Special to The Bolton News Building on its ongoing commitment to simplifying care, Walmart continues its 2026 health momentum with The Wellness Event — a free, nationwide health and wellness experience taking place Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart stores across the country. Designed to help customers feel informed, supported and energized, the event brings together Walmart’s pharmacy, vision and wellness teams for essential health screenings, guidance and access to affordable or no-cost immunizations*. This year’s event also offers exclusive wellness sample boxes filled with nutrition-forward snacks, supplements and curated items to help customers jump-start and sustain healthier habits throughout 2026.  Walmart has also lowered prices on over 1,000 wellness products. As customers pursue their health goals for the year ahead, Walmart deepens its role as a trusted, community-focused wellness destination. With more than 4,000 stores in areas experiencing medical provider shortages, Walmart’s omnichannel approach – including in-store pharmacies and Vision Centers, a wide assortment of wellness products, online tools, enhanced delivery options and private Health Services rooms – ensures convenient, accessible care wherever customers are. Since 2014, Walmart’s wellness events have delivered more than 5 million free health screenings, underscoring its commitment to supporting healthier communities nationwide. “A fresh year brings fresh motivation, and The Wellness Event is our way of helping customers turn that motivation into meaningful action,” said Kevin Host, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at Walmart. “With convenient, trusted care and everyday wellness solutions, we’re committed to meeting people where they are and supporting their health goals in practical, affordable ways.” Earlier this month, Walmart announced  the launch of Better Care Services , which give customers instant access to a curated network of third-party, virtual care providers. Select providers are currently offering a $15 discount on certain telehealth services. These initiatives showcase Walmart’s commitment to simplifying care, trust and wellness in the communities we serve. To make staying on track even simpler, Walmart Pharmacy Delivery brings prescriptions and everyday essentials straight to customers’ doors — reaching more than 95% of U.S. households, with express delivery available in as fast as 30 minutes. What Customers Can Expect on Jan. 24 Free health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and BMI at nearly 4,600 Walmart pharmacies. Complimentary vision screenings at select Vision Center locations. No-cost flu shots* plus affordable immunizations such as RSV, shingles, tetanus, HPV and more. Guidance from trusted Walmart pharmacists, offering nutrition insights, medication support and personalized recommendations. Curated wellness sample boxes featuring nutritious snacks, vitamins, supplements and other essentials to fuel 2026 health journeys.   Event Details Date: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Walmart pharmacies nationwide *$0 co-pay with most insurance coverage. Restrictions apply.

Special to The Bolton News At the heart of Bolton’s downtown stands a cornerstone of learning and community life: the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library. For years, this branch of the Jackson/Hinds Library System has offered residents a welcoming place to read, learn, and connect, serving children, families, and lifelong learners alike. Located at 111 West Madison Street, the library provides access to books, computers, meeting space, and a wide range of programs designed to enrich lives and foster engagement. It is Bolton’s primary public library and part of the larger Jackson/Hinds Library System, which operates throughout Hinds County and the City of Jackson. The library offers much more than borrowing books. Regular programming includes children’s story times, reading clubs, seasonal events, and health and wellness sessions for all ages. Local groups such as the Friends of the Bolton Library support the library through book sales and outreach initiatives, helping expand resources for the community. In March 2025, the library celebrated a grand reopening following extensive renovations that refreshed the space and expanded its capabilities. The event brought together local leaders, residents, and supporters who helped make the project possible. Today, the library features modern reading areas, a broader collection of books and media, technology access, and interactive programs, making it a hub for education, connection, and community life. The library’s name reflects the enduring impact of Annie (Lauris) Thompson, a lifelong educator and devoted Bolton resident. Born and raised in the town, Thompson spent her life teaching in local schools, guiding generations of children with patience, knowledge, and encouragement. She was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and role model whose influence shaped the character of young people who grew into active, contributing members of the community. Mrs. Thompson-Jeffers completed a forty-year teaching career in the Hinds County Public Schools. While the majority of those years were spent in classroom instruction, her deep interest in literature led her to pursue