The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi “Just Have a Ball” program, which is sponsored by Continental Tires, recently gave each third and fourth grade student at Bolton-Edwards Elementary School a ball to take home and enjoy.

Each year on the 4th Sunday in May, a program is held that is called "Fun 'N' the Sun" in Bolton, MS. This year's event will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Different groups are invited to come sing and fellowship together. Some of the groups included in this year's program include the New Gospel Keystones. There are also groups such as Reverend Joe Washington from Flora, MS and the Pure in Heart. There will be many groups from all over the state. Brownsville out of Bolton, MS and Bro. Greg Flowers from Jackson, MS will be performing. There will also be groups from Utica and Sallis. We invite all gospel groups to come out and be a part of this. We also invite politicians and pastors to take part in this program. The program will be held at the Jimmy Lewis Pavilion Park in Bolton. The pavilion is located on Martin L. King Drive near the intersection with Bolton-Raymond Road (across from Town Hall). The gates open at 12:00 PM and the program begins at 2:30 PM. We invite all to come out and be blessed and listen to some great gospel music and enjoy the fellowship. If you have any questions or would like to register to participate, give Albert "Country Boy" Lewis a call at 601-665-2069.

Yep, it’s been a really tough few years for everyone. In just about every possible conceivable way. Financially, physically, and emotionally, and it hasn’t really mattered how old or young you are – life has stunk in a lot of ways. And this horrible onslaught of stress and grief is definitely taking its toll. People are struggling to make sense of their lives and to carry on with some sense of normalcy. All this has had negative consequences for each of us. You may be reacting to all this pain by sinking into depression. While another is living in anger – striking out at anything and everyone in their path. Physical symptoms of stress are running rampant among adults, and each is doing their best to cope with the changes in their lives. With varying degrees of success. Little children have their own particular reactions that they are living. Confusion, anxiety, and fear are pretty common. Some kids have shown definite regression in their progress of learning how to deal confidently with life. Can’t blame ‘em, it’s been really rough on grown-ups – can you imagine trying to adjust to all these problems, as a little child? So, what do we do? How do we begin trying to take back what we’ve lost in our personal life? What can begin to heal us emotionally and even physically from all this stress? The following suggestions written below are certainly not intended as a cure-all – a miracle for our hurting world. But there are a few things that you need when you’re suffering. And remember, if you can benefit from these, so can your friends and family. Some things folks need when they’re hurting: Kind words spoken to them. And sometimes, this is difficult to do when the speaker is also hurting. Tender touch goes a long way. Just a simple pat on the arm or a loving hug can mean so much. Listening to the one in pain talk about their hurt is vital. You don’t have to have the answers – just listen, and let them know you care. Presence of someone who cares. Be there for that person who is sick or stressed – even a phone call showing your concern is so much better for them than enduring their problem all alone. Humor of the right kind, and used at the right time, can help. Just be sensitive to the situation. Only attempt to bring a smile to their face by using humor that is laced with grace and love. Patience with the one who is hurting. Living through a nightmare isn’t easy. Finding their way back from depression or illness is hard work, and takes time. You can encourage them to start on the path upward, but keep in mind – they are not liking where they are. And they’re not there by choice. They would like to get better, but they may be stuck in fear. Just care. For you and each other.

