. McKinney had a stellar freshman season and is a freakish athlete for his size (6’-5” 235). He plays the run extremely well, but had to work hard this spring on pass coverage. Everyone is expecting big things from him this year. He is backed up by Junior Ferlando Bohanna who is an extremely solid back-up. At Sam (Strong) LB this season will be Deonte Skinner (6’-2” 250) who will be a 3rd year starter

The Bulldog Secondary only returns

Bulldogs, Cornerback has its questions.

for the Bulldogs – but his 1st at ‘Sam’.

one starter, but still has some expe-

The Bulldogs lost Darius Slay and Jim

This is a more natural position for him

rience. Free Safety Nickoe Whitley

Thorpe Award winner Johnthan Banks

and he should excel there in 2013. His

returns for his Senior season. He is

to the NFL draft last year, and had to

back-up will be either Beniquez Brown

considered to be one of the top five

spend this spring finding replacements

or Richie Brown – both of whom

Free-Safeties in the country, and should

for those big shoes. Juco transfer Justin

redshirted but were highly-rated com-

be a mid-round draft pick this com-

Cox won the job at one spot, while last

ing out of high school. Matthew Wells

ing April. He is backed-up by Junior

year's nickel defender, Junior Jamerson

(6’-2” 215) will be the 3rd starter at

Dee Arrington. At Strong Safety, Jay

Love, won the other. These two guys are

LB - playing the weak or ‘Willie’ LB po-

Hughes is the starter. Hughes all but

talented but must be ready to play from

sition. Wells is a hybrid LB/Safety type

wrestled the position away from Corey

the opening snap with Big 12 opponent

of player with a lot of speed. He should

Broomfield the last few games of

Oklahoma State coming up. Also fight-

help the Bulldogs match-up much bet-

last season, but is still short of being

ing for playing time at CB or Nickel

ter with Spread teams this season. He

called a "returning starter". He will be

defender will be Cedric Jiles, Taveze

will be backed-up by Sophomore Zach

backed up by hard-hitting Sophomore

Calhoun, and Will Redmond (after his

Jackson. This group of LB's is worthy of

Kendrick Market. While Safety is a

five game suspension).

being in the top 5 of the SEC.

much more known commodity for the

Special Teams MSU will have one of the best spe-

40-45 yard punts. Devon Bell returns

starting on the opposing 25 yard line.

cial teams in the SEC this year. Many

as the placekicker. As a freshman Bell

Returning kicks could be a number

prognosticators have already said it will

struggled early but really came into

of players including Jameon Lewis,

be the best. One of the strengths is the

his own as the season progressed and

LaDarius Perkins, Robert Johnson or

punting game where Junior Baker Swe-

ended the season hitting 14 of 21 field

Brandon Holloway. Lewis and Holloway

denburg returns. He doesn’t have the

goals. Even better numbers are expected

are small but extremely fast and may

biggest leg but was extremely effective

as he now has a season under his belt,

take over the role permanently as Per-

in preventing return yardage last year

and his big leg will be needed on kick-

kins and Johnson look to have key roles

and was very consistent in getting off

offs to make sure the Bulldog defense is

in the offense this year.

Here in tHe soutH, we taKe taiLg


schedule MSU has played some tough nonconference games in the past against teams like West Virginia, Georgia Tech or even Oklahoma State and Texas in the 1990s, but not too often have they kicked off the year with such a highprofile game as they do this year with Oklahoma State. The game will be before a national television audience on a neutral field in Houston.

Oklahoma ................. OSU is expected to have another good team and it will be a great challenge for State. Many Bulldog fans were

memories of what happened on the

vs. Florida after), and State has a bye the

not happy about scheduling a team

Plains years ago (Chris Relf, 6-inch

week before. It will be a very tough

like Oklahoma State as the schedule

line).

challenge, but Mullen has faired slightly

is daunting in 2013, but a win in this game would put MSU on the map early

Troy ........................

in the season. The youth in the second-

After the Auburn game MSU comes

better than his predecessors in his four previous losses vs. the Bayou Bengals.

Bowling Green .........

ary will be tested early but State also has

home to play Troy. The Bulldogs have

some advantages against the Cowboys

a shaky history with the Trojans which

as well so it may not be as one-sided as

includes a 21-9 loss during a tornado

Green. They won’t be a pushover as they

some experts might have you believe.

in 2001, an 11-8 win the following

welcome 19 starters back from an 8-5

year, and a narrow escape last fall in

team.

Alcorn State .............

Troy, Alabama 30-24. Without a doubt

Homecoming brings in Bowling

Alcorn State makes the short trip to

MSU should win this game, and win

Kentucky ..................

Starkville a week after the Texas Kickoff.

rather easily – but they’ll have to play

After a second week off Kentucky

This should be an easy win for MSU

hard and not look ahead to their plans

will come to Davis Wade on a Thurs-

and it is a good sandwich game

during the open date.

day night. Dan Mullen is 4-0 against

between the tough non-conference opener and the SEC opener the following week at Auburn.

Auburn ..................... The Tigers and Dawgs have really de-

LSU ........................... State will not lay during Week 5 and that is a good thing as they’ll have a full week to prepare for LSU. The Dawgs haven’t beaten the Tigers since 1999

the Wildcats and there is no reason to believe he won’t make it 5-0…and he will need to as the schedule is wretched up a notch after this game.

And then on .............

veloped the rivalry in recent years and

and only once in the last 21 years. But

this early season test is always crucial

if there was ever a year for MSU to win,

year will be a brutal stretch. At South

for both teams – and it could go either

it might be this one. LSU loses a bunch

Carolina is followed by a trip half way

way this year. Auburn will be desper-

of talent on defense, they are coming

across the country to play at Texas A&M.

ate to prove they are back under Gus

to Starkville, this is in the middle of a

That’s the best defensive player in the

Malzahn while State wants to erase the

tough stretch for them (at UGA before,

country, Jadeveon Clowney, followed

26

| townandgownmagazine.com

Once again the last five games of the


by the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel. If the Bulldogs can manage to win just one of these two games it

EXPECTATIONS Dan Mullen has been able to pro-

non-conference slate features Big 12

will make most of the maroon faithful very

duce a consistent winner at Mississippi

favorite Oklahoma State, a tough MAC

happy.

State during his four years on campus.

team and always pesky Troy.

Alabama .................... Two-time defending national champions

After a string of losing seasons (2001-

When compiling all the information

2006) that brought MSU football to

for this version of the Mississippi State

its lowest depths, he currently has

Bulldogs, one can really only expect a

Alabama will follow that tough road stretch

a chance to bring State to its fourth

return trip to a bowl game. Compet-

when they come to Starkville. MSU hasn’t

consecutive bowl appearance for the

ing and staying in games will be a

beaten the Tide since 2007, Nick Saban’s

first time in history – all done within

mark to look for, and it could lead to

first year as head coach.

his first five years on the job.

the elusive “statement” game Mullen

Arkansas ................... Week 13 features a game at Arkansas, a

More great news is ahead – Davis

has been looking for in recent years.

Wade Stadium is being expanded and

With predictions comes a lot of un-

renovated, the new Seal Football Com-

knowns for each team, but we expect

place Mississippi State has never won….

plex opened in January, recruiting has

MSU to be at least 7-5 in 2013.

literally. There was a tie (13-13) in 1993

continually gotten better each year,

but that is as close as the Dawgs have come,

and now 2013 brings Mullen’s most

either in Fayetteville or Little Rock. But

talented team to date.

there’s a kicker – MSU has also never lost to

almost must look at what the SEC

year Bret Bielema takes over. In fact, State’s

will throw your way with regards to

only wins against the Razorbacks in the last

scheduling. And this year, the road is

18 years have been against 1st year Arkansas

awfully tough for MSU. Alabama, LSU,

coaches (1998, 2008, 2012).

Texas A&M and South Carolina are

The final game of the year might be the

year of football. Hail State!

Despite great talent, however, you

a first year head coach of Arkansas, and this

Ole Miss ....................

It should be a great and exciting

all expected to compete for the SEC Championship (which also means national championship), and they are

biggest – the Egg Bowl. This rivalry has had

all on the docket for MSU. Ole Miss, new life breathed into it with the emergence Auburn, Arkansas and Kentucky are of Dan Mullen and now Hugh Freeze. 2012 expected to trend up in 2013. The was the first year since 2000 that both MSU and Ole Miss went to bowl games in the same year. 2013 looks to accomplish the same feat, which sets this game on a higher pedestal. What’s more, the game returns to Thanksgiving night where it once had a national stage from 1998-2003. The game should be as intense as ever, and will have huge implications on bowl positioning, recruiting, and of course bragging rights. Starkville will play host this year – the home team has won 12 of the last 14 (2003, 2010), and 15 of 22 since it moved away from Jackson in 1991. september

2013 |

27


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

HOME AND GARDEN

DIY with Amy Taylor

Penny Art

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.

Join us in creating DIY projects. Send in your Penny Art or new ideas to info@ townandgownmagazine.com. Twitter: @townandgownmag1 Facebook: TownandGownMag

28

| townandgownmagazine.com

H

ere’s a unique project the will help make use of those extra pennies many of us have. Not only does this serve as an art

piece, but placing the item in the garden can help deter snails!

Option 1


Materials

Option 2

Materials: Anything you can spray paint and glue pennies to – glass jars, vases, gazing balls for the garden, even old bowling balls. Fast-drying super glue Spray paint, the color of your choice

Instructions: 1.Spray paint the glass piece and let dry. 2. Attach pennies using

Option 3

fast-drying super glue. *Additional tip: You will probably want to clean the pennies before you start. One way is to soak them for several hours in CocaCola, stirring occasionally so the liquid reaches each penny. You can also give the pennies extra shine by cleaning them with household cleaner.

Kitchen • Entertaining • Gifts • Bridal Registry • Demonstrations • Classes

402 Lampkin Street • Starkville, MS 39759 • (662) 323.5979 september

2013 |

29


It’s a

Southern Thing

...to be the perfect host/hostess of a tailgate. By Lor en Gambr ell

S

o everyone knows that you don’t go to a tailgate to wine and dine with a high class waiter, neither do you sit in the grass and eat from over a

fire. Tailgating is the happy medium. It’s more like camping meets sportsbar, rather than one or the other. To be the perfect host/hostess of the perfect tailgate one must consider five things:

The perfect tailGATE is when ev-

or similar dishes being made by differ-

eryone invited knows the DATE.

ent people. Still keep the variety going between snacks, dips, desserts, etc.

All your guests, may it be friends, family, or both, need to know the date of

The perfect tailGATE is when the

the event; therefore, as the host/host-

tent and its members portray a

ess you should send out a date card or

certain TRAIT.

kids – like find the nearest man with a

message through social media to announce when the tailgate we will be.