state certification in library science. She was among the first Black teachers in Hinds County to receive certification in library science and served as librarian at the local school from 1967 until her retirement in 1981, further extending her impact beyond the classroom and into the broader intellectual life of the community. Beyond her professional career, Thompson-Jeffers was deeply committed to service and faith. She was an active and faithful member of Mt. Olive M.B. Church and was involved with numerous civic and religious organizations, including the Heroines of Jericho, Mississippi Baptist Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Hinds County Congress of Christian Education, Mt. Olive Recreational Development Corporation, and the Hinds County Home Mission Society. Through these roles, she worked tirelessly to uplift her community and promote education, fellowship, and outreach. At home, Thompson also played a vital role as a mother and mentor, instilling responsibility, civic pride, and a commitment to learning in her family. Among her children was Bennie G. Thompson, who would become one of Mississippi’s most prominent public figures. Her guidance and values were central to his dedication to education, public service, and leadership, which have benefited not just her family, but the wider community. The town of Bolton honored Annie Thompson’s lifelong dedication to learning and civic engagement by naming its library after her. The Annie Thompson Jeffers Library stands as a living tribute to her belief that knowledge and access to education are essential for personal growth and community strength. Through its programs, resources, and welcoming atmosphere, the library continues to embody the values Thompson championed throughout her life. Today, her legacy endures in classrooms, in homes, and in the library that bears her name. Annie (Lauris) Thompson exemplifies how one person’s commitment to family, education, and community can leave a lasting mark, showing that true leadership often begins quietly at home and in local institutions, inspiring generations to come.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB             It’s time once again for that magical set of releases on the cinematic calendar: January Horror! Unable to get a Halloween release, unable to compete in blockbuster season, and unable to dominate a random weekend anywhere else on the calendar, January Horror movies are released at a time when their biggest competition is leftover holiday blockbusters and awards-season darlings. Studios are banking on audiences not wanting movies that are popular and… good, so maybe they’ll settle for some cheap thrills. In other words, the month is a dumping ground for bad horror movies. “Primate” is indeed bad enough to belong in January, though I’ll at least allow it the faint compliment that it’s pretty decent “for” January.             The film takes place at a cliffside (meaning somebody is definitely going over that cliff) mansion in Hawaii. College student Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) is coming home to visit her father Adam (Troy Kotsur) and sister Erin (Gia Hunter). Along for the trip are her good friend Kate (Victoria Wyant) and lousy friend Hannah (Jessica Alexander), as well as Kate’s brother Nick (Benjamin Cheng). Lucy isn’t just happy to see the humans in her family, she’s also happy to see Ben, a chimpanzee adopted by her late linguistics-expert mother, who communicates with both sign language (with the deaf Adam) and an electronic pad with an artificial voice.             Adam has to go out of town and Ben has been behaving strangely, so veterinarian Dr. Lambert (Rob Delaney) will have to swing by the house, but other than that, the kids have run of the place for a few days. Hannah might even invite over some party bros (Charlie Mann and Tienne Simon) she met on the plane. There’s just one problem: Ben has been infected with rabies. Everyone in the house is now in danger from the increasingly-unstable chimp. And as we learn from the opening sequence (because of course this is a movie that starts with a horrific scene and then flashes back to “36 Hours Earlier”), it’s mortal danger.             The appeal of the movie lies in its chimpanzee antagonist, and to that end, the film actually fares quite well. Effects that go into Ben reportedly include puppetry, animatronics, motion capture, and a physical performance by actor Miguel Torres Umba. It’s more complex than a Halloween costume, but doesn’t take the shortcut of computer-generated artificiality. I never had any problems with visual phoniness or the uncanny valley, at least no more than with any real-life primate. I really was all set for Ben to be a memorable slasher villain. And then the movie did something with Ben that greatly detracted from all that hard work: it made the character unnaturally smart. I’m not talking about the early scenes of the chimp functioning in the household. I’m talking about how, if the character’s homicidal tendencies are driven by rabies, then he’s a crazed, full-steam-ahead killing machine, and I’m afraid of that. But the film gives Ben the presence of mind to taunt his victims and get creative in his attacks, and it’s just not “rabid” behavior. It’s the behavior of a standard movie slasher, and by the end of the movie, I couldn’t