Nurses and respiratory therapists desiring to work for the state’s sole academic medical center and only hospital offering Level I trauma services can take advantage of walk-up interviews Monday, May 16 on the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Jackson campus. No appointment is necessary for an interview convenient to applicants from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower fronting Woodrow Wilson Avenue. Parking is available in Garage C next door to Sanderson Tower, which houses many services offered by Children’s of Mississippi. Interviews especially target new graduates of nursing schools. Registered nurses may apply for any of the Medical Center’s RN openings. It’s not required, but the process can be expedited by going to umc.edu/careers and filling out an application. UMMC was named “Best Place to Work” by the Jackson Free Press, most recently this year, and in 2021 was named “Best Hospital.” “That’s a testament to the strength of our organizational culture,” said Patrice Donald, UMMC’s registered nurse manager for clinical recruitment and retention. “We hope to be the new employer of choice for those who have a heart for service, and who want to consider a new path or a career in a supportive environment.” UMMC was registered respiratory therapist Jamie Everett’s top choice. “I originally chose to work here because as a mother to two asthmatic children, I wanted to work with children who have respiratory issues,” Everett said. “During my time here, I fell in love with the neonatal intensive care unit because I get to take care of the most critically ill newborns at the state’s only Level IV NICU.” Working at the state’s only children’s hospital was a deal-maker for Sara Hodges, also a registered respiratory therapist. “The opportunity to take part in the healing process of a child is the most rewarding gift,” she said. The interview opportunity is especially timely “in this season of new nurses who are graduating and looking to find just the right place to work,” said Molly Brasfield, UMMC’s chief human resources officer. “We think UMMC is an exceptional place to work. The work we do across all of our mission areas is unparalleled,” she said. “This event is structured to allow for flexibility for anyone to come in and find out what it will look like to become part of the ‘U.’ “ For those first applying online: New nurse graduates can specify they’re interested in adult patient care by searching for code R00019327. For those interested in pediatric nursing positions, search for code R00019328. Respiratory therapists can specify they’re interested in adult patient care by searching for code R00012848. For those interested in pediatric positions, search for code R00012566. Applicants are asked to bring a copy of their resume. A greeter will take them to the interview area. Applicants can bring their parking stubs for validation. For more information, contact UMMC’s Clinical Recruitment office at 601-213-7068. For a complete list of nursing and respiratory therapy job openings, go to umc.edu/careers.

Save the date May 14, 2022…Farm auction, including new building materials (close out) for remodeling etc. see brochure

By Kara Kimbrough After last week’s column about the upcoming start of grilling season, it’s only fitting that I share a few of my favorite burger sauces. Burger purists may recoil in horror when I mention dousing, dipping or sprinkling a grilled burger with anything. Disputing their belief that the flavor of the meat should be allowed to shine, adding a flavorful sauce can and is often needed to enhance what can sometimes be a banal burger experience. I’ve always enjoyed a close relationship with sauces, dips and the like. I love topping burgers, sandwiches and even a few cuts of steak with a tangy sauce like homemade sriracha. It’s made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, salt and sugar. Another favorite is Mississippi comeback sauce. Recipes for the ketchup-based sauce abound, depending on the region of the state and many other factors. Just as I prefer my burgers adorned with sauce, I can’t imagine enjoying fries or chips to the fullest without a bowl of my favorite dip nearby. It’s even better when a spread or dip can double as both a topping for a burger (or other type of grilled meat) and dip for chips, crackers or crudites. Side note: many scoff at the idea of making their own ketchup, mayo or barbecue sauce, but trust me when I say the extra effort is worth it. As with any homemade sauce, being able to control the taste and healthiness by using fresh vegetables, tomato sauce, sour cream and spices, to name a few ingredients, more than makes up for the time spent making your own. If you own a food process or blender, most sauces only take a few minutes to whip up. If grilling and blending sounds like too much work, there are several restaurants around the state that serve outstanding burgers with a side of “special sauce.” A few worth checking out include: 1. Zip’s in Magee, a long-time family eatery, is almost as famous for its “Zip Sauce” than for the signature burgers named “best in Mississippi” several times. Make sure to order the battered fries and an extra helping of Zip Sauce for dipping. 2. Tupelo’s Neon Pig serves an amazing lineup of food – check out their eclectic, fun menu to see what I mean – but the burgers and special sauces are hard to beat. Crowd favorites are the Smash burger served with a hearty side of Comeback sauce (named “best burger in America” at one point) and the Belvis with a spin-off name of Tupelo’s most famous son. Topped with bacon pimento cheese, jerky sauce and Creole mustard, it’s a creation of which Elvis would be proud. 3. The Gulf Coast is known for seafood, but that hasn’t stopped Biloxi’s old-school eatery, Burger Burger, from gaining national acclaim. Its namesake burger, the Burger Burger, of course, is juicy and delicious and encased in a crispy po’boy bun. But it’s the restaurant’s top-secret burger sauce on top that steals the show. While you’re in Biloxi, don’t forget to stop by the city’s beautiful welcome center. It’s the white antebellum style building across from the Biloxi Lighthouse. Besides offering above-average rest stop accommodations, the spacious center is filled with multiple rooms filled with artifacts and engaging displays depicting the history and progression of the city. Biloxi’s history dates to 1699, making it one of America’s oldest cities. Here is the recipe for one of my favorite sauces – it’s very similar to the famous sauce served at a national chain known more for its chicken tenders than burgers. However, its deliciousness translates, making it the perfect burger sauce and dip for my favorite chips. Perfect Burger Sauce and Chip ‘n Dip 1 cup real mayonnaise 4-5 tablespoons ketchup (add to taste) 5-6 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce (substitute vinegar if you don’t like the heat) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Pinch of celery salt Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Cover and chill overnight or at least six hours before serving. Recipe doubles easily. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com. Kara Kimbrough

