TOWN & GOWN AUGUST 2014
The HistoricWaverley
Plantation Mansion The Lofts at
Central Station Grill
The Biscuit Shop
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
life and style.
47 48
August 2014
do it yourself
it’s a southern thing
60 literature 62 fashion taste and toast.
in every issue.
8
letter from the editor
12 wishlist 14 calendar 76
weddings, events
81 82
advertisers
discover the south features.
34 40
the biscuit shop rafiki orphanage
52 the dawg house sports grill 56 noxubee wildlife refuge homes and gardens.
16 waverley plantation mansion 24 the lofts at central station
30
smoothies
38 a cup of lindsay jo 44 from farm to table
Townandgownmagazine
.com
Home . Garden . Life . style . food . HEALTH . FITNESS
What We're Loving Lately.. .
www.sevenly.c om Every week, the proceeds from the sale of tshirts, tote bags, jewelry and home decor on the Sevenly site helps a different charity.
A snapshot from our August fashion shoot! A special thanks to Book Mart & Cafe and 929 Coffee Bar for allowing us to use their locations!
on the cover.On. the
CoverHistoric Waverley Plantation Mansion
is one of the Golden Triangle’s best kept secrets. Read about Waverley on page 16!
@townandgownmag
@townandgown
Read more about this issue’s Discover the South destination, the Biltmore Estate, over on page 82! @townandgownmag1
@townandgownmag August 2014 • 5
A Product of Horizon of Mississippi P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760 www.townandgownmagazine.com
{ s taf f } Don Norman | publisher - sdnpub@starkvilledailynews.com Sarah Vaughan | editor - editor@townandgownmagazine.com
{ acco u nt e x e cu tiv e s } Brittnie Hankins - brittnie@townandgownmagazine.com Sarah Elizabeth Tyner - sarahliz@townandgownmagazine.com
{ co ntrib u to rs } Lisa LaFontaine Bynum Christina Lucas Susan O’Bryan Amy Taylor Lindsay Jo Wilkinson
{ w rite rs } Forrest Blackbourn Joe Lee Richelle Putnam Lizzie Smith Sarah Vaughan
{ p ho to g rap he rs } Divian Conner Laura Daniels
{ s tyl is ts } Sarah Vaughan
{ p ag e d e s ig n} Sarah Vaughan
{ ad v e rtis ing d e s ig n} Chris McMillen
Reproductions in whole or in part,without written permission,is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are available for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries,write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS, 39760, or call 662.323.1642. 6
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August 2014 • 7
Letter from the
Editor
T
here are times as a writer that one finds herself in the right place at the right time, knowing without a doubt that it is her responsibility to tell a story. My first visit to the Waverley Mansion left me feeling as though I had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Waverley, in all of its beautiful antebellum charm, surrounded by flora and fauna of every type imaginable, is truly magical. What a pleasure it was to work with the Snow family and their wonderful historian Jimmy Denning. Raised by two avid history lovers, there aren’t many pilgrimage tours in the South I haven’t had the chance to experience, but it’s not often that I find myself feeling transported back into time when touring a home from the past. Waverley is most definitely an exception. Aside from the breathtaking views and painstaking restoration efforts, the storytellers themselves have also done a wonderful job of inviting visitors to experience the home and its history. Read more about my new favorite place over on page 16. The Lofts at Central Station Grill is another fantastic example of finding beauty and meaning in historic locations. Located in the former Borden Dairy Plant, these lofts have combined the perfect location with modern amenities. Did I mention they are gorgeous? See more on page 24. Another local renovation has also captivated our attention this month. The new Dawg House Sports Grill, located in the old Starkville State Theater, is sure to be a welcome addition to our community. Owners Stephen and Danielle Boren have transformed the space into an amazing venue with plenty of options for everyone, from a relaxing casual dining experience to the most intimate VIP party. Read more on page 52. Starkville natives are also growing roots internationally. Mississippi State graduate Katie Heckel spoke with Richelle about the Rafiki Orphanage in Ghana, which she helped launch (page 40). Seeing the difference one person can make in the world has inspired us to also give back! And over on page 34, we’re featuring one of our favorite local spots, The Biscuit Shop! Michelle Tehan has created delicious, one-of-a-kind treats that we can’t get enough of! I recommend the chocolate chip...and the blueberry...and the cranberry orange...and the bacon cheddar. Actually, I recommend picking up one, or twelve, of each.
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Weddings or Engagements January is our Bridal issue! Wedding and engagement announcement pricing is listed at townandgownmagazine.com. Submit 1520 wedding photos to info@townandgownmagazine.com for review to be featured in Town and Gown Magazine.
Events
Town and Gown Magazine would love to be at your next event. If your organization or business is having an event please email info@townandgownmagazine.com a month before event date. We cannot promise we will be at all events, but we will try!
If we missed out
Send us your event photos with names from left to right (if available) and a brief description of event to info@townandgownmagazine.com or mail or drop off a disc to 304 Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759.
Give a Town andGown! Town and Gown Magazine offers gift cards for subscriptions. Call us at 662-323-1642 to order. Pricing listed above under subscription.
Happy Reading!
Sarah Vaughan 8
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Previous Issues
Miss an issue? We can ship a copy of any previous issue to you for only $6. Call us at 662-323-1642.
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Divian Conner • www.divianphoto.c om
August 2014 • 11
TOWN & GOWN
Made in Mississippi
WISHLIST
Photos by Sar ah Elizabet h Tyner
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The Mill 74 Brickerton St. Columbus, MS 662.370.1030
Urban Den 511 Academy Rd. Starkville, MS 662..694.2103
Pink Tangerine 2118 Hwy 45 N. Columbus, MS 662.368.1224
Macy Carlisle Designs’ embodies chic and edgy with jewelry crafted from natural, semi-precious stones and a 24K gold overlay. It’s raw, organic nature appeals to all ages and styles. The featured ring is a geode wrap ring with blue hues and a druzy center. Perfect for dressing up or wearing with casual pieces, Macy Carlisle Designs helps you embrace your own style. Each piece is different because no two stones are the same. We also love layering her pieces. What we love most about her jewelry is the stones themselves, because they are all so unique! We are so in love with this precious piece.
A’marie’s “bath happies” and body essentials are all vegetablebased with goat’s milk, mango butter and vegetable-based glycerin and moisturize while cleansing, produce a creamy lather that may be used for shaving, are scented with essentials oils and high quality fragrance oils that are phthalate free, contain no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and range from 96-100 percent all natural. A small, personable company based in Brandon, Mississippi, A’marie’s provides handcrafted bath and body products and gifts for the everyday experience and for celebrating special occasions. Pick one (or three!) up today!
Fun, family, create and clay – these are all the reasons why we love Tupelo-based Midnite Pottery. Self-taught potters who like to explore new, creative colors and shapes, their pieces are mainly functional and decorative, and all are made in their nearby studio. With a variety of colorful glazes and shapes ranging from traditional to funky, every piece is unique! From bowls and mugs to collegiate and Christian, every ne will find a Midnite Pottery piece they will love. Perfect for wedding gifts or birthday presents, these quality, locallycrafted pieces are the perfect gift for yourself too!
