Author: Lisa L .Bynum

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Academic Achievement: How to Ensure Your Child’s Success

Parents & Kids Magazine
May 2011

View original article here.

My husband and I became first time parents last summer. Watching our son grow from a tiny, helpless newborn to an active infant has been an amazing experience. As first time parents, every milestone is a big deal. The first time our son slept through the night, rolled over, sat up, made a noise, we called the entire family to share our delight. According to all the parenting magazines and books I’ve read, he is progressing as a normal infant should. But because he’s our child, we like to end every conversation with, “He’s advanced.”

Every proud parent believes their child is the smartest, the cutest, most well behaved, and the best at everything their child does. However, most children inevitably are going to have areas of weakness where they struggle or have to work harder – particularly in the academic arena. Academic success is important in a child’s life as it plays a major role in shaping their future. As your child progresses through elementary school, middle school, and finally high school, certain academic benchmarks will help determine if your child is making the grade or falling behind.

Is Your Child Kindergarten Ready?

Most school districts require a child be at least five-years old by a certain date before admitting them into kindergarten. If your child has a summer birthday, you may want to evaluate whether he or she is ready for kindergarten or would benefit from waiting another year. A child entering kindergarten should be able to communicate orally, be able to take care of their personal belongings, and use the restroom by themselves. Other key areas to evaluate are whether your child can listen to and follow directions, whether they have a rudimentary familiarity with the alphabet and numbers, and if they possess the motor skills required to hold a pencil and cut with scissors. Since your child is going to be in a classroom all day, they should also be able to get along with others, know how to take turns, and work with a group.

Early Elementary School (Grades K-3)

Early in their academic career, your child’s teacher will focus on learning to recognize, name, and print the alphabet. As they progress, they will begin to shift to phonics – connecting letters to sounds – and comprehension. They will also be introduced to counting, patterns, shapes, and sizes and be able to recognize and understand that numbers signify quantity, order and measurement. By the end of first grade, your child should have an understanding of basic addition, subtraction and place values. Second grade focuses on increasing writing skills with an emphasis on spelling and punctuation as well as an understanding of what they are reading. By the time your child completes third grade, they should have moved from learning to read and write to reading to learn and writing to communicate. They should also have an understanding of early multiplication, fractions, and decimals and be able to work independently. Socially, this is when friendships begin to bud. Children should be able to successfully play with other others and be aware of how their actions affect their playmates.

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-5)

Now that your child has mastered basic reading skills, he or she will be encouraged to read with more speed and efficiency. You may notice an increase in their vocabulary as well as improvements in their reading comprehension. Expect book reports complete with an emphasis on the writing process –outlines, rough drafts, etc. By now they will be expected to add and subtract larger numbers as well as multiplication, long division, and basic geometry.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

In middle school, teachers view their students as young adults. Responsibilities will increase in addition to the workload. By the time your child completes the eighth grade, they should have a solid foundation in reading and math that they can build on when faced with more challenging high school courses. At a minimum, they should be able to do basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as have the ability to use a protractor, ruler and calculator. They should also be able to read at grade level, write legibly, and construct a simple paragraph that includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences and correct punctuation. If your child excels in situations that challenge him or her academically, they should be able to transition to high school with little problem.

Obviously, your level of involvement with your child’s education will change as they get older and learn to become more independent. As your child enters their high school years, it is important that you continue to stay informed about his or her performance in school. Stay connected with them and keep in contact with teachers and school counselors to ensure they stay on track.

What Should I do If My Child Is Falling Behind?

A child struggling in school will often give off social cues long before you receive a phone call from their teacher. Have you noticed a negative change in behavior? Are they suddenly uninterested in activities they used to enjoy? Other warning signs include hesitancy to talk about school or homework assignments.

If you think your child is falling behind, first gage what you are basing your opinion on. Is your child falling behind based on the school’s curriculum or are they just learning at a slower rate than someone else’s child? Every child learns at a different rate and will have their own individual set of strengths where they excel and weaknesses where they will have to put forth more effort.

“People learn in different ways,” says David Elkin, Ph.D., ABPP; Associate Professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at University of Mississippi Medical Center. “The vast majority of school and teachers want to help kids learn, and most schools find it very helpful to have a detailed report on a child’s learning style so they can do all they can for that child. Some kids learn better visually, while others learn better auditorially or verbally.”

