During the August 17, 2021 meeting of Bolton’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen, a number of issues were addressed. A representative of BBI, Inc. of Flowood described for the Board the services his company can provide to assist the town in reconciling its monthly bank statements and reconciling the bank accounts to its books. The town uses a software system purchased in a prior year from BBI. The BBI representative stated that the first month to be addressed will be the month following the month for which the reconciliation steps were last completed in Bolton’s computer system. The exact month is not yet known, but it appears that it was either in 2017 or 2018. If hired, BBI would charge $70 per hour, for each hour they spend working on the project. When asked about the audit being performed by Windham and Lacey, Shelia Williams, town clerk, stated that Windham and Lacey have stated that they cannot complete the audit until the reconciliations are completed. The Board completed a lengthy and spirited time of questions and discussion, then voted to hire BBI to provide the services described, with the stipulation that the Board has the option to terminate the process, at any time. BBI’s representative confirmed that the process can be stopped at any time. Reginald Thompson, assistant chief of the Bolton Police Department, gave a report regarding bids for two vehicles that BPD can no longer use. BPD wishes to have the vehicles transferred to surplus property and sold (during the meeting held on August 4, the board asked Thompson to get back to them regarding bids for the vehicles). Thompson reiterated what had been stated at previous meeting(s): that BPD needs at least one, and preferably two, new vehicles. He mentioned that the AC is not working in the vehicle they are currently using. Alderwoman Harris, Ward 2, stated she recalls that the Board approved purchase of a new vehicle some time ago, and the action should be recorded in the minutes for that meeting. Thompson responded that, after the Board took that action, BPD was later told by the Mayor and Clerk that BPD could not make the purchase, because the town did not have the money to cover the purchase. William Woods, Alderman-at-Large proposed that budget work sessions be held at 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, August 23 and 24, and sessions are scheduled at that time. These work sessions are open to the public. Budget Work Sessions: Monday, August 23, 2021 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 6 p.m. Location: Clifton "Buddy" Henderson Municipal Building 202 Bolton Raymond Road Bolton, MS 39041 The Mayor and Board of Aldermen meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Bolton Town Hall, 202 Bolton Raymond Road. Telephone: 601-866-2221. The public is invited to attend. Pictured below: William Woods, Alderman-at-large, Douglas Beard, Alderman Ward 1, Helen Harris, Alderwoman Ward 2, Shirley Mason, Alderwoman Ward 3, Vera Powell, Alderwoman Ward 4.

On September 24, 2021, a special meeting of the Mayor and Board of Adermen for the Town of Bolton was held at Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting was for the Board to approve the Town's budget for the fiscal year of 2020-2021. The budget was approved. The budget document is six pages. Here is a copy of page 1 (of 6 pages). Click on the image or scroll down, to access a PDF copy of all six pages. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen for Bolton MS meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Bolton Town Hall, 202 Bolton Raymond Road. The public is invited to attend. Bolton's Mayor and Aldermen are: ​ Lawrence Butler, Mayor William Woods, Alderman-at-Large Douglas Beard, Alderman Ward 1 Helen Harris, Alderwoman Ward 2 Shirley Mason, Alderwoman Ward 3 Vera Powell, Alderwoman Ward 4 Telephone: 601-866-2221 Email: Bolton_town@yahoo.com

