It's a wrap: the 2021 season for the Hinds County Saints youth football program has come to an end. On October 23rd, the A, B and C teams competed in the league play-offs held at Peeples Middle School in Jackson. While they will not advance to the final championship games, the players, cheerleaders, their coaches and their families enjoyed a lot of great youth football and made some wonderful memories this season. For more than a decade, the Hinds County Saints youth football program has given children a way to expend their energy, improve their strength and speed, make lasting friendships, and learn new skills from adults who love coaching and working with kids. The program is open to all children in Hinds County, ages 5 through 12. A team: ages 11 to 12; B team: ages 9 to 10; C team: ages 7 to 8. Kids from Bolton, Raymond, Utica and other communities play with the Saints. HCSYF belongs to American Youth Football. AYF rules and regulations ensure players are in a safe environment with a competitive balance between teams. The registration fee is $75. No child will be turned away, however, due to the inability to pay. For more information, find “Hinds County Saints” on Facebook and join the group. To view the photo album, which contains three galleries (one for each game), click here https://www.hinds-county-saints.boltonms.com/

You and your family are cordially invited to the 26th Anniversary of Brother Albert "The Country Boy" Lewis in Bolton MS for great gospel music, fellowship and food. Location: Jimmie R. Lewis, Sr. Park Plaza Pavillion (on Bolton Raymond Road across from Bolton Town Hall, near the railroad tracks) Date: Sunday, October 24, 2021 Time: Starting at 2:00 p.m. Hosts: John T. Lewis and the New Gospel Keytones Special Guest: Bishop Isaac Lindsey, Jr. Great music by: The Utica Southernaires The Mighty Kings of Joy The Wandering Stars The Brownsville Male Chorus Brother Greg Flowers Pastor Joe Washington The Westhaven Memorial Gospel Choir Brother Percy Mitchell The Pure in Heart Gospel Singers For more information, contact Bro. Albert "The Country Boy" Lewis at 601-665-2069.

Reginald "Reggie" Thompson, who is well known in Bolton where he serves as Assistant Chief of Police and throughout the Jackson Metro area, is asking Hinds County voters for their support and their vote in the November 2nd special election when voters will elect a new Sheriff for Hinds County. Thompson's qualifications include 41 years of law enforcement experience, with 24 years in the Hinds County Sheriff's Department. Thompson, "When I served with former Sheriff Malcolm McMillan, I learned what works, what doesn't work, and have great plans for improvements. If I am elected, I will hit the ground running, to make big improvements at the Hinds County Sheriff's department." "People who live out in the County, even the most remote rural areas, deserve to feel safe and be able to live a good life. Their property and their lives are just as important as anyone else. As sheriff, I will be there, working hard for the common people of Hinds County." Thompson, "Key areas I will focus on and address, include: Problems at the Hinds Detention Center in Raymond; Increasing the visibility of deputy patrols; Developing patrol management to reduce response time; Increasing the number of deputies in rural areas of the county; Increased collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, targeting high crime areas." "Crime in the capitol city is a major concern, of course. And we, in the Sheriff's department will support the Jackson Police 100%." "I am a life long resident of Hinds County, a member of Little Bethel CMC Church, am married to Stephanie Thompson and have four children." He is also a veteran who served three deployments. "I am happy to come talk with your church, your neighborhood association -- anyone who's interested in learning more about me and why I want to be your Sheriff, to help you make an informed decision about who to vote for on November 2nd. I believe the people of Hinds County deserve better. I ask for your vote and thank you for your consideration." Contact information: Reginald "Reggie" Thompson, 601.573.5912 This is a paid political announcement, paid for by the Reginald Thompson for Sheriff campaign.