Second, determine where the problem is. More times than not, a problem can be pinpointed to a particular class or subject. Arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher and together you may be able to come up with a plan of action to help them get back on track. Your child may also need additional help outside of school hours, such as hiring a tutor. Finally, make sure to keep tabs on homework assignments. Find out if your child’s school has a homework hotline or website to help you monitor assignments and due dates.

“The best thing a parent can do to improve the chances for academic success in their child is to provide an environment where consistency and predictability are standard and reading is encouraged,” Elkin adds. “Turn off the TV. Encourage children to read every day. Don’t forget social, creative, and unstructured play – one of the best things a parent can say to their child is ‘Go outside!’ They may end up staring at the clouds, they may climb a tree, or playing with the neighborhood kids. But parents don’t need to feel that their main job is to provide a guaranteed and structured learning environment for their kids at all times. Kids need a chance to be kids.”

Sidebar: Helpful Websites

Godwin Blog

Public Relations and Barbecue Sauce

GG logoGodwinGroup Blog 
March 17, 2011

Imagine you just developed a top-secret recipe for The World’s Best Barbeque Sauce. The sauce is so good that you want to quit your day job to devote yourself full time to selling jars of it to the masses. You take your product to Major Grocery Store Chain and try to convince them to start stocking The World’s Best Barbeque Sauce on their shelves, essentially “pushing” your product to the consumer. However, if you set up a barbeque stand on a busy street corner, start giving out free samples, and consumers start asking Major Grocery Store Chain to carry your product, you are instead “pulling” your product into the market.

Public relations follows the same two strategies of pushing and pulling. The terms refer to how your message is disseminated to the public. Push PR describes the traditional methods—press releases, media alerts, event invitations, press kits, and pitching story ideas. The downside is that you are completely at the mercy of another party—a news editor decides to run your story, your invitation gets into the right person’s hands, etc.

Read the entire article here.

Parents & Kids

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Parents & Kids Magazine
March 2011

View PDF of magazine here.

After being cooped up inside during the long, dreary days of winter, your family may be getting a little antsy for longer days, warmer nights, and spending time outdoors in the sunshine as a family. Most children will jump at any excuse to play in the dirt, so take advantage of your child’s curiosity by introducing them to gardening. Beginning a garden with your child is a great outdoor activity that will encourage quality time as well as providing a hands-on, educational experience.

Planting a family garden is an activity that every member of the household can participate in. Smaller children can assist with small tasks like dropping seeds into the ground or patting down loose soil while older children can play an active role in planning and maintaining the garden. By watching a tiny seed grow and bloom, your child will appreciate all that went in to creating life – water, sunlight, soil, etc. They will also learn patience as they wait and watch their seeds begin to sprout. Including vegetables in the mix will encourage children to make good food choices as well as boost their self-esteem as they harvest and prepare the vegetables they grew for a family meal.

Before dusting off the shovels and gardening gloves, think about what you would like your children to take away from this experience. Sit down with them and read a few books together on gardening to spark their interest. Even if the weather is still a little too chilly to get out in the yard, you can still get a head start indoors by spreading newspapers out on the kitchen table and rounding up a few foam cups or pots, potting soil, and a couple packets of seeds. Place the seed cups in a sunny window and watch your seedlings grow!

If your family doesn’t already have a garden established, choosing the right location is very important. Consider what type of garden your family intends to plant. For example, vegetable gardens will need access to at least eight hours or sunlight while some flower varieties prefer partial sun or shade. Soil content, access to a water source, and garden size are other factors to consider as well as visibility. Children are more likely to stay interested in their garden if it is in a location where they play or pass by often. The more they see their garden, the more they will notice changes.

Adult gardening tools may be too large and clumsy for little hands to wield, so consider purchasing a few smaller, kid friendly tools. These items may include a child-sized hoe, rake, spade, gardening gloves, and watering can. Designate a special place for your child to keep their tools and instruct them to clean them and put them away after each use to establish good habits.

Once your bed is prepared, you are now ready for the fun part – planting! Sit down as a family and discuss what types of plants will be included in your family garden. Children will love being a part of the decision making process, but keep in mind that not all plants are kid friendly. Sunflowers, lettuces, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and snow peas are all excellent additions to a family garden because they are easy to grow, sprout within a short period of time, and are fun to harvest. Bright colorful flowers such as zinnias and cosmos are ideal for cutting and bringing indoors.