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Urban Den 511 Academy Rd. Starkville, MS 662. 694.2103
Peachy Magnolia was born out of owner/designer Lindsey Hollingswort’s passion for interior design and all the unique elements that create its identity. Upon completing her degree in interior design, her entrepreneurial spirit became a compass that led to the journey known as Peachy Magnolia. The Peachy Magnolia Collection is handcrafted in her Mississippi studio and reveals a unique style to even the most discerning taste in interiors. Inspired by historic elements found in the South, yet branching toward present day renewal, Peachy Magnolia is sure to be everything you have been searching for and even more!
August 2014 • 13
2014 Roast N’ Boast Don’t miss this festival which includes live music and a barbecue-cooking contest. Columbus Fairgrounds • 662.549.5054
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Mississippi state Bulldogs Davis Wade Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
Save theDate 13th Annual Tennessee Williams Tribute & Tour of Victorian Homes The 13th Annual Tennessee Williams Tribute & Tour of Victorian Homes will take place from September 8-14, 2014 in Columbus and pays tribute to one of the most important playwrights in American history, Tennessee Williams. This annual event celebrates the life and work of Mr. Williams and includes special performances, educational presentations and even a 5K race! To learn more about this event, please visit http://web3.muw.edu/tennesseewilliams/
August 29th, 2014 | 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. 222 Mary Holmes Drive Hwy 50 W |West Point, Miss.
Have an event you would like us to feature in our monthly calendar? Email editor@ townandgownmagazine.com with your event name, contact information, date, time and location or send us a poster! www.townandgownmagazine.com August 2014 • 15
HISTORIC HOMES: The Waverley Mansion
Waverley • West Point, Miss.
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TOWN & GOWN
HISTORIC HOMES B y Sar ah Vaugh an Ph otog r aphy by Laur a D anie l s
Sarah Vaughan is a freelance writer from Olive Branch, Miss. A graduate of the Ole Miss Meek School of Journalism and New Media, she spends her free time writing for various publications in Mississippi and Tennessee. She currently resides in Starkville.
I
Waverley Plantation Mansion
In the fall of 1962, a traveling salesman wandered into Robert and Madonna Snow’s small family antiques store in Philadelphia, Miss. Traveling through the West Point and Columbus area, lost on an old dirt road near the Tombigbee River, he had stumbled across the most magnificent house he’d ever seen standing vacant and wide open in the middle of the woods. He described in vivid detail the intricate architecture, the double staircases, the gold-leaf mirrors, the marble mantles and the French gasoliers still hanging from the ceilings. That night the Snows lay awake talking and dreaming about the abandoned mansion. The next morning, they loaded up the family station wagon, and with their three children, Allen, Melanie and Cindy, began what Madonna Snow called “a big adventure.” Little did they know they were on their way to their future home and a lifelong mission to restore an antebellum mansion to its former beauty. “My grandfather always said they drove ‘way up North 90 miles’ to see if they could find some old house,” said Melanie Snow. “My parents fell in love with Waverley that morning. We weren’t money people, but we threw caution to the wind and were able to get the house and 40 acres.” Nestled between West Point and Columbus along the banks of the Tombigbee, Waverley Plantation Mansion lies in the heart of the Black Prairie, known for its rich and fertile soil. Built in 1852 by Colonel George Hampton Young and his wife, Lucy, the home was once the center of a thriving 50,000-acre plantation, one of the largest in the South at that time. A cotton gin
was located at the edge of the river and allowed the plantation to export cotton to ports in Mobile, New Orleans and eventually on to England. It is also believed that Waverley is the site of the first American-made saddle blanket. As a result of the Youngs’ ability to efficiently export thousands of bales of cotton each year along with straw hats, felt hats and leather boots, Waverley Mansion lacks no shortage of exquisite architectural detail. During the Civil War era, the home was furnished in the most up-to-date fashion, drawing on inspiration from England, France, Egypt, China and more. Despite its beauty, the home lay vacant for nearly 50 years after the youngest son of Colonel Young and his wife passed away in 1913 as a bachelor with no children. While the descendants of the Young family debated over what to do with the home, visitors from all walks of life found refuge and retreat in its abandoned walls. “Waverley was the playhouse for the area. People courted here, wrote who loved who on the walls as high as they could reach. Mom always said we knew every love affair for 50 years. Campers, hunters and fishermen stayed here overnight, everybody came looking for the ghosts and students partied out here, but they didn’t tear it up. Not one vulgar word was written on the walls. People told us they didn’t dream of stealing or vandalizing because it was a magical place.” When the Snows arrived at Waverley in 1962, the home was barely visible from the road. Surrounded by hundreds of honeysuckle vines and dense woods that had grown up to the August 2014 • 17
One of the Natchez white crepe myrtles blooms in front of the original plantation office where all business was transacted.
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August 2014 • 19
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Opposite Page (clockwise from top left): 1. Melanie Snow poses for a photograph in front of a portrait of her mother, Madonna Snow, located in the dining room. • 2. The view of the octagonal cupola located above the main entrance hall. • 3. What is today the Snow family’s antiques store was formerly the office used to conduct business during Waverley’s plantation years. It predates the mansion itself and is also the only original structure, aside from the home, that has survived over the years. • 4. Historian Jimmy Denning poses for a photograph at the built-in secretary in the library, where not one pane of glass was missing when the Snows arrived. All of the books in the library cabinet were found throughout the house, including Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels, the mansion’s namesake. | Above: The main parlor was the last room to be restored by the Snow family and includes a Steinway piano and Waterford crystal chandelier.
height of the house, it appeared to be more of a product of the land itself than the former mansion of a thriving cotton plantation. Inside the home, every French gasolier was still hanging in every room, two large mirrors located in the entrance hall as well as another large mirror in the parlor were still displayed and every pane of red Venetian glass surrounding the front door was still intact. Of the 718 mahogany spindles, only one was missing. “It’s a tribute to the people of Mississippi that the house was not destroyed and was in such good condition. The wood pine floors remained, and the woodwork looked like it was put into the house yesterday. Not an inch of it had warped or come apart.” When guests arrive at the home, they
are welcomed by an English boxwoodlined pathway leading up to the house. Waverley is also the site of the state’s largest Magnolia tree, estimated to be 250-300 years old, as well as another structure predating the home that was used as an office to conduct the business of the plantation. On the main floor, guests are invited to tour the entrance hall, library (also used as a post office during the home’s earliest days), parlor, dining room and the former bedroom of Colonel and Lucy Young. In the entrance hall lies two large mirrors, both original to the home. According to the diaries of members of the Young family, one of the mirrors cracked during a ball after a candle leaned into the glass, causing it to shatter loudly. “Boom! They thought it was a shot
from a gun. The ladies ran upstairs and took cover. The men drew their pistols and charged out the door. They searched the ground thoroughly but couldn’t find anything. Imagine how relieved they must have been when they came back in and saw that big crack in the mirror,” said tour guide and local historian Jimmy Denning. On the second floor, each of the four bedrooms has its own story to tell. One of the bedrooms is said to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl whose figure can sometimes be seen lying on the bed. Visitors have also claimed to hear the voice of a child calling for her mother. Each room in the house has been furnished with period pieces to replicate the way in which the home would have looked during the Young family era, each August 2014 • 21
Above: Colonel Young and his wife Lucy’s bedroom | Opposite Page (clockwise from left): 1. Above Lucy Young’s apothecary chest hangs a memorial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives in honor of Madonna Snow. • 2. An English wine wagon (where the phrase “off the wagon” originated) • 3. This baby crib, built by Robert Snow, was used for each of the Snow family’s four children. 4. The French gasolier in the main entrance hall, circa 1850, showcases Napoleon III.
