Town and Gown Magazine

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2 townandgownmag.com | august 2012

Best ofS t a r k v i l l e • W e s t P o i n t • C o l u m b u s

2012

A Product of Horizon of MississiPPi

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

don norMAn | publisher [email protected]

clAire MAssey | editor [email protected]

JessicA BAiley | acct. exec. jessica@ townandgownmag.com

Ann AsHton Jones | acct. exec. annashton@ townandgownmag.com

{ s t A f f }

sHeA Allen

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eMily Jones

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JessicA BAiley

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Reproductions in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Town & Gown is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in and around Starkville and the Golden Triangle area. Subscriptions are available for mail customers. For subscriptions or inquiries, write Town & Gown Magazine, P.O. Box 3893, Miss. State, MS, 39762, or call 662-323-1642.

townandgownmag.com | august 2012 5

editor’s note

I am very pleased to have been appoint-ed the new Editor of Town and Gown Magazine.

As I write this, thoughts fill my mind of how grateful I am to have this experience. I re-member when I was first introduced to Town and Gown Magazine. I met Leilani Salter at the Mississippi State University College of Business “Dress Your Best” fashion show, which I modeled for as a member of MSU Fashion Board in 2011. It was such a delight to meet Leilani and hear the wonderful ideas she had in store for this magazine. When she first said the word “magazine”, that was it, I was on board!

As the Editor, I have great expectations and goals set for the future of Town and Gown Magazine. The possibilities are endless and I plan to bring new insights, interesting stories and fashionable trends to each issue. Pleasing

readers is my No. 1 goal and would love to know your ideas and response to each magazine (send letters to the editor by mail or email).

August has sprung upon us again and most of us, like me, are scurrying around to get organized and familiar with new surroundings. As many of you start back to school, you are looking for the latest fashion trends for the upcoming semester and want to know what needs to be on your schedule this fall.

This issue is full of stories from how Jimmy Abraham, MSU Alumni Association executive director, has brought a new meaning to giving back to others and MSU and how freshman can do the same by becoming an Alumni Delegate (on page 25) to how to look your best going GREEK (page 45).

For the MSU freshman, turn to page 31 for inspiration for dorm decor. Local Starkville graduates show off their vibrate colored accessories and bed linens to spruce up their first “Home Away from Home.”

Want to give back to the community within those four years at State? Become a Service DAWG and volunteer your time with local charities and non-profit organi-zations – look for more information on page 10.

Becoming a Dawg, there is a MUST you have to try while here in Starkville. Ven-ture off campus and find the best Blue Plates in the state according to Mississippi Magazine. All under $10, you might want become a “fifth-year” after experiencing the wonderful eateries of Starkville. Visit page 34 to seize your appetite.

I hope this issue gives you great pleasure and I am excited and looking forward to representing Town and Gown Magazine.

EditorClaire Massey

Claire Massey


a farewell note

it has been my genuine pleasure to serve as editor of your Town & Gown Magazine this past year. Launch-

ing this new product for the Starkville, MSU and the Gold-en Triangle communities has given me the opportunity to meet so many of you, to share your stories and photograph so many local smiling faces.

Thank you for your welcoming response to this magazine

and what it can mean to this community moving forward. I deeply appreciate your encouragement and support and urge you to continue that support.

My work assignments have changed and it is time to pass

the leadership of the magazine on to a new editor – Claire Massey.

Town & Gown submis-sions and inquiries can be made to Claire at [email protected] or Don Norman, publisher of Starkville Daily News at [email protected].

I look forward to visiting with each of you around town. At work, I can be contacted at [email protected]. On a personal note, contact me at [email protected].

Leilani Salter

25

31

Contents

10

34

On the cover

Victory Mayhall and Ty Pulliam, MSU students

model sorority and fraternity rush-inspired clothes from

L.A. Green and Reed’s.

PHOTO BY LAURA DANIELS

Departments

5 EDITOR’S NOTE

34 EAT DRINK

54 SHOPPING

44 LIFESTYLES

59 ON THE PAGE

65 NEAR FAR

70 RHYTHMS

71 OUT & ABOUT

80 MORE

features

10 LENDING HANDSBecome a Service DAWG

16 ON THE ROADEverett Kennard

22 HISTORY, HISTORY, HISTORY ARDWOOD AND PLAIN FUN

Forestry Equipment Show

25 JIMMY AIMMY AIMMY BRAHAM“...forever maroon and white.”

31 HOME AWAY FROM HOMEFreshman Dorm Decor

34 KEEP ‘EM cOMINStarkville Blue Plate Specials

65 VISUAL ARTS cENTERFall Season Preview

45

45

10 townandgownmag.com | com | com august 2012

H eading back to school in Starkville is more than gear-ing up for classes and buying supplies for the young-sters.

This August, volunteer opportunities abound, and many resi-dents of all ages plan to give back to the community.

From Service DAWGS Day on Mississippi State University’s campus to helping prepare for disasters, people are making plans to lend a hand.

This is good news for the campus community, said Assistant Dean of Students M. Cade Smith, who oversees MSU’s Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement.

“Community service helps us learn that if we can come togeth-er, put our differences aside, and work toward an honorable goal – we all benefit,” said Smith.

The office of Student Leadership and Community Engage-ment’s Maroon Volunteer Center is hosting Service DAWGS Day, set for Aug. 13. It’s wedged between the move-in day of freshmen and the first day of classes, also known as Dawg Daze.

More than 300 students will participate in 21 projects across the Starkville area.

“By getting our newest students engaged in community ser-vice activities, they will develop stronger bonds to Starkville and Mississippi State University,” Smith said. “This bond can foster a

smoother transition from a student’s hometown to his or her new home – Mississippi State.”

While the event is catered toward freshmen, other students and faculty join the volunteer corps, said Meggan Franks, program coordinator with MSU’s Office of Student Leadership and Com-munity Engagement.

“Most of the students that participate are new freshmen,” Franks said. “We want them to get involved with service in the community immediately when they come to campus and Service DAWGS is a great opportunity for them to do so.”

Serving the community is an important part of an education, and it’s a core principle of MSU.

“Community engagement allows our students to bring their learning to life by practicing new skills and applying knowledge learned in the classroom while engaged in meaningful service,” he said. “For many of our first-year students, Service DAWGS will be their first experience with MSU’s land-grant mission, and as a land-grant institution – community engagement is what we do.”

Added Christopher Ferrell, assistant coordinator with the Ma-roon Volunteer Center: “Students are encouraged to participate because these service opportunities give them positive activities to engage in that will enhance the Starkville community and build their network of those sharing a mutual interest in service.”

Lending HandsLending Hands

Maroon Volunteer Center participants work with Habitat for Humanity.

BY JUSTIN FRITSCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Ferrell is coordinating the volunteer efforts, and he said preparations began last spring. Students will participate in a variety of projects, including work with partners such as Ability Works, Aiken Village Preschool, Boardtown Village, Camp Seminole, Gaining Ground, George Evans Park, Habi-tat for Humanity and Oktibbeha/Starkville Emergency Re-sponse Volunteer Services.

Students who participate receive a free T-shirt and lunch. They are asked to meet in the Junction at 8:15 a.m.

One of the groups participating in Service DAWGS has a few other projects in progress, too. The Oktibbeha/Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services, or OSERVS, has a lot of items on their agenda these days.

This group helps prepare and assist in times of natural di-sasters. OSERVS is a nonprofit organization that formed in 2010, and it is working on several projects that need the help of volunteers, said Carol Moss Read, outgoing chair of the OSERVS’ board.

New this year is a Community Emergency Response Team, which is a partnership effort between MSU and OSERVS. Members of this team will be trained in basic disaster re-sponse skills, like fire safety and search and rescue.

The organization is looking for Starkville – and Oktibbeha – area citizens to join this team, Read said.

OSERVS also needs volunteers to help with answering the phone, putting together comfort kits and become certified CPR instructors.

Organizers of these many different service projects say vol-unteering is important, creating better citizens and fostering a better education for volunteers who are students. Smith said he wants MSU and the community to provide a variety of service opportunities for students.

Ferrell said more volunteer opportunities are on the way for students and others in the community, ranging from tak-ing care of cemeteries to helping in local food production.

“These opportunities can help to enhance the academic ex-perience for the students by giving them hands-on activities involved in their field of study,” he said. n

Groups in the Starkville – and Oktibbeha – areas are looking for volunteers. Learn more about two groups, Service DAWGS and the Oktibbeha/Starkville Emergency Response

Volunteer Services.

Service DAWGS and Maroon Volunteer Center:

Service DAWGS Day is planned for Aug. 13. Students, especially freshmen, are asked to

register at mvc.msstate.edu.

Students will participate in 21 service projects across the campus community.

For more information, call (662) 325-2150 or email [email protected].

Oktibbeha/Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services:

A new nonprofit is looking for volunteers to help assemble comfort kits, serve on disaster

response teams, become certified CPR in-structors and prepare for disasters.

For more information, call (662) 418-8911 or visit OSERVS.com.

Maroon Volunteer Center participants provide service at a 911 Ceremony.

Volunteers with the Maroon Volunteer Center help with Bridges

out of Poverty.



With the beginning of another school year, the Starkville and Mississippi State University communities will welcome some new faces. Of course, this place is loaded with excellent dining establishments, stores and the amenities, but more fortunately for ev-eryone here, the city of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and MSU all boast services that are well-equipped to assist residents with

any need or emergency. Here’s a quick rundown of the contact information for university, city and county agencies in which area citizens, both new and old, may find important use.

Starkville Police Department101 Lampkin St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-4131

Mississippi State University Police Department(662) 325-2121

Oktibbeha County Sheriff ’s Office111 Dr. Douglas L. Connor DriveStarkville, MS 39759(662) 323-2421

Mississippi State University Police Department100 Walker RoadMississippi State, MS 39762(662) 325-2121

City Hall101 Lampkin St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-4583

Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk108 W. Main St. #118Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-1356

Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk101 E. Main St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-5834

Oktibbeha County Tax Assessor and CollectorOktibbeha County Courthouse101 W. Main St. Suite-103Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-1273

United States Social Security Administration1089 C Stark RoadStarkville, MS 39759(662) 323-9211

Starkville Fire Department503 E. Lampkin St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-1845

OCH-Regional Medical Center400 Hospital RoadStarkville, MS 39759(662) 323-4320

Oktibbeha County Humane Society/Starkville Animal Shelter510 Industrial Park RoadStarkville, MS 39759662-338-9093

Starkville School District401 Greensboro St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 324-4050

Oktibbeha County School District800 Louisville St. #AStarkville, MS 39759(662) 323-1472

Mississippi State UniversityMain Telephone: (662) 325-2323

Greater Starkville Development Partnership200 E. Main St.Starkville, MS 39759(662) 323-3322

What is 311?

311 is an access number that allows people in Starkville, MS and most of Oktibbeha County to request non-emergency assistance with city services. Because it is easy to use and easy to remember, 311 can help improve service delivery to residents, workers and visitors in Starkville. 311 allows you to request information and city services more easily, and enables agencies to handle those requests more efficiently. n

BY KATE SALTER

Starkville Numbers

Photo courtesy of cityofstarvkille.org.


On the Roadwith Everett Kennard

A truly beloved member of Bulldog Nation, Everett Ken-nard’s tenure with MSU Transportation Services be-gan with a broken-down bus a long way from home.

“Mr. Ed Buckner had a vision in 1983 that the university should own a charter bus to transport groups,” said Kennard, a fourth-generation dairy farmer who grew up in the Oktoc community near Starkville and graduated from Starkville High School in 1966. “He was, among about 50 other things, head of Support Services, under which Transportation fell.

“First trip off the bat, the bus broke down in Knoxville. Mr. Buckner called me because he knew I had large equipment expe-rience from my farm. He asked me to go to make sure it was fixed properly and return it to MSU. I told him I could not be gone that long, so he dangled a carrot by telling me I could fly on the school plane to Knoxville.

“I returned the bus to MSU in good repair, and Mr. Buckner asked me to make a few trips for him until he could find some-one,” Kennard said. “Thirty years later, no one was ever found. Mr. Buckner retired and has since passed away. I often think of what a visionary and smart man he was.”

These days Kennard manages Transportation Services, a de-partment which has five state-of-the-art buses that handle about 80 percent of the university’s transportation needs.

“No other school in the SEC does it like we do, and I know of only one or two more in the country that even make an attempt,” Kennard said. “Of this, about 60 percent is athletics and 40 per-cent is academics. This department is operated as an auxiliary, in that we generate 100 percent of our funds.

“I worked for Gaddis Hunt and Paul Welch following Mr.

Buckner and now have the pleasure of working with Amy Tuck, our Vice President of Campus Services. These people were – and are – not only bosses, but true friends.”

“I became closely acquainted with Everett in a supervisory po-sition in Transportation,” said Hunt, who retired from the depart-ment in 2006. “We grew to know each other and became close friends. He sure loves MSU.

“My wife and I were watching the Final Four on TV in 1996, and we saw Everett in the crowd, wearing a maroon MSU shirt. He seems to show up at so many athletic events in the back-ground. He does a lot of cooking in the Left-Field Lounge at the baseball games, and on the TV broadcasts they always show him and discuss his culinary talents.”

Kennard will always have fond memories of former MSU Presi-dent Dr. Mack Portera and former MSU Athletic Director Larry Templeton, both of whom played a major role in Kennard’s even-tual graduation from MSU after 35 years.

“Those are the two people most responsible for me finishing my B.S. degree in 2001,” Kennard said. “While Larry, more or less, forced me to undertake this task and made available to me the academic assistance afforded to all MSU athletes, Dr. Portera made it possible for me to take 18 hours in the summer session and 14 hours in the fall of 2001 and still work full time. I never missed a day of work during this time.

“Upon completion of this task (and with the retirement of Paul Welch), I was named Manager of Transportation Services. With this, my responsibilities were increased to oversee not only the over-the-road buses, but the car and van rental fleet and the uni-versity gas station.”


BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILANI SALTER

“Our equipment is unmatched anywhere in the industry,” Kennard said. “All our coaches are equipped with DIRECTV satellite television reception, some with capability to watch multi channels simultaneously. Coach Mullen likes to watch the ESPN game on one channel and the CBS game on another without switching channels. We have wireless internet, DVD players, satellite radios, 110-volt outlets and four locations in the coach with reversible seats and card tables. All the audio comes over a headset at your seat.

“I have always felt that these units are a traveling billboard for Mississippi State University. They can portray a positive image or a negative one. It is my responsibility to see that they are maintained and operated in a manner wor-thy of the name on the side.”

Quite the practical joker, Kennard has had lots of fun at the expense of his friends over the years. He and former MSU head basketball coach Richard Williams remain close to this day.

“Richard is very GQ and takes tremendous pride in his appearance,” Ken-nard said. “When I was farming, I would go by Richard’s office in Humphrey Coliseum after he became head coach. I loved to sit and prop my boots up on his desk, which drove him crazy.

“I had a habit of dipping snuff, and one time – just to get under his skin as I was leaving – I went behind his desk and spit in his garbage can. He said, ‘Dang it, Everett, do you think Rick Pitino has to put up with this from his bus driver?’ To which I replied, ‘Richard, Rick Pitino was smart enough to get a job where they don’t ride a bus. They fly everywhere’.”