see Ben as anything more than that. I don’t want to dismiss the idea of a killer primate movie entirely, with the threat of an unfamiliar species posing unique dangers. But the movie doesn’t capitalize on that potential, instead offering up dull January Horror fare with a killer that happens to be a chimp and kills that are only impressive when they can only be committed by a chimp. And the lazily-written human characters certainly can’t carry this movie. If the makers of “Primate” liked fleshing out their characters as much as they liked the chimp ripping flesh off of them, there might have been a recommendable movie here. Grade: C “Primate” is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use. Its running time is 89 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com “The chief fault and default position that seems to lead to the decline in the number of husbands and wives.”  A line taken from a song released decades ago, and recently re-released by Brookes & Dunn. Still so true today. The song is talking about Pride - the chief fault of us all. And invariably, the default position that every member of a couple falls back on, when they find themselves in an disagreement. Everybody wants to see themselves as the one who holds the position of ‘being in the right.’  Also known to the successful combatant as “The Winner.” Really? Just because you can yell the loudest or out argue your spouse, or prove that your logic is closer to the truth, you should declare yourself The Winner? Folks, there is a problem with this age-old way of conducting relationships. It is this. For there to be a winner, there has to be a loser.  And being the loser in a battle sets that loser up to feel resentful. And slightly ‘less than.’ And more often than not, angry at the winner. Resentful, ‘less than,’ and angry. Oh yeah, this is an outstanding basis for that couple’s day, or week. Now certainly, if the winner bases their self-worth on the ability to always come out on top in an argument, then that partner walks away from the battle feeling confident and absolutely justified. But the so-called loser of the skirmish? Those feelings of resentment, ‘less than,’ and anger certainly do not make good ingredients for making that person feel growing love for the winner. Negative emotions do not make a loser want to spend time with their partner. To want to please, to comfort, and to laugh with that person. In fact, it is pretty easy to see that insisting on being The Winner is gradually accomplishing the opposite of what you are truly wanting. To be loved, accepted and appreciated. Honestly, is that kind of losing really what you are trying to achieve? Because that is exactly what is happening. So, Winner, I predict that you lose more than you ever realize, when you insist on being right every time. You would be a much smarter and effective victor if you would choose back off the ego-boosting need to win-at-any-cost every skirmish and clash between you and your partner.

By Bob Garver “The Housemaid” has unofficially sold itself based on how crazy it gets in its second half. This is slightly less annoying than when movies sell themselves based on their twist endings – at least here, the twist gets a chance to breathe, and maybe there will be other twists after the initial shock – but it still creates the problem of forcing the audience to wait for something crazy to happen. As “The Housemaid” went along in a direction that made sense, the movie felt long to me because I knew that the other shoe (or in this case, plate shhh ) hadn’t dropped yet, and the movie would have to spend time going in a different direction once it did. Of course, the twist then gave me a new set of issues with the film, but that’s for later. What I can tell you is that the movie opens with Millie (Sydney Sweeney) applying for a job as – what else? – a housemaid for socialite Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). The job seems too good to be true, as Nina comes off as very nice, and apparently so are her finance whiz husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) and daughter Cece (Indiana Elle). More importantly, the live-in position provides much-needed steady employment and a fixed address for Millie, which she desperately needs as a condition of her parole (the parole itself is not a twist, but the circumstances behind it “might” be). To Millie’s delight, Nina apparently doesn’t do her due diligence with a background check, and she’s hired for the job. It doesn't take long for things to go south for Millie. Nina is much more demanding and belligerent than she seemed in the interview, and she threatens to fire Millie and ruin her life over tiny, if not completely made-up infractions. Cece is a cold, standoffish, unhappy child, lecturing Millie on which parts of life are a “privilege,” a trait she shares with Andrew’s even-more-miserable mother (Elizabeth Perkins). The family’s handyman Enzo (Michele Morrone) is a creep in an ominous kind of way. And Andrew can be a creep in an “unhappily married man with eyes for the young housemaid” kind of way, though at least he’s nice to Millie. After a first half filled with soap opera drama and wealth porn (and some softcore regular porn), the movie delivers on the crazy as promised. At least one of the six characters I’ve listed turns out to be an absolute