A Product of Horizon of Mississippi P.O. Box 3893 | Mississippi State, MS 39762 www.townandgownmag.com
{
staff
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Don Norman | publisher sdnpublisher@bellsouth.net
Leilani Salter | editor leilani@townandgownmag.com
Claire Massey | editorial assistant claire@townandgownmag.com
Jessica Bailey | acct. exec. jessica@ townandgownmag.com
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writers
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Shea Allen Emily Jones Joe Lee Claire Massey Susan O’Bryan Hellen Polk Kate Salter Susan Seal Milton Whatley
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ph o t o g r aph e r s
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Jessica Bailey Divian Conner Laura Daniels Ashley Massey Claire Massey Leilani Salter Hannah Tibbetts Ashlyn Watkins
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pa g e d e s i g n
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Claire Massey Leilani Salter
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advertising design
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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 3893, Miss. State, MS, 39762, or call 662-323-1642.
editor’s note
W
ho knew that January’s bridal issue would be so much fun that we’d do it again in June? This issue is packed with ideas for planning a gorgeous wedding. Beginning on page 10, there are several engagement announcements as well as details from recent weddings. Recent Mississippi State University grad and talented photographer Blake McCollum did some shoots for us this month. View his work beginning on page 39 and also see his work from the wedding of Cassie Walls and Ben Hamilton on page 54. See his ad on page 17 and give him a call for your wedding. View photos beginning on page 48 from the fabulous wedding of Catherine Ann Herrington and Parker Davis. Tupelo photographer Stephanie Rhea was kind enough to share her photos with us. We talked to wedding planner Shanna Lumpkin on page 20 for ideas about planning the perfect wedding. She has some words of wisdom. Let’s start with something good to eat. Check out a few local reception venues on page 16 and read as cake experts help you decide on fondant or icing on page 24. Plan a wonderful couples shower. Laura Marler and Trey Templeton were honored with a shower and the hostesses shared the recipes with us on page 29.
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We also take you to the bridal shower for Corie Stanford, bride-elect of Blaine Walters. It’s a tapas bar theme and recipes are included. Corie and Blaine know a thing or two about planning a wedding. While planning their own, they have opened The Bride and Groom in Columbus and the House of Tux and help other couples choose the perfect attire. Read their story on page 26. Does anyone know more about men’s clothing than Starkville’s George Sherman? What does he suggest for timeless style? Read his story on page 36. How many different ways can you style a bridal bouquet? Quite a few, it seems. MSU’s floral design department has three talented designers and they created several unique bouquets on page 60 to give you some ideas. They include everything from a butterfly for remembering a loved one to a bouquet with a leopard print collar. If you’re looking for a more natural approach, see page 23 for a cotton and wheat bouquet straight out of the field. As you are reading this issue, we are closing our July issue. It’s the “Beat the Heat” issue. We will tell you how Kirk Rosenhan and his daughter Katharyn Rosenhan put out fires and bring you ideas for cooling off. Expect some great homemade ice cream recipes. As always, thank you so much for reading this magazine. Please remember to support the merchants that make it possible. You have lots of reading to do - so get busy!
Leilani Salter leilani@townandgownmag.com
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Contents
26
54
60
48 On the cover
TOWN&GOWN
features 10
JUN E 2012
a azine
16 20
39 M.E. Clark of Philadelphia models a dress from The Bride and Groom in Columbus. Photo by Blake McCollum
24
WEDDING INVITATIONS Announcing the big day
departments 6
EDITOR’S NOTE
16
EAT DRINK
REcEPTIONS Small or large?
32
SHOPPING
35
LIFESTYLES
WEDDING PLANNER Handling all the details
62
NEAR FAR
66
ON THE PAGE
cAKES Fondant or icing?
69
OUT & ABOUT
82
MORE
26
SHOWERS Teas and showering the guys
39
WEDDING ATTIRE Gowns and tuxedoes
60
BLOOMING MYSTERY The perfect bouquet
Lauren Flinn and Terrence Johnson
photography by alex trice
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s. Mary Flinn of Roslindale, Mass. and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Flinn of Dedham, Mass., announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Marie Flinn, to Terrence Marshall Johnson, son and Dr. and Dr. WC Johnson of Starkville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flinn of Boston, Mass., and Mr. and Mrs. Saverio Pizzano of Boston, Mass. Lauren is a 2000 graduate of Boston Latin Academy. She received a bachelor of arts degree in 2004 in sociology from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. She joined Teach For America and taught 7th and 8th grade English in Hughes, Ark. from 2004 until 2006. She also earned a master’s of arts degree in 2010 in higher education administration from Boston College. Upon earning her master’s she became assistant director of the Multicultural Center at Elon University, Elon, N.C. She is currently employed as assistant director, McNair Scholars Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Mrs. Bertha L. Sanford of Memphis, Tenn. and the late Freddie J. Sanford and the late Robert and Ella L. Johnson of Edwards. Terrence is a 2001 graduate of Starkville High School and a 2006 graduate of Mississippi State University earning a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communications. He performed his internship at WCBI in Columbus. Terrence served as an assistant producer at New England Sports Network (NESN) in Boston, Mass. from 2007 until 2010. He is currently a videographer at The Leadership Development Team Center in Raleigh, N.C. Lauren and Terrence will marry June 16, 2012 at Shining Tides by the Sea Resort, Mattapoinsett, Mass., at 5 p.m. Following the honeymoon in St. Lucia, the two will make their home in Durham, N.C. An hors d’oeuvres party will be held in their honor June 30, 4-6 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn in Starkville.
Nikki Chancellor and Cameron Nicholson
photography by justi heath
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r. and Mrs. Lloyd Raymond Chancellor Jr., of Harrison, Ark., announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Cameron Nicole Chancellor, to Cameron Brady Nicholson, son of Patsy Muse Nicholson of Forest and the late George Edward Nicholson Jr. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Raymond Chancellor Sr. of Madison and Lillian Boone of Starkville and the late Tommy Boone. Nicholson is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Edward Nicholson Sr. and Annie Pearl Holley Muse of Union and the late Henry Fredrick Muse. Nikki is a 2003 graduate of Sheridan High School, in Sheridan, Ark. She is a 2007 graduate of Delta State University with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology where she was selected to Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society. At DSU she was a member of Kappa Delta social sorority. She received her master’s degree in community counseling from DSU in 2009 and was a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. She is currently employed as a mental health therapist at Community Counseling Services in West Point. Cameron is a 2006 honor graduate of Forest High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Delta State University in 2010, where he was selected Outstanding Athletic Training Student. He was a member of the Student Court, and served as student trainer to the DSU football team, women’s basketball, men’s baseball, aquatics and soccer. A certified athletic trainer, Nicholson is currently a graduate assistant in the athletic department at the University of Southern Mississippi. He will graduate with a master’s degree in sports management in May 2012.
The couple will exchange vows June 30, 2012 at 6:30 in the evening in the Chapel of Memories on the campus of Mississippi State University, with a reception to follow in the Hunter Henry Center.
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photography by stephanie rhea
Catherine Ann Herrington and Parker Davis
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service of worship celebrating the marriage of Catherine Ann Herrington and John Parker Davis was held at six o’clock in the evening on February 4, 2012, at First United Methodist Church in New Albany. The candlelight ceremony was officiated by the Reverend Doctor Giles Lindley and the Reverend Barry Male. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Allen Herrington Jr. of New Albany. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Luther Hadley II of Byhalia and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Allen Herrington of New Albany. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carlton Polk of Starkville and the late Mr. James William Davis. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Davis, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hill Hicks Jr., Mr. Samuel Trizzie Polk Jr., and the late Jane Bell Polk, all of Starkville. Music for the wedding ceremony was performed by Martha Frances Monroe, organist and pianist; Charles Lafayette Mason II, guitarist; Svetlana Kaltchenko, violinist; and Mary Kathryn Sanford Carroll, vocalist. Registry and program attendants were Kathryn Elizabeth Beatty, Carrie Elizabeth Foley, Stacy Stepp Peaster, Kellie Ann Skinner, Caroline Collum Stroud, and Emma Koon Woods. Serving as acolyte was Elena Bell Thompson. Cross Bearer was Laura Ruth Welborn. Bouquets and floral arrangements, designed by Oxford Floral and David Naron, added to the beauty of the ceremony. A large cross consisting of roses, tulips, hydrangeas, orchids, and greenery graced the sanctuary. The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore her mother’s wedding gown of ivory duchess satin. The bodice and fitted sleeves were embel12
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lished with re-embroidered Alencon lace scattered with iridescent and seed pearls. The skirt swept into a chapel-length train, edged with lace and beading. Her chapel-length veil, also worn by her mother, was edged in lace and beading. The bride wore diamond and pearl earrings, a gift from the groom. She also wore her paternal grandmothers pearl necklace, worn by three generations on their wedding day. The bride carried a bouquet of garden roses, anemones, lily of the valley, and tulips, wrapped in woven ribbon adorned with a diamond cross presented to her mother from her father and an antique ring box, which once belonged to the groom’s maternal grandmother. As a symbol of something blue, the bride also pinned a blue sapphire and diamond Sigma Chi pin, belonging to her father and paternal grandfather, into her bouquet. Attending the bride as maid of honor was her sister, Elizabeth Herrington Harrison. Bridesmaids included Anne-Claire Allen, Mary Maxwell Dennis, Whitney Elizabeth Gadd, Darden Danielle Holmes, Catherine Millette Lawhorn, Jennifer Elaine Lawrence, Margaret Anne Maxwell, Elizabeth Slaton Miller, Joyce Anne Nabors, Elizabeth Grace Peterson, Beth Rutherford Roberson, Collins Michell Tuohy, Lauren Elizabeth Walker, and Kimber Lee Williams. The bride’s attendants wore formal gowns of black satin and carried hand-tied bouquets, each adorned with a silver charm. Serving as flower girl was Anna Prescott Smith. On the eve of the wedding, Erica Ruth Berry served as the bride’s proxy. Attending the groom as best man was Robert Carlton Polk. Groomsmen included Bradley Michael Aldridge, Christopher Brian Awtrey, Tyler Lewis Blocker, Julian Wood Chancellor III, Bryce Steven Daves, Gregory Maury Giachelli II, Dan Maurice Harrison II, Jackson Allen Herrington III, Thomas Fox Howard, Brent Lee Maupin, Edward Allen Maxwell III, Jonathan Wesley Parrish, John Allen Sanford, Matthew William Scruggs, and James Lucas Staten. Serving as ring bearer was Charles Bostwick Harris. Ushers were John Barrett Brady, Brady Alan Brock, Phillip Kennard Young Downer, Ryan Winston Eyles, Christopher Ray Loftin, James Kyle Skinner, and Reed Collins Storey. Following the ceremony, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at In Bloom in downtown New Albany. The bride wore a strapless designer gown of ivory silk shantung, designed by Ramona Keveza that featured an asymmetrical bow at her waist. Floral arrangements, designed by John Hickey, consisted of roses, tulips, anemones, and lilies. Vintage crystal and silver, belonging to both families, were used throughout the reception area. Original designs created by the bride were also used throughout the reception. Guests celebrated all evening to the music of Class Reunion. Tallahatchie Gourmet catered the Southern buffet dinner. The wedding cake, decorated with asymmetrical bows and crystal broaches, was designed by Creative Cakes. The groom’s table featured a tiered arrangement of individual key lime pies. The bride and groom shared their first dance to an original musical arrangement written by Brent Maupin. After a night of celebration, the couple departed the reception to cheers, well wishes, and a shower of red and blue and maroon and white pom poms. The wedding and reception planner was Krista Bloome with A Bash Events. Photographer was Stephanie Rhea and videographer was Christian Harrison. On the eve of the wedding, parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Taylor Grocery in Taylor. Guests enjoyed a night of special toasts, dancing, and favorite foods selected by the bride and groom. Following a wedding trip to Steam Boat Springs, Colo., the couple is at home in Starkville. The groom is employed with Better Brands and the bride is a graphic designer.