Then there’s Kennard’s relationship with former MSU head baseball coach Ron Polk. He made his first bus trip with Polk and hauled him for 22 years.

“He’s a class individual who did so much not only for MSU, but for college baseball,” Kennard said. “He’s also the easiest man in America to pull a practi-cal joke on. It is a wonder he never ran me off.

“I have loaded his cigars with exploding caps, put smoke alarms over his seat in the bus, sent him a belly dancer in the middle of a speaking engage-ment, and many other things. One time he asked me why I didn’t turn at a certain street to go to a ballpark, and I responded, ‘Why didn’t you bunt in the second inning yesterday?’ He remains a true friend with whom I stay in touch and respect tremendously.”

Kennard also praised former MSU head basketball coach Rick Stansbury, citing the fact that Stansbury always brought his wife and kids on road trips, and called MSU women’s head basketball coach Sharon Fanning one of the biggest-hearted people he’s ever met. Another friend of many years is Jim El-lis, the Voice of the Bulldogs. He and Kennard both grew up on dairy farms and were aware of each other from displaying Jersey cows at 4-H shows in the 1960s.

“When I started at MSU, John Long from Louisville was the bus driver,” El-lis said. “Everett took over the job when John retired. I got to know him very well, and we’ve roomed together on the road on baseball trips for at least 25 years. He loves Law & Order, which is a show I never watched, but thanks to Everett I’ve seen just about every episode in the last few years.

“Everett sits on the bench at basketball games and sits with me in the press box during baseball games,” Ellis said. “He keeps up with the pitch count, which provides valuable info for the broadcast. He’s a helpful friend and has a great relationship with the athletes.”

Kennard and his wife, Henri Sue, have been married 41 years. Their daugh-ter, Courtney, teaches Special Needs children in Starkville Public Schools and was named Outstanding Teacher in the district last year. Their oldest son, Keyes, has built his own business in Meridian, and their youngest son, Coo-per, a rising MSU senior, has spent years doing community service in places ranging from Marion, Alabama to the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis, TN.

“Even though I have rubbed elbows with Ph. D’s, coaches and administra-tors, my dad remains the hardest working and smartest person I have ever known,” Kennard said. “At 94 years old he still drives, lives by himself, and completes project after project in his farm shop every day. He is truly a prod-uct of MSU Engineering.

“I sincerely tell people I have the greatest job in America. I work with the greatest people in the world, for the greatest people in the world, and have the best and easiest product in the world to sell: Mississippi State University.” n


“Our equipment is unmatched anywhere in the industry,” Kennard said. “All our coaches are equipped with DIRECTV satellite television reception,

Mullen another

We have wireless internet, DVD players, satellite radios, 110-volt outlets and four locations in the coach with reversible seats

“I have always felt that these units are a traveling billboard for Mississippi It is my

wor-

Quite the practical joker, Kennard has had lots of fun at the expense of his friends over the years. He and former MSU head basketball coach Richard

“Richard is very GQ and takes tremendous pride in his appearance,” Ken-by Richard’s office in Humphrey

up

had a habit of dipping snuff, and one time – just to get under his skin as I was leaving – I went behind his desk and spit in his garbage can. He said, ‘Dang it, Everett, do you think Rick Pitino has to put up with this from his bus

To which I replied, ‘Richard, Rick Pitino was smart enough to get a

Then there’s Kennard’s relationship with former MSU head baseball coach Ron Polk. He made his first bus trip with Polk and hauled him for 22 years.

“He’s a class individual who did so much not only for MSU, but for college America to pull a practi-

over his seat in the bus, sent him a belly dancer in the middle of a speaking engage-ment, and many other things. One time he asked me why I didn’t turn at a certain street to go to a ballpark, and I responded, ‘Why didn’t you bunt in the

He remains a true friend with whom I stay in touch

Kennard also praised former MSU head basketball coach Rick Stansbury, citing the fact that Stansbury always brought his wife and kids on road trips, and called MSU women’s head basketball coach Sharon Fanning one of the biggest-hearted people he’s ever met. Another friend of many years is Jim El-lis, the Voice of the Bulldogs. He and Kennard both grew up on dairy farms and were aware of each other from displaying Jersey cows at 4-H shows in

“When I started at MSU, John Long from Louisville was the bus driver,” El-lis said. “Everett took over the job when John retired. I got to know him very well, and we’ve roomed together on the road on baseball trips for at least 25 years. He loves Law & Order, which is a show I never watched, but thanks to

“Everett sits on the bench at basketball games and sits with me in the press box during baseball games,” Ellis said. “He keeps up with the pitch count, which provides valuable info for the broadcast. He’s a helpful friend and has a

Kennard and his wife, Henri Sue, have been married 41 years. Their daugh-ter, Courtney, teaches Special Needs children in Starkville Public Schools and was named Outstanding Teacher in the district last year. Their oldest son, Keyes, has built his own business in Meridian, and their youngest son, Coo-per, a rising MSU senior, has spent years doing community service in places ranging from Marion, Alabama to the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis,

Ph. D’s, coaches and administra-person I have ever

drives, lives by himself, and completes project after project in his farm shop every day. He is truly a prod-

“I sincerely tell people I have the greatest job in America. I work with the greatest people in the world, for the greatest people in the world, and have the

n

townandgownmag.com | com | com august 2012 21


History, Hardwood and Plain Fun

Exhibitors and visitors from all over the United States

and even Canada attend the Mid-South Forestry and

Equipment Show, which is held at MSU’s 8,300-acre John W. Starr Memorial Forest on U.S.

Highway 25 just south of Starkville.


Where does all the wood in your home come from? Sure, Where does all the wood in your home come from? Sure, Wyou buy tables and chairs at furniture stores. But the Wyou buy tables and chairs at furniture stores. But the Wjourney from the forest to your home is a fascinating Wjourney from the forest to your home is a fascinating Wone, and there will be more history, hardwood and plain fun in the woods of Oktibbeha County the weekend of October 5-6 than you can shake a stick at.

“The Mid-South Forestry and Equipment Show is the longest-running, live, in-woods equipment demonstration in the nation,” said Misty Booth, the event’s Forest Supervisor. “Many loggers and foresters attend, but it is open to the public and will be par-ticularly interesting to landowners. Mississippi has more tree farms than any other state in the nation.”

Exhibitors and visitors from all over the United States and even Canada are already making plans for the biennial event, which is held at MSU’s 8,300-acre John W. Starr Memorial Forest on U.S. Highway 25 just south of Starkville. If you haven’t attended before, plan on bringing the kids to a true family-oriented event that typically brings in 6,000 for the two days.

“We have a children’s area with a moonwalk, a skidder for them to drive, and a sawdust pile of prizes,” Booth said. “Smokey the Bear will make an appearance. Friday is our ‘Schools at the Show’ Day, and we invite school groups and youth such as 4H, FFA, Scouts and others to consider the show on a field trip.

“In addition to the show being educational for kids and those who have never been exposed to logging operations, we have a full continuing education program. All presentations are included with show admission.”

One of the show partners, the Mississippi Loggers Association, will have a display booth and sell items with proceeds benefitting Log-A-Load for Kids, a charity which supports Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson.

Jonathan Stoll grew up in the Mayhew community near Starkville and is the student president of the MSU chapter of the Society of American Foresters. They operate the concession stand at the event (their biggest fundraiser of the year) and will use the proceeds to attend the national SAF convention in Spokane, Washington, and the Southern Forestry Conclave at Auburn Uni-versity.

“Every forester’s primary job is to grow timber,” Stoll said. “However, without a working knowledge of how this timber is harvested, one is handicapped as to how to lay out all logistical things such as where roads and loading docks should be, and what products have a mill close enough to haul for a profit.

“This is all on top of having a great time at the Mid-South Show and getting to see some really cool equipment including spraying helicopters and all of the latest cutters, skidders and loaders.”

Exhibitors will be grouped in three areas: those in the covered pavilion will be in booths similar to what you might expect to find at a traditional trade show. The static exhibitors will be located in a field beyond the pavilion and showcase stationery equipment like trucks, trailers and tires. The live area features demonstra-tions of in-woods equipment, including skidders, loaders, chip-pers and more.

“On Saturday, many live area exhibitors cook on-site and ac-cept donations to benefit Log-A-Load,” Booth said. “The whole family can attend for just $10 if you pre-register on our web site, and just $15 if you pay at the gate. It’s a great opportunity to get out of the house, take a walk in the woods, and see something dif-ferent that can make you proud to be a Mississippian.” n

For more information, or to purchase tickets on line, visit midsouthforestry.org.

BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

The Mid-South Forestry and Equipment Show is the longest-running, live, in-woods equipment demonstration in the nation.


Jimmy Abraham“... forever maroon and white.”


D r. Jimmy Abraham, the Mississippi State University Alum-ni Association Executive Director and a man whose foot-print at the university will be felt for generations, describes

himself as completely directionless when he left his hometown of Clarksdale to attend college.

“My years at State were life-changing, and I mean that literal-ly,” Abraham said. “I enrolled as a person with no confidence and scared to death, for I transferred in from another university where I did not do well academically.

“When I graduated, I was a totally different person. Faculty and staff members were and are mentors to me. They wanted me to suc-ceed and helped me more than they will ever know. I met my best friends while a student and still keep in touch with them today. I got involved in the Student Association, one of the best outside class experiences that I could have ever had.”

“Jimmy has a natural, sincere and deep enthusiasm for faith, family, MSU and life,” said Dr. Roy Ruby, the MSU Vice President Emeritus for Student Affairs. Ruby met Abraham when he was a student leader and hired him later as Director of Orientation. “People around Jimmy sense that and feel better about themselves. I’ve never seen an administrator or faculty member in my 40 years at MSU who has attracted such affection, respect, and admiration from students as Jimmy Abraham.”

One of eight kids, Abraham’s first job gave him ample opportu-nity to hone the people skills he’s known for nationwide.

“My father owned a small grocery store, The Busy Corner, and I started working there when I was 13,” Abraham said. “Dad let me run the cash register when I was 14 and I thought this was big-

time. I enjoyed meeting and visiting with customers. “Mom and dad never went to high school, much less college, but

they wanted all of their children to have the opportunity to get a college education. Seven of us attended State only because of the sacrifices my parents made. There is no bigger fan today of Missis-sippi State than my dad.”

Abraham met his wife, Patti, on a blind date at the MSU-Ken-tucky football game in Jackson in 1973. They were married the following year and left MSU after graduation in 1975 to move to Greenwood, where Abraham worked for the Mississippi Heart As-sociation and Patti taught at Draughn’s Business College. But their true home was already calling.

“We both missed MSU,” Abraham said. “I decided to go back to school to work on my MBA and went to see Dr. Bill Foster in Stu-dent Affairs. He asked if I’d ever thought about working in Student Affairs. I told him I had, mainly because of the experience I had at State. My undergraduate GPA was high enough for admission, and all I needed was a bachelor’s degree.”

When Abraham got home, he told his young bride that he was en-rolling in the Student Affairs curriculum, not the MBA program.

“It was one of the best decisions I ever made, although I did not know it at the time,” Abraham said. “In the spring of 1977, I became the residence hall director of Evans Hall, an upperclassmen’s hall, and took the place of the last house mother in our residence halls on campus.

That fall I became the hall director of Duggar Hall, a freshman hall for men, and a year later I was named Coordinator of Orienta-tion.

BY JOE LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILANI SALTER

Jimmy Abraham’s family: Susan Sandin,

Joseph Abraham, Cathy Mitchell,

Tommy Abraham, Sue Abraham,

Nicky Abraham Tommy Abraham,

Jimmy Abraham and Angela Abraham,

taken in 1985.


“I continued working in student recruiting and orientation for more than 20 years. In 2002, I moved into the vice president for Student Affairs office, serving as associate vice pres-ident for Student Affairs, and for a year and a half was interim vice president. I have had 16 different titles during my 35 years working at State, most of them in Student Affairs, until 2005. That’s the year I started work in the division of Development and Alumni. It has been a true blessing to have had the opportunity tofor nearly all of my adult life.”

Tom Carskadon has taught in the MSU Psychology Department for well over a generation and began working closely with Abraham in 1987.

“Our goal was to create and deliver the best First Year Experience program in the country,” Carskadon said. “We never, ever could have done it without the tireless work and enthusiasm of Jimmy and his orientation staff. They were amazing, and the final product reflected their wonderful efforts. I will forever be grateful.

“He has always been a great teacher. His orientation leaders took a semester-long course on the history and pride and the ins and outs of MSU. He engaged them on a personal and meaningful level with fervor and an effectiveness rarely seen. He trained a generation of our finest student leaders, and they have gone on to remarkable suc-cesses.”

One of those student leaders was Jonathan Lee, now the president of Mississippi Products, Inc. in Jackson.

“When I arrived as a freshman at MSU I was told repeatedly that I needed to get involved with Roadrunner,” said Lee, who works with Abraham these days as a member of the National Alumni Board.

through the interview process and was fortunate enough to be cho-sen my first time out. From that moment on I was completely under the spell of this man who has a way of challenging young people to always give their best effort.

“After graduation I worked as a student recruiter in what was then called Enrollment Services. I was challenged every day by Dr. Jimmy. He was a true servant leader that led by example. He always arrived at the office in the predawn hours and was famous for never, ever taking lunch. Our office ran by the credo that ‘nothing is routine in dealing with the lives of people.’ That’s the most important thing Dr. Jimmy gave me.”

Katie Landry, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service who is based in Slidell, LA, met Abraham during the interview pro-cess before she became an MSU Alumni Delegate.

“Dr. Abraham single-handedly taught me more life lessons than most people I have known my whole life,” Landry said. “First, he taught me the importance of time. Whether it’s being on time or devoting time, he always reminds Alumni Delegates that once you devote your time to something, it is no longer yours.

Right: Jimmy Abraham and his sons, Jase, Josh and Jim, on a fishing trip in Florida in 2009.

Below: Jase and Whitney Abraham’s wedding June 25, 2011 with Jimmy Abraham and wife Patti, Jase, Josh, Jim and wife Morgan.

working in student more

In 2002, I moved into vice president for Student Affairs

It has been a true blessing to have had the opportunity to work at my alma mater

Tom Carskadon has taught in the MSU Psychology Department “I first met Dr. Abraham while going

through the interview process and was fortunate enough to be cho

Jimmy Abraham and MSU Alumni

Delegates in Disney World in September

2011.

On Abraham’s birthday, MSU Alumni Delegates gave him a crept myrtle with note cards with things they did for others

in honor of him. He placed them later on a permanent tree in his office to remember. He also received a cowbell board, a small

cowbell signed by each Delegate displayed on a piece of wood, from the Alumni Delegates.

“The second lesson is how little things really do become “The second lesson is how little things really do become big things. Whether it is through simple acts of kindness big things. Whether it is through simple acts of kindness like a written note or a little extra effort in school or the like a written note or a little extra effort in school or the workplace, the little things add up and can make a world of workplace, the little things add up and can make a world of difference. I cannot count the number of times I’ve rememdifference. I cannot count the number of times I’ve remem-bered this piece of advice, but I can say without a doubt it’s bered this piece of advice, but I can say without a doubt it’s my favorite thing Dr. Abraham taught me.”my favorite thing Dr. Abraham taught me.”

