August 2015

Page 1

Town &Gown August 2015

Fan Favorite: DeRego’s Bread On the Road: Visiting Water Valley, Mississippi

New in Town: Holli’s Sweet Tooth

Prairie Arts Festival Celebrates 37 Years

Beaverdam Fresh Farms




What’s Inside Home, Garden and Lifestyle from around Mississippi

12 Calendar of Events

15 Who We’re Loving

16 Wishlist: Back to School Essentials

18 What We’re Loving

28 Prairie Arts Festival

36 Hi Y’all! Art

43 West Point Murals

32

Beaverdam Fresh Farms

47 Mid-South Fair Celebrates 139 Years

63 Taste and Toast: Healthy School Lunches

21 DeRego’s Bread

24

39

New in Town: Holli’s Sweet Tooth

On the Road: Water Valley, Mississippi

67 Kids’ Back to School Fashion

79 Events

4 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM


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

Coming up with quick and healthy lunches for school or work is difficult. Turn to page 63 for Lisa Bynum’s ideas for easy lunches for you or your kids! VOLUME 4,

on the cover.On. theDoesn’t our cover photo look good enough to eat? If you are a

NUMBER 8

August 2015

AgAZINE.COM

tOWNANDgOWNM

college student you’ll notice that there was a lot of Covernewreturning businesses opening up during the summer includinng Holli’s Sweet Tooth located just off of Main Street.

Fan Favorite: DeR ego’s Bread AUgUst • 2015

@townandgownmag

@townandgown

Town &Gown

On the Road: Visit ing Water Valley, Miss issippi

New in Town:

Prairie Arts Festi val Celebrates 37 Years

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

Holli’s Sweet Toot

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Beaverdam Fresh Farms

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@townandgownmag JULY 2015 | 5


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

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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.

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date party, special occasion,

& wedding attire

YOUR SORORITY STOP

bar necklaces, planners, buttons, car decals

& more JULY 2015 | 7


Letter from the

Editor

For our Readers Subscribe

Ready or not guys, school is almost back in session. This marks the second year in a row that I haven’t needed to buy school supplies and also the second year in a row that I bought it anyway. Our August issue is full of features about stores that will be opening in August or opened in early summer, but you might have not heard of. Case in point: DeRego’s Bread. It used to be that we had to wake up early on Saturday morning and high-tail it to the Farmer’s Market in order to get a loaf of Troy DeRego’s bread, but now all we have to do is drop by his new shop on Main Street. Check out his story on page 20. One shop that will be opening in August is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Holli’s Sweet Tooth (featured on the cover) originated in Oxford, MS, but don’t let that detear you from stopping by. This shop has over 300 types of candy and weekly specials including a “Float Friday.” A delima that I’ve always had when it came to school (middle school, high school and college) was what to do about lunch. Our Town & Gown chef, Lisa Bynum, is hoping to help us out with her quick and healthy lunches. A lot of these recipes can be made ahead of time and grabbed on the way out the door. Be sure to check out all of our other stories inside these pages. You don’t want to miss the Prairie Arts Festival or the Mid-South Fair These are two events that are worth the trips. If you are new to the Golden Triangle Area be sure to pick up your copy of Town & Gown every month or have it delivered right to your door. If you’re a returning college student in the area welcome back and remember it’s only about four more months until Christmas break.

Camille Watts

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

January is our Bridal issue! Wedding and engagement announcement pricing is listed at townandgownmagazine.com. Submit 15-20 wedding photos to info@townandgownmagazine.com for review to be featured in Town and Gown Magazine.

Events Town and Gown Magazine would love to be at your next event. If your organization or business is having an event please email info@townandgownmagazine.com a month before event date. We cannot promise we will be at all events, but we will try!

If we missed out Send us your event photos with names from left to right (if available) and a brief description of event to info@townandgownmagazine.com or mail or drop off a disc to 304 Lampkin St., Starkville, MS 39759.

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

JULY 2015 | 9


Town & Gown Magazine January Wedding Issue 2016

One-Page Announcement one vertical photo + two horizontal photos + 400-500 words

$150 All material must be postmarked by December 6, 2015

Two-Page Announcement two vertical photos + four horizontal photos + 950-1,000 words

$250 All material must be postmarked by December 6, 2015

Hinton

Hinton

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Lock in the Love Follow us on Social Media

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

Alice Tate • @alice_tate • www.flashanthology.com Alice Tate is a Food and travel writer who loves sharing her adventures on Instagram. She has lived all over the world including New York, Sydney and London and has written for several publications including Marie Claire.

Jessica Stein • @tuulavintage • www.tuulavintage.com Jessica Stein is a travel and personal style blogger from Sydney. Her instagram is full of beautiful sunsets and delicious looking food. She has traveled to 20 different countries and documents them all on both her Instagram and her blog.

Larissa a.k.a. The Blonde Gypsy • @theblondgypsy • www.blonde-gypsy.com Originally from California, Larissa has been traveling for most of her life, but only recently took up bloging and Instagram. Most of her travel photos are of Europe and they are not to be missed!

JULY 2015 | 15


Back to School Wishlist Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.320.8476

Thyme 402 Lampkin St Starkville, MS 662.323.5979

L.A. Green 117 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.324.6208

Merle Norman Luna Bella 500 Russell St Suite 5 Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

16 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

Giggleswick 200 HW Y 12 Starkville, MS 662.323.4438


Back to School Wishlist Merle Norman Luna Bella 500 Russell St Suite 5 Starkville, MS 662.323.5255

Thyme 402 Lampkin St Starkville, MS 662.323.5979

L.A. Green 117 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.324.6208

Aspen Bay 116 E. Main St Starkville, MS 662.320.8476

Giggleswick 200 HW Y 12 Starkville, MS 662.323.4438

Susan’s Hallmark 100 Russell St Starkville, MS 662.324.0810

JULY 2015 | 17


what we’re loving lately College Essentials

Academic Planner

Rain Jacket

This might be one of the most important things you purchase this school year. It’s difficult to remember assignments and their due dates off the top of your head, especially if they aren’t due for a few weeks. Sure, you could write it on a sheet of paper in a binder, but why risk you tearing it out and throwing it away accidentally? A dedicated planner is the best way to keep trck over everything!

Living on such a big campus is a lot different than going to a fro on a high school campus. For one, there's a huge lack of shelters from the rain. You'll need a rain jacket at least twice a month if not more. Leave the eye-poking, sidewalk hogging umbrella at home.