Corie Stanford and Blaine Walters
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photography by blake mccollum
r. and Mrs. Gary David Stanford of Saltillo announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Corie Philece Stanford, to Blaine Leslie Walters, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mark Walters of Columbus. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce L. Burch of Saltillo, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Dale Stanford of Saltillo and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald David Stanford of Tupelo. Walters is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Leslie Baucom of Columbus and Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Lawrence Walters of Columbus. Corie is a 2005 honors graduate of Saltillo High School. She received her associate of arts degree from Itawamba Community College in 2007. She is a 2009 cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor of arts degree in communication. Corie will graduate with her master of science degree in student affairs in 2012 from Mississippi State University. Blaine is a 2006 honors graduate of New Hope High School. He received his associate of arts degree from Itawamba Community College in 2008. Blaine is a 2010 graduate of Mississippi State University where he received his bachelor of arts degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations. Blaine and Corie own and manage The Bride & Groom: Bridal Boutique and House of Tux, located in Historic Downtown Columbus and The House of Tux in Starkville. The couple will exchange vows in the English Garden at Old Waverly Golf Club on June 16, 2012. Following the ceremony and reception, the couple will honeymoon in Anguilla, British West Indies.
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Lauren Denham and Brandon Pratt
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r. and Mrs. Edward Franklin Denham of Meridian announce the engagement of their daughter Lauren Nicole Denham, to Brandon Christopher Pratt, son of Sharon Pratt and Don Pratt of Meridian. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Wilma Jones and the late Robert Jones of Jackson, the late Helen Denham and O.S. Denham of Jackson. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Leo and Alline Salter of Philadelphia, and the late Clifton and Elizabeth Pratt of Meridian. Lauren was a graduate of Northeast High School in 2001. In 2005 she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Mississippi State University, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She is the special projects manager for The Montgomery Institute in Meridian. Brandon graduated Northeast High School in 2001. In 2005 he graduated the University of Mississippi, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in banking and finance and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is the vice president at Community Bank in Meridian. The couple will be married August 25 at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian. 10
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photography by leilani salter
Lauren Denham and Brandon Pratt
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r. and Mrs. Edward Franklin Denham of Meridian announce the engagement of their daughter Lauren Nicole Denham, to Brandon Christopher Pratt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clifton Pratt of Meridian. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Wilma Jones and the late Robert Jones of Jackson, the late Helen Denham and O.S. Denham of Jackson. The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of the late Leo and Alline Salter of Philadelphia, and the late Clifton and Elizabeth Pratt of Meridian. Lauren was a graduate of Northeast High School in 2001. In 2005 she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Mississippi State University, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She is the special projects manager for The Montgomery Institute in Meridian. Brandon graduated Northeast High School in 2001. In 2005 he graduated the University of Mississippi, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in banking and finance and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is the vice president at Community Bank in Meridian. The couple will be married August 25 at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian. 10
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EatDrink
Planning a reception 125 Commerce Street 662-494-7489 www.theritzwestpoint.info Cost: $1,400 Reception booking made 3-4 months in advance. (Photography submitted)
305 7th Street South 662-574-4275 www.amzilovelincolnhomes.com Cost: $1,000 Reception booking made one year in advance. 16
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The
Golden Triangle is absolutely loaded with beautiful, unique, and reasonably priced places to hold your wedding reception, whether you’re thinking of a small party or a large contingent of folks who’ll stay in the area for a night or two. Here’s are just a few of the many from which to choose.
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BY JOE LEE
ocated in the heart of downtown West Point, The Ritz Theater and Conference Center was once a prime spot for first-run movies. These days, the beautifully updated facility holds as many as 400 for wedding receptions and makes a unique and long-lasting impression on guests. “We usually host 15-25 wedding receptions a year and around 10 rehearsal dinners,” said general manager and event coordinator Elizabeth Dichiara. “I would recommend a reception of 400 guests or less. That number allows the guests to move freely.” As old-world as the stroll up and down Commerce Street strikes those in the wedding party, The Ritz is loaded with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, an expandable stage, and a dance floor. The Ritz Café, with a truly mouth-watering menu, is even located on the premises. “We have a large and talented staff,” Dichiara said. “We schedule several meetings before the day of the event, both with our staff and with the client. The day of consists of preparing the food, cleaning, setting up the room and tables, and prepping the staff. “I recommend contacting us at least 3-4 months in advance. This allows plenty of time to plan, prepare, and carry out the bride’s wishes. The rental fee is $1,400 for a Saturday and includes full staff, set-up, clean-ups, tables, linens, chairs, serving pieces, and my coordination services before and during the event. Food and beverages are charged separately. “We focus on making the bride and groom, along with their families and guests, as happy and comfortable as possible. My staff and I manage every detail and allow the bride to enjoy a stress-free and fun wedding reception. We strive to give our guests the best possible experience.” The Amzi Love Home and the Lincoln Home are just several blocks from bustling downtown Columbus, but folks who’ve attended weddings and receptions at the twin bed-and-breakfasts will tell you that it’s like being in another world. “My husband, Sid, is the great-great-grandson of the man who built the Amzi Love Home in 1848,” said Brenda Caradine, owner of the Lincoln Home. “So it’s been in his family all along, and Sid has been involved the pilgrimage tour of antebellum homes since he moved to Columbus in 1985. “The Lincoln Home was built in 1833. I bought it in 1993, and Sid and I married two years later in the garden of the Amzi Love Home. We instituted garden weddings through our own wedding.” The gardens behind both homes are joined by a little foot bridge, and the Lincoln Home is usually the site for the wedding with the reception taking place at the Amzi Love Home. “Wedding season for us is March 1 until June 1,” Brenda said. “Then we close weddings in the garden until October and have them for about a month. We’re very comfortable with gatherings of 300-400.” The wedding rehearsal usually takes place at 6 p.m. the day before the wedding and lasts about half an hour. Brenda and her staff are on site the next morning at 8 a.m. and work right up until the wedding begins (usually at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.). Everything has usually concluded by 8 p.m. “I provide the place. I help vendors and caterers and florists and put the couples in touch with them,” Brenda said. “I have training in large groups, and Sid and I are on site for breakfast – he gives the guests the history of Columbus. We make a great team.”
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213 Smyth Lake Road 662-773-7853 www.ltok.com Cost: $2,500 - $10,000 Large reception booking made one year in advance. Small reception booking made six months in advance.
1 Hunter Henry Boulevard 662-325-7000 www.hunterhenrycenter@msstate.edu Cost: varies depending on the size of the event. Reception booking made one year in advance 18
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“The perfect place for weddings, the lake can host the families, have wonderful venues for the actual ceremony, and provide all catering services. We have many small intimate services and 5-6 large ones per year,” said Carmen White with Lake Tiak-O’Khata. “We have served as many as 500 guests at a reception. I would say 200-300 guests would be best if you want a dance floor (as most large receptions do) and few tables for seating and nice displays of foods.” The preparation, of course, begins long before the wedding day. “There are numerous meetings with the couple and family,” White said. “I like to see their vision for the reception. Lake Tiak-O’Khata is a somewhat rustic environment with lakes, pine trees and beautiful landscaping, and the couple usually wants that environment. “We usually set up the day before. Food displays have been ordered and I work with the kitchen staff to make sure all is here in time. We often serve items at receptions that are not kept in stock. We arrange for the time for the florist, and I always tell my brides that I will take care of everything, and not to worry about the reception on the day of the wedding. “We have control of most services at the reception, and we’re in contact with those who provide entertainment and the bride and groom cakes (the only food items we allow to be brought in). We offer silver plate serving pieces, pewter and rattan, and some McCarty. I draw a diagram of the entire room’s set-up with the couple. “One of the real advantages for having the event at the Lake is that no one has to leave the parking lot for the entire time. We have a fullservice restaurant, motel rooms and recreational facilities—something for everyone. Our tranquil environment sets the stage for a tranquil event. Our food is wonderful and all made from scratch. We take the pressure off the family and make sure all is perfect.” Mississippi State University’s Hunter Henry Center opened in 2002 and hosts nearly 25 wedding-related events each year. It’s located within the Starkville city limits at the edge of the MSU campus, so there’s definitely a Bulldog flavor to wedding receptions held there. “The Hal and Linda Parker Ballroom can seat a maximum of 250 guests, although we have accommodated up to 400 at one time in this area since most receptions don’t seat all guests,” said Hunter Henry Center Events Coordinator Jenna Shook. “Our beautiful glass-enclosed lobby area, with its upper mezzanine and striking garden area, allows guests to circulate throughout the facility. These areas are beautiful any time of the day or evening. “We normally reserve the day prior to an event as a set-up time. We allow them to bring in supplies and the caterers are able to begin their preparations as well. This extra time makes their special day go much smoother. “The day of the event, one of our staff opens the facility and remains on site to provide assistance throughout the event. A custodial crew ensures the facility is spotless before guests arrive. Also, as the events coordinator, I am personally on hand to provide assistance on most occasions. “We encourage reservations a full year in advance, and most clients find this is the best course of action. However, we accept reservations with only a one-month notice, depending on availability. Rental rates vary with the number of guests and rooms requested. The beautiful allure of the facility and its spaciously contoured garden area with water features make for an elegant and memorable venue. “We have many clients who enjoy the MSU family atmosphere we provide, and much of our business comes from word of mouth. Personally, my favorite moment of a wedding comes as the bride and groom step through the doors of our fabulous ballroom for the first time as husband and wife and take in the room that has been transformed into a thing of beauty, just for them. The look of awe and joy on their faces is priceless.” n
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Planning the wedding of your dreams
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY J MALAHY PHOTOGRAPHY
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photo by followell fotography
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BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J MALAHY
wedding is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in a man or woman’s life. Unfortunately, it can also be the most stressful. The happy couple may be oblivious to the monstrous list of to-dos that face them, along with the inevitable snags that crop up during the countdown to the big day. It doesn’t have to be that way, says Shanna Lumpkin, a wedding planner who has been described as one of the freshest and most innovative event coordina- tors in Mississippi. She said a reputable wedding planner can guide the couple through the planning process from concept to flawless execution, leaving them and their families free to sit back and enjoy the ride. Lumpkin has been featured on the WE Network's “The Wedding Planner” and is nationally recognized as a featured designer in publications such as Bride and Blooms, Southern Bride, The Knot, and SW Bride. The 2003 graduate of Mississippi State University opened her event planning company in Jackson soon after her graduation. She called it “A Southern Affair,” and eventually added a full-service bridal shop to her growing list of services. She eventually sold the shop to concentrate full time on her event planning business. 22
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Operating under the name Shanna Lumpkin Events, she is in growing demand by brides across the state. “We help our brides and grooms not to lose sight of the real reason for the wedding celebration” she said. “This is a celebration of love and a time to share their joy with closest family members and friends. We want them to treasure every moment rather than run around trying to tend to the myriad of details that need to be taken care of. Lumpkin believes that a good wedding planner will not only be able to secure the most reliable vendors in the industry, but plan details and communicates with caterers, photographers, florists, bakers, musicians, and other service professionals required for the size and budget of the wedding. One of the chief duties of the professional planner is to assist the bride in knowing where her money is best spent and which vendors have specific “specialties” to ensure the budget is allocated wisely. Every detail from selection of the perfect gown to the final moments of the wedding reception can be orchestrated by the planner who should be able to navigate through every conceivable slip-up, assures Lumpkin. Admittedly, Murphy’s Law (anything that can go wrong probably will) – runs rampant in the wedding circuit. A good planner will run interference when the couple may be blissfully unaware of the snafus. Lumpkin recalls a recent wedding reception where the bride’s aunt was flying in from a distant location to supply the wedding cake knife and server. “I jokingly said I hoped they weren’t packed in a carry-on.” Sure enough, the utensils were confiscated by Homeland Security and Lumpkin was prepared to supply a backup. “The bride’s mother said I must have mental telepathy.” So, how does a relationship with a wedding planner get off on the right foot?
