Town and Gown Magazine

DECEMBER 2012

townandgownmagazine.com | december 2012 3

4 townandgownmagazine.com | december 2012

a Product of Horizon of mississiPPi

P.O. Box 1068 | Starkville, MS 39760www.townandgownmagazine.com

{ s t a f f }don norman | publisher sdnpub@starkvilledaily

news.com

claire massey | editor claire@townandgown

magazine.com

acctount executives

lindsey JoHnson

courtney weaver

lizzie smitH | intern

{ w r i t e r s }sHea allen

meg Henderson

emily Jones

Joe lee

susan o’bryan

Hellen Polk

lizzie smitH

lindsay Jo wilkinson

milton wHatley

{ P H o t o g r a P H e r s }divian conner

asHley covin

maggie HarPer

debbie montgomery

lizzie smitH

{ P a g e d e s i g n }claire massey

{ a d v e r t i s i n g d e s i g n }cHris mcmillen

{ c o n t r i b u t o r s }abby HatHorn

lorie roacH

amy taylor

Reproductions in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are available for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries, write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 1068, Starkville, MS, 39760, or call 662-323-1642.


Editor’s NoteTwinkling lights, family traditions, holiday food, sparkle, and more are all tucked into this

issue of Town and Gown magazine. You can expect this issue to keep you up-to-date on the latest decorations for the holiday season with Little Acre and their traditional touches of red and green to nature-inspired décor for a tree to fit any home (page 10). Whether you are a fan of the real or artificial Christmas tree, turning to page 14 will give you a relief on which one to choose this season. On page 20 and 23 find information on Tour of Homes, featuring gorgeous homes and decorations to die for. Who doesn’t love receiving holiday cards by mail? I know growing up and still to this day I look forward to seeing everyone’s family growing each year and how different each card can be. Turn to page 26 to find new ideas for your next family card. Not only is this the time of year for decorations, we can’t forget about the food! Food blogger, Lorie Roach has created the most deli-cious treats starting on page 39. And, of course, with all this food you’ll want to rethink those New Years’ resolutions (page 48). Stylist, Abby Hathorn, brings the new year in with the hottest fashions from around town for those holiday parties and New Year celebrations (page 54). And don’t forget to read about Mississippi State University bringing back Alpha Delta Pi to sorority row on page 63. Take it all in and enjoy friends and family this season and always remember the reason for the season!

EditorClaire Massey

Claire Massey

5Town and Gown magazine Stylist Abby Hathorn and Photographer Divian Conner with Mississippi State Fashion Board mod-els at the photo shoot for this month’s issue for the “New Years Kiss” fashion section on page 54.

Favorite Behind the Scene Shots

Midtown Pilates owner and instructor Lacy Mitchell demonstrates pilates moves at the photo shoot for the “Pushing the Limits” feature on page 49 photographed by Town and Gown magazine’s intern Lizzie Smith.

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One of my favorite shots I took with my phone when Town and Gown magazine Photographer Divian Conner and I went to Old Waverly for the Tour of Homes photo shoot. This shot is of the Old Waverly putting green and courtyard in the background.

Page 20. 6

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ContentsContents

10

2639

14

On the cover

This holiday season glitter and sparkle are pouring out

of stores such as Giggleswick with their

bobble Santa and snowman trian decor.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY MASSEY

Departments

7 EDITOR’S NOTE

10 INSIDE OUT

39 EAT DRINK

52 LIFESTYLES

63 NEAR FAR

67 ON THE PAGE

72 OUT AND ABOUT

80 MORE

features10 BIG HOLIDAY CHOLIDAY CHOLIDAY HEER

14 DON’T TELL AND I wON’T

20 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT OLD wA wA w vAvA ERLY

23 STARKvTARKvTARK ILLE CIvIC LEAGUE’S TOUR OF HOMES

26 MADE wITH LOvE

32 TRADITIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

36 STUFF THE STOCKING

DECEMBER 2012

54

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10 townandgownmagazine.com | com | com december 2012

Big Holiday Holiday Big Holiday Big

Cheer CheerHoliday CheerHoliday Big Holiday Cheer


The scent of pine. The sparkle of tiny lights. The brilliance of ornaments that come to life as they are hung one by one.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition that many families anticipate each December. And one that the owners and staff at Little Acre carry out on a grand scale.

Bob and Rita Morse, who have spent their careers in retail, opened for business in 1999 after the company for which they had worked closed its doors. The Morses built a 5,000 square foot store on their property located just out-side Meridian.

Little Acre has grown tremendously and gained a nation-al reputation in the last 12 years. In 2005, they moved to a new store with 15,000 square feet of inventory inside and even more outside. Today, they offer not only furniture and accessories but also services like free delivery, yard decorat-ing, and gift baskets during the holidays and year-round.

“We go as far as Jackson and West Alabama to set up trees. Last week, customers came from Washington State and bought wreaths and garlands that went all the way back to the West coast,” said Rita Morse.

Traditional

BY MEG HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIVIAN CONNER

Nature

The holidays are big business at Little Acre. The Morses and their staff offer 50 styles of uniquely decorated trees as well as wreaths, garlands, ornaments and ribbons.

“We do not use an ornament twice on a tree. Every tree is totally different,” Morse said.

For Morse, Christmas begins in January, when she travels to markets in Dal-las and Atlanta to browse the latest designs in holiday décor and buy merchan-dise for the upcoming holiday season.

“When we go to market, we want to find the newest trends. This year, every-thing (for Christmas trees) is burlap. Then we add owls, foxes, squirrels, and everything natural that goes with burlap,” Morse said.

Little Acre wants its customers to have the hottest holiday designs in their homes, no matter their budget.

“We have ornaments from $1 to $25. When you mix the dollar balls with a few of the more expensive ornaments, the tree has a more expensive look. We can decorate a tree for $100 or $2500,” Morse said.

As the holidays are a time for generosity, Morse has innovated her own ways to give back to her customers throughout the season.


For the last 10 years, Little Acre has hosted a Tree Lighting the first Thursday in November at 7:00 in the evening.

“We light the store with dim lamps and the tree lights – it’s like you’re in a wonderland,” Morse said. “We have heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and Santa Claus. We do not open the register that night; it’s simply a thank you to the community for their support.”

Morse and her staff also offer tree-decorating classes at 7:00 the first three Tuesday evenings in November.

“We show you how to start with your mesh, orna-ments, and ribbons, how to make a tree topper, and how to make your tree look fuller,” Morse said.

Morse is grateful to customers old and new who have contributed to Little Acre’s tremendous suc-cess.

“We have been truly blessed in our business, and we know where we come from and what we have to do to keep our business,” Morse said. n

Whimsicaltownandgownmagazine.com | december 2012 13

Don’t Tell and I Won’t



Nothing symbolizes the Holiday Nothing symbolizes the Holiday N Season like a twinkling Christmas tree

N Season like a twinkling Christmas tree

Nand a home decked out in greens trimmed with fes

Nand a home decked out in greens trimmed with fes

N-

tive ribbon. The look may be achieved with fresh cut greens and trees, or artificial facsimiles which have come a long way since the first tree was introduced almost a century ago by a toilet brush company.

That’s right; the first artificial tree was pretty much a really tall, green, toilet brush. Today, unless you get close, you’d be hard pressed to distinguish the artifi-cial trees from the real thing… except of course for the missing fresh pine smell.

It usually comes down to personal taste and fam-ily tradition, or the desire for the convenience and economy of using the same artificial decorations from year to year.

In days long past, families wandered into the woods close to Christmas Day to cut that perfect spruce for their living room. In modern times Christmas tree lots pop up around Thanksgiving in cities and towns across America signaling the start of the Christmas season.

Meanwhile a growing number of families haul boxes out of the attic and piece together the artificial tree which can last for years and years. Still others just roll the artificial tree, still dressed in its Christmas finery, into a closet, ready to roll out again next year.

BY EMILY JONES N BY EMILY JONES N

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

So which is best for your family and the environment? That depends on who you ask.

“Artificial trees are a petroleum based product that consume vast resources during fabrication,” said John Kushla, of the South-ern Christmas Tree Association. “A burden to the environment, artificial trees aren’t biodegradable and will remain in landfills for centuries after disposal.” The association suggests the life span of an artificial is about six years.

Yet, artificial trees have continued to gain widespread popularity. In 2007 alone, almost 18 million were sold here in the U.S. One of the biggest advantages of using artificial trees is the cost savings. Once you invest the money you’re done. You can use the tree year after year. The trees don’t need any watering and won’t scatter mounds of messy needles all over the floor.

“The demand at our store for fresh trees is half what it was 10 years ago,” said Andy Gaston of East Mississippi Lumber Company which offers consumers both fresh cut and artificial trees. “The quality and appearance of the artificial trees has improved so much over the years, but we still have repeat customers who want fresh cut trees,” he said.

National statistics show that “the real thing” continues to edge out its artificial counterpart in annual sales. The American Christ-mas Tree Association reports 35 million “real” trees are sold each year in the U. S. while some 20 million of the artificial variety are purchased.


Interior designer Steve Bengel who operates Fore Seasons Gift Shop at Old Waverly, and who decorated The White House during the Clinton administration, is a staunch proponent of “real.” He admits “fake” makes sense for some people who may suffer from allergies.

“I’m a purist and believe in using natural greenery such as cedar and magnolias which are readily avail-able in the South,” he said. “I like heavily flocked (real) trees which last longer and are blown with snow that contains fire retardants.”

Lynette McDougald, who operates the MSU cam-pus florist and decorates the MSU President’s home each year, agrees. Fresh decorations offer fragrance, nostalgia, and availability in nature. The faux variety is easier to install earlier in the season. They are lighter in weight and easy to manipulate, she noted.

“Using a combination of the two is the ideal way to go,” she suggested.

Kushla’s association reported that some 98 percent of the “real” trees are grown on Christmas tree plantations while 85 percent of the artificial variety is imported from China.

He represents 24 Christmas tree growers in the mid-south. He noted that the most successful have found they can maintain and grow their mar-ket share by “selling the whole experience of taking the family to the farm to select the tree. Upon arrival they can enjoy buggy or sleigh rides along with recreational activities such as musical entertainment, concessions, and gift shops.”

One such grower is Michael May, owner/operator of Lazy Acres Christ-mas Tree Plantation and Pumpkin Patch near Meridian. He categorizes his business as “agritourism,” and he welcomes school buses of children on field trips and bus loads of senior citizens and families who begin flooding onto his farm between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We will cut the tree of their choice or loan them a saw to cut their own,” he said. The cost of the trees is based on height with trees eight feet and under selling for around $59. He said the cost increases about $10 for each foot above eight feet.

“My father liked to say ‘You wouldn’t eat a plastic turkey for Christmas so why would you have a plastic tree?” said May.

Memories are what May is selling at his 120-acre Christmas Tree Planta-tion and Pumpkin Patch which is a flurry of activity in late fall. The farm is located a few miles north of the small town of Chunky, Miss..


“Our farm has been creating wonderful memories for families since 1980. What began as a modest Christmas tree farm has now grown into a multi-seasonal agritourism busi-ness.”

He called it a magical experience. “From the moment guests arrive they can sense the Christmas spirit. They can take a leisurely stroll through our field and select the center-piece of their holiday decor.”

“While Mom shops in our gift shop for some unique Christmas items, Dad and the kids can enjoy our indoor light show with more than 5,000 lights,” he noted. “On weekends elves are available to assist the children in creating their own personalized ornaments in our gift shop.”

Back in town, supermarkets, supercenters and civic clubs set up Christmas tree sales during the season for those lacking the time to spend a day in the country.

While there is no crystal clear answer to the age-old “real versus faux” Christmas tree de-bate, most environmentalists would agree that real trees are the better choice, at least from a personal and public health standpoint.

Regardless of which route you prefer, both real and fake trees can pose fire hazards. Real trees must be watered regularly. Kushla urged respect of the “three strand” limit on joining strings of lights together. Most Christmas tree fires are the result of overloaded electrical circuits, not dry trees, he said.