Mini Steamer

Let’s face it: No one likes ironing. But no one really likes walking around with wrinkled clothes. But not everyone has a shower in their room that they can hang up their clothes as they take a hot shower while the steams gets most of the wrinkles out. This is where the mini steamer comes in. Bonus: It takes up very little space when not in use.

18 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Rainboots

What worse that someone forcing you off the sidewalk with their eye-poking umbrella? Stepping in a puddle as you are being forced off the sidewalk. Rainboots are a life saver. If you don’t want to wear them all day keep a pair of f lats or f lip f lops in your bag.

Water Bottle

Saying it’s hot in the South at the beginning of the school year is a huge understatement. That’s why it’s important to always carry a water bottle with you. Most buildings even are equipted with hydration stations so you don’t have to use the water fountain.


Desk Fan

Odds are most of the dorms around any campus have air conditioning (woe to those that do not), but what happens when you want it cooler, but your roommate is already wrapped in a blanket? These fans produce just enough air circulation to keep you cool, but won’t freeze out your roommate. P lus, it makes an excellent white noise machine when your f loor gets a bit too noisy.

Tide Pens

These little pens are a life saver. No one likes walking around campus with Chik-Fil-A sauce stains on their shirt. This will happen to everyone eventually so be prepared and keep these pens handy. P lus, you never know who you’ll meet. So why walk around with stains? JULY 2015 | 19


DeRego’s Bread Story by Richelle Putnam Photos submitted How does a guy from New Hampshire who earned a degree in fine art from the Rhode Island School of Design and started a career in web design in San Francisco, California, end up baking bread in Starkville, Mississippi? “In 2002, I became homesick for New England and moved back to the East Coast where I met my wife, Becky Hagenston,” said Troy DeRego, owner of DeRego’s Breads in Starkville. Becky, a writer and associate professor of English at Mississippi State University, was up north visiting friends. “Next thing I knew, I was on a plane heading to Starkville.” Of course, this isn’t the first (and probably not the last) love story where someone moves across the country to build a life with their soulmate. So the question is: Why give up a career of web design to bake bread? Bread, made up of basically three ingredients: flour, salt, and water, is made possible by the addition of yeast and beneficial bacteria. This combination creates an ideal environment for the yeast to do what it does best: eat and multiply. “There’s so much involved in making each loaf,” said Troy, “from refreshing the mother starter, to making the dough, to proofing, to baking. It’s a pretty amazing process that takes a lot more time than you’d expect.”


“The basic bread recipe appears all over the world and every culture puts their own unique twist on it to create a bread that is instantly identifiable and unique.�


22 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM


The basic bread recipe appears all over the world and every culture puts their own unique twist on it to create a bread that is instantly identifiable and unique. Troy and Becky try to make one big trip each year and have visited Paris, the French Riviera, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Brussels. “Of course food is always a big part of our adventures and upon our return we do our best to recreate the best meals in order to relive the experiences again and again,” said Troy. “That is what led to my first experiments with bread. I started with one of the most difficult, one that I don’t think I will ever perfect, but will enjoy the challenge of trying for the rest of my life: the French baguette.” Experimenting with dough is an important part of the learning process. From the baguette, boule, challah, ciabatta, pita, naan, to the sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder, the variations are endless. The baker’s yeast bought in the super market is a scientific marvel, said Troy. The power of nature has been harnessed to isolate a yeast culture that is predictable and fast acting. For faster-rising bread, throw in a bit more yeast. Throw in some sugar and the yeast goes into overdrive. “The tradeoff is this,” said Troy. Baker’s yeast acts alone, without the aid of beneficial bacteria which develop the complex flavors present in sourdough. “The natural yeast and bacteria partnership results in strengthening the dough, helping it rise in the oven instead of flattening out like a pancake.” When dough is fermented very slowly, the complex flavors and textures can be coaxed out of the flour. The baker uses temperature to adjust the end product, Troy explained. A dough that spends several days fermenting in the refrigerator produces a tangy sourdough while the same dough left at room temperature overnight will be creamy and mild.

“There is nothing easy about making naturally leavened, slowly fermented breads, but the results cannot be surpassed.” Factory bread does not have this benefit, said Troy, so the factory baker relies on more additives. The factory baker cannot recreate these end results and must resort to even more additives. “When I began making bread, I chose not to use a mixer so that I could learn the feel of the dough as it develops,” said Troy. “Every day is a new experiment as the temperature and humidity of the room changes, so does the activity of the yeast.” A baker always observes the signs to know where the dough is at in the process and to make adjustments accordingly. Customers often return to the bakery to share the interesting things they paired with DeRego’s bread. “Some are simple, like tearing up a baguette and dipping in olive oil, and others are surprising yet perfect, like the raisin rosemary bread with some brie,” said Troy. For dipping sauces, Troy suggests keeping it simple: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cracked pepper. “My favorite breads to dip are the ciabatta and the Starkville Sourdough.” Derego’s has also added imported cheeses to its inventory. Troy hopes to feature a few new cheeses each month. Customers will be able to buy a wedge to take home and enjoy with their bread. Starting a new business can be terrifying. Troy is deeply grateful for the support from the Starkville community, the city government, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and local businesses. “Moving to a new town can also be a challenge,” said Troy. “I have been here quite a while now, but I feel more connected to the community than ever before since the bakery opened.” Troy meets people from all over the world who relocate to Starkville to live and work. “I learn about new breads and get ideas for future travel. I can’t imagine starting this bakery anywhere else.”


HOLLI’S SWEET TOOTH Story by Clint Kimberling Photos submitted

Holli Ratcliffe, owner of Holli’s Sweet Tooth in Oxford, may have the dream job of anyone with frequent cravings for treats. Holli’s is a onestop sweet shop with an assortment ice cream, candy, chocolate, cookies and cakes. But she likes to joke that the candy business found her, not the other way around. The story goes that after she graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in marketing, she knew she wanted to open her own business but was unsure what that would be. Her criteria for the business was that it had to be fun, community-oriented, original and, oh yeah, profitable too. It turns out that a

24 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

candy store fit the bill. Holli explains, “My arm didn’t have to be twisted too much though; I have a huge love of sweets!” And so Holli’s Sweet Tooth opened in Oxford in December of 2006 and has been going strong for over eight years. In fact, business is so good that Ratcliffe will expand her business to downtown Starkville this fall. Holli’s Sweet Tooth newest location is set to open in late August and will occupy the bottom floor of Gallery 106 on Lafayette Street. Holli and her partner Amber Watson are excited about the new store which will be about the double the size of the



