On Thursday, July 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School will open its doors for Visions and Voices —a special community conversation led by Principal Mr. Hodge and Dr. Freeman. The event is part of a continued effort to strengthen the connection between the school and the families it serves by listening directly to those who know it best. Parents, guardians, educators, and local residents are invited to attend and take part in an honest discussion about the current state of the school. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on questions such as, “What are we doing well as a school?” and “In what ways can we improve?” The goal is to create a space where all voices are valued, concerns can be expressed openly, and new ideas can be brought to the table. Mr. Hodge emphasized the importance of community input in shaping school priorities. “This is not just about hearing feedback,” he said. “It’s about building a shared vision for the future—one that reflects the needs and hopes of our students, staff, and families.” Dr. Freeman echoed that sentiment, noting that meaningful progress comes from collaboration. “We can’t move forward without knowing where we stand today,” she said. “We need your insights, your experiences, and your suggestions.” The school encourages everyone interested to register in advance. Time will be set aside for both structured discussion and informal conversation. Visions and Voices  is more than a meeting—it’s a moment to build trust, strengthen relationships, and lay the groundwork for continued excellence at Bolton-Edwards. Whether you’re a parent with a kindergartener, a longtime teacher, or a neighbor who simply cares, your voice matters. Make plans to attend and help shape what comes next.

As summer winds down, it’s time for BEEMS families to get ready for the start of a new school year. Parents and guardians are encouraged to mark their calendars for our upcoming back-to-school open registration events. This is a crucial opportunity for families to ensure their children are ready for the academic year ahead. Registration will take place over several days: from July 21st to July 23rd and again on July 28th and 29th, with hours set from 8 AM to 3 PM each day. Please note that there will be a break for lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM. Additionally, we will have a special registration session on July 30th, running from 1 PM to 6 PM. To complete registration, families must bring a valid driver’s license or state issued I.D. and two current proofs of residency. Utility bills must be dated within the last 30 days and match the name on the ID provided. It is important to take advantage of these registration times, as there will be no opportunity for registration during Meet The Teacher Night or on the first day of school. This ensures that all students can start their educational journey without delay. For any questions or further information regarding the registration process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Andrea Smith-Johnson at andsmith@hinds.k12.ms.us . We look forward to welcoming you and your child back for another successful school year at BEEMS!

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three “Jurassic Park” movies and three “Jurassic World” movies, it seems the time has come to kickstart the “Jurassic” franchise again with “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I’ll give the franchise credit for recognizing that there was no need to continue with the Chris Pratt or Bryce Dallas Howard characters from the last three movies, who were widely seen as uninteresting. Even the more popular “classic” characters played by Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are probably best taking this movie off after fans got sufficiently caught up with them in 2022’s “Jurassic World: Dominion.” Good on this movie for coming up with a new set of heroes. I can’t say I always cared for the story, action, or generally the movie around them, but the movie is better for having them. The most-talked-about scene in the movie is its cold open, where a carelessly-discarded candy bar wrapper leads to catastrophic results. It reminded me a lot of one of those convoluted “Final Destination” death sequences, but that didn’t do the movie any favors, all it did was make me wish I was watching one of those movies instead of this. I’m sure the intention here was to have a scene where funny and scary were well-balanced, and I suppose technically it succeeds by delivering very little of either. Soon after, we’re introduced to our new cast. Capable covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is recruited by shady pharmaceutical rep Krebs (Rupert Friend) to lead a team to an island of mutant dinosaurs to collect DNA samples that can be combined to form a cure for heart disease. The team also includes Zora’s longtime colleague Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) and unemployed paleontologist Dr. Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). As the new leads travel to the island, we’re also introduced to a civilian family: father Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), younger daughter Isabella (Audrina Miranda), older daughter Teresa (Luna Blaise), and Xavier (David Iacano), Teresa’s hapless boyfriend. Their boat is capsized by ocean-based dinos and they need rescuing from Zora’s team, much to the chagrin of mission-focused Krebs. The groups are briefly brought together, then quickly separated again once they reach the island so they can go on disparate adventures. Said adventures include Zora’s group collecting samples from prehistoric creatures on land, sea, and air. It’s the “air” that proves the most challenging, as they have to scale a perilous cliff to get to the nest of a fearsome predator. The family needs only to survive the island, but they don’t have things any easier. They need to make it down a river, but not if a T-Rex has anything to say about it. For the climax, the survivors of the two groups reunite for a shared showdown with the vicious mutant dinosaur that escaped its enclosure at the beginning of the movie. I at least liked the design of the new Big Bad dinosaur, it’s got more going on than previous built-up surprises that usually just turned out to be variations on raptors. I liked the chemistry of the Johansson/Ali/Bailey team in “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I liked them so much, in fact, that I was annoyed whenever there was any business with dinosaurs that prevented them from casually interacting. The sailing family could have been cut from the movie entirely. I know the movie wanted to throw in some cute kids for the dinos to terrorize, but they’re bland, at times annoying, and they detract from the more interesting storyline. As for the dinosaurs and the action around them, it’s par for the course. Don’t worry, they’re here, but the special effects are wonky at times and nothing they do will be surprising to anyone familiar with this franchise. I can’t say that I strongly dislike this installment with its change-up in human leads, but this series, now on its seventh installment, is no longer the unique property that established itself as a pop culture institution in the 90’s. Grade: C “Jurassic World: Rebirth” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, bloody images, some suggestive references, language and a drug reference. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The very thing that you dread and fear can keep you keep thinking about it. A lot, in fact. And that constant thinking can give way to obsessive anxiety. And then the obsessive anxiety and fear begin to take control of your days…and causing sleepless nights. Gradually, the lack of sleep can spiral you into depression, which easily saps your energy. Next thing you know you have lost your zest for your job, your family life, your romantic life… everyday living will seem colorless. Maybe there is a way to break this habit of destroying your own happiness and personal peace. Maybe you can learn to acknowledge and recognize a potential threat, but not let it turn into a paralyzing dread, to then become absolute soul-sucking fear. To put it in its place. If you have recognized yourself in these opening paragraphs, you’re flailing around in dark water and trying not to go down for the third time, then take heart. There actually are a few self-help exercises that are worth the effort. Do this for a few minutes: Review all the people, events, or circumstances that you have feared throughout your life. If I could persuade you to do this, I would like you to actually write them down. Then sit back and study them. Take the time to remember which ones became reality. You will likely find that most simply never came to pass. Yes, of course, some horrible things did occur, but many never actually came into your life. Realize this all-important fact.  “Most of those scary things that you fear? Never actually materialize. We simply let ourself live in fear of those things happening.” The next step is recognizing your negative-but-oh-so-entertaining thoughts, before they become fear and anxiety. The following is an example of disastrous thinking that leads you into that deep dark water. “What if all the constant fighting me and my husband are doing doesn’t get better, and we end up in a divorce? Hmmm, I guess I really ought to start preparing for being alone in life……Oh, @$%&$!!!  Is it possible that is  exactly  what he’s been doing? Getting his list together of things he plans to walk away with?  Well, he’s got another think a-comin!  I’m getting my own list of our financial assets together. I can’t let that scumbag take advantage of me! In fact, we’re having it out tonight, no way he’s taking more than his share!” See the negative progression, the self-fulfilling prophecy of her fearful thoughts? It is vital that you learn to recognize your negative thoughts, and then forcibly replace them with a totally different way of thinking about what you fear. Deliberately take control, before you cause an ending that didn’t have to happen. Self-fulfilling thinking is real, folks. So it’s definitely worth the effort to keep your thought life positive and try to help create a good ending for yourself. Or you can just let the opposite happen.