Shanna Lumpkin, pictured above, communicates well with her clients and pays close attention to detail to provide the perfect wedding. Below, guests can enjoy a homemade ice cream station. At left, a vintage typewriter adds character to the Southern wedding.
“The best and most productive way to get started is to write down all your questions and concerns that you may have,” suggested Lumpkin. “Then schedule a complimentary consultation to meet face to face. Together, you can discuss your wedding plans, budget, and your vision of what you both imagine your special day to be. “You must feel completely comfortable with each other, she said. Lumpkin said no two weddings are exactly alike, but intimate or grand, the one thing they do have in common is that they should reflect the personal style of the couple. “We want to be involved in every aspect of the planning process so we have a clear understanding of the client’s vision, in order to make certain their special day is flawless.” Lumpkin is best known for her ability to understand the needs of her clients on a personal level which in turn relieves their stress and eases them through the wedding planning process. Lumpkin’s calming nature, combined with her flare for the dramatic, makes her a popular selection among brides. One of Lumpkin’s favorite weddings took place in Starkville recently. Even though the engaged couple lived in California, they had special feelings for the South where the bride’s father was a professor at Mississippi State University. “This Southern sentiment stayed with me throughout the planning of the wedding and it was my goal to help the guests experience all of the hospitality, comfort, and beauty that Mississippi has to offer. Welcome bags for out-of-town guests included Moon Pies, Pralines with white chocolate Mississippi State Bulldogs, and peanuts and Cokes (with directions on how to properly eat them together). The bride’s bouquet was a created from mature cotton plants straight from the fields. The outdoor wedding was conducted on the family farm. Guests found a cowbell on each folding chair, in keeping with a favorite Mississippi State tradition. Pre-ceremony nibbling featured boiled peanuts, bottled cola and pimiento cheese sandwiches. Later, dinner was served family-style and featured Mississippi favorites such as chicken and dumplings, chicken fried steaks, black-eyed peas, fried okra, butter beans, rice and gravy, buttermilk biscuits and cornbread in cast iron skillets. Trained and certified by the Association of Bridal Consultants, Lumpkin admits that experience is the best teacher in her field. She is married to Brian Lumpkin Jr. and they are the parents of a 5 1/2year-old daughter, Gentry-Claire, and are expecting their second daughter, Landry, this August. n She can be reached at shanna.lumpkin@gmail.com or by calling 601-953-1340.
Planning a recent wedding in Starkville, Lumpkin says the couple went with a Southern theme including bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids that were created straight from the field. Below, no Southern wedding would be complete without chocolate cake.
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Choosing your cake Buttercream icing or fondant used to be the biggest question facing a bride when it came to her cake. But the days of a simple, white cake have gone by the wayside, and now the rule is there are no rules, as long as your budget and creativity allow.
Prep Work
Before a bride-to-be meets with her cake designer for the first time, she should do her research – thumb through magazines and the Internet to get some style ideas, select a budget, determine approximately how many guests and be sure to have the wedding date set as many bakers can’t commit to doing a cake until they know if they have a date available. “Not saying by any means that you have to have your cake planned out to a T, but just having a general idea helps so much,” says Hailey Williams, owner of Cups N Cakes in Starkville. “Bring pictures from magazines, books, websites and places that inspire you.” Carolyn Wilkinson, owner of Carolyn’s Creations in Meridian, adds that even if a bride is overwhelmed by a variety of styles she does like, knowing what she doesn’t like can be just as helpful as she goes into her first cake consultation. Starkville’s Carol Taylor, owner of The Cake Box, likes her brides to bring in pictures of their wedding dress to the consultation as it helps reveal clues about a bride’s personality. With lace dresses, Carol can recreate the dress’s lace pattern on the cake if the bride desires. “I also try to find out what type of reception she is planning – elegant, southern, simple,” Carol says. “If she’s having an elegant reception, I would suggest a delicate scroll work, or no detail at all, just smooth iced. Or, if she’s having her reception in a barn, which is very popular right now, I would suggest lots of fresh flowers.” The cake experts tell clients to keep their personality and wedding style in mind when deciding on a cake design. “Matching the venue, the season, your gown, the flowers, your colors are all important aspects to help your cake reflect your personality and style,” Hailey says. A bride who prefers simple elegance will not be happy with the latest, flashiest styles, so staying true to yourself and the feel of your wedding is the best way to go. “Not everyone likes every style of cake, so when a bride is choosing her cake, she needs to love it,” Carolyn says. “She might love the trendy style or a timeless style, but as long as she loves what she chooses, she is doing the right thing.”
What’s Trending Cake experts tell clients to keep their personality and wedding style in mind when deciding on a cake design.
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“If you think a wedding cakes has to be a three-tiered white cake, think again,” Hailey said. “The latest trends in wedding cakes are all about being creative.” Hailey knows that with every new client she meets, anything goes as far as cake design. “Trust me, I get some crazy requests,” she said. “These days, cakes are all difference shapes and sizes, with lots of color, beautiful flowers, unique toppers – the options are endless.” In Meridian, Carolyn has been getting a lot of requests for “bling.” Her brides are wanting their cakes to sparkle as bright as their left ring finger. Edible diamonds, rhinestone ribbons or brooches nestles among bows seem to be what most of her clients are requesting. “If bling is not your thing, another trend we see if ribbons encircling the bottom of each layer of cake,” Carolyn said. “The ribbons usually match the bridesmaid dresses or coordinate with the flowers to help tie in the feel of the wedding.” Traditional bride and groom toppers are taking a back seat to everything from ceramic love birds and nosegays matching the bride’s bouquet to figurines of brides dragging their grooms by the collar and the ever-popular
monogram. In fact, monograms aren’t just reserved for the top of the cake – every layer is prime location for the bride and groom’s initials. Tiers of cupcakes are also replacing the traditional wedding cake Carol has noticed. Some brides prefer square cakes, some prefer round and some prefer to alternate square and round tiers. Layers can be centered, they can be angled and they can even be lopsided for a whimsical feel. And as the destination and theme wedding is becoming increasingly popular, making sure the cake reflects unique wedding styles is an absolute must. “If the couple is having a location wedding, such as at the beach, we can do a cake with seashells and fake sand,” Carol said.
The Taste
Just as the style of the cake has endless possibilities, it seems so does the flavor of the cake. Though the classic white cake still reigns supreme, cream-filled layers, flavor washes and tasty icing allows are fun variations to the traditional white cake. Some of the more popular cake flavors Carolyn’s brides have been requesting are vanilla, chocolate, Italian Crème, strawberry, lemon, orange and red velvet. Popular fillings include raspberry, strawberry, lemon, mint, peanut butter and cream cheese. Carol suggests a colorless flavor wash for her cakes. Her brides are loving her washes in flavors such as almond, hazelnut, amaretto and lemon. And though the multitude of fun flavors may tempt brides to offer a variety to their guests, Carol cautions brides against the idea. “I do not suggest having each tier be a different flavor,” Carol says. “You run the risk of running out of cake as guests try to sample each layer, which may mean three slices per guest when you only accounted for one with a few left over.” Additionally, the different types of icing or the use of fondant can affect the taste of the cake. Some brides opt for fondant because of its malleable characteristic that makes it ideal for creating edible flowers or figures. However, fondant can be a bit chalky or chewy, so it’s imperative to sample your cake designers fondant before you commit to a cake design that requires it. Southerners love their buttercream icing, but for some, it may be a bit too rich and thick, and for those people, a whipped cream icing may do the trick. Cream cheese icing is also growing in popularity, especially if a bride chooses a carrot cake or red velvet, for which only a cream cheese icing can appropriately complement.
The Groom’s Cake
Since the day Steel Magnolia’s Shelby had a “bleeding” armadillo cake hidden in the carport at her wedding, couples have taken a certain liberty with the groom’s cake. In an event where the man has little opinion and responsibility, the groom’s cake has been his outlet to let his personality shine. The Southeastern Conference groom’s cake, or house divided has recently been a very popular choice. Carol, Carolyn and Hailey have made their fair share of Mississippi State University cakes, and even a few house divided MSU and Ole Miss. The groom’s cake often showcases the groom’s hobbies, and more importantly, the cake designer’s talent in the form of tents for the camping enthusiast, boats for the fisherman, mini mountains for the rock climber, and everything in between. But there is one tradition that seems to remain constant with the groom’s cake – it’s still almost always chocolate.
Chocolate is a favorite for the groom’s cake.
The Bill
It’s no secret that weddings are big business, and the same is true for the cake. Carol, Carolyn and Hailey have all made cakes that stretched into the multi-thousands, but they can make a very lovely cake for a few hundred as well. Base prices for cake are typically determined by the slice and start anywhere from $2 to $5. Often times, fondant per slice and buttercream per slice run different rates. Be sure to talk to your cake designer about the design you’re thinking and what that means as far as add-on prices. Depending on the designer, flavor, fondant, flowers, filling, piping, ribbons and rhinestones can all increase the price per slice of the cake. Others charge by the time taken to create a cake, which usually means that the more intricate a cake, the more time, and the more cost. Be sure to inquire about delivery and set-up charges as well as cake stands and other equipment rental. “Of course we will work with you to stay within your budget and still create the cake of your dreams,” Hailey assures. townandgownmag.com
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Corie and Blaine are ‘The Bride and Groom’
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BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE MASSEY
xpectations are high as the countdown begins for the upcoming nuptials of Columbus residents Corie Stanford and Blaine Walters. After all, they are both bridal consultants who have made it their life’s ambition to outfit brides and grooms in fine style. Now it’s their turn. Naturally, friends and family anticipate a red carpet event when the pair exchange vows on June 16 at Old Waverly Golf Club. The betrothed couple owns and operates “The Bride and Groom” in Columbus and House of Tux locations in Columbus and Starkville. Located at 120 5th Street, The Bride and Groom opened earlier this year in historic downtown Columbus. Specializing in personal service for the entire bridal party, the shop offers an array of gowns by top designers, not only for brides, but for mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls, and general evening wear with all alternations performed in-house. To outfit the men, The House of Tux, offers a “gentlemen’s den” on the lower level of The Bride and Groom. The Starkville store is located in the Starkville Crossing Mall and specializes in formal wear and tuxedo rental options. The bridal floor stocks gowns of every style and price range. “Corie and I hand-picked every gown at the bridal market in New York City,” said Blaine. ”We offer more than 20 different designers in various styles, colors, and designs.” It was their intent to bring a piece of New York back to Mississippi. “Since our opening we have heard numerous reviews from our customers about the beauty and style of our location and our gown selections. Many people compare the bridal floor to a smaller scale of the iconic ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ experience on television.” This comparison prompted the couple to adopt the catch-phrase, "The Bride & Groom: Experience New York without packing a bag!" “Planning our wedding and opening a store has been stressful, but we have loved every second of it,” said Blaine. “The biggest challenge has been Corie’s selection of the perfect gown. To the best of my knowledge she still hasn't made the selection. Every time I go into the layaway closet I see several bags labeled “CORIE'S DO NOT OPEN.”