Oxford location. One of the biggest differences between the two stores is the size of the new party room. And Holli has big plans for the room. “We will be able to host larger birthday parties, group ice cream socials, staff meetings, youth groups and showers, in this new space which I’m thrilled about. We also plan to have giveaways, ice cream tastings and some fun art projects for the kids to make with candy!” Holli’s Sweet Tooth sells over 300 kinds of candies. Categories of candy available by the pound include sour, gummy, Jelly Belly, chocolate nuts, mints, trail mix and 21 colors of M&Ms. They also sell specialty chocolates such as truffles, turtles and caramels along with wrapped candy, lollipops, individual colored gumballs and even a five pound Hershey bar. Yogurt covered pretzels and sour gummy worms are two of the best sellers. While Holli admittedly has a huge sweet tooth, she is not a baker. “Even though I have been known to make some irresistible Oreo balls around the holidays, I leave that to the experts.” To that end, Ratcliffe partners with Sugaree’s Bakery out of New Albany to sell southern three layer cakes,

cupcakes, turtle brownies, cheesecake trays and beautiful chocolate meringue pies among other goodies. Holli’s also offers 12 ice cream flavors that you come in a cup, cone or milkshake. Other specialty items include the Brownie Madness or Sugaree’s Ice Cream Sandwiches. And they offer daily ice cream specials from 12:00-6:00 such as Milkshake Monday, Waffle Cone Wednesday and Float Friday that are very popular. Holli’s Sweet Tooth in Starkville will be open until 9:00 pm nightly. Holli hopes this may increase walk-in traffic from “folks having dinner in the downtown area, kiddos on their way home from practice, youth groups leaving church or college kids needing a study break.” “I love being a part of someone’s day,” Holli says about her favorite part of the candy business. “It is really neat to have someone in the community tell me about a great experience they had at our shop, whether it be a fun birthday party they attended or their grandchildren’s faces when they brought them in for the first time. We have even had couples get engaged in our shop!”


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JULY 2015 7/1/15 7:12 PM | 27


The Prairie Arts Festival Celebrates 37 Years Story by Richelle Putnam Photos submitted The Prairie Arts Festival has been a West Point tradition since 1978. Recognized as one of the Top Ten Events by the Southeastern Tourism Association, the festival attracts crowds of more than 25,000 each year. In fact, an economic study completed a few years ago showed that the festival attracts anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 people, depending on heat and the football games. Director of the Growth Alliance Lisa Klutts has worked on the festival for seven years, the first five years as a volunteer and the last two as an employee of the Alliance. The Alliance wears several hats—Main Street, Chamber of Commerce and Tourism—and its overall objective is to position and navigate West Point & Clay County to meet its maximum quality-of-life potential. “Being a volunteer is completely different than being a director,” said Lisa. “As a volunteer, you are generally taking care of one aspect of the festival. As the direc-

tor, you oversee the entire event, including the budget, vendors, security, everything.” The Prairie Arts Festival is a celebration of community that started as a small festival to bring art to West Point, explained Lisa. West Point is positioned between Columbus and Starkville. Starkville is known for being the home of Mississippi State. Columbus is known for the pilgrimage and being the birthplace of Tennessee Williams and is home to Mississippi University for Women, better known as “The W.” “West Point wanted to find its own identity so they returned to the prairie arts roots,” said Lisa. “We have branded ourselves as an arts community and we have a very strong arts council.” The festival highlights West Point as an art community. The arts speak to everyone differently because there is great diversity in the arts. “There is something for everyone.” “The Golden Triangle area works very well together,”


“The festival highlights West Point as an art community. The arts speak to everyone differently because there is great diversity in the arts. There is something for everyone.�


The Prairie Arts Festival Saturday September 5 (Labor Day weekend) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit: http://www.wpnet.org said Lisa. And working together as a region has been a big factor in the growth of West Point because they all have different assets. “West Point does not want to duplicate what Columbus has done or what Starkville has done. We build on each other and we complement each other.” The festival has grown over the years. This year, there will be about 300 vendors, from craft items to fine art. All art sold at the festival must be handmade. “There is a juried art section, which can win award money,” said Lisa. “There are so many talented artists in the South and region and state, so I want to bring them to West Point to showcase West Point to those who aren’t from here.” Entertainment will be provided on two stages. The gazebo stage in the park hosts the more acoustic type music with a good mixture of genres. “We have the main stage which will showcase Big Joe Shelton,” said Lisa. “The Howlin’ Wolf Festival is always the night before, which is all Blues. We carry that over and have street musicians playing on the street corners.” The festival takes place downtown in a five-block area. Businesses and stores are really supportive of the festival and attendees enjoy visiting the 30 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Howlin’ Wolf Museum and checking out downtown stores and restaurants. A festival of this magnitude requires a lot of preplanning, said Lisa. Therefore, planning for the next year’s festival starts the day after the current year’s is over. The committees start planning for next year’s art work, finding featured artists and ironing out any problems from that year. It takes a full staff and volunteers to assure that the festival runs smoothly. “Everyone gets together after the festival to talk about what went wrong, what worked and what didn’t work,” said Lisa. A new festival design is done every year, but for many years the festival used the same windmill and picket fence design that the festival began with in 1978. “In 2010, we started using new artists. We held contests for the artwork and we’ve had artists approach us.” Nevertheless, every design must include the iconic windmill. Lisa works closely with every vendor to make sure their experience in West Point is a good one because she wants them to come back. “If you’ve never come to West Point or experienced Prairie Arts Festival, the diversity of the arts, the food, entertainment and shopping, you need to come.”


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Beaverdam Fresh Farms Story by Joe Lee Photos by Laura Daniels and submitted by Jenny McNeill

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“We’ve always been passionate about restoring land and the environment. The best farming practices to feed the community healthy food involve diversifying farms and using rotational grazing practices.” - Dustin Pinion Dustin Pinion and Ali Fratesi, owners of Beaverdam Fresh Farms in Starkville, have pooled their love of fresh foods, farming knowledge and ecological awareness to run a thriving business — one that gives people from all over Mississippi access to safely-grown meats, fruits and vegetables through buying clubs. So how does the buying club work, and how will you benefit from it? “It’s a way for you to purchase your food directly from the farm,” said Fratesi, who graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in landscape architecture. “It is a group of educated food buyers dedicated to doing something positive with their food dollar for their environment, health and family. It also allows our customers to have a relationship with their farmer and their food.”