As the host/hostess, you should bring

hotdog in hand, or find the nearest girl

As well as the date, the guests will also

some simple decorations to show the

that’s pulling for the opposite team.

need to know time and location of

team-spirit of you and your guests.

Something fun to keep everyone light

tailgate. Maybe even include a simple,

No not streamers or balloons, but the

and having fun until the game begins.

team-spirited map of the location in

paper napkins can be the color of your

correspondence to the parking lot or

team, and the tablecloth could have

The perfect tailGATE is when you

other major land markers.

your team’s mascot on it. Maybe even

all get to see your team play out

bring some foam fingers, a team flag,

their FATE.

The perfect tailGATE is when

or even some face paint. Just a few

food is on everyone’s PLATE.

simple team-spirited traits among the

Watching the game is what your

tent will keep the spirits high through-

guests have been waiting for all day, so

out the day.

make sure everything is set up cor-

Food is a must! Make sure that there

rectly. Make sure the power source for

is enough food. One way is to make a variation of food, this way everyone

The perfect tailGATE is when

the television is reliable, the antenna/

likes at least something on the table.

guests have a fun way to WAIT.

dish is set perfectly, so when it’s time for kick-off, there is no mishap, and

The second way is to simply make the tailgate a potluck. Have everyone bring

Keep the guests entertained while

set up the television in a place where

their own dish. If you opt for the sec-

waiting for the game to begin is with

all your guests can arrange themselves

ond option, make sure that, as host/

games. Cornhole is a good

to see it. No one wants a second row

hostess, you don’t have the same dish

example. Cards is another. Also, you

seat at their own tailgate.

What is a Southern Thing to you? Email, tweet or comment on our Facebook and let us know. (info@townandgownmagazine.com, @townandgownmag1, TownandGownmag) 30

could make a scavenger hunt for the

| townandgownmagazine.com


Christina Lucas, Louisiana native and Starkville resident, is employed at ERA Town & Campus Realty. She loves to cook and create simple, wholesome recipes. She is a yoga enthusiast, loves to paint, and has a passion for keeping life simple and enjoyable. You can follow her on Pinterest @christinalucas.

Southern Roots for the Perfect Tailgate Pho t os b y Divian Conner

august

2013 |

31


F

ootball tailgating time always makes me thankful for my southern roots. I think we southerners do tailgating

with such flair; it's more than football and beer, it's an event all to itself. I always have a few homemade crowd favorites that I will share with you readers. Plus, I got permission to share my husband's favorite recipe for Black Bean Salsa! I also love to utilize all the great vendors around town! Merle Norman Luna Bella has great dips and cheese ball mixes that only require 1 or 2 ingredients that you probably have in your fridge. Plus, The Cake Box does it all, creating beautiful themed cupcakes, petits fours, brownies, and even Coach Mullins' favorite: the chocolate chip cookie! I hope you enjoy these recipes and tailgating ideas!

Black Bean Salsa

1 can black beans,

1/4 cup olive oil

drained

1/4 cup sugar

1 can shoepeg corn,

2 tbsp. Tiger Sauce

drained Mix all ingredients to-

1 red bell pepper, diced

gether. Chill for at least

1 red onion, diced

1 hour to let the flavors

1/2 cup apple cider

distribute. Serve with

vinegar

tortilla chips.

r’s

Choice

Choice | townandgownmagazine.com

Edito

32

r’s

Edit o

1 green bell pepper, diced


1.

2.

3.

Cheesy Bacon Dip Creating Wind and Willow’s Cheesy Bacon Dip was so simple. I added mayonnaise and sour cream to the dip mix and stirred until all the ingredients were combined. Then refrigerated overnight! Thanks, Merle Norman Luna Bella for a simple chip dip!

4. 1. Metal “Go Dawgs” cowbell, Giggleswick 2.Wind Willow Dips, Merele Norman Bella Luna 3. MSU-style flower arangement, Bloom Flowers & Boutique 4. MSU decorated cupcakes and petits fours, The Cake Box SEPTEMBER

2013 |

33


Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sandwiches 1 package Hawaiian bread rolls 1 lb. smoked ham 1 lb. Swiss cheese 1 stick butter, melted 1/3 cup brown sugar 3 tbsp. Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cut the Hawaiian bread rolls in half. Assemble each

1.

roll with ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon

Strawberry Kabobs

mustard. Place together in large baking dish. Melt a stick of butter, then add brown sugar. Pour butter mixture on top of each roll. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes. Best served warm; but they are so good, it does not matter to a hungry crowd! Enjoy! 1 package strawberries, washed and stems cut away large marshmallows 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted wooden skewers Assemble the strawberries and marshmallows on skewers. Use a fork to drizzle the

2.

�

1. Chalkboard cheese board, Purple Elephant 2.Metal Bulldog, Merle Norman Bella Luna 3. MSU-decorated cupcakes, chocolate chip cookie sandwiches, turtle cookies with chocolate topping, and chocolate dipped strawberry footballs, The Cake Box 4. MSU/Starkville hand towl, Giggleswick

Dan Mullen is the chocolate chip man. -The Cake Box

34

| townandgownmagazine.com

�

chocolate on top. Refrigerate for at least

3.

30 minutes to let the chocolate set.

4.


TOWN & GOWN

MAGAZINE JUNE 2013

Thanks to

The Cake Box Bloom Flowers and Boutique for providing their services for “Southern Roots for the Perfect Tailgate”

september

2013 |

35


Paint it in:

Maroon &

White Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels

F

ootball season is upon us. Everywhere you look you see people preparing for the next big game. You buy your

ticket and all of your tailgating supplies and on game day you head out to the field. I love to see all the Maroon and White covering Starkville more and more as game day approaches. What you might not know is all the preparation that goes on year round for football season, in particular the football field itself. The actual football field is often overlooked by fans. I have had the opportunity to walk out on Mississippi State University’s football field and it was truly something. Maybe because the view is so different than up in

Russell Hamilton graduated from Mississippi State University with a major in horticulture and is has been the owner of Deep Roots Nursery for over 13 years.

36

| townandgownmagazine.com


the stands or maybe because of my horticulture background I have some idea of what all it takes to produce a field as nice as this. If you ever get the chance to visit it on ground level you should do it. And yea run out for an imaginary pass to get a good feel for what 10 or 20 yards really is. You will want to do it again. Built in 1914 and later named Davis Wade Stadium in 2000, Mississippi State University’s stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in college football. Lots of traditions come from a field that has been with a university that long. Lots of work has gone into it as well. I have to give Bart Prather and his crew props for how well they keep that field looking game after game. I asked Bart out of curiosity about what kind of man hours go into getting the football field ready for game day. His crew spends 2.5 to 3 days just to paint the field for the next game. They use a special water based paint that is safe for the turf and doesn’t harm it. During peak seasons they mow the field 5-6 times. Now that is manicuring. Bart also informed me about what type of turf is used for the field. There has only been one change in the type of turf since Bart has managed the field. It is currently Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda. Fans got to see something truly unique that Bart and his crew painted on the field in 2011. In the north end zone they painted #HAILSTATE instead of Mississippi State. MSU was the first college to put a twitter hashtag on the field. Several other colleges soon copied the idea. Fans loved it as social media ran off with tweets from the games. It remained painted on the field during the 2012 football season. The bad news is that if you haven’t noticed it painted on the field already you won’t get another chance to see it in person anytime soon. Thanks to a ruling from the NCAA Football Rules Committee there can be no advertisements on the field including now Twitter Hashtags. Bart told me that they were going back to painting Mississippi State on the field in place of the #HAILSTATE. Next time you are at a MSU home football game take a good hard look at the field. You will easily notice the wonder and work that is put into it for the fans and players. And if you get to meet Bart or some of his crew shake their hand for the hard work they put into the athletic fields for us as fans. september

2013 |

37


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

TASTE AND TOAST

Quench the Thirst ....

By Lisa LaFont aine Bynum

Pigskin Punch for a Crowd

38

| townandgownmagazine.com


E

oic

or’s Ch d it

E

ce oi

e

or’s Ch d it

H

ere in the South, we take tailgating as seri-

ously as if our team wins or loses the game. No matter what color jersey you are pulling for, these refreshing drinks will make sure you stay hydrated well after the clock runs out.

T-formation 1/2 oz. whiskey 1/4 oz. peach schnapps 2 oz. apricot nectar 2 oz. lemonade Squeeze of half a lemon Combine all ingredients. Pour over ice in a highball glass. Stir. Garnish glass with a lemon wheel.

Serves 15-18

Place sugar with lemon and orange

1/2 cup granulated sugar

juices in pitcher or punch bowl.

4 oz. cranberry juice

Stir. Add grenadine and whis-

6 oz. orange juice

key. Stir again. Add club soda just

4 oz. Grenadine

before serving. Garnish individual

1 L. whiskey

cups with mint leaves. For a non-

1 L. club soda

alcoholic version leave out the

Mint leaves

whiskey and use tea instead. september

2013 |

39


Kid’s Kid’s Sparkling Sparkling Sangria Sangria

GET TO KNOW Lisa LaFontaine Bynum

Combine sliced apples, strawberries, oranges, and frozen grapes to in a large pitcher. Add sparkling grape juice.

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. 40

| townandgownmagazine.com

Stir.


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

WHERE THE WIND BLOWS Forrest Blackbourn is a Lecturer of Spanish at Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. Candidate in Romance Languages at The University of Alabama. His critical, creative, and journalistic works have appeared in The Coastal Review, Vision 2011: Paying It Forward, and Divergencias: Revista de estudios linguísticos y literarios.