Patti Abraham hasPatti Abraham has three degrees from MSU. She re-tired in 2010 after 35tired in 2010 after 35 combined years at her alma mater and at Starkville High School. The couple has three sons, and at Starkville High School. The couple has three sons, all of whom are MSU graduates.all of whom are MSU graduates.

“Jim and Josh are head baseball coaches in Mississip“Jim and Josh are head baseball coaches in Mississip-pi,” Abraham said. “Jim is at Quitman High School and pi,” Abraham said. “Jim is at Quitman High School and Josh is at Warren Central High School in Vicksburg. Josh is at Warren Central High School in Vicksburg. Jase, our youngest, is a physical therapistJase, our youngest, is a physical therapist at Starkville Physical Therapy. One daughter-in-law, Morgan, is an Physical Therapy. One daughter-in-law, Morgan, is an elementary school teacher in Vicksburg,elementary school teacher in Vicksburg, and the other, Whitney, is a nurse at Oktibbeha County Hospital.Whitney, is a nurse at Oktibbeha County Hospital. I

may not have done much right in raising my sons, but I know may not have done much right in raising my sons, but I know they love Mississippi State and will support and promote our unithey love Mississippi State and will support and promote our uni-versity to anyone.”versity to anyone.”

A real honor for Abraham is the chance for MSU to host the Alumni Professionals in the Southeastern Conference (APSEC) from August 6-8.


Above:Memorabilia and vintage MSU photos displayed in Abraham’s office.

Right:The National Orientation Directors Association awarded Abraham as the Outstanding Orientation Professional in 1993.

Below: Abraham and his father, Tommy.

Above:Above:Memorabilia and vintage MSU photos displayed in Memorabilia and vintage MSU photos displayed in


“All alumni executive directors from the SEC and many of their professional staff will attend,” Abraham said. “We are especially excited to welcome the University of Missouri and Texas A&M alumni staffs to their first APSEC. This event rotates to each SEC school, so MSU won’t host this again for another 14 years. Our great alumni asso-ciation staff and so many oth-ers at MSU are working hard to make this a great experi-ence for our guests.

“We will welcome all col-leagues with open arms and do all we can to make it a great experience for them. Not only will we have infor-mative sessions, which include key-note addresses from Greg Sankey, Executive Associate Commissioner and COO of the Southeastern Con-ference and Richard Shadyac Jr., the CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but we will have the opportunity to learn the best practices from other outstanding universities as well as network with our friends.”

Abraham became the executive director of the MSU Alumni As-sociation in 2005.

“In my previous roles in Student Affairs, I worked with many stu-dents who were Roadrunners, orientation leaders

and student association leaders, all of whom are now alumni,” Abraham said. “I have enjoyed

so much getting to visit with many of them again, as well as the thou-sands of other alumni and friends who love our university. We have over 126,000 living alumni world-

wide, and they have a passion and loyalty for State that is truly

second to none. They do so much so often for MSU and are literally our voice around the world.”

“I can think of no one who has influenced so many peo-

ple at MSU,” Carskadon said. “It is therefore perfect that Jimmy Abraham serves as the executive director of the MSU Alumni As-sociation. No one can relate to our

alumni as well as Jimmy. The man is unfail-ingly kind, honest, and tirelessly dedicated to

everyone he works for and with. I am proud to call him a friend.

“Jimmy, like the Bulldog Nation he so perfectly exemplifies, is forever maroon and white.” n

30 townandgownmag.com | august 2012 Photo courtesy of alumni.msstate.edu.

Abraham speaks at the Central

Mississippi send-off party in August 2010.

Bailey Clark, Hannah Fischer, Rebecca Griffith and Cat Everett with their dorm room decorations for the upcoming semester.


Home Away from Home

Home Away from Home

Home Away

C ollege freshmen everywhere are preparing to launch the next phase of their lives without Mom and Dad to monitor their daily activities. With

the first taste of independence comes the all important task of creating their new home away from home – be it a dorm room or apartment.

It should be a place where they can study effectively and provide a homey sanctuary from outside stress, agreed Han-nah Fischer and Cat Everett, two Starkville High School grad-uates who will be rooming together in Ruby Hall at Missis-sippi State University.

“Hannah and I have been best friends since kindergarten, so it was understood that we would room together in college,” said Cat, daughter of Susan and Denis Everett. The pair, along with their mothers, took a recent shopping trip to Tuscaloosa to wander around Target where they found practically every-thing they will need to create an inviting space for the next nine months.

“The first thing we did was buy our bedspreads then pulled some colors from that to pick out everything else,” Cat said. “It will be easy because the spreads are very colorful.” Towels, washcloths, bath mats, shower supplies, clip-on lamps and rugs were next on the list.

“We also selected eating utensils, china, a coffee maker, a clock radio and lots of picture frames. “Since we’ve done every-thing together, it will be easy to pick photos to put around the room because we’re in most of them together,” she added.

Starkville Academy graduates and childhood friends Bailey Clark and Mallory Pitts will be rooming in South Hall. They had to get an early start selecting their dorm supplies since Mallory’s family has moved to Fairhope, Alabama since gradu-ation. She has also been preoccupied preparing for the State Distinguished Young Women competition where she will rep-resent Starkville.

The pair found the perfect bedspreads at Belk’s which Bai-ley described as a paisley with a wide range of colors including purple, yellow, blue and red. Using red as their accent color, they headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond and Kirkland’s to complete their boudoir including the purchase of towels, lamps, rugs, and a neutral colored futon for extra seating.

Bailey is the daughter of Robert and Leah Clark and Mallory is the daughter of Michael and Stepha-nie Pitts. The girls received some advice from their mothers, but the room will be uniquely theirs.

The pair spent the summer combing through stores between Starkville and Tuscaloosa search-ing for just the right items to coordinate their new living space. They even have someone do-ing some artwork for their walls. With a few last minute purchases, Bailey said they would be ready for move-in day on August 11.

Starkville High graduate Rebecca Grif-fith will room with Anna Barr, a freshman from Madison, Alabama. They met through a mutual friend who is an upperclassman. “She said Anna and I were so much alike that we would be great roommates,” added Rebecca who is the daughter of Hugh and Linda Griffith.

they headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond and Kirkland’s to complete their boudoir including the purchase of towels, lamps, rugs, and a neutral colored futon for

Bailey is the daughter of Robert and Leah Clark and Mallory is the daughter of Michael and Stepha-nie Pitts. The girls received some advice from their mothers, but the room will be uniquely theirs.

The pair spent the summer combing through stores between Starkville and Tuscaloosa search-ing for just the right items to coordinate their new living space. They even have someone do-ing some artwork for their walls. With a few last minute purchases, Bailey said they would

Starkville High graduate Rebecca Grif-fith will room with Anna Barr, a freshman from Madison, Alabama. They met through

BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA DANIELS


A shopping trip to Tuscaloosa this summer enabled Rebecca and Anna to get to know each other. They are going a differ-ent route in their interior decoration. Rather than be “matchy, matchy,” Rebacca said they will coordinate but follow their own individual sense of style.

Along with the towels and linens they are splitting the respon-sibilities of providing appliances such as a television set, coffee maker, floor sweeper and of course, cowbells and MSU blankets. “I also got us a laundry bag so we can go to my parents and wash clothes.” Old habits die hard.

“My aunt gave me a unique gift that we didn’t think of – a tool kit,” said Rebecca. She was told that the most popular girl in any dorm was the one with a screw driver because most students don’t think about such things.

All MSU double rooms are furnished with two beds, two desks, two chairs, two closets or wardrobes, a sink, towel racks, and a combination refrigerator/freezer and microwave. Beyond those items, it is up to the student to collect an assortment of products to help them personalize their space.

The average family of a college freshman is expected to spend $1,200 on furnishing and decorating his or her college dormito-ry room, according to the National Retail Federation (seattlepi.com). But before parents and their eager new householders start trying to fill lists of “dorm essentials” posted by retailers, they should re-examine admission packets or visit the school’s hous-ing Web site to learn which accessories are required or encour-aged and which are forbidden or discouraged.

Many residence halls, for example, forbid cooking appliances with open heating elements, including toasters. “Don’t buy any appliance or piece of furniture – even a beanbag chair – until you arrive at school to check out the space,” advised one upperclass-man.

Abby Spann, marketing and communications coordinator for the MSU Department of Housing noted there are some things which should be left at home. They include candles incense, fire-arms, halogen lights, heaters, satellite dishes, toasters, toaster ovens, hotplates and grills, pets, rope lights, party lights and wireless routers.

Abby noted that dorm rooms may not be painted, but students may decorate with posters and photographs to give their rooms a special touch of home.

She said cooking is permitted only with a microwave. All resi-dence halls are equipped with kitchens, and students are encour-aged to use them. The following types of student-owned appli-ances are permitted for use in the hall kitchen: sandwich makers, waffle irons, closed coil in-door electric grills, and crock pots.

With all the cooking going on, the girls said they were glad a membership to the Sanderson Center came with their tuition. The Freshman Fifteen (pounds) doesn’t have to happen to them. n

Abby Spann, marketing and communications coordinator for


Keep ‘em CominStarkville Blue Plate Specials

The Veranda Blue Plate specials.

Top: Boneless fried chicken

with gravy, squash, mashed potatoes and

corn bread.

Below: Boneless fried chicken

with gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes and fried green tomatoes.


With the dog days of summer weighing heavily upon us, it’s tempting to keep the kitchen cool and clean, and seek out a local diner for its plate lunch special of the day.

If you’re looking for a place that serves old-fashioned, down-home country cooking like your Grandma used to make, you’re in luck. The Starkville-Mississippi State University community has an abun-dance of eateries offering plate lunch specials aka “meat’n three” or “meat’n two” depending on the restaurant or deli.

The term “Blue Plate” is a throwback to the 1920s according to the Oxford English Dictionary which reports some restaurants began using blue dinner plates divided into compartments. As anyone of Southern heritage knows, the blue plate designation today lets din-ers know they have several meat choices and a pick of two or three sides from such Deep South staples as fried chicken, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens and fried green tomatoes.

With the economy in a slump, “Blue Plate Specials” are growing in popularity as diners discover they can get in and out for under $10 including drink and tax.

The fare is seldom available at large chains and all “Blue Plates” in Starkville are offered by independently owned restaurants. They are frequented by locals who often come early and claim the same tables week after week.

“We have large tables of regulars who visit the café every day,” said John Peeples, owner/operator of the Starkville Café. It has served at least seven generations of Starkville families since its establishment in 1945. Peeples bought the business three years ago and one of his priorities was to preserve its history, local flavor and home cooking.

“I consider myself more of a caretaker of this historic place,” he said. “We try to serve food from scratch, much the way it was pre-pared in the beginning.”

Also known for its breakfast items which may be ordered through-out the day, the café prides itself on daily Blue Plate specials. Cus-tomers come for the famous “duck butter” which is a homemade

syrup served over hotcakes and biscuits, Hopping John (black eye peas and rice) or the owners special blend of several kinds of greens nicknamed John Lee’s Dancing Greens.

From the time the restaurant opens at 6 a.m. (5 a.m. on Satur-days), a steady stream of regulars file in. There is the liar’s club table with “members” coming and going all day, and the “window group” which meets up front so they can watch passersby. John has recently added two 10-tops for law enforcement officers and MSU alumni.

At the other end of the spectrum is Starkville’s newest eatery which specializes in Meat’ Three in addition to more traditional sport bar fare. Open for a little over a year, The STAGgerIN Sports Grill is in the heart of the Cotton District and has bravely ventured into new “Blue Plate” territory.

“We offer our Gumbolaya as one of the meat specials. It is a combi-nation of gumbo and jambalaya,” said Jason Roden, owner/operator. He also offers some “off the beaten path” center of the plate items such as a vegan burger and wings which are doctored with Jason’s special rub and/or sauce which he will soon begin marketing.

The former regional manager for a large chain said he missed the daily contact with customers and the freedom to try new things. When the former home of the Cotton District Grill became available he snapped it up. Today he visits with his customers and takes to heart their suggestion and requests.

The Blue Plate option at the Veranda is a year-round favorite, said Jay Yates, owner and operator. He serves up 150 plates on an average day with the boneless fried chicken with creamy pepper gravy the all-time most popular item.

“And of course, our turnip greens and corn bread fly out of the kitchen,” Jay said. “We’re coming up on our 10 year anniversary and we figure we’ve made 30,000 pans of corn bread in our black iron skillets.” The Veranda corn bread was listed by Mississippi Magazine as one of the five top recipes in the State and both the Veranda and Restaurant Tyler are among the top five best Blue Plate Specials.

Starkville Cafe’ Blue Plate specials.

Left: Fried boneless pork chop, cole slaw, french fries and bread.

Right: Chicken spaghetti, green beans, tomatoes and zucchini and yeast roll.


BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE MASSEY

Restaurant Tyler Blue Plate special. Hamburger steak, cheese grits, green bean casserole and Vardaman sweet potato corn bread.


Jay Reed, a local food columnist and self proclaimed “foodie” had some thoughts on the meat’n three scene and he’s tried almost all of them.

“I don’t really have a favorite Blue Plate place, but I’ve had some pretty good individual dishes,” he said. “Yes-terday, I had the white bean ragout at Bin 612 which was excellent.” I also like John Lee’s Dancing Greens with pepper sauce at the Starkville Café and you can’t beat (Restaurant) Tyler’s cheese grits at any meal.”

Restaurateur Ty Thames of Restaurant Tyler also of-fers daily Blue Plate specials at two other restaurants he operates including Bin 612 and Zorba’s where he strives to incorporate locally grown produce and meats.

“Combining cooking elements from what would usu-ally be associated with French and Italian dining with Southern soul food makes the food at Restaurant Ty-ler a unique, classy and tasty place to eat in Starkville,” commented customer Kyle Wrather.

Jay noted that sit-down restaurants are not the only sources of Blue Plate specials. He discovered a notewor-thy plate lunch at the Fast Break on 182 which has fried chicken tenders “the size of your hand.” Chief cook and bottle washer Vincent Brooks said he gets an early start at the convenience store and opens his line – which is extensive – at 9 a.m. and keeps it going until 3 p.m.

Carol Moss Reed has also made the rounds of Starkville’s Blue Plate specials. “Aren’t we lucky in Starkville to have so many great places to get Southern Cooking? Carol observed.

“In my estimation, STAGerIN is definitely the best deal and their bacon wrapped tenderloin is oh so good. The squash casserole at Starkville Café is really, really delicious and the chicken spaghetti at Cappe’s is a fa-vorite of mine.”