And when the holiday season is over, make sure your “real” tree is disposed of properly at a recycling center. This way your family Christ-mas tree can enjoy a second life... as mulch to help nurture and protect the next generation of trees. n


PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED


STARKVILLE AND COLUMBUSDEEPSOUTHPOUT.COM


Christmas Open Christmas Open House at

Old Waverly

BY EMILY HONES l PHOTO BY TERRY SWEENEY AND DON DEWEESEIf you haven’t been to Old Waverly Golf Course lately, If you haven’t been to Old Waverly Golf Course lately, Iyou are in for a treat.Iyou are in for a treat.I Old Waverly is celebrating its 25th Silver AnniverI Old Waverly is celebrating its 25th Silver AnniverI -

sary as one of the top private golf clubs in the nation. To help commemorate the occasion, the clubhouse and six spectacular homes lining the golf course will be open to the public on Sunday, December 9.

The West Point Design Committee, a part of the city’s Main Street organization is sponsoring the event. This is the third year for the Holiday Home Tours and the first to be conducted at Old Waverly.

The Tours are the major fundraiser for the committee. The pro-ceeds from ticket sales are used for improvements in the down-town area including plantings, street signage and other projects which make the area more livable and comfortable for citizens and visitors to the historic area.

“We are very excited to present six very unique homes,” said Souzen Steelhammer, chairman for the 2012 event. “Each fea-tures very different styles ranging from traditional to contempo-rary and everything in between.”

Homes on the tour include the cabin and second home of George and Marcia Bryan, the founders of Old Waverly. It is an example of a beautifully appointed rustic retreat for multigenera-tional enjoyment. The Bryans and their four children, their four spouses and 15 grandchildren are frequent house guests at the home which is tucked into a wooded area near the clubhouse.

The sprawling Southern Colonial mansion owned by Tom and Jean Elmore will be on the tour. It features an indoor/outdoor pool and spectacular views of the golf course and Clubhouse. The French chateau style home of Joe and Betty Trulove features sweeping lawns and stunning views as well as outdoor rooms, all dressed up for the Holidays.

Old Waverly main build-ing was decorated with the “Timeless Christmas” tree for the Tour of Homes. Christmas Open

House at Old Waverly

The tours will continue with the home of landscape design-ers James and Deborah Mansfield who designed their home with a mix of French Provincial, Federal and Georgian Styling. Deborah is also a decorative painter whose talent is always in demand. The Southern plantation style home of Robert and Linda Drake features spacious rooms, traditional colors and expansive porches and terraces. Finally, the elegant, European influenced stone home of John and Carolyne Reece features an eclectic mix of styles, artfully combined to produce a home chock full of ideas for visitors. “I figure that if I like it, it will work with what I already have,” Carolyne said.

Following the home tours from 2-5 p.m., refreshments will be served at the clubhouse which is being decorated with a sil-ver theme in observance of the 25th anniversary of Old Wa-verly.

Built in 1988, the opening of the 18-hole course fulfilled the life-long dream of owner and developer George Bryan. Since l995 it has been consistently named by Golf Digest among the “100 Greatest Courses in America.”

Built on gently rolling terrain, Old Waverly features two pic-turesque lakes that come into play on a number of holes. The club’s amenities include fine dining, a swimming pool, fitness center, meeting facilities, lush gardens, a Rose Garden, lighted tennis courts and shuttle service to and from the nearby re-gional airport.

Condos and private homes were constructed around the perimeter of the golf course and executives of numerous com-panies select the residential area for sales meetings and first or second homes. The development received international

PHOTO BY DIVIAN CONNERtownandgownmagazine.com | december 2012 21

exposure during the 1999 U. S. Woman’s Open Championship which packed West Point and surrounding cities with players, media, sponsors and spectators.

“We are very grateful to Old Waverly for playing a key role in our tours this year,” said Kathy Dyess, chairman of the Main Street Design Committee.

“One of the most exciting things about living in a small southern town is the enthusiasm and willingness to be a part of something that will benefit others. Homeowners expressed delight when asked to open their homes for this event, and many have been planning their individual decorating themes for many months,” she said.

“Visitors can expect to see the grand mixed with a touch of drama, over-the-top with flair, and charming but simple dis-plays which are especially designed for this holiday tour,’ Dyess said. “Some will blend tradition with the latest color trends, and others will showcase heirloom pieces passed down from past generations.”

At the home of Linda Drake visitors are able to see her nativity scene and more.

“As a bonus, they will enjoy refreshments and entertainment at the Club House which will also be beautifully appointed for Christmas,” said Souzen Steelhammer, chairman of the event.

“We do expect a large crowd, as our reputation for presenting unique and interesting homes is well established. Visitors might want to park at the club house and ride to the tour homes in the circulating buses we will be providing. Come to West Point and join us for a delightful afternoon of festive decor, delicious food, and southern hospitality,” concluded Steelhammer.

Ticket are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. They may be purchased in West Point through the Growth Alliance at 510 E. Broad Street, at Old Waverly Clubhouse and the Fore Seasons at Old Waverly, as well as at Culin-Arts, Petal Rushers and Bits ‘n Pieces in downtown West Point.

For more information call the Growth Alliance offices at 662-494-5121. n


PHOTO BY TERRY SWEENEY AND DON DEWEESE


Starkville Starkville

Tour of HomesTour of Homes

Starkville Civic League’s Tour of HomesCivic League’s Tour of HomesCivic League’s Starkville Civic League’s Tour of Homes


If you are looking for Christmas ideas for your home and also want to contribute to the community, the Starkville Civic League’s Tour of Homes promises to do just that.

The Christmas Tour of Homes is an annual event of the Starkville Civic League. As their main fundraiser, the revenues collected from the ticket sales will fund a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior to attend a Mississippi college. Students from Starkville City Schools, Ok-tibbeha County schools or private schools located in Oktibbeha County may apply for the scholarship.

Starkville Civic League Fundraiser Chairman, Charlotte Smith, said around 300 tickets are sold each year. Ticket sales also help fund the other projects throughout the year. The club adopts and donates money and time to one kindergarten class each year and places a book in the Starkville Library in the name of individuals who make presentations at the club’s monthly meetings.

“We depend on the Tour of Homes as our fundraiser each year to fund all of our projects,” Smith said.

Past projects have included donations to the downtown clock, the downtown lighting and flags, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum and the OCH Regional Medical Center. Contributions have also been made to such groups as Palmer Home and Catch-A-Dream foundation.

The tour will feature four beautiful homes each decorated with their own unique Christmas collections and style. Lynn Spruill said she was asked by a club member, Moderia Petty, to showcase her home this year and Jane Loveless, another club member, helped Spruill display her home for the tour.

STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZZIE SMITH

Jane Loveless, Starkville Civic League member, volunteers her time to help deco-rate Spruill’s house for the tour.

“I am usually a private person, but when the members asked me to be part of the Tour I was honored to do this. Moderia and Jane are close friends of mine and knew they would appreciate me featuring my home and I wanted to do this for the community as well,” Spruill said.

Spruill’s home will feature a Santa collection that was started as a yearly gift from her friend’s mother. Each San-ta has the traditional white beard but has its own unique style. Spruill said she has been collecting for over 15 years and each year displays them in new ways around her house such as on the mantle, the hearth or on a sofa table.

“My favorite Santa is the one with the leopard fabric because I like animal prints. I also like the one with the white fabric,” Spruill said.

This year will mark the 8th year of the Starkville Civic League’s Tour of Homes. Each home represents a variety of holi-day style from traditional to unique trends such as nature-inspired orna-ments and novelty décor.

“We would love for everyone to come and participate. You may get some Christmas tips and ideas for decorating your own home,” Loveless said.

Refreshments will be served at the Starkville Public Library from 1-4:30 p.m. Lighting of the library Christmas tree will be presented by the Town and Country Garden Club and entertainment will be provided by the Palmer Home Children’s choir.

Tickets are available early from any club member or from the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. The day of the tour tickets will be on sale at the Starkville Library. The cost is $20. n


Lynn Sprill show-cases her favorite

Santa from her collection.


Made with Love

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE ANN HERRINGTON

The tradition of including a photo with ChristThe tradition of including a photo with ChristT -mas cards goes back many years. Some famiTmas cards goes back many years. Some famiT -lies used scissors and tape to affix a wallet-Tlies used scissors and tape to affix a wallet-T

sized school photo of children or grandchildren to their cards, while others made duplicate prints of family photos to send with theirs.

With the evolution of digital cameras and phones, anyone can frame their family in front of the Christmas tree, set the timer, and leap into the shot at the last second. From there it’s a matter of selecting Walgreens, CVS, or any major retailer that offers internet card production; we then select a backdrop, crop the digital image, and email it with a requested quantity. In most cases, our package of printed Christmas cards is ready to be picked up the next business day.

BY JOE LEE


Sure, it’s convenient. But what if want to send a card that’s not only more professional, but one that reflects the personal touch you wish to convey to your loved ones?

Many of the families I have scheduled for this holiday season are families I have photographed for three years,” said Catherine Ann Her-rington of Starkville. A graduate of Ole Miss whose coursework includ-ed an emphasis in Graphic Design, Herrington has a background in painting, photography and printing. She puts all of her skills to use in creating original Christmas cards.

“I have really enjoyed watching the children grow up in front of the lens. I especially enjoy being a small part of their holiday traditions,” Herrington said. “One of my favorite Christmas cards was a tea party theme. The three sisters were dressed in vintage family dresses. You could almost hear their laughter just by viewing their card.”

f

Catherine Ann uses her graphic design techniques and ty-pography to create memorable cards for families to send out during the holiday season.

Visit catherinecannherrinton.com for more information.

iiMost of Herrington’s clients send out between 75 and 200

cards each year. Similar requests are made of Dement Printing in Meridian. Corey Dement Weed, the daughter of company president Judy Dement, has been part of the Dement team for a decade and handles much of the graphic design work. They have customers all over central and east central Mississippi as well as in Birmingham, Demopolis, and Butler, Alabama.

“A couple years after I started working here, we began to see a market for holiday photo cards and, in particular, having the picture printed onto the card and not attached to it,” Weed said. “We have had a lot of creative requests, but mainly our customers want theirs to feel unique. So we might add a ribbon or some type of embellishment that enhances the colors used in the photo.

“Creating custom-made holiday cards can get pricey with the time and labor that goes into them, so to accommodate the customers who want a unique but affordable look, we will create a beautiful design and print it on nice paper without an embellishment. This is especially inviting to the customer who sends out a large number of cards. I have also seen, over the last couple of years, that most will have professional photos made

icouple of years, that most will have professional photos made

iijust for the holiday card.”

ii28 iitownandgownmagazineiitownandgownmagazineii.iicomii | iicomi | icomiidecemberii2012iJudy and Corey

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iVisit Dement iVisit Dement iPrinting on Fa-iPrinting on Fa-iceboook or call iceboook or call i601-693-2821. i601-693-2821. iPhotography iPhotography iisubmitted.i

iiAlthough nearly everyone can take digital iAlthough nearly everyone can take digital ipictures now, there’s still a wealth of expertise ipictures now, there’s still a wealth of expertise ithat separates the professional photographers ithat separates the professional photographers ifrom everyone with a fancy phone.ifrom everyone with a fancy phone.i“We do family photographs for Christmas i“We do family photographs for Christmas icards and give them what they can’t do themicards and give them what they can’t do themii-iselves,” said Michael Barrett of Madison. He iselves,” said Michael Barrett of Madison. He iand his wife, Dianne, are graduates of the Uniiand his wife, Dianne, are graduates of the Uniii-iversity of Southern Mississippi photojournaliversity of Southern Mississippi photojournalii-iism department and opened Barrett Photogi

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raphy Services after working for years at The Clarion Ledger and the Atlanta Journal Con-stitution.