The Local CulinaryExrience Various Excellent Remedies for This Fall Business Pho t os b y Lindse y Nor man

A

s fall is yet again upon us, even though it still

can be an ordeal. People have lives that are not related

feels painfully like summer, we are thinking

to Mississippi State Football, yet they sacrifice their

about Mississippi State football. Which games

weekends in the fall to support their alma mater and to

will be the most and the least challenging for the team?

spend time with family and friends who they otherwise

However, our thoughts are not limited to the outcomes

may not see apart from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and

of competitions on Scott Field in Davis Wade Stadium.

weddings. Not only is traveling an ordeal, but despite

Rather, we think about buying a new tent, cooking food,

how fun it is, tailgating can tend to be rather involved.

and how to link our flat-screen television to the nearest

Whether you reside in Starkville or elsewhere, it requires

power source to the areas on campus that are understood

preparation. You may get off of work at five on a Friday

to be ours on game days. We also anticipate the time of

afternoon and have two hours to pack and cook before

kickoffs every week, because this time will ultimately

you and your family and friends head to Starkville. If you

determine whether we cook cheese biscuits and sausage

reside in Starkville, your preparation might be a bit easier,

loaf or bratwursts and brisket; whether we partake in

but perhaps your group expects more from you because

coffee, mimosas, and bloody marys or coke, beer, and

you live in town. Despite whether you come from near

whiskey.

or afar, life tends to happen, and you may not be able to

When I say “we,” I am referring to the Mississippi State

“get it together” to tailgate for a particular game. Maybe

Football community. Despite the fact that we are engaged

it was a tough week at work. Perhaps the people with

in the same community that is similar to other fan bases

whom you typically tailgate are not going to make that

yet maintains its uniqueness, many of us come from dif-

game for whatever reason. Your son or daughter may be

ferent places on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings

playing in a late game on Friday night. Whatever the case

to see the Bulldogs walk through the junction and battle

may be, there are options other than spending a great

against, as is almost always the case in the Southeastern

deal of time preparing for a Saturday tailgate.

Conference, a very worthy opponent. Some of us reside

I enjoy tailgating immensely. However, in this article I

in Jackson, Biloxi, Tupelo, or Hattiesburg, while others

am going to suggest three restaurant choices in Starkville

live in Atlanta, New Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham,

where you and your entourage can eat and socialize be-

Houston, Dallas, or any number of other places. Traveling

fore, during, and/or after the game. september

2013 |

41


Old Venice Since its founding in 1999 as the first restaurant on Main

Street, this is certainly a Starkville favorite to indulge in a

Martin also spoke of the atmosphere of the establishment.

hearty Italian meal and a glass of Banfi chianti superiore or,

He boasted the members of his staff who he described as

if beer is your poison, perhaps a Peroni Nastro Azzurro; a

“knowledgeable about food, drinks, Starkville, and Mississip-

“birra superiore d’italia.” With a traditional Italian menu

pi State.” This staff is important to provide customers with

in addition to a design-your-own pizza option with several

a “comfortable environment” and an “at-home, laid-back

choices of bases and endless options for toppings, Old Venice

experience” that also include “food that is prepared with a

is a great place for a post-game sit-down dinner with family

great deal of care and meticulousness.” Old Venice certainly

and friends. Even after a night game in Starkville, Missis-

has a myriad of excellent culinary and beverage options. I

sippi, there would be something molto italiano about eating

have enjoyed the Chicken parmigiana a time or two, but my

an elaborate meal at eleven o’clock.

typical meal choice is an individual pizza with a tomato base

However, this marvelous establishment is not just about

and Cajun chicken, Andouille sausage, and shrimp. In terms

providing its patrons with an Italian experience. Mar-

of beverage choices, I usually go for a Sam Adams Boston

tin Crawford, General Manager of Starkville’s Old Venice,

Lager, Stella Artois, Peroni, or an Absolut Dirty Martini.

explained that one of the restaurant’s missions is to provide

42

Italian with unique twists on homemade pizzas."

Old Venice also has the Burgundy Room, which is adorned

customers with an experience that, if the restaurant were

with a copper-plated bar. This bar is renown in Starkville and

transplanted in Venice, Italy, it would be considered as an

surrounding areas for its bellinis and martinis, and it pro-

accepted member of the local culinary tradition in addition

vides an intimate, classy atmosphere to partake in a libation.

to possessing a unique aesthetic that takes certain departures

However, on game day, it is not always about being bour-

from traditional Italian cuisine. For example, Mr. Crawford

geois. Sometimes it is about having fun. With their projec-

alluded to the “Cajun and American influences” that play a

tion screen and new addition of a dartboard, a bar-top game,

role in the culinary experience at Old Venice, which is inte-

and a pizza oven, it is also a great place to swoop in for a

gral with their ability to provide customers with “authentic

beer, a slice, and a “Hail State.”

| townandgownmagazine.com


Do you like some of the go-to,

mitted aliases “Oby” or “Tyrone,”

signature Cajun dishes like red

he indicated that most of the

beans and rice, jambalaya, and

antiques are authentic and that he

gumbo? How do you feel about

has been “collecting [them] over

muffulettas, po-boys, fried catfish,

the years.” However, he also said,

and hushpuppies? Oby’s is very

“I don’t waste my time anymore

well-known by anyone who

with antiques. All the good stuff

has spent even a short amount

is gone.” As of right now, it seems

of time in Starkville. With its

as if the collection is complete.

grandiose booths and tables, you

On the other hand, one of the

will not have much trouble find-

most marvelous things about the

ing enough space to seat all the

acquisition of antiques is that

members of your party before or

growth in its market parallels the

after a football game. Also, as a

passing of time.

result of its open environment,

The feel of this place that Mr.

it is the kind of place where you

O’Bannon referred to as a “fam-

would be apt to bump into your

ily restaurant” is the reason that

cousin-in-law; a term that one

people walk in the door and keep

may not hear much outside of the

coming back. He stated that cus-

state of Mississippi and which I

tomers come “For the food, the

confess to having used on more

service, and for the atmosphere.”

than one occasion. At this staple

In fact, when I sat down to talk

of the Starkville culinary sensibil-

to Don about the restaurant, he

ity, you could also bump into an

stopped the interview several

old friend from college and have

times to shake the hands of his

the opportunity to meet his or her

customers and to chitchat with

spouse and children and catch up

them for a few minutes. This is

on other life developments since

a prime example of the superior

“the good old days.”

customer service that patrons

One of the most notable char-

experience at the very moment

acteristics that sets Oby’s apart

that they walk in the front door.

from other culinary experiences

Regarding the way in which the

in Starkville is the antiquity of its

food is prepared, Mr. O’Bannon

décor. From seasoned, tin coke

said that they “fix it the way you

signs to a gas station pump that

want it” and “refuse to compro-

was modified to fit in the din-

mise quality for time.”

ing room, this restaurant has an

Oby’s

If you are looking for some-

invaluable collection of cultural

where to eat before or after a

artifacts that tend to engender

Mississippi State football game,

conversations between members

you may want to consider head-

of different generations regarding

ing over to Oby’s for an experi-

how things used to be versus how

ence that reflects the kind and

things are now. In interviewing

paced lifestyle that those who love

Donald O’Bannon, whom you

Starkville cherish.

may know by one of his self-adaugust

2013 |

43


The Veranda

This is another excellent gameday restaurant choice, and it is proudly celebrating its “Tenth Year of Flavor.” This es-

Mrs. Yates described the culinary experience at The Ve-

tablishment possesses four distinct areas for various dining

randa as “American fair with Southern inspiration” and that

experiences without compromising the flow of the space as

they “have a wide variety of things on the menu, [such as]

a whole. The bar functions as a sports bar where one can

sandwiches, salads, pastas, steak, and seafood.” For before

get together with his or her friends to cheer on the bulldogs

a Mississippi State football game, patrons can come in and

and to catch up on football games from around the South-

order a sandwich, a po-boy, or one of my personal favor-

eastern Conference and the entire nation. It also serves as

ites, the Kobe burger. They also serve bloody marys, beer,

a venue for quiet discussions among young professionals

and mimosas before the game. In fact, The Veranda is also

either for happy hour after work or a nightcap. The main

serving what it terms a “Man Mimosa” which is frankly a

dining room consists of high booths, providing a bit more

mimosa in a pint glass instead of a champagne flute. After

privacy for a small family dinner or date night. The Veranda

football games, you can come into the bar and watch an

also has a private dining room for a formal dinner setting

SEC game on one of the many high-definition, flat-screen

and a patio that is a popular choice for wedding rehearsal

TVs at the same time and place that the Fifth Quarter Show

dinners and also offers, when the weather is temperate, a

is broadcast throughout the state of Mississippi with hosts

cool and breezy dining experience. Amy Yates, co-owner of

Matt Wyatt and Bart Gregory.

the restaurant, said that they “like to have fun music, friend-

44

create a great dining experience.”

On game days, regardless of whether you a looking for

ly and personal service, and an all-around fun and positive

a quiet, elegant meal or a loud, boisterous party with close

atmosphere.” She described the staff as “fun” and “eager

friends, you may want to consider coming to The Veranda;

to serve,” and she expressed the importance of ingraining

a place “where Bulldogs meet and eat” and where there are

a team dynamic from the outset of employee training in

several experiences that are appealing to a variety of tastes

order to “serve everyone a great meal, a great drink, and to

and moods.

| townandgownmagazine.com


In the South, fall Saturdays are all about football. But, it is much more than that. It is about fellowship with family

Fashion . Beauty . Food . Lifestyle

and friends. Tailgating is a very important part of the football Saturday experience. However, if this fall business has made your life so hectic that you may not have time or simply may not want to spend hours cooking prior to hours traveling to Starkville, you can certainly find a place to eat and have a good time with the ones that you love. Maybe the tailgating tradition will be replaced with a new one.

î ¤

Top 5 Dishes

Old Venice Selected by Restaurant

Chicken Parmigiana

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Oby’s Lasagna

Chicken Tuscany Pizza Trausclaire Pasta

Shrimp Po-boy

Roast Beef Po-boy Alligator Po-boy

The Veranda Muffuletta

Around the World Sandwich

MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013

Seared Ahi Tuna

Stockyard Angus Steaks Gorgonzola Salad Salmon

Shrimp and Grits

is everywhere you go!

The

Football Issue

Online now at townandgownmagazine.com

september

2013 |

45


Moving into the Present

Access to records and physicians through your (de)vices. By For r es t Blac kbour n

T

he world is changing.

Whereas at one point in time, writing letters was an art and spelling was checked by going to the dictionary (which was a book on a shelf), now we have the luxury and often the crutch of a red, squiggly line under a word and the right-click option. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, and email allow us in the 21st Century to interact with others regardless of space and despite its previously corresponding time restraints. Mail is called snail mail. Students have access to grades, classes,

46

| townandgownmagazine.com

and class registration online rather than in previous years when grades were mailed, all classes were conducted face-toface, and class registration involved a very long line. The Dewey Decimal System, which was at one time one of the greatest systems for the classification of resources, has become outdated by highpowered databases with boxes with a variety of search parameters and, in many cases, electronic access to full text.