Beaverdam offers pasture-raised pork, chicken, turkey, beef and eggs that are all free of added hormones and antibiotics. They also partner with other farmers to bring milk, cheeses, mixed vegetables and honey to their buying clubs. The pre-ordered farm products are delivered to host homes in Starkville, Meridian, Columbus, Oxford, Tupelo, Jackson and Ridgeland on a regular schedule. An email is sent a week ahead of time and provides club members with a shopping list of available produce. “You have a week before pickup to place your order online,” Pinion said. “The product list depends on the season, which means that new and exciting products are there throughout the year. Being a member is free – you order only when you want to. You can do all your shopping online from some of your favorite local farmers and

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pick everything up in one location.” “We both grew up in Indianola with farming families,” Fratesi said. “Dustin grew mixed vegetables with his grandfather. He always had a passion for plants, which led to him getting a degree in horticulture at Mississippi State University. In school he learned more about the food system and the environment, and decided he wanted to farm.” “We’ve always been passionate about restoring land and the environment,” Pinion said. “The best farming practices to feed the community healthy food involve diversifying farms and using rotational grazing practices.” Beaverdam began in 2012, when Pinion and Fratesi began growing their own food out of concern for the health of the foods in the area. They purchased laying hens, meat chickens and meat rabbits. They sold a few to cover their costs, and business grew through word of mouth. Soon they were selling their produce at farmers’ markets. “I grew up on my dad’s cotton, corn and soybean farm,” Fratesi said. “(In college) I was interested in designing land restoration projects, school and community

gardens, and healthier school environments. My graduate program (Health Promotion at Mississippi State University) led to my knowledge of community health, and the impact that local access to healthy foods has on a community’s physical and economic health.” Pinion and Fratesi aren’t alone in their desire to eat and share healthy food. In addition to discussing what they do at farmers’ markets, buying club members telling their friends has helped increased business at a much faster rate than Fratesi ever imagined. They also have several thousand followers on Facebook. “We started three years ago with 20 buying club members and have grown to over 2,000,” she said. “Our buying club drop-off locations have been a great place for like-minded people to meet and share recipes and experiences. Our customers grow the clubs for us, because they believe in growing Mississippi’s economy and want a healthy local food system.” To join, visit www.beaverdamfreshfarms.com and click on the Buying Clubs tab, then choose the drop-off location near you. Buying clubs are coming soon to West Point, Hattiesburg and Clinton.

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Made in Mississippi: Hi Y’all Art Story by Richelle Putnam Photos submitted

For many families in the South, the kitchen table remains a sacred place to gather for meals and to give thanks. For Catherine Ann and Parker Davis, the kitchen table became the launching pad for their full-time family business, Hi Yall!, which started out of their Starkville home in 2012. “The South is a small world,” said Catherine. “In the South, everyone is either related, went to school with your parents, or have known your grandparents for years. I love this about the South.” Hi Yall produces hand-printed pillows, apparel, prints and paintings, all developed from the love for art and the people, traditions, and places in the South. “My artwork and my love for the South are tightly interwoven,” said Catherine. “My past experiences and the memories from growing up in Mississippi create the imagery for my artwork. The South is my home and my way of life.” A lifelong Mississippian, Cath-

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erine spent her childhood in New Albany, Miss. where she enjoyed family gatherings at the lake and on her grandmother’s back porch. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2010 with a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design. “My art has grown and matured over the years,” said Catherine. “I want each piece of artwork that we create to tell a story.” The reward comes when her artwork strikes a chord with a viewer. However, owning a family business can get hectic and overwhelming with meeting deadlines and customer expectations. “With the Hi Yall! studio located in our home, Parker and I can often be found working 24/7,” said Catherine. Then, on the other side of the coin, a family business can offer freedom and be arranged around family, she added. “We have the freedom to arrange our own schedule, visit family and travel.”



Catherine loves working with her husband, saying that, “Parker has been the brains behind some of our most popular designs that transformed our small business.” While owning a small business with your spouse does present challenges, “working beside someone I trust and love has been well worth it.” Catherine’s mornings begin with a quiet cup of coffee, but the day is filled with accomplishing as much as possible. “We are either printing pillows or apparel, working on custom paintings, shipping orders, or answering emails.” Of course the busiest time of year is October through December, when Catherine is completing Christmas orders and preparing for Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson and The Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs. With the rush of each day, taking and filling orders, how do the Parkers come up with fresh ideas for new products? “Family, friends, and the desire to make something new each day inspire me to make new artwork,” said Catherine. “Right now we are finalizing designs for sorority bid day gifts. We will be debuting new sorority pillows and artwork at LA Green in downtown Starkville the end of July.” 38 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

The Hi Yall! website serves as a guide for customers and clients. Hi Yall products appeal to buyers of all ages, from pieces that fit perfectly in the nursery to perfect pieces that complement a wedding reception. They can also create custom artwork for individuals and companies. “I am honored to be a part of someone’s new beginnings. My artwork gives me purpose,” said Catherine. “We love working with new clients on new projects.” They are also willing to share key ingredients that keep their homegrown business successful and growing: Work hard, remember who you are, stay true to yourself and be kind to others.

hiyall.com 662-316-0399 Email cat@hiyall.com. “We do not have studio hours, but we love visitors. Call us anytime!”


On the road: Water Valley, Mississippi

Story by Joe Lee Photos by Brittney Dowell

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Located minutes from Oxford and less than two hours from Starkville, the town of Water Valley mixes old-world charm with a creative approach to keeping the downtown business corridor alive. When you throw in some fascinating town history and all the Southern hospitality you’d expect from a Mississippi town of 3,700 residents, it’s a great option for a day trip. In fact, go ahead and put The Watermelon Carnival on your calendar for next summer. Praised by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Summer Event, the Carnival began in 1931 and brings as many as 20,000 to Water Valley the first weekend of August. It includes arts and crafts vendors from all over the region, an antique car show, a 5K run/walk, live music in Railroad Park and a barbecue contest sanctioned by the Memphis Barbecue Network. A much more recent addition to town is Yalobusha Brewery, located in the old Hendricks Machine Shop Building on Main Street. Carroll County native Andy O’Bryan started the company, serves as president and says the response to his venture has been wonderful. “We are part of the revitalization of downtown Water Valley,” he said. “I didn’t have a manufacturing background, but I believed in my idea and went for it. The first thing I did was hire some folks that did have

experience in the brewing world.” Tours of the facility, which are $10 per person, are each Friday afternoon from 4-8 p.m. and include six 6 oz samples. No advance bookings are necessary. “We brew four beers year-round (including Mississippi Blues Trail Farmhouse Ale and Snopes Family Pilsner) and interweave eight seasons throughout the year,” O’Bryan said. “I want Yalobusha to be known as a consistent brewery that puts out quality products from the great state of Mississippi.” Then there’s what local folks call the hottest cold sandwich in town. It’s known as the Harker and can be found at BTC Old Fashioned Grocery – which shares space with the Dixie Belle Café. You’ll find them in a three-story, 130-year-old brick building on Main. “The grocery has ice cream, hoop cheese, liver cheese, fresh produce, deli lunch meats, and Brown’s Dairy milk in glass bottles. We focus on local as much as possible,” said Grimes, executive chef (and co-owner, with Alexe Van Buren). “It’s an old-fashioned grocery – you need to go elsewhere to get paper products and toiletries – but we have a lot of folks who’ll get a week’s worth of produce.” What really keeps the natives guessing – and coming