By Bob Garver After “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” I was a little apprehensive about the Marvel Cinematic Universe exploring more of the Multiverse. Sure, seeing guest stars from two other universes was great and all, but I was (and still am) worried that the MCU will use the Multiverse as an excuse to do whatever it wants. Years of continuity can be undone with the writers just shrugging and saying, “The Multiverse.” Don’t get me wrong, some course corrections may be worth making (can we get Michael B. Jordan’s “Black Panther” villain Erik Killmonger back somehow?), but if they’re overdone, the movies will become stakeless and uninteresting. The good news is that “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” doesn’t fall into this trap. Aside from a rapid-fire sequence in the middle, this movie only spends significant time in four or five universes. We get a variety of settings without the movie overdoing it, like the imaginative-but-cluttered “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” For a movie about the Multiverse, this movie was a lot more grounded than I expected, and I mean that in a good way. The bad news is that I couldn’t really get invested in the story in any universe, and of course I don’t mean that in a good way. Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is unsatisfied with his life post-“Avengers: Endgame” People blame him for the completely-necessary five year “blip,” his former girlfriend Christine (Rachel McAdams) is getting married to someone else, and he has a recurring nightmare in which he’s unable to save America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a teenager with the ability to jump between universes. Chavez is being hunted by Wanda “Scarlet Witch” Maximoff, who wants to fatally drain her of her powers so she can hop to another universe and reclaim her children, who were born and lost in the MCU TV series “WandaVision.” Best case scenario: Chavez is in life-threatening danger. Worst case scenario: the fate of multiple universes is in danger. Strange and his temple’s army, led by Wong (Benedict Wong) fight diligently to protect Chavez from Scarlet Witch, but ultimately it is decided that a change of venue is in order. Strange and Chavez hop universes, and end up in one where Strange is put on trial before a council of other Marvel characters. This lineup includes a returning Mondo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), though most have yet to be seen in the Disney-owned MCU. I had heard in advance of one cameo, so I wasn’t taken off-guard, only to be taken completely off-guard by another one I hadn’t heard about. Sadly none of the council members put up much of a fight against Scarlet Witch, who has never been treated as more than a B-level Avenger at best. I know I said the fate of multiple universes “might” be in danger, but the stakes never seem to involve more than the lives of the core cast of characters. And sorry, but these are not the most interesting characters in the MCU. Chavez is just a scared teenager, Christine a standard love interest, Scarlet Witch a glorified entitled brat. Even Strange himself has never been a favorite of mine, with a demeanor too similar to Iron Man’s, though Cumberbatch and his unconvincing American accent can never match Robert Downey Jr’s charm. Their lives don’t mean much to me, is what I’m saying. It all adds up to an absolutely typical MCU movie, save for some creative, sometimes shockingly violent touches from director Sam Raimi. But even he seems to be on autopilot at times, often revisiting familiar tropes like a Macguffin-y book, zombies, evil doppelgangers, and a cameo by an actor he likes. Granted, it’s a funny cameo, maybe the funniest part of the movie, but it’s completely expected from Raimi. For a movie whose very title tells us to be prepared for anything, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” can never quite deliver the right amount of chaos. Grade: C “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images, and some language. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi invites the public to attend their Annual I Protect Children Luncheon on May 18, 2022, at the Country Club of Jackson. This event will open up the dialogue for people to become a part of the solution to eliminate child abuse in Mississippi. Executive Director Karla Steckler Tye shares, "In the past 20 years, Children's Advocacy Centers have seen over 46,000 children (10,424 in 2021) and have helped them receive Hope, Healing, and Justice and that's something that should be celebrated." Throughout the event you will experience Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi's approach to the child abuse challenges by encouraging Hope, Healing, and Justice for the children of Mississippi. You will hear a direct abuse survivor story and how the multidisciplinary team worked together to change her life and convict the perpetrator. Finding Hope for victims sometimes falls on the legal system and Harrison County District Attorney Crosby Parker will share what the legal system is doing to bring hope to survivors of abuse. You will hear from Dr. Beth Brownlee discussing The Children's Safe Center and its place in creating Healing for children and young adults in its safe environment. As part of the multidisciplinary team approach, everyone is working together to help heal the children of abuse. Dr. Brownlee states, "Here in Mississippi, the challenges are getting kids what they need and getting their help accomplished in a short period of time. We can get children mental health support and make sure they don't have infections related to their abuse allegations, that they don't have broken bones or injuries that need further imaging but that's a lot for one person to figure out in a very short amount of time and get accomplished efficiently." Critical in the circle of recovery for abused children and young adults is Justice. Mississippi College Law School Dean Patricia Bennett will address the importance that Justice plays in the recovery process for abused victims. Over 90% of children know their abusers and this makes finding justice difficult for some. Miss Mississippi Hailey White will also make an appearance to show her support of the efforts being made to eliminate child abuse in Mississippi. Make plans to attend and become a part of the solution and eradication of child abuse in Mississippi. To register for the event go to: https://childadvocacyms.org/events/events/2nd-annual-i-protect-children-luncheon. About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is the membership organization of Mississippi’s statewide Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), where children who have been victimized can receive a coordinated, victim-centered response from investigators and service providers. Nearly 1,800 children enter a Mississippi child advocacy center each year to talk about the unimaginable. These child-friendly settings are designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims. CACs also share the goal of stopping child abuse before it even starts. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008, CACM is an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). In addition to our highly acclaimed reactive work, CACM is committed to pro-active work, fostering systemic and societal change to protect children.