Governor Tate Reeves has declared October 18-22, 2021, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. “Mississippi is no stranger to severe weather,” said Governor Reeves. “By preparing in advance of a storm, Mississippians can ensure they stay safe. I encourage you to dedicate time this week to getting your family ready.” Eighty-two tornadoes were confirmed during 2020 in Mississippi, which was the fifth most on record. Additionally, nearly 25% of all recorded Mississippi tornadoes occur during the State’s secondary severe weather in the fall that typically runs from November through December. “Mississippi experiences active weather most months of the year, including late fall, which is why it’s important always to be prepared for potential severe weather. We urge residents to get ready for the upcoming secondary severe weather season by checking up on insurance policies, organizing a disaster supply kit and reviewing safety tips with your family,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. To promote severe weather preparedness, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to highlight different types of hazards and ways to prepare ahead of the upcoming secondary severe weather season. While all severe thunderstorms are dangerous, not all storms are the same. For this reason, the National Weather Service has started using damage threat categories for severe thunderstorm warnings to help better convey potential impacts. Take some time to review these new thunderstorm warning categories so you're prepared for the upcoming fall severe weather season! Drivers can find tips on safe driving during severe weather by visiting GoMDOT.com/drivesmart. There you will also find information on how to prepare for hurricanes, tropical systems and winter weather. A slideshow of tips from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:

Did you know that there is an Events Calendar included on our website, www.BoltonMS.com ? Here is a screenshot of events currently listed in the calendar: The Bolton News would love to hear from you concerning any events not listed, so that they can be added. You can either text the information to 601.594.2250, or send it by email, to: susalyn@theclintoncourier.net. Thank you. Click here to access the Calendar.

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bolton celebrated their annual homecoming Eucharist led by the Reverend Haily Allin and Deacon Josie Williams and special music performed by Michael Gibson, his daughter Elizabeth Gibson and organist Sid Champion. Following the offertory, Fine Arts Director, James Anderson, announced a special presentation. Anderson had this to say, "Outreach is a big part of any church that is worth its salt, in my opinion. And we share that commitment to outreach in the Bolton and Edwards area, here at St. Mary's. Our Outreach Ministry for the fall's beneficiary of that effort, is the Jackson/Hinds Library System, and specifically, the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library of Bolton. We did a campaign among our membership and we raised $750 for the library." Anderson asked Alfenette Robinson to join him in front of the congregation, and he continued, "Alfenette, Juana, Susie... all the folks at the library do a great job. A little bit of trivia: back in the day, the library for Bolton was right back there, in the room adjacent to our kitchen. And when I was a child, that's where I checked out books. In fact, someone from the library system was traveling to a meeting in Bolton, they Googled it, and they landed at our address here at St. Mary's!" When asked if she had some words she would like to say, Alfenette Robinson, manager of the Bolton library began, "I am speechless. I want to say thank you. I want to recognize my co-worker Susie Carter and our director, Kim Corbett, who are here today." Anderson added that he wished to recognize his co-chairs for the St. Mary's Outreach Ministry: Ellen McLean, Yvonne Rogers and Tippy Garner, and he closed with, "People do love the library. It is a vital part of our life here in Bolton."

On Thursday October 28th, Bolton's Library will be providing treats to everyone who stops by that day! The Library will be open 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and their staff will be serving popcorn, trick-or-treat candy and bottled water. For more information, call 601- 866-4247 or stop by the Annie T. Jeffers Library, 111 W. Madison Street, Bolton MS. 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. And here is another October "treat" from Jackson/Hinds Library System: virtual storytime online. Read along with actor Jaime Camil as he reads Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies! by Megan and Jorge Lacera from Storyline Online! Click to watch: It is available in English and Espanol!