piece painstakingly chosen or collected over the past 60 years. “The house had only been painted once when they lived here, so it was easy to match the original paint colors, which we did throughout the house. We’ve also seen photographs the family members have, and we’ve tried to furnish the house as much like it used to be as possible. We’ve used a mixture of French, English and American pieces in keeping with what Colonel Young and Lucy used,” Snow said. For 40 years, Robert and Madonna Snow along with their four children (youngest son Gage arrived after moving into Waverley), rid the home of bat 22
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colonies, squirrels, opossums, spiders and snakes and began restoring the home room by room. After installing plumbing and electricity, they began collecting period furnishings to replicate what the home would have looked like when the Young family resided here. The Snow children were also responsible for helping to renovate the home. “When we were children, we helped to polish each of the 718 balusters, and we would stand on ladders with little toothbrushes scrubbing away.” The Snow family completed the restoration 22 years ago when they finished the main parlor. Donna Snow passed away shortly after, but not before com-
pleting the yellow drapes displayed in the parlor and seeing her beloved Waverley restored to its rightful state. “When her work was done, she went to rest,” Melanie said. At the age of 87, Robert Snow still continues to mow the grass, tend the gardens, operate the antiques shop located next door and raise the chickens and peacocks that reside on the property. The Waverley Mansion gardens are available year-round for weddings, receptions, fraternity and sorority events and corporate functions. Guests are invited to tour the home and gardens of Waverley daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
August 2014 • 23
&
HOMES GARDENS:
Starkville, Miss. The Lofts at Central Station
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TOWN & GOWN
HOMES & GARDENS B y Sar ah Vaugh an Ph otog r aphy by Laur a D anie l s
The Lofts at Central Station Nestled in the heart of downtown Starkville lies a unique hideaway for those seeking urban living. Modern meets Mayberry at The Lofts at Central Station, located at the corner of South Montgomery and Lampkin. For those seeking modern luxuries and small-town charm, The Lofts are the perfect location. The close proximity to Main Street’s shopping, dining and entertainment centers makes this unique living
L
space a popular option for young professionals and families alike.
Located in the former Borden Dairy condensed milk plant, which closed its doors in 2005, The Lofts are the product of years of restoration and renovation. Headed by Tabor Construction and Development, or TCD, the location has introduced several local businesses to the area, including Central Station Grill, Boardtown Bikes and Something Southern. TCD's offices are also located in the space, adjacent to the lofts. Composed of six separate units ranging from two to three bedrooms, each loft has its own appeal but also includes unique features like 17-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom kitchen backsplashes, custom walk-in showers and split heating and cooling systems to maximize energy efficiency. Some of the most interesting aspects are actually original to the building, such as the brick accent walls, hardwood floors, tongue and groove ceilings, wooden beams and elevator (it has been fully reconditioned for reuse). With more than 55 years of combined real estate and construction expertise, TCD has garnered a reputation for being an expert in the field of renovation. Their ability to combine ingenuity with preservation was not an easy feat, but their dedication to preserving Starkville's history while providing updated shopping, dining and living centers should be commended. Tabor’s Kay Regimbal says their commitment to utilizing historic spaces has been an important component of their renovations since the beginning. “We quickly realized that as much as we enjoy the creative outlet, design and construction process afforded by our new developments, our passion lies within rehabilitation, repurposing and renovation. Although it presents much larger challenges and risks, the personal reward is so much greater with the preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of an area and the adaptation of the location to the changing needs of its surroundings. Central Station is a prime example of such a project. With today’s building methods and construction costs, we could not recreate the structure that is Central Station. You
just can’t build them like they used to. Central Station had great bones, a great history and a great location. Those factors, combined with the confidence placed in us by the Eat With Us Group, Something Southern and Boardtown Bikes, resulted in our favorite project to date. We liked it so much, we moved our offices here as well. “This project would not be complete without the residential component. Urban living in and around our downtown area is vital to the continued growth and development of Main Street. Jeremy Tabor, president of TCD, has been very involved with the Starkville Main Street Association over the past several years and knows firsthand the impact that residential living can have on this area.” Quaint college towns like Starkville are becoming few and far between as corporate entities encroach on historical sites. Far too often this leads to the destruction of sites that can and should be preserved for future generations. As the growth of the university leads to a higher demand for restaurants, shopping centers and living spaces, projects like the renovation of The Lofts can utilize unused spaces in ways that can attract more visitors and students while also maintaining a small-town quality of life. Starkville residents can also look forward to another exciting project Tabor has signed on to complete. “The desire to continue to enhance the downtown area has led us to our next project on Lafayette Street with the conversion of the old Fred’s building into another mixed use development,” Regimbal says. “Gallery 106 will feature two luxury residential urban condominiums on the second floor, with rear loaded garage access on the first from the back alley. The first floor will offer over 3,000 square feet of commercial space that will be ready for the custom design of restaurant, office and/or retail space. This project should be complete in October 2014.” To schedule a viewing of The Lofts, contact Peggy Kendrick at pkkendrick@yahoo.com or 662.295.7582. August 2014 • 25
An open, inviting kitchen and living area provide both comfort and elegance, joining modern warmth with a small town feel in The Lofts at Central Station.
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Country chic meets city life with neutral hues and a combination of materials including brick, wood and sleek steel.
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August 2014 • 29
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TASTE TOAST:
Summer Smoothies
Carrot Cake Smoothie
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TOWN & GOWN
TASTE & TOAST R ecipes and Photog r aphy by Lisa Bynum
Lisa LaFontaine Bynum is a freelance writer from Grenada, Miss. She is a graduate of Delta State University. In her free time, she documents her culinary happenings on her blog, The Cooking Bride - www.cookingbride.com. She currently resides in Brandon with her husband and son.
Smooth-ie Operator
Fruit smoothies have been popular for ages. Recently, however, vegetable or “green” smoothies have been rising in popularity. If you aren’t a veggie lover, throwing a handful in your blender is a great way to incorporate them into your diet. Choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season ensures your smoothies will taste their best while still being affordable.
Carrot Cake Smoothie • 1 cup carrot juice • 1 cup chopped pineapple • 1 cup vanilla f lavored Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish August 2014 • 31
•1 avocado •1 banana •1 cup blueberries •1 cucumber •1 handful spinach •1 cup coconut water
Blueberry, Banana & Avocado Smoothie
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Pineapple Banana Green Smoothie
•1 medium banana •1 cup chopped pineapple •1 cup orange juice •1 cup vanilla f lavored Greek yogurt •2 handfuls spinach leaves
August 2014 • 33
MADE IN MISSISSIPPI: The Biscuit Shop
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TOWN & GOWN
MADE IN MISSISSIPPI By Joe Lee Photography by Laura Daniels
A graduate of Mississippi State University and Starkville High School, Joe Lee is a published author and the Editor-in-Chief of Dogwood Press, a small but traditional publishing house headquartered in Brandon, Miss., where he and his family reside.