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

JULY 2015 | 41


in – is the regular changes Grimes makes to the Café menu – several of her sandwiches are always named after local residents. Grimes and Van Buren also have their own cookbook, which is for sale on the premises. “The Lola Burger is an old-school burger and our biggest seller,” said Grimes, who was inspired to cook by her grandmother. “The Harker is roast beef on sourdough bread with a homemade blueberry horseradish sauce with sliced apples and pickled onions.” Also on Main is Turnage Drug Store, a fourth-generation family business owned these days by Robert Turnage. Generations of Water Valley folks – not to mention visitors from all over – have signed the guest book and eaten at the soda fountain. “We treat everyone who comes in like family,” said Pharmacist Binnie Turnage (Robert’s father and a former owner). “There’s a history of our store on the outside front wall, probably twenty square feet. We have a devotional each morning at eight, and we sell Bibles and unique Mississippi gifts. The soda fountain has cold drinks, milkshakes, ice cream and crackers – which we know around here as Nabs.” A fitting end to your tour might be the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum. Jones, the legend-

ary engineer, was not only immortalized by the oftplayed Grateful Dead song, but he lived in Water Valley for a time before his death in the famous train wreck in Vaughn, Mississippi, in 1900. In 1997, fifteen years after the Illinois Central Railroad discontinued service to Water Valley, the Museum opened in the abandoned depot and is overseen today by curator J.K. Gurner. “We’re a small museum, right in the center of town, so it’s easy to see the whole works,” Gurner said. “You can see why we’re so proud of our railroad history in Water Valley – you can take a peek inside a real caboose and look around a refrigerator car. You can climb up the ladder and see on top. The kids like that, and they like the engine bells. “We’ve got a display that shows how the Casey Jones wreck took place. We don’t sugarcoat it – Casey was going too fast that night. I know he would be glad that he didn’t hurt anyone else too bad. He was well-liked by the men he worked with. They even made him Master of the Fireman’s Lodge. They don’t do that for just anybody.” Zandra Walker, office manager with the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce, grew up in Water Valley and says her hometown is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. “Railroad Park is located

in the center of town with a pavilion that was erected by the Town and Garden Club along with help from the city,” she said. “It has been used for the Christmas Parade and Music in the Park, and it’s a great place to take a stroll or rest on the benches and observe our war memorial. Many of our historic buildings have been purchased and made into apartments and hotel spaces.” Read up on Water Valley at www.watervalleychamber.info, and plan on seeing yet one more lovely little Mississippi town loaded with local folks who’ll give you an education you can’t get in a textbook. BTC Old Fashioned Grocery / Dixie Belle Café 301 N. Main Street 662-473-4323 www.btcgrocery.com Like them on Facebook Turnage Drug Store 323 N. Main Street 662-473-2442 Like them on Facebook Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum 105 Railroad Park jackgurner@yahoo.com Like them on Facebook Yalobusha Brewery 102 Main Street 855-925-6273 www.yalobrew.com Like them on Facebook


A Thing of Beauty: Deborah Mansfield and the Revitilization of Downtown West Point Story by Clint Kimberling Photos by Margaret McMullen

When she moved to the West Point area three years ago, artist Deborah Mansfield saw that the town could use a makeover. “I saw that the town was in need of some paint,” she explains her initial reaction to downtown area. “The buildings were kind of run down on Main Street and in my experience, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way. I thought it would also give the town a new image and at the same time a new sense of pride.” So she joined the Main Street Design Committee and together with Kathy Dyess and Lila Miller, they formed a mural subcommittee whose goal was paint artwork on empty walls of downtown businesses. The women collaborate on what to paint, where to paint, and then complete the artwork. For the past three years they’ve been fixing up downtown area one empty wall at a time and have painted five large murals in West Point. Of course, Mansfield’s background is well-suited for the task. She has painted outdoor and indoor murals for over 20 years and has owned a faux-finish business.

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“I have a lot experience creating painted spaces that are unique and imaginative and I love large scale projects. Really, I’ll paint anything – ceilings floors, walls,” she explains. The first mural that went up was painted on the side of Cash and Carry Cleaners. After approaching the owner for permission to paint his wall, not only did he say yes, but he paid for the materials. In return, Mansfield and her team painted a mural of clouds rolling over the landscape as a dog leaps to catch clothes on a clothesline. The reception to the first mural was very positive. Next came a Howlin’ Wolf mural that pays tribute to the Blues heritage as well as calls attention the Blues Museum. The mural that Deborah refers to as her favorite, serves as the entrance to city of West Point. The mural replaces a typical welcome sign and is done in what Mansfield describes

as an “Andy Warhol-style” (think a clock tower rather than Marilyn Monroe). The mural is five panels with a brightly colored depiction of the famous town clock tower. Recently, a fifth mural in downtown West Point was completed. This painting has a wildflower motif painted on the side of a laundromat. The theme of the mural coincides with a wildflower planting program undertaken by the town in which seeds were scattered around to encourage growth. Mansfield’s mural features pictures of each wildflower painted in large whimsical images with a bumble bee. Future projects include a folk art mural as well as painting mosaics on sidewalk to fill cracks. Mansfield also enjoys painting in her art studio and besides mural enjoys painting with oil and acrylic as well furniture refurbishing. She expounds, “I like to put a new twist

on old pieces by adding fabric or unique paint finishes.” And putting new twist on older building is exactly what she’s doing by painting murals in downtown West Point. In addition to painting, Mansfield runs a children’s art camp from her studio and she has plans to use her student’s artwork in empty storefronts, as well as place public art installations such as totem poles or trees wrapped in fabric in the park. She says, she would like to see other artists join and would encourage other people to design, and contribute artwork. Mansfield, Dyess and Miller have poured thousands of volunteer hours into the murals. They do the artwork at no cost to the city. But Deborah explains, “When I’m on the street painting, a lot people stop and tell me they like my work. To me that makes it all worthwhile. ” JULY 2015 | 45