“I have been a good boy and haven't peeked. I know she'll be beautiful in whatever she chooses and I cannot wait to see her on our big day,” he added. The Stanford-Walters wedding certainly seems a match made in Heaven. “When I was a child I used to tell my family about the girl I would marry. She was always blonde and beautiful but with a good heart and a good cook,” Blaine said. He set the bar high and wasn't planning on settling for less. His grandmother was skeptical and warned “Blaine, you are going to have to end up choosing one day between a wife who is sweet or a wife who is beautiful, they just don't come in the same package!" Five years later he took Corie home to meet the family in Columbus. "I don't know how, Blaine, but you found her.," said his grandmother. The couple met when they were students at Itawanba Community College. They officially began dating after transferring
to Mississippi State University where both were studying communication. It’s been a busy spring for Blaine and Corie with the stores gearing up for June weddings. They’ve also been attending parties in their honor. A shower for the bride- to-be was conducted recently at Cross Creek Farms, home of Blaine’s grandparents, Leslie and Margaret Boucom. Three Columbus hostesses took the traditional wedding shower to a level that would make Martha Stewart jealous. Carrie Baucom, and Stephanie Bryant, aunts of the groom and his cousin, Savannah Bryant, applied some unique touches to make the event memorable. Some 60 guests were greeted poolside by flowers floating on the water which Carrie constructed by attaching fresh flowers to Styrofoam discs. The menu, featuring small tastes of a variety of sweet and savory dishes was served “tapas ztyle”. The Tapas Bar has emerged into a sophisticated cuisine where small “tastes” of a variety of dishes are combined to make a light meal. n
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Guests: 1. Felicia Stanford, Corie Stanford, Denise Walters 2. Anita Stanford, Tammy Rodgers, Christie McDonald 3. Margaret Sharp, Brooklyn Waldrep, Macy Walters 4. Cyndi Sullivan, Felicia Stanford 5. Susan Forrester, Peggy Forrester 6. Mandy Hannon, Ashley Perrigin, Christine Perrigin 7. Sigga Head, Corie Stanford
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Cucumber Stacks 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 Tbsp. green onions, chopped 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. sour cream Fresh dill, to taste garlic powder and salt, to taste 2 loaves Sunbeam Bread 2 carrots, julienned and cut into 2-inch lengths 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced to desired thickness Mix the first eight ingredients. Put mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip or a Ziploc bag. Cut loaf bread with round cutter to make circles. Place a slice of cucumber on each bread round. Squeeze a dollop of cream cheese mixture on each cucumber stack. (If your cream cheese mixture is in a Ziploc bag, cut the tip of the bag off and squeeze through it.) Garnish with julienned carrots.
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Edible Spoons with Guacamole and Tomato
1 qt. water 2 large tea bags 7 fresh mint sprigs 1 c. sugar 3 1/4 c. water 2 1/4 c. pineapple juice 6 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 package flour tortillas olive oil garlic Salt, to taste paprika, to taste 4 avocados, mashed 5 campari tomatoes, diced 1/2 small onion, diced 1/4 c. sliced jalape単os, seeded and chopped 1/2 tsp. minced garlic juice of 1/2 lime salt, to taste pepper, to taste grape tomatoes, thinly sliced
Boil 1 quart of water. Steep tea bags and mint leaves for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and mint. Add sugar, water, pineapple juice and lemonade concentrate. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cool. Serve over ice. Garnish with lemon and mint, if desired.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut flour tortillas into spoon shapes with a knife, kitchen scissors or a spoon shaped cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet in a single layer. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic salt and paprika. Bake until crispy. Set aside to cool completely. Combine avocados and next 7 ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Put avocado mixture into a Ziploc bag. Cut the tip off of one corner of the bag and squeeze mixture onto spoons. Top each with a slice of tomato.
Lemon Pineapple Mint Tea
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Hostesses: Stephanie Bryant Savannah Bryant Carrie Baucom
Hosting a couples shower T
BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA DANIELS
rey Templeton thinks he met his bride-to-be by accident. He probably knows by now that the “chance meeting” had been in the works for a while. Trey, a sixth generation native son of Starkville, married Dr. Laura Marler, of Pineville, Louisiana, on May 19 at the First Presbyterian Church. The relationship had a little help getting off the ground, but when it did, it grew like wildfire. Cecelia Cook, one of Laura’s colleagues in the Mississippi State University School of Business, had taken the new marketing professor under her wing when she moved to Starkville four years ago. “I really wasn’t trying to pair them up,” insisted Cook. “I just wanted to introduce Laura to some young people her own age. Ironically, Trey came walking through the restaurant where Laura and I were eating dinner one night. I introduced them and the rest is history.” Trey is a 1998 graduate of Starkville High School and a 2002 graduate of Mississippi State University. He is the son of Connie and Chip Templeton. Laura is the daughter of Bobby and Pam Marler of Pineville. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana College in Pineville, a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in management from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. Fifteen couples who had watched Trey grow from a toddler to a young man recently staged an engagement party at the home of George and Jenny Sherman. Trey has worked for George Sherman Clothiers for 12 years – since he was a sophoLaura Marler and more at MSU. Trey Templeton “They (the Shermans) have been so good to Trey,” said Connie, the mother of the groom. “I credit George with advising Joining the Cooks and the Shermans, other couples hosting the and mentoring Trey over the years. I kid him that he is Trey's event included Ann and Harry Bell, Jennifer and Richard Blackthird parent!” bourn, Amy and Scottie Crawford, Kathryn and Fred Davis, Susan and Rockie Felker, Susan and Bill Gamel, Fancy and Ernie George, Susan and Eddie Keith, Barbara and John Norman, Michelle and Perry Rackley, Deb and Gary Shafer, Evelyn and Bill Simmons, and Judy and Joe Webb. The Shermans were so enthusiastic about hosting the party that they decided to update the interior of their home on South Montgomery. “George and I have never really tried to do much since we built the house,” said Jenny. “That’s not really our thing.” With time running short, she hired Robin O’Nan of Redesigns by Robin to come in and work her magic. It only took a few days to get the home party-ready. “We are so happy with it now,” said Jenny. “It used to feel like a house, but now it feels like a home.’ O’Nan operates an interior design firm specializing in taking what her clients already have and presenting them in new ways to achieve a completely new look and feel. She encourages her clients to leave the premises for several hours and give her free reign to repurpose, rearrange and re-accessorize with items she often finds in the attic or storage room. While the Sherman home was being “redesigned,” the other hosts were busy preparing a spring menu for the engaged couple. All the Jenny Sherman and recipes were tried and true. The hosts generously agreed to share George Sherman some of the recipes, all old family favorites. townandgownmag.com
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1. Kara Templeton, Chip Templeton, Connie Templeton, Laura Marler, Trey Templeton 2. Connie Templeton, Beverly Combs 3. Robert Marler, Kristin Marler, Laura Marler, Trey Templeton, Sandy Karam, Richard Karam 4. Mimmo Parisi, Michelle Parisi, Leigh Gilbert, Jerry Gilbert 5. Mary Kathryn Kight, Laura Marler, Jackie Hudson, Laura Rackley, Caroline Hearnsberger, Margaret Cook, Kristen Skinner, Brittany Gassaway 6. Frank Chiles, Ann Chiles 7. Mary Beth Langston, Deb Shafer 8. Mary Beth Langston, Evelyn Simmons, Frances Combs 9. Margaret Cook, Ann Bell, Kristen Skinner
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King’s Court Shrimp
Mexican Hot Dip
Asparagus Sandwiches
4 qt. water 1 large lemon, sliced 5 lbs. unpeeled large fresh shrimp 2 c. vegetable oil 1/2 c. hot sauce 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1-1/2 tsp. salt 1-1/2 tsp. seafood seasoning 1-1/2 tsp. dried basil 1-1/2 tsp. oregano 1-1/2 tsp. thyme 1-1/2 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 8-oz. package cream cheese 1 can Hormel chili, no beans Small can chopped black olives Bunch green onion, chopped Small can chopped jalapeño peppers or chipped green chilies 8 oz. sour cream Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 can asparagus pieces 3 oz. cream cheese 2 hard boiled eggs Lowry’s Seasoned Salt Parmesan Cheese Melted butter Trimmed white bread
Bring water and lemon to a boil. Add shrimp and cook 3-5 minutes. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Peel and devein shrimp. Place in a large bowl. (If you have the grocer cook the shrimp, ask them to only use a little lemon and no other seasoning since you will be adding the spices in the marinade.) Combine remaining ingredients and beat with a whisk. Pour over shrimp and toss. Cover and chill for eight hours. Drain shrimp and serve in a lettuce-lined bowl. Makes 25 appetizer servings. Amy Crawford
Layer in order of ingredients listed above. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly. Bakes well in round shallow dish or oven-safe platter. Serve with chips for scooping. Amy Crawford
Grate eggs and drain asparagus. Add to cream cheese and mix well. Add seasoning salt to taste. Spread on bread. Dip or brush both sides with butter, then in Parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. May be frozen before baking. Cut sandwiches into four pieces before baking or freezing. Makes 50 appetizer servings. Peggy Thomson
Hosts: Ann Bell, Harry Bell, Jennifer Blackbourn, Richard Blackbourn, Cecelia Cook, Jack Cook, Amy Crawford, Scotty Crawford, Kathryn Davis, Fred Davis, Susan Felker, Rockey Felker, Susan Gamel, Bill Gamel, Fancy George, Ernie George, Susan Keith, Eddie Keith, Barbara Norman, John Norman, Michele Rackley, Perry Rackley, Deb Shafer, Gary Shafer, Jenny Sherman, George Sherman, Evelyn Simmons, Bill Simmons, Judy Webb, Joe Webb townandgownmag.com
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3Thumbs Up cuff links & Pixel computer mouse The University Florist
Southern4 Generations cook book & Taste of Starkville & MSU treats The University Florist
Columbia 4 fishing shirt & visor Reed’s
Izola stainless5 steel flasks Aspen Bay
Southern Marsh4 MSU men’s travel bags & MSU water bottles Reed’s 32
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6Fishing wall art Nebletts
6Spa baskets Vitality
Handmade Weddings4 book, Reserve candle, cream bird salt & pepper shakers & ceramic dishes Aspen Bay
We Dream 4 In Coulour jewelry Aspen Bay
3Wedding frames & art Nebletts
3McCarty Pottery The University Florist
Monogram pearl 4 bracelets & stainless steel cup Mak B townandgownmag.com
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Tablescapes
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Claire’s Style Update W
hether you are a bride-to-be or like me, still dreaming of the big day, there are hundreds of websites dedicated for a bride to design their own wedding – easy and fast. Style Me Pretty is the perfect website to get the creative juices flowing. For bridal inspirations, a vendor guide, DIY projects and a board builder to make a picture col-
lage of the perfect day, this website can have you saying “I do” even before stepping to the altar. A wedding board is below to show just what this website offers. From flirty to simple elegance, this board fits the girly girl to a tee. Long and flowy pastel-pink bridesmaid dresses and a lace-trimmed wedding cake make this a day never to forget.
Claire Massey
Claire Massey is Town and Gown Magazine’s Editorial Assistant. She has a fashion blog TurKoiz (tur-koiz.blogspot. com), is a featured stylist for stylesays. com and a Mississippi State University Fashion Board alumni.
To make your own board go to stylemepretty.com. townandgownmag.com
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LifeStyle
Sharp dressed man Has it really been almost 40 years since George Sherman Clothiers opened in Starkville? Originally from Greenville and a graduate of Greenville-St. Joseph High School, Sherman worked at a clothing store called The Down Under while a student at Mississippi State.
BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILANI SALTER
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“It was literally underneath Sullivan’s Office Supply, at the corner of Main and Lafayette,” said Sherman, who graduated from MSU in 1973. “I bought out the owner in 1973 and opened my own store on Main Street in 1974.” Active in the business community, Sherman and his partners eventually opened the Prudential Real Estate office in Starkville and brought Lenny’s Sub Shop and Zaxby’s to the city. They also developed College Park Shopping Center on Russell Street, which became the new home for Sherman’s store just over two decades ago. Personal service and an overall rewarding shopping experience is something that has never changed over the years, however. “I first met George Sherman when I was in college,” said Susan Felker of Starkville. “At that time, he owned The Down Under. The quality and style of his clothes was classic. One year after Rockey and I married, I gave him a sport coat for Christmas. “Years later, at a staff retreat in Lubbock, Texas, we played a version of ‘The Newlywed Game.’ When asked to name his favorite Christmas gift, Rockey’s answer was, ‘a sport coat from George Sherman’s.’ With three boys we continue to enjoy his clothes and a George Sherman box under the Christmas tree is always a favorite find.” “When you walk in, we ask what’s in your closet, and what you’re purchasing the clothing for,” Sherman said. “We talk to the customer and try to find out if it’s simply replacement clothing—such as a new suit or shirt or tie – or if it’s for a job interview, a christening, or a sorority formal. “We’re very inquisitive and try to sell the most appropriate clothing for the occasion. We have dress sections in our store with suits, sport coats, dress shirts, and ties. But much of our store is sportswear. If you’re starting from scratch, we can do the basics: a charcoal gray suit, navy blazer, nice khakis, and white and blue dress shirts. We want it to be easy for people to walk out of here with lots of crossover dressing.”
Sherman has one full-time employee and four part-time students. In addition to steady business from around the Golden Triangle, his customer base includes Memphis, Tupelo, the Delta, and the Jackson area. He credits his longevity – as well as recent purchases from customers in Atlanta and High Point, North Carolina – to lots of multigenerational business. He and his staff sell to the sons (and even grandsons) of folks who shopped on Main Street in the early days. “I worked for George for seven years, from the time I was 14 until I was 21,” said Austin Shafer, the vice-president of membership and the Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. “I pestered him for a job, then rode my bike in a shirt and tie to the store after he hired me. He’s an absolute mentor of mine. “George has customers all over the country and all over the world. You will walk in looking for a pair of socks and walk out with a whole new wardrobe – that you needed. And he has bent over backwards to help this organization and the community.” One thing that’s certainly changed over the years is Sherman’s approach to marketing and advertising. “When I first opened, I would put radio ads on both Starkville stations and have a line of people waiting outside when I opened the doors the next morning,” Sherman said. “These days we still do traditional media (radio, television, print ads, billboards), but we’re also very active on Facebook and Twitter. We put our television ads on Facebook and get good response.” Sherman goes to market several times a year and visits other independent clothiers around the region to share ideas about new merchandise and the shopping habits of customers. He isn’t overly concerned about the latest clothing trends, though. “Like we say, ‘Fashion fades – style is eternal,’” Sherman said. “We carry very little trendy merchandise. Good style has no end, and will always help you make your best impression.” n townandgownmag.com
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Details
The glitter...
You’re invited...
Purple Elephant Ronaldo designer jewelry. Photos courtesy of designerjewelrybyronaldo.com.
Ann’s Stationery Bridal shower and reception invitations.
For the guests... Deep South Pout
Sisters
L.A. Green
Morgan Corder models an October Sky horizontal stripe dress and pink suede Kayleen wedges.
Jennifer Morrison models a Judith March flower maxi dress.
Ashley Mulloy models a Ladakh bustier, Line and Dot hi/low skirt, Camille Zarsky python clutch and Molly Gee necklace.
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Little’s Jewelers Romance Collection wedding rings and Benchmark wedding bands. Photos courtesy of sylviecollection.com and benchmarkrings.com.
t a h W ? r a e to w
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BLAKE MCCOLLUM
Bri Stewart models a Justin Alexander ballgown featuring bow tie and pockets from Christine’s Couture in Starkville. townandgownmag.com
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Shelby Farmer models a Justin Alexander mermaid gown featuring a tiered skirt and 3D petals from Christine’s Couture in Starkville. 40
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Victoria Clift models a Justin Alexander mermaid lace gown featuring crossed straps in back from Christine’s Couture in Starkville. townandgownmag.com
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M.E. Clark models an Anaiss on Weddings silk chiffon gown with peplum and Chase Harper models a Black Roma II tuxedo from The Bride and Groom in Columbus. 42
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M.E. Clark models an Anaiss on Weddings silk chiffon dress with a rosette sash from The Bride and Groom in Columbus.
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Bri Stewart models a Tara Keely ivory trumpet gown and Cory Geiger models a Black LaStrada tuxedo from The Bride and Groom in Columbus.
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Shelby Farmer models a Martina Liana silk organza gown and Cameron Lawrence models a Jean Yves twilight tuxedo from The Bride and Groom in Columbus.
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Bri Stewart and Shelby Farmer model Bari Jay Bella chiffon dresses and Cory Geiger models a Black LaStrada tuxedo from The Bride and Groom in Columbus.
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Kathleen Hamby and Jim Gafford
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Married at 6:30 p.m. on May 5, 2012 A reception was held at the Fischer Gardens at MSU’s Hunter Henry Center PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY GASSAWAY
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1. Mark McKelroy, Karen McKelroy, Emily McKelroy 2. Phoenix Adams, Taylor Adams 3. Jim Gafford, Kathleen Gafford 4. Amy Phillips, Del Phillips 5. Jennifer Prather, Trent Cain, Robyn Cain 6. Carol Martin, Bill Martin, Bethany Stich, Dasha Radin, Franco Suarez 7. Jeremy Wickham, Di Wickham, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bryant 8. Mark Hudson, Jackie Hudson, Brittany Gassaway, Jim Gassaway 9. Ben Hughes, Lorraine Hughes 10. Kim Harper, Jim Harper, Brad Mauck, Jodi Mauck, Sarah Fratesi, Joe Fratesi townandgownmag.com
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE RHEA
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Floral management majors, Beth McDougald, Aden Lunceford and Molly Mauney offer creative ideas for bridal bouquets.
Gilding the lily
In addition to the wealth of knowledge of the industry that MSU floral management majors absorb during their years in the program, students learn to trust and maximize their creativity and always think outside the box. This trio of students can’t wait to join the work force and spend each day doing what they love. BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILANI SALTER
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t’s no surprise that Beth McDougald grew up with a love of plants and flowers. Her mother, Lynette, is the manager of University Florist and an instructor with the MSU Department of Plants and Soil Sciences. Beth grew up in Starkville and will graduate in May 2013. “My great uncle, Robert Latham, owned and managed a plant nursery in Webster County,” she said. “Mom spent most of her teenage and early college years helping him run the nursery, and she was persistent in passing on her knowledge and talents to me. She would quiz me on the plant materials in our yard every night before bed. “In high school I didn’t think of it as a career path, but after attending a few AIFD National Symposiums and working catering events for Bridgett Harding, I found I had an eye and talent for design. I changed my major to horticulture with an emphasis in floral management, and I’ve placed in the top three at AIFD student competitions in Chattanooga, Charlottesville and Orlando.” Beth loves spring flowers like tulips, anemones, peonies, iris and delphinium. She also enjoys many tropical flowers and orchids.
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“Many of us in the floral management program that work in the shop never forget that this is not only business, but a classroom that is going to prepare us for ‘the real world’ after we graduate and have careers and businesses of our own,” Beth said. “Having the experience of practical application in the floral industry has been quite rewarding, and I know it will help me in the future.” Aden Lunceford says it was a given that she would be a Bulldog, since pretty much all of her family went to MSU. A native of Clinton, the senior floral management major wasn’t sure what she wanted to major in when she came to campus. But she took a basic floral design course and loved it. “I’ve always been kind of artsy but don’t necessarily enjoy sitting or drawing and painting,” Aden said. “I joined the student chapter of AIFD and then started working at University Florist.” As far as favorite flowers are concerned, Aden enjoys anything unusual. “Funky colors or unusual cultivars make every day at University Florist interesting,” she said. “As far as an ‘everyday’ flower, I love tulips. The way they grow and move toward the light is fascinating.
“TROPICAL PARADISE” by BETH MCDOUGALD
“A GIRL’S FAVORITE” by BETH MCDOUGALD
Grouped green cymbidium blooms collared with a monstera leaf with graplosedum succulents accented on top. Lily grass adds drama. The handle is wrapped with oasis 12-gauge decorative wire. This long-lasting bouquet is great for a beach or destination wedding.
A hand-tied bouquet using a zoning/grouping technique. Roses, peonies and tulips are featured with purple rhinestone accents. Stems are wrapped with sheer ribbon accented with pearl detailing.
“SWEET MEMORIES” by ADEN LUNCEFORD
“JERSEY LOVE” by ADEN LUNCEFORD
Cream carnations, dusty miller, wax flower, white spray roses and white hydrangea are accented with a butterfly to commemorate a loved one who couldn’t be at the wedding.
Features yellow alstromena, pink roses, pink tulips, green pompons, pink beronia tied together with a leopard collar and glitter.
“COLLARBACK” by MOLLY MAUNEY
“FANCY, HUH?” by MOLLY MAUNEY
This biedermeier bouquet uses two colors of carnations and is collared with folded aspidisha leaves and is wrapped with lily grass. Pearled wire adds a little flair.
A cascading bouquet that includes peonies, French tulips and cymbidium orchids. Dusty miller and wax flower thicken the draping arrangement.
“The bigger the better on arranging flowers. I like altar, buffet and funeral work. Some people think funeral work is morbid, but I think it’s a representation of a person’s life, and there is something beautiful about celebrating someone’s life with flowers.” Aden would like to open her own shop in the future, but her more immediate goal after graduation is to join a large company and travel. “My dream job would be to work for a cruise line,” she said. “I also think working at a big hotel or casino would be fun. “This is truly an awesome program, and there’s tons of opportunity to learn and get work experience. I tell people I came to MSU undeclared and left with a family.” Molly Mauney of Ripley was a communication major when she enrolled at MSU, but it only took one day of instruction in basic floral design under Jim DelPrince to convert Molly to horticulture with an emphasis in floral management. “I gardened with my parents, but really got into flora in college,” said Molly, who’ll graduate from MSU in December and works at University Florist. “The very first day the instructor
talked about the industry and gave demonstrations, and I knew right then what I wanted to do.” Molly loves large tropical foliages and said there really isn’t a flower she dislikes. She loves the neat forms and crazy colors. “I love the diversity of the industry,” she said. “I can make spring mixes for people in the retail shop, or I can decorate a church for a wedding. Then there’s the nursery part, knowing all about the plants and flowers.” Molly wants to see the world and plans to do lots of traveling after school and during her career, but she loves the South and said she’ll definitely return home one day. “I feel confident I’ll always have a job because there are so many different things I can do,” she said. “Even in a bad economy, and even though it can be pricey for the customer, there will always be a demand for flowers and floral displays.” n Visit University Florist in the Mini Mall on Lee Blvd., or contact Lynette McDougald for more information about the MSU floral management program at 662-325-3585 or lmcdougald@ pss.mstate.edu. townandgownmag.com
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Judy Ivy, Ashley Ivy Benjamin, Nicholas DeWeese, Zachary DeWeese, Harrison DeWeese, Ivy Kate Benjamin, Laurel Casstevens, J. D. Patterson, (Kneeling is Luke Ivy and Maggie Benjamin) Reece McReynolds, Lawson McReynolds, Thomas DeWeese, Eddie McReynolds, Cliff Ivy, John Benjamin, Debbie DeWeese Holman, Skip Holman, Christy Cater, Michele DeWeese, Tony DeWeese, Elizabeth Holman, Cori Cater, Doug Cater, Ginger DeWeese, Tom DeWeese, Bryan DeWeese, Allison DeWeese, John Patterson, Taylor Patterson, Kimberlee Cater Patterson, Nik Casstevens and Ginny Cater Casstevens. Not pictured: Amy Ellis McReynolds, the newest member of the family, married Eddie McReynolds on January 28, 2012.