Prior to the Obama administration, however, the medi-

“get you scheduled with the right doctor for your problem.”

cal field was drastically behind the curve in regard to the

Another notable benefit of this app is that it expedites the

electronic access to records. How do we make appointments

referral process and makes it considerably less costly for the

with a physician? We call the doctor’s office. How do we

patient.

discover the results of a test? We make an appointment and

However, Dr. Jones also stated that “your comfort will

meet with the doctor or the results are communicated to us

dictate your use of this.” Access to records electronically can

through a phone call. The world is changing.

make some people uneasy. However, he made it extremely

In a July 16, 2013 article in USA Today, David Jackson

clear that “your information is just as protected in this app

wrote, “The goals of electronic medical records include

as it is at our clinic.” For that matter, as a result of login and

better and faster exchanges of information between doctors

password security, your medical records are just as protected

who share a patient, reducing a duplication of tests and pro-

in this app as your educational records, your bank accounts,

cedures, eliminating errors on prescriptions, and providing

your credit card information, and your communication-

patients with quicker access to their own records.” These

based accounts.

are goals that Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic

The Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic and

and Outpatient Center are trying to

Outpatient Center is certainly not stat-

meet with their new app available

ing that communication with them

in Android and iPhone markets that Dr.

must be conducted through the use

Scott Jones termed “the first, compre-

of their app. You can still call the

hensive, electronic healthcare app in the

office and make an appointment,

state of Mississippi.” In an interview

fill out forms in their waiting

with him in which I inquired as to the

room, and write a check as you

reasons behind the vision of the devel-

leave. The development of this app,

opment of the app, he stated that “we

however, enables care to be even

wanted a better way for our patients to

more patient-centered and allows

communicate with us” and that “we’re

patients to access their records and

trying to make it quick, seamless, easy,

interact with their doctors in a way

and efficient.” The Columbus Ortho-

in which patients are comfortable.

pedic group is streamlining the flow of

After all, the records belong to the

information in order to optimize the

patients.

care for patients through minimizing

Dr. Jones also indicated that this

the time that they are required to spend

app is monitored during business

in the clinic filling out forms that they

hours. If an orthopedic emergency

can fill out just as easily electronically

arises, patients should call their office

prior to their appointment.

and the on-call physician and/or go

Some of the things that you can do with the app are request an appointment, view your records if you are a returning patient, access the biographical data

to the emergency room rather than submitting a query through the app. Through the development of this app, The Columbus

of the physicians in the group, input your insurance and

Orthopaedic Clinic and Outpatient Center has hit the

pharmacy information, and pay your bill with a credit card.

ground running and surpassed the technology curve that is

However, this is certainly not a comprehensive list of the ca-

ever-changing and, in many cases, dictates our lives. Is the

pabilities of the app. Physicians, physical therapists, trainers,

technological revolution in the world in which we reside

and patients can also take a picture of the orthopedic issue

progressive or degenerative? I will leave that up to you to

that you are having and receive a recommendation from one

decide. However, the world is changing and will continue

of the doctors. According to Dr. Jones, this enables them to

to do so.

september

2013 |

47


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Game Day Beauty Secrets

It’s time to break out our maroon and white outfits and cheer for the Bulldogs! Game day is usually a long day full of excitement. You might leave the house looking fresh, but after a

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

Mini hair spray Lip gloss Stick concealer Blotting papers First blot your face to remove any oil and then apply the concealer only where it’s needed and blend. Reapply lip gloss and done!

few hours in The Junction, you find yourself looking frazzled with makeup running down your face. Not a good look! With our help, you’ll be fresh and glowing from the time you set up your tent until long after the game has finished.

The hair spray works wonders for taming your fly-aways, but did you know spraying your face with a little hair spray will prevent sweating?! Cream clutch, $54 L.A. Green Boutique.

Arbonne Makeup Primer, $38 www.arbonne.com; Merle Norman Lasting Foundation, SPF 12, $29, Merle Norman Luna Bella; Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer, $22 Ulta; Merle Norman Expert Touch Finishing Spray, $17 Merle Norman Luna Bella; Amy Head Eye Primer, $20 Vitality; Lancome Le Style Waterproof Long Lasting Eye Liner in Prune, $26 Sephora; Amy Head Firecracker Lip Sparklette, $20 Vitality; Neutrogena Deep Clean Blotting Sheets, $7.29 Drug Stores; Catwalk Finishing Spray, $5 Salon 28.


Tips 1 Keep your colors and application

Face

light. Anything dark or drastic will look too harsh in the daylight. Stay away from powders for touchups because they can look cakey and overdone.

2 Before heading to campus, begin your day with a focus on your inner fin Smoothie from Peak Nutrition containing 24 vitamins & minerals and 24 grams of protein! This will provide your body with sustained energy and promote a healthy complexion.

3 Don’t forget to remove your makeup and wash your face at the end of the day!

Lips

Eyes

body health. Try a Blueberry Muf-

Face: Start by applying a

Eyes: Since eye shadows

Lips: Dust your lips with a

primer to your entire face.

tend to crease in humid

translucent powder before

Use waterproof concealer

weather, it’s important to

applying a lip stain that is

under your eyes and on

prep the delicate skin with

2 shades darker than your

any blemishes. Next, use

an eye primer. For an all-

natural lip color. Top with a

an oil-free, long-lasting

day look, light eye shadow

foundation. Then, using a

colors in powder form are

large brush, apply bronze

your best bet because they

powder to your cheeks,

won’t fade or run. Apply

forehead and nose. Fin-

a shimmery cream color

ish with a makeup setting

to your brow bone and a

spray.

neutral shade (taupe, gold,

*

*

tinted lip gloss. “I use make

up wedges when

applying foundation. This helps to prevent transferring oil to my face from

or bronze) to your entire eyelid. Follow up by lining

my fingers and get-

the eyes with a water-proof

ting the foundation

“Right before I get

eyeliner and finish with

on my clothes.” Ann

out of the shower, I

two coats of waterproof

Hamilton Dogan, 22,

blast myself with cold

mascara – waterproof for-

water to ensure shiny

mulas won’t run and you

hair and tighten the

never know when you’re

pores on my face. It

going to get caught in the

also helps wake me

rain! For a more festive

up!” Audrey Mott,

look, try an eye liner in

26, Horticulture.

maroon, which is universally flattering!

*

Merchandising. "I always use

primer and finish-

ing spray and keep beauty blotters on hand for the Southern heat!" Casie Mahalitc, 23, Business Management. september

2013 |

49


50

| townandgownmagazine.com


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

FEATURE

W

N

The Voice of the Network By Joe Lee Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner and Laur a Daniels

J

im Ellis considered working in a ministerial capacity with youth while in Graduate School forty years ago. But advice from

a professional baseball announcer helped the future Voice of the Bulldogs determine what he wanted to do with his life. “I got through at Mississippi State in 1969 and taught school in Aberdeen in 1970,” said Ellis, a graduate of West Point High School who grew up in Clay County. “While I was in Texas I talked to the Rangers play-by-play man, Dick Risenhoover, about what I really wanted to do, and he said, ‘You’re over-educated for the job already. You need to get some experience.’ That conversation made me think, ‘I really might want to do that.’” Ellis returned to Mississippi for good in 1973. He went back to teaching to support his family, but he looked for play-by-play opportunities and was given a chance by a Columbus radio station to broadcast the Dizzy Dean World Series, which featured teams from several states.

september

2013 |

51


Jim Ellis, Jack Cristil (former MSU radio sports bradcaster) and John Correro (MSU sideline analyst).

“I called a bunch of games over a ten-day period,” Ellis

area: Hatley, Smithville, Amory,” Ellis said. “Sales did not

said. “That was my first broadcasting experience. I taped all

come naturally to me at all. But Jim Buffington was a very

the games and knew I wasn’t very good, but I got enough

professional guy in the way he ran the radio station and the

encouragement from folks to want to keep going. I realized

sales aspect. He felt we should be very involved in the com-

that if I was going to get into radio, I needed to make a

munity. I learned a lot from him and worked hard, and we

career decision. It was impossible to do what I wanted to do

did tons of basketball, football and baseball games.

and teach school at the same time.” Ellis was hired in the summer of 1974 by Jim Buffington,

“I remember listening back to my first football broadcast and almost quit on the spot. But if you’re willing to work

the station manager of WMPA-AM and WHAY-FM in Ab-

at things, you can usually get better at them. I spent a lot of

erdeen. He was brought in to sell advertising and broadcast

time trying to be distinct in what I said. I don’t have a big,

sporting events, and the play-by-play opportunities were

deep radio voice, and I have a Southern accent, but I try to

endless.

articulate things.”

“They were doing broadcasts for a lot of schools in the

Buffington had a Saturday morning ritual of picking up Jim Ellis and Bart Gregory, Radio Broadcaster for Mississippi State University.

52

| townandgownmagazine.com3


mail at the post office before going to the radio station,

have the utmost respect for him. He has been a dear friend a

where he met Ellis for the first time in March 1973.

lot of years.”

“Jim explained that he’d sat in the stands at a high school

“Jim really hasn’t changed,” Cristil said of Ellis. “I was

basketball playoff game the night before and recorded play-

blessed to work with him over a period of 32 years. (From

by-play of the game,” Buffington said. “He asked if I would

the beginning) he was intelligent and you could count on

listen to the tape and critique it for him. I told him I was

him. He developed into an excellent broadcaster.”

not a play-by-play announcer, but would be glad to offer

The timing of Ellis’s move to Starkville couldn’t have been

what few tips I could. Almost precisely one year later Jim

better when it came to MSU baseball. The team reached the

was in the lobby of the radio station. He had recorded an-

College World Series in his first year (1979), and the 1985

other playoff game and asked me to listen. It was very good

squad featured future major league stars Will Clark, Rafael

and I was very impressed.”

Palmeiro, Jeff Brantley, and Bobby Thigpen.

All the local broadcasts in Aberdeen paid off in Ellis’s

“Relationships with the coaches have been great,” Ellis

move to Starkville in the fall of 1978. Joe Phillips Sr., who

said. “Coach Polk and Coach (John) Cohen and Coach (Pat)

put WSSO-AM on the air in Starkville shortly after World

McMahon have all been great to work with. We spend so

War II, was suddenly without a sports announcer when

much time together on the road in baseball, and you really

Mark Albin left for Virginia. Albin broadcast MSU baseball,

get to know the players and coaches better.

MSU Lady Bulldog basketball, and Starkville High School

That family atmosphere has been great.”

football.

“Jim is a legend in the broadcasting community and I

“Aberdeen and Starkville played every year in football,

was very fortunate to have played here while he called my

and I got a call from Joe,” Ellis said. “What he had to do –

games,” Cohen said. “Radio was so big back then and MSU

without a broadcaster – was take the feed from Starkville

had the largest radio network in college baseball. Jim was –

High’s opponent each week to have their games on the

and is – the voice of the network. He was a pioneer of sorts

air, and he wanted to broadcast my call of the Aberdeen-

in college baseball.