Mid-South Fair Celebrates 139 Years Story by Clint Kimberling Photos submitted When the Mid-South Fair opens for business next month, it will mark the 159th anniversary of the fair. Founded in 1856, the fair dates back to when the Shelby County Agricultural Society first exhibited the best in agricultural produce and the latest in machinery and inventions. As it expanded, organizers began calling their event the “Tri-State Fair” in an effort to broaden the areas served and increase attendance by including visitors from nearby Arkansas and Mississippi. It was renamed the Mid-South Fair in 1929 and has gone by that name ever since. The Mid-South Fair persevered through not only names changes, but wars and economic depression and continues today as a regional fair of the highest quality. Executive director and general manager Jesse Johnson explains that in its heyday, the fair could expect around 300,000 visitors. And the 1991 fair broke all past attendance records hosting an astonishing 565,615 attendees. The Mid-South Fair spent all but the last five years of its proud history in Memphis has now relocated to the Landers Center in Southaven. Johnson reports the location change has not affected the fair as an attraction and is still going strong. In fact he is excited about the growth and opportunity, saying, “Our goal remains to provide quality entertainment, education, and activities to the region.” Perhaps the farthest-reaching event connected with the fair is the annual Youth



Talent Contest. Created in 1953, the contest originally included several classes of talent including vocal, instrumental, dramatic, acrobatic, dancing and novelty. And today, the Youth Talent Contest is the world’s largest amateur performing arts talent contest. It attracts competitors from an eight state region who range from the ages of 13-21. Competitors must receive bids or invitations to participate, and as such preliminary competitions take place all year long. The youth talent contest boasts an impressive alumni roster that includes Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass, Patsy Cline and many others. As Johnson reels off the well-known names he articulates that the event

“continues to grow and gets bigger year by year.” The agricultural exhibitions that lead to the very first Mid-South Fair is still at the heart of the fair today. The fair remains very dedicated to educating and connecting the region to it agricultural heritage. This is accomplished through promoting local industry and rewarding agricultural and craft achievement through an annual exposition. Events include commercial beef and dairy heifer shows, as well as goat and lamb exhibitions. Johnson is excited to about a new program, FARMtastic. Hosted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, FARMtastic is a unique educational program


designed to get third grade students involved in hands on learning about the agricultural industry in Mississippi. Designed as a walk-through exhibit featuring agricultural commodities, Johnson explains that “FARMtastic introduces youth to the world of agriculture and teaches them how it affects their everyday life, from the food on the table to the clothes they wear.” While the goal of the fair each year may be to put on a great show and provide entertainment, Johnson reminds everyone that the fair also supports a nonprofit mission. The Mid-South Fair provides scholarships with their youth talent show and pageant as well provides funding to the greater community by making donations to charities in the region. For example, the fair contributes to Grace House in Memphis, the Mid-South Food Bank and the Children’s Advocacy Centers. Johnson says his favorite thing to do at the fair is visit the livestock section and programs like FARMtastic. “That’s where you can see a kid’s face light up as they experience the fair,” he explains. “And they’re constantly learning too as they have fun. That’s also important and fun for me to see.” The 2015 Mid-South Fair will open on September 25 and run through October 4. And this year, the opening weekend will feature a rodeo on Friday and Saturday night. The main stage will feature local and regional music acts. The ground acts will include flying dogs, racing swine, a lumberjack show and stilt walkers just to name a few. Visitors can go to www.midsouthfair.com for updates on featured acts and events as well as buy tickets.


Wisdom from Hank Flick: Preparing for Interviewing and Career Story by Joe Lee

Dr. Hank Flick, who has taught in the Communication Department at Mississippi State University since 1971, says that the most important variable in landing a job – by a long shot – is the interview. “You have five years of college, internships included, and you will spend 55 years in the business world,” he said. “You will change jobs or positions 11 times over that period. The most important thing – according to 90 percent of the surveys – is the interview. You have to be able to sell it in four minutes.” Flick has taught interviewing at Mississippi State University for decades and says it’s really a storytelling course, but one with rules for interviewing that can be easily translated into everyday life. “You don’t negotiate life with a young person. You are there to be a mentor, and a mentor will push you,” he said. “By age 22, you should have 3-4 extracurricular activities, a 2.6 grade point average, 14 months of work experience, and two internships. That’s the typical college graduate resume, and we add to that. “We listen to the executives and human resources people – that’s what they want. We provide class credit for internships; we have staff at MSU that work with companies to try to find students for those internships. The internships are non-negotiable – you must have them.” The basic preparation for an interview can’t be overstated. Being late, having poor eye


contact, acting preoccupied, or dressing inappropriately will certainly ruin your chances. But if you’re a serious contender, the interview largely hinges on your ability to present yourself effectively – and as someone who stands out from the crowd. “I do nine things in the course about impression formation,” he said. “Confidence is nothing more than experience. The more mock interviews you get in situations as real as possible, in a structured setting, with people you are comfortable with – that’s what prepares you.” There’s also the crucial resume. Flick not only insists on one page, he strongly recommends a bullet point writing style. “People don’t realize how many things professionals do every day,” he said. “In teaching today, you

constantly have to take students away from their social media and get them more interested in what you’re teaching – things have to be repeated seven times in order to be accepted. With the resume, the interviewer only has a little time, and people don’t read anymore. “Use the space with name, contact info, job objective, education, specialized skills – I’ve got to know what you can do. I have to be able to picture you in the job. Dress the resume up. It must show off your professional skills; it must get the attention of the interviewer. Your presentation must do the same thing. Tell me what you can do and what sets you apart.” Flick recommends looking for internships as early as possible – to wait until your senior year has

begun is far too late. He is a staunch opponent of sending unsolicited material ahead of time – executives, human resources people, and momand-pop business owners, he said, are under no obligation to respond. He also believes in not rushing the career-planning process. “The happiest years of your life will be in college,” he said. “Why rush through them? Students take 41-43 courses to graduate. How many of those relate to what they’ll be doing in life? Take your time and learn something. Learn to tell your story – no one is like you. President George W. Bush talked at a commencement address about being a C student. The world is run by C students.”