Waiting for your garden to bloom may be an exercise in patience. Have your children start a gardening journal where they can draw pictures of the garden, what they think the plants will look like once they’ve bloomed, and any bugs they see. Encourage them to write about what they like about gardening and about the changes they’ve seen as the garden begins to progress. As an added activity, consider building a scarecrow to keep out any unwanted “pests.”

Ensure your family’s gardening experience remains an enjoyable activity by implementing a few rules of safety. Ask your garden supply center about the ingredients in your potting soil and whether it is safe for children. Read the labels of your seed packages – some seeds are coated with chemicals that may be harmful. Always be sure to supervise children when using tools or during watering and watch for stinging insects. Since you’ll be outdoors, be sure to take provisions to prevent sunburn.

Gardening can be an exciting adventure that will not only appeal to your child’s natural sense of curiosity, but open the door for a variety of valuable life lessons. Children enjoy trying new activities, especially when they are having fun. More important, they will love spending quality time with you.

Stages Magazine

One of a Kind Design: Material Possessions

Stages Magazine
March/April 2011

Click here to view PDF.

Paint colors, sumptuous fabrics, unique furniture – these are literally the “materials” that make up interior designer Angela Doolittle’s day-to-day life. The minute she meets with a new client, she’s working to get a feel for the unique set of personality characteristics that make that person individual. She then takes that kernel of knowledge and expands on it to create a beautiful room that reflects their identity.

“My approach is to always keep my client’s wishes to the forefront,” says Doolittle. “I inquire about my customers and clients likes and dislikes and I always try to please them. I like to connect with each one so I can ensure their home reflects their life and style, not mine.”

A twelve-year veteran of the business, Doolittle worked as a freelance designer for several years before testing her entrepreneurial skills. In 2005, she opened Material Possessions, a full service interior design showroom. Clients range from residential to commercial and also include new construction and remodels. The organization’s staff includes experienced interior and floral designers.

“Our clients and customers often tell us we offer one-stop shopping,” Doolittle adds. “They love to come into the store because we always have new and unusual things. We offer anything you need for a home or commercial design including custom window treatments, bedding, and furniture. We also have numerous upholstery options, case good lines, art, mirrors, lighting, rugs, accessories, candles and gift items.”

Part of Doolittle’s success is her knack for seeking out new and unusual pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. She also enjoys designing her own pieces, including custom made tables, beds, ottomans, window treatments, and bedding. Through her experience, she has noticed that current fashion trends eventually translate into home furnishings. Just as fashion trends change with the seasons, Doolittle shares a few of the trends she predicts will be popular for spring:

  • Color – Currently retro looks are very hot in fashion and are providing inspiration for home trends, particularly items from the 1970’s era. Blue continues to be popular in addition to turquoise, melon, olive green, and bright colors paired with greys and neutrals like purple or mustard with grey.
  • Pattern – Pattern can be found in everything from fabrics, accessories, case goods, and rugs.
  • Blown Glass – Vases, lamps, and wall art, including glass balls to be hung on the wall.
  • Butterflies – Butterflies can be found in everything from fabrics, rugs, and art.
  • Elegant snake motif’s – Having long been popular in fashion, this print is now being incorporated on lamps, mirrors, and fabrics.
  • French inspired – Fleur de lis, Eiffel tower accessories, decorative hardware, and French antiques of the 30’s & 40’s.
  • Ethnic pieces – things with a Moorish influence are particularly popular, which is a favorite of Doolittle’s.
  • Animal prints – Peacock feathers and safari patterns.
  • Natural fabrics – Linens, burlap, and natural leathers.

When guiding a client through the process of decorating their home, Doolittle ensures that choices they make will endure the test of time. “A house has to flow together and be cohesive,” she says. “It’s all about comfort! Your home can be comfortable and elegant, but it also has to be livable and use what you love to achieve this. I love my job. I love being creative and really enjoy the relationship I have with my clients. That makes my job all very rewarding for me.”

Material Possessions
733 Lake Harbour Dr Suite J
Ridgeland, MS, 39157
(601) 919-2828

Stages Magazine

Building Outside the Box: Brian Burkley


Stages Magazine
March / April 2011

Click here to view PDF.