psycho, and the movie basically turns from mystery into horror. It’s really to a ridiculous degree, as in, “How can this person pass for a normal member of society when they’re this deranged?” But it makes for a memorable villainous turn, that’s for sure. “The Housemaid” is based on a book by Freida McFadden, and the movie is filled with moments that I can tell worked better on paper, if they ever worked at all. Characters’ motivations are murky, even with - and sometimes especially with – hindsight. Maybe the book explained them better. The flashback-heavy timeline can make the movie seem tedious just when momentum is building. The tonal whiplash makes the movie hard to take seriously. And it does try to take itself seriously toward the end when at least one of the top-billed actresses tries to inspire legitimate feelings of female empowerment, which I saw as pandering and unearned. The movie is good at cat-and-mouse tension at points, with mind games played well even before it officially becomes a thriller, but it’s not enough to save it. I have no idea if the novel version of “The Housemaid” qualifies as “trash,” but the movie version definitely plays like an adaptation of a trashy novel. Grade: C- “The Housemaid” is rated R for strong/bloody violent content, sexual assault, sexual content, nudity, and language. Its running time is 131 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By: Kara Kimbrough My carry-on suitcase was filled with delicacies from Barber Orchards and Bakery in Waynesville, NC. Back home, I created the perfect brunch that included, clockwise from bottom left: apple cider doughnuts, apple tarts, Barber’s strawberry preserves (and my homemade biscuits), apples I picked myself from a Waynesville apple orchard and hot apple cider.  (Photo courtesy of Kara Kimbrough)      I can’t enter 2026 without sharing the best food and travel finds that made 2025 one to remember. Besides discovering some true gems on supermarket shelves that I’ll use in ’26, The past year also filled with delicious restaurant meals and amazing travel adventures. Here are a few of my favorites from ’25; 1.    Pleasures await in Pensacola – I’m ashamed to say that I had allowed several years to elapse between my last visit to this island paradise and my visit in early summer. Pensacola is amazingly easy to get to, thanks to an enviable location just off Interstates 10 and 110. Within minutes of exiting the interstate, visitors find themselves in downtown Pensacola and the beach. And here’s a fun fact; visitors staying directly on Pensacola Beach are actually on Santa Rosa Island. So, yes, those who like to brag that they enjoyed an “island getaway” get their wish when visiting Pensacola, a nearly 40-mile stretch of breathtaking beaches that includes Perdido Key Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.      And here’s the primary element that sets Pensacola apart from most beach destinations – there are so many interesting things to do and places to explore besides lounging on the beach, shopping and eating fried shrimp, the highlights of most of my past beach trips. Just a few highlights included visiting the museum at the Naval Air Station, home of the world-famous Blue Angels; soaking in the private, peaceful beauty of the national seashore and experiencing world-class museums and historic sights in downtown Pensacola. Add amazing cuisine at a few of literally hundreds of area restaurants and it was a trip I’m longing to repeat. 2.    Rao’s Soups – I’ve long been a fan of Rao’s Pasta Sauces, particularly Bolognese flavor, which I can usually only find at Ridgeland’s Fresh Market. Learning the New York City-based restaurant’s sauces have expanded to include delicious soups in flavors like Italian Wedding, Pasta Fagioli, Vegetable Minestrone and more was a favorite find of ’25.  3.    Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill – Bay St. Louis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is filled with wonderful restaurants. As a frequent visitor, I thought I’d experienced most, if not all, of them. When a friend shared a photo of Cuz’s towering smashburger, I had to visit this place that had slipped under my radar. Conveniently located on Beach Blvd. just steps from the beach, Cuz’s is a spacious, yet cozy place frequented by locals as well as tourists. On my first visit, I ordered the candied bacon smashburger, along with a side of seafood swamp fries. The massive burger was “smashed,” yet still juicy, with just the right amount of crispiness along the edges. Topped with slices of smoky, candied bacon and all the trimmings and accompanied by a platter of crispy fries topped with Creole sauce, chopped shrimp and spicy crawfish, it was a burger meal to remember.  4.    Hormel Black Label Oven Ready Thick Cut Bacon with Oven Safe Tray – I love bacon as much as the next person, but absolutely detest having to fish the somewhat-slimy raw pieces out of the plastic package and place them on a baking tray or frying pan. This genius innovation removes the “ick factor” by placing pre-cut slices of flavorful bacon in an oven-safe tray. Peel back the cover, place in the oven and just like that, perfectly-prepared bacon is yours to enjoy without having to actually touch it – until it’s lightly-browned, crispy and ready to eat, of course!  5.    