“The right lighting, right wardrobe, the best time of day, the right expressions on the faces’ and we even factor in nap time for the kids. We bring studio lighting into the home, although an outdoor shoot is faster and can be done in about twenty minutes for under a hundred dollars. We retouch the photograph, put our logo in the corner and send the file to them, al-lowing customers to order online themselves. And we’ll gladly travel to work with them.”

townandgownmagazinetownandgownmagazine.com | com | com december 2012 29

iIn 2011 Barrett iiIn 2011 Barrett iiPhotography photo-iiPhotography photo-iigraphed the de Lange iigraphed the de Lange iifamily for their holiday iifamily for their holiday iicards.iiPhotos by Michael iiPhotos by Michael iiand Dianne Barrett at iiand Dianne Barrett at iiBarrett.iiBarrett Photography iiBarrett Photography iilocated in Madison, iilocated in Madison, iiMiss. Visit barrettpho-iiMiss. Visit barrettpho-iitography.com or call iitography.com or call ii601-856-9774 for more ii601-856-9774 for more iiinformation.iiinformation.i

It’s one thing for a small business to send out Christmas cards with a personal touch to a select number of clients, family and friends. It’s another when a large entity, such as Mississippi State University, prepares to do so each year. The MSU Divi-sion of Development and Alumni puts seven different designs together for individuals or groups and works well in advance to meet deadlines.

“In 2011, we distributed over 5,000 holiday cards and will probably increase this year to at least 8,000,” said Sheri Pape, the division’s marketing and communication coordinator.

“Typically the concept phase is carried out by our graphic designer and me. Usually this process begins in the summer months, with photo shoots scheduled for early fall. Design happens in mid-October to early November, and our cards are printed and in hand by December 1.”


“We have utilized greeting card companies, stock photography websites, and online resources (such as Minted.com) to develop ideas. We narrow our ideas to specific “scenes” and begin collect-ing props to implement the ideas in the studio. Sometimes we run across a stock image from the campus photographers and will de-sign a card around a specific image,” Pape said.

MSU has also sent out e-greetings for the past seven years.“The number of recipients grows each year, but it is now over

90,000,” Pape said. “They are sent to all alumni we have email ad-dresses for, as well as MSU faculty, staff and students. Our digital cards have a much higher distribution rate, and do not cost any-cards have a much higher distribution rate, and do not cost any-cards have a much higher distribution rate, and do not cost anything but staff time.”

“We will continue to send print and digital cards to our alumni and friends. The price of the cards varies for each project and has

cost anywhere from 50 cents to $1.30 each. We have some printed cost anywhere from 50 cents to $1.30 each. We have some printed offset on specialty paper, and some printed on a high quality digi-tal press.”

Whether it’s an MSU Christmas card with a lovable image of Bully on the cover or an unforgettable family shot at dusk in front of a home adorned with Christmas lights, the personal touch from a talented photographer or graphic designer can turn this year’s card into something you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.

“Being a part of the design process, from the photo shoot to the finished printed card, allows for a very original Christmas card,” Herrington said. “Custom-designed cards capture the unique per-sonality of each family I design for. The families I work with know that their family cards will be one of a kind and stand out on every fridge.” n

fMississippi State University Alumni University Alumni Association will Association will Association will send out around send out around 8,000 holiday cards 8,000 holiday cards this years.this years.this years.

Photography Photography submitted.submitted.


Traditions for the Holidays

Holidays are the moat special time of year where families gather to commemorate the season in their own unique ways. Every family looks forward to those events that are special to them that evoke a certain sense of comfort and belonging – without, the holidays would just not be the same.

The wonderful thing about family traditions is that they evolve and change through the years just as the family evolves and changes. The addition of children or a marriage can change the dynamic of a family and open the door for new traditions or variations to a long-standing tra-dition. The best thing about holiday traditions is that as long as you’re surrounded by family, anything goes.

Here at Town and Gown, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite traditions for you to borrow, amend and bring home to your families this season.

Purchase clear Christmas ornaments. Have your children write their Christmas list on nice paper and encourage them to use their best handwriting. Place the Christmas lists in the clear or-naments and use a paint pen to write their name and age on the ornament. Each Christmas while decorating the tree, take the time to open the ornaments from previous years and reminis-cence on Christmases past. It’s a sweet way to see how children have grown from year to year.

Christmas list ornaments:

This tradition requires a healthy collection of children’s Christmas stories – preferably 24, to be exact. Before De-cember, wrap each book individually and place in a basket under the Christmas tree. Starting December 1, each night before bed, allow your child to pick one book from under the tree to unwrap. Whichever book they chose is their Christmas bedtime story for the evening. Repeat every night until Christmas Eve.

Christmas book count-down:

BY SHEA ALLEN

Turn your Christmas stockings into an art project. Head to a crafts store, or even the Dollar Store and purchase inexpen-sive felt stockings for each member of the family – don’t forget Fido and Whiskers! Grabs some art supplies like paint and glitter pins, construction paper, foam shapes or whatever catches your eye. Spend an afternoon decorating your stockings, and don’t forget when you’re finished to hang by the chimney with care.

Decorate stockings:

Spend a cold evening or afternoon cuddled on the couch with a stack of photo albums and scrapbooks. Thumb through them as a family and laugh at the hideous sweater your Aunt Mildred knit you that one year and grandpa’s funny hair-do in the 60’s. If you don’t have photo albums, but rather a box full of unorganized pictures, spend the

afternoon sorting through the photos and make a Christmas album to thumb through the next year.

Christmas past:

Bundle up, make some hot chocolate and pile in the car to see how your neighbors have decorated for Christmas. Play Christmas carols in the car as you drive slowly through the neighborhood and ooh-and-ahh at the beauti-ful lights and decorations. Talk about which houses you like the best and why!

Sight-seeing:Add a homemade touch to your Christmas tree decorations with a popcorn and cranberry garland. All you need is some thread, a needle (but not too sharp), 2 bags of unbuttered popcorn, and a bag of fresh, whole cranberries. Each member of the family can make their own garland section, or join together to make one long enough to wrap around the entire tree. Start by preparing your popcorn, washing the cranberries and threading the needle. Then, sew on your pop-corn and cranberries. No order or pattern required!

Homemade tree garland:


If your Christmas tree lives in a box in the attic or you head down to your local home improvement store to pick out the prettiest spruce, change things up a bit this year and turn picking out your Christmas tree into a family affair. Do your re-search online and search for Christ-mas tree farms near your town where you go and cut your own tree. Partner with another fam-

ily and make a whole day of it. Make breakfast together,

drive out to the farm, brave the cold and find the tree that catches your eye. Don’t forget to yell “timber”

as falls to the ground. Many

Christmas tree farms also have wreaths

for sale as well as hot apple cider and Christmas treats.

Cut down a tree:

Invite your friends over for an ornament exchange party. The rules are simple: everyone brings a wrapped ornament and you pick numbers to see the order of who gets to unwrap the ornament of their choosing. Not un-like a dirty Santa game, you can steal and swap till you get the one you want.

Ornament exchange party:

Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves and include the kids and some friends in a cooking baking and decorating party. Stock up on all the cooking bak-

ing essentials – don’t forget the red and green sprinkles – and bake

sugar cookies in all sorts of Christmas shapes. Once they are baked and cooled,

let the kids and grown-ups go wild with the icing and

sprinkles to decorate each cookie. Send your guests home with a tin of their own, keep some for your family and deliver some to

neighbors to spread holiday cheer.

Christmas cookie party:

As we’re surrounded by our families at Christmas, it’s important to remember those who may be alone during the holidays. Call around to local nursing homes and ask the activities director if they would mind visitors. If allowed, gather the family and head over to the nursing home to see carols to the residents. Stay and play some board games or even do a holiday craft with them.

Christmas caroling:Whether it’s a prepared kit or made from scratch, gather the family to build a ginger bread house. Get creative and use lots of holiday candies like candy canes, gum drops and white icing for the snow – just because a Mississippi Christmas may not be white doesn’t mean your ginger bread family can’t play in their icing snow.

Ginger bread house:


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Memories and smells go hand-in-hand, and Christmas time is full of familiar smells. An orange and clove pomander is a wonderful mix of scents for the sea-son. To make the pomander, you’ll need an orange, jar of cloves and some cinna-mon. Get a small bowl and place the cloves and cinnamon in the bowl and mix together. Then, simply take one clove at a time and push it gently into the skin of the orange. By breaking the skin of the orange, the citrus oils will release and mix with the scent of the cloves and cinnamon. Cover the entire orange in cloves, tie with a pretty Christmas ribbon and hang in the foyer of your home so that you and your guests are greeted with the smell as they walk in the door.

Orange and clove pomander:

Let each member of the family select their

favorite Christmas movie. Make it a family date night where every bun-

dles on the couch to watch the movie together. Pop some popcorn and get cozy.

Make sure to finish everyone’s movie before

Christmas day!

Christmas movie marathon: Purchase an advent calendar, which should be easy to find at stores during the holidays. There are different types: some that hang on the wall and have numbered pockets (1-24) and a moveable place keeper. Parents, put a small treat such as a Hershey’s Kiss or a few M&M candies in each pocket. Start on December 1 and every morning, let your child advance the place keeper one day and they will find a treat inside the pocket. It helps

children keep track of how many days till Christmas.

Advent calendar countdown:

Research with your children how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Learn about how children

in Holland leave their shoes outside their rooms on the Feast of St. Nick to be filled with candy. Ex-plore the festival of lights with Hannukah and find out what Kwanza means. It can be a history and geography lesson for children.

Explore other traditions:



Stuff the StockingsStuff the Stockings

The Women

townandgownmagazinetownandgownmagazine.com | com | com december 2012 37

The Men The Women

The BoysThe BoysThe Girls

GlovesKey ChainPhone CaseMoney ClipWalletTiesPocket KnifeA bookMagazineGum or MintsHand WarmersSpecial Cigar

RazorsCoffee CupChapstickGift CardComputer DecalMini ToolsOrnamentBeanie/Knit HatBottle OpenerBatteriesCufflinksKey Covers

Lip StickChapstickGlovesScarfGum or MintsOrnamentBook MagazineCandy ChocolateNail PolishStationary

CardsJewelrySun Glasses PerfumeCook BookCozy SocksGift CardSlippersPajamasPhone CaseCDsDVDs

LegosLegosGum or CandyGum or CandyDeck of CardsMoney Clip or WalletYo-yo, Spin Tops, Mini GamesMini Frisbees or Sports BallCompassPez DispenserSocks

iTunes CardsMini FlashlightMad Libs BookHot WheelsDVDsTravel GamesBookBoys MagazineRubix CubeGift Card

Mini ToiletriesToiletry BagLipglossGirls MagazineJournal or DiaryCandyChocolateiTunes CardsCase for iPod or cell phoneHair BrushHair AccessoriesNail FileNail Polish

Fun and Crazy SocksWild Ear Buds for iPodMakeup SetDollsGift CardCrayonsDVDsColoring BookGlovesChange PurseJewelryCharm

The MenThe MenThe Men The WomenThe WomenThe Women

The GirlsThe GirlsThe Girls The BoysThe BoysGum or Candy

The BoysThe BoysGum or Candy

The BoysGum or Candy

The BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe BoysThe Boys


DIY with Amy TaylorDIY with Amy TaylorDIY DIY with Amy TaylorDIY with Amy TaylorDIY with Amy Taylorwith Amy Taylor

Taylor, Petal native and Starkville resident, is a Southern Missis-sippi graduate where she earned a bachelor degree in broadcast journalism and obtained a master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from Mississippi State University. She is an avid do-it-yourself crafter, artist and has passion with home design and projects. For more information about DIY with Amy Taylor email Town and Gown magazine(page 4).

Step 1 - Cut two stockings shapes out of the burlap. Find a template from online or just free-hand.

Step 2 - Stack one stocking piece on top of the other. Use a nail or knitting needle to poke the twine or yarn through the burlap to sew the edges together.

Step 3 - Using the fabric of choice, fold in half and attach to the stocking by sew-ing, gluing, or even using buttons!