Typical Blue Plate fare found at all area eateries in-cludes old favorites like mac and cheese, chicken and dumplins, hamburger steak, fried green tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and turnip greens. Meat choices typi-cally change from day to day but you can always count on comfort food just like Mama made. n

Meat’n Three

Cappe’s 105 Eckford Drive662-324-1987 $8 or meat and two plus dessert ($1 discount for senior citizens and students) Served 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

STAGerIN 106 Maxwell St.662-324-2447$7.50 Blue Plate and tax and drink included

The Veranda208 Lincoln Green662-323-1231 $8 Blue Plate and includes bread, drink and taxServed 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday-Friday and all day Sunday.

Meat’n Two

Belle’s Supermarket (formerly Piggly Wiggly) 118 Highway 12 W.662-324-1300$4.99 Blue PlateServed 11 a.m.-evening

Bin 612 612 University Drive662-324-6126$6.95 Blue PlateServed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Brian Michael’s Meat Market & Deli 831 Highway 12 W.662-323-1990 $7 Blue Plate and includes bread and drink. Served 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Fast Break1201 Highway 82 W.662-320-6580$6.99 Blue PlateServed Monday – Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday

Grumpy’s 105 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive W.662-323-1132 $6.95 Blue Plate Hilton Garden Inn 975 Highway 12 E.662-615-9664$8.95 Blue PlateServed 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Kroger Deli826 Highway 12 W.662-324-8032 $5.49 Blue PlateServed 11 a.m.-evening Restaurant Tyler and Zorba’s (Upstairs)100 E. Main St.662- 324-1014$8.72 Blue Plate Served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday

Starkville Café211 University Drive662-323-1665$8 includes tax and drink Served 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. everyday but Saturday

Walmart Deli 1010 Highway 12 W.662-324-0374$4.95 Blue Plate and includes bread

Starkville Blue Plates



1

A Dash of Southern

1: Pickard. Mak B 2: Arte Italica Castello. Thyme3: Vietri. Giggleswick4: Foriegn cake plate and dome. Thyme 5: Vessels pottery. Giggleswick6: Vietri. Giggleswick7: Casa Fina. Mak B

2 3 4

5


6

7

Helping MississippiansGive a Helping Hand

Extra Table Executive Director Raven Tynes at Extra Table’s booth at the Festival South Arts Market.


Until a few years ago, Robert St. John was rocking along Until a few years ago, Robert St. John was rocking along U- raising his family, autographing his cookbooks for adorU- raising his family, autographing his cookbooks for adorU -ing fans, running four restaurants, and serving as poster Uing fans, running four restaurants, and serving as poster U

boy for Southern culture – particularly the edible variety.He has become well-known across the mid South, and frequently

schedules appearances locally to conduct cooking demonstrations for the Starkville Arts Council and the Starkville Public Library.

The author of seven books, his latest project is a coffee table cookbook entitled “Southern Seasons.” It features watercolors by his friend, Wyatt Waters, who partnered with him on the popular “A Southern Palate.” Other books to his credit include “New South Grilling,” “Deep South Parties,” “Nobody’s Poet,” “Deep South Sta-ples,” and “My Mississippi.”

Experimentation with food has been a lifelong passion and he has become one of Mississippi’s best known “foodies.”

“I got an Easy-Bake oven when I was six years old. That’s what I asked for Christmas that year,” Robert said. “I got a little flack from asked for Christmas that year,” Robert said. “I got a little flack from

my brother and the other boys in the neighborhood. They laughed at me, but laughed with their mouths full, eating those little cakes that came out of that thing when you cooked with a light bulb.”

His passion caught fire after college and as a very young man, he opened his flagship restaurant, The Purple Parrot Café. Located in his hometown of Hattiesburg, the white tablecloth, fine dining es-tablishment achieved instant success. To give his customers a more casual option, he opened the Crescent City Grill right next door. Then came the Mahogany Bar and more recently, Tabella, a “scratch” Italian-themed eatery. All have earned the reputation of providing excellent food with attentive service.

In the meantime he has become a colorful newspaper columnist with weekly humor-packed commentaries on a wide range of food related issues from weight loss to organic gardening.

He rarely had time to worry about Mississippi’s problems includ-ing one of its most pervasive – hunger, especially among its chil-dren.dren.

BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUBMITTED

Extra Table was created by Robert St. John to help supply mission pantries and soup kitchens with food they need. 100% of all food-package donations go directly to our agency partners.


“For years I had a very cynical attitude toward hunger in Mis-sissippi. ‘Get a job,’ was my attitude. What I learned is that many clients who receive food from mission pantries are employed. They are single mothers trying to make ends meet or retirees trying to decide whether to pay the electric bill or buy food.”

One day Robert got a call from the local food bank which was running out of food and more than 800 families were about to lose their lifeline. He picked up the phone and enlisted the support of his sales rep with Sysco Foods. Together, they managed to cover the immediate need but that was only a band-aid approach. Robert realized that powers beyond himself were challenging him to do something about a growing problem in his beloved Mississippi.

“I began to think that businesses and individuals would give more freely – and more often – if there were an easier way to do it,” said St. John. “I wondered: What if every restaurant, business, and home in Mississippi had an extra table just to feed the needy. The idea for Extra Table was born.”

Today, Extra Table is a non-profit organization partnering with Sysco, The Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson to make it easier to raise the money needed to alleviate one of Mississippi’s most press-ing problems.

Robert’s idea was to make it easier for school groups, civic organi-zations, banks, churches, and hundreds of individuals to purchase food packages or donate food earmarked for soup kitchens. He said private donations are used to purchase healthy foods – low-sugar fruits, low-fat meats, vegetables and healthy grains.

Today, 17 soup kitchens across the state are the beneficiaries of his efforts, and they feed thousands of families annually.

“Growing children who were surviving on a school breakfast and a school lunch, but were not eating again until the next morning, are being fed a healthy dinner thanks to the program,” he said.

Robert challenges restaurant managers or owners to contact their Sysco marketing associate and instruct them to add bundles of food to their regular orders to be delivered to the local food pan-try or soup kitchen. Operations without a Sysco account may call 1-800-366-0063.

Extra Table Executive Director Raven Tynes with Love’s Kitchen volunteers.

Extra Table Executive Director Raven Tynes with Walker Satterwhite from the Mississippi Food Network.

Any other organization or individual who wishes to make a tax deductible monetary donation may mail it to The Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation in Hattiesburg (pinebeltfoundation.org) at 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208, Hattiesburg MS 39401, (601-583-6180); or The Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (cf-583-6180); or The Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (cf-583-6180); or The Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (cfgreaterjackson.org), 525 East Capitol Street; Suite 5B, Jackson, MS greaterjackson.org), 525 East Capitol Street; Suite 5B, Jackson, MS 39201 (601 974-6044). All donations go to purchase food.

Any food bank or soup kitchen hoping to join the network should contact Raven Tynes at 601-264-0672.

In the meantime, Robert continues his quest to develop the best recipes to please his guests, family and friends. n


Pineapple SorbetMakes 1 quart

1/2 c. water3/4 c. sugar1/4 c. Karo syrup1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice1 large ripe pineapple, rind and core removed and cubed, approx. 5 c.

Make simple syrup by placing the water and sugar in a small sauce pot and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cool the syrup com-pletely. Place the simple syrup, Karo syrup, lemon juice and pineapple in a blender. On high speed, puree the mixer until it is smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer and refrigerate for one hour. Fol-lowing the manufacturer’s directions of an electric ice cream machine, freeze the liquid. Remove from the ice cream maker and store covered in the freezer for 2 hours before serving. The sorbet may be made and held in the freezer for one week.

Minted CookiesMakes 12-16 cookies

1/2 c. butter1 /4 c. sugar1 medium Egg1/2 tsp. mint extract1 tsp vanilla extract1 1/2 c. flour1/4 tsp. baking powder10 peppermints, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and extracts. Sift flour and baking powder together, stir into mixture. Refrigerate about 1 hour, or until dough is firm enough to roll. On a floured surface, roll to 1/8 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Sprinkle the tops with the crushed peppermint pieces. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Fresh Strawberries with Crème AnglaisMakes 8 servings

1 c. cream1 c. half and half2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier3/4 c. sugar, divided5 egg yolks2 tsp. vanilla extract4 pints fresh strawberries, hulls removed and berries quartered1/2 c. sugar1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

In a 1 quart stainless steel pot bring the cream, half and half, Grand Marnier, vanilla and half of the sugar to a simmer. While it is heating, combine the yolks and remaining sugar in a mixing bowl and whip until light in color. Slowly temper (pour) the cream mixture into yolks. Once all of the cream has been added into the yolk mixture, return the mixture back to the pot. Cook over low-medium heat stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, do not use a whip. Cook until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat a spoon or spatula. Remove from the heat, pour the sauce immediately into a stainless steel bowl and cool down over an ice bath. Refrigerate until needed. This sauce will hold for 3-4 days covered and refrigerated. While the sauce is cooling, prepare the strawberries. Place the cleaned and cut berries in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the sugar and lemon juice over the berries and gently toss until evenly distributed. Do this 1-2 hours prior to serving. Drizzle one quarter cup of the sauce over the berries and serve.

Extra Table booth at the Festival South

Arts Market.

Meals being made at Christian Services in Hattiesburg.

Extra Table’s Favorite Dishes:



L ooking for something fun to do on a warm AuL ooking for something fun to do on a warm AuL -gust evening?L gust evening?L On August 17, Friends of the Museum will

host a Denim and Diamonds gala which will provide funds Lhost a Denim and Diamonds gala which will provide funds Lfor some of the indoor and outdoor projects of the Oktib-beha County Heritage Museum – particularly the green roof pavilion being constructed last month in front of the build-ing.

The event will be held at the Shrine Club on Old Highway 25 South beginning at 7 p.m.

“A Western theme will be carried out in decorations, food and music; and attendees are encouraged to don their boots and hats along with real or imitation bling,” said Wanda Thorne, president of the Friends.

“Barbecue and fixins will be provided as well as musical entertainment,” she added. “A silent auction featuring jew-entertainment,” she added. “A silent auction featuring jew-entertainment,” she added. “A silent auction featuring jewelry and framed photographs from the “My Oktibbeha,” a student photography project.

Door prizes will be awarded during the evening. A high-light will be an exhibit honoring two residents as “Legends of the Past and Present.”

Tickets are $35 and are available at The Book Mart, Thyme, the museum and from any Friends of the Museum board member. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

This is the first benefit function the Friends have hosted, according to Wanda Thorne, Friends president. “Many local businesses and individuals are helping sponsor this event. We hope it will become an annual affair,” Wanda added. n

For more information, email [email protected].

Denim & DiamondsBenefitting the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum

BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUBMITTED


Go Greek

he week before Fall semester at Missis-sippi State University begins, hundreds of prospective sorority women will flood

campus in an effort to find their perfect home away from

Sorority recruitment is an exciting and sometimes stressful time. What will recruitment be like? How will I know which sorority to choose? What if they don’t like me? What do I wear? Though selecting the right soror-ity is up to the individual, this recruitment guide should help answers and prepare you to put your best foot for-

“One thing we really want to tell the ladies coming through is that their values are very important and to remember what those are before they come so they can look at each sorority’s values and see if theirs match up,” says Katie Burch, director of membership at MSU. “A value of mine is being involved in my community, so go-ing through recruitment myself, I was able to ask the so-rorities how they were involved, and what I could do to

Panhellenic Director of Recruitment Cameron McBride also encourages ladies to enter into the week with an open mind “because each sorority on our campus is amazing and a joy to be a part of.”

Recruitment week begins August 11. Ladies will visit each of the seven houses over the course of two days. These two Go Greek days are casual and prospective greek ladies should wear their recruitment T-shirts they receive at orientation and comfortable bottoms such as shorts or skirts. Comfortable shoes are also a must as the

“Girls should remember that they will be outside a lot and comfort before cuteness may matter,” Katie ex-

The third night of recruitment is philanthropy night. The women will visit a maximum of six houses for 45 minutes each. At each house, the girls will help make a craft that helps benefit the house’s specific local or na-tional philanthropy. Each house will also show a video that will give visitors more information about their phi-lanthropy and activities throughout the year the sorority does for their organization. As many prospective sorority women are also concerned about giving back to the com-munity, this is an important night to take notes about

BY SHEA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA DANIELSThe week before Fall semester at MissisThe week before Fall semester at MissisTsippi State University begins, hundreds Tsippi State University begins, hundreds Tof prospective sorority women will flood Tof prospective sorority women will flood T

campus in an effort to find their perfect home away from home.

Sorority recruitment is an exciting and sometimes stressful time. What will recruitment be like? How will I know which sorority to choose? What if they don’t like me? What do I wear? Though selecting the right sorority is up to the individual, this recruitment guide should help answers and prepare you to put your best foot forward.

“One thing we really want to tell the ladies coming through is that their values are very important and to remember what those are before they come so they can look at each sorority’s values and see if theirs match up,” says Katie Burch, director of membership at MSU. “A value of mine is being involved in my community, so going through recruitment myself, I was able to ask the sororities how they were involved, and what I could do to make sure I was involved, too.”

Panhellenic Director of Recruitment Cameron McBride also encourages ladies to enter into the week with an open mind “because each sorority on our campus is amazing and a joy to be a part of.”

Recruitment week begins August 11. Ladies will visit each of the seven houses over the course of two days. These two Go Greek days are casual and prospective greek ladies should wear their recruitment T-shirts they receive at orientation and comfortable bottoms such as shorts or skirts. Comfortable shoes are also a must as the girls will be walking sorority row.

“Girls should remember that they will be outside a lot and comfort before cuteness may matter,” Katie explained.

The third night of recruitment is philanthropy night. The women will visit a maximum of six houses for 45 minutes each. At each house, the girls will help make a craft that helps benefit the house’s specific local or national philanthropy. Each house will also show a video that will give visitors more information about their philanthropy and activities throughout the year the sorority does for their organization. As many prospective sorority women are also concerned about giving back to the community, this is an important night to take notes about

BY SHEA ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA DANIELS

30 townandgownmag.com | january 201246 30 46 30 townandgownmagtownandgownmagtownandgownmagtownandgownmag.townandgownmag..com.comcomcomcom | com | com | comcomcom | com | | | | | com | | | com | januaryaugustjanuary2012january2012january 201220122012

Paris Perret models a Verty fuchsia dress with flower detail and DeBlossom taupe heels from Deep South Pout.

which sorority’s philanthropy matches what means most which sorority’s philanthropy matches what means most to the them. Outfits should be cute and comfortable to the them. Outfits should be cute and comfortable while still showing off the personality of the recruitee. while still showing off the personality of the recruitee. Sun dresses, rompers and shorts with cute tops are perSun dresses, rompers and shorts with cute tops are per-fect for philanthropy night.

Night four is theme night and “definitely the best day of Night four is theme night and “definitely the best day of recruitment,” Katie said. The ladies will visit a maximum recruitment,” Katie said. The ladies will visit a maximum of four houses this night, which is like a night out to the of four houses this night, which is like a night out to the theatre. Each house has fun skits prepared that show off theatre. Each house has fun skits prepared that show off each chapter’s personality and what makes them unique. each chapter’s personality and what makes them unique. The dress for theme night is less casual than previous The dress for theme night is less casual than previous nights, and ladies should wear dresses. nights, and ladies should wear dresses.