Prime Roots – If you’ve sworn off meat products for dietary or health reasons, there’s new hope for your favorite sandwiches. Prime Roots products are made from a clean, whole-food protein blend and yeast, designed to mimic meat textures and umami flavors. Key ingredients combine to create plant-based deli slices, bacon, and salami that are gluten-free, soy-free and nitrate-free. For once, I enjoyed a triple-decker club sandwich, guilt-free! Check them out at: webstaurantstore.com/vendor/prime-roots .  6.    Tamarind Heads Barbecue Sauce – I never thought I’d trade in my favorite sauce for another, but that’s what happened after sampling this tangy sauce. Instead of the traditional tomato and vinegar base combined with a list of other unpronounceable ingredients, Tamarind Heads narrows it down to just six; sesame, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, spices and a unique tamarind base. All combine to create a sauce that takes grilled meat to a new level. To order or find a list of retail locations, check out the website: tamarindheads.com . 7.    Wyda Food-Grade Tear-Resistant Wrap with Built-In Cutter – Who among us hasn’t grappled with a pesky roll of aluminum foil that refused to tear, roll or cooperate when needed? Those problems are a thing of the past with this sturdy foil that comes with a built-in cutter, insuring foil tears when and where we need it. I loved the foil so much that I used the brand’s sturdy roasting pans for holiday cooking. The products can be purchased from Walmart.com or WydaPack.com .  8.    Haywood County, North Carolina –Getting to visit and explore this mountain paradise in western North Carolina was truly the highlight of my year. Surrounded by other-worldly, multi-colored layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the ethereal Smoky Mountains on the other, the scenery from overlooks spread throughout the quaint cities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville and other small mountain towns was simply breathtaking. Unlike some popular mountain destinations, Haywood County has been thoughtful about its growth; as a result, the area is not filled with tourist traps, chain restaurants and traffic backed up for miles. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that disrupts the area's innate charm and character harkening back to a simpler time.      To the contrary, the entire area is blessed with natural, unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. After flying into Asheville, it's a short drive to Haywood County, where there's so much to see and explore courtesy of overlooks providing up close views of those mesmerizing blue-hued mountainous layers; scenic hiking trails highlighted by mammoth water falls; protected areas where wildlife roam and quaint, safe and walkable downtown areas filled with charming shops and restaurants. There are also historic homes to explore and community crafts fairs and cultural events that can be enjoyed throughout the year, even during winter months.       Breathtaking mountain resorts like Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag offer luxurious accommodations for overnight guests, but are open to the public for select dining, hiking and other outdoor activities. My favorite meal of the trip was at Cataloochee Ranch's breathtakingly-beautiful Switchback restaurant. I would literally return to North Carolina solely to enjoy the chef's outstanding cuisine while dining in front of the massive fireplace at Switchback.      Hiking was fun, but my favorite outdoor activity was visiting "pick-your-own" orchards and filling up baskets with dozens of varieties of golden, red and pink apples. If you’d prefer someone else do the picking, Barber Orchards and Bakery stocks a multitude of apples and creates the most unbelievable apple pies, tarts and turnovers. And I can't omit the piece de resistance, apple cider doughnuts. Yes, I DID bring home a dozen (OK, maybe two) of these melt-in-your-mouth treats to savor for several days with coffee and hot apple cider.    I’m still dreaming about the sight of those heavenly blue mountain layers that simply can’t be replicated in any photo I’ve ever seen or shot myself. A return trip in ’26 to enjoy more of this mountain paradise is definitely on my to-do list.      So yes, 2025 was a great year for travel, dining out and cooking. I highly recommend trying one or all of these pursuits in 2026. If you’d like to hear more about the items on my “best of” list or need additional travel trips, simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share my experiences. In the meantime…here’s to a wonderful New Year! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

Willie May Smith July 20, 1949 - January 6, 2026 76 years of age Ms. Willie May Smith, 76, was born on July 20, 1949 to Judge Rancifer & Maggie Lee Brown in Raymond, MS. Ms. Willie May Smith transitioned on January 6, 2026 at her residence in Jackson, MS. Service Arrangements: Public Visitation: January 16, 2026, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Westhaven Funeral Home, 3850 Robinson Road, Jackson Funeral Service: January 17, 2026, 11:00 AM, Rose Hill M.B. Church, 9542 MS- Hwy 22, Bolton Interment: Rose Hill Church Cemetery, 9542 MS- Hwy 22, Bolton To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willie May Smith, please visit our flower store .