Change is in the air at Bolton Town Hall, where newly elected and appointed officials are settling into their roles with fresh ideas and a renewed focus on community progress. While Bolton remains proud of its deep roots and strong traditions, these new leaders are bringing with them a determination to build on that foundation and help the town grow in thoughtful, lasting ways. For many of these new faces, stepping into public service wasn’t about politics—it was about pride. Several are lifelong Bolton residents who felt called to give back to the place they’ve always called home. Others are newer to town but bring valuable experience and a passion for helping small communities thrive. Whether it’s their first term or their first time holding any kind of office, they are united by a shared goal: to make Bolton stronger for everyone who lives here. One of the first things on their minds is infrastructure. From potholes on side streets to drainage concerns during heavy rain, local leaders say these day-to-day issues matter because they affect quality of life. Plans are being discussed to prioritize road repairs, improve public spaces, and strengthen communication between the town and Hinds County for faster results. Another focus is community involvement. Several leaders want to see more residents at board meetings and more opportunities for neighbors to share ideas or concerns. They’re also looking at ways to improve how the town shares information—whether through updated signage, social media, or printed newsletters delivered to homes. Economic development is also high on the list. Town officials say they want to support local businesses and attract new ones, while still keeping the town’s small-scale charm. That could mean improving zoning regulations, making the permit process easier, or finding grants that help entrepreneurs launch or grow their ventures. For young people, the vision includes more activities, improved recreation spaces, and partnerships with local schools and churches to offer safe and engaging options outside the classroom. Leaders recognize that retaining younger families is key to Bolton’s future, and they’re thinking creatively about how to give them reasons to stay. These changes won’t happen overnight, and the new officials are quick to acknowledge that. But they also believe that even small steps—when taken with care and consistency—can lead to long-term progress. Their message to the community is clear: they’re here to listen, to work hard, and to build a Bolton that honors its past while preparing for the future. As Town Hall meetings resume with new voices at the table, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. The faces may be new, but the commitment to Bolton runs deep. And with time, trust, and teamwork, residents may begin to see the kind of changes that come not just from government—but from a community working together.

Bolton, Mississippi is the kind of place where neighbors wave from front porches, where the hum of cicadas fills quiet evenings, and where the sense of community is more than just a word—it’s a way of life. In a time when many rural towns struggle to hold onto their identity, Bolton stands as a reminder that small town charm doesn’t have to be lost in the face of change. Still, like every town, Bolton is not immune to the pressures of growth, development, and modernization. With new families moving in and younger generations taking interest in shaping their hometown’s future, the question becomes: how does a town grow while still keeping what makes it special? Town leaders say the key lies in balance. Preserving historical landmarks, supporting local businesses, and maintaining a focus on community-centered events are all part of the effort to protect Bolton’s heritage. At the same time, there’s recognition that updates are needed—better infrastructure, improved schools, and access to new technology all play a part in keeping the town thriving for future generations. Local residents often speak proudly of Bolton’s past while also expressing hope for what’s ahead. Some remember when the railroad still brought steady traffic through town, or when the grocery store on the corner was the place where everyone gathered. While those days may be behind us, the same spirit that carried Bolton through its early years is still present today. New projects, including upgrades to public spaces and roadways, are being planned with intention. Rather than chasing rapid change, Bolton aims to grow in a way that honors its roots. Local churches continue to serve as cornerstones of community life, and annual events bring families together in celebration of shared values. As the town looks to the future, leaders and residents alike are committed to making sure growth doesn’t come at the cost of identity. For Bolton, progress doesn’t mean replacing what works. It means strengthening it, one thoughtful step at a time. In a world that often moves too fast, Bolton is proof that you can honor the past, plan for the future, and still enjoy the quiet, steady rhythm of small-town life.