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The Biscuit Shop
Ready for a tasty new place to grab breakfast (or lunch) in Starkville? The Biscuit Shop, which opened its doors on June 5 at 600 S. Jackson St., is owned and operated by Michelle Tehan, a Starkville native who learned the craft of baking biscuits from her grandmother. She began baking in large quantities from home a year ago with an eye on adding to the family income. “I was baking 10-12 dozen biscuits a day before waking our triplets and youngest son for school, and before getting myself ready for work on campus. Then I was dropping off the kids at school, delivering biscuits and going to work,” Tehan said. “In August 2013 I started saving to see if I could make up my portion of our income off the biscuits, and I did it. Once I knew how much I needed to earn and put more sales effort into it, I accomplished my goal.” Tehan left her job at Mississippi State at the end of last September. She opened The Biscuit Shop in an 800-square foot building that Starkville residents will remember as Chi Chi’s Balloons (owned by Pat Cole). Vacant when Tehan bought it, the facility housed a flower shop and a boutique at various times over the years. “The floors are totally unleveled, and a lot of plumbing and electrical work has been done, but we’re getting there,” Tehan said. “It’s felt like home since the day I saw it empty, and I was looking for a space.” Tehan is no rookie when it comes to baking biscuits. She sat on the counter and watched her grandmother, Dot McMurray, make biscuits and gravy each Sunday morning for years. “She always used a small Vienna sausage can to cut the perfect biscuits,” Tehan said. “Making biscuits is something very second-nature for me. No recipe; it’s a feeling of how they should be. You just know. That’s what Grandmother always said, and she’s right.” Mary Katherine McNeel, a lifelong friend of Tehan, describes ‘The Biscuit Lady’ as having massive amounts of energy and said the two of them discussed opening a shoe store together at one time. “Michelle comes from a long line of entrepreneurs,” McNeel said. “When she first started making biscuits and doing dorm drops I thought it was a wonderful idea. I have helped her in the shop – I’ve stayed up until 1 a.m. cooking biscuits and been
back up at the shop by six. I will help her in any way possible, even if it means no sleep for me.” McNeel loves the blueberry biscuit with lemon glaze and is also partial to the sausage cheddar. Pam Salley, who lives in Webster County but grew up in Starkville, is a fan of the ham and cheddar biscuit. “I heard about The Biscuit Shop from Facebook,” Salley said. “I kept up with it because I was very interested in what this young girl with four small children was doing – I’ve known her and her family for years, and the McMurrays have always been good friends of mine. “They welcome you with big smiles as soon as you walk in. The menu is there for you to see and lets you know what they are out of at the moment. Michelle is bouncing and running all over and it’s a very happy place. She may in fact be the next Paula Deen.” Tehan is quick to warn her rapidly-expanding customer base that not every biscuit on the menu will always be available, and to plan on getting your treats to go (there’s no dine-in space). Biscuit choices include bacon cheddar, plain buttermilk, peach, blueberry, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles and many others. In addition to free coffee with any biscuit purchase, there are cold soda bottles that can be pulled from Grandmother Dot’s vintage Coca-Cola machine. “We bake until about 10:30-11 a.m. each day, and from that point on what’s on the shelves is what we have,” Tehan said. “We sell out almost every day and we steadily increase our baking numbers, but the early birds get the biscuits. We’re a small, gourmet biscuit shop and when we’re done, we’re done. I always do some sort of meat biscuit to get us through lunch. But you can’t walk in our shop late morning or after and expect a huge selection.” Visit online at www.thebiscuitlady.com or drop by in person Tuesday-Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Word of mouth has been a big part of Tehan’s fast start, and she’s using social media to post specials and update followers each day as to which biscuits are on the shelves. “I want to see The Biscuit Shop go nationwide, maybe become a chain,” McNeel said. “Everyone loves a good buttermilk biscuit.” August 2014 • 35
Chocolate Chip Biscuits
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2.
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1. Tehan’s grandmother’s Coca-Cola machine • 2. The Biscuit Shop’s Chocolate Chip Biscuits are a huge hit with fans. • 3. Owner Michelle Tehan and her “Biscuit Bucket List” • 4. Ginger and Julie Ford enjoying a batch of biscuits and an old-fashioned soda. Opposite Page: Five magic ingredients are used to create the chocolate chip biscuits.
Chocolate Chip Biscuit Ingredients
Crisco chocolate chips buttermilk f lour
sugar August 2014 • 37
HOME
FASHION
DESIGN
LIFE
8.1.2014 GRAIN-FREE SWEET POTATO WALNUT MUFFINS
C O N TAC T
With school starting again this month, everyone will be getting back into a routine. To ease the stress of my mornings, I like to have something prepared for breakfast beforehand so I can just grab and go. These walnut sweet potato muffins are great to make ahead of time, and they are healthy! Because the sweet potato and almond meal is used as the grain substitute, they are also dense and very filling. If you need to add a little sweetness, use the dairy-free maple vanilla glaze to top each muffin. Muffins: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Peel and chop one large sweet potato. In a large pot of water, boil the sweet potato until tender. In a food processor (or in a bowl with a masher) blend the sweet potato with a dash of coconut milk. 3. In a mixer or large bowl, combine almond flour, sweet potato puree, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, agave, maple syrup, walnut butter and chopped walnuts and blend until well incorporated. 4. Place muffin liners in a muffin tin and fill. Once filled, top each muffin with a single walnut (how cute is that) and bake for 20-25 minutes until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out cleanly.
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BLOG ARCHIVE t
2014
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• Oldie but Goodie
Grocery List: Maple Sweet Potato Muffins + Glaze:
• Graphic
• Skirtin’ the Issue
Almond f lour 1 large sweet potato Coconut milk Cinnamon Nut neg Baking soda Baking powder Salt Eggs (3) Agave nectar
• Weekly Wants: GroopDealz
• Scooter
• Antiquing
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*Recipe adapted from Curiouscavemanda.com
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Additional items for glaze: Coconut oil Coconut butter Vanilla extract Honey
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Grade B maple syrup Walnut or almond butter Chopped walnuts
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• Sweet Potato Walnut Muffins
t t t
Frosting: Place the coconut butter and coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish and heat until softened, but not melted. Start with 30-second increments and repeat until you get the right consistency. Place the coconut butter and oil in a large mixing bowl, then add the honey, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy with a standing or hand mixer. If you don’t have a mixer, you can also use a whisk.
2013 2012 2011
February January
ABOUT ME I'm 27 years young, and I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I went to Louisiana State University and then attended law school in Jackson, Mississippi. I ended my long career as a professional student last year and took a job as an attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. I worked in Birmingham for nearly 2 years, and I have found my way back to Mississippi. While I do love my job, it offers little or no outlet for my creative side. So, I started this little blog, and that's that. Recently, I purchased and built my very first home. Since then, I've been loving design. My house is teeming with decor, so I use my blog as my new idea board. Maybe one day I'll own a house that I can fit all of these ideas into! For now, they can dwell on my blog or in my attic. With the house came a legitimate kitchen, and subsequently a new interest in all things cooking and baking (and probably a few new pounds). I try to adapt recipes and make them healthier, but it doesn't always work. Everything I post on here is something I've prepared myself, and I can vouch for its deliciousness. What else? I have a twin sister and two older brothers, all of whom live in Baton Rouge. I live with two Chihuahuas and a Pomeranian. I try my hardest not to eat grains, although I do allow myself a cheat meal more often than I should. I am a newly addicted Crossfit addict. I am also a very happy newlywed :) It’s a pleasure to meet you, and please enjoy!