The organizers of Holy Fest invite you to celebrate Halloween in a safe and Christian way. The Holy Fest drive through event will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Location: Hinds County Ministerial Alliance (formerly known as the Main Street Restart Center) 130 Champion Hill Road Bolton, MS Date and Time: Saturday, October 30, 2021 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Today, Hawkins Farms of Bolton encompasses more than 200 acres and is home to three breeds of cattle. Roosevelt Hawkins, Sr. and his son, Roosevelt Hawkins, Jr., say they love the fact that they can call the sprawling acreage their home. The family-owned business began with a wedding gift to Roosevelt Hawkins, Sr. and his wife, Lucindy Hill Hawkins, from Hawkins’ parents, Mae Lillie and Eldridge Hawkins, Sr. It was a registered Angus cow. The couple also received forty acres of land in Bolton from Lucindy’s parents. Both had been raised on a farm and had learned a good deal about livestock during their early years. But, at that time, Roosevelt and Lucindy were enjoying their careers as school teachers and looking forward to starting a family of their own. Roosevelt taught school for thirty-five years, with thirty-two of those years spent in the Clinton Public Schools, teaching technology to seventh-, eighth- and ninth grade students. He retired in 2011. “I had some of the greatest co-workers and schools to work in that you can imagine. I had a great life then, and I’m having a great life now. I love running into my former students. When I left teaching, I wanted to help care for my ailing father. He passed in 2011.” Lucindy, who taught chemistry and biology, has retired from teaching, as well. Teaming up with Roosevelt’s brother, James Hawkins, they have acquired several additional pieces of land and have bred and built up their herds, bringing Hawkins Farms to where it is today. Hawkins’ father had urged his children to have a back-up source of income, such as cattle. For big life events, Eldridge would give him the gift of a cow, beginning with that first black angus. Thirty generations later, Roosevelt still has cows and calves from that blood line: descendants of that special first gift from his Dad. When asked for the name of the cow that started it all, Roosevelt said, “I don’t give names to any of them. I would get too attached if I named them. When I call them, they come running and line up like kids. It is hard not to get attached.” “Now we have three different herds, three different breeds of cattle: registered Black Angus, Brangus and Ultra Black. The Brangus are 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. The Ultra Blacks are a cross between Brangus and registered Angus. The herds have grown over time, and, even with the help of my son, Roosevelt, Jr. and my nephew Jason, it is still a full-time job. Many evenings, Lucindy and I take our ‘honeymoon stroll’ going around to each pasture, checking on the cows. Then we head to the store and treat ourselves to a snack.” “My father and mother were both interested in cows and land. As long as I live, I will keep building on the family farm, and keep it going. When my time comes, it is my hope to pass it on to my son, Roosevelt, Jr., and nephew, Jason, and that they can keep it going and pass it on to their children.” Says twenty-six-year-old Roosevelt, Jr: “I was ‘the country boy’ back in my school days at Clinton High. Farming is pretty popular now, but, back then, my friends made jokes about me being a country boy.” Formerly the curator of educational programming for two Mississippi museums, Roosevelt, Jr. has recently gone to work for Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson. “I love the farm and like to help Dad as much as I can, but it is hard to make time for everything,” said Roosevelt, Jr. “At one time I also had twenty-seven head of horses,” said Roosevelt. “When Jr. was young, we went to a lot of horse shows. During his teens, we went to horse shows every Saturday.” Roosevelt Jr. dreams of one day, “taking Hawkins Farms one step further. I want to take it out into the community and share some of the important things we learn from farming. We can go to college and get a degree, like the liberal arts degree that I have; but, if things go south, no matter how bad things get, the things you learn from farming can help keep you alive.” Serving the community is very important to him, he says. “I represent Mississippi in the NAACP Next Generation Leadership program, and I am also a 2021 graduate of the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute. ‘Working hard and serving the Lord’ is my motto. Part of serving is reaching out and helping others. It is hard to find the time and balance everything, but one day I hope to make the family proud and take over and run Hawkins Farms.”

The public is invited to join St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bolton for their Annual Homecoming Eucharist led by Rev. Haily Allin and Deacon Josie Williams with musical offerings by Michael Gibson, Elizabeth Gibson and Sid Champion, organist. (Homecoming was initially scheduled for September, but had to be rescheduled for this month.) When: Sunday, October 17, 4 p.m. Where: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 209 E. Madison Street, Bolton MS 39041 St. Mary’s, one of the oldest Episcopal churches in Hinds County, is located at 209 E. Madison Street in the heart of Bolton. Services are held at 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of most months. For more information, visit www.stmarysbolton.org and follow St. Mary's on Facebook.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, invites the public to the annual Pumpkin Adventure on October 6-9, 13-16 and 20-23. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with extended hours for family days on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Museum’s Pumpkin Adventure will include a hayride around the museum grounds and Small Town, Miss.; a delicious, complementary snack of cookies and milk; a self-guided tour of the Heritage Center Gallery; a large corn pit to play in; a straw maze for the kids; and a small pumpkin of choice to take home. The General Store will also be open for visitors to shop for souvenirs and enjoy an old-fashioned Coca-Cola in a glass bottle. Concessions will also be available for purchase on Saturdays throughout this event. Admission price for the annual Pumpkin Adventure is $8.00 per person. Children ages two and under will receive free admission. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s page on Facebook. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, invites the public to the annual Pumpkin Adventure on October 6-9, 13-16 and 20-23. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with extended hours for family days on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