A marriage of families I
BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
magine how tricky it can get with second or third marriages when “his, hers, and theirs” come together. Their heretofore unrelated personalities can collide if each brings their own expectations into the newly reconstituted family unit. While changes to the family structure require some adjustment time for everyone involved, blended families can work through growing pains and live together successfully with a little patience and some realistic expectations says one local couple. Through open communication, positive attitudes, mutual respect and lots of love, Ginger and Tom DeWeese of Starkville offer a shining example for other couples contemplating marriage. When Ginger Cater and Tom tied the knot 12 years ago, their family instantly doubled when they uttered the words “I Do.” Suddenly they had new birthdays to remember, extra places to set at the holiday table and a need for more guest rooms. Ginger had four children from her first marriage: Ginny, Kimberlee, Doug and Christy Cater. Tom, a widower, had lost two wives. His first, the late Jean Wolverton, gave him two children, Tony and Bryan. He later married Bettie Arick McReynolds who already had two children from a previous marriage. They included Judy and Eddie. Together, Tom and Bettie had David. After Bettie’s death in 1998, Tom found himself single again with five children. “Mutual friends suggested to Tom that he should call me for a date,” Ginger said. “I had been a friend of his first wife, so I knew him, but after he remarried I had lost track of him.” “I had been divorced for five years and had about decided I was very happy being single,” she added. Tom changed her mind about that. “I was surprised when he popped the question,” said Ginger. “He did it at 12:01 on New Year’s Eve of 2000. He had planned it that way, he jokes, so he could always remember which anniversary it was!” The couple was married at First United Methodist in Starkville on February 26 of that same year with all their children crowded around. Today, the DeWeese family has more than doubled again with 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren added to the mix. 62
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A master calendar keeps track of each birthday and there’s not a month without multiple birthdays to celebrate. Since the children range in ages from 30 – 50, their weddings have added more family members in the form of sons and daughters-in-law. Ginger serves as a sort of family secretary and sends out notes regularly to keep the siblings up to date. She also keeps photos of all the children and their spouses on her piano and it won’t be long before she will need a larger piano. “The only times we have everyone together under one roof is the first weekend of the Neshoba County Fair and every other Thanksgiving – and of course, weddings,” noted Ginger. “Most of the children are MSU graduates so the Egg Bowl usually makes for a full house.” The Cater and DeWeese children have become fast friends as well as step-siblings. “With three sisters and no brothers, my son Doug has loved having four brothers now – and they love him,” Ginger noted. She said Judy Ivy, Bettie’s daughter by her first marriage, has played a key role in the smooth merger of the families. “All of our children look to Judy for advice and encouragement. I would say she is one of the major reasons they are all so close.” Judy gives more credit to her step-parents who she said are very laid back and accepting of their burgeoning brood.” “I think this was just meant to be,” said Judy. “I couldn’t ask for any better situation.” Likewise, Tom and Ginger never felt any resistance on the part of their children to their relationship. “If they have any reservations they kept it private. I think they saw how much Tom and I loved each other and they were happy for both of us to find each other.” Tom and Ginger retired recently – Ginger from the university and Tom from the business he founded in 1980. He opened it under the name DeWeese Auto Parts and it became the NAPA Store in 1998. He has since sold the business to his son-in-law, Cliff Ivy (Judy’s husband). Today, the DeWeeses enjoy traveling and playing bridge together….and greeting their new grandchildren who seem to arrive almost annually. The DeWeeses cherish their new family and stress the dividends of learning to love each other’s children as much as their own. n
NearFar
MSU Riley to present Jars of Clay, Eddie Levert
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Jars of Clay
BY JUSTIN FRITSCHER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MSU RILEY CENTER
rom Motown to missions, Eddie Levert of the O’Jays and Jars of Clay will visit the MSU Riley Center this month. Levert , cofounder of the O’Jays, will bring his gruff, soulful sounds to the stage June 7. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with a pre-show party at 6 p.m. The O’Jays have stayed true to their Motown musical roots since their creation in 1958. The band was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. “It’s going to be a great evening,” said Dennis Sankovich, the center’s executive director. “Eddie Levert was the lead singer of the O’Jays, one of Motown’s most recognizable groups.” Levert is for fans of Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and The Stylistics. The second performance this month is Jars of Clay, a Grammy-award winning alternative rock group known for their Christian hits. “They are a real force in Christian music,” Sankovich said. Whether people enjoy rock, blues, alternative or folk music, they will enjoy Jars of Clay, Sankovich said. The group blends the different musical styles, which will create a great experience for attendees. Jars of Clay released “The Shelter” in 2010 and continues to release singles. The band is for fans of Leeland, Third Day and Newsboys. Jars of Clay will take the stage June 21 at 7:30 p.m. Their performance aligns with the annual conference of Southern Christian Services, a Mississippi-based Christian family services group. The “Lookin’ to the Future” conference from June 20 to June 22 is one of many conferences held at the conference during the summer. Tickets to Jars of Clay cost $29-$35 and to Eddie Levert cost $46-$52. To purchase tickets, call (601) 696-2200 or visit www.msurileycenter.com. n Tickets can be purchased at www.msurileycenter.com or by calling (601) 696-2200.
Eddie Levert townandgownmag.com
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A life of
Significance
Church is held under an open-air pavilion. (Photo by Susan Seal)
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BY SUSAN SEAL
here we were bouncing around on a bumpy, dirt road that had been cut through the African bush. Cashew and mango trees lined the curvy trail, interspersed with papaya and palm trees and mounds of planted yams. There were a few thatched-roof bamboo houses and not much more. Then suddenly, where it seemed as if we must be close to the end of the earth, we could hear singing and the beating of native drums. As we turned a corner, there was an open field with a lone pavilion church and dozens of people, mostly women and children, singing and waving and dancing like they were greeting celebrities. Each had a huge smile and was so excited to see these pale-skinned American women heading their way. This was my first mission trip to Africa, and it was absolutely amazing how hospitable these wonderful people were. They carried our bags and Bibles, made sure we had the best seats, provided us with water and food, and gave us gifts. The best seats were the ones in flimsy plastic chairs under a bamboo hut that barely blocked the sun, but how honored we were to be there. The food was not exactly what we were used to. It included bush meat, melon and fish stew, pounded yams and kola nuts, but we were blessed to be sharing such a meal with humble and hard working men and women. They loved to give gifts and wanted us to open the packages right away. It was a beautiful African dress that we were expected to put on over our other clothes right there in the middle of the
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church in front of the entire congregation, the bishops and pastors – and it was about 95 degrees. But the joy on their faces was worth every hot, sweaty minute. One church even gave us a goat. Why? Because a goat is what they had to offer. We named her Sara, much to their amusement. Other churches gave us yams, pineapples, and other food products. We left the goat and the food with our Nigerian evangelist. He will share the food and hopefully Sara’s off offspring with needy families. Although it was my first trip to Africa, Christian World Missions has been planting churches and ministering to the Ghanaian and Nigerian people for almost 25 years. That is one reason they welcomed us with open arms. Of course, it’s partly because we look different from most of the people they see. We’re kind of a novelty there. But they also welcomed us because they know we are there to bring the Light of the Gospel; and because we are there to hug
The natives presented Susan Seal and Lee Ann Williamson, of Christian World Missions, with colorful dresses. (Photo by J.K. Udeze)
and love on them, to share meals and fellowship with them, to assist financially in building churches and supporting pastors, to help meet their medical needs, and to draw them closer to the source of all good things, to Christ Himself. As with other international trips, people at home want to see my pictures of the landscape, vegetation and terrain, but my pictures are usually of faces. My pictures show those wonderful faces that reflect the difficulty of a hard life but the hope of the future. They show faces that are etched with the struggles of survival but with eyes that dance with joy. And though there were some beautiful scenes of mountains and palm trees, the faces are the true beauty of the landscape of Africa just as they are in Mississippi. The church I attend in Starkville is only a couple of miles from my house, and I pass three churches on the way with three more in sight. I sit inside a magnificent building on a comfortable pew and enjoy the beauty of the stained-glass windows as I worship and listen to the message. As much as I love my church here, how won-
derful it was to sit under an open-air pavilion in an African village where there were no other churches for miles, slapping mosquitos and looking into those magnificent faces as they worshipped on their very first Sunday as a new church. It is also exciting to know that, based on past success of the almost 400 other churches we’ve planted in Africa, 15 or 20 years from now this church will have hundreds of people worshipping and growing in their faith. In these very remote, poor villages, the people rarely asked for money or goods. What they sought most of all was our attention and our prayers. They requested over and over again for us to intercede for them and not to forget them. Though a world apart in a very different culture, we too seek to have a life of significance and a body that is well and whole. May their African eyes and ours as well forever dance with the joy found in the hope that delivers both. n For more information call 662-324-0390 or visit the website at www.christianworldmissions.org. Seal said the photos she generally takes are not of the landscape but of the faces of the natives – photos that reflect a hard life but also for hope of the future.
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On the Page
Reading Aloud
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BOOK REVIEWS BY HELLEN POLK
chool’s out for summer! These four little words thrill the hearts of children and make parents quake in their shoes wondering what to do with the time off. Take the time to spend some much needed family time with your children, see a few sights, visit family and friends, and continue to read. Here are some great suggestions for silly summer fun (with a little education thrown in for good measure)! Follow the antics of Duck as he decides that riding a bike is a wild and wonderful idea. Once he gets the hang of it, he rides all over the farm while trying to get the other animals to join him. They think he has lost his mind and make some very sarcastic comments. But just wait until a bunch of children come riding down the road on their bikes! Author and illustrator David Shannon captures Duck’s delightful ride and the other animals’ escapades with exceptional pictures and storyline in Duck on a Bike. Next, discover the real reason that dinosaurs no longer roam the earth. Children love to read and hear silly rhyming books, especially ones about underpants! You’ll never believe what happens when the zany dinosaurs get into an underpants war! Claire Freedman shares this delightful version of prehistoric adventures in Dinosaurs Love Underpants. Travel on down to the bayou with Johnette Downing and learn Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud. This is an entertaining story of a lazy crawfish and a resourceful 66
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crab. The book is beautifully illustrated with collage art. Along the way readers will learn some Cajun words, some crawfish facts, and the importance of friendship and integrity. On hot summer days take some time to “squeeze” in some math facts with the mouth-watering story of Lulu’s Lemonade by Barbara deRubertis. It’s important to keep reading and math skills fresh in the summer. The focus of this story is on liquid measure, but children will delight in the drawings and special activities included in the book. What a great time to make a big pitcher of lemonade and settle on the porch swing for a cool drink and a great book! Starkville Reads is a non-profit community organization dedicated to promoting reading together for a better Starkville. This summer the advisory board will offer two free programs that will appeal to a younger audience as well as adults. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins will be the featured book for June while Into the Free by Mississippi author Julie Cantrell will be the July feature. The dates and times for each program discussion will be announced in the local newspaper. All Starkville Reads programs are free to the public but tax-deductible contributions are very much appreciated and may be mailed to Starkville Reads, P.O. Box 80100, Starkville, MS 39759. Tell us what you are reading or would be interested in attending a book discussion and/or author event. Write to us at starkvillereads@yahoo.com.