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Little Women Camp Story Provided by Emma Hatcher Photos by Laura Daniels

Each summer on the edge of Lowndes county, a special camp experience occurs for many little girls, or, as the camp deems them, little women. An effort to revisit the days gone by and to cultivate fun and valuable skills for the present, the camp offers many young ladies a unique and beneficial experience. The Little Women Camp, which is a girl’s Christian day camp, began as a summer art camp in 2010, when Emma Hatcher and her mother, Lenora, were looking for a productive way to spend their summer. It developed into a specialized girl’s camp when, during the next year, Lenora, Emma, and a close friend decided to host an all-girl’s day camp featuring knitting, baking and art. The camp was named the “Little Women Camp,” taking it’s title from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, which celebrates the beauty of Christian womanhood. Currently the camp offers kayaking, arts and crafts, fossil hunting, trail riding and baking activities. It has many repeat campers and consistently receives positive reviews from parents who are delighted to find a conservative-perspective outlet where their daughters can learn productive skills and socialize in a Christian environment. “The purpose of LWC is to provide the young ladies of today’s culture with ways to grow in their personal abilities, get out into nature, enjoy the summer in a wholesome way, and simply celebrate


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being a girl,” says Hatcher. The main site of the camp is the Hatcher’s 10-acre homestead, which features an activities building affectionately known as “The Nest.” The Nest is where most of the devotional times, knitting and arts and crafts take place. Other sites through which the camp is conducted are Rock Hill Stables, where the girls take a trail ride, and Plymouth Bluff, where they search for fossils along scenic trails. One highlight of the week is the knitting, during which the girls receive tutor-like attention. “In the knitting lessons, the girls are taught the basics and then advanced in an individualized manner,” explains Hatcher, “we work with each one

where she is, whether it is her first time to hold knitting needles, or if she is ready to learn an advanced stitch because she already has experience with knitting.” Campers are encouraged to grow in their faith through morning devotions and a daily opening of the camp activities with prayer. The girls are also prompted to refine their interactive skills through etiquette lessons, to which time is devoted for discussions and demonstrations: giggling is expected. There is also a modesty policy to promote the girls’ showing regard for others through how they dress while participating in the camp. The camp is open to girls ages 8-12, and campers come from every

direction; Some have even come from out-of-state. “As of this year, we have had helpers and campers from Alabama and Florida join us for this camp experience,” says Hatcher, “And we could not be more pleased with the results! We hope this is something that continues to grow and benefit each girl who participates. Our ultimate goal is that the girls who come have both a fun and educational time, grow spiritually, increase in their life skills, and further their social experience in a positive, godly way.” For more information, to give donations or to sign up for the LWC contact list please contact Jillian “Emma” Hatcher at 662-327-3988 or jeh604@msstate.edu. JULY 2015 | 61


Judging a book by its cover: Susan O’Bryan’s August reads. One of the luxuries of summer is that it gives us time. Time away from the office, school and the hustle and bustle of holidays, kid sports and college football. It also gives us time to kick back, find an air conditioner or beach chair and discover new authors. One of the “talked-about” books this summer is “Dietland” by Sarai Walker. This author’s debut takes the “diet revolution” to another level, providing an often funny, often thought-provoking look at obesity. The cover, a cupcake with a hand grenade, may grab some readers’ attention. To me, it’s deceiving, implying that the novel will be a funny take about being overweight. Instead, the novel has characters you can relate to along with a fictional movement that gives a voice to women of all sizes. Plum Kettle is overweight. She knows it. She counts calories and dreams of a new life after long-awaited weight-loss surgery. Her work as a ghost writer for a teen magazine is done from home or a nearby coffee shop as her appearance, even during a brief visit, offends her boss Kitty. It’s a weird arrangement – Plum is the voice of Kitty as she answers e-mails from distraught teenage girls, yet her boss wants nothing to do with her.


When a young woman in multi-colored tights starts following her, Plum finds herself going down a path she never imagined. She is drawn into an underground feminist community of radical women who want to change how society views, and treats, women. At the same time, a violent group known as Jennifer is delivering vigilante justice to those who abuse and misuse women. Changing society’s view of women begins with first changing Plum’s view of herself. With the help of an anti-diet crusader, a faded and rebellious movie star and others, Plum recognizes the strength within herself, no matter what the scales say. “Dietland” could be just another “feel-good” book about loving yourself first, but it’s not. Instead, it takes a familiar theme, twists it around and goes many steps beyond. Another much-touted summer read is “The Book of Speculation,” a debut novel by Erika Swyler, who describes herself as a writer, accidental illustrator, appreciator of bunnies and clown class refugee. Simon Watson lives in a dilapidated home on the Long Island Sound. His house is falling down around him, much like his life. After losing his job as a archivist and librarian, he finds that he has too much time, not enough money and more than enough emotional baggage. When he receives an old book from an old bookseller, Simon gets caught up finding out why his grandmother is mentioned in it. Up to that point, about all that Simon knows about his family history is that women tend to drown on the same date, and that his quirky sister may be next. As Simon discovers, carnival life runs in his family. For better or worse, tarot cards and an ability to hold their breath underwater is about all that Simon and his sister have inherited. “The Book of Speculation” follows several generations of Simon’s family. Swyler easily passes through the past, giving each generation its own colorful characters and eccentricities. The story is told through dual story lines,

voices past and present, and it leaves you hopeful for future generations of Watsons. Another novel that offers a different look at family dynamics is Fredrik Backman’s fabulous tale, “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.” I began following this author after reading his international bestseller, “A Man Called Ove.” The latest novel now ranks among the top in “my favorite book” category. Elsa is 11 when she loses her best friend and grandmother. From the day of Elsa’s birth, Granny has been beside her, living and carrying on in the flat across the hall. They share a special language borne from a fantasy world of Land-of-Almost Awake. It was created as an escape when the day goes bad or when real-life issues are too complicated for an above-average precocious child. No one told Elsa that Granny was so sick. She wasn’t prepared to be left alone, even though she has a dad, mom, mom’s boyfriend and expected little brother as well as all the neighbors who live in the same complex. Elsa also wasn’t prepared to carry out Granny’s last wish – deliver apology letters to strangers. Thus begins Elsa’s journey. “My grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry,” she says, knocking on doors that lead to unexpected friendships and encounters. The last line of each letter reads, “Protect Elsa.” Protect her from what? How can a dog that eats cake, a caffeine-addicted cab driver and a man with a scarred face help a young girl? But things are not as they appear. With each letter and its subsequent encounter, Elsa learns that superpowers come in many forms. That it’s OK to be different, and those differences are what make the real world keep spinning. To say that this novel looks at relationships with a different perspective isn’t enough. It’s a story of a student and teacher, a fighter and trainer, and most importantly, a girl and her beloved grandmother. Nothing in this heartwarming story, other than love, is what it seems as make-believe turns into reality. To say more would give away its marvel.