You could say building houses is in Brian Burkley’s blood. After all, he was inspired by his grandfather who was also a builder. Six years ago, as Burkley began drawing up plans for the new house that he and his wife Natalie planned to build, he had no idea his endeavor would wind up leading him right in his grandfather’s footsteps. At the time, Burkley had an eight-to-five job in the banking industry, but had been building houses on the side for almost two years. As construction began on the Burkley’s new home, the couple was surprised when people began approaching them with offers to buy the house before it was even complete.

“I have always wanted my homes to be different architecturally,” says the thirty-two year old Natchez native and father of two. “At the time I noticed a lot of new homes were looking a little ‘cookie-cutter.’ They were all starting to look the same. I wanted to build a house that would stand out.”

It was Burkley’s attention to detail that got him noticed by other prospective clients. He continued to build houses on the side, but as business picked up he realized he wasn’t giving his day job the commitment it deserved. With his wife’s support, Burkley made the decision to pursue home building full-time. He quickly learned the ropes of the home building business with the help of both a mentor and a business partner. Burkley and his former partner built eight houses together before he decided to strike out on his own. Today Deep South Custom Homes builds around 25 houses per year in the Jackson metro area.

“My previous job in banking gave me the finance background and customer service skills I needed to form relationships with my clients,” Burkley adds. “I enjoy meeting with clients and drawing up the plans. I am a very hands-on builder. I like to be creative and this means going beyond my customers expectations to build a one-of-a-kind product they can call their dream home.”

Because of the success his business has seen over the last five years, Burkley felt the need to give back to the community that has given him so much. Three years ago, Deep South Custom Homes was selected to participate in the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Local builders across the country are chosen to build a home valued between $300,000 – $600,000, which is raffled off to one lucky winner.

“Building the house for St. Jude was something I always wanted to do,” reveals Burkley. “As a relatively new builder, I felt honored to be chosen.”

The dream home giveaway, which is currently held in over thirty cities across the United States, serves as the largest single-event fundraiser for the Memphis-based children’s research hospital. Since the program began in 1991, it has raised more than $155 million dollars to fund research and find cures to save children around the world. This year marks the third year Deep South Custom Homes has built the dream home in the Jackson market. They have committed to continue participating in the giveaway for the next five years.

“Designing the house poses somewhat of a challenge in that I have to be creative architecturally and make the house aesthetically pleasing while sticking to a tight budget,” Burkley says. “Deep South doesn’t profit from the home; it’s all donated and I have been fortunate to work with vendors and sub-contractors that support my efforts. Building the St. Jude house has become a huge part of Deep South Custom Homes and we are passionate about this organization and what it stands for. It helps raise money for a wonderful cause and allows me to give back to the community for all the many blessings I have received. It has been such a positive and rewarding experience and it gets better every year.”

Groundbreaking for the house took place last November. The 3200-square-foot home will be located on a corner lot in The Townsip at Colony Crossing off Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. A two-story French Acadian style home, the house boasts an open great room and keeping room with 22-foot ceilings and balconies overlooking the front and the sides of the house. The interior will feature top of the line amenities including granite countertops, wood flooring, stainless commercial-style appliances, custom-crafted wood beams and cabinetry, old brick, exquisite lighting fixtures and much more. National dream home sponsor, Brizo, will supply plumbing fixtures that incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Tickets for this year’s dream home will be available to purchase at various locations throughout the Jackson Metro area. Upon completion of construction, tickets will also go on sale at the home’s site during the open house tours. Giveaway for the 2011 dream home is scheduled for this June.

Just as no two people are alike, Burkley believes each house he builds should be as unique as the family that will call it their home. “Not every house I build will fit the needs of every family,” he says. “I go into each project with the belief that there is a family for each house. It’s my job to meet their goals and give them timeless details for the times of their lives. Most importantly, I hope that joy, happiness, and lasting memories will resonate the walls of every home built.” It is this unique approach and meticulous desire to exceed his customer’s expectations that Burkley hopes will lead to his continued success.

Deep South Custom Homes
Brian Burkley
P.O. Box 5825
Brandon, MS 39047
(601) 720-1978

Portico Jackson Magazine

From Hobby to Household Name: Gail Pittman

Portico Magazine
February 2011

If you ask Gail Pittman what the hardest job in the world is, she will reply, “Being a school teacher.” The artist and business entrepreneur worked as a school teacher for five years with the Jackson Public School System before embarking on a career move that would launch her successful line of home décor. She began at her kitchen table, inspired by a colorful bowl she found in a gift shop.