On the Page
Reading the Classics
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BOOK REVIEWS BY KATE SALTER
e’re familiar with such time-honored literary romances as those featured in Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice, and while no one can argue their stronghold in the world of classic love stories, there are a few novels from our generation that could give them a run for their money. Here are some suggestions for the best of contemporary love stories.
Solitude of Prime Numbers The Solitude of Prime Numbers packs a wallop, seizing readers by the throat in the first chapter and never letting go. It is an amazing portrait of two emotionally detached characters, one who rejects the world and the other who is rejected by it. The novel gets its title from mathematics; author Paolo Giordano is a professional physicist. He writes, “Prime numbers are divisible only by 1 and by themselves,” a theme which drives the story of Alice and Mattia and their damaged romance. These two individuals are unable to surmount the emotional wall they have raised up, but they recognize a kindred spirit in the other. As they age, they attract warm-hearted and “normal” people to their orbit, but they can never truly reciprocate their emotions. What results is an eloquently written story about how sometimes our greatest enemies are ourselves.
The History of Love Nicole Krauss’s The History of Love is first and foremost a book about one man’s love for a woman, but the writing should rightfully be called poetry because the story is so gorgeously crafted. Any reader with even a modicum of respect for the English language will find this novel absolutely fascinating. After a few pages, readers will find memorable quotes already and will discover that these quotes compose probably 80 percent of the book. It’s easy to totally forget the plot while reading this novel, since the poetry, prose, spectacular story-telling will keep readers entranced. This book also makes a great gift for fellow readers, as the beautiful story appeals to anyone with a sense for true love.
Us An intense novel written with acute precision, Us tells of an elderly man in the sad process of losing his beloved wife of 50 years. With slow movement and plain, but heartbreaking, description, the story follows his lovely but painful journey. The novel interestingly explores not only marital relationships but what it means to be a caregiver and the toll that duty can take on both the body and the mind, particularly when the recipient is someone so important to the caregiver. Despite its brief length, author Michael Kimball presents a powerful tale of long-term love – which should probably be read with an industrial-sized box of Kleenex at hand. n townandgownmag.com
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Daughters for a Time
THE MEMORY OF BLOOD BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW BY SUSAN O’BRYAN
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as an adult, what do you long for the most? A big home and lots of money? Good health and a long
life? At the heart of Jennifer Handford’s debut novel, Daughters for a Time, is a woman who has yearned for the same thing since she was young girl. All Helen Francis wants is a child and an opportunity to be the kind of mom she no longer has. From the outside, life looks good. Helen, now in her 30s, has a wonderful husband, Tim, and a career as a baker and restaurant co-owner. She has a close relationship with sister Claire, brother-in-law Ross and young niece Maura. Having a child would make Helen’s life complete. Unfortunately, it’s not to be. After repeated infertility treatments and numerous miscarriages, Helen is left crushed – physically and emotionally. When Tim brings up the idea of Chinese adoption, she’s quick to say no, that only a baby of their making will fill the emptiness in her heart. The emptiness is a weight that Helen has carried since childhood. She wasn’t even in her pre-teens when her mom died of cancer. Her dad couldn’t cope, so he left Claire, barely an adult, to raise her little sister. Through the years, Claire has done her best, but can anyone ever truly replace a mother? For Helen, the answer is no. To help ease some of that pain, and answer lingering questions, Helen reaches out to her dad, reestablishing a link that Clair wants nothing to do with. Tim doesn’t give up, and Helen slowly comes around as she learns that baby girls are abandoned by the thousands in the Chinese society that values male heirs. It isn’t an easy decision for Helen, though. The fear of rejection and future abandonment by their hoped-for “daughter” pulls the scab off wounds that have yet to heal. Helen yearns to a mom, but she fears she’ll fail, letting down another person as she herself was let down by all the important people in her life. The adoption of Sam changes Helen’s world. Through tears and hugs, joys and struggles, the Francis family finally is taking shape. The infant left on the side of a Chinese road finally finds laughter. For the new mom, the heavy weight of fear and apprehension slowly begins to lift. Everything is right in Helen’s world, and the future is filled with plans for birthdays, outings and an ever-strengthening family bonds. Finally, the pain and heartaches of the past can be put where they belong – in the past. Baby Sam can everything that Helen so missed – a close, loving family, complete with doting grandparents and a cousin to idolize. Sadly, Helen learns the hard way that pain, in some form or another, is a constant risk. Humans are fragile; they aren’t made to last forever. But they are created to grow emotionally, drawing strength from faith, family and themselves. It’s that resilience that the author reinforces throughout Daughters for a Time. Handford’s characters are more than words on paper – they are the mothers, daughters, sisters and friends that we all know. Readers feel the characters’ pain, grace and spirit. With tissues in hand, each reader will find an individual connection to one or another of the many threads that lead to the heart of this emotional story. n 68
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BY MILTON WHATLEY
ystery readers have only to hear the name P. D. James to be reminded of her exceptional character, English detective, Adam Dalgliesh. James has for her 80 plus years, penned some of the best crime fiction ever published on either side of the Atlantic and she has, in the estimation of many, placed herself alongside her fellow Englishwoman and crime novelist, Agatha Christie, creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. An English writer who may not be as well-known in American mystery circles is Christopher Fowler. Along with other novels, Fowler is the creator of a series of stories that recounts the adventures of a London police division called The Peculiar Crimes Unit and their unique leaders, Arthur Bryant and John May. The PCU was formed during World War II to aid an overwhelmed and undermanned London Police force. The unit’s primary responsibility was to handle sensitive cases that might have the potential to affect public moral. In the years since the war, the PCU has handled many situations involving high ranking governmental officials and issues of a sensitive national nature. This has made the unit important to some in government and a danger to others. The lead detectives, Bryant and May, have been with the unit since its inception. John May is well-dressed, well-spoken and highly regarded by those he works with. Arthur Bryant on the other hand, is large, loud and usually rumpled in anything he happens to wear, which is always out of fashion and threadbare. Bryant’s world is cluttered and he likes it that way. It is the intellectual curiosity of both of these men that makes them exceptional in police work. At times their methods are odd and offbeat but their success rate is unchallenged in police circles. The Memory of Blood which is the ninth novel in the Bryant and May series, centers around a man named Robert Kramer. Kramer is a land developer, who after becoming fabulously wealthy, decides to fund his passion for theatre by buying his own, The New Strand Theatre. Kramer is approached by a first time playwright with a script called “The Two Murders,” which he decides to bring to his stage. The action begins on a rainy evening when Kramer gathers the cast and crew of “The Two Murders” at a party in his penthouse to celebrate the play which will open shortly. He also wants to flaunt his beautiful trophy wife, Judith (Mrs. Kramer #2) and his infant son, Noah. Checking on the child, the Kramers find that the door to the nursery has been locked from the inside. Breaking into the room, they find the baby’s bed empty and the window open to the storm that rages outside. Looking out of the window and into the street below, the parents are horrified to see the tiny broken body of their son. One of the most shocking turns is the coroner’s report that the baby had been choked to death before being thrown from the window. Bruise marks are clearly visible on the child’s neck and they perfectly match the wooden hands of a life-sized puppet of the English character Punch, of Punch and Judy fame, which had been found on the floor next to the child’s bed. Noah Kramer is only the first of several murders Bryant and May are confronted with in the story. Are these crimes of passion; is the killer a hater of theatre; is there some thread that would link the deaths other than each victim was at Robert Kramer’s party? And what of Punch who seems to be linked to each death some way? Punch and Judy appear to be characters to amuse and distract children to most Americans who have grown up in a world of puppets and Muppets. One of the interesting aspects of this novel is the history of Punch, Judy and the other characters that appear in their dramas. The race is on as Bryant and May work to discover who is pulling Punch’s strings before he can kill again. n
Super Bulldog Weekend Pig Cooking Photography by Laura Daniels
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Starkville Junior Auxiliary Kentucky Derby Party Photography by Ashlyn Watkins
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Delta Gamma Martin Lectureship Photography by ashley Massey and Submitted
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1. Tiffany Lewallen, Sarah Ryan 2. Kabring Hawkins, Jarquita Brown 3. Morgan Tubbs, Delia Turner 4. Racheal Powell, Jennifer Scudiero 5. Rachel Holloway, Nikki Robinson 6. Jene’ Landrum, Rita West, Kathy Tentoni, Terry Brewer 7. Leah Jeffries, Kathleen Rodgers 8. Catie Walker, Collette Usry 9. Taryn Todd, Jordan Smith, Sadie Houin, Jourdan Smith 10. Claire Elliott, Leslie Elliott 11. Stephanie Nokes, Anna Daniels, Emma Hawes 12. Kaitlyn Beggs, Shannon Sullivan, Laura Matthews, Ashley Chism, Blakeney Bryant, 13. Delta Gamma Chapter with Lectureship Speaker, Patricia Heaton townandgownmag.com
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Graduation Brunch Honoring Kelly Olivieri Photography submitted
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1. Charlotte Wang, Christine Mazzolla, Emily Turner, Levi Prisock, Ji Sun Mun, Kelly Olivieri, Brooke Langford, Rachel Olivieri 2. Ji Sun Mun, Levi Prisock, Charlotte Wang, Christine Mazzolla, Kelly Olivieri 3. Winner of trivia game, Christine Mazzolla 4-5. Decoration
Mak B Hosts Annieglas On The Road Photography by DIVIAN CONNERS
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1. Haley Woodward, Caroline Parham 2. John Marlin Stewart, Laura Stewart 3. Kay Black, Kay McReynolds, Annie Morhauser, Susan Street, Elizabeth Spivey, Barbara Norman 72
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Bryan Library Luncheon with Books Photography by leilani salter
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1. Mary Carolyn Ellis, Peggy Coleman, Wanda Hudson 2. Sue Robinson, Mamie Sykes 3. Frances Thomas, Jeanette Taylor, Sara Roberts 4. Velma Caskey, Wilma Henchaw, Dawn Richardson, Jean Dill 5. Sandy Gentry, Norman Armstrong, Lucille Armstrong, Neill Bogan 6. Frances Droste, Anne Frye 7. Linda Malone, Betty Carpenter 8. Emily Jones, Tom Braddock, Ruthie Weathers 9. Sue Thigpen, Peggy Coleman, Lee Coleman
Phi Mu Pizza Late Night Photography by Submitted
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1. Jonathon Lancaster, Alyssa Davant, Phil Lane, Austin Grace 2. Courtney Griffin, Dani Leaf, Alyssa Davant, Ashlyn Watkins 3. Lauren Salles, Will Stewart, Kaitlyn Walker, Kyle Wegrzyn 4. Nathaniel Methvin, Jamie Methvin, Madelyn Methvin, Noah Methvin 5. Paige Vinson, Mary Mcdonniel, Ali Pyron, Kendall Michaels 6. Mallory Pitts, Bailey Clark, Amy Dyess, McKenzie Jones townandgownmag.com
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Natchez Trace DAR Luncheon Photography by Leilani Salter