Starkville game over his station. About three weeks later

“He’s so well-liked and appreciated because he is a model

Starkville and Shannon were going to play in the Little Ten

of consistency. He does his homework and knows what the

Conference championship game. Joe called and asked if I

big things are. He works as hard today as he did when I was

would go to Shannon and broadcast that game and feed it

a player. He does an amazing job of presenting as much

to him.

information as possible about the player and the program.”

“Then he said he needed a baseball announcer and asked me to send him a tape. It was two weeks before I heard back, but he called and said, ‘That’s not too bad. I need to

Many beloved names come up in conversation when Ellis looks back on the early days of his broadcast career. “Bo Carter was the assistant to Sports Information Direc-

talk to (then MSU head baseball coach) Ron Polk. I’ll call

tor Bob Hartley when I was hired,” Ellis said. “Mr. Hartley

you back.’ He did and said, ‘Coach Polk said you’d do.’”

was a people person and very kind; I never knew anyone

Ellis was named WSSO/WSMU-FM sales manager and

who disliked him. Bo was really good and efficient. Joe Dier

sports director and stayed over a decade, calling hundreds

(who just retired from MSU as an assistant A.D.) and I were

of Starkville High football and MSU Lady Bulldog basketball

on a lot of trips together. He was a good support person.”

tilts as well as becoming known as the voice of MSU baseball. And he got to know and work with MSU broadcasting legend Jack Cristil. “I grew up listening to Jack. It’s hard to beat that voice

*** Ellis made another career move when former MSU athletic director Larry Templeton hired him in 1991. That, too, was a sales job, although he continued with his busy sched-

calling an MSU football game,” said Ellis, who roomed

ule of MSU baseball, Lady Bulldog basketball, and Starkville

with his mentor on MSU road trips for years before Cristil’s

High football.

retirement in 2011. “He was the consummate professional

“I went to work for Host Communications in 1991 as

and painted the picture as well as anyone I ever listened to. I

general manager of the Bulldog Sports Network,” Ellis said.

september

2013 |

53


“I sold advertising for signage in the stadium, TV shows for

complement each other. I learned from Jack to tell the true

all coaches, any auxiliary TV rights the university owned,

story. There are so many cheerleaders, but I want to tell the

and any on-site promotions.

story of the ballgame, and I think we’ve tried to do that.

“Larry has been a close friend for a lot of years. He was a

“Jack was a star. He came from the era of the one-man

guy who expected a lot of you, but at the same time he was

broadcast and was probably most comfortable with that. So

very loyal to his people and very supportive. He put me in

many of today’s broadcasters come out of a TV background

a position to grow from a sales and a broadcast standpoint,

and are more comfortable with color instead of play-by-

and I’ll always appreciate that.”

play. I want us to paint the picture of what’s happening on

Ellis spent 14 years in that role before Templeton brought

the field. People expect good comments, stats, stories, and

him into the MSU athletic department as Assistant A.D. for

information. Jack did it so well. He could be tremendously

External Affairs, a position he held until 2011. Now a con-

colorful as well as very factual.”

tract employee for Learfield Communications, he does play-

Cristil thought so much of Ellis that when his doctors

by-play for MSU football, basketball, and baseball as well

told him he needed to retire immediately (late in the 2010-

as hosting 30 call-in radio shows and 28 televised coaches’

2011 basketball season), Ellis was the first person he shared

shows a year. He also hosts hour-long radio programs two

the news with, other than several old friends in Tupelo.

mornings a week on Super Talk FM 100.9.

“Out of respect, I felt he should know first,” Cristil said.

It seemed natural that Ellis would succeed his mentor

“We’d talked about the situation before and knew it was

when Jack Cristil signed off for the last time. While the

coming, and it was a very sad thing for me, but I pulled

transition may have been seamless to the fans, Ellis began

him aside and told him I would have to step down right

the 2011 football season with a new broadcast partner

away. He really carried me on the last few broadcasts when

(former Bulldog quarterback Matt Wyatt) and the awareness

I wasn’t feeling well.

that he was following a legend. “I told Matt Wyatt and (MSU sideline analyst) John Cor-

“MSU would have made a tragic mistake if they had not made Jim the new play-by-play man. He has a marvelously

rero that I couldn’t be Jack, but all we can do is try to be

retentive memory and can inject so much into the broad-

the best we can,” Ellis said. “I want us to

cast in great detail, and he does it without ever talking down to or overburdening the listener. He has a remarkable mind.”

Above: Jim Ellis and Jack Cristil.


Sid Salter, who penned the Jack Cristil biography, Voice

grandchildren between them. Though not an ardent major

of the Bulldogs, was impressed with how vital a role Ellis

league baseball fan, he follows the Bulldogs who are play-

played in assisting Cristil near the end of his 58-year run

ing pro ball and has lots of great memories from his years

calling MSU football and basketball games.

behind the mike.

“Jack made clear the level of mutual respect between

“Since I’ve been calling football, it was special to beat

them and how much he supported the decision that Jim

Florida in Gainesville in 2011,” Ellis said. “The total domi-

would be his successor,” Salter said. “He is a consummate

nation of Michigan at the Gator Bowl (January 1, 2011) was

professional and a truly great broadcaster. His loyalty to

a great moment. This year’s College World Series shows the

MSU is unquestioned, but he is – as was Jack – a broadcast-

kind of support MSU has in baseball. John Cohen and his

er of the old school who calls the game not as a homer, but

staff made a lot of good decisions and got about as much as

as a fair journalist. I can think of few people on the staff of

you could get from the players.”

the university who represents MSU better than Jim Ellis and I’m proud to call him my friend.” “Jim and I have remained good friends. He’s one of the nice guys who made it,” Buffington said. “He is a class

The former schoolteacher and Jack Cristil admirer has come a long way since that day in Jim Buffington’s radio station lobby in early 1973. “What I cherish most is the relationships with the play-

person whose word is his bond. I doubt very much that he

ers, coaches, and the MSU family,” Ellis said. “I hope I come

ever glances at printed statistics, because he is a walking,

across as someone who’s appreciative of the chance I’ve

talking computer who can tell you everything you need to

gotten. A ballgame is a ballgame, and it’s important. But at

know about an MSU athlete, (whether) playing baseball,

the end of the day, it’s much more about the people. I get

basketball or football.”

together with ex-players and listen to the stories they tell.

Ellis and his wife, Jammie, have four children and seven

Those are the really important things.” Matt Wyatt, MSU football color analyst and a former MSU quarterback and Jim Ellis.

september

2013 |

55


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

LIFE AND STYLE

Love For the

of MSU

D

By Ric helle Putnam Pho t og r aph y b y Sull y Clemmer www.sull y clemmer.com

rew Branscome and Chelsea Smith met the summer of 2006 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when both attended the Handy

Festival, an outdoor festival featuring local/regional musicians and bands. Drew was immediately attracted to Chelsea’s smile. Chelsea was drawn to Drew’s personality. “We had a lot of mutual friends,” said Chelsea, “and after being introduced about nine times that night, we realized maybe everyone was trying to tell us something.” However, both came from families that were diehard fans – of rival college teams! Drew was reared an Ole Miss fan (his dad is an Ole Miss alum) and up until Drew’s last semester of junior college, he had planned on attending The University of Mississippi. “That semester I visited my sister, Emmylou, who was already at State,” said Drew. “I immediately knew it was the place for me.” Ever since Drew’s first MSU football game, he’s been hooked. “We may not win as many games as I would like, but that makes the ones we do win a lot sweeter.”

56

| townandgownmagazine.com


Chelsea grew up in Alabama and in Ala-

they always win.

bama, she explained, you’re either an Alabama fan

The first few years of a long-distance relationship are dif-

or Auburn fan. In her house there really wasn't a choice. “I'll

ficult for anyone. Occasionally, Drew and Chelsea had to go

never forget when I first told my dad about meeting a guy

a month or more without seeing each other. Chelsea rear-

that went to Mississippi State,” said Chelsea. “His response

ranged her work and school schedule to make day drives to

was, ‘As long as he isn't an Auburn or Tennessee fan, I can

Starkville and to Memphis to see Drew.

make it work.’ ”

“We had to trust one another and be devoted to making a

Drew, who graduated MSU in spring 2007 with a Bach-

long distance relationship work, but being three hours away

elor of Arts in Communication, admits to giving Chelsea a

definitely made us appreciate the time we got together even

hard time about how easy it is to be an Alabama fan because

more.”

september

2013 |

57


Drew’s "aha" moment with Chelsea happened when he

adding that she packed her

took her to meet his family and

bags and took a huge leap of

friends. “She fit right in, which

faith to move five hours away

was really, really important to

from home and family, to a

me,” he said. Plus, after every-

city of strangers, to be closer

one met her Drew didn't really

to Drew and so they could see

have a choice because everyone

each other every day. “I was

loved her. “We fit in naturally

scared and nervous, but most

with each other's families,” said

of all excited for this next step.

Drew. “I always joke that my

After a few months of living

family likes her more than they

together in the same town, we

like me now.”

knew we would be together

After Drew and Chelsea discussed their futures and

forever.” Their families and friends

how they saw their relationship

have been incredibly supportive

progressing, Chelsea applied

since day one. When Chelsea

to nursing school in Jackson,

met Drew’s friends for the first

Miss. A few months later, she

time, they were welcoming and

was accepted.

loving. “I felt like I had known

“We felt that this was truly

58

meant to be,” said Chelsea,

| townandgownmagazine.com

them for years,” she said.


Chelsea’s parents have even adopted MSU as their second school and, as long as MSU isn't playing Alabama, they’re cheering on the Dawgs. In November 2011, after Chelsea and Drew had moved into a new apartment, they invited both their families to Jackson for Chelsea’s first attempt at cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Drew's parents drove in from Olive Branch, Miss and Chelsea’s came from Muscle Shoals, Ala. “Little did I know what Drew had planned,” said Chelsea. “I

dors and locations as we could in one

had told Drew in the past I didn't want

day,” said Chelsea. “It was tough at

a big, public proposal. He knew how

times planning from two hours away

important my family is to me.” Once

and coordinating with everyone, but

the food was almost ready, Drew pulled

we made it work. Drew had to be a lot

Chelsea from the kitchen, brought her

more involved than most guys probably

out and started what she thought was

want to be.”

a speech about how important family

When Chelsea first visited MSU,

is and how glad they were that every-

Drew had showed her around the cam-

body could make it. “Next thing I knew

pus – The Union, The Hump, Fraternity

Drew was talking just to me. Of course

and Sorority Rows, The Drill Field, and

everyone else was in on this, which

the Chapel of Memories – to which she

shocked me, because no one in our

immediately fell in love.

family is good at keeping secrets.”