New Stage Theatre opens its 56th Season with the hit Broadway Musical Little Shop of Horrors October 5-17, 2021. Curtain times and dates for performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $35.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military, and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, located inside the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3533, or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. This production is sponsored by Sanderson Farms. Recommended for ages 12+ for language and innuendo. Feed me! Nerdy floral shop worker Seymour would give anything to gain the love of Audrey. The depth of his desire is tested when a strange and menacing addition to his floral shop brings him sudden and unexpected popularity. Musical hilarity ensues with this delectable Broadway smash hit. Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for almost forty years, becoming one of the most popular shows worldwide. New Stage Theatre Artistic Director Francine Thomas Reynolds said, “When considering shows to launch the reopening of New Stage after so many months without live theatre, Little Shop of Horrors emerged as the perfect show to kick off our Season 56. The hilarious and quirky story, upbeat doo-wop, rock and Motown music, and loveable characters, deliver the kind of satirical fun and enjoyment audiences might be ready for.” Added Reynolds, “Our creative team, fabulous cast and musicians are excited to be back to live performances and the entire New Stage company is looking forward to welcoming everyone back who feels comfortable returning to live theatre as we Celebrate Our Next Act!” The cast includes: Tyler Bellmon as Seymour (New York), Taylor Galvin as Audrey (New York), Joseph Frost as Mr. Mushnik (Jackson), Sharon Miles as Audrey II (Hattiesburg), and Evan Brechtel as Orin (New York). Additional cast members include Erin Morton, Jaymi Horn, Jayla Lomax, Mandy Kate Myers, Hosea Griffith, Kyle Devin Hunter, and Caleb Henry. Tyler Bellmon and Taylor Galvin appear through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association. FULLY VACCINATED AUDIENCE PERFORMANCES: October 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, & 16, 2021 (Proof of full vaccination and ID will be required; vaccination proof not required at other performances) SOCIAL DISTANCING PERFORMANCE: October 13, 2021 (Call the box office for tickets) PAY WHAT YOU CAN: Patrons can come to the box office beginning at 6:30 on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. If tickets are available they can be purchased at any value with cash, check, or credit card. This is only valid for the October 5 performance. Little Shop of Horrors performances are October 5-17, 2021. Ticket prices are $35.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military, and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3533, or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. The theatre is located in the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center at 1100 Carlisle Street in the Belhaven neighborhood. Where: The Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center, 1100 Carlisle Street, Jackson MS 39202 Dates: Pay What You Can Night: October 5, 2021 Open: October 6, 2021 Close: October 17, 2021 Performance Times: Tuesday thru Saturday: 7:30 pm Sundays: 2:00 pm Fully Vaccinated Audience Performances: October 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, & 16, 2021 (Proof of full vaccination and ID will be required; vaccination proof not required at other performances) Social Distancing Performance: October 13, 2021 (Call the box office for tickets) Tickets: $35; seniors/students/military $30 Box Office: Telephone: 601-948-3533 Online: www.newstagetheatre.com Email: tickets@newstagetheatre.com Hours: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hours During Show: Tuesday thru Friday: 10 am - 7:30 pm Saturday: 4 pm - 7:30 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 2 pm Tickets Online: Tickets may be purchased 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.newstagetheatre.com (a per-ticket service fee of $3 applies to all online purchases) Rush Tickets: One hour prior to curtain for any performance, students with a current academic ID may purchase an available seat for $10. Limit one ticket per ID. To view public safety protocols please visit www.newstagetheatre.com/covid-19 Director.............Peppy Biddy Music Director..........Carol Joy Sparkman Choreographer...........Malaika Quarterman Stage Manager..........Clara Seitz Scenic Designer..........Dex Edwards Costume Designer..........Virginia Coffey Lighting Designer..........Andrew Prince Sound Designer/Engineer..........Alberto Meza Cast SEYMOUR..........Tyler Bellmon* AUDREY..........Taylor Galvin* MR. MUSHNIK..........Joseph Frost ORIN..........Evan Brechtel AUDREY II..........Sharon Miles CHIFFON..........Erin Morton CRYSTAL..........Jaymi Horn RONNETTE..........Jayla Lomax SKID ROW RESIDENTS: Mandy Kate Myers Hosea Griffith Kyle Devin Hunter Caleb Henry UNDERSTUDIES: Ward Emling Sam Lovorn Natalie Fehrenbacher Mandy Kate Myers