August 2014 • 39
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT:
Rafiki Orphanage
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TOWN & GOWN
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT By Richelle Putnam Photography Courtesy of Rafiki
Richelle Putnam is a freelance writer, Mississippi Arts Commission Teaching/Roster Artist and Mississippi Humanities Speaker. Her middle-grade biography, The Inspiring Life of Eudora Welty, was released by The History Press in April 2014. When she’s not writing, she reads, listens to music, or plays her guitar, mandolin and keyboard.
M
Rafiki
Music and missions have always been a part of singer/ songwriter Katie Heckel’s life. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Katie was in the 7th grade when her family moved to Oxford, Miss. Once in high school, she learned to play the guitar and write music. “I was raised up on Amy Grant, The Monkeys and the Eagles, so my musical taste is a mixture of gospel, folk and pop,” said Katie. She discovered her calling, however, during her college years at Mississippi State University (MSU), where she was a worship leader at the Wesley Foundation. “I’ve always loved the African culture,” she said, “but it wasn’t until I took a trip with the Wesley Foundation during the summer of 2008 that I fell in love with it.” The mission trip entailed construction work, facilitating vacation bible school, orphan work at Rafiki and providing medical needs. The Methodist Rafiki Village, donated by the Rafiki Foundation, was constructed with the hope of rescuing children from life threatening situations in the name of Jesus. The Methodist Church of Ghana oversees Rafiki as a special project operated fully on donations. Along nearby Lake Volta, traffickers prey on poor families, convincing them to let their children come to the lake to live with relatives who will care for them and send them to school in exchange for a few hours of work after school. Instead, the children exist on one meal a day while being forced into hard labor that includes casting nets, diving and hauling. Workdays commonly last from 3 a.m. until 8 p.m. “Children often get stuck in the nets at the bottom of the lake,” said Katie. “If a child is caught escaping, the consequences can be brutal.” The children receive no education and are often malnourished and abused. “Often the families do not hear from their children again.” An estimated 242,000 young people are engaged in forced labor in Ghana, Katie explained, and approximately one million of Ghana’s 6.3 million children below the age of 15 do not attend school. “The children that are brought to Rafiki are either orphans
or destitute,” said Katie. In Ghana, children living in threatening situations are at a higher risk of being trafficked to Lake Volta. “It was on that trip that God planted a seed that I didn’t know later would grow into something much more.” After Katie received her degree from MSU in Educational Psychology in 2009, she spent two years as an associate at Delta State University’s Wesley Foundation before moving to Ghana for 13 months to set up RafikiFriends. “My mom lived in Pakistan for 15 months when she was in the 5th grade, so it wasn’t a surprise when I told them I wanted to move to Ghana to set up a sponsorship program for the kids at Rafiki.” Katie’s plan was to raise money by writing music and selling CDs. When she returned from trips to Ghana, singer-songwriter friend Matthew Clark helped produce two of Katie’s CDs to sell and raise money for Rafiki and to share Rafiki with others. In 2010, Katie, along with a few of her friends, founded RafikiFriends, which spreads the gospel to Ghana through friendships, child sponsorships, annual fundraising, special building projects and group visits. Katie serves as executive director. Rafiki employs 28 staff members and supports one volunteer in Ghana who assists in the sponsorship program. Village Director Reverend Sey leads a staff consisting of five mothers, one headmistress, seven teachers, two cooks, three security guards, seven gardeners, one housekeeper and one nurse. A workday in Ghana for Katie depends on many factors. When Katie is not hosting a group, the day includes chapel before school, working in the office with Reverend Sey, doing promotional outreach and RafikiFriends sponsorship work, after school tutoring and after dinner playtime. Katie’s role is to raise awareness for Rafiki and orphan care in the United States, but especially at Wesley Foundation as she leads other students in supporting Rafiki. Wesley has mission groups called PODs, meaning “practicing outward discipleship.” The Orphan Care Pod is one of those groups.
August 2014 • 41
Jenny Heckel (sister) holding Angel, Susan Heckel (mother) with Adjoa and Katie with Mabel. • Katie with Mabel
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{
“They will know we are Christians by our love.” - Katie Heckel
}
Thirty-five children live on the Rafiki campus. A typical school day for the children begins at five in the morning with chores, breakfast, and waiting for the town children, who also attend the school, to arrive around 7:45 a.m. School starts at 8 a.m. with prayer and song and ends at 3 p.m. Subjects of study include natural science, mathematics, English, reading and writing, Fanti (their language), Information Communications Technology (ICT), religion and arts and crafts. After school, children tend to washing, sweeping and homework. The older girls help cook dinner, which is served around 4:30. From five to six o’clock, they play football, games or read. As the sun sets around 6:30, the children prepare for bedtime. One Rafiki child, seven-year-old Mabel, immediately captured Katie’s heart. “Mabel is my little tickle-monster,” said Katie. “Before she learned English, we built our relationship on silly faces, tickling, hide and seek and piggy back rides.” As Mabel grew older and learned English, she became Katie’s dearest friend. Still, work in the U.S. and work in Ghana is like two different worlds, according to Katie. While Ghana is people-oriented, the US is time-oriented. “If I could mix both these cultures up a little bit then I think we’d be in a great place.” Longing to befriend the children at Rafiki in the name of Jesus, the group strives to model the self-giving friendship that Jesus modeled. Evidently, the plan is working. Since that first trip in 2008, 11 different groups of people - mainly college students - have traveled to Ghana to work with Rafiki. In addition, Rafiki has rescued more children due to consistent funding through child sponsorship. “I think my favorite thing to see when a volunteer comes to visit is the moment their heart opens to a child and they are forever changed by that love,” said Katie. Katie returned to Starkville in July 2012 to work as the Associate Campus Minister at MSU’s Wesley Foundation. Every summer, she takes month-long trips back to Ghana to lead college students from the MSU Wesley Foundation. She is also working with a team to make RafikiFriends a 501c3 organization. “We’re in the middle of all the paper work right now and hoping by 2015 we will be our own non-profit organization.” “We hope to raise up advocates for orphan care not just for Ghana, but for all orphans everywhere,” said Katie. “Scripture teaches us that by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we were all once orphans and in need, but then God came to our rescue and adopted us.” The goal is to build long-term relationships. Missions should be a part of everyday life, so Katie knows you don’t have to go overseas to make a difference in the world. “But I choose to love Jesus here, there and everywhere,” she said. “I’ve read the scriptures and seen God’s love for the fatherless.” Rafiki stirred within Katie a responsibility to the gospel. Still, she had to experience through her own eyes and ears and with her own hands. God used Rafiki to open Katie’s eyes more to His heart. Katie challenges us to live where the world’s deepest need and our deepest joy collide. “Love even if it hurts or if it’s broken,” she said. “We all have a story to tell. This is my story. What is yours?”
katieheckel.c om • rafikifriends.org August 2014 • 43
TASTE & TOAST: Farm Fresh
Refreshing light with bright favors, this farm to table recipe’s main ingredients can be found at your local farmer’s market or roadside farm stand! I love the tanginess of the tomato and red wine vinegar mixed with the sweetness of the watermelon and honey.