“Once we decided on Starkville, the

Drew proposed.

Chapel was an easy choice. We knew

Chelsea said, “Yes!”

we didn't want a big wedding, but we

And the couple enjoyed Thanksgiving

wanted a place that made a statement.”

dinner surrounded by their families.

Chelsea added that the only “must

“It was perfect,” said Chelsea.

have” was a center aisle, which the

Their hometowns being approxi-

Chapel had.

mately five hours apart, Chelsea and

Attending MSU, said Drew, was the

Drew knew they wanted to get married

second best decision he ever made.

somewhere in between, a place close

Marrying Chelsea was his first. Because

enough that people from both sides

their story began while Drew was a

could attend. Plus, they wanted to get

senior at MSU, they felt it only right to

married in a place that had meaning for

take the next steps of their relationship

both of them. They chose Starkville.

there, in the MSU Chapel, a place to

“We drove up from Jackson one morning to meet with as many ven-

return and feel the exact way that they did on their wedding day. september

2013 |

59


Their photographer, Sully Clemmer from Jackson, Miss (www.sullyclemmer.com) was one of the couple’s most important decisions, second only to the preacher of the cerThey chose not to have a wedding planner, but Starkville native Mandi Alexander, one of Drew's longtime friends

ding, but to document it, so after their first meeting with

and die-hard Dawg, gave Chelsea the inside scoop on local

Sully, “We knew he was it,” said Chelsea. Aside from taking

vendors and venues.

incredible pictures, Sully made things easy and enjoyable.

“I would randomly get calls and texts from her with sug-

“Even almost a year later, I still look at our pictures and can't

gestions on everything,” said Chelsea. “I don't know how we

believe how beautiful they are. He truly captured everything

would have pulled it off without her.”

special from our Wedding Day!”

For the flowers, Chelsea wanted simple and Southern, so

Chelsea’s dress was a simple strapless gown with a

Misty Nall of Bloom Flowers and Boutique in Starkville, was

sweetheart neck, full bottom skirt, and pockets, which was

available for questions, advice, and support. The bouquets

probably Chelsea’s favorite thing. For a little added “special

were white and green Hydrangeas and white Roses secured

touch,” Chelsea had their wedding date stitched in blue on

together with twine around the stems. Chelsea’s bouquet

the inside of her dress.

had a pair of her late grandmother's pearl earrings attached

“One day we will be able to take our future children and

to the twine, representing something old. The boutonnieres

grand-children and show them where it all began for us,”

were a single white rose, also with twine.

said Chelsea. “I think one of the things that stuck out to us

“I chose not to have an arrangement at the Chapel because I didn't want to take away from its character,” said Chelsea. The ceremony was held at one o’clock p.m. so that wedding guests could drive to and from Starkville on the same day. A special moment happened during the prayer about

was how many couples had gotten married at the Chapel before us, and how many will after. Thinking about how many couples said "I Do" at the same altar adds a little something extra.” Instead of the traditional sign-in guest book, they wanted

coming together as husband and wife. Drew and Chelsea

“out of the ordinary.” After coming across work by Eleanor

were holding hands and facing each other when, as they

Mathis of Curiously Wrought (www.cwrought.etsy.com).,

bowed their heads, their foreheads touched during the

they decided to use one of her pieces as the book, which,

prayer.

instead of sitting in a box for 50 years, could be displayed as

“It was really special to me because it seemed to symbolize everything the prayer was about,” said Chelsea. “Support, comfort, and becoming one.” 60

emony. They didn’t want a photographer to control the wed-

| townandgownmagazine.com

a memory in their home. “We contacted Eleanor and told her our idea. What she gave us was truly incredible and unique,” said Chelsea.


The Hunter Henry Center, with its stunning, modern

“I'll never forget after the reception we walked around

façade, won hands-down for the reception location. Jenna

campus with Sully taking pictures at random locations.

Shook and Janna Courtney of the Center were two big rea-

Every car passing by honked or rolled down the windows

sons everything stayed on track during the planning process

to yell congratulations!” As these strangers wished them the

and why Chelsea never felt overwhelmed. MSU Catering ca-

best of luck, Chelsea realized why Drew had fallen in love

tered the "dessert themed" reception, which included Dawg

with MSU eight years before and why she’s been Maroon

Bone Cookies, caramel truffles, strawberry shortcake and

and White ever since!

banana pudding shooters, brownies, chocolate chip cookies,

There may be one weekend of the season, when State

and most importantly MSU milk. The four-tier wedding cake

plays Bama that Chelsea likes to play both sides of the

had white icing on all four layers, with alternating layers of

fence…depending on who wins.

strawberry and white cake. Everything was on campus, making it convenient for the

Communication and appreciation will be their keys to a successful marriage, as well as keeping everything in per-

wedding party and the guests. The only thing the newly-

spective by remembering what matters most at the end of

weds might have done differently was to jump the fence to

the day. Other couples, who are also die-hard fans of oppos-

the football field to have pictures made there. They had even

ing teams, may want to heed the Branscomes’ good advice:

called Campus Police, telling them the situation, but the police simply wouldn’t have it! Growing up an Alabama fan, Chelsea’s heart will always

“Make sure at least one of you is an MSU alum! That way, it’s pretty easy for the other one to convert!”

hold a special place for the Crimson Tide, but MSU is where her life changed. Therefore, she proudly admits to being an official MSU Bulldog fan. Her favorite thing about MSU is that everybody is one, big family.

september

2013 |

61


Meet the Locals...

Lisa Pritchard By Becca Hor t on Pho t og r aph y b y Divian Conner and Submitt ed The stands at the football game are packed as one side yells MAROON and the other side yells WHITE. The cowbells ring proudly from every direction, and even harder when those select few jog on the field decked out in school spirit from head to toe. And fans ask themselves, why are bulldogs so cute? when Bully runs on the field with his charming caretaker beside him. Lisa Pritchard is no stranger to the rush that comes with running on the field during football season. In fact, it’s her favorite time of year – to the point where she can tell you how many days (and probably minutes) are left until the opening game. Her school spirit is obvious, and her job has come with the exciting characteristics that make her a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Her official title is Mississippi State University’s Mascot Coordinator, which is a delightfully fancy way of saying she gives Bully the home, love and extra push he needs to be on that field every football game. Pritchard, 49, was born in Starkville but grew up and attended high school in Maben, Miss. at Cumberland High, which is now known as East Webster. She received an Associate Degree at Wood Junior College in Mathiston, Miss., and following graduation began working at a veterinary clinic in Eupora. She currently lives in Mathiston and makes the daily commute to Starkville.


When she interviewed for the internal medicine technician position at Mississippi State’s veterinary school, Pritchard found that part of her responsibility was to be a kind of handler for the bulldog mascot, or “Bully,” making sure they were able to get to and from home football games. At the time, the mascot was not officially owned by the university, but was actually a pet borrowed from different members of the alumni. This was done from the time she began working there in 1993 until 1999, when Lisa presented a caretaker idea to her boss and MSU’s athletic department. She told them she felt it would be better for the dog and the university if the dog was officially owned, groomed as a mascot and cared for in an employee’s home environment. They then put her in charge. Pritchard knew she wanted a particular bloodline of English Bulldogs to make its appearance as the new mascot, and after about eighteen months of searching for this seemingly lost bloodline, she’d finally caught a break. A woman in Waynesboro, Miss. contacted her and offered to bring by two puppies for her to look at; one, a beautiful fawning-white puppy, marched in the house like he owned the place. She knew, “almost right then,” that he was the one. pre-game in the junction, she makes sure Champ goes wher-

The athletic department purchased this new mascot, the nineteenth Bully, in April 2001 where he promptly became Pritchard’s responsibility. His name was Tonka, and his statue

ever he is needed. After getting a call to make an appearance, Pritchard is

currently resides in the junction. Tonka had his retirement

only too happy to take a road trip with Champ and arrive

ceremony at a home game in 2009, when the current Bully

with a good attitude and a charming smile on her face. Some

– Tonka’s son, Champ – proudly filled his paws.

of their public efforts include meet and greets at area nurs-

The two bulldogs have not only been part of her responsi-

ing homes, visiting some local schools, and even answering

bility, but an even greater part of her family. “Champ is a lot

a child’s Flat Stanley letter. It is safe to say Starkville’s favorite

of me, and I am a lot of him,” she gushes. She also mentions

bulldog is privy to many photo ops. Pritchard jokes that her

that even after Tonka’s passing, she thinks about him every

ankles are very photogenic. Other than the great responsibility of being Bully’s

day. cots were simply present for the football games. Now, with

medicine service and the oncology service at MSU’s Col-

Pritchard’s help, the mascot does quite a bit of PR. Not only

lege of Veterinary Medicine. She sees several small animals

does she bring him to participate in two hours of pictures

daily, primarily dogs and cats, and is very grateful to have an

ce oi

E

Visit Town and Gown Mag on Facebook to see a video of Bully (Champ) swimming with Lisa.

or’s Ch d it

e

with

or’s Ch d it

oic

Online now at townandgownmagazine.com

Behind The Scenes

E

caretaker, Pritchard is the Head Technician in the internal

is everywhere you go!

Before, when they were owned by MSU alums, the mas-

september

2013 |

63


understanding department that allows her to perform both

Her children, 20-year-old Austin and 15-year-old Laura

her mascot and veterinary duties. She also teaches veterinary

Grace, as well as her father Tony, are major inspirations in all

students and veterinary technology students, interns and

that she does. Her faith and relationship with God are also

residents.

very important to her. She doesn’t waste another minute

One of the most difficult jobs Pritchard has experienced

to bring up her beautiful English Bulldog, Champ, and his

has been taking care of the chemotherapy patients at the vet-

impact on her life. And when questioned where her loyalties

erinary school. She gives these animals their chemotherapy

lie, the answer is obvious – she vows to represent Mississip-

medications, and takes satisfaction in knowing it will offer

pi State University to the best of her ability, especially where

the animals and their owners a bit of comfort.

the mascot is concerned.

“If I can give that owner three more months or six more

Working as a veterinary technician and especially as a

months or eight more months with that animal to get that

caretaker, her job has taught her that everyone has a little bit

owner prepared for what is going to happen, then I’ve done

of a child inside. She sees this in older people that have trou-

my job. If I see that dog going out the door with his owner

ble doing everyday things, whether because of arthritis or

and his tail wagging because he’s tickled to death, and that

other ailments, particularly. “You’d be surprised at the older

owner is smiling from ear to ear because that’s what they

people, trying their very best to get down on their hands

want,” she said, “then I’ve done my job.”

and knees and have their picture made with that dog,” she

Although the trauma of losing a patient to cancer is

said. She mentions that she would not trade her experiences

“beyond sad,” Pritchard inspires others with her words on

for anything, and her relationships with the MSU mascots

the subject. Recently a veterinary student asked her how she

have brought opportunities for her that may not have come

deals with the loss, and after hearing this answer, told Prit-

about otherwise.

chard she was even prouder to be a veterinary student. Pritchard has many passions other than helping animals.