By Guest Columnist Yancy Methvien Unemployment is currently pretty low. There are lots of jobs out there. One job segment that always seems to be hiring is the service industry, and for good reason: service industry work, especially entry-level jobs, are not all that well paying. And then there's the tendency of the people being served to be a bit rude and sometimes downright ugly to their service providers. The sports world has such jobs. Officiating, for example. There has been a severe shortage in sports officials across the entire country, and it has only gotten worse over the last several years. But you can see why. This past month in Laurel, Mississippi, fast-pitch softball umpire Kristi Moore was assaulted by an angry parent after a game. Moore was on her way to her vehicle when the mother of a player ambushed her. Her face was very swollen from the attack, but fortunately no other injuries were inflicted. The parent ambushed Moore because she was upset that she had been removed from the playing area for using excessive profanity. She was later arrested, fined less than $500, and was released that night. Just a few days later, a male umpire in The Colony, Texas, was assaulted on the field by a coach who disagreed with a call at home plate. The umpire needed to be taken to the hospital and treated for a concussion after the coach shoved him in the head and caused him to fall. These are just two of the most recent national stories involving physical assaults on umpires and referees. Refs and umps have been on the receiving end of heckling since the beginning of time, but what is terrible is just how common verbal abuse and assault of officials at the hands of both fans and coaches has become and just how often it occurs at the youth-sports level. Some of the behavior is absolutely deplorable. There are many reasons why these incidents occur, and it would take a professional psychologist to unpack them all, but a few of the reasons are obvious. We are just getting together with one another again after being cooped up during a pandemic, and some of us are still not ready mentally. That’s on top of the standard stress involved in youth sports and the expenses of travel and practice, with the accompanying pressure parents and coaches feel to develop their children into winning players. Add the other stresses of their lives, and somewhere in all that they become incapable of relaxing at a ballgame. The officials aren’t there to be the outlet for frustrations and they aren’t there to rig the game for either team. They are certainly not paid enough to take some of the abuse they do. Most officials aren’t even in it for the money. While sports officials are compensated above minimum wage, they don’t see what could be considered “a living” until they have several years of experience and are good enough and/or lucky enough to get hired to work at the college level. Most officials work youth-level through high-school level as part time work and are people that love the game and what it can do for kids. These are people we need to treat with more respect so that they will keep providing kids with the best on-field sports experience possible. Unfortunately, until there are some major policy shifts we won’t see a big improvement. That doesn’t mean that we as fans and adults can’t have a positive impact by being better examples and policing ourselves before things get out of hand. The truth is that even good officials occasionally make bad calls. Either they may be new to the job, or they are veteran officials who are overworked. Giving them a ton of abuse for making a mistake or bad call is not going to make them want to come back where they are treated that way. There is a shortage of officials, and there are plenty of other places for them to go work. If they leave, chances are their replacements will be even less experienced, and things will only get worse. Next time you hear someone yell at the ump or ref “I could do a better job,” politely remind them that the sign-up sheet is available online and there is currently a shortage. Also, maybe remind them that nobody shows up at their place of work and gives them abuse every time they jam up the copying machine or spill coffee on a desk. Most of all, remind them that kids playing the game won’t really remember the team's won-loss record ten years from now. They will remember whether they had a good time playing or bad memories from it. Behavior towards officials plays into those memories. EDITOR'S NOTE: Yancy Methvien holds the world's record for the most rounds of golf played in a single year, referees local high school football games and follows all Mississippi sports.