By: Kara Kimbrough Waldorf's Famous Fruity Chicken Salad is the perfect no-cook dinner.  I know what you’re thinking…how do you serve dinner without cooking…at least a little? I deliberately omitted the word “salad” from the headline so you’d keep reading. Believe it or not, there are salads that are substantial enough to satisfy even the pickiest (and heartiest) eaters. Salads filled with lots of crunch, a little meat for the carnivores and plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables are just the ticket when the heat is oppressive and turning on the oven to heat up an already-steamy kitchen is not an option.   My favorite of the three no-cook salads is Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad. Originally created at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1893 (some sources say 1896) by maître d'hôtel Oscar Tschirky, the recipe was much simpler than today’s versions. Filled with apples, celery and mayonnaise, it was delicious, but not much more than a basic fruit salad.    Over time, the Waldorf salad evolved to include walnuts, grapes and one of the best additions, chicken, with a mayonnaise dressing. Unlike many recipes originating in the 1800’s that have disappeared, this fruity, hearty salad has withstood the test of time.     Try each of these no-cook meals – and yes, salads – this summer. Unless you choose to toast the walnuts (not entirely necessary), the oven will stay off and the kitchen will actually be a pleasant place to visit.   Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon balsamic or cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt or garlic salt 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped 2 ribs celery with leaves, diced 3 medium apples, cut into bite size cubes 1 cup red grape halves 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)     Preheat oven to 350 degrees (skip this step and forgo toasting if you don’t want to use the oven!) Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast or 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.     In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, vinegar, lemon pepper and salt until combined.      Add the walnuts, chicken, celery, apples, grapes and raisins. Toss until coated.  Chill in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves. Italian Chopped Salad For the Italian vinaigrette: 1 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the salad:   2 heads romaine or green leaf lettuce, chopped  1/2 red onion, chopped 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 medium tomato, diced  6 ounces genoa salami, chopped  8 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped  1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers Fresh basil leaves, chopped         Make the dressing:  In a jar with a lid add the lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, oregano, olive oil, kosher, salt, and black pepper. Add the lid and shake for 10 seconds until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.       Note:  The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s best served at room temperature. The dressing will separate and solidify in the fridge, so run the jar under some warm water and give it a shake to bring the dressing back to room temperature before serving.       Make the salad:  Add the chopped Romaine to a large bowl and drizzle with a few tablespoons of dressing. Top the romaine with the red onion, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers and basil. Stir together well before serving. Add more dressing, if desired. Crunchy Romaine Toss ¼ cup unsalted butter 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 (3 ounce) package uncooked ramen noodles, crushed 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped 1 bunch broccoli, coarsely chopped 2 green onions, chopped      Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and ramen noodles; cook and stir until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside until cooled.      Whisk vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Combine romaine lettuce, broccoli, walnut-ramen noodle mixture, and green onions in a large serving bowl. Add vinaigrette; toss to coat.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB        “F1: The Movie” takes viewers inside the exciting world of Formula One auto-racing. The director is Joseph Kosinski, best known for taking “Top Gun: Maverick” to the top of the yearly box office three years ago. Between that movie’s jets and this movie’s cars, it seems the man’s specialty is directing movies about things that go “whoosh.” And yes, this movie is best enjoyed in premium-format theaters (for me it was a Dolby) that can really give the audience a good taste of the whooshing. That is to say I got maximum enjoyment out of the whooshing cars and very little enjoyment out of everything else.             Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver whose career ended in a crash in the 90’s. Now he’s broke and lives out of his van, taking on freelance driving jobs whenever someone needs him in a pinch. As it happens, former rival-turned-friend Ruben (Javier Bardem), now a team owner, needs a driver in a pinch. His team hasn’t gotten a single top-ten finish all season and is in danger of being sold. Rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) has a lot of potential, but he’s consistently being bested by more experienced drivers. It takes some arm-twisting, but Sonny agrees to come aboard as Joshua’s teammate.             Sonny doesn’t fit in well at first. Most of team is European, he’s American. They’re up on the “current” Formula One, he’s been out of the game for 30 years. They’re high-strung, he’s easygoing, etc. He especially ruffles the feathers of Joshua, who sees him as a threat to his spot on the team, as well as lead engineer Kate (Kerry Condon), who thinks he isn’t cooperative with those who know better. Of course, by the end of the film, he’ll be these characters’ mentor and lover, obviously respectively.             How does Sonny win everybody over? By racing, of course. He has instincts that the others don’t, and is willing to try things that others won’t. Sometimes this means unconventional tricks with timing, sometimes this means exploiting loopholes in the rules and flirting with penalties (some will see his tactics as very unsportsmanlike), sometimes this means doing things that are extremely dangerous. But he’s never going to be the best if he plays things safe, and he’s obsessed with being the best.             Whether or not you like “F1: The Movie” comes down to two things: how much you like the Pitt performance and how much you like the racing scenes. To me, they both have the same problem: they’re top-notch at what they do, without impressing me much by doing it. Yes, Pitt is effortlessly charming, but he brings the same effortless charm to every role, and there’s little else to make the character unique. And I don’t just mean he’s not unique for a Brad Pitt character, I mean he’s not unique for this style of movie hero. I really felt like I was watching Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick,” maybe with a shade less dedication to the craft because I don’t think Pitt is putting his body through the wringer for all these racing scenes.             As for the racing, much like Pitt’s charisma, I certainly can’t call it incompetent. I’m sure they got