The last night of recruitment is preference night. By The last night of recruitment is preference night. By this night, the recruitees will visit just two houses at the this night, the recruitees will visit just two houses at the most. Ladies should wear more formal clothing similar most. Ladies should wear more formal clothing similar to what they would wear to Easter church services or a to what they would wear to Easter church services or a wedding.

“These parties are the most sincere and you see sister“These parties are the most sincere and you see sister-hood represented throughout the whole day,” Cameron hood represented throughout the whole day,” Cameron explained.

Recruitment week concludes on Bid Day, and each Recruitment week concludes on Bid Day, and each woman will find out who their life-long sisters will be. woman will find out who their life-long sisters will be. The sorority women are just as excited and nervous as The sorority women are just as excited and nervous as their prospective new sisters are on this day. Each chaptheir prospective new sisters are on this day. Each chap-ter spends the day preparing for their new members and ter spends the day preparing for their new members and later in the day, the amphitheater is flooded with a sea of later in the day, the amphitheater is flooded with a sea of Panhellenic color.

Before the soon-to-be new sorority women make their Before the soon-to-be new sorority women make their way to the amphitheater, they first meet with their Gamway to the amphitheater, they first meet with their Gam-ma Chi leaders in the Union ballroom where they are ma Chi leaders in the Union ballroom where they are handed their envelope that contains their sorority match. handed their envelope that contains their sorority match. Before the women can open their envelopes, the Gamma Before the women can open their envelopes, the Gamma Chi’s perform a skit, which reveals their sorority affiliaChi’s perform a skit, which reveals their sorority affilia-tion. This is very exciting for all the women because the tion. This is very exciting for all the women because the Gamma Chi’s have been separated from their sororities Gamma Chi’s have been separated from their sororities for the entire summer and their greek homes have been a for the entire summer and their greek homes have been a secret to all the new ladies.

Then the countdown begins, and at one, all the new Then the countdown begins, and at one, all the new ladies tear open their envelopes to find out where home ladies tear open their envelopes to find out where home will be.

“That is the best moment for sure,” Katie said. “It’s so “That is the best moment for sure,” Katie said. “It’s so exciting to see everyone’s faces light up.”exciting to see everyone’s faces light up.”

After the new women join their group, everyone heads After the new women join their group, everyone heads back to their houses for a welcome party that will kick off back to their houses for a welcome party that will kick off a life-long friendship and sense of belonging. a life-long friendship and sense of belonging. n


Victoria Mayhall models a Ladakh

coral dress and Besty Johnson

polka dot clutch with gold chain strap from L.A. Green.


Right:Ty Pulliam models a Lacoste button down, Mountain Khaki lake lodge twill pants, Franco Tassi navy blazer and Murphy traitt shoes from Reed’s.

Left:Chris Cameron models a Lacoste white button up, Mountain Khaki navy pants, pink bow tie and Johnston and Cole Haan gunnison shoes from Reed’s.


Right:Lindsay Ishee

models a Zinga dress,

Dollhouse heels and Golden Stella

necklace from Deep South Pout.

Left:Griffin Burk

models a Berle stripe seer sucker pants

Viscanti linen shirt and Cole Haan santa

Barbara shoes from Reed’s.

Claire’s Style Update

Claire MasseyClaire Massey

Claire Massey is Town and Gown Magazine’s Editor. She has a fashion blog Tur-Koiz (tur-koiz.blogspot.com), is a featured stylist for stylesays.com and a Mississippi State Uni-versity Fashion Board alumni. alumni.

10 Essentials to a Woman’s Closet

1 Jeans { Two Styles }

2 Trench Coat

3 Classic White Shirt

4 Basic T-shirt

5 Classic Watch

6 Any Occasion Shirt

7 Little Black Dress8 Day Dress

9 Light Jacket or Blazer10 Heeled and Flat Shoes

52 52 townandgownmag.com | com | com august 2012

10 Essentials to a Man’s Closet

1 White Polo Shirt

2 Versatile Blue Jeans

3 Button-up Sports Shirt

4 Tie

5 V-Neck Sweater

6 Khaki Pants

7 Casual Sports Jacket8 Loafers

9 Sneakers10 Black Suit How to tie a tie:

53

6Courtney Jones JewelryOccasions

3Danica Studio Laptop Cases & Danica Studio Laptop Cases & Poetic Barrel Cosmetic BagPoetic Barrel Cosmetic BagAspen Bay

5Children Books &Educational GamesAspen Bay


5Children Books &

55Sorority giftsSorority giftsMak B


6Sorority GiftsThe Purple Elephant

3Decorative FramesDecorative FramesNebbletts

Cuff Bracelets 4Sisters

5Memory Games for Boys & Girls, Al-phabet Flash Cards

5Memory Games for Boys & Girls, Al-phabet Flash Cards & Go Fish Game.Sprout Baby Home Garden

Comfort Color Comfort Color 4 Mississippi State Mississippi State University T-shirtsBook Mart

78 townandgownmag.com | july 2012 townandgownmag.com | january 2012 30 56 townandgownmag.com | august 2012

J ustine Couvillion is on a fast track to realize the dream she’s harbored since she was old enough to look at the pictures in a fashion magazine.

The Starkville native and former MSU Fashion Board president decided to start at the top when she took her first step to break into the fashion scene. Upon graduating from Mississippi State Univer-sity in 2008, she landed a job in New York City, the unequivocal cen-tral command post for fashion trendsetters around the world.

She was hired as an intern with Rag & Bone, an up-and-coming fashion house that features wearable clothing which melds classic tailoring with an edgy, yet understated New York aesthetic.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” said Justine. “Within weeks after arriving in New York, I was promoted to a full-time posi-tion and named assistant to the West Coast sales executive.”

Her success from that point was dizzying. In less than a year, she was promoted to junior sales associate for the West Coast which soon led to her current position as senior account executive for the women’s collection on the West Coast.

“I work with a team of three and we split the country into three regions with our home base in Yew York. We are like family and I love that aspect of my work,” she said.

Justine has been sketching her fashion ideas since she was a stu-dent at Starkville High School. “During her junior year, she brought home the gold award during the state art competition and qualified to go on to the national contest,” said her mother, Linda Couvillion McGrath of Starkville. “She also earned five silver awards for her de-signs as a high school senior.”

A member of the MSU Fashion Board during all four years of col-lege, she was elected president during her junior and senior years. She is responsible for launching the popular Cotton District fashion shows.

Justine spends much of her time in Los Angeles where she is do-miciled at the iconic Chateau Marmont Hotel. Her days are spent coordinating runway shows for fashion buyers who are looking to stock their stores with next season’s collection. She has also modeled the Rag & Bone collection for Intermix, a partner company, which

uses the Internet to feature the latest fashions. Last year, Justine was selected from 1,200 entries as one of eight

women to model for Bergdorf & Lucky Magazine which was testing the idea of having “real women” featured in their contemporary lines. She also made store window appearances in Bergdorf ’s 5th Avenue Store during the month of October.

“In making the selection, they told me they loved my Mississippi accent and tomboyish style,” she said. “It was a little intimidating at first but it was such a cool experience. We were on the set for the magazine shoot for a full day doing hair, makeup and nails.”

Living in New York City has been an education for the Mississippi-born and raised Justine.

“I guess you could say it’s about sacrifice,” she noted. “I will always love New York, but the cost of living is outrageous. It can be the most rewarding experience depending on how hard you are willing to work.”

Justine lived in Manhattan for the first four years of her assign-ment, two in Gramercy on the East Side, and Chelsea on the West Side for the last two years.

“I’m definitely a downtown girl, but I was tired of having so little space, so I recently moved to East Williamsburg in Brooklyn,” she said. “Life here is slower paced and more relaxing, and the (expand-ed) space is divine! I am only a 20-minutes subway ride to Manhat-tan.”

Meanwhile, her company has experienced record growth during Justin’s tenure – growing its workforce from 32 to more than 100. It will expand again in the fall when it opens a retail store in Los Angeles.

“This has been an amazing job from the very beginning,” she said. “I have learned a lot about the business and enjoy the runway pre-sentations. It has been so cool to witness first hand the process from design/development process to styling/model casting, on to show time.”

“Sometimes I forget what year it is because we are working so far ahead,” said Justin. She is now focused on organizing the pre-spring 2013 collection. n

Stark in the City

BY EMILY JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Photo courtesy of citizencouture.com.


Couvillion’s Fall 2012Must HavesMy Fall ’12 must haves are of course mostly rag

& bone. I can’t wait to receive: The Boleyn DouBle BreasTeD Blazer is my next favorite as it is an ombre herringbone wool and is super chic with a T-shirt and simple jean. Here at rag & bone, we are also known for our amazing Knitwear. The lIsBeTH crew is an absolute must this herringbone metallic yarn was featured in our runway show. To finish the look I will need the HyDe Jean – leather front and denim back.ean – leather front and denim back.eanFor my feet I choose the rag & bone classIc newBuryboot in black calf hair. This is one of the most comfortable shoes we make and can easily go day to evening. also, a also, a agirl MusT have a classic bag. This Proenza scHoul-er Ps 11, albeit extremely pricey, it is bound to be in your closet for years. shown in forest embossed leather.

Ican’t wait for the rag & bone floral/leather varsity inspired jacket and you can never go

wrong with a navy leather biker jacket. I can’t tell all of our secrets, but I will say that there is a lot of color in our future.

Justine couvillion and her colleague, nancy rosenbloom, fashion blog is The strangeurs. Take a look at thestrangeurs.tumblr.com.


BY JUSTINE COUVILLION | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUBMITTED

to America. In addition to the new school, Unhei (pronounced Yoon-hey) worries about being accepted by her new classmates and learning new customs. This book carefully covers the topics of teasing and new friendships in a way that all children can easily

identify.Maria Dismondy has written

an exceptional book about appreciating yourself for who you are. This is a difficult lesson for so many children, as they want to be a part of the “in crowd”. In Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, Lucy learns to be who she is despite the bullying and name calling from some of her classmates. Courage and compassion are two great values

emphasized through this story.A new school year brings

with it on word that makes children and parents quiver – HOMEWORK. It’s a fact of life and everyone has to do it. Trevor Romain has written an engaging story filled with valuable insights on tackling the homework hassle. How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up is a funny read for middle grade students, and they can share the lessons learned with younger brothers and sisters.

Get Organized Without Losing It, by Janet Fox, is another “self-help” for children. Included in this practical and funny book are tips on getting rid of desk and locker clutter, keeping up with papers and learning to manage time wisely.

Whatever the age or situation, the first day of each school year is an important milestone. So grab a good book, get the camera ready, and make this school year the best one yet. n

For children entering school for the first time, the excitement of the first day can be clouded by some fears of separation and change in routine. Join Lola as she tries her best to give reasons for not going to school, all of which are countered by her big brother’s outlandish responses. Lauren Child’s book,

I am Too Absolutely Small for School, will have even the smallest

student excited about going to school.Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell very gently

describes all of the fun and exciting things to do in kindergarten. While Tim believes that everything in “big school” will be too much for him, his visit to open house teaches him that everything at his new school will be just perfect for him. Check out other Anne Rockwell books, such as My Preschool and First Day of School for additional comfortable

reading about the new school year.

Many children have to make the move to a new school, and this can be a very difficult time of transition for the “new child”. But all children need to learn how to be more accepting of new students and new situations. The Name Jar is a delightful book about a young Korean girl who moves with her family

The sounds of school bells will soon echo down the halls for students and teachers as another school year begins. This can be an exciting time for students as well as a time of discomfort concerning the unknown. The first day of any school

year – whether it be preschool, elementary school, or high school and college – offers opportunities for learning far beyond the three “Rs”. Friendships, accomplishments and challenges are all parts of the school environment. Of course, there are many books that can guide students, teachers and parents along the way.

Reading AloudBOOK REVIEWS

BY HELLEN POLK


{ On the Page

In his Collected Stories, Marquez guides readers

through a magical world of stories that can be

read and enjoyed countless times over. He is a

master at storytelling, engulfing readers simply

by using his famous surreal style of writing and

his vibrant words and images. In the funny A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, a poor old

man with wings falls from the sky during a storm

in a little South American village, and since its

inhabitants are superstitious, they assume he’s

a heaven-sent angel. They put him in a chicken

coop and tell everyone they have an angel, so

people from all over come with odd issues such

as a man that could not sleep because the stars’

noise kept him up. Another woman could not

stop counting and had run out of digits to count.

Another tale, The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World depicts children playing near the

sea and seeing a bulky mass approaching. They

first think it an enemy ship but discover it is a

corpse. Other must-reads include Erendira and her Heartless Grandmother and Death Constant Beyond Love.

C olumbian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez recently announced his retirement from writing due to the onset of dementia.

Throughout his storied career, Marquez wrote novels, short stories and nonfiction, and he also was a talented journalist.

He is a Nobel Prize in Literature winner, amongst many other notable awards, and his works have been translated from his native

Spanish to numerous other languages and oftentimes, to film. Literary fans the world over are mourning the end of Marquez’s career.

To celebrate his life and work, here are a few titles that exemplify what a significant mark Marquez left on world literature.

Reading the Classics

News of a KidnappingNews of a Kidnapping shows Marquez’s journalistic side,

recounting the experiences of prisoners of the Columbian drug

war, under the helm of the notorious Pablo Escobar. Marquez’s

writing is so detailed and pointed that even across the wide

cultural gap, he makes readers

understand the feeling of the

Columbian people during

that time – that is, of having

one’s personal and physical

integrity in constant jeop-

ardy. He brings readers into

world where people lived in

fear of falling prey to kidnap-

pers, and dealing with the

knowledge no one – not even

the very young or the very old

– was safe. Márquez exposed

an instance that apparently

no one else would by describing the kidnapping of numerous

Colombian journalists. He details how they lived during their

endless months of captivity, their families’ reactions and their

sense of desperation; the negotiations, and moreover, the sacri-

fice of human life for greed. n

One Hundred Years of Solitude Marquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude is the entranc-

ing story of the lives of the Buendia family. Lively, unique char-

acters like Jose Arcadio Buendia, the family patriarch, whose

pursuits include getting a daguerreotype of God are both hilari-

ous and engaging. More humor

abounds, including a supposed

insomnia plague which causes

the town to label every item

in their house including the

cow. With every vivid world,

Marquez questions the limits

of reality and unearths magi-

cal aspects of ordinary life. He

makes readers accept flying

carpets as truth, and even

the most fantastical elements

reveal something interesting

about Latin culture. Despite

its length, the novel is an easy,

quick read. Each character, as the title makes evident, has his

or her own private battle between how much solitude is helpful

and necessary and how much is crippling, and even the most

absurd ways in which they deal with their conflicts reveals loads

of truth about the human condition.

BOOK REVIEWSBY KATE SALTER


{ On the Page

Collected Stories

M ississippi State University marks its fourth year of the Maroon Edition program beginning this month and into

the upcoming fall semester with various celebrations, activities and events centered around the 2012 selection, Unbowed by Unbowed by UnbowedKenyan author Wangari Maathai. Nancy Hargrove, retired MSU professor of English and member of the Maroon Edition selection committee, said, “The book is special for a number of reasons. It is a very inspirational account of how one woman (Maathai) made a huge difference in many ways. It also touches on numerous important subjects. For example, as she founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977 to plant trees in Kenya, the book speaks to environmental concerns. She also is a leading example of how women are attaining a more prominent role in the world; she was elected to Kenya’s Parliament in 2002 and was appointed assistant minister for the environment in 2003.”