Not only has she set foot on every SEC football stadium in existence, she’s had the chance to meet many famous people that just can’t resist getting their pictures made with an adorable bulldog. These people include but are not limited to George W. Bush, an “embarrassing” meeting with Morgan Freeman, Lawrence Fishburne, Sugarland and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Despite these amazing accomplishments, Pritchard remains steadfast to achieve her ultimate goal – to have MSU’s mascot on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She excitedly hopes to make this happen before she retires, which as she says is not anytime soon. Lisa Pritchard has never met a stranger. Her kind hearted spirit, loving personality and charming laugh are just some of the amazing things that make up the beautiful person that takes care of our mascot and animals. Though

Left to Right: Lisa meeting Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at the 2013 Gator Bowl. Police escort to the 2013 Gator Bowl.

she has been through some tough times, her positive attitude and jobs she loves make her a lovely, strong woman and an inspiration to us all. “The good Lord only gives you one life. Live for Him and enjoy it. That’s me.”

64

| townandgownmagazine.com


september

2013 |

65


Fashion + Football S ty led b y N at alie Phillips Pho t og r aph y b y Laur a Daniels Clo t hes Pr o vided b y Deep Sout h P out R eed’s As summer comes to a close, families and students look forward to the upcoming football season. We all know that attending the game is more than just showing up, it’s using maroon and white hues on the newest and trendiest clothing pieces. We have cool and trendy outfit ideas all ready for you this football season. We’re bringing back the ‘90s with denim, black and white, and a whole lot of edginess!

Boyfriend fit denim jeans, sheer maroon shirt, and black and white striped blazer are all the perfect mix of casual and dressy for an MSU football game. Flying Monkey boyfriend denim pants- $54.95 Very J button down hi lowmaroon- $36.96 Countess striped point blazer$39.95 Bamboo chestnut wedges- $38.95 Judson gold necklace-$32.95 66

| townandgownmagazine.com

+


These blue and white striped linen pants will be a hit on game-day along with a white Lacoste button-down, brown linen jacket, preppy maroon and silver bow tie and Bostonian leather shoes. Bravini linen pants- $70.00 Lacoste white button down- $88.00 Enzo linen sport coat True Forum bow tie- $36.00 Bostonian tan leather shoe- $99.00

+

Baroque print maroon shorts from Deep South Pout are adorable for a mid-fall day. “I Miss Starkville� graphic tee, denim vest, tan loafers, and maroon choker necklace are all playful with a hint of edge. Billy by Flying Tomato shorts- $36.95 Vibrant denim vest- $42.95 I Miss Starkville t-shirt- $34.95 Refresh taupe shoe- $42.95 Correction Stylist Abby Hathorn: August 2013 page 60 august

2013 |

67


Bring back a vintage look from years past with a Mississippi State University letterman jacket. Pair with a simple jean and comfortable shoes with it. Nothing says school spirit like a letterman’s jacket.

+ This maroon maxi dress is comfortable yet slightly dressy with a leopard print wedge and mint green statement necklace. Maroon maxi dress- $39.95 Soda leopard print wedges- $30.95 Mint green bubble necklace- $26.95 Black over size clutch- $36.95

68

| townandgownmagazine.com


+

Be comfortable in a pair of cargo shorts and MSU logo golf shirt from Reeds. This look is always a trend for the guys. Less is more when it comes to men. Mountain khakis- $79.95 Cutter & Buck MSU logo shirt- $75.00 Cole Haan Papaya shoe$148.00

august

2013 |

69


Turn heads in a blue-striped dress shirt, simple khaki pants and maroon and navy bow tie.

+

Duck Head pants- $60.00 True Forum bow tie- $36.00 Clarks dress shoe- $90.00 Southern Marsh dress shirt- $75.00

Flare pants and crop tops are back and cooler than ever! Rock these pants with a maroon crop top with lace bell sleeves and gold tribal necklace.

Tencel black flare pants- $9.99 Double Zero off the shoulder hi low shirt- $34.95 Gold tribal necklace- $38.95

70

| townandgownmagazine.com


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

WISH LIST

N

Pho t og r aph y b y Sar a Car pent er and Lindse y Nor man

1. 1. Designers Gallery:

Bulldog Bookends, $44.95, 662324-3224.

2. The University Florist: Iron Dawg Metal, $85, theuniversityflorist.com.

3. The University Florist: Copperworx dog bone, $35-65, theuniversityflorist.com. 4. Giggleswick: Diana Warren Hailstate bracelet, $65, gigglewick.com.

2.

5. Gigglewick: Fraternity Collection t-shirt, $39, giggleswick.com. 6. Thyme: Kitchen Papers placemats, $26.99, 662-323-5679. 7. Thyme: Kitchen Papers table runners, $28.79-33.19, 662-323-5679. 8. Thyme: MSU vintage pennants, $65, 662-323-5979. 9. Reed’s: Enmon MSU over night bag, $85, reedsms.com.

3.

5.

4.

6.

8.

7. 9.

september

2013 |

71


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

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

Game Day Runway It’s not easy to look chic while

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.

also showing off your school pride. Thanks to the following brands and their college footballinspired collections, looking good has never been so easy on gam day!

2.

1.

3.

1. 4. 6. 3. 4. 5.


1. Yours Truly – If you are looking for an easy shift dress,

7. Emma Graham – Emma Graham features a campus collec-

Yours Truly produces its own line of gameday dresses in your

tion for women that includes school-themed dresses, skirts,

favorite school colors.

and tops.

2. Pennington and Bailes – Pennington and Bailes is famous

8. Gameday Blazers – Gameday Blazers designs and produces

for their great embroidery. Men can opt for university logo

just that – men’s blazers in your favorite team’s colors.

embroidered pants while women can choose their similarly embroidered skirts.

9. Collared Greens – For the preppy man on game day, Collared Greens offers university colored bow ties and ties,

3. State Traditions – If you’re looking for a hat to shade you on fall Saturdays, try one from State Traditions. They feature

10. Mesh & Mia – Meesh & Mia offer both NFL and College

the silhouette of your state in coordination university colors.

game day apparel. Their designs come in school colors and

(Reed’s).

even have the option of adding your school logo to apparel.

4. Society43 – Society43 makes retro sunglasses in your favorite school colors with your school’s logo. 5. Vineyard vines – Known for their small patterned screened designs, Vineyard Vines produces a collegiate collection that includes ties and totes. 6. Judith March – Based out of Seaside, Florida, Judith March creates dresses, tops, and shorts with a university theme for several SEC schools. (Deep South Pout)

9. 7. 10. 8.

SEPTEMBER

2013 |

73


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

LITERATURE

N

Book R e vie w b y Hellen P olk

A

s the calendar page moves to September, fans

to care for all of their pets. Check

young and old get the fever for football! It may not

this book out before you add a

feel like fall in the Starkville, but most everyone is

bulldog to your family.

ready for all the thrills that another football season brings.

Now for books about the

Whether little league, high school, college or pro, football

pigskin, there are a number

and all the activities associated with the pigskin come to the

of great books for middle el-

forefront this time each year.

ementary readers that will en-

Let’s start with our favorite mascot, Bully. Most children adore this big loveable mascot

they are not playing the game. The Matt Christopher

that makes his appearance at all

Sports Series includes fiction chapter books and biographies

the sporting events. Legends

on many sports heroes. Try Tough to Tackle or Catch That

Storybooks published in 2010 a simple but engaging story

Pass for all the action and thrills of a football player. On the Field With…

simply titled, Bully, that

Peyton and Eli

introduces readers to our

Manning is a

mascot, from his birth in

biography of

Starkville, his school days,

two respectable

to his decision to attend

NFL heroes,

Mississippi State for college.

even if they

Along the way, the reader gets to experience many valuable lessons that Bully learns about school life. Bully decides to try out for several sports teams because he loves MSU so

didn’t play at MSU! And while

much. But he doesn’t make the teams. However, the football

we’re on

coach loves Bully’s attitude and asks him to lead the team

the subject of

onto Scott Field before the first football game! And as they

football, we can’t forget the very important cheerleaders!

say, “The rest is history.” Everyone loves Bully and his pride

While the little boys are donning their favorite players’

in MSU. The book has appealing crayon illustrations that

jerseys, most little girls can’t wait to put on that cheer outfit

include some of MSU’s greatest athletic moments as well as

and show off their latest moves. Sports Illustrated Kids has

Bully’s chance to spend time in the booth with Jack Cristil!

a series of books about Victory School and their superstars.

This would make a fantastic gift for any young fan who loves

The book, Cheerleading Really is a Sport, dispels some of the

all things maroon and white.

misconceptions about cheerleaders. It

While we’re on the subject of Bully, some children

emphasizes that these athletes must

may want to have a real bulldog as a pet. The book, Bull-

train just as hard and have as much

dogs, by Tammy Gagne, gives children a great overview

talent as those who put on the

of the English bulldog breed. Included in the book is in-

shoulder pads and helmets.

formation on the bulldog’s history, its distinctive wrinkly

74

tice young football fans when

Now that we’ve got some good

look, special needs, care and training. A pet is an excellent

books to read, let’s get out there

way for children to develop responsibility and compassion

and support all of our teams this

for animals. But children must be taught the proper ways

football season. Let the fun begin!

| townandgownmagazine.com


Forks and Corks 2013 Starkville’s best chefs competed for the Forks and Corks 2013 title. A taste for the Arts, a culinary challenge sponsored by the Starkville Arts Council, was held at Magnolia Manor on Saturday, July 27, 2013. Photography by Laura Daniels

1 2

3

4

5

6

1. Mark Donald and Mary Switzer 2. Bob and Susan Fitzgerald 3. Nora Strickland and Ty Thames (Ty is the owner of Restaurant Tyler) 4. Gloria Bagwell-Rowland and Hal Rowland (owners of Magnolia Manor) 5. Bobby and Stephanie Tomlinson 6. Michelle Jones and Susan Ford september

2013 |

75


Movin’ You to MSU Mississippi State University and the Department of Housing and Residence Life welcomed new students to campus on Saturday, August 10, 2013 during their day called Movin’ You to MSU (MVNU2MSU). Photography by Ashley Covin