Larry Chatmon, Jr. March 5, 1948 - January 3, 2026 77 years of age Larry Chatmon Jr. was born in Bolton, MS, to the late Larry Chatmon Sr. and Henrietta Chatmon on March 5, 1948. He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at his home in Bolton, MS. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-standing member of Chapel Hill M.B. Church. He began his education in the Chapel Hill and Sumner Hill communities and completed high school at Hinds Agricultural High School in Utica, MS. He later earned his degree from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS. After graduation, he held various jobs, including teaching, but did not find his niche until he began working for the United States Department of Agriculture. In this role, he excelled and truly loved his work. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing—activities he could often do as part of his job. His work took him across the state surveying land, conducting land preservation campaigns, and visiting schools to distribute trees for Arbor Day. Outside of work, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed farming and raising cattle. Known for his quick wit and playful, mischievous nature, he brought joy to those around him. He enjoyed all of these things until a car accident in 1993, which left him partially paralyzed. Yet, being the resilient man he was, he embraced a second chapter—connecting with loved ones by phone. He found joy in long conversations with family and friends, often spending hours on the phone. As his health declined, he missed being able to call his friends at will, but many continued to reach out, brightening his days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Henrietta Chatmon of Bolton, MS; brother L.C. Chatmon of Champagne, IL; sister, Shellie Jones of Columbus, MS; and sister, Elnora Funchess of Bolton, MS. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brother Willie Earl Peace of Los Angeles, CA; Charmel Chatmon of Jackson, MS; Chrystal (Leroi) Gray of Clinton, MS; Larry Chatmon III of Jackson, MS; Candice (Deismon) Ross of Jackson, MS; brother-in-law Starling Jones Sr. of Columbus, MS; nephew Starling Jones Jr. (Lisa) of Lawrenceville, GA; niece Teshana Stephens (Al) of Atlanta, GA; nephew Quaylon Jones of Columbus, MS; niece Marquita Jones of TX; niece Benita Denton (Eric) of Madison, MS; niece Demetra Funchess of Bolton, MS; nephew Bennie Carl Funchess of VA; son Ezelle McGowan of Edwards, MS; daughters Laverne and Dawn Kelly of Jackson, MS; son Darryl McKinley of Chicago, IL; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and family. Service Arrangements: Visitation: Friday, January 9, 2026,1:00-7:00 PM, Smith Mortuary located at 851 W. Northside Drive, Clinton Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 2:00 PM, Smith Mortuary To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry Chatmon, Jr, please visit our flower store .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Maybe it truly has been horrible all this time, maybe God did pick you out of all humanity to suffer badly your entire life. Maybe, just maybe, you were selected to show the world how a life of pure misery looks. No way out, impossible to change your destiny. You are designated to be the poster child for ‘ Life Without Hope or Happiness .’ But maybe, there is hope for you. Perhaps what you really need is a change of attitude, or a change of career, maybe move away for a whole relocation to start over in life. Because there is the real possibility that you have gotten stuck in a rut. Mentally and emotionally. And you can’t see any exit, because when you do try to make it better, all you can see is the sides of that deep hole where you live. No sun shines a light on any stairs to leave that deep blackness. But before you decide that this writer just might be right, and you pack your bags and hit the road for greener pastures, I suggest you back off and take a good, clear, candid look at your current life. But please realize one thing. For this honest look, you are most likely going to need another set of clear eyes, paired with a mouth that isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. A counselor, or your doctor, or a pastor or close friend - someone who loves you enough to give you unvarnished honesty about your lifestyle, your personal choices, your aversion to hard work, or possibly your fear of commitment. Spend some time telling your heartbreaking story to this clear-eyed-honest-to-a-fault mouthy friend. Don’t hide anything, let them see your life as you see it. Then do yourself a favor. Give them total permission to talk openly and honestly to you. And listen. Maybe they can help you realize that it wasn't all bad...a lot of ups and downs. And that right now, you are in a down cycle. But according to your life pattern, things will improve, given some