Tomato Salad
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TOWN & GOWN
TASTE & TOAST R ecipes by Chr istina L ucas Photog r aphy by Divian Conner
Christina Lucas is a realtor with Tom Smith Land and Homes and holds a master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Memphis. She enjoys cooking and entertaining at home, and is a self-proclaimed Yoga and Balance Barre enthusiast. She lives in Starkville with her husband, Al Lucas.
Farm to Table:
Fresh Farmer’s Market Finds
Tomat o Salad wit h g in s s e r D e t t e r ig a in V y Hone Serves 4 to 6 Salad: opped 1 tbsp fresh basil, ch ds to, sliced in thick roun 1 large heirloom toma of watermelon 4 - 6 medium slices essing: Honey Vinaigrette Dr 2 tbsp local honey vinegar 2 1/2 tbsp red wine 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil sil. kle with chopped ba termelon slices. Sprin wa d an to ma to e th ernate egar and olive oil. On a serving plate, alt e honey, red wine vin th er th ge to isk wh , wl In a separate, small bo Serve immediately. Pour over the salad.
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Baja Enchiladas - This recipe was inspired by products and produce found at the Starkville Community Market. If you are looking to sneak more veggies into your dinners, look no further than this delicious take on enchiladas! This recipe makes a lot, so make one for now and freeze one for later.
Serves 8 to 10
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a microwave safe bowl, add thinly
Ingredients:
sliced green cabbage and a splash
• 3 1/2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
of water. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes,
• 1 tbsp water
until cabbage is softened. Drain
• 1 jar homemade salsa, divided
away any excess water.
(suggestion: B’s Sweet Treats by Lynn Berch) • 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
In a large bowl, combine drained, softened green cabbage, 1/2
• 2 1/2 cups your favorite variety of cheddar or
jar of homemade salsa, shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups shredded
Monterrey Jack shredded cheese, divided
cheese, 1 block cream cheese, Superfood Seasoning, cumin and
• 1 block cream cheese
black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
• 1 tbsp Superfood Seasoning by The Sweet
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Gum Springs Apothecary
Fill the tortillas with the cabbage mixture, roll up and place in 2
• 1 tsp ground cumin
large casserole dishes. Top with remaining 1/2 jar of salsa and 1
• Dash freshly ground black pepper
cup of shredded cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350.
• 20 taco-sized flour tortillas
Serve warm! This dish also freezes beautifully.
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TOWN & GOWN
DIY: PAPER LANTERNS By Amy Taylor
Pearl native and Starkville resident Amy Taylor is a Southern Mississippi graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Mississippi State University. An avid do-it-yourself crafter, she has a passion for art and home design.
Add your personal style to your party décor by sprucing up these paper lanterns! This project is easy, versatile, and will make a big statement at your next patio party.
Step 1: After cutting out a pattern from your fabric, thin the glue
t
by mixing it with water (1 part water, half-part glue). Brush it onto the back of the fabric. Step 2: Smooth fabric onto the lantern. Use as many pieces as you want. To insure the fabric sticks,
What You'll Need.. Z Z Z Z Z
scissors paintbrush fabric paper lantern Mod Podge
you might want to brush a small amount of glue on top of the fabric also. *Additional Tips: Add other details, like paint, ribbon or mixing fabrics! These lanterns came with paper flowers, so I added them for dimension. You can hang them with the string they come with, or use twine or any other material you choose!
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IT’S A SOUTHERN THING: Custom Fragrances
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TOWN & GOWN
IT’S A SOUTHERN THING By Lizzie Smit h
Lizzie Smith graduated from Mississippi State University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and journalism. She currently resides in New Orleans, where she works in film production.
Commodity Goods Kylo Turner, one of four co-founders, said the idea grew from having an interest in something that reflected each of them as individuals.
There’s a unique fragrance company floating around on theInternet that you may want to take notice of. Ever wanted to know what paper might smell like in fragrance form? How about gold? Commodity Goods, which first began as an idea at lunch among friends, is giving fragrance lovers just
“We wanted a brand that reflected what we were into and what we were interested in and hoped that people would be interested in it as well. We didn’t see what we liked out in the market and we wanted something for us really.”
that. Together four friends have used their background in marketing and creative skills acquired during their time in the communication design program at Art Center College of Design to create a unique men’s fragrance line.
After researching and observing men’s shopping patterns, they noticed that men were not into the habit of going to a store and picking up cologne, but instead tended to buy online, which is faster, can be more fun and is on your own terms. From their own experiences, they believed that men's fragrance preferences were varied. What they hoped was that men would at least give their product a shot. “We were not hoping to replace their favorite (fragrance), but for guys to wear it on occasion or mix it up with their signature scent.” These scents were developed after tossing around ideas with each other, their significant others, family and friends. For them, the
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www.fireflyyogastudio.com
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alcohol-based fragrances such as Gin and Whiskey came naturally. For others, more research was involved. The name was usually suggested first, followed by the creation of the scent. Perfumes like Gold and Paper were built by personality. They spent a lot of time asking themselves, how does that word or smell make one feel? To develop a scent to their liking, it took between one to eight months. When first looking at potential investors, they received a solid piece of advice: venture into the world of women's fragrances, which offers a wider audience and market. From then on, they applied their ideas to both men's and women's fragrances. Using the Kickstarter site, a website used to fund various projects through donations, they raised enough money to launch their own website and send out their samples. “It was good validation for a year’s work that people were responding. Once we saw that people were interested in purchasing samples without even smelling them, that was a shocker. It was like, cool, we have something, so now let’s continue.” They are still continuing to evolve as a small company that very much operates on word of mouth, but they are very tuned into what their customers are saying. They have asked customers to suggest what they feel they are missing or need in their fragrances, and many have responded with scents such as coffee or leather. Commodity Goods is listening and trying to see what they can accomplish. “We want to continue the crowd involvement that we had due to Kickstarter and incorporate more into our business. The biggest thing we love is our customer’s experience. We like that this is a community of fragrance lovers.” Right now, Commodity Goods has 10 fragrances available in a “fitting kit” for both men and women, available for $9 each. Women’s fragrances include Tea, Moss, Mimosa, Gold, Paper, Ivy, Rain, Dew, Magnolia and Pinot. Men’s include Cloth, Moss, Cane, Wool, Gold, Whiskey, Paper, Book, Gin and Oak. Kylo Turner’s personal favorites are Gold, Oak and Paper for men and Mimosa and Tea for women.
My personal favorite in the women’s is Mimosa, Gold, Rain and Dew. The mimosa is everything you would want in a brunch drink and in person. Its citrus smell is appetizing. Gold is a muskier scent with hints of vanilla that gives a little something extra. Rain and Dew are both very gentle and leave a nice, clean scent. For the men’s, I suggest their Cane scent, which smells just like a fresh shower. In fact, I may end up getting it for myself. Wool has a sweet scent but also includes masculine tones. Gin is reminiscent of a cigar lounge and has a slightly earthy element to it. For more information on Commodity Goods, visit their website at www.commoditygoods.com.