“At first, I really didn’t like ceramics,” Pittman recalls. “However, I later realized that I really enjoyed painting. So one day I sat at my kitchen table, used a Rubbermaid spice rack as my wheel, and taught myself how to make a bowl. It became my creative outlet. ”

Pittman’s goal was to create pieces that were not only decorative, but also functional. Eventually her pottery caught the eye of friends and family and she began getting requests for orders. When she landed a booth at the Canton Flea Market, Pittman thought, “I have arrived! This is it!” Shortly after, her friend Carol Puckett Daily, founder of The Everyday Gourmet, approached her about selling pieces in her retail store. Pittman soon became a house hold name and her wares are now sold nationwide.

After thirty years in the business, rumors began to circulate late last year that Pittman was retiring. “I knew I wasn’t retiring,” she says, “but there was so much in the works and so many facets that needed to come together before I could reveal what was going on.” Pittman was interested in exploring new techniques, but needed to make some major changes to the logistics side of her business. She closed down her Ridgeland plant and joined into a licensing agreement with Sidco Worldwide in Nashville. The company has production facilities both nationally and abroad and is now responsible for manufacturing and distribution. This frees Pittman up for what she really loves – designing.

“I particularly enjoy this arrangement one, because the owner of Sidco – Tom Kelly – is formerly from Greenville and he shares my belief that our mission should not only be to design products of exceptional quality for the home that inspire hospitality, love, and the creative spirit, but also to make a positive influence on all the lives we touch,” Pittman says.

In May, Pittman opened the Gail Pittman Design Store in Old Towne Center in Ridgeland. The full service retail store features a bridal registry, corporate gifts and showroom that offers not only several new designs but updated versions of some of her best loved patterns and new pieces never before offered.

“This new direction is very exciting,” she says. “I have the opportunity to move into so many different directions and I am having a great time with it. And I love spending time in the store with my customers.” As she reflects back on where the last thirty years have led, she adds, “Everything that happens in life prepares you for what you are supposed do.”

Gail Pittman Official Store

The Northside Sun

It All Began With Bacon

The Northside Sun
December 2010

Click here for PDF of original article.

Laurel Schooler doesn’t consider herself to be a cook. In fact, she hasn’t always been a baker. “My husband is a fabulous cook, but I have never been interested,” remarks the high school English teacher about her husband. “Our friends love to get together and have themed dinner parties. One particular party everyone was required to bring a dish with bacon in it. I didn’t want to be left out, so I thought since I don’t cook maybe I could bring dessert.”

Schooler did her research and found a recipe for dark chocolate and bacon cupcakes. “I didn’t even own any equipment. I mixed everything by hand,” she recalls. “As odd as the combination sounds, they were a success.”

Schooler, who is in her eighth year of teaching at Madison Central, shares her Meadowbrook Road home with her husband Josh, Associate Creative Director with the Ramey Agency; eleven-year-old son Blake; and two dachshunds – Ollie and Buster. They both attended the University of Southern Mississippi; however, they did not meet until years later when introduced by a mutual friend. The couple married eight years ago. On the outside, their home is an unassuming 1950’s ranch-style house. On the inside, the modern décor reflects the couple’s creative roots. The Schooler’s kitchen matches the contemporary look of the rest of the home. The previous owner lined the backsplash with galvanized steel, which the Schoolers use to display snippets of recipes and Blake’s artwork. This particular afternoon, all the ingredients for Bread Pudding Cupcakes are measured out on the kitchen counter. After combining cubed bread and dried cranberries with a little heavy whipping cream, melted butter, and spices, Schooler heads out to the dining room to give the bread time to soak. She sits down at a long wooden table outfitted with funky neon orange chairs and shares a story about the time the couple tried to mix meringue by hand with a whisk.

“Have you ever tried mixing meringue by hand? It was awful!” she laughs. “One of us would mix and when our arms got tired we’d pass it off to other person, ‘Here you mix for while.’” Soon after, Josh bought Schooler her lime green Kitchenaid stand mixer. “It is by far my favorite piece of equipment! This thing does everything!”

Inspired by the triumph of her first batch of cupcakes, Schooler began experimenting with other recipes. “My students became my guinea pigs,” she says. “They love it when I bring baked goods to class.” One student raved to his mother about Schooler’s cupcakes. His mother later approached her about baking a batch of cupcakes for an upcoming party she was having. “I was so excited! Finally, I had the opportunity to make cupcakes for someone else!” In between juggling a full-time career and her family, Schooler squeezes in the time to cater for family and friends. “I was recently asked to bake cupcakes for a wedding. Thursday night after work, I came home and spent the whole evening baking!”