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1. Pearl Millsaps, Mary Eskew 2. Suzanne Jones, Cathy Higgins 3. Frances Abernethy, Bobbie Jennings 4. Lana Harrelson, Shirley Keenum 5. Pat Cooper, Linda Sweeney 6. Rita Godwin, Eloise Livingston 7. Donna Geno, Christine Whitehead, Carol Lambert 8. Gloria Smith, Bettie Akers 9. Elizabeth Huddleston, Amanda Price, Peggy Wroten 10. Reba Goss, Jane Phillips, Liz Phillips 11. Bonnie Fulton, Moise Jones 12. Janeil Stutts, Neola Cleveland
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Meridian Symphony Doo Dah Photography by Hannah Tibbetts
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1. Paiton Hamilton, Elizabeth Hamilton 2. Dee Dee Price, Isabel Price, Emily Price 3. Stacey West, Josh West, Elijah West 4. Jeremiah Clark, Shira Clark, Nehemiah Clark 5. Jamiah Clark, Shaniya Boyd, Aniyah Brooks 6. Marvin Nance, Shirley Nance, Aaliyahmarie Singer 7. Omobude Hillary, Dana Hillary 8. Heather Dear, Madelyn Dear 9. Tripp Morrow, Gary Morrow, Katie Morrow, Luke Morrow 10. Hannah Lillis, Lawanda Deloach, Kaitlyn Franklin 11. Rainey Breaux, John Breaux, Sellers Breaux, Carlyle Breaux 12. Jonah Murphy, Addyson Murphy 13. Olivia Benton, Dottie Trunzler, Kathy Klump 14. Sandra Moore, Jerome Bates 15. Caroline Wilson, Lou Limerick 16. Breanna Bass, Jennifer Williams, Ervinnisha Pollard, Jasmine Cunningham, Leia Nixon 17. Kathy Land, Ben Land townandgownmag.com
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SAAC Art Reception Photography by leilani Salter
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1. Ryan Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards 2. Connie Hodgson, Maddie Penner, Aubrey Penner 3. Barbara Boydstun, Judy Duncan 4. Fay Fisher, Linda Lodato, Betty Jane Chatham 5. Art Cosby, Pam Cosby 6. Lloyd Bennett, Susan Bennett 7. Meghan Millea, Jon Rezek 8. Dorothy Printz, Derek Ventura 9. Samantha Rhoades, Devon Ventura, Justin Pounders 10. Betty Jane Chatham, Janet Chatham Abare 11. Gina Woods, Phil Woods 12. Sandy Maynard, Scott Maynard 13. Daniel Brown, Amber Rutherford, Amelia Williams 14. Anne Wilson, Will Chapman, Lindsay Pollard, Faeh Reese, Bryan Reese 76
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Maroon and White Game Photography by Leilani Salter
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1. John Baas, Bruce Martin, Foster Welburn 2. Michelle McBride, Sharon Fanning-Otis, Julie Martin 3. Robin Steward, Lauren Steward, Channing Steward 4. Tabitha Clay, Sarah Clay 5. Danny Thomas, Leigh Thomas 6. Kim Betts, Kenny Betts, Brayden Betts, Bristol Betts, Brinley Betts 7. Meghan Millea, Mary Beck 8. Lee Ann Starr, Rhonda Keenum, Susie Bounds, Mei Mei Newsome 9. Leslie Dixon, Sims Dixon 10. Sandy Baas, Leigh Thomas, Sharon Pompelia, Leigh Cook 11. Kyle Steward, Sid Salter, Walt Starr 12. Bruce Martin, Scott Stricklin 13. Ray Humphreys, Michelle Humpreys 14. Beth Clay, Julie Martin townandgownmag.com
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Cotton District Arts Festival Photography by Laura daniels and leilani Salter
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1. Cynthia Pridgen, Steely Pridgen, Katie Hancock, Brandon Pridgen 2. Sonjia McReynolds, Sara Stokes McReynolds, Anna Kate Woodward, Haley Woodward 3. Laura Beth Whitehead, Lauren Young, Malloy Bubar, Molly Rogers, Brandy Cupstid 4. John O’Bannon 5. Lue Brock, Keith Brock, David Vanlandingham, Morgan Brock 6. Michael Camarena, Mekiah Duck, Melanie Camarena, Blanca Camarena, Lexi Duck, Myke Duck, Joseph Camarena 7. Chip Templeton, Kara Templeton, Laura Templeton, Connie Templeton 8. Dan Lisa Milloy, Kris Lee, MJ Etua, Amanda Clay Powers 9. Dakota DuFour, Wendy DuFour, Johnathan Dufour, Elise DuFour 10. Wendy Morell, Chelsea Davis 11. Justin Fisher, Courtney Swoopes 12. Toni Ford, Jim Lee, Rebecca Reese 13. Neely Alberson, Kristin Alberson 14. Georgia Graham, Christy Cater, Abba Stardust 15. Laurie Barbee, Sheila Sheron 16. Sabrina Teasley, Justin Teasley 17. Laurie Craig, Candace Stephenson 18. John Schuerman, Harrison Schuerman 78
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MSU Graphic Design Exhbit Photography by LEILANI SALTER
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1. Jill Sowell, Alyshia Hicks 2. Callender Hughes, Rachel Hughes 3. Kareem Tate, Bernice Clark, James Peterson 4. Sam Lambert, Cherovise Lambert, Matthew Fisackerly, Cynthia Fisackerly, Jamie Burwell-Mixon 5. Dupree Petty, Marsha Petty, Marilyn Mason, Bob Mason 6. Tori Mason, Gerrie Petty, Jaclyn Petty, Ray Petty 7. Shay Gray, Albert Hart 8. Jarrod Nall, Ethan Head, Chris Dees 9. Jordan Miles, Sean Dyess, Matt Skrobot 10. Brent Funderburk, Robert Ring, Tony Morris 11. Matthew Berg, Derick Reid
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MSU Fashion Board Show ‘Cirque De Fashion’ Photography by Claire Massey
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1. Katy Barham, Kyle Durkin 2. Natalia Tamer, Annel Yanez, Paige Carter, Mariel Marcum 3. Jennifer Burt, Rebecca Tabb, Christine Tibbett 4. Julianna Salyer, Storey Wilson 5. McKenzie Jones, Kasey Fulgham 6. Rachel Ivancic, Emily Moak, Claire Johnston 7. Victoria Mayhall, Caroline Gilbert, Katelyn Gentry 8. Kara Chapman, Maegan Bedells 9. Keeley Patterson, Victoria Clift 10. Blair Toney, Molly Nail 11. Caroline Driskell, Savannah White, Laura Lee Lewis 12. Kyle Durkin, Tiara Lee, Jeremy Dixon 13. Ashley Massey, Morgan Daly 80
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Tea party to raise funds for Blair Batson
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BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILANI SALTER
li Jones of Starkville first had an idea for a church fundraiser that was a tea party for little girls and their families. It’s now a much bigger event for all women and will take place Sunday, June 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church of Sturgis, with 100 percent all of proceeds to be given to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital of Jackson. “We have a wonderful children’s hospital right here in Mississippi,” said Jones, who is on the Friendship mission board. “People in our church have dealt with Batson, and it’s a group we want to support.” Jones and other church members are in the process of selling 160 tickets priced at $5 each. Money will also be generated through a silent auction, and attendees will enjoy great food and tea and enjoy live gospel music. “We have several people in our church who’ll contribute to the silent auction,” Jones said. “We have a woodworker who’s making an angel, and women who are making purses and jewelry. We hope to have a substantial amount of items. “We’ll have scones, muffins, finger sandwiches, fruit, petit fours and more. We’ll have several speakers who’ll give their testimonies. And we’ll have Souled Out, a very popular gospel music group.” “We are thrilled that Ali and her volunteers are working so hard to help the children in their community,” said Batson spokesperson Tena McKenzie. “By raising money for Batson Children’s Hospital, their gift will help improve the services the hospital is able to provide for children who come here from Sturgis and around the state. “We encourage those groups doing fundraisers for Batson to use the connections they already have in the community. While the hospital can provide support through social media, it’s the old-fashioned word-of-mouth that can really help get the job done.” “My youngest twin daughter, Sydney Elise McReynolds, was admitted through their emergency room in October 2007, had an MRI done, and thankfully a week’s stay and heavy-duty antibiotics prevented her from paralysis and surgery,” said Lisa McReynolds of Starkville, one of the speakers at the Friendship event. “Sydney is now seven, and happy and healthy. “I was very impressed with everything about Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and I wish they got more recognition for being our state’s only children's hospital. If it had not been for their endless supply of popsicles, movie selections, games, puzzles, and a little red wagon to ride in, I don’t know that she and I would’ve survived that week away from home.
“All of us at Batson Hospital have a dream of providing the best in health care for every child all of the time,” McKenzie said. “Unfortunately, limited resources don’t always make that possible. If funds weren’t limited, we’d be adding new facilities: a new Children’s Heart Center, additional patient beds, a new lobby, a children’s radiology center and more. “We have a long-range plan that will help ensure we can take care of sick kids for many years to come, but a lot of work must be done to generate the funding.” “What I hope to get across to everyone that day is this: I thank them for all they did for my child and me the week we were there, but this hospital is always in need of donations for patients there who had it way worse than we did,” McReynolds said. “There are children there who are highly contagious and can’t benefit from the Game Room like we could. Their fun has to be brought to their room and because of being infectious, those toys and animals and games have to be disposed of after their use. “Imagine if no donations came in. Imagine these children away from home and their family and friends, sick, and nothing to play with and nothing to do. It breaks my heart. Batson children need and deserve our help.” Friendship Baptist Church of Sturgis is located at 2496 Craig Springs Road, approximately five minutes off Highway 25 in Louisville and less than ten minutes off Highway 12 in Sturgis. For more information, contact Jones at 662307-0970 or alisaccents@yahoo.com. For more information about Batson Children’s Hospital, or to make a donation, visit www.umhc.com. n townandgownmag.com
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A Thousand Words
In a Million Places – Photography by Leilani Salter
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Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival
A musical celebration designed to honor Elvis Presley, Tupelo’s native, his music and concerts at Lyric Theatre and Fairpark stage in Tupelo through May 3. For a schedule of events visit tupeloelvisfestival. com.
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Running with the King 5K Join runners and walkers in Tupelo, the birthplace of rock and roll, at Veterans Park at 7:30 a.m. for a 5K run. A portion of the proceeds go to United Blood Servies. For more information visit tupeloelvisfestival.com. American Fiddler, Mark O’Conner The MSU Riley Center will host Mark O’Conner, a bluegrass, jazz, country and classical violinist/fiddler composer and music teacher, at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian. Tickets are $15-55. For more information visit meridiansymphonyorcestra.com. Neshoba County Classic The Neshoba County Classic horse show will be held at the Neshoba County Coliseum at 5-10:30 p.m. For more information visit neshoba.org.
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Columbus Sounds of Summer Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the Riverwalk
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JUNE from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit columbusmainstreet.com.
and food. No admission. Visit juneteenth. com for more information.
Eddie Levert of the O’Jays The MSU Riley Center will host an Eddie Levert of the O’Jays in Meridian. Preshow at 6 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $46-52. For more information visit msurileycenter.
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Movies in the Park Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a movie night under the stars at Fairpark in downtown Tupleo. This event is free to the public and starts at 8 p.m. Visit tupelomainstreet.com for more information.
Columbus Sounds of Summer Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the Riverwalk from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit columbusmainstreet.com.
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Starkville Bridges Wine Tasting Starkville Bridges will host a wine tasting fundrasing event at 6:30 p.m. at the Bryan Building on MSU campus. For more information visit starkvillebridges.com.
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Juneteenth Festival A celebration of African-American freedom. Juneteenth emphazies education and achievement, and presents the community with a time for reflection and rejoicing. The event offers a variety of speakers, arts and crafts, music,
Jars of Clay The MSU Riley Center will host Jars of Clay, a christian rock band, at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian. Tickets are $29-35. For more information visit meridiansymphonyorcestra.com.
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Miss Mississippi Pageant The 2012 Miss Mississippi Pageant will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center through June 30. For more information visit missmississippipageant.com.
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June Jam June Jam will be held in downtown Kosciusko at the Courthouse Square all day including sidewalk sales, barbeque cook-offs and an evening concert.