Step 4 - Add a colorful ribbon, and your custom-made stocking is finished!

Directions

Burlap fabricDecorative fabric of choiceTwine or yarn

Supplies

2

1

3

Custom-MadeStocking

5

4

3


Lorie Roach is an award winning cook, food blogger and photog-rapher from Buckatunna, Miss.. She blogs at Mississippi Kitchen (loriesmississippikitchen.com).

Lorie Roach

Delicious Holiday Treats Holiday

Treats Holiday

Four-Cheese Vanilla Bean CheesecakeVanilla Bean CheesecakeVanilla Bean

1 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs3 Tbsp. light brown sugar4 Tbsp. butter, melted1 (8-oz.)container mascarpone cheese, softened to room tempera-ture1 (6-oz.)log goat cheese, softened to room temperature1 c. ricotta cheese1 (8-oz.)package cream cheese, softened to room temperature1-1/4 c. sugar1 tsp. pure vanilla extract1 vanilla bean cut open lengthwise and seeds scraped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and the melted butter. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with at least 2 1/2-inch sides in heavy foil. Place the crumbs in the pan and press on the bottom and about half-way up the sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside on a wire rack to cool. Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Beat all four cheeses on medium speed with a paddle attachment until soft and creamy. With the mixer running, slowly add the sugar until incorporated, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs, one by one until all the yellow has disap-peared. Beat in the vanilla bean seeds. Pour the batter into the crust.Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan where it can sit flat and has some space around it. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan to a depth of about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. (Be careful not to pour water higher than the foil.) Place in oven and bake for 1 hour and 20-30 minutes or until set in the middle and light golden brown. Turn off oven and crack the door open with a wooden spoon and let the cheesecake sit in oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove from oven and remove the foil from the cheesecake pan and let cool on wire rack to room tem-perature. Run a knife around edges to loosen the sides. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight before cutting. 10-12 servings.


Candy Cane Stracciatella Candy Cane Stracciatella Candy Cane

Gelanto

4 c. whole milk 10 large egg yolks 1 3/4 c. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt1 c. chilled heavy whipping cream1 teaspoon peppermint extract2-3 drops red food coloring, if desired1 c. very finely crushed candy canes or hard peppermint candy, divided 1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips 1/2 c. coconut oil

Place milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to about 175 degrees (just before scalding), whisking often. Meanwhile, whisk yolks, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until well blended, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk about half the hot milk into yolk mixture. Return to saucepan; stir over medium-low heat until custard thickens, about 5 minutes. Strain through a fine wire mesh into a medium bowl. Stir in heavy cream, peppermint extract, and red food coloring, if desired. Chill custard until very cold, at least 4 hours or overnight. Stir chocolate and coconut oil in a small sauce-pan over low heat until melted and smooth; remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Freeze custard in a 2 1/2 quart or larger ice cream maker according to manufac-turer's instructions. During last 5 minutes of freezing, add all but 3 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes to the gelato. When that is mixed, slowly drizzle half of the chocolate mixture into the gelato.(The chocolate will immediately harden and break into tiny chips as gelato continues to churn.) Serve the gelato in soft form straight from the ice cream maker, or place in a large freezer safe container and freeze until desired firmness. Top each serving of gelato with a drizzle of the chocolate, followed by a sprinkling of the reserved crushed candy canes. (Transfer the chocolate mixture to a squeeze bottle for easier drizzling.)


Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip Stuffed Oreos Cookie Dough Stuffed Oreos Cookie Dough

1/2 c. butter, softened3/4 c. packed brown sugar1 tsp. vanilla extract1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour1/4 tsp. salt1/2 c. miniature semisweet chocolate chips1 (16-oz.) package Oreo or chocolate sandwich cookies1 (24-oz.) package chocolate almond bark or chocolate disks for dipping (melted according to package directions)Mini M&Ms for decoration

Cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and condensed milk. Add flour and salt and beat well. Stir in choco-late chips. Separate each cookie into two halves. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop a level mound of cookie dough onto one of the halves and top with the other half slightly pressing down. Repeat with remaining cookies. Chill in fridge for about an hour. Dip in chocolate, letting excess drip off, and place on wax paper lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with M & Ms to decorate and place in fridge until chocolate hardens. 36 stuffed cookies.


Stuffed OreosStuffed Oreos

Crust:1/2 c. butter, softened1/4 c. sugar1 c. all-purpose flour1/8 tsp. salt

Filling:3 large eggs1 1/4 c. sugar1/2 c. Nutella1/2 c. all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine crust ingredients on low to medium speed just until mixture is evenly mixed and moist. (It will start clumping together.) Dump into an 8 x 8 inch baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Press mixture onto bottom of pan in an even layer. (Use wet fingers if mixture sticks to skin.) Prick 6-8 times with a fork, then bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Meanwhile, beat the ingredients for the filling on medium speed until smooth. When crust is done, pour mixture evenly over crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or just until middle is puffed and just set. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. 9 bars.

Nutella Bars


1 package Oreo cookies (not Double Stuff), finely crumbled or ground in a food processor or blender6 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled2 c. heavy cream1 1/4 c. powdered sugar, divided12 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature, divided1/2 c. Biscoff (can also use cookie butter)3 Tbsp. heavy cream, divided 1/2 c. Nutella (hazelnut spread)1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a 9-inch springform pan on a baking sheet. Stir together the Oreo crumbs and the melted butter until just moistened. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. (They may not go all the way up the sides, but that’s okay.) Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on wire rack. Beat 2 cups of the heavy cream with a wire whisk at-tachment until foamy. Slowly add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks. Refrigerate until needed. In another bowl, beat 4 ounces cream cheese,1/3 cup powdered sugar,1/2 cup Biscoff, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream until very smooth. Fold in 1/3 of the whipped cream to the Biscoff mixture (eyeball it) and spread evenly in the bottom of the crust. Rinse out bowl and beaters and beat another 4 ounces cream cheese,1/3 cup powdered sugar,1/2 cup Nutella, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream until smooth. Fold in another 1/3 of the whipped cream. Spread evenly on Biscoff layer. (Use an offset spatula.) Rinse bowl and beat the remaining cream cheese,1/3 cup powdered sugar,1/2 cup peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Fold in remaining whipped cream. Spread over Nutella layer. Chill torte in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight. 9-12 servings. *Biscoff is a spread made from Biscoff cookies and can be found by the peanut butter and Nutella. It can also be pur-chased online.

Layers of Love Torte



1 bag of pretzels (16-18 oz.) Use thatch ones to 1 bag of pretzels (16-18 oz.) Use thatch ones to catch more chocolatecatch more chocolate2/3 c. oil1/3 c. sugar1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon1/2 c. cinnamon sugar for sprinkling1/2 c. cinnamon sugar for sprinkling1 c. white chocolate chips1 c. white chocolate chips

Whisk together oil, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour pret-Whisk together oil, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour pret-zels into a microwave safe bowl and pour oil mixture zels into a microwave safe bowl and pour oil mixture zels into a microwave safe bowl and pour oil mixture zels into a microwave safe bowl and pour oil mixture in. Stir until coated.in. Stir until coated. Microwave for one minute, re-move and stir. Microwave 45 seconds more. Spread move and stir. Microwave 45 seconds more. Spread pretzels evenly onto two cookie sheets covered in pretzels evenly onto two cookie sheets covered in parchment paper. While still warm, sprinkle cinna-paper. While still warm, sprinkle cinna-mon sugar generously. Melt white chocolate (on low mon sugar generously. Melt white chocolate (on low heat, be careful not to burn) and drizzle over cooled heat, be careful not to burn) and drizzle over cooled pretzels. Store in an airtight container.pretzels. Store in an airtight container.Submitted

Holiday Recipesoliday RTown and Gown

MagazineTGHoliday Recipes

White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels

1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)1 large egg1 c. light brown sugar, packed1 c. light brown sugar, packed1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract1 c. all-purpose flour1 c. all-purpose flour1/4 tsp. salt, optional and to taste1/4 tsp. salt, optional and to taste3/4 c. white chocolate chips3/4 c. white chocolate chips1/2 c. dried cranberries, loosely packed1/2 c. dried cranberries, loosely packed

Frosting and Topping:Frosting and Topping:1 c. white chocolate chips, melted and divided1 c. white chocolate chips, melted and divided4 oz. cream cheese, softened (whipped or light)3/4 tsp. vanilla extract2 c.+ confectioners’ sugar (about 2 3/4 cups)1/4 c. dried cranberries, loosely packedContinued4

Cranberry Bars

For the Bars: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 90 seconds. To the melted but-ter (allow it to cool slightly so you don’t scramble the egg), add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and stir to combine. Add the flour, salt, and stir until just combined, taking care not to over-mix or the bars will be tough. Fold in 3/4 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup cranberries and stir to combine. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing it lightly with a spatula or offset knife if necessary. Bake for 18 to 21 minutes, and center is set and golden or until 21 minutes, and center is set and golden or until edges begin to slightly pull away from sides of pan, edges begin to slightly pull away from sides of pan, or a toothpick comes out clean; do not overbake. or a toothpick comes out clean; do not overbake. Allow bars to cool before frosting them. While they Allow bars to cool before frosting them. While they cool, make the frosting.cool, make the frosting.

For the Frosting and Topping: For the Frosting and Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate on high power, about one minute, reheat-chocolate on high power, about one minute, reheat-ing in 10-second intervals, or until it can be stirred ing in 10-second intervals, or until it can be stirred smooth. White chocolate is notorious for scorching smooth. White chocolate is notorious for scorching so melt it very carefully, and slowly, heating in quick so melt it very carefully, and slowly, heating in quick bursts, and keep a watchful eye; use a double boiler bursts, and keep a watchful eye; use a double boiler if that’s easier. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted if that’s easier. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, about three-quarters of the melted white chocolate about three-quarters of the melted white chocolate (about 3/4 cup), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, vanil-(about 3/4 cup), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, vanil-la, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Start by mixing la, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Start by mixing on low speed so sugar doesn’t spray, and then beat on low speed so sugar doesn’t spray, and then beat on medium-high for about three minutes. Mixture on medium-high for about three minutes. Mixture will seem stiff at first but will loosen and fluff up will seem stiff at first but will loosen and fluff up after 2-3 minutes of beating on medium-high; stop after 2-3 minutes of beating on medium-high; stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as neces-and scrape down the sides of the bowl as neces-sary. Add additional confectioners’ sugar based on sary. Add additional confectioners’ sugar based on taste preference and desired frosting consistency. taste preference and desired frosting consistency. Frost the bars; if you have excess, it will keep in an Frost the bars; if you have excess, it will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least one airtight container in the refrigerator for at least one month. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup cranberries over the month. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup cranberries over the month. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup cranberries over the month. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup cranberries over the top of the frosted bars. Evenly drizzle bars with re-top of the frosted bars. Evenly drizzle bars with re-maining melted white chocolate, reheating for a few maining melted white chocolate, reheating for a few seconds in the microwave if it has set up. Allow bars seconds in the microwave if it has set up. Allow bars to set up for at least 30 minutes before slicing and to set up for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Bars may be stored in an airtight container serving. Bars may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.in the refrigerator for up to one week.Submitted


1 refrigerated pie crust, homemade or store-bought1 refrigerated pie crust, homemade or store-bought1 refrigerated pie crust, homemade or store-bought 4 large eggs, at room temperature 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 c. sugar 3/4 c. dark corn syrup 3/4 c. dark corn syrup 2 Tbsp. Jack Daniel’s whiskey 2 Tbsp. Jack Daniel’s whiskey 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. pecan halves1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