1 2

3

4

5

6

1.Josette, Gabby, Sadie and Sophie Goyins 2. Margie and Erin Upchurch 3. Ragan McNorney, Bartley Owens and Kelty Bist 4. Sintren Davis, Demetria Wilson, TeresaWilson, D’Avian Wilson and Montrel Davis 5. Brittany Eads and Amanda Washington 6. Cameron, JoAnna and Tiffany Sanford

76

| townandgownmagazine.com


Starkville Send Off Party The Oktibbeha County Alumni Chapter hosted its annual Send-Off Party for Oktibbeha County Students on Thursday, July 25th at the Club Level of Davis Wade Stadium. Photography by Loren Gambrell

1 2

3

4

5

6

1.Savana Heidelberg and Emerson Holliman 2. Trish Cunetto, Charles Weatherly and Elizabeth Germany 3. Kathryn and Liz Stringer 4. Taylor Clay, Quanisha Arnol and Latashu Duck 5. Joseph Dagher, Jacqueline Posley and Taylor Christian 6. Zach Harrington, Elizabeth Ryder, Jason Ryder and Christen Mingione

september

2013 |

77


Mississippi State Panhellenic Bid Day MSU Panhellenic held their Bid Day, last day of membership recruitment which includes acceptance parties, for all new members at the amphitheater on MSU campus Saturday, August 18, 2013. Photography by Sara Carpenter

1 2

3

4

5

6

1. Ashley Adams and Rachel Miller 2. Christy McCool and Erin Curran 3. Jennifer Jones, Karley Kleisch, Caroline Campbell, Grace Ga-as, Finley White and Emily Windham 4. Julie Dence and Chandler Godfrey 5.Katya Demetriades, Caroline Brown and Nicole Hughes 6. Morgan Pace, Kylie Rigdonn, Megan White and Lauren Chambers

78

| townandgownmagazine.com


Junior Auxiliary Crown Club The Starkville JA Crown Club held their annual Mother Daughter Social to welcome new members to the Crown Club. The club strives to develop community leaders for tomorrow by training young women to become effective volunteers. Photography by Ashley Covin

1 2

3

4

5

6

1.Ashton and Penny Benoist 2. Beth and Sally Marie Passons 3. Janeice and Robin Pigg 4. Janet and Anna McKell 5. Liz and Kathryn Stringer 6. Maril Jackson and Kristen Stringer

september

2013 |

79


Denim and Diamonds The Friends of the Museum hosted its benefit for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, Denim and Diamonds, on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Shrine Club. Photography by Ashley Covin

1 2

3

4

5

6

1.Carole Gospodneitch and Danny Crump 2. Keith and Ruth Remy 3. Dolly Moore, Geneva Nelson, Lynn McAdams and Mildred Stickley 4. Linda Skimer and Lorraine Blount 5. Ruth De la Cruz and Bill and Patsy Stuart 6. Ruth and Keith Remy 7. Wanda Thorne, Fairfax Montgomery, Ava Moore and Patsy Stuart

80

| townandgownmagazine.com


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

N

CALENDAR August-November

Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity Volunteer shifts for the Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity home are now open for Friday and Saturday until November 2, 2013. The morning shift is 8 a.m.-noon and the afternoon shift is 1-5 p.m. To view all available sign-up shifts available visit mvc.msstate.edu.

August 30

18th Annual Howlin’Wolf Memorial Blues Festival Great crowds and great blues musicians will be attending this annual festival located at Mary Holmes College. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and first act is at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit wpms.net.

August 31

35th Annual Prairie Arts Festival A festival dedicated to the artists, this festival has over 30,000 plus in attendance each year, 4 stages with live music, local food, a 5K run, children’s art show, antique car show and more. Contact westpointms.org for more information.

September 3

Tennessee Williams Tribute This year Columbus will tribute a famed playwright to Tennessee Williams along with tour of homes will be held through September 8, 2013. Call 662328-0222 or visit columbus-ms. org for more information.

September 4 Get Swept Up!

Fix up. Clean up. Spruce Up. Join Greater Starkville Development Partnership in the communitywide trash pick up in Starkville. Volunteer by calling 662-3233322.

September 5

The Reading Railroad The Junior Auxiliary of Starkville will hold their annual Provisional Project, The Reading Railroad, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Suddeth Elementary in Starkville.

September 6

Downtown Block Party The New South Weekends are back again for all those locals and visitors for Mississippi State Football weekends with the annual Downtown Block Party in the Russell Street shopping center. Join the fun activities planned for the whole family from 5-7 p.m. For more information visit Greater Starkville Development Partnership at starkville.org.

September 7 MSU Game

The first home game of the MSU Football season will be against Alcorn State. Ticket information and game time can be found at hailstate.com.

September 8

Bulldog Brunch & Browse Happening each home game of the MSU Football season Starkville will host a Bulldog Brunch & Browse in Downtown Starkville from noon-3 p.m. Restaurants and businesses participating will be open for business for family and friends to relax and shop after a big game day. For more information visit starkville.org.

September 12 SYP

Starkville Young Professionals will hold their monthly social at The Veranda in Starkville from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join businessmen and women for a night of networking with young Starkville locals.

MSU Riley Center Ronnie Dunn, one of country music’s most recognizable voices and most acclaimed country music entertainers, will be performing at the MSU Riley Center located in Meridian, Miss. Pre-Show starts at 6 p.m. and ticket information can be found at msurileycenter.com.

September 19

GSDP Business After Hours GSDP will have its monthly Business After Hours at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. Join a night of networking with locals from 5:30-8 p.m. For more information visit starkville.org.

MSU Riley Center Blues Traveler, a band retaining its popular sound on their latest album while bringing in a number of collaborating singers and songwriters, will be performing at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, Miss. Pre-Show starts at 6 p.m. and ticket information can be found at msurileycenter.com.

MSU Lyceum Series Event Gretchen Parlato, an awardwinning jazz and music vocalist, will perform at the Lee Hall Bettersworth Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale August 12, 2013 at 730 p.m. For more information visit lyceum. msstate.edu.

Back to School Blues In Louisville brings everyone together on Main Street to celebrate with blues group, The Old Memphis Kings. Live music from 6-9 p.m., shops and restaurants OPEN. A great way to spend a fall evening.

at each participating merchant while shopping with a discount. For more information visit starkville.org.

Rice Tasting Luncheon The Mississippi Delta Rice Industry will celebrate National Rice Month at this event which includes over 300 rice dishes. The celebration will start at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Delta State University’s Walter Sillers Coliseum in Cleveland, Miss. For more information call 662-843-8371.

September 21

MSU Football Game MSU will host Troy University for the second home game of the season. Ticket information and game time can be found at hailstate.com.

September 22

Bulldog Brunch & Browse Happening each home game of the MSU Football season Starkville will host a Bulldog Brunch & Browse in Downtown Starkville from noon-3 p.m. Restaurants and businesses participating will be open for business for family and friends to relax and shop after a big game day. For more information visit starkville.org.

September 28

“Possum Town Prelude” The Starkville-MSU Symphony Association will host the premiere performance of “Possum Town Prelude” by the symphony’s principal bassist, Rick Montalto, in Columbus, Miss. at the Rent Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit

starkvillesymphony.org.

September 20

unWINE Downtown Ladies come out and enjoy a night of downtown shopping and wine tasting from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine september

2013 |

81


T

O

W

N

&

G

O

W

ADVERTISERS

Abner ’s 518 S. Montgomer y St. Starkville, MS 39579 P. 662-338-0098 abnerschicken.com B eard ’s Antiquities on 5th 124 5th St. Columbus, MS 39701 P. 662-386-6157 B ulldog Club B r yan Athletic Admin. B uilding P.O. B ox BT, MS State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-3074

N

Mar tin OMS & Maxillofacial S urger y 976 HWY 12 E Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-3801 mar tinoms.com Merle Norman Luna B ella 202 Washington St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5255 M itchell D istributing 100 48th Ave. Meridian, MS 39307 P. 601-482-6161 mitchellcompanies.com

Peak Nutrition 100 Russell St., Ste. #3 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-268-8064 thepeaknutrition.com

S ullivan’s O ffice S upply 204 E . Main Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5222 sullivansoffice.com

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

T.E . Lott P.O. B ox 80282 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-1234

Phillips Financial 104 W Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. (662) 324-2889

D enim and Lace 220 E . Main St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-320-8081

MSU College of B uisiness P.O. B ox 5288 Ms State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-0159

Purple Elephant 401B E . Lampkin Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-4008

D eep S outh Pout 329 Universit y D r. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6055 deepsouthpout.com

MSU D ept. of Communic ation P.O. B ox PF Ms State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-8033 comm.msstate.edu

D esigner ’s G aller y 201 Highway 12 E . Starkville, MS 39759 P. (662) 324-3224

MSU Foundation 100 Hunter Henr y B lvd. MS State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-7000 msufoundation.com

Reed ’s 302 Universit y D r. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-2684 2013 U.S. 45 Columbus, MS 39705 P. 662-327-2684 reedsms.com

G iggleswick 200 HWY 12 E . Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-4438 G reater Starkville D evelopment Par tnership 200 E . Main Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-3322 starkv ille.org

MSU Heath Center P. O. B ox 6338 Ms State, MS 39762 P. 662-325-5895 health.msstate.edu MSU Relations MS State, MS 39762 662-325-5753 msstate.edu

Hometown Healthc are 101 D oc tors Park Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-8338

Newk ’s Express Cafe 132 HWY 12 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-6395

L.A. G reen 500 Russell St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6280 lagreenjewelr y.com

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

S alon 28 500 Russell St., S uite 28 Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-6900 S imply Home 306 Lampkin Street Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-4323 S omething S outhern 1223 Jackson St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-236-3977 S prout LLC 419 E . Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-338-1144 Starkville Proper ties 100 Russell St., Ste. 19 Starkville, MS 39759 P.662-324-0037 starkvilleproper tiesms.com

The Cake B ox 1016 B. Louisville St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-648-7000 The G rowth Alliance of West Point 510 E B road St. West Point, MS 3973 P. 662-494-5121 westpointms.org The Jewel Shoppe 215 W. Main Street Louisville, MS 39339 P. 662-773-3320 thejewelshoppe.com The St yle Lof t 221 E . Main St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-324-5004 The Universit y Florist M ini Mall on Lee B lvd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-325-3585 theuniversit yflorist.com Thyme 402 Lampkin St. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-5979 Walker Estate S ales 805 Elm D r. Macon, MS 39341 P. 662-361-2496 Wesley Furguson 405 Ac ademy Rd. Starkville, MS 39759 P. 662-323-2876 wesleyferguson.com

To Adver tise: Town & G own Magazine . P. 662-323-1642 . F. 662-323-6586 . townandgownmagazine.com 82

| townandgownmagazine.com




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.