By: Lisa Miller, BoltonMS.com St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bolton will welcome the community on Sunday, February 8, for its Second Sunday service of Holy Eucharist, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The afternoon gathering offers a meaningful time of worship, reflection, and fellowship in a setting rooted in tradition and hospitality. The service will be led by the Rev. Hailey Allin, Vicar, alongside Harvey Smith, who will serve as Lay Worship Leader. Together, they will guide the congregation through the liturgy, emphasizing the spiritual rhythm and reverence that define the Holy Eucharist. Music will play a special role in the service, with several guest musicians contributing to the worship experience. Sid Champion will provide piano accompaniment, while Allison Jenkins will offer a vocal solo. Matthew Magee will add to the program with performances on violin and guitar, creating a blend of music that complements the service and enhances its reflective tone. St. Mary’s Second Sunday services are known for their welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful worship, inviting longtime members and visitors alike to participate. The church encourages anyone seeking a quiet, meaningful way to observe the season to attend and share in this afternoon of faith and music.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Audiences largely left last June’s zombie threequel “28 Years Later” thinking the same thing, “That was a good movie, but what the heck was up with that ending?” They were referring to the last-minute saving of young protagonist Spike (Alfie Williams) from a hoard of Infected by a gang of blonde-wigged, tracksuit-wearing ruffians led by long-missing earlier character Jimmy (Jack O’Connell). The tone of the sequence was one of stylized action, which clashed with the more ominous, meditative horror (short of the obvious Infected attacks) of the rest of the movie. Now, a mere seven months later, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” provides answers as to exactly what the heck was up with that ending. It turns out that the gang, known as The Fingers (because together they form a mighty fist), while they like to take out the Infected, aren’t much kinder to uninfected humans. They’re a cult of serial killers, all stripped of their original names and now called Jimmy, who serve a Satanic deity known as Old Nick. O’Connell’s leader, now going by the name Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, agrees to take in Spike if he can kill a Jimmy in a battle to the death. Spike lives to be inducted, but he lives in terror. Sadly, that’s his one mode through the entire movie. In “28 Years Later,” the character had a great arc where he abandoned his lying father and safe-haven community to get help for his sick mother and then face an uncertain future, but here he’s just scared all the time. Granted, I’d be consistently scared if I had to spend my life around the vicious Fingers, but it’s not much of a “hero’s journey.” The story sometimes breaks from Spike and The Fingers to spend time with Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a character from the last movie who built The Bone Temple, a tall pile of skulls, as a memorial to the dead, and not, as some thought, a collection of weirdo trophies. He subdues an “Alpha Infected,” who he names Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), and takes strides to study him, as there may be something inside his head (psychologically) that may be the key to overcoming not just the Infected, but the 28-year-old infection. Most of the movie is a noticeable step down from “28 Years Later.” Sure, charging Infected and satanic murderers are scary and all, but it’s missing that certain sense of timing and heartfelt touch given to it by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (Nia DaCosta, of the mixed-bag “Candyman” remake, is at the helm this time). That is, until the two stories converge. Once some of The Fingers become convinced that Dr. Kelson is their god Old Nick (thanks to his iodine-coated red skin), Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal has to find a way to keep his own hold on the group. And that’s where the musical number comes in. It’s not Jack O’Connell performing like he did in “Sinners,” but there is a show-stealing musical number and a climax that redeems the entire movie… and then a poorly-kept secret surprise after that. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” can be a slog at times, and by “at times” I mean pretty much the entire first hour. It shouldn’t be a slog, given the high-stakes subject matter, but I could never shake this feeling that I was just watching a lesser version of a world I had spent just enough time in only seven months ago. But then that ending is so explosive that all is forgiven. Supposedly Danny Boyle will be back to direct a fifth movie in this series (my guess is it will be the third with “Years” in the title, to complete the trilogy within the larger continuity), and if he can seamlessly add his sensitive touch to the spectacle of this movie’s most memorable sequence, we’ll have a horror movie for the ages. Grade: B- “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, graphic nudity, language throughout, and brief drug use. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     A mirror has a tough job.  To show you how fit, skinny or fat your body is. Your clothes have a tougher job, to make your body look good. Your body that is fit, ski…well, no need, you already have yourself categorized.  A washing machine’s job is to clean those dirty clothes you’ve had on your fit, skinny or fat body. The water in your shower or bath is to remove the dirt from your fat, skinny or fit body. A mirror reflects the truth of our usually pretty sad situation. Clothes help us cover up that…um, situation. Washing machines wash those clothes so that they look and smell better. All of those each do the important job designated to it. But it takes a bath or shower to clean the body, the most important thing you own. But about that clean body. It’s simply just a fit, skinny or fat shell that carries the real you around every day. And you can bathe it until it squeaks, but that will still only make it a clean shell. The real YOU is a living spirit inside that shell that you - hopefully- bathe. Want to be convinced of this? Ask three total strangers to allow you to study their bodies for a minute or two. If they give you that permission, instruct each of them to turn in a circle several times for you. Study them carefully and in detail. Even talk to them. Then as you look ONLY at their neck, ask them if they feel happy, sad or rather numb. Then follow your instincts and look in their eyes, not just at their body parts. Ask them the very same question again, whether they are numb, happy or sad.  I am willing to wager that you will be more convinced of their answer when you look straight into their eyes. Why? Because the eyes generally reflect the real emotions of the spirit within.  Shakespeare and Jesus Christ agreed that the eyes are the window to the soul. The eyes are pretty good at exposing what the body is attempting to hide from the world. A person can be doing a great job of acting happy and peaceful around you, but look into those windows and see what’s real. Our eyes tell the whole truth and are usually a dead-giveaway when we are struggling emotionally. Much like the six-year-old who has not yet learned the fine art of not telling the whole truth regarding what goes on in the privacy of your home. “Teacher, Mommy won’t let Daddy sleep in their bedroom anymore.”    Yikes!!!! Folks, you are not your body, you have deeper things to worry about than that. You have a spirit that needs real care. Take care of that body, definitely. But more importantly, take care of your spirit.

With more extreme cold and winter weather possible in the days to come, it’s important to check the safety of your heating equipment. Most importantly, remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters. The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) Fire Services Division and State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) recommend the following heating fire safety tips. Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision. Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home. Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip-over shut-off switch. All heating equipment should be UL® approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional before being used each year. Inspect the space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying, or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly. Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating, as it emits poisonous fumes. Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel. Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home. Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don’t go back inside the home under any circumstances. Below freezing temperatures, ice and snow could damage your roof and plumbing. Severe weather could also mean a high number of insurance claims. “Many insurance policies do not provide coverage for frozen pipes and other damage in homes that are no longer occupied or that are vacant. For example, if you’ve listed your home for sale, moved out, and turned off the heat, then the pipes freeze and burst, the insurance company could deny your claim because you did not take the proper steps to protect the home,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. Avoid an insurance claim by taking action now. Leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks. Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken. Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic. Perform maintenance checks on your vehicle. Check the battery, antifreeze and wiper fluid levels. Fill up with gas, pack emergency supplies and keep a windshield scraper on-hand to remove ice.

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 .