A yearly program which promotes readership of a common work of literature, the Maroon Edition began its first campaign in 2009, featuring MSU alumnus John Grisham’s novel “A Painted House.” Since then, beginning each summer and throughout the fall semester, the Maroon Edition especially encourages the incoming freshman class at Mississippi State as well as both the university and Starkville communities to participate in opportunities for conversation, education and discourse about that year’s chosen book and its author.

Selections for each Maroon Edition are made with much care and attention from a committee of university faculty members and officials. The inclusion of Unbowed reflects its unique importance Unbowed reflects its unique importance Unbowedto the program as a whole, according to Hargrove.

“Since our previous book focused on Mississippi, we wanted this year to go to a different part of the world, and we hope that this book will provide readers with many insights into Kenya in particular and Africa in general,” Hargrove said.

Maroon Edition committee chair Linda Morse, professor of counseling and educational psychology at MSU, said, “We try to choose a book that’s high interest, not too long that essentially introduces our students to some ideas, people, places and characters that they have not perhaps had any experience with.” Freshman students each receive a copy of the book when they attend summer Orientation on campus.

Students at MSU are part of a nationwide university student community that has the opportunity to participate in a common reading program like the Maroon Edition. Mississippi State is

one of many universities in the United States offering a common reading program and has led the way for the similar programs at other institutions in the Magnolia State.

“We were the first (Mississippi university) to start this sort of program,” Morse said. While Morse acknowledges that each individual university has its own approaches, the essential ideals remain the same, and it is a concept that is growing in popularity.

Although the goal of the Maroon Edition is primarily student-centered, the mission also extends to everyone connected to MSU and Starkville. Morse says that there is ample opportunity for outside involvement.

“Everyone is invited to our events,” Morse said. “They open, and they’re free.”

Those who participate in this year’s events will be afforded the chance to partake in community service, academic enrichment

and discussions, and guest visits from political and organizational leaders the world over.

“We are planning numerous programs for the fall semester, including a visit by the ambassador of Kenya,” said Hargrove. The ambassador, The Honorable Elkanah Odembo, is slated to appear at Mississippi State Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Taylor Auditorium of McCool Hall on the MSU campus.

Much like the selection of the books for the program, the events surrounding that selection are meticulously planned. Morse said every activity this year, from art exhibits to guest speakers to an essay contest for freshmen, is designed to enhance the issues brought forward by “Unbowed.”

“First of all, we wanted to have a service component,” Morse said.

Many of these service-oriented projects will be held this month. Beginning on Aug. 10, a groundbreaking ceremony will usher in the annual Habitat for Humanity

project held in conjunction with the Maroon Edition, in which any interested member of the Starkville/MSU community can participate in buildling a house for a family in need. On Aug. 13, a Reading Blitz will be held from 1-3 p.m. in area schools.

Morse said she is proud of the progress the program has made in the few years since its installation and envisions a solid future for the Maroon Edition at MSU.

“It’s definitely growing,” Morse said. “We know more students are getting involved.”

Morse also believes that the Maroon Edition does much to enhance the academic quality of Mississippi State, specifically that of incoming freshmen.

“We (the Maroon Edition committee members) think it brings a special edge to the experience at MSU,” Morse said. “I think it helps us bring in the best of what a liberal arts education should be.”

Events will continue throughout the fall and even into the spring semester, both on campus and in the Starkville community.

For more information on future events planned around the Maroon Edition program and Unbowed, visit maroonedition.Unbowed, visit maroonedition.Unbowedmsstate.edu. n

political and organizational leaders the world over.

for the fall semester, including a visit by the ambassador of Kenya,” said Hargrove. The ambassador, The Honorable Elkanah Odembo, is slated to appear at Mississippi StateAuditorium of McCool Hall on the MSU campus.

the program, the events surrounding that selection are meticulously planned. Morse said every activity this year, from art exhibits to guest speakers to an essay contest for freshmen, is designed to enhance the issues brought forward by “Unbowed.”

component,” Morse said.

will be held this month. BeginningAug. 10, a groundbreaking ceremony will usher in the annual Habitat for Humanity

{ On the Page

BY KATE SALTER

Maroon Edition



Not every artist takes lessons as a child, although nearly all start young.

“I have never taken any art lessons or classes,” said Laurie Parker of Starkville, who holds a degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University and was the class valedictorian during her senior year at Starkville High in 1981.

“I was pretty much born doing arts and crafts,” she said. “My mother is very smart and artistic, and I’d say I got it from her. My being an artist is a combination of environment and learn-ing it by just doing it constantly from the time I could hold a crayon and scissors. Creating has long been my number one joy in life.”

Perhaps best known for her children’s books, Parker was published for the first time by Quail Ridge Press of Brandon when Everywhere in Mississippi was released in 1996.

“I never aspired to be a ‘children’s author,’” she said. “I con-sider myself a poet and an artist. Many have tried to link my books to my education background, but there is virtually no nexus. I was making little books that rhymed by age seven, long before I chose that particular major in college.”

Hardly just a book illustrator, however, Parker supported herself by creating handmade jewelry and craft items long be-fore her books were in print.

“I started making pins in 1989 via a method I came up with on my own, so there’s no real name for it,” she said. “Collage is my medium in all artwork that I do, including the book illus-trations. That’s cutting and pasting.

“The pins are created the same way, but with a thicker me-dium and a resin coating. Paper, cardboard, scissors and glue are my main tools. I have made over 30,000 by hand since I started, and my hands have a lot of mileage on them and can’t take the hand-sanding of the epoxy (and the gripping) like they once could.

“The tedium of the pins is why I branched out some years ago and delved into doing ornaments, decoupage canvases, and other items to sell. It’s also why I wanted to do a book; a mass-produced item held great appeal for me. I don’t make enough to support myself on just book sales or artwork, so I continue doing both to get by.”

“Having known Laurie off and on for about 30 years, I have always been struck by her steadfast dedication to her art and writing,” said fellow artist Joe MacGown of Starkville. “As far as I can remember, she has had a penchant for all natural things from insects to plants. Living in a small town, she has fo-

cused her attention on observing and embracing nature, our rich Mississippi history, and the fascinating people that live here.

“She has coupled her keen observational skills with her won-derfully unique and whimsical style of art and cheerful writ-ing style. Likewise, Laurie’s personality is much like her books: wonderfully unique, enthusiastic, and full of happiness and wonder.”

Parker’s first half-dozen books were published by Quail Ridge Press. She has acquired the rights to Everywhere in Mississippi and is re-releasing it this fall with all new illustrations, which she said are much more true to her artistic vision.

“I have worked with Laurie for more than 10 years and ad-mire her artistry and creativity,” said QRP graphic designer Cyndi Clark, a close friend of Parker. “She knows her audience and brings freshness and excitement to each new book. Each one gets better and better, and I can’t wait to see what her next idea will be.”

At the time Everywhere in Mississippi was released, Parker had supported herself for four years as a self-employed artist. She has self-published her last seven books, and while some may think that self-publishing one’s body of work is the ticket to a small fortune, she said that’s far from the case.

“I had done a lot of the marketing myself when I was with Quail Ridge, especially when it came to getting my books into gift stores,” Parker said. “I have zero budget for marketing now that I’m self-published; I have to spend too much money up front producing the books. The hardest part about self-pub-lishing is keeping all the books I’ve released in print. I have to juggle paying to come out with a new one fairly regularly and keeping all the old ones available, which can be just as costly.

“My first self-published title, It Really Said Christmas, came out in 2003 and did well, but has been out of print for several years. Customers have wanted it, so I decided to bite the bullet

Everywhere in Mississippi

{ On the Page

BY JOE LEE

and spend the money to have it reprinted for the fall 2012 shop-ping season. So I’m financing two books this year (including the re-released Everywhere in Mississippi), but people want to know what my new book is.”

Parker’s books have sold steadily throughout the Southeast re-gion of the country and very well around her home state. She’s a fixture at the annual Celebration Village in Tupelo as well as Mistletoe Marketplace, Chimneyville Festival and Handworks Holiday Market (all in Jackson).

Interestingly, her books sell better at gift shops than book-stores, but she remains a strong seller at her hometown bookstore on East Main Street.

“She’s a personal friend and is so talented,” said Carolyn Brown Abadie, the manager of The Book Mart. “Not only is she a gifted writer, her artwork is one of a kind. She has the ability to write in rhymes, which – when added to her beautiful illustrations – makes for a unique book. Her books are for all ages and can easily

be coffee table books with their beautiful covers.“Laurie really believes that children need to have books that

actually have a story with some substance. You won’t find a Lau-rie Parker book with minimal words; they’re loaded with fun and rhythmical stories with whimsical illustrations. They’ve been fa-vorites of our customers since she began writing so many years ago.”

“I pretty much take one day at a time and not think too far ahead,” Parker said of future projects. “Supporting myself with handmade stuff is very time-consuming. I have become an avid gardener in the last couple of years, and working at home as I do with my backyard beckoning to me, it’s a challenge just to get the work done daily, much less plan ahead.

“I am always just thankful to the Lord when I get through each year and have again earned an income doing this. Customers inspire me and keep it rewarding. The feedback they give me at shows nourishes me, and I couldn’t keep going without it.” n

H ow well do you know someone, especially if that person is close to you? Can you recognize – and accept – the per-son’s faults, or do you overlook the minuses in exchange

for the pluses in a relationship? At what point do you recalculate the percentages?

Gone Girl, with its tagline of “marriage can be a killer,” puts rela-tionships in a new perspective, especially for those who have never read New York Times best seller Gillian Flynn’s earlier novels (Dark Places and Sharp Objects). Her latest release, only out since June, has already hit the New York Times best seller list and been pro-claimed as one of the best novels of 2012 by Amazon and other re-viewers. Publishers Weekly describes it as “compulsively readable, creepily unforgettable.”

Flynn’s third novel isn’t just a “whodunit,” but more a “who done what to whom.” Further description of the plot would be too much of a spoiler. It’s easier to concentrate on what the book is not, rather than what it is.

First, it is not beach reading material as usually expected with a summer release. It’s not a quick read, and it’s not one that you can just set aside when you want to float a bit on the inflatable pool mat-tress. Its complexities are most enjoyed when you can sit down, read for several hours at a stretch and take in the nuances and small de-tails of character and circumstances.

Even as they plan to celebrate their fifth anniversary, the marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne is fast becoming a train wreck, but who is driving the engine of destruction? How could a marriage that started off as a fairy tale knockoff go so wrong? Finances, infidelities and long-held insecurities eat – rather gobble – at the couple much like mosquitoes in a Mississippi summer. However, as in most relation-ships, there are three sides to the story – his, hers and somewhere in between. Who is the master of manipulation in this marriage? Can there even be manipulation unless both parties buy into it?

Gone Girl is not a “feel good” story. With a missing perfection-ist wife presumed dead and a less-than-distraught husband facing possible murder charges, readers know that nothing good can come from the situation. Chapters jump from the perspective of the hus-band, the wife and even her diary to give you a glimpse into a com-plex relationship that family and friends thought was picture-perfect. Nothing was how it seemed in the Dunne household, though. Even Nick’s twin sister begins to question how well she knows her brother. Amy’s over-achieving parents don’t know what – or who – to believe, much less the fact that they may have played in a role in the grand scheme of their daughter’s life.

While being less than truthful with family and police, Nick sticks to his claim of innocence. As revelations tumble forth like a domino chain reaction, the dark mystery of Amy’s disappearance grows more creepy and more twisted.

Without giving away the ending, just know that there is no real ending. As with most things in life, one situation or relationship leads to another. Whether in fiction or reality, life goes on, as do the never-ending circles of circumstances that we, as humans, find our-selves caught in. n

BOOK REVIEWBY SUSAN O’BRYAN

Gone Girl{ On the Page


The question that comes to mind is, what could be the The question that comes to mind is, what could be the Tcross Greg Allman is referring to in the title of his recent autobiography, My Cross to Bear? You would think Allman My Cross to Bear? You would think Allman My Cross to Bearwould have lived a charmed life as a founding member of a band that bears his name and who many believe helped give birth to what we now know as southern rock. On reading Greg Allman’s story you find there have been many crosses to bear.

One cross was the loss of his father, an army captain, to murder when Greg and his older brother, Duane, were small children. Another cross would be the feeling of abandonment by his mother when the young Allman siblings were sent to military school. Some of his other crosses would include six failed marriages (one to Cher), a drug and alcohol habit that nearly cost his life and which probably did cost him his liver, and the tragic death of his brother, Duane just as the band was beginning to gain popularity and financial success.

My Cross to Bear is about Greg Allman and in part his brother My Cross to Bear is about Greg Allman and in part his brother My Cross to BearDuane. The book is about how as children they began to be influenced by music and how it shaped their future lives. There has been one biography of Duane Allman written, Skydog: The Duane Allman Story by Randy Poe. Duane’s daughter Galadrielle Duane Allman Story by Randy Poe. Duane’s daughter Galadrielle Duane Allman Storyis presently collecting stores from her father’s friends to write a book of her own.

Fans of the Allman Brothers Band as well as music fans in general, will find this is a fascinating story as they read how the musicians that made up the original band lineup came together to make one of the most iconic musical groups of all time. The book takes Greg and Duane Allman from the streets of Nashville, the city where they were born, to Daytona Beach, Florida where they spent their formative years, and on to Macon, Georgia which became the home base for The Allman Brothers Band.

In the book, Greg takes the time to give credit to all of those people who influenced him and his brother, enriching their lives with many genres of music. One of Greg’s songwriting mentors was John D. Loudermilk, the composer of the classic song “Tobacco Road.” Allman’s debt to Loudermilk is felt as he recounts the time they spent together talking in great detail about songwriting.

One of the most amusing stories in the book is the plan that the brothers Allman create to help Greg be declared 4-F during the days of the Vietnam draft. They planned a foot shooting party. The brothers believed that a carefully placed shot in the foot would keep Greg out of the Army and if done correctly, wouldn’t leave him with a limp. Their explanation would be that the shooting happened when Greg was cleaning his gun and it

fired accidentally. They realized their plan might have a few fired accidentally. They realized their plan might have a few flaws when in the emergency room they noticed the bulls eye they had drawn on Greg’s foot to help their aim.

Some of the interesting insights in the story are Allman’s reflections on the difficulty of songwriting and how he does not regard himself as a great musician. He shares that after the band formed, the name “The Allman Brothers Band”, was not what he or Duane suggested. And you feel his pain as he recounts the memory of the last conversation he had with his brother before the motorcycle accident that took his life.

Sadly, for most people, Duane Allman has been all but forgotten. In many music circles he is believed to be one of the greatest guitarists of the twentieth century. Duane Allman was not only one of the two guitarists of the original Allman Brothers Band (the other being Dicky Betts), but also was a much sought-after session player who played on many historic blues and rock performances. One musician in particular who became one of Duane’s friends was Eric Clapton. Through their friendship Duane was a participant in the Derek and the Dominos session that produced classic songs like “Layla” and “Bell Bottom Blues.”