Laura Daniels Photography
danielsphoto.net
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The Dawg house sports grill By Joe Lee • Photography by Divian Conner
Remember catching Saturday Night Fever and the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the State Theater on Main Street? More recently, you may have caught a meal there when Doe’s Eat Place inhabited the rambling old building. But the towering structure, which includes two floors plus a mezzanine and encompasses 17,000 square feet, has sat vacant in recent years while neighboring businesses have flourished. Until now, that is. Danielle Boren, who opened Dawg House Sports Grill with her family in Ruston, Louisiana, has opened a Dawg House location in the old State Theater and has over three times as much physical space as she did in Ruston. So what will set her establishment apart from the other hangouts that sell bar food and adult beverages and show a dozen different sporting events on high-def screens? August 2014 • 53
Clockwise from left: Guests can view movies, sporting events, including MSU away games and more on the projector screen. • Even The Dawg House’s decor bleeds maroon and white. • Whether you’re looking for a casual dining atmosphere or the best mojito in town, The Dawg House has plenty of dining options for every guest.
“The location in Ruston was the only 100 percent Louisiana Tech-themed restaurant there,” said Boren, a Louisiana Tech grad whose husband, Stephen, grew up in Eupora and is a firefighter with the Starkville Fire Department. “We had only 5,000 square feet, but we did music there and everybody loved coming after the games. “The restaurants around here are great in their support of MSU, but we haven’t seen anything where the restaurant feeds directly off the athletics. (The Ruston location) turned into a great college hangout, but also a place during the day where you were comfortable bringing your grandmother and having a glass of sweet tea with your chicken salad. This was most logical because of the Bulldogs. It went hand in hand with our concept.” Boren will make great use of the first floor of the old theater, which is 25 feet across and has a projector screen. “That’s the main bar, and we’ll be able to stream the MSU road games - we will be your official game-watching place,” she said. “There’s a doorway to what used to be the 54
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next building, and there’s a dining room in there that will be a bit more intimate. Our main dining room is the old Doe’s Eat Place. “On the second story we’ll have pool tables, dartboards, games and a bar. There’s also a 1500-square foot area for private parties and special events on that floor; there’s even an outdoor balcony where you can see Main Street. The third story is the mezzanine of the movie theater; three sections with its own bar, so you can sit up there and see a band or watch a game.” “I’m so excited, and not just for downtown Starkville, but for the whole town to have a great new location with so much history,” said Rebecca Tabb, owner of R Tabb and Co. Boutique and Gifts, located across the street. “I’m on the Mississippi Main Street board, and we talked for years about what could be done with such a large space that had so much to offer. Danielle will be able to hit any age group any time of year with the great food and entertainment and special events she has coming.” “One of our main targets is family,” said Britney Ditzig, marketing director for Dawg
House Sports Grill. “Starkville has a lot of places for students and others for adults. This is for everyone - the whole family. Folks will really be impressed with our menu and customer service, and we’ll have live bands on most Saturday nights. We’ll also host Coach Dan Mullen’s ‘Dawg Talk’ radio shows on Thursday nights.” Dawg House Sports Grill’s grand opening is August 22. It will be open from 11 a.m. until midnight Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Their Facebook page is already up and generating a lot of traffic. “We’ll be open six days a week, potentially seven in the future,” Boren said. “The university is great and we can feed off it football is huge here - but we’re depending on everyone else as well. We can’t just serve chicken wings and beer. We’ll have craft beer, a full bar and specialty drinks. We’ll do burgers and bring Cajun flair to your normal American menu. It will have more of a gourmet twist to it - won’t be the standard cube steak or chicken fried steak you see everywhere else.”
With an impressive drink selection and an exciting menu, the Dawg House offers a little something for everyone.
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Noxubee Wildlife Refuge By Forrest Blackbourn | Photography by Divian Conner
Since 1940, the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge has been celebrated by those who truly love the outdoors. A 48,000 acre portion of the United States Fish and Wildlife Refuge System, the refuge allows diverse populations of flora and fauna to do more than just survive. It affords these groups the opportunity to thrive in a world that is shrinking as a direct result of industry. Located a mere 16 miles outside of Starkville, the refuge is a very convenient destination for those in the Golden Triangle area, and there are many things to do for those who enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can hunt, fish, hike, observe, walk, run, bicycle, practice photography, have an outdoor picnic and more.
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EXPLORE: Noxubee Wildlife Refuge
August 2014 • 57
Visitors to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, located just 16 miles away from Starkville, can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, from fishing and hunting to biking and hiking.
T
The land that currently comprises The Noxubee Wildlife Refuge was an acquisition of the federal government’s Resettlement Administration. As time separates us from the market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, our exposure to stories of hardship has become limited to black and white photos of poverty-stricken residents of Manhattan with frayed cuffs. As time marches on, however, people have the tendency to forget that agrarian strata of the national economy were hit just as hard, if not harder, than those that would be considered as “industrialized.” This was particularly the case in the South, having been engaged in the process of financial recovery after the loss of the Civil War. Within the sphere of farming, some families were affected more seriously than others if their crops could not sustain their livelihoods aside from market value fluctuations. In other terms, the farms that produced one principal commodity had a tough time, whereas the farms that were more diverse in their production seemed to not be as adversely affected. Over 80 years later, it is interesting to see how the pendulum continues to swing. Andrea Dunstan, park ranger, described the refuge as “Mississippi’s best-kept secret.” 58
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“But we don’t want it to be a secret anymore,” Dunstan said. The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is especially renowned for providing a habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. For that matter, the National Audubon Society has described the refuge as, according to Dunstan, a very important birding area. Dunstan also mentioned that the refuge is having an event on Saturday, Sept. 27th. Sponsored by the Friends of Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, it is free and is colloquially referred to as “Family Fun Day.” “The Ramblers” will be providing live music, and there will be booths provided by the Corps of Engineers, Extension Services, The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, MSU’s Departments of Entomology and Archaeology and Choctaw Wildlife and Parks, among others. This is a great opportunity to learn, experience and fellowship with family, friends and the beautiful world that we inhabit. We are very fortunate to live in a place that values the beauty and tranquility of wide-open spaces. The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to being an aesthetically-pleasing area for aficionados of the outdoors, is an important part of the cultural history for Mississippians. Just because life speeds up, that doesn’t mean that we can’t make the time to slow down.
August 2014 • 59
TOWN & GOWN
LITERATURE By Susan O’Br yan
A
retired Texas physician has given a voice to small-town living with a series of novels about the fictional town of Round Rock, Tenn. Michael E. Glasscock III put aside his otology/neurotology practice in Nashville in 1997 and has been writing ever since, producing short stories and the “Round Rock Series,” a trio of heartwarming novels about growing up in rural Tennessee during the 1940s and ‘50s. “Little Joe” was first, followed by “The Trial of Dr. Kate.” The third book, “The Life and Times of Jamie Lee Coleman” is due for release Sept. 9. Each book can stand on its own, but each also has characters that make appearances from previous editions. There’s no word yet on a date for the fourth installment. Glasscock’s writings are best described as a trip back through time, taking readers to a well-defined and described piece of rural America. He writes of what he knows and likely experienced, first growing up on a cattle ranch near the small town of Utopia, Texas, and then moving to Tennessee where he went on to graduate from medical school at the age of 24.
• Book One• Little Joe In “Little Joe,” released in June 2013, Glasscock introduces us to Little Joe Stout, who moves in with his Tennessee grandparents after his parents die in a car accident. “Set against the drama of World War II and the first sparks of the civil rights movement, Little Joe’s new home is a microcosm of America in the 1940s,” according to Amazon.com. Little Joe fights to hold on to his Texas roots, but his grandparents, especially his grandmother, draw him into a warm, yet slightly offbeat world. His elderly grandparents don’t know how to show love, but they do their best. What they lack in emotion is made up through his friendships with Sugar and Bobby – and his ever-growing connection to animals.