If using homemade pie crust, prepare the pastry If using homemade pie crust, prepare the pastry and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about one and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about one and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about one hour. On a sheet of lightly floured waxed paper, roll hour. On a sheet of lightly floured waxed paper, roll hour. On a sheet of lightly floured waxed paper, roll the pastry into a 13-inch circle with a floured rolling the pastry into a 13-inch circle with a floured rolling the pastry into a 13-inch circle with a floured rolling pin. Invert the pastry over a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pin. Invert the pastry over a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie pan, center the pastry, and peel off the paper. pie pan, center the pastry, and peel off the paper. Tuck the pastry into the pan, without stretching it, Tuck the pastry into the pan, without stretching it, Tuck the pastry into the pan, without stretching it, and sculpt the edge into an upstanding ridge. Place and sculpt the edge into an upstanding ridge. Place and sculpt the edge into an upstanding ridge. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes, then partially prebake in the freezer for 15 minutes, then partially prebake in the freezer for 15 minutes, then partially prebake the crust at 400°F until golden brown; let cool. Re-the crust at 400°F until golden brown; let cool. Re-the crust at 400°F until golden brown; let cool. Re-duce the oven temperature to 350°F. Combine the duce the oven temperature to 350°F. Combine the eggs, sugar, and corn syrup in a large bowl. Whisk eggs, sugar, and corn syrup in a large bowl. Whisk well to combine. Add the whiskey, butter, and well to combine. Add the whiskey, butter, and vanilla. Whisk again until evenly combined. Scat-vanilla. Whisk again until evenly combined. Scat-ter the pecans and chocolate chips evenly over the ter the pecans and chocolate chips evenly over the cooled pie shell. Whisk the filling once more, then cooled pie shell. Whisk the filling once more, then slowly pour it over the nuts and chips. Place the pie slowly pour it over the nuts and chips. Place the pie slowly pour it over the nuts and chips. Place the pie on the center oven rack and bake until the filling is on the center oven rack and bake until the filling is on the center oven rack and bake until the filling is set, about 45 minutes, rotating the pie 180 degrees set, about 45 minutes, rotating the pie 180 degrees set, about 45 minutes, rotating the pie 180 degrees halfway through the baking, so that the side that halfway through the baking, so that the side that faced the back of the oven now faces forward. When faced the back of the oven now faces forward. When faced the back of the oven now faces forward. When done, the top of the filling will be toasted brown done, the top of the filling will be toasted brown and the perimeter slightly puffed. Transfer the pie and the perimeter slightly puffed. Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let cool thoroughly. Serve at room to a wire rack and let cool thoroughly. Serve at room to a wire rack and let cool thoroughly. Serve at room temperature, or cover with loosely tented alumi-temperature, or cover with loosely tented alumi-temperature, or cover with loosely tented alumi-temperature, or cover with loosely tented alumi-num foil, refrigerate, and serve cold. Either way, it is num foil, refrigerate, and serve cold. Either way, it is wonderful.Submitted

Jack Daniel’s Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

1 3-oz. package cream cheese, softened1 3-oz. package cream cheese, softened1 tsp. pure peppermint or mint extract1 tsp. pure peppermint or mint extract3 c. powdered sugar, sifted3 c. powdered sugar, sifted(Optional) Food coloring(Optional) Food coloring(Optional) Rainbow-colored sugar crystals(Optional) Rainbow-colored sugar crystals

Line baking sheets with waxed paper. In a mixing Line baking sheets with waxed paper. In a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer beat together softened bowl, with an electric mixer beat together softened cream cheese and peppermint extract. cream cheese and peppermint extract. Continued4

Homemade Cream Cheese Mints

Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth, kneading in the last of the powdered sugar with hands or a heavy spoon. Lightly dust the wax paper-lined baking sheets with sifted powdered sugar. Using a 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon, form mixture into balls the size of a cherry. Place two rows of dough balls 1/2-inch or so apart, then flat-ten with a pretty stamp or a fork, like I do. Lay out a couple rows first, by the time you’re ready to roll out the third row, the tops of the dough balls are dry enough to flatten easily without having to dip and re-dip the fork in powdered sugar. Let the mints stand overnight. Every several hours, gently turn them over.Submitted

Honey Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies1 extra large ripe banana4 c. whole grain oats4 c. dried cranberries2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. baking powder1 Tbsp. vanilla extract3 Tbsp. honey1 packet of Truvia1/4 c. dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix in mixer banana, whole grain oats, cinnamon, baking soda, bak-ing powder, vanilla extract, honey and Truvia. Mix in cranberries and dark chocolate chips by hand. Grease baking sheet with cooking spray. Scoop tablespoon sized balls onto the baking sheet. Top each cookie with one teaspoon of honey before bak-ing. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Submitted

Chess Squares1 yellow cake mix1 stick of butter, melted1 egg1 8 oz. cream cheese 2 eggs1 box of powdered sugar1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

Mix first three ingredients together and press in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over bottom layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Submitted

townandgownmagazine.comcom | com | com december 2012 47

Butter15-18 frozen yeast rolls1 regular package butterscotchpudding (not instant)1/2 c. brown sugar1 stick margarine, melted1 c. pecans1.4 c. white sugar1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Butter an angel food or bundt cake pan well. Lay 15-18 frozen rolls as close and flat as possible in pan. Mix and pour after mixing over roll: pudding, brown sugar, nuts, margarine, sugar and cinnamon. brown sugar, nuts, margarine, sugar and cinnamon. Cover with towel and let rise for 8-10 hours. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes and let set for 10 min-utes. Flip over onto plate to serve. Submitted

Christmas Day Coffee Cake Crockpot Potato Soup1 32 oz. bag hash brown potatoes1 chopped onion1 can chicken broth1 can cream of chicken soup1 can cream of celery soup2 c. milk3 c. watersalt and pepperreal bacon bits2 c. cheese

Spray crockpot with Pam. Put all ingredients in pot. Do not stir or open crockpot. Cook for eight hours on low. Stir in bacon bits and cheese when serving. Submitted

Cranberry Delight Spread1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed1 Tbsp. sugarzest of 1 orange1/8 tsp. cinnamon1.4 c. finely chopped dried cranberries1/4 c. finely chopped pecans, optionalgarnish with small mint leaf, optional

In a small mixing bowl beat cream cheese, orange In a small mixing bowl beat cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon juice concentrate, sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon on medium speed until fluffy. Stir in cranberries on medium speed until fluffy. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Refrigerate at least one hour. Garnish and pecans. Refrigerate at least one hour. Garnish as desired. Submitted

Breakfast Casserole1 lb. sausage - brown and drained1 can crescent rolls1 c. shredded cheddar cheese4 eggs - beaten1/4 c. milksalt and pepper

Spread crescent rolls onto pan. Layer with sausage and cheese. Stir eggs and milk together, add salt and pepper and pour over sausage and cheese in pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Submitted

Cherry Pistachio Bark2 packages vanilla or white chips12 oz. white candy coating, chopped1 1/4 c. dried cherries1 1/4 c. pistachios, chopped

Line a 15x10x1 inch pan with foil; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips and candy coating; stir until smooth. Stir in the cherries and pista-chios. Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Using a shape knife, score the surface of the candy, making diamond shapes about 1/8 inch deep. Refrigerate 40 minutes longer or until set. Cut along scored lines into diamonds. Store in a airtight container in the refrigerator. Submitted

Layered Shrimp Spread1 (8 oz.) package light cream cheese, softened1 (8 oz.) package light cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sour cream1/4 c. mayonnaise1 c. seafood cocktail saucehorseradish to taste 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese2 cans shrimp or crab, rinsed and drained2 cans shrimp or crab, rinsed and drained3 green onions, chopped1/2 c. finely chopped tomato

In small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour In small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnasie until smooth. Spread on a 12 cream, mayonnasie until smooth. Spread on a 12 inch round serving platter. Mix horseradish with inch round serving platter. Mix horseradish with cocktail sauce as desired. Spread over cream cheese cocktail sauce as desired. Spread over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, shrimp or crab, on-mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, shrimp or crab, on-ions, and tomato in that order. Cover and chill. ions, and tomato in that order. Cover and chill. Submitted by Patty Draper


Town and Gown

MagazineTG New Year’s New Year’s

ResolutionsResolutionsEvery New Year’s Eve we look forward to what the New Year has to bring. We also look at our past year and reflect on the

changes that we need or want to make. Why not start the year with a fresh beginning and have it full of possibilities?

BY LIZZIE SMITH

Spending more time with friends and family:Spending more time with friends and family:Spending more time with

We all understand being busy but some-times we let other things take control and get in the way of spending time with loved ones. Try to spend time with friends and family by going out to eat or seeing a movie. If they are far away, make time for phone calls or Skyping.

Fitness: Those Christmas cookies and Grandma’s roast were just too good to only have one serving right? Everyone gains a little win-ter weight to fill in those oversized reindeer sweaters but after all the leftovers are gone, it’s time to lose that weight. Instead of seeing it as a huge daunting talk, try doing some small exercises to incorporate into your daily routine like taking the stairs or walking around the neighborhood. It’s easier to lose when you have help so get a partner or try a fun dance class.

Quitting bad habits:

Everyone has the terrible habit they need to quit either it be biting one’s fingernails, never calling friends back or smoking. They say it takes 21 days to form and break a habit. With whatever habit you want to break it’s all about determination and persistence. Set your own goals and deter-mine your own speed.

Learn something new:

It’s important to always challenge your-self. Always wanted to know how to knit? Learn another language? Take music

lessons? DO IT. There’s no time like the present and especially when that present contains the Internet. There are so many online programs and tutorials out there. Do a little research and get to learning!

Read a book:Ever hear someone say ‘I wish I had time to read more’? It gets tedious and tiring to sit down and read something for fun after you’ve been working all day. But try. Read just a chapter. Let your imagination take you away. An iPad or a Kindle makes it easier to read while you’re waiting on your oil change or try listening to books on CD or a podcast in your car.

Managing Stress: No one likes stress. It makes your entire day go badly and you just end up becoming the cranky friend. Figure out what causes the stress and see if there is anything you can do to lessen it. Try picking out clothes the night before and have accessible break-fast food so at least your morning goes well. And of course, sleep. Sleep is the best remedy for anything.

Eating healthy: You don’t have to tell me how good Oreos Eating healthy:You don’t have to tell me how good Oreos Eating healthy:are, I know. Life is all about moderation so instead of cutting out the delicious cookies, stick to the serving size. Try the low calories snacks or apples with peanut butter. Eating healthy doesn’t necessar-ily mean bland food. Make new recipes with reduced calories or fat free substances because some of them can surprise your taste buds.

Getting organized: Life is just easier when every shoe has a pair and you can locate your keys im-mediately. Set out designated areas to clean over the weekend, one at a time. Go through the closets and donate clothes you don’t wear/can’t fit into to Palmer’s Home for Children or Habitat for Humanity. You will be helping your life and theirs. Besides, once you have the closet clean you can hide those gifts you didn’t like.

Save Money: Christmas bills are coming in and that’s Save Money: Christmas bills are coming in and that’s Save Money: when you prepare a small funeral for your bank account. Saving money is hard but it’s not impossible. Go online to figure out the best deals and for printable coupons. Plan one day to do all the grocery shop-ping, getting the car fixed and visiting your friends so you can save gas. Ask the ques-tion we all hate to ask: ‘do I really need it?” Cutting those corners make it’s easier and guilt free to go on your dates with friends and family.

Relax: Just kick back and relax. You’ve earned it. Do what makes you happy and have your “me” time. Take a hot bath, go deer hunt-ing, paint, watch sports, do anything you want but do it for you. Have that time to rejuvenate yourself so that you take on the world and accomplish any resolutions or goals you may have.

a


Pushing the Limits

BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZZIE SMITH


With the ball about to drop on a brand New Year, a large portion of the population may be thinking about that perfect way to get into shape and improve their health and vitality once and for all.

Enter Lacy Mitchell, a recent Mississippi State graduate who will offer a brand new option in the growing landscape of exercise and wellness programs. She has opened Midtown Pilates in a 1200 square feet. studio in the College Park Shop-ping Center. It is located at 100 Russell Street, Suite 18, next to Renasant Bank.

The energetic and outgoing twenty-three year-old was motivated by an explosion in the popularity of the fitness dis-

cipline and what it has done for her personally. While the program been around almost a century, the aging

of the baby boomers has been credited with spawning a strong comeback because of its low impact, core strengthening emphasis.