This summer, Memorial United Methodist Church will be celebrating the 100-year anniversary of their sanctuary and the 150th anniversary of the property being donated to the church. On Sunday, June 5, the congregation will have a celebration service, followed by dinner on the grounds. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. All former pastors, members and attendees of the church are invited to participate, and all community members are invited to join in the celebration. The church is located at 203 Madison Street in Bolton.

The Summer Reading Program at the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library will open for registration this month. This year, the theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” and the program will be held from June 6 through July 15. Registration opens on Monday, May 9, at JHLibrary.beanstack.org. Prior to May 9, patrons are encouraged to visit the website to create an account or update an existing account. This year’s program will include the ability for readers to earn digital badges by logging their number of minutes of reading. Individuals can log their reading time, and families can register together to participate. Patrons can participate in the category of Preschool (ages 0-5), Children (ages 6-11), Teens (ages 12-17), and Adults (ages 18 and up). Participants will earn a badge upon registration, which will qualify them to receive a goodie bag that can be picked up after June 7 at the library. Additional badges can be earned for every one hundred minutes read, up to ten (1,000 minutes). After logging ten badges, the participant will receive a printable certificate. Reading minutes for printed, digital and audio books, as well as picture books, will be accepted. Readers will also have the opportunity to participate in special activities and give book reviews for extra badges. For assistance signing up for the Summer Reading Program, visit the library at 111 West Madison Street. For more information about the Summer Reading Program, visit JHLibrary.org/srp2022/, or call the library at 601-866-4247.

Opera Mississippi presents “Over The Rainbow” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, at Duling Hall, 622 Duling Ave. The sixth installment of the Duling Hall Cabaret Series sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi stars Melanie Gardner as Judy Garland and The Tyler Kemp Trio. Advance tickets may be ordered online at operams.org for $30. Remaining tickets will be on sale at the door for $35. For four decades, Judy Garland dazzled both the stage and screen with her iconic voice and girl-next-door charm. In a staged tribute to her life, audiences will hear some of her most well-known and beloved songs intertwined with stories of Garland’s life. Experience her triumphs and tribulations. Feel the inspiration she gave to fans of all ages in every authentically vulnerable performance. See the life of one of Hollywood’s brightest stars retold by singer Melanie Gardner. “Judy Garland was a legend. I am incredibly honored and excited to portray her with Opera Mississippi,” says Gardner about her involvement with the show. Gardner first performed with Opera Mississippi as a young artist while attending the University of Southern Mississippi as a graduate student. A truly multi-faceted singer, she performs opera, musical theater, jazz, blues, and contemporary genres both on the mainstage and off in concerts throughout the southeastern United States. Some of her mainstage roles have included: the title role of Suor Angelica, Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Ham in Noye’s Fludde, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. During her years living in New Orleans, Gardner fronted her own jazz band and performed with the New Orleans Opera Chorus. As a member of the original New Orleans band, The Asylum Chorus, she recorded two full-length original albums and performed at Voodoo Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Preservation. Gardner currently makes her home in Denton, Texas, teaching private voice and musical theatre classes while pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Mobile. “Part of Opera Mississippi’s mission is to support young and regional artists who are either from Mississippi, living and working in Mississippi, or who have attended Mississippi schools, colleges, or universities. We are excited to engage artists, like Melanie, and bring talented artists who create memorable shows for Mississippi audiences!” says Executive Director, Stacey Trenteseaux. The final performance of Opera Mississippi’s 76th season, “Lady Sings the Blues,” showcases Rhonda Richmond, Mississippi artist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and instrumentalist. For more information on tickets to this and the entire Opera Mississippi season, visit operams.org or call 601.960.2300.