One of Greg Allman’s greatest crosses to bear has been his addiction to alcohol and a number of different drugs. On more than one occasion he overdosed on drugs and could have lost his life. At this point in his life he is clean and sober and enjoying life in a way that he hasn’t in years and incidentally, recently announced that he is engaged to be married for the seventh time.

This is much more than a book that would appeal to music fans. It’s a book for the person who wants to see how one man faced the many trials in his life, some of his own doing and some not, and how through trial and error, has not only survived, but now thrives and has found peace. n

{ On the Page

BOOK REVIEWBY MILTON WHATLEY

My crOss TO bear



Crossing TraditionalBoundaries with Knowledge and Respect

“Remembering Amara” is a memorial cloth dedicated to Gabriel Boakye’s daughter, named after Mary Harks daughter, and who passed away in 2009 from malaria. Photo/content courtesy of maryhark.blogspot.com.

News reports often paint bleak pictures of Africa, and it’s easy to form impressions of the people in that part of the world based on images of poverty and death. What we don’t often

see are African people going about their daily lives and the fantastic body of work their artisans produce.

That artwork comes to Mississippi State University from August 31 – October 6 as the MSU Visual Arts Center Gallery presents In-side-Out, Outside-In: African-inspired Fiber Works of Mary Hark and Nnenna Okore. The gallery is located at 808 University Drive in Starkville.

“The VAC has been open since spring 2010,” said Lori Neuenfeldt, an MSU Art History professor and the Coordinator for the VAC and its outreach programs. “The mission is to exhibit and raise awareness of contemporary art in the local community and across MSU. We want to provide access to works of art of the highest quality, enrich the public’s artistic experiences, and to reach out through education-al programming and events.”

Neuenfeldt said she became aware of Hark’s work for the first time in Surface Design Journal.

“Her constructions of handmade paper infuse elements of print-ing, collage and textile arts,” Neuenfeldt said. “The colors of her fi-ber pieces are striking yet presented in a way that is reminiscent of quilt – subtle and very moving. Each work tells a story and recalls the intimate memories of its creation or evokes the viewer’s own life

experiences.“Both she and Nnenna Okore live in the United States but spend

much of their time in Africa. Nnenna’s works are similar (to Mary’s) in that she is interested in reusing discarded materials. She was in-spired by the traditional processes local Nigerians use in weaving, sewing and dying, and she creates captivating, abstract sculptural forms and installations. These works are delicate and incredibly de-tailed.”

“Mary Hark’s most recent body of work responds to the visual street culture she has encountered as a frequent visitor to Kumasi Ghana,” said Jody Clowes with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Design Gallery. “She crosses traditional boundaries with knowledge and respect, creating a rich and surprising body of mixed-media work.”

Hark will give a lecture on Thursday, September 6 at 11:15 a.m. in Harrison Auditorium at Giles Hall on the MSU campus. She will take part in a workshop the following day at 11 a.m. in the lab at Briscoe Hall. There will be an evening reception on September 6 in the VAC Gallery where all of the artists’ work will be on display and open to the public.

“We invite the entire city of Starkville and surrounding region to visit the VAC Gallery during the exhibit,” Neuenfeldt said. “This re-ally is a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, experience breathtaking art, and celebrate life.” n

BY JOE LEE


Mary Hark sharing paper-making techniques with school

children in Kumasi Ghana. Photo/content courtesy of

tasteofculture.blogspot.com.

McComas Gallery August 28 – October 6Will Bryant’s Retrospectacle (graphic design show) October 16 – November 2SPE Featured Speakers: Susan Burnstine, Kelli Connell & Todd HidoRegionals Honored Educator: Dornith Doherty (photography show) November 13 – 17BFA thesis (multi-media) January 22 – February 23Bill Dunlap: Artist in Residence (painting show) March 5 – March 30MSU student show (multi-media) April 8 – April 13BFA thesis (multi-media)

VAC Gallery

August 31 – October 6Inside-Out, Outside in: African-Inspired Fiber Arts of Mary Hark and Nnenna Okore (fiber arts show) October 16 – November 2SPE Member & Antiquarian Avant-Guarde Photography Works by the N. Texas Alter. Process Group (photography show) November 13 – 17BFA thesis (multi-media) November 27 – December 1Graphic design January 15 – February 23New Faculty Works: Adrienne Callendar, Neil Callendar, Gregory Mar-tin and Suzanne Powney (multi-media) March 12 – March 30Foundations Show April 8 – April 13BFA thesis (multi-media) April 23 – April 27Graphic design

MSU Student Union November 13 – November 17BFA thesis (multi-media) November 27 – December 1Graphic design April 8 – April 13BFA thesis (multi-media) April 23 – April 27Graphic design Artist Lectures August 29 – 12 p.m.Will Bryant (graphic design)Robert and Freda Harrison Auditorium, Giles Hall September 6 – 11 a.m.Mary Hark (fiber arts)Robert and Freda Harrison Auditorium, Giles Hall


Left:Nnenna Okore focuses on the regeneration and

beautification of discarded material using mostly recycled material as well as an array of techniques to

create abstract sculptures. Photo/content courtesy of africaisdonesuffering.com.

Right:“Bride Price” by Nnenna Okore. Photo courtesy of droole.com.

Growing up, Robert Randolph was only exposed to Growing up, Robert Randolph was only exposed to Gchurch hymns. But a concert at age 19 changed it Gchurch hymns. But a concert at age 19 changed it Gall, and Randolph was exposed to other genres. The rest has been history for the young musician who thrives on fusing music.

Randolph now is the front man of a gospel, soul and rock-influenced band, and his instrument of choice is the pedal steel guitar.

The good news: Robert Randolph and the Family Band are coming to Mississippi this month for an Aug. 10 performance at the Mississippi State University Riley Center. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Mississippi State University Riley Center, and attendees can expect a great concert, said Dennis Sankovich, the center’s executive director.

“He is taking an instrument that is different and taking it mainstream,” Sankovich said. “Robert Randolph is a new young artist making phenomenal music. He sits down when he plays but when you see him, he comes across as very animated. He can really groove.”

Randolph was raised in the House of God Church, where he learned how to play the pedal steel guitar, often referred to as sacred steel. It’s Randolph’s instrument of choice, even allowing him to make the Rolling Stones’ list of top 100 guitarists of all time.

“The pedal steel was a big part of our church tradition,” wrote Randolph on his website, robertrandolph.net. “I grew

up watching older guys play, and I started playing when I was fifteen. I wanted to take another path than the people who played traditional pedal steel to take it to a whole new level.”

Randolph got his start with the North Mississippi Allstars, and in the early 2000s, his band formed. In 2002, they released their inaugural album called “Live at the Wetlands.”

Since then, the band has released four more albums, including “Colorblind,” which included a guest appearance from Eric Clapton.

“Great artists like Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews and B.B. King accepted us. Young artists, too: we toured with the Roots and Pharrell and John Mayer,” Randolph wrote on his website. “We have been fortunate to be accepted by a wide range of fan bases, and we have been able to build from there. I definitely feel as if everything has been working up to this moment, to this record.”

The band brings together gospel, blues, and rock honoring more than a century of African American music. Attendees can expect religious tunes, covers and originals, Sankovich said.

Show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $46-52, and they can be purchased at msurileycenter.com or by calling 601-696-2200.

{ Rhythms

BY JUSTIN FRITSCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

RobertRandolphand the Randolphand the Randolph

Family BandFamily Band

Riley Center to hostRiley Center to hostRiley Center



I f you’re digging a French romance or folk rock, or just need a place to occupy the youngsters, the Mississippi

State University Riley Center in Meridian has a show for you in its Fall/Winter Series lineup that begins this month.

The Riley Center unveiled its series in mid-July, and the center’s executive director, Dennis Sankovich, said it will please an array of tastes.

“We’ve put together an amazing variety of events this season,” Sankovich said. “There’s an experience for everyone in the family, whether they enjoy popular artists, Broadway plays, musicals or family shows. We have a lot to look forward to with the coming year.”

The season opens Aug. 24 with Art Garfunkel, half of Grammy Award-winning Simon & Garfunkel. The duo’s early career produced hits like “Bridge Over Trouble Water” and “Mrs. Robinson.”

In the 1970s, Garfunkel began a solo career, which is still going strong. Later this month, Garfunkel will release a new album, called “The Singer,” which will feature a few of his hits and some new songs.

Other folk and rock musicians on tap in this series include September’s “Dirt in the Wheel” concert, featuring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Asleep at the Wheel. Also, hitting the stage is Emmylou Harris in October and Kenny Loggins in November.

A bit of jazz is on menu for October with Pat Matheny, who can play just about every instrument that has its place in the genre.

Motown will move into Meridian in November for The Four Tops, and finally, John Tesh and the Big Band will play seasonal favorites to celebrate Christmas in December.

“John Tesh will be great for Christmas time,” Sankovich said of the radio personality and renowned musician.

If you want to expose your children to some entertaining – and educational – shows, “Clifford and the Big Red Dog Live!”, “The Velveteen Rabbit”, PHILADANCO and DRUMLine Live provide options perfect for the whole family.

“Our fall and winter season includes cultural events, like PHILADANCO,” Sankovich said. “They are a modern dance company that does terrific choreography.”

Plus, there’s theatre. Drama enthusiasts can enjoy the renowned French tale of Cyrano de Bergerac, called “Cyrano,” or Neil Simon’s hit play “Biloxi Blues.”

Season packages become available Aug. 6 tickets; tickets for individual shows become available Aug. 13.

“Our ticket packages this season offer several options and are great to give as gifts or keep for yourself,” Sankovich said.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday performances, which begin at 6 p.m. Some of the shows feature a pre-show party in the Grand Lobby, allowing attendees to enjoy refreshments to begin the evening. n

Fall and Winter Lineup

Aug. 24 - Art GarunkelSept. 13 - “Dirt in the Wheel,” Nitty Gritty

Dirt Band and Asleep at the WheelOct. 6 - Pat Metheny Unity Band

Oct. 18 - Emmylou HarrisOct. 26 - Enchantment Theatre Company

presents The Velveteen RabbitNov. 2 - PHILADANCONov. 11 - Kenny LogginsNov. 16 - The Four Tops

Dec. 15 - John Tesh Big Band ChristmasFeb. 12 - Clifford the Big Red Dog™’ Live!

Feb. 17 - CyranoFeb. 17 - CyranoFeb. 17Feb. 23 - DRUMLine Live

March 7 - Biloxi Blues

For tickets, call 601-696-2200 or visit msurileycenter.com.

SeeHear AUGUST

NEW Music Releases

Aug 7n Cruel Summer by G.O.O.D. Musicn Cut the World by Anthony and the Johnsonsn Ambition by Bumpy Knuckles x Statik Selektahn Declaration of Independence (Average Joe’s) by Colt Fordn We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash by Various Artists

Aug 9n Anastasis by Dead Can Dance

Aug 14n Based On a T.R.U. Story by 2 Chainzn Cabin Fever by Corb Lundn Love IV MMXII by The Dreamn Somethin Bout Kreay by Kreayshawnn Sod in the Seed by Why?n StereoType by Strong Arm Steady x Statik Selektahn Might Death Pop by Insane Clown Possen This Time by Beanie Sigeln Lil Cuete by Gunplay

Aug 20n Devotion by Jessie Ware

Aug 21n Kiss the Ring by DJ Khaledn Face Off by Mistah F.A.B. and I-Roccn Chapter V by Trey Songzn Mourning In America & Dreaming In Color by Brother Ali

n Mature Themes by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffitin Four by Bloc Partyn Tracer by Teengirl Fantasyn Fragrant World by Yeasayern JT Hodges (Show Dog Universal) by JT Hodgesn TBD (Broken Bow) by Dustin Lynch

Aug 27n The Odessa Tapes by The Flatlanders

Aug 28n Dope Sick by Madchild (Swollen Members)n Beams by Matthew Dearn America by Dan Deaconn Held by Holy Othern Nocturne by Wild Nothingn A Thing Called the Divine Fits by Divine Fitsn Dreams & Nightmares by Meek Milln O.N.I.F.C. by Wiz Khalifan Two Eleven by Brandyn Undisputed by DMXn Better Than Your Average by J. Colen Loyalty Comes First by Jadakissn Cheedacheezisay by Keak Da Sneakn Diggaz With Attitude by Stu Bangaz & Eric Vanderslicen Welcome to: Our House by Slaughterhouse

LIVE Music Schedule

Aug 3Jason Miller Band at Rick’s Cafe

Aug 31Mary Gauthier at Proud Fest


1. David Houston, Jan Houston, Nathanael Houston 2. Cade Smith, Becky Smith 3. Ken Graham, Merritt Graham 4. Dan Bickford, Becky Bickford 5. Wyatt Campbell, Angie Campbell, Randy Campbell 6. Riley Robinson, Paul Robinson, Shun Robinson,

Eariana Robinson, Breland Robinson 7. Sylvia Byrd, Sarah Byrd, Anna Byrd 8. Joyce Follows, Katy Turman 9. Andrew Mackin, Ben Mackin 10. Cassie Allen, Tammy Allen, Amanda Allen 11. Roasana Otondo, Bob Otondo 12. Ross Thompson, Whitney Peterson,

Matt Peterson13 - Hannah Daniels, Amanda Allen, Shea Heislet, Evie Daniels, Cassie Allen

Starkville Community Theater - Project PlayPhotograPhy by laura daniels

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1. Taylor Adams, Phoenix Adams, Bob Collins 2. Debby Golson, Lynn Gaines-Phillips 3. Russell Gaines, Antwane Tate, Yolanda Boyd, Lynn Gaines-Phillips 4. David Ammon, Nina Ammon 5. Shelitah Spearmon, JoAnne Collins 6. Allan Tucker, Barbara Tucker, John Harness 7. Jimmy Richardson, Robbie Richardson 8. Clara Williams, Bart Williams, Cynthia Williams, Joe Williams, Ann Jackson 9. Sandy Gentry, Bill Gentry 10. Patricia Harris, Jimmy Harris 11. Yolanda Wooten, Melvin Wooten, Melita Tomlinson 12. Ren Crowell, Marianne Crowell

13. Bonnie Renfroe, Fritz Fulgham 14. Robert Long, Charlotte Long 15. Ted Dobson, Susan Cook 16. Pam Collins, Kim Walters, Nancy Walsh

Bridges Out of Poverty Wine Tasting PhotograPhy by Laura DanieLs

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1. Jackie Hudson, Lindsey Morschauser 2. Jim Gafford, Kathleen Gafford 3. Amanda Pugh, Maggie Christopher 4. Micheal Cooper, Laura Ann Cooper 5. Kelly Atwood, Amanda Edwards 6. Emily Gillylen, Stefanie Shackelford, Vanesha Williams 7. Lee Beck,