• Book Two• The Trial of Dr. Kate Glasscock followed up with “The Trial of Dr. Kate” in October 2013. Dr. Kate Marlow, the town’s lone physician, is accused of giving Lillian Johnson, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, an overdose of painkillers. The only one who seems to be on Dr. Kate’s side is Shenandoah Coleman, a Round Rock native who has found work as a Memphis reporter. As Kate sits in jail, unable to remember the circumstances around Lillian’s death, Shenandoah is left to put the puzzle pieces together. As with Glasscock’s first book, he uses his writing voice to touch on hot buttons of the times – political corruption, women’s rights and racial tensions in the 1950s.
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Susan O’Bryan is a web content coordinator at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She retired from the newspaper field in 2010 after 31 years as a reporter and editor. Her spare time is filled with reading and freelance writing. She and her husband Toby reside in Clinton.
• Book Three• The Life and Times of Jamie Lee Coleman The family history of the Colemans, one of several clans from the wrong side of the tracks, is filled out in “The Life and Times of Jamie Lee Coleman.” It shows the sad, yet often amazing life of a young man born in a tarpaper shack. Jamie Lee begins his climb from poverty and brutality at an early age by running away. He’s taken in by Little Joe’s grandmother, a woman who has grown into a loving role model. His natural talent as a guitarist, singer and songwriter takes him places he never dreamed existed. New Orleans jazz clubs, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and venues beyond call to him. But success comes with a slippery slope, and Jamie Lee finds that escape comes with a price. Some readers may find the stories to be slow, but they should keep in mind that life moved at a snail’s pace decades ago. His stories are a reflection of the past, evolving much like the days gone by. In today’s rush-rush society, a step back to a slower time is quite refreshing.
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y t i C c i h C Here's looking at you kid. STARRING
SAVEE DALGO AND JORDAN BOWMAN PICTURES BY DIVIAN CONNER FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF TOWN AND GOWN
SARAH VAUGHAN MODEL SAVEE DALGO MODEL JORDAN BOWMAN CLOTHING DEEP SOUTH POUT CLOTHING L.A. GREEN BOUTIQUE CLOTHING PINK TANGERINE BOUTIQUE CLOTHING SISTERS FINE CLOTHING HAIR SALON 28 MAKEUP MERLE NORMAN LUNA BELLA LOCATION BOOK MART AND CAFE LOCATION 929 COFFEE BAR STYLIST
WWW.TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM WWW.DIVIANPHOTO.COM
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On Savee •Dress. Bracelets. Shoes. >>> Deep South Pout
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2014 |
may
On Jordan • Jumpsuit. >>> Sisters Fine Clothing | Necklace. Shoes. >>> Deep South Pout | Opposite Page • Necklace. >>> Pink Tangerine
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Opposite Page • On Jordan (left) • Dress. Necklace. >>> Pink Tangerine| On Savee (right) • Top. Shorts. >>> Pink Tangerine | Bracelets. >>>Deep South Pout
On Jordan • Top. Shorts. >>> L.A. Green Boutique | Opposite Page • On Savee • Top. Shorts. >>> L.A. Green Boutique
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Necklace. >>>Deep South Pout | Opposite Page • Earrings. >>> Deep South Pout
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Wedding Announcements Julia Dawn Irene Taylor & Christopher Carter Cheek
5.17.14
Julia Dawn Irene Taylor and Christopher Carter Cheek of Dallas, Texas, were united in marriage in the presence of immediate family at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas, on May 17, 2014. The service was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Danny Rowland, formerly of Starkville. Julia is the daughter of Natalie and David Taylor of Dallas, Texas. She is the granddaughter of the late Dr. Paul and Dr. Julia Sydor of Glen Ellyn, Ill. and the late Norris and Auda Mae Taylor of Fort Worth. Carter is the son of Wanda and Paul Cheek of Starkville. His grandparents are the late Vernal and Anna Lillian Hill King of Taylorsville, Miss. and Paul and Evelyn Bledsoe Cheek of Weslaco, Texas. The wedding, a three-day affair, was held in the beautiful Texas hill country, which afforded a remote location with many outdoor events for the entire family. The lovely Saturday afternoon ceremony was held in the lodge’s private chapel. The bride wore a strapless couture gown, by Rivini for Stanley Korshak, of candlelight French Chantilly lace with coordinating veil. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of white peonies, blue and white hydrangeas and succulents. For a combined Starkville and Texas touch, all of the men wore identical sport jackets and pants with western boots. Master Liam Sullivan, nephew of the groom and son of Kevin and Anna Cheek Sullivan, was the ring bearer. A string orchestra and classical singer provided the wedding music. A seated dinner and dancing followed in the lodge, with music by the Doc Wesson Band. The bride, a Highland Park High School graduate and National Merit Scholar, graduated from Vanderbilt University summa cum laude as one of the top five graduates of the 2006 class. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and served as vice president and recruitment chair. Julia obtained her Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, graduating with high distinction as a George F. Baker Scholar. A lifelong equestrian, Julia is also a two-time World Champion in the American Quarter Horse Association. After business school, she worked at the George W. Bush Institute as Director of Strategy and Operations, and she currently serves as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Global Communications for MoneyGram International. The groom is a 2002 graduate of Starkville High School, where he was senior class president. A 2006 graduate of Southern Methodist University, Carter was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, Carter commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer, serving two tours to Afghanistan, first as an Infantry Platoon Commander and later as a Combat Advisor to the Afghan Army. For valor in combat, Carter was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor Device, as well as two additional Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his service to the United States. He departed the military in 2012 with the rank of Captain and remains very active in veteran’s affairs. Carter worked as Director of Client Relations for Alsbridge Consulting and is currently Partner and Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Big Country Water Services Corporation in West Texas. He serves proudly as both a director and founder of the non-profit Rosedale Group, whose mission is to raise funds to improve quality of life for veterans of all wars through specialized housing rehabilitation projects. The couple resides in Dallas.
Photography courtesy of Eric Laurits
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UnWINE Downtown 2014 On June 26, several local businesses participated in the 2014 UnWINE Downtown event. Photography by Laura Daniels
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1. Lee Davis, Caitlyn Clark and Elizabeth Lavender 2. Annette and Hayden Deason 3. Julie Brown, Haley Brown and Katie Langston 4. Janna Paes and Nikki Tribble 5. Amy Molen and Elizabeth Woolfolk 6. Laura and Connie Templeton
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Beaverdam Farms Fundraiser A fundraiser for Beaverdam Fresh Farms took place at Bin 612 on June 25th. In two months, the farm was able to raise $30,000 in order to create a processing facility. Photography by Laura Daniels
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1. Nevena, Scarlett, Ada and James Martin 2. Jonny Hollis and Kathy McGill 3. Brent and Mary Cameron Wilemon 4. Niki and Matt Pea 5. Beaverdam Farm Owners Dustin Pinion and Ali Fratesi 6. Amanda, Magnolia and Will Reed
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DISCOVER THE SOUTH: The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.
* Courtesy of The Biltmore Company The luxurious family home of the Vanderbilts is a marvel of elegance and charm, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. It’s home to 16th century tapestries, a library with 10,000 volumes, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a bowling alley.
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