I love the original Wes Craven “Scream” from 1996. Not only do I count it among my favorite horror movies of all-time, it’s also one of my favorite comedies. The Ghostface mask worn by the film’s killers has given me plenty of sleepless nights, and I consider some of its jump scares to be among the best in cinema history. Then there’s all the reflexive humor about the characters being trapped in a horror movie and needing to follow certain “rules” to stay alive. Add in some likeable, memorable characters (I even have a soft spot for Rose McGowen’s Tatum, though some fans can’t see past a bad decision that leads to her death), and you’ve got a true modern classic. I didn’t much care for the sequels, though. The subsequent films could never come up with characters, jokes, or kills that could match the magic of the original. But now there is a “re-quel” version of “Scream” is in theaters, and it comes the closest to re-capturing my love for the 1996 film. Perhaps the biggest surprise in the original “Scream” was the death of the heavily-promoted Drew Barrymore in the opening scene in the film. In the 2022 “Scream,” the biggest surprise comes just after the opening scene, where Tara (Jenny Ortega) is attacked by Ghostface. I came to really care about the character in an awfully short time, with her making selfless decisions and admiring horror movies that aren’t all about blood and guts. The return of Ghostface brings Tara’s sister and new main character Sam (Melissa Barrera) back to the town of Woodsboro. Sam is the daughter of Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich), one of the killers from the original film. She’s allowed her parentage to ruin her life, and she expresses her frustration in a surprisingly emotional sequence for a series largely associated with gore and smart-aleck humor. She arrives with her well-meaning boyfriend Richie (Jack Quaid) in tow, and quickly acclimates herself with Tara’s circle of friends, including Amber (Mikey Madison), Chad (Mason Gooding), Mindy (Jasmine Savoy Brown), Liv (Sonia Ben Ammar), and the groaningly-named Wes (Dylan Minnette). Sam, and to a lesser degree Tara, are great new characters, but most of the others fall flat. Amber says that Liv is “too boring” to be the killer at one point, and from the audience I heckled, “that could be any of you.” These movies lend themselves well to heckling. Fortunately, the film knows that we aren’t really here for the new kids. It’s not long before we get the return of series stalwarts Dewey (David Arquette), Gale (Courtney Cox), and original main character Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). They can be in the movie, but the movie can’t be “about” them, so sayeth the rules of the re-quel. All the pieces are in place for a great slasher, and while I can’t say I agree with all the moves they make, the movie does a lot right. There are some fun detours, like Dewey riding in a car with a determined Sam and thinking he might have better chances against Ghostface. But the movie can’t quite stick the landing in the third act, with too much attention given to uninteresting characters and the identity of killer(s) maybe chosen at random by dartboard for all the sense it makes. Still, this is a worthy successor to the 1996 film, which is more than I can say for the three preceding sequels. It is the first “Scream” not to be directed by the late Wes Craven (it is credited to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett) and it seems they understand the series better now than he did in later installments. Grade: B “Scream” is rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and some sexual references. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Bolton Book Club is always open to new members and invites you to join them for an amazing time. To participate, stop by the library to get a copy of this month's book*. Then, on Tuesday, February 8, at 10 a.m., the Bolton Book Club will meet at the Annie T. Jeffers Library on W. Madison Street. Meetings are socially distanced for safety. CORRECTIONS CONCERNING THE FEBRUARY MEETING: The club's February meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m. (not February 15, as stated in an earlier article). And the Club has selected a new book for the February meeting: The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier. * The book for February is The Measure of a Man,a spiritual autobiography by Sidney Poitier. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org Please wear a mask and observe social distancing for safety. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays. About the book: In this memoir, Poitier, looks back on his celebrated life and career. He explores elements of character and personal values to take his own measure as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor. Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life. Uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life, Poitier aimed to honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living shows who one is, Poitier chose to play forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition. "The true measure of a man is in how he provided for his children" this was one lesson Sidney learnt from his father and held dear to his heart all his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits; his own as well as the world's. Sidney Poitier, born February 20, 1927, was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and diplomat. In 1963, he was the first Black person and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He passed away on January 6, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

The Annie Thompson Jeffers Library is resuming the Bolton Book Club this month! They are always open to new members and invite you to join them for an amazing time. To participate, stop by the library to get a copy of this month's book*. Then, on Tuesday, September 14, at 10 a.m., the Bolton Book Club will meet at the pavillion in the Jimmie R. Lewis, Sr. Park Plaza on Martin L. King Drive near the intersection with Bolton-Raymond Road (across from Town Hall). Wear a mask. The meeting will be socially distanced for safety. * The book this month is A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. The Pulitzer Prize and Drama Critics Circle Award winning play shows a world of poverty, abusive relationships, and insanity, all of which occur within a two-room apartment. It can fuel discussions in classes and book clubs over socially relevant topics. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org Wear a mask and observe social distancing for safety.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: Calling all teens!!! Create a short "Tails and Tales" video supporting your library's summer programming for a chance to win a cash prize from CSLP! For more information, contact your librarian or visit: https://jhlibrary.org/2021/07/cslp-2021-teen-video-challenge/. The Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton is located at 111 Madison Street, Telephone: 601-866-4247, Alfenette Robinson, Manager. Hours: Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

During the 2021 Summer Reading Program at the library, many of the activities were done virtually, for COVID-19 safety. One of the activities included is: "A Day with the Veterinarian: Dr. Milton Farr, Farr Animal Clinic, Bolton MS." In the video, Bolton veterinarian, Dr. Milton Farr, describes what he does and the animals he treats. He also talks about how to become a veterinarian and the different kinds of jobs that veterinarians can do. The video was hosted by the Annie T. Jeffers Library on Madison Street in Bolton Mississippi. Click this image to watch the video! Or copy and paste: https://youtu.be/MZnKhgIiAyg Farr Animal Hospital is located at 107 Madison Street, Bolton MS 39041. Telephone: 601-866-7158.