‘I like to say that Pilates is progressive, yet proven,” Lacy said. “Most people don’t realize it

was created by a man, for men. Joseph Pilates cre-ated the exercises for soldiers during World War I.”

“After the war he opened a studio in New York,” Lacy said. “Because of the studio’s close proximity to the Juil-liard School, the majority of his client base grew to be ballet dancers.”

‘This is when Pilates got the reputation of “a girl’s exercise”, when in reality, it is one of the most challenging strength training methods,” she said. “Today it is one of the most popular cross training exercises for professional athletes.”

Lacy is a Madison, Miss. native and a 2012 kinesiology graduate of MSU with a concentration in Sports Stud-

ies. She became a lifetime fan of Pilates after losing more than 60 pounds which had begun to sneak up

on her in high school. “I was very athletic in high school and at 5’ 9”,

140 pounds, I was always tall, lanky and lean and never struggled with my weight. At the end of my junior year of high school I changed schools and gave up my basketball career. Without all that activity my weight jumped from 140 to 155.”

That was only the beginning of what would become a serious weight problem. During

her first semester at MSU, she began eating poorly and exercise was almost non-

existent. Her weight soared - all the way up to 232 pounds!

“I was absolutely miserable,” she de-clared. “On top of being overweight,

I injured my back just before Christmas break. I had to find something that in-

volved little or no impact to regain my strength.”


She had taken a few Pilates classes in high school and decided that was just the ticket to get a handle on her weight and regain her core strength.

“I took a Pilates class at a studio in Jackson during Christmas break, and I was immediately hooked,” she said. “I was frustrated because the program wasn’t offered in Starkville and I had to drive to Jackson whenever I could to take more classes.”

Suddenly the answer dawned on her. She would learn how to teach and offer classes back in Starkville. That would require certi-fication from a licensed Pilates school.

“Two weeks later, I had been accepted to Pilates Academy Inter-national in New York City. I moved into an apartment just blocks away from the studio, in midtown Manhattan (hence, Midtown Pilates),” she explained. She studied from May until she returned to MSU for the fall semester.

She still travels to New York periodically to add to her knowl-edge and is now certified as a Master Pilates Instructor. She is proficient in all the Pilates “apparatuses” including the mat, re-former, Cadillac, chair and barrels – all basic Pilates equipment for the routines which will be taught at her studio. She will also offer “cardiolates” for clients who want to add cardio to their strength training routines.

“Cardiolates has incredible health benefits that aren’t easily achieved in other forms of cardio,” she said. During her senior year at MSU, Lacy operated a small studio on campus and worked with clients when she wasn’t in class. It suddenly dawned on her that she had found her calling.

“My clients worked so hard and saw amazing results. I got so much joy from helping people feel better about themselves. When I saw the way that the combination of Pilates and cardio was transforming the way they felt, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life help-ing people find health and wellness.”

“Of course, Pilates changed my own life,” noted Lacy. “It changed the way I move, walk, breathe, sit and stand. It relieves my stress, has made me unbelievably strong and has changed the shape of my body.” Lacy has lost 62 pounds since that Christmas in 2008 when she real ized her health was spinning out of control.

“It certainly did not happen over night. But it has happened in a healthy and realistic way – through hard work and becoming educated about what is and is not good for my body.” She said that achieving optimum health is a process.

“There is no ONE most effective method but it can be achieved by being dedicated to a lifestyle that is geared toward health and knowing your body and what it needs. I believe in being honest with my clients about what it will take to achieve the highest qual-ity of life regardless of their gender, age, and fitness level.”

“At Midtown Pilates, our goal is to give clients the tools to cre-ate a healthy lifestyle, not just a good workout. We want to teach them how to make decisions so that when they leave the studio they will make positive decisions in other areas of their lives.”

Lacy has recruited three other instructors – all kinesiology ma-jors with extensive backgrounds in health and wellness. Typical classes will be limited to five participants and private sessions are available. Each class is 55 minutes in length and will be designed to fit into almost any schedule.

“We offer many class options and packages that are designed to fit any schedule and lifestyle. We even offer the “Hail State” pack-age - the perfect option for those who are here for the weekends to watch the Bulldogs play!

Midtown Pilates will offer packages for memberships ranging from single sessions to five-class punch cards, as well as one to three month sessions.

With Pilates, there is a strong mind-body connection, but the primary focus is on strength training and flexibility.

“Pilates increases range of motion, spinal mobility and muscle stability which is important for all ages,” she con-

cluded. For more information visit Michell’s website at midtownpilates.com.

Style Update withLindsay Jo

I t can be hard to strike the perfect balance between the latest trends and age I t can be hard to strike the perfect balance between the latest trends and age I appropriateness. After all, mothers don’t want to find their daughter in their I appropriateness. After all, mothers don’t want to find their daughter in their I closet, and daughters probably would not like to find their mom borrowing I closet, and daughters probably would not like to find their mom borrowing Ifrom their wardrobe either! To help avoid the above-mentioned dilemma, here is three of winter’s biggest trends broken down with suggestions for each age:


Lindsay is an online lifestyle blogger. Her blog, acupoflindsayjo.com, has a primary focus on fashion. Lindsay is a member of the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) and attends various conferences and workshops with other fashion bloggers regularly.

This winter, various styles of jeans can be found at local boutiques. Jeans are featuring intricate patterns and or rich textures. A favorite trend right now is leather jeans. For the younger crowd, try a pair of leather (go faux for a more afford-able option) matched with a biker jacket and riveted accessories. For ladies, forego the leather and pick up a pair of waxed denim – even in a color! Waxed denim accomplishes the same look without the tightness and are much more com-fortable. Pair it with a fitted velvet blazer to add sheen to the outfit, and accessorize with gold.

Novelty Denim


Boots

Boots are always a winter staple. This year, different styles of flat boots are available. A younger look might consist of cowboy boots paired over a pair of skinny jeans. Try an Indian-inspired vest over a neutral sweater and a fringe handbag to create a casual look. A pair of polished rid-ing boots can achieve an older, more refined appearance. Choose a pair of minimalistic leather boots with only a few details. An easy wrap cardigan and matching leather acces-sories build another casual, but more adult, look.

Fur outerwear has been popular for several seasons, and it is still on trend this winter. Fur collars, capes, vests, and handbags can be found in store this year. Again, faux is probably your best option here. Younger girls might opt for a trendy fur vest. For a trendier look, choose a basic tee and interesting pants and acces-sories. Instead of a fur vest, women might opt for a sophisticated fur shawl or cape to pair over a dress. Classic accessories such as a structured handbag, pashmina, and gloves complement the entire look.

Fur

10 townandgownmagazine.com | december 2012 townandgownmagazine.com | december 2012 30

New Year’s KissPhotography: Divian ConnerStylist: Abby HathornModels: MSU Fashion BoardHair and makeup: Salon 28Clothes: Deep South Pout, Reed’s, L.A. Green

Model: Kaylin Steiner


Reed’sYa Los Angeles Black and green iridescent cocktail dressModel: Hallie Caldwell


Deep South Poutdo & be Black and gold lace peplum long-sleeve shirtModel: Kara Chapman


Reed’sYa Lox AngelesCream cocktail dressModel: Ashley McGee

57

Reed’sKarlieBlack and green Black and gold zigzag sequin cocktail dressModel: Natalie Phillips

L.A. GreenLine & DotBlack and white blouse with gold beadingArk & Co.Black crop blazerand gold sequin skirtModel: Kaylin Steiner


L.A. GreenMolly GeeCream flower headbandBlack SheepCream sweater with button detailSugarhill BoutiqueBrown and cream sweater with heart elbow patchesAdriano GoldschmieoMaroon detailed pantMadden GirlBrown Combat bootModel: Hallie Caldwell


Reed’s:Ya Los Angeles black pea coat with faux furModel: Ashley McGee

townandgownmagazinetownandgownmagazine.comcom | | com | comcom | com decemberdecember 2012 63

Come Home...

to Mississippi StateUniveristy

Alpha Delta

Pi


NNext semester, the sisters of ext semester, the sisters of Next semester, the sisters of NNext semester, the sisters of NAlpha Delta Pi sorority will Alpha Delta Pi sorority will NAlpha Delta Pi sorority will Nestablish a chapter at Misestablish a chapter at MisNestablish a chapter at MisN -sissippi State University and become the newest Greek sissippi State University and become the newest Greek member of the Bulldog Family.member of the Bulldog Family.

Recruitment and colonization will begin in January Recruitment and colonization will begin in January 2013, and the sorority will receive its charter in April 2013, and the sorority will receive its charter in April 2013. Plans for building a house in Fraternity/Sorority 2013. Plans for building a house in Fraternity/Sorority Park are underway, and it should be completed by Fall Park are underway, and it should be completed by Fall 2014.

Established in 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Established in 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Georgia, Alpha Delta Pi was the first “secret society” for Georgia, Alpha Delta Pi was the first “secret society” for women – they were not called “sororities” then. Now afwomen – they were not called “sororities” then. Now af-women – they were not called “sororities” then. Now af-women – they were not called “sororities” then. Now affectionately called ADPi by its members, the sorority has fectionately called ADPi by its members, the sorority has over 140 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada and over 140 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada and is one of the strongest sororities in the South.is one of the strongest sororities in the South.

Not only does Alpha Delta Pi have an established naNot only does Alpha Delta Pi have an established na-tional presence, but it also has a special history at Mistional presence, but it also has a special history at Mis-sissippi State.

Sarah Steele Banks, Senior Leadership Consultant for Sarah Steele Banks, Senior Leadership Consultant for Alpha Delta Pi, said, “We (ADPi) were here from the ‘60s Alpha Delta Pi, said, “We (ADPi) were here from the ‘60s until the ‘80s, and we’ve always wanted to come back and until the ‘80s, and we’ve always wanted to come back and reopen our chapter here.”reopen our chapter here.”

Several local alumnae, including Mississippi State Several local alumnae, including Mississippi State University first lady Rhonda Keenum, who was a sister University first lady Rhonda Keenum, who was a sister at MSU, are “beyond excited” that the sorority is returnat MSU, are “beyond excited” that the sorority is return-ing to campus, according to Banks. ing to campus, according to Banks.

Alpha Delta Pi members: Laura Stewart and Sarah Steele Alpha Delta Pi members: Laura Stewart and Sarah Steele Banks with Bully holding up their sorority diamond hand Banks with Bully holding up their sorority diamond hand signs. signs.

BY MEG HENDERSONBY MEG HENDERSONN BY MEG HENDERSONNN BY MEG HENDERSONN PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTEDN PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTEDNN PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTEDN


Heidie Lindsey, Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at MSU, has worked with Banks and JenSorority Life at MSU, has worked with Banks and Jen--nifer Dickinson, Growth and Development Manager for nifer Dickinson, Growth and Development Manager for Alpha Delta Pi, along with administrators and other deAlpha Delta Pi, along with administrators and other de-partments on campus to prepare for the sorority’s colonipartments on campus to prepare for the sorority’s coloni-zation in the spring of 2013.

In her 12 years working with the Greek System at In her 12 years working with the Greek System at MSU, Lindsey has seen tremendous growth in the Greek MSU, Lindsey has seen tremendous growth in the Greek System, partly due to the growth in enrollment at the System, partly due to the growth in enrollment at the university.

“Since (2001), MSU has added 4 fraternities, one on the “Since (2001), MSU has added 4 fraternities, one on the national African-American panhellenic council, and two national African-American panhellenic council, and two sororities, and will add Kappa Kappa Gamma (sorority) sororities, and will add Kappa Kappa Gamma (sorority) in 2016,” Lindsey said. “About 18% of MSU students are in the Greek system. It doesn’t completely dominate our in the Greek system. It doesn’t completely dominate our campus, but we’re very lucky. Every one of our chapters is campus, but we’re very lucky. Every one of our chapters is part of a national organization, and many are in the top 5 part of a national organization, and many are in the top 5 chapters (in the country) of that organization.”chapters (in the country) of that organization.”