Schooler has also expanded her hobby into retail. When Jim and Linda Burwell opened Mimi’s Family and Friends restaurant in Fondren this past spring, the Burwell’s daughter Heather– who also happens to be Schooler’s best friend from high school – suggested they carry her friend’s tasty creations. “The flavor changes from day-to-day. Sometimes they’ll ask for a certain theme, or a seasonal creation, or just whatever I’m in the mood for.”

By now, the cupcakes are in the oven and the house is beginning to smell like nutmeg. Schooler melts a stick of butter over the stove and stirs in an egg, sugar and a couple tablespoons of whiskey. She then fires up her lime green mixer and begins whipping a cup of heavy cream. The festive cupcakes remind her of one of her most ambitious baking projects – a seven layer coconut cake she made one year for Christmas dinner. “It was so tall that when I put it on the pedestal I couldn’t even fit the top over it!”

Once the whiskey sauce has cooled, she is able to fold it into the whipped cream. Schooler then spoons the mixture into an icing gun and pipes it onto her cooled cupcakes. As you bite into one of her individual treats, still slightly warm from the oven, the taste of cinnamon elicits holiday cheer.

Bread Pudding Cupcakes

Makes 18 cupcakes

Cupcakes:

  • 5 cups stale bread ripped into finger-length pieces (Bunny is my brand of choice)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 5 large eggs

Place bread in large bowl and stir in melted butter. Add all other ingredients and stir again. Let stand at room temperature for 25-30 minutes. Use an ice cream scoop and divide the mixture evenly among cupcake liners. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cupcakes are down when the tops are lightly browned and are springy to the touch.

Whiskey sauce:

  • ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite whiskey

Heat the butter, sugar, and egg in a small saucepan. Stir until fully integrated. Remove from stovetop and stir in vanilla and whiskey.

Whiskey Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 8 tablespoons whiskey sauce

Place whipping cream and sugar in stand-up mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on low to combine, then increase to medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Stir in whiskey sauce by hand until fully integrated. Top cooled cupcakes with the whipped cream.

Are you a clever cook or a brilliant baker and would like to be featured in the Northside Sun? Send an email to lisalbynum@hotmail.com.

Mississippi Magazine

Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Mississippi Magazine
January/February 2011

Looking back on their lives together, Fay and Francis Reid had a lot to be thankful for.  The couple lived through a World War, raised two children, and were later blessed with four grandchildren.  In 2002, with the approach of the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary, the Reid’s decided to put an announcement in the wedding edition of Mississippi Magazine.  

A few months later, that very magazine was delivered to the mailbox of Mary Nell Kemp Kuhlo.  Mary Nell, a native of Corinth, lived in Germany at the time and enjoyed receiving her little reminder of home in the mail.  As she flipped through the glossy pages, her eyes landed on the Reid’s anniversary announcement.  Mary Nell, the Reid’s son Marvin, and Mary Nell’s best friend Jane Dees Cozart – also a native of Corinth – had all been best friends during their time at Northeast Community College in Booneville.  Jane’s husband had passed away twelve years earlier and upon reading the Reid’s article, Mary Nell discovered that Marvin Reid was also a widower.  That’s when the wheels of fate and romance began to turn.

Mary Nell called Jane from Germany, told her about the article, and encouraged her friend to give Marvin a call.  “I told her ‘No!  I have never called a man before and I am not going to start now!’” recalls Jane.  She quickly put the conversation out of her mind until Mary Nell came home for a month-long visit to America later that summer.  Mary Nell, Jane, and several of their lifelong friends got together for brunch in Memphis.  Mary Nell shared the Reid’s story from Mississippi Magazine   with the group of ladies and her plan to get Marvin and Jane together.  “They all ganged up on me,” laughs Jane.  “I still refused to call him.  After that brunch, I thought the conversation was over -again.”

However, Jane’s former college roommate, Linda Wicker Kindrick, a native of New Albany, would not take no for an answer.  Linda called Mrs. Reid a few months later and asked how she could get in touch with her son.  Turns out, Marvin was sitting right next to his mother.  Linda convinced Marvin to give Jane a call, which he did ten minutes later.