time. Or, they may tell you that you do need a real change. Maybe you are in a career you have detested for a long time. Maybe you live in the hot, humid South and it is sucking the life out of your cold-weather-loving soul and body. Or maybe they help you realize that staying in that sinful relationship is hurting you and you need to walk away. Or they just might tell you that your attitude stinks. They might tell you that you are deliberately thinking negatively. About everything. And it’s time to change. Let them be mouthy and give them permission to talk honestly and openly to you. It has advantages – for both of you. The important lesson is to not give up. Either take hope that things usually improve, or realize you need to change some things. And then do one of two things. Thank God that eventually things will be different. Or do some changing.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Back in 2019, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie delivered one of the best films of the year, and possibly the decade, with “Uncut Gems.” The film was, as I wrote in a review earlier this year, “a 135-minute anxiety attack.” And I mean that in the best possible way – I have enormous amounts of respect for movies and filmmakers that know just how to push my buttons. Now in 2025, the Safdie brothers have graduated to solo projects. Benny didn’t fare too well with “The Smashing Machine” (whose review I quoted earlier), though Dwayne Johnson did earn a surprise Golden Globe nomination for playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr, so maybe there’s some life in that film after all. But Josh has found both commercial and critical success with his new film “Marty Supreme,” and he did it by sticking with what works. The film follows Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a con artist in1952 New York who happens to be really good at ping pong. He’s able to come in second at the British Open, and a spot at the World Championships in Japan should be his… if he can raise the $1,500 he needs to pay a fine. Throughout the course of the film, he’ll try to raise the money by hustling games at a nearby bowling alley with help from his friend Wally (Tyler Okonma), robbing his uncle’s shoe store, ransoming a dog (that he doesn’t have) to its gangster owner (Abel Ferrara), getting a sponsorship from a friend’s father, getting a sponsorship from a businessman (Kevin O’Leary) who wants him to throw an exhibition match, pawning a necklace owned by the businessman’s actress wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) with whom he’s having an affair, and assorted other schemes. On top of it all, he learns that he may be the father to the baby of his married girlfriend Rachel (Odessa A’zion), and that may require some flim-flamming as well. The whole thing is basically “Uncut Gems” again, to the point where I’m convinced that Marty must be related to Adam Sandler’s character from that movie. Rachel’s baby would be too old to be Sandler’s age, but maybe Marty had another baby about a decade down the line. The point is that the two movies feature outstanding leads that are put through the wringer as they try futilely to clean up the messes they’ve created for themselves. Good thing I think this is a winning formula, and enough time has passed since “Uncut Gems” that I’m ready for another, similar round. I would have preferred that maybe a few more loose ends be tied up in the finale, but otherwise this is a top-tier awards contender. Speaking of awards, the movie and Chalamet’s performance are doing so well in preliminaries that several Oscar nominations seem like a lock. “Uncut Gems” was overlooked back in 2019, probably due to reluctance to nominate any Adam Sandler project (it was Oscar-worthy though, despite 95% of Sandler’s filmography). That won’t be a problem this year with darling Chalamet in the lead. Heck, voters probably should have given Chalamet an Oscar last year for playing Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” not because he was necessarily “better” than Adrian Brody in “The Brutalist,” but because a Chalamet win would have saved the ceremony from Brody’s hostile, overlong, self-indulgent speech. Another Oscars possibility is that Chalamet and Dwayne Johnson could both be nominated for Best Actor, pitting the Safdie Brothers against each other. Okay, a nomination for Johnson is iffy, and three spots would have to go to other actors, but what a story that would make if it happened. I’m getting all excited thinking about The Rock doing his “just bring it” gesture to Chalamet across a wrestling ring as the Safdies watch on from the corners. But even if we don’t get that family feud, “Marty Supreme” has big things ahead of it in awards season, and rightfully so. Grade: B “Marty Supreme” is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, some violent content/bloody images and nudity. Its running time is 150 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Special to The Bolton News Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson will present a special evening of music on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Beulah Memorial Baptist Church, located at 1400 Highway 22 in Bolton’s Brownsville community. The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public, welcoming residents, visitors, and music enthusiasts from across the region to enjoy an intimate and engaging musical experience. While Commissioner Gipson is widely known for his leadership in agriculture and commerce across Mississippi, his talents extend into the world of music, where he has recorded albums that blend personal reflection, regional influences, and heartfelt storytelling. During this event, he will perform a selection of songs from his albums, offering the audience a mix of traditional melodies, contemporary arrangements, and original compositions. His performance aims not only to entertain but also to connect listeners to the culture and heritage of Mississippi through music. The evening is designed to be a community gathering, providing an opportunity for attendees to experience live music in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Guests can look forward to an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, where neighbors, friends, and families can come together to share in the joy of music. In addition to enjoying the performance, attendees will have a chance to engage with the commissioner on a personal level, learning more about his journey as both a public servant and a musician. This special event reflects Commissioner Gipson’s commitment to connecting with communities beyond his official duties and emphasizes the importance of arts and culture in bringing people together. It is an opportunity to celebrate local talent, foster community spirit, and create lasting memories through an evening of live music. Whether you are a long-time admirer of his music or attending to support a community event, the performance promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for all.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are anything like me and a lot of other people in this country, you are sick. Sick and tired of so much around you. Things like, not being able to walk safely to your car in a public parking lot, traffic tie-ups that can keep you trapped on the interstate for hours, and constant scams being foisted on you to separate you from your money. Cons from ‘companies’ (and I use that term very loosely) that are worried about your car maintenance, or offering you tax relief help, or the ever popular “Congratulations, you qualify for a new credit card!” Another thing that makes my tongue curl is the way our Creator and our God is vilified and mocked in our modern society. I would be terrified to treat Him the way people do today. As if their Creator doesn’t exist, or at the least, is just a feeble and powerless Being who has no say in what goes on in today’s world. Therefore, everyone is free to behave in any way they choose. And their ‘any way I choose’ usually doesn’t involve adjectives like  honest, clean, wholesome  or  selfless . Here’s facts, folks. Our Creator has always existed. He still exists. He will always exist. And He is more powerful than we can ever comprehend.  Try imagining a tiny sugar ant carrying fifty million smaller sugar ants on its back. When it comes to the power and complete authority of God, you and I are much like one of those fifty million ants. Only a LOT smaller. Oh yes, definitely, I would be terrified to defy Him the way people are today. Depressing and scary stuff. If I sit and dwell on what I am seeing, I feel myself beginning to spiral downward. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for tomorrow. But if I pull my thoughts up short and talk some sense to myself, I realize;  “Hey, idiot! There is an All-Powerful, All-Knowing God who is watching this universe! And just because things look horrible from your perspective does not mean that He has lost control. It means He is also patient. And just. And there  will  come a time when everyone receives payment for their actions. Painful or thrilling. Fun or terrifying. But it will happen.” Hang in there, folks. Do your best to live well. Remind yourself that you are not in charge, and your infuriated opinions and feelings are not necessarily at the top of God’s “TOP THINGS TO HANDLE AND FIX TODAY.” You and I are free to fume and worry, that’s true. But it doesn’t change a thing. He has this world firmly in His grasp, and He definitely knows what He is doing. Always has and always will. Our God and Creator is totally patient, totally just, and totally in charge. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.