JULY 2015 | 63


On the Menu: ยบ Naked Chicken Nuggets ยบ Pizza Muffins ยบ Turkey Meatballs Recipes and Photos by: Lisa Bynum


“Naked” Chicken Nuggets ½ Cup Italian dressing 1 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice 1½ tsp honey 1 pound chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Combine first three ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and allow it to marinate for 1 hour. 3. Prepare a cookie sheet with a rack and cooking spray. 4. Arrange marinated chicken over the rack in an even layer. Bake until chicken begins to brown and is no longer pink in the middle, about 8-10 minutes. 5. Serve with honey mustard sauce for dipping.


Pizza Muffins Makes 8 muffins 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls 1/2 cup pizza sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Any favorite pizza toppings 1. Preheat oven to 375. 2. Spray 8 regular muffin cups with cooking spray. Cut crescent roll dough into 8 squares. Press into muffin cups. 3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cheese over each crescent roll. Top with 1 Tbsp of pizza sauce, remaining cheese and top with pizza toppings. Sprinkle garlic powder over the toppings. 4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese of bubbling. Remove from pan and serve immediately or cool and then place in the freeze


Turkey meatballs Makes 20-24 meatballs 1 slice whole-wheat bread, pulsed into crumbs ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup finely grated carrot ½ cup finely chopped onion 2 large cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 pound ground turkey meat 1. Preheat broiler. 2. Combine all ingredients except the turkey meat into a large work bowl. 3. Once the ingredients are well-mixed, add turkey meat. Using your hands, combine all ingredients. 4. Form meatballs into 2-1/2 inch balls (a cookie dough scoop works well). 5. Place meatballs on a greased cookie sheet. Broil for 10 minutes until meatballs and brown and no longer pink in the center. 6. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.


Back to School Fashion Photography by: Divian Conner Styling by: Elizabeth Burleson Hair by: Mia Salon


â–˛ Love Mississippi Shirt from Merle Norman

Love Mississippi Shirt from Merle Norman

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â—„ Shirt from Gliggleswick

Love Mississippi Shirt and puzzle from Merle Norman

â–ş


â–˛ Love Mississippi

Shirt and ID holder from Merle Norman

Lunchbox notes from Merle Norman and lunchbox case from Thyme

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◄ Shirt from Giggleswick

Shirt from Giggleswick ► and lunchbox from Susan’s Hallmark


▲ Shirt and pants from Giggleswick. Backpack from Giggleswick

Backpack fom Giggleswick


◄ Love Mississippi shirt and ID holder from Merle Norman

Shirt and pants from Giggleswick, book and puzzle from Susan’s Hallmark


West Point

Announce your engagement or wedding with Town & Gown Magazine. For more information on submitting your wedding for a wedding feature visit townandgownmagazine.com Available monthly. Call 662.323.1642 or email

info@townandgownmagazine.com


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MSU Marketplace

MSU Campus Marketplace

JULY 2015 | 77


MSU Marketplace

PRESENTS

Introducing Mississippi State University Campus Marketplace Are you a campus department or organization? Do you have an event and want to get the word out?

SATURDAY SEPT 3 | 7PM TIX ON SALE 8/8 AT THE CENTER FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES WWW.LYCEUM.MSSTATE.EDU | 662.325.2930

$25 | $10 STUDENT W/ MSU ID

78 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM

Call us at 662.323.1642 for more information about being included in our marketplace!


UnWine Downtown Photos by: Camille Watts

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Tricia Palmertree, Libby McReynolds and Hailey Thompson 2. Heather Denison and Linda Ratliff 3. Miranda Robertson, Candace Hitt and April Wallace 4. Amanda Biancardi, Reagan Barnes and Amy Giang 5. Nora Strickland and Lacey Wilson 6. Rebecca Roles, Mary Kathryn Killingsworth and Josey Frazier

JULY 2015 | 79


MSU BBQ Competition Photos by: Camille Watts

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Lynn Prine and Arch Pitts 2. John Dale Dumas, Lacey Dumas and Cris Vinson 3. Wendell Ladner and Bonnie Ladner 4 Shane Carpenter, Mark Gonzales, Travis Swenson, Jamie Sheperd and Noah Gonzales. 5. Gwen Elizabeth Sutphin and Hayden Adcock 6. Clay Howard and Greg Clements

80 | TOWNANDGOWNMAGAZINE.COM


Starkville’s Fourth of July Celebration Photos by: Laura Daniels

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5.

6.

1. Evie Daniels, Hannah Daniels and Grace Jayroe 2. Lynnzie Dean, TJ Tate and Lateeshia Grayer 3. Lauren Stegall, Georgia Stegall, Keith Stegall and Coley Stegall 4. Raven Posley and Jacqueline Posley 5. Izora Fisher, Charles Fisher and Latice Fisher 6. Adam Love, Lauren Love and Elaina Love

JULY 2015 | 81


Food and Drink

Shopping

Restaurant

Nursery

Sandwich Shop

Sporting Goods

Catfish

Home Goods

Coffee Shop

Antique Store

Burger

Boutique

Blue Plate

Floral Shop

Ice Cream/Yogurt

Thrift Store

Pizza

Gift Shop

Brunch

Bridal

Services

Arts and Entertainment

Tanning

Historic Site

Fitness Center

Festival

Hair Salon

Farmers Market

Vet

Patio Bar

Spa

Sports Bar

Property Management/Real Estate

Bed and Breakfast

Pet Groomer

Late Night Eats

Make-up

Wedding Venue

Other

Date Night Restaurant

Cast your ballot below by mail, fax or send us your votes via Facebok!

Mail: P.O. Box 1068 Starkville, MS 39759

Fax: 662-323-6586

Deadline: September 7


POWERED BY

September 10-13

Thu: MSU College of Education presents Mac McAnally in Concert Sat: MSU v. LSU Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

September 18-20

Fri: Citywide Tailgate Sat: MSU v. Northwestern State Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

October 9-11

Fri: Pumpkinpalooza with Maroon Madness Sat: MSU v. Troy Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

October 16-18

Fri: JA ChiliFest Sat: MSU v. LA Tech (HOMECOMING) Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

October 23-25

Fri: unWINE Downtown Sat: MSU v. Kentucky Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

November 14-15

Sat: MSU v. Alabama Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse, Christmas Open House, Cookies with Santa

November 27-29

Fri: Black Friday Bonanza Sat: MSU v. Ole Miss (EGG BOWL) Sun: Bulldog Brunch & Browse

visit.starkville.org /mscollegetown

IG: @starkvillems


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