“It had been 38 years since I last talked with Marvin,” Jane said.  “He had gone to Delta State and I went to Mississippi University for Women and we lost touch with each other.  But when we talked on the phone, it was like no time had passed since we last talked.  We picked up right where we left off.”  Jane and Marvin met for their first date six weeks later.  Forty two days after that, the couple married in Paris, Tenn.

The wedding took place at First United Methodist Church in Paris, Tenn., on December 7, 2002.  The couple’s children and grandchildren stood at the altar with them, including Marvin’s identical  twin daughters Allison (Jeff) Fracchia and their two sons Reid and Owen Fracchia,  daughter Amy(Charlie) Knighton and their daughters Abbie and Celeste Knighton, Jane’s son John (Angie) Cozart and their son Will Cozart, and Jane’s daughter Amy Cozart.  A wedding luncheon followed at the bride’s home for 100 family members and friends. The couple’s “ole gang” from their college days at Northeast Community College were present as well as many of the couple’s close friends.

Looking back on the chain of events that lead to their nuptials, Jane and Marvin are now thankful for the tenacity of her friends.  “This all happened because Mrs. Frances Reid put an article in Mississippi Magazine,” she adds.  “Mary Nell Kemp Kuhlo read her copy and remembered Marvin. Linda Wicker Kindrick never stopped trying to contact Marvin.  Marvin and I have so much in common and have had a beautiful life together.  This was all fate that ended so well all because of Mississippi Magazine.”

Stages Magazine

Working Girl: Upton-Neal Interiors

Stages Magazine
January/February 2011

Over the last twenty years, America has seen an increase in the number of eager women becoming business owners.  Susan Upton has been a familiar face in interior design for nearly two decades.  As co-owner of Upton-Neal Carpet One Floor & Home in Pearl, Susan has a knack for transforming homes while still finding time to play the ever important role of wife and mother.  Stages Magazine sat down with Susan to discuss the experiences she faces as a successful female business owner.

 LB:  Tell me about your business.

SU:  We are Upton-Neal Carpet One Floor & Home.  We are locally owned and operated so that means our customers are “buying local”.  This year we became a member of the world’s largest floor covering buying group – Carpet One.  This enables us to buy the best brands for less to sell for less.  It also allows us to offer the “Beautiful Guarantee” which means if you don’t love the floor you choose, we’ll replace it for free. We also offer “Healthier Living Installation” which is exclusive to Carpet One stores.  We are a full service floor covering and interior design store. We sell and install all types of floor covering, wall covering, countertops, blinds, and draperies.  We handle residential, commercial, builder, and property management. This year we became a premier service provider for several insurance companies. It is a great honor to be qualified to provide this service.      

LB:  What was your background prior to joining Upton-Neal?

SU:  I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in interior design and worked as an interior designer for two other companies prior to joining Upton-Neal.

LB:  What events led to you becoming co-owner of the business?

SU:  I had worked at Upton-Neal for 17 years. I was to the point that I needed to either become a partner at Upton’s or go out on my own. One of the owners at the time decided to move out of the state. God just answered a prayer and opened that door for me. 

LB:  How involved are you in the day-to-day operations of Upton-Neal?

SU:  VERY. Harold Neal -my partner- and I still sell and maintain our client’s accounts that we have built up over the years. We are very hands-on in every part of the daily operation of the business. I have actually been told that I have a little bit of a control problem.

LB:  How do you balance work and family?

SU:  I pray a lot. It’s a daily struggle to achieve that balance. If I am not careful, the store will consume your every thought before and after hours.  My husband and sons have always been so very supportive.   It would have been impossible without their support.

LB:  How do you fight the stereotypes some people may have of female business owners?

SU:  I co-own a business typically owned by men. So I do get the usual “So you and your husband own this together?”  Or “So Harold is your dad?” because there is 19 yrs difference in our age.  I am usually assumed to be the sister, wife, or daughter-in-law or something!   It does frustrate me to hear these comments because I have worked very hard all my life to achieve where I am in this business and I find it very demeaning when people “assume” a woman couldn’t co-own a multi-million dollar business without being related or married to a man in the business.  But I usually just laugh it off and just go on.         

LB:  What is your motivation?

SU:  I absolutely love what I do.  When a customer says “Susan, I absolutely LOVE my new house” or “Thank you for transforming my existing space into something beautiful and functional – and within budget” it makes the long hours worth it.