“It’s definitely a sign of a healthy Greek system when “It’s definitely a sign of a healthy Greek system when you have this much expansion in this time period,” Banks you have this much expansion in this time period,” Banks added.added.

Alpha Delta Pi seeks to support college women acaAlpha Delta Pi seeks to support college women aca-demically, socially, and personally. They stress the impordemically, socially, and personally. They stress the impor-tance of scholarship, leadership, and charitable work.tance of scholarship, leadership, and charitable work.

The sorority’s international philanthropy is Ronald The sorority’s international philanthropy is Ronald McDonald House Charities. McDonald House Charities.

“Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House “Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities is something we’re very proud of,” said DickinCharities is something we’re very proud of,” said Dickin-son. “Not only because of the contributions we’ve made, son. “Not only because of the contributions we’ve made, but also because it provides our members opportunities but also because it provides our members opportunities to visit Ronald McDonald houses and do hands-on serto visit Ronald McDonald houses and do hands-on ser-vice.”vice.”

To those who might consider joining Alpha Delta Pi, Dickinson shares her experience.

While Alpha While Alpha Delta Pi was at Delta Pi was at

Mississippi State Mississippi State University through University through

the ‘60s until the the ‘60s until the ‘80s, members

represented what represented what ADPi is commit-ADPi is commit-

ted to: sisterhood, ted to: sisterhood, values and ethics,

high academic standards and standards and

social responsi-social responsi-bility.bility.


“Through ADPi, I was given leadership op“Through ADPi, I was given leadership op-portunities that I may not have been given othportunities that I may not have been given oth-erwise, and ADPi helped me recognize those erwise, and ADPi helped me recognize those leadership skills,” she said. “Now as an alumleadership skills,” she said. “Now as an alum-nae, the greatest things it’s given to me are the nae, the greatest things it’s given to me are the relationships and the connections I have to a relationships and the connections I have to a national organization. Many alumnae continue national organization. Many alumnae continue to be mentors and friends. ADPi has given me to be mentors and friends. ADPi has given me professional opportunities and personal develprofessional opportunities and personal devel-opment opportunities.”opment opportunities.”

Recruitment week will take place on camRecruitment week will take place on cam-pus January 22-25, 2013. Events include an pus January 22-25, 2013. Events include an information session on the 22nd; Philanthropy information session on the 22nd; Philanthropy Night on the 23rd, where potential members Night on the 23rd, where potential members will learn about the Ronald McDonald House will learn about the Ronald McDonald House Charities from staff and sisters from nearby Charities from staff and sisters from nearby chapters; and personal interviews with ADPi chapters; and personal interviews with ADPi staff during the remainder of the week.staff during the remainder of the week.

For more information about Alpha Delta Pi and recruitment events at MSU, visit their Face-book page at facebook.com/msuadpi or follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/MSUADPi. n

Alpha Delta Pi is in the Bulldog spirit attending Alpha Delta Pi is in the Bulldog spirit attending football games, networking in the union and football games, networking in the union and spreading the word how ADPi is coming home to spreading the word how ADPi is coming home to Mississippi State University.Mississippi State University.


{ On the Page

BOOK REVIEWBY SUSAN O’BRYAN

Author Patricia Cornwell is a Author Patricia Cornwell is a Awriting machine. Each year Awriting machine. Each year Ain late October, she puts out Ain late October, she puts out Aanother Dr. Kay Scarpetta medical/crime/thriller, as routine as post-Halloween can-dy sales and pre-Christmas wish lists.

Bone Bed, the 20th in the Scarpetta series, immediately hit bestseller lists. An added bonus this year is that the novel is good, really good, and not just a product of hype and publicity. Having strayed a bit in past novels, Cornwell has returned to what readers most enjoy – characters who are vulnerable and forensics and crimes that.

For those who don’t know, Scarpetta is a chief medical examiner with state and federal military jurisdiction. Her inner circle includes a FBI profiler for a hus-band (Benton), a rogue computer genius for a niece (Lucy) and an unpredictable ex-cop for a friend (Marino). She was first introduced in 1990 as a secondary charac-ter in Postmortem, but soon took the lead as a woman trying to succeed in the male-dominated forensic pathology industry.

Cornwell draws on her personal back-ground, including stints as a computer analyst in the Virginia chief medical ex-aminer’s office and as a police reporter for a major newspaper. She flies helicopters and drives fast vehicles (like niece Lucy), is intrigued by serial killers (like Jack the Ripper) and (like a Bone Bed victim) re-cently went on a dinosaur dig where dis-covered a tooth fossil estimated to be 70 million years old.

When Scarpetta receives a video and a pictured of a detached ear, she deduces that they may have something to do with a paleontologist who went missing during a dinosaur dig in Canada. The mystery has to be put on the back burner at the Cambridge Forensic Center, Scarpetta’s high-tech playground, as dead bodies ar-rive at the Boston facility under very un-

usual circumstances.usual circumstances.An unidentified woman’s body tangled

in fishing lines ensnaring an ancient leatherneck turtle raises speculation that she might be a billionaire’s missing wife. On trial for hiring his wife’s murder, al-though a body have yet to be found, he tries deflecting attention by discrediting Scarpetta.

Like a carefully constructed string of dominoes, pieces begin to fall into place as more seemingly unrelated deaths are me-thodically and scientifically tied together.

Figuring out who is the behind the crimes is only a part of the Bone Bed story. The tougher-than-bricks Scarpetta faces an even bigger personal dilemma - not a whodunit, but more of a “who are they” mystery. What secrets are those closest to her keeping? Are they who she’s always

believed them to be, or has she let herself believed them to be, or has she let herself become blind to the truth?

Bone Bed reads like classic Cornwell, putting the main characters up front with naked emotion. It’s the struggle of per-sonal strength vs. weakness that readers most relate to, the feeling that crime-solv-ing heroes can be thin-skinned human, too. While Cornwell consistently delivers in the outstanding forensic technology arena, she’s come up short on character-ization in her last few novels by creating plots that lack emotional depth.

With this novel, Cornwell is back to the basics that have attracted millions of readers for many years – characters that are as intriguing as the high-tech arena that surrounds them.

Patricia Cornwell and Kay Scarpetta, welcome home! n


{ On the Page

BOOK REVIEWBY MILTON WHATLEY

Do you know what the names Skip, Pete, Catfish and Banjo all have in common?

They are the names of dogs that have shared the lives and inspired some of the great southern writers of our day. Skip and Pete were the dogs of Willie Morris’ youth and adulthood respect-fully. Catfish was the dog of Georgia humorist Lewis Grizzard. And Banjo was the beloved border terrier of one of Mississippi’s adopted sons, Marshall Ramsey.

Marshall Ramsey, a native of Mariet-ta, Georgia, is the editorial cartoonist for the Clarion Ledger newspaper in Jack-son. For his editorial work he has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. In addition to his newspaper work, he has illustrated seven children’s books, published two collections of his editorial cartoons and daily hosts The Marshall Ramsey Show on Supertalk the Missis-sippi Network.

As an added creative outlet, Mr. Ram-sey has for the past several years been writing short stories. He has collected his stories in his recently released book Fried Chicken and Wine: Short Stories Inspired by Banjo the Dog. Banjo, who died recently, was Mr. Ramsey’s compan-ion, confidant and inspiration through many difficult times. This collection hon-ors the small dog’s memory and offers in-spiration to the book’s readers.

In the collection you find stories in-spired by Mr. Ramsey’s encounters with political leaders, Mississippi’s history of bad weather and its aftermath, but also of his love for small animals and inno-cent children.

Mr. Ramsey’s 240 page book of 71 sto-ries, many illustrated by his original car-toons, contain humor and pathos, lost love and found love, failure and redemp-tion, all with emotions all along the spec-trum of a heart’s feelings. The stories here, short in length, most no more than

two to three pages in length, are meant to be read one at a time, thought about, wondered about and read again.

It’s difficult to imagine someone reading this collection and not being at least changed a bit, as many of the char-acters in the stories are changed as their adventures unfold.

Two of the most heart tugging pieces are “Requiem for a Terrier” and “All Dogs Come Home” which tell the read-er of Banjo’s last days and how Ramsey

misses his friend, but presses on. In read-ing the stories, I think Mr. Ramsey would concur with the sentiment of Will Rogers quoted in the book who said, “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.” This is a collection to read and re-read, to save and to share, and perhaps to write a story of our own. n

Books may be ordered at lemuria-books.com and marshallramsey.com.


BOOK REVIEWSBY HELEN POLK

{ On the Page

Reading Aloud

T he arrival of the Starkville Christmas Parade and our city streets lined with twinkling decorations assured us that the glorious Christmas season has begun. Many of us have finished our Christmas shopping and can focus on the sights and sounds of the holidays. Others are just beginning their Christmas lists and may be in panic mode by now.

When The Polar Express rolled down Express rolled down Expressour Main Street amid the excited squeals of delighted children, it welcomed in a perfect time for giving and sharing books for children that will surely become part of your family’s holiday tradi-tions. Once the toys have lost their appeal and their batteries have run down, those special books are still ready to bring about many hours of enjoyment.

During my career as a teacher and elemen-tary school admin-istrator, I have seen first-hand the many benefits children have gained from caring par-ents and grandparents who have read aloud to them. These children tend to have better attention spans, increased vocabulary, and a greater appreciation for books. Some of my most rewarding experiences in the classroom occurred while I was reading aloud to children. Their unique perspectives provide opportunities to share humorous as well as sensitive moments.

I could spend hours poring over the commendable selec-tion of classic and new children’s books for Christmas that may be found in our local libraries and bookstores. The following are some of my choices that will ensure lively con-versations around the Christmas tree for years come.

First published 25 years ago, The Polar Express has be-The Polar Express has be-The Polar Express

come one of this generation’s classic holiday stories. It won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for the best picture book of the year. Since then over 7 million copies have been sold. The story was made into a blockbuster movie in 2004, solidify-ing the book’s place in the Christmas traditions.

To commemorate this special silver anniversary, an exqui-site gift edition has been created. The set includes a silver foil border, a CD audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a note from Chris Van Allsburg, and a silvery keepsake "All Aboard" ornament. Children and adults can’t resist the train whistle’s call to climb aboard the train in their pajamas and take a virtual trip to the North Pole, where only those who truly believe can hear the magic sleigh bells ring.


Another book that might help to calm your lively little ones before Christmas is The Christmas Quiet Book. Writ-ten by Deborah Underwood with illustrations by Renata Liwska, this is a newly released bedtime book of all things quiet during the season, like “listening for sleigh bells quiet.” Softly illustrated characters share many of the things that are quiet about Christmas despite the hustle and bustle of the holidays. While they are “hoping for a snow day quiet” gather your little ones in cozy blankets and think of all the things that are quiet. It can also be a time for you to ponder all the blessings that you have received this year.

Available since October, The Christmas Tugboat gives a true account of how the Rockefeller Christmas tree came to New York City one year. The Rockefeller tree has been a tradition since 1931. One year tugboat captain and author George Matteson and his family had the opportunity to bring the gigantic tree up the Hudson River into New York Harbor. James Ransome’s beautiful paintings add a sense of wonder to the enchanting story of one of the great American Christmas traditions.

Many families have embraced the idea of having sets of matching pajamas for Christmas. Hayden Edward’s poetic bedtime story, The Pajama Elves, explains that there are elves that make “magical pajamas” woven with special threads that help children sleep soundly on the night before Christmas. Everyone with young children knows how hard it is for them to get to sleep, especially on Christmas Eve.

The Pajama Elves may just bring that much-needed sleep for the eager little ones in your family and can include a gift of new Christmas pajamas to start a new family tradition. The book’s cover is designed to look like a brown paper package for urgent delivery. Don’t be fooled by the plain brown wrapping. Inside are fabulous illustrations to accom-pany the rhyming tale of the unique pajamas. This book was first released in August and has already made it to the top ten on Amazon’s Christmas book list.


If this story has intrigued your family, you may want to read The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rock-efeller Center Tree. This 48-page picture book written by David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity is a fictional book set during the Depression. It tells of a young boy’s desire to live in a decent home and how that dream comes true, thanks to a gifted carpenter and the lumber from the first Rockefeller Christmas tree. This dream has become a reality for one family each year since 2007 because of the generous donation of the Rockefeller Center owner. In addition, part of the 2010 tree was used to make the paper for 500 limited-edition copies of The Carpenter’s Gift. What a tremendous story of the Christmas season and the outstanding work being done by Habitat for Humanity.

Christians around the world share St. Luke’s gospel of the Christmas Story from the Holy Bible. There are many versions of this most sacred of holiday stories; be sure you pick one and make it a part of your holiday reading. After all, this is the true meaning of the Christmas season as well as the best gift to be shared.

Many fictional accounts of the nativity have been published over the years. A beautiful new book written by acclaimed children’s author/illustrator Tomie dePaulo tells the story of the nativity from the viewpoint of several pairs of birds that witness different aspects of the miracle in Bethlehem. In The Birds of Bethlehem the birds watch as multitudes of people come to Bethlehem and they see the angel in the sky, a sign that something remarkable is happening. In dePaulo’s classic style the birds eagerly fly about to discover what is going on and excitedly share their accounts of the first spectacular Christmas.

Many classic children’s authors and illustrators partner to publish Christmas stories based on popular book characters. One of my new favorite characters is Pete the Cat, a blue cat with blue and red shoes. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas is author Eric Litwin’s rockin’, rhymin’ take on “Twas the Night Before Christmas” when Santa gets sick. Pete the Cat comes to the rescue while teaching an important lesson on giving. Litwin and illustrator James Dean combine the delightful sto-ry with a song that children and adults will enjoy the whole season. To listen to the free song performed by Litwin and Dean, go to www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat.

Of course, there is a Pete the Cat stuffed animal dressed appropriately for Christmas. He would make a great gift to accompany the book. And, this may just be a Christmas story and song that stays on your mind the whole season long!

As you make plans for your families during the holidays, make sure to include the gift of time spent with loved ones. Take the opportunity to read to the precious children in your life. It will be the gift they remember long after the ribbons and bows are gone and the tree is down for another year. May you all have a blessed Christmas with those you love! n

East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Business After HoursPhotos submitted

The EMBDC held a Business After Hours hosted by One Life on Thursday, November 8, 2012. President and CEO Scotty Elliott welcomed the Business After Hours crowd of over 100 people and took the opportunity to recognize One Life’s current leadership and advisory board members.

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1. Mike Chaney, Hallie Phillips, Ken Parker2. Will Carpenter, Russell Huntley3. Scotty Elliott, David Bidgood4. Mimi Smith, Johnny Stone5. Linday Neyman, Teresa Parten, Cindy Aucoin, Carol Bass6. Raquel McGee, Jane Pritchard7. Teresa Boles, Frannie Parker8. Mary Atterberry, Melissa Estes, Julie Boles9. Melanie Johnson, Amber Bloebaum, Carolyn Smith, Vanessa Lee10. Kyle Waller, Lindsey Boswell, Melanie Johnson, Amy Cooley, Staci Hillhouse


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T.K. Martin Center Fun RunPhotography by Ashley Covin

The T. K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability and members of the Mississippi State University Day ONE program hosted a one-mile Fun Run on Friday, October 26, 2012 sponsored by Cadence Bank. Proceeds of this fundraiser benefitted Project IMPACT, an early intervention preschool program for children with special needs located at the T. K. Martin Center at Mississippi State University.

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71. Cadence Bank Volunteers2. Traci Campbell, Chase Hacker3. Volunteers4. Mississippi Brawl Stars5. Elizabeth Williams, Christan Toney6. Jade and Vanessa - Day ONE volunteers7. Ele Williams8. Name not available9. Susan Savage10. Bully

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Thyme Cookbook Signing & TastingPhotography by Ashley Covin

Author of Bon Appetit Y’all, Virginia Willis, visited Thyme for a signing of her recent cookbook, Basic to Brilliant Y’all on Sunday, October 21, 2012. Guest enjoyed refreshments and socialized with Willis and other guests.

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51. Bon Appetit Y’all author Virginia Willis’ Basic to Brilliant Y’all Cookbook2. Ann Bell, Virginia Willis, Foley Holditch3. Guest and Virginia Willis4. Meredith Martin, Kim Homan, Linda McRynolds, Virginia Willis5. Theresa Pitts, Ann Bell6. Kim Homan, Meredith Martin7. Foley Holditch8. Virginia Willis signing copies of her cookbook for guests.

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ChilifestPhotography by Ashley Covin

On Friday, October 19, 2012 the Junior Auxiliary of Starkville hosted its first Chilifest in downtown Starkville. Local restaurants, civic groups, indi-viduals and tailgaters prepared their chili recipes and were judged by the public.

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1. Crown Club Girls2. David Gable3. Jacqueline Nemmeth4. Cooper Robertson, Wes Shelton, John Jones5. Jimbo Hearnsberger, Caroline Hearnsberger6. Kerri Wardlaw, Lauren Marconi7. Kylie Crosland, Michelle Lefleur8. Lawson Joy Dumas, Lee Beck9. Lindsey Wiseman, Amelia Wiseman, Ashley Covin10. Paige Fondren, Paul Ruff, Carol Winton11. Wendy Walters, Wesley Elliott, Ella Elliott, Lili Grace Shelton


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Starkville Young ProfessionalsPhotography by Debbie Montgomery

Starkville Young Professionals had their November social at Zorba’s Greek Tavern from 5:30-7:30 on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The group of professionals meet with the GTR Young Lawyers Associa-tion and had the opportunity to meet new people. Door prizes, Clark beverage cart and appetizers were available.

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1. Jennifer Burt, Rebecca Tabb, Christine Tibbett, Amanda Edwards2. Jay Hurdle, Haley Brown, Hays Burchfield3. Starkville Young Professionals officers: Amanda Pugh, Maggie Christopher, Lee Beck, Nathan Chaney, Stefanie Shackleford Not pictured is Carey Edwards.4. Kaile Minor, Vanessa Shaffer, Vanesha Williams5. Susannah Mays, Arma de la Cruz, David Mays, Lauren Lang, Marty Haug6. Anna Campbell, Jonathan Henry, Meggie Devine7. Ashley Eason, William Craig, Brandon Langford, Katie Moulds8. Kyle Schooar, Keith Kakadia, Lauren Lang, Ben Lang

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N.O.M.A.S. TRASHIONshowPhotography by Maggie Harper

Students of the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University held their annual NOMAS TRASHIONshow with MSU’s Fashion Board on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at Giles Hall. The show exhibited student fashion designs made of recyclable materials that were once considered trash.

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1. Katy Barham, Olivia Cada, Meredith Masingill, Alyson Holliday, Katie Harris, Lexi Vaughn, Sidney Mitchell2. Stephanie Godfrey, Peyton Bergwall3. Kacie Green, Anna Lyle4. Jordan Holley, Karissa Logan, Rachel Bergeron, Allie Coats, Sarah Ashley Bealor5. Morgan Powell, Elizabeth Breden6. Chase Fields, Edward Holmes, Kapish Cheema7. Catherine Lewie, Alison Sullivan8. McKenzie Jones, KeAirra Williams9. Niki Tillson, Amanda Keene10. Margaret Allison, Katie Benson11. Terry Word, Salena Pheris12. Caroline Gilbert, Caroline Driskell, Laura Lee Lewis


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First United Methodist Church Handworks BazaarPhotography by Ashley Covin

The First United Methodist Church had their annual Handworks Bazaar on Friday, Novemeber 9. Arts, crafts, a bake sale, frozen casseroles, a sandwich shop, coffee, muffins and more. All proceeds went to Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity for spring building projects.

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1. Dishcloths for Habitat - Marilyn Epperson, Sis Stanley2.Barb’s Blessings - Barbara Mccoullough, Jamie Elliott3. Ellen Wallace, Holly Swanaon4. JAB Pottery - Jo Ann Black5. Janie Covin, Kay Milam, Sue Minchew6. Powell’s Custom Woodworks7. Doodlebug Designs - Lindsey Wilkes, Woodworking - Kenny Winston8. Mary Howard Pottery - Martha Taylor, Mary Howard9. Sharon Foster Art - Sharon Foster

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Starkville High School Classof 1962 50th ReunionPhotography by Debbie Montgomery

Starkville High School Class of 1962 50th Reunion was held at the Starkville Country Club on Saturday, November, 10, 2012. Among 1962 faculty joining the classmates and their spouses were SHS Prin-cipal Clyde Muse, current president of Hinds Community College, librarian Cattie Taylor and teacher Jane Lusk.

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1. Robert Trotter, Geneva Nelson, Amelia Bevill, Sherrie Vanlandingham, Jim Roberson2. Jane Lusk, teacher; Joelle Cook, George Crook, Beth Swearengen3. Roxene Atkinson, Charles Atkinson, Gary Bardwell, Janet Bardwell, Mary Ann Livingston, Cattie Taylor, librarian4. Jan Miller, Cattie Taylor, librarian; Pat Cole, Marsha Obringer5. Tom Nelson, Charlotte Nichols, Ron Nichols, Bill McWhorter, Virginia McWhorter6. Jo Anne Webster, Barbara Booker, Georgia Clanton, Joan Puryear, Betty Allen7. Joan Puryear, Lindsey-Claire Muse, Clyde Muse, SHS 1962 principal; Jim Craig8. Pat Cole, Patsy Nicholas, Roxie McIlwan9. Mary Ann Campbell, Don Campbell, Russell Black, Cecelia Bullock10. Robert Trotter, Edith Heins11. Terry Word, Salena Pheris12. David Vanlandingham, Jo Anne Webster, Marvene Long, Georgia Clanton, Mac Kinard, Anita Monts, Grady Monts


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3 Columbus Christmas ParadeAnnual Christmas Pa-rade will be happening in Downtown Columbus. It

begins on Main Street at 5 p.m. and ends with an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Clause. For more informa-tion call 662-328-6305.

A Retro ChristmasThis Christmas Parade in Philadel-phia features your favorite decades. For the parade, choose your favorite decade and decorate or dress ac-cordingly. It starts at 6 p.m. on Main Street.

Columbus Christmas Parade Columbus Main Street will have the Columbus Christmas Parade through downtown Columbus starting at 7 p.m. Visit columbusmainstreet.com for more information.

6 Moonlight MadnessLast minute gifts are avail-able after hours for some Philadelphia businesses. It has special sale prices from

5-8 p.m. For more information call 601-656-1490.

Starkville Business After HoursBusiness After Hours will have the Starkville Christmas Parade Grande Marshall Reception at M & F Bank on University Drive. For more infor-mation visit starkville.org.

Meridian Business After HoursRush Hospital will host the Business After Hours for Meridian. There will be opportunities to network with EMBDC members and will have refreshments for attendees from 4:30-6 p.m. For more information visit embdc.org.

7 9th Annual Wassail FestDowntown Columbus offers art, entertainment, homemade wassail while shopping at the downtown

merchants. It also has the lighting of the Christmas tree. It’s from 5-8 p.m. For more information call 662-328-6305.

Wassail Fest and Tree Lighting Columbus Main Street will have the Wassail Fest from 5-9 p.m. with fun activities for the family, live music and door prizes and the Tree Light-ing at 6 p.m. located by the Welcome Center in downtown Columbus.

15 John Tesh Big Band Christmas John Tesh is known for his audience interac-

tion and his warm personality as he plays some of the biggest big band holiday hits. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. with the pre-show party starting at 6 p.m. It’s located at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian. For more information call 601-696-2200.

31 New Year’s Eve Block Party Columbus Main Street Asso-ciation will host

a New Year’s Eve Block Party from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. For more information visit columbusmainstreet.com.

More DECEMBER


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