Danny Holt, Joy Cook 8. Ruth Pitts, Charlotte Read, Erin Ray 9. Parker Stewart, Jennifer Usrey, Spencer Usrey 10. Haley Brown, Jay Hurdle 11. Kurt Roof, Wess Laughlin 12. Ty Wade, Christian Brown 13. Marcy Smith, R.J. Morgan

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1. Eli Kennemur, Rachel Waldrop 2. Rodney Waldrop, Sandra Waldrop 3. Jerry Kennemur, Erin Colby Kennemur 4. Margaret Cook, Foley Holditch, Laura Templeton, Mamie Kosko 5. Audrey Tate, Rachel Waldrop, Meg Perterson, Scott Peterson 6. Margaret Cook,

Rachel Waldrop, Annika Campbell 7. Rachel Waldrop, Laura Templeton 8. Danielle Heitzmann, Rachel Waldrop 9. Foley Holditch, Robbie Holditch 10. Kelli Peacock, Anna Killingsworth, Rachel Waldrop, Sarah Huerkamp, Danielle Heitzmann, Lauren Tehan

11. Jeremy Tate, Audrey Tate 12. Tom Campbell, Annika Campbel 13. Kristen Skinner, Kyle Skinner 14. Ryan Killingsworth, Anna Killingsworth 15. Karen Kennemur, Jerry Kennemur 16. Tess Kennemur, Jon Lepicier 17. Meg Peterson, Scott Peterson 18. Jay Cook,

Margaret Cook, Trey Templeton, Laura Templeton 19. Sarah Heurkamp, Tyler Heurkamp, Ryan Killingsworth, Anna Killingsworth, Eli Kennemur, Rachel Waldrop, Lee Tehan, Lauren Tehan, Daniel Peacock, Kelli Peacock, Neil Heitzmann, Danielle Heitzmann

Around the House Wedding Shower PhotograPhy by hazel randall

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1. Troy Burroughs, Len Spellman, Mary Burroughs 2. Dow Thomas, Fin Thomas, Shelley Thomas, Kaitlyn Thomas 3. Thomas Kelly, Toby Lee 4. Jackson Tucker 5. Jackson Tucker, Kylee Bruckner, Georgia Brooke Tucker 6. Emily Lowrey, Cameran Porter,

Sariah Porter, Olivia Lowrey, Jayden Porter 7. Meredith McClain, Emily McClain, Kathleen Bess McClain, Hutch McClain 8. Robbye McMillian, Marly McMillian, Sheila McMillan 9. Christy Russell, Toby Ming, Cayman Russell, Nikki Reed, Emmi Reed 10. EricWhitehead, Luke Whitehead, Angel Whitehead, Anna Grace Whitehead, Honey Taylor 11. Linda Loyd, Rosemary Woodward,

John Long, Pam Reed, Vicky Long 12. Jerrick Porter, Robert Loyd 13. John Harvey, Ben Comeaux, Naomi Comeaux

Louisville Fourth of July ParadePhotograPhy by Debbie MontgoMery

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1. Pranesha Posley, Makayla Thompson 2. Raimeka Brown, Jaiden Brown, Jarvis Brown 3. Barbara White, Linda Rieves 4. Jace Phillips 5. Hallee Wright, Liz Purnell 6. Jameson Moyer, Ashley Moyer 7. Shana McDaniel, Kylie McDaniel 8. Julia Gregory, Jenn Gregory,

Sims Gregory 9. Kassy Patrick, Mila Hartaog 10. Kenzie Claire Burchfield, Rylee Burchfield, Harper Larid, Kayla Williamson, Laura Hope Belk 11. Lori Arinder, Julie Macgowen 12. Susan Merrell, Marcie Smith 13. Tiffany Josey, Jay Josey, Madison Josey, Abby Josey

14. Mary Lowery, Deshon Petty 15. Meghan Wolf, Flannery Haupt, Anna Shaw 16. Norman Arryo, Denisse Declet

Starkville Sportsplex Fourth of July Celebration PhotograPhy by ashley covin

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1. Jacob Williams, Addison Swink, Daniel Young 2. Chandler Mitts, L’genia Mitts 3. Woody Davis, Jane Ellen Davis 4. Sara Rodriguez, David Johnson 5. Michael Anderson, Faye Anderson, Kathy Anderson 6. Dusty Culpepper, Susie Johnson 7. Grace Mitts, Billy Mitts 8. Judy Massey, Richard Losch 9. Fabiana Dahmer, Nilza Hilgenstieler 10. Chloe Naeger, Bob Naeger, Samantha Naeger, Renee Naeger 11. Rosalie Powell, Tucker Perry 12.Yena Limerick, Raven Mitchell, Stephanie Womack, Judy Hughes, Condon Hughes 13. Melanie

Alexander, Ric Alexander 14. Tim Morman, Sara Morman 15. Wendy Redoblado, Lisa Young 16. Myles Frank, Joyce Frank

Mark O’Conner at MSU Riley CenterPhotograPhy by hannah tibbetts

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1. Laura Tomlinson, Melita Tomlinson, Robin Montgomery 2. Hannah Moore, Pat Stacy, Morgan Self 3. Susan Self, Tina Scholtes 4. Carlton Polk, Hellen Polk 5. Bart Prather, Jennifer Prather, Bill Stacy 6. Carlton Polk, Woody Montgomery, Parker Davis

7. Alana Blaine, Beck Scholtes 8. Dan Craig, Laurie Craig 9. Will McCrae, Keeton Craig, Jessie Coffey, Anne Claire Craig, Dan Craig, Laurie Craig, Jim Craig 10. Tommy Tomlinson, Laura Tomlinson, Melita Tomlinson 11. Bobby Tomlinson, Stephanie Tomlinson

12. Trey Skaggs, Heather Tomlinson, Tommy Tomlinson, Melita Tomlinson, Laura Tomlinson, Kristen Fyke, Rob Fyke 13. Jake Tomlinson, Mary Kate Ayers, Bill Stacy, Pat Stacy, Stephanie Tomlinson, Bobby Tomlinson 14. Tom Ayers, Mary Kate Ayers, Cheryl Ayers, Bekah Ayers 15. Jake Tomlinson, Mary Kate Ayers 16. Wesley Montgomery, Robin Montgomery, Meagan Montgomery,

Hailey Upton, Woody Montgomery

Tomlinson-Ayers Tailgating Shower PhotograPhy by LeiLani SaLter

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1. Bobbie Hall, Dianne Burton 2. Easter Love, Miriam Clark 3. Ricky Walker, Wanda Ruffin 4. Ruby Ivy, Jerome Ivy 5. Sandra Walker, Emma Croom 6. Jeff McCoy, Ethel Ann McCoy 7. Mary Williams, Dorothy Noble, Wanda Williams 8. Ray Durden, Genie Durden 9. Ricky Birchett, Carolyn Birchett 10. Maria Gibson, Bobbie Dubose 11. John Elliott, David Hobbs 12. Curtis Parker,

Deborah Parker, Valerie Clark, Tony Clark 13. Chitka Darden, Tonjala Chavious 14. James Evans, Betty Evans 15. Charlie Hood, Jeanetta Hossley 16. Diane Nealy, Darnell Montgomery 17. Roy Love, Tanya Love 18. Katina Thomas, Tamela Scott

Eddie Levert at MSU Riley CenterPhotograPhy by hannah tibbetts

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1 Neshoba County FairPhiladelphia will hold the Neshoba County Fair through August 3 at the Neshoba County Fair Grounds which will include live entertainment, dancing, singing, har-ness races and more. For more information visit nesho

bacountyfair.com.

2 Movies in Tupelo FairparkBring a blanket or chair and enjoy a family movie night under the stars in downtown Tupelo. This event is free to the public and starts at 8 p.m. For more information visit tupelo.net.

Tupelo Downtown Merchants’ First ThursdayDowntown merchants will be open until 7 p.m. for a fun and relaxing shopping experience and will have special promotions. For more information visit tupelomainstreet.com.

Artesia Days at ArtesiaThis late summer festival offers activities and entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy live music, great food, story time with Mother Goose, train rides for the kids, and even a school supply giveaway.

4Earth’s Bounty Festival The festival is a Farmer’s market with fresh produce and homemade products with entertainment throughout the day. Earth’s Bounty will be held in Meridian at Singing Brakeman Park. Free to the public and will be 8 a.m.-3

p.m.

9 Down on Main in TupeloBring a blanket to sit on and enjoy a free concert series at Fairpark at the Down on Main in Tupelo. For more information visit tupelodownonmain.com.

10 Tupelo Flea Market & Crafts ShowThe Tupelo Flea Market & Crafts Show will be Friday 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Tupelo Furniture Market Building. For more information visit

tupelofleamarket.net.

MSU Riley Center hosts Robert Randolph and The Family BandRobert Randolph and The Family Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian. Pre Show will be at 6 p.m. Tickets are $46-52. Call 601-696-2200 or visit msurileycenter.com for more infor-mation.

11 Lemonade Contest at the Columbus Farmer’s MarketThe Columbus Farmer’s Market will be held at the Hitching lot. Make lemonade at home & bring it to sell. People will vote for their favorite.

The YMCA will also have activities for the kids. For more infor-mation visit localharvest.org.

13Mississippi State University Service DAWGS Join almost 300 new friends at Service DAWGS Day! “Donate A Wonderful Gift of Service” and participate in over 20 service projects through-out the Starkville community. Service DAWGS

Day will be held in the MSU Junction at 8:15 a.m. Make sure to register so you can get a free T-shirt and lunch. For more infor-mation visit mvc.msstate.edu.

15 Central Mississippi FairThe annual Central Mississippi Fair will be at the Attala County Coliseum in Kosciusko. The fair is complete with family fun, midway enter-tainment, carnival rides, exhibits and several

special events. Visit kadcorp.org for more information.

16 Starkville Business After HoursHarvey’s will hold the Starkville Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. attend and bring busi-ness cards to solicit business from other mem-bers. Enjoy a relaxed social time with refresh-

ments and door prizes. For more information visit starkville.org.

Third Thursday PhiladelphiaDowntown merchants extend their hours and have live music while shopping at the Third Thursday Philadelphia. For more information visit neshoba.org.

17 2nd Annual Arts, Beats, and EatsCome enjoy an evening of art, music and food in the event hall of In Bloom in New Albany from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit visitnewal-bany.com.

1817th Annual Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues FestivalMary Homes College in West Point will host the Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival in honor of legendary bluesman Howlin’ Wolf. Admis-

sion is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more informa-tion visit wpnet.org.

AUGUSTMore


Photo courtesy of neshobacountyfair.org.


Who said there’s nothing to do around Starkville? There’s a major Southeastern Conference university that’s just loaded with Who said there’s nothing to do around Starkville? There’s a major Southeastern Conference university that’s just loaded with W fantastic attractions, and the town itself has much more in the way of entertainment for folks of all ages than you may realize.

AUGUST 31 – OCTOBER 6:Inside-Out, Outside In: African-inspired fiber works of Mary Hark and Nnenna Okore

This fascinating display of origi-nal artwork kicks off a full sea-son of high-quality art displays at the Visual Arts Center Gallery at 808 University Drive.

SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER: MSU football

You can feel the electricity in the air when MSU is hosting a big-time SEC opponent at an absolutely packed Davis-Wade Stadium, and there’s so much excitement that the stadium will soon be expanded.

SEPTEMBER: THE MISS MSU PAGEANT

Yes, an MSU Miss America is very possible! Lovely young la-dies from Bulldog Nation com-pete in evening wear, fitness, tal-ent and interview competitions for the right to represent MSU at the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

OCTOBER – MARCH: The MSU Lyceum Series Ranging from musical leg-ends to compelling stage plays, the Lyceum series draws huge crowds each fall and spring. All performances take place in Bet-tersworth Auditorium.

OCTOBER – MARCH: The Starkville – MSU Symphony As-sociation

Remarkably talented local mu-sicians get together to make magic at venues ranging from MSU’s Lee Hall to Cadence Plaza to First United Methodist Church.

OCTOBER: Trick or Treat at Pumpkinpalooza

This annual event is usually scheduled for the Friday night before a home MSU football game and features trick-or-treating with local merchants, live music, and homegrown pumpkins for sale.

OCTOBER: STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Who knew the tiny hamlet of Sturgis hosted the fourth largest motorcycle rally in the country? It attracts over 40,000 fans each year and brings in music legends like the Charlie Daniels Band, Merle Haggard, and .38 Special.

NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY: MSU basketball

Former Clemson University head coach takes over for MSU legend Rick Stansbury and promises a high-energy, hus-tling ballclub at The Hump this fall. Every seat is a good seat.

NOVEMBER: Christmas Open House

Always held on a Sunday after-noon, the Open House is one of the most joyous shopping days of the year! Businesses up and down Main Street open their doors and have fantastic Christ-mas merchandise as well as deals Santa can’t even pass up!

NOVEMBER: 40th Annual Holiday Bazaar

So big that it’s held at the Starkville Sportsplex, the Bazaar is loaded with one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, many of which are made by artisans from right here in the Golden Triangle area!

DECEMBER: Starkville Christmas Parade

Starkville folks both young and old bundle up and come out to watch some of the most colorful floats this side of the Mississippi River, not to mention local high school bands playing Christmas music. The parade ends with prayer and Christmas caroling at the Courthouse.

DECEMBER: Holiday Tour of Homes

Nothing quite says Christmas like some of Starkville’s most beautiful homes when they’re decorated for the holidays.

FEBRUARY – MAY:MSU Baseball

Head Coach John Cohen’s last two squads have put the MSU baseball team well on its way to recapturing the glory days they enjoyed for so many years under Ron Polk, and the 2013 squad will take the field at Polk-Dement Stadium with expecta-tions sky high.

MARCH: Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival

Held at Mitchell Memorial Li-brary on the MSU campus, The Templeton Ragtime Festival combines fascinating tours of the archives and music room with jaw-dropping concerts. It’s an education about an often-overlooked genre of music you can’t get in a classroom.

MARCH: Explore the Everything Garden Expo

The Starkville Area Arts Coun-cil puts on this beloved annual event each year at the Mississip-pi Horse Park and Argicenter.

APRIL: Super Bulldog Weekend

Talk about a weekend where Bulldog fans pour in from all over the country! There’s the annual Maroon/White football game, a crucial SEC baseball series, and many other MSU sporting events like tennis and softball. A barbecue cook-off is held next to the old MacArthur athletic dorm Saturday morn-ing, and a major concert at Da-vis-Wade Stadium follows the game.

APRIL: Cotton District Arts Festival

This is a major arts and crafts event that features a juried art competition and made house-hold names out of many artists with Starkville and MSU ties. In addition, there’s mouth-watering food from some of Starkville’s finest restaurateurs, live music all day on two stages, and all kinds of fun things for the kids to do. There’s even a 5K road race that morning!

MAY: Relay for Life

Take part locally in the nation-wide fundraiser for the Ameri-can Cancer Society, where teams walk or run all night in a 12-hour relay.

Starkville/MSU Calendar of EventsBY JOE LEE

AThousandWords

Hannah Daniels, Maddie Brain, Amanda Allen, Cassie Allen, Evie Daniels play in the rain on a July afternoon. Photography by Laura Daniels.

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