LB:  What tips do you have for other women who are business owners or are looking to launch their own business?

SU:  Most women are more detail-oriented and make great business owners and managers.  The hardest job in the world is to raise small children and manage a household.  If you have done that well, owning your own business will be easy!  You may want to start small and when you are ready, then expand.   Do not second guess yourself.  If you think you are ready to own a business then you probably are! 

Upton-Neal Carpet One Floor & Home
322 Airport Road South
Pearl, MS

Stages Magazine

Like a Rock: Granite Transformations

Stages Magazine
November/December 2010

It has been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. In most families, the kitchen is used more than any other space– whether for cooking, family meals, homework, art projects, gathering around the kitchen table for some good conversation or an old fashioned game of Monopoly. As the holiday season approaches, you may be giving your kitchen a critical eye in anticipation of the influx of family and friends that will be passing through your doors. Perhaps the kitchen in your home looks dated and you find yourself wishing for a fresh new look but don’t want to put yourself through the stress, mess, and cost of a complete remodel.

Granite Transformations in Madison has been offering homeowners several options for bringing a more contemporary look to kitchens and bathrooms since 2005. Granite countertops add not only a unique beauty to your home, but they are more durable and sanitary than conventional countertops. The company’s core product consists of Trend Stone, a product that mixes natural stone with a specially formulated polymer to provide greater strength and durability than traditional granite. “Trend Stone is natural granite that is engineered into a far superior surface for countertops than anything available,” says Brian Sartain, owner of Granite Transformations since 2007. “Our Trend Stone granite is non –porous, heat, scratch and stain resistant.”

The company offers unique, hassle-free installation that can usually be completed within a day or two. A certified installer carefully measures existing surfaces and builds a template to get every detail correct. The countertops are fabricated at their shop and then delivered to the job site. On installation day, the countertops are set in place and permanently bonded directly over the existing countertops. There is no demolition and no downtime.

In addition to TrendStone, Granite Transformations also offers Trend Glass and Trend Mosaics. Says Brian, “Trend Glass is manufactured with granite and recycled glass. These make astonishing, vibrant countertops that would totally change and enhance a kitchen. Trend Glass works better in bathroom applications. We have transformed many bathroom vanities and showers using Trend Glass.” Trend Glass is also extremely durable and low maintenance. It’s heat resistant, cold resistant, scratch resistant and stain resistant. The non-porous surface also does not stain and it very easy to clean.

Trend Mosaics are transparent 4’ x 10’ glass mosaic tile slabs that can be adhered directly over many surfaces. The slabs are pre-grouted with a latex grout that is stain resistant, does not crack, and does not require sealing. “Trend Mosaics used as backsplashes will compliment any countertop,” adds Brian. “There are many styles and colors that are available and better yet the customer can custom blend several different colors to produce a custom backsplash that all your friends and neighbors would envy.”

Obviously, cost is a determining factor when contemplating whether or not to update your kitchen or bathroom. “Many people call and ask ‘How much is your product?’ That is a great question but can not be answered with just a number,” explains Sartain. “We are a high end product. We have done over 1000 kitchens and baths since opening and there has never been any two kitchens or baths exactly the same. Every customer has different wants and needs such as a new sink or faucet, backsplashes, edge type, color, etc. And since no two kitchen

and bath designs are the same, giving an accurate price off-the-cuff is impossible.” Granite Transformations offer free home consultations to measure the customer’s space and determine their needs. A written quote is then presented to the customer.

Adds Sartain, “Cost is what you pay for that item over its useful life. There are different products available for the consumer that are priced less than ours, but none that cost less or are superior to our product. Think about it -who is going to pay to repair for damage to your house during demolition of your existing countertops? How long are you going to be out of your kitchen with that process and having many different contractors in your house for 2-3 weeks completing the job? How much is it going to cost to maintain those countertops with sealants over the life of the product? None of those costs are associated with our product.”

Customers are encouraged to visit the company’s Madison showroom to view kitchen, bathroom and shower displays and feel finished products. Samples are also available so customers can decide on color choices prior to having an in-home consultation.

“Our motto ‘Done in a day, beautiful for life’ pretty much sums up our philosophy. Granite Transformations takes great pride in providing our customers with a superior product and service,” says Sartain. “All of our products are backed by a lifetime warranty against material defects. The holidays are fast approaching, so if a customer is considering new countertops, now is the time to call us.”