September is National Library Card Sign Up Month, a time when Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton joins the American Library Association (ALA) in reminding our community to sign up for a library card and find something wonderful at your library! From virtual storytime to audibooks to DIY classes, there is something for everyone. Happy #LibraryCardSignupMonth! Signing up for a library card is the first step to accessing all your library has to offer. Play the Candy Guessing Game at the Bolton library for a chance to win prizes! This year, Marley Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author, and executive producer is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. In her new role, Dias will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card. Through access to technology, media resources, and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions. Adults can find continuing education resources, local history, and genealogy resources, book clubs, and engaging programs. Visit your library online or in-person to see what's new and take part in the celebration. The American Library Association is asking everyone to help spread some library love by posting to social media about how the library empowers you for a chance to win. Here's how it works: Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #LibrariesEmpower. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Don't forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and an ALA Graphics The Child Poster. Additionally, three second-place winners will receive an ALA Graphics The Child Poster. The #LibrariesEmpower promotion begins Wednesday, September 1, at noon and ends Wednesday, September 22, at noon. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays. Related articles: Join the Bolton Book Club; Get to know your Bolton Library September Happenings

The Annie Thompson Jeffers Library resumed the Bolton Book Club in September! They are always open to new members and invite you to join them for an amazing time. To participate, stop by the library to get a copy of this month's book*. Then, on Tuesday, November 9, at 10 a.m., the Bolton Book Club will meet at the library. Meetings are socially distanced for safety. * The book this month is The Killer's Wife by Bill Floyd. From a major voice in suspense, The Killer's Wife is a story driven by psychological insight and harrowing revelations, asking how well you can ever really know the person sleeping beside you. Genre: Mystery. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org Please wear a mask and observe social distancing for safety. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

All branches of the Jackson/Hinds Library System will be closed for staff training and development starting at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The training will be for half a day instead of the usual full day. This will be the first time in two years since JHLS administration and staff have been able to convene. JHLS usually holds full-day staff trainings twice a year in April and December, but these trainings were put on hold due to the pandemic. Employees are looking forward to see each other face to face again while still following COVID-19 protocols mandated by the Board of Trustees. The branches will reopen at their scheduled hours, depending on the location, on Wednesday, December 8. They thank you for your patience. For more information, call (601) 968-5825. Bolton's Annie T. Jeffers Library is located at 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. Telephone: 601- 866-4247. website: www.JHLibrary.org Please wear a mask and observe social distancing for safety. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

The next meeting of the Bolton Book Club will be held at the Bolton library on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The club will select a book for next month, and will enjoy discussing a Christmas poem. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. website: www.JHLibrary.org. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing when inside the library. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Known and loved by many in Bolton and throughout Mississippi, the talents of James Anderson of Bolton can be enjoyed this month at a special event in Raymond on Sunday, December 19 and by viewing his guest reading for virtual story time at the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton: "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore. Anderson reads the book "The Night Before Christmas" in a way that allows children's imaginations to visualize the story. Watch the Library's recording of his reading, below. This Sunday, December 19, St. Mark's Episcopal Church and the Raymond Chamber of Commerce invite you to a thirty-minute family-friendly holiday reading of "A Christmas Memory," adapted and narrated by James Anderson, performed by The Chimneyville Readers. St. Mark's is located at 205 W. Main Street, Raymond MS. The program begins at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments and a time of fellowship will follow the performance, at the St. Mark's Mission House located directly behind the Church. See the flyer, below. For the Chimneyville Readers (which Anderson formed many years ago), he takes short stories by Southern authors and turns them into readers' theater scripts. James Anderson, who was raised in Bolton and lives in Bolton today, is a cancer survivor, actor, vocalist, craftsman, writer, creative director for an advertising agency, member of the Board of Trustees for New Stage Theatre, arts director at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Bolton, and leads congregational singing at two area churches. He is also the craftsman and creator of Scarvin' Artist scarves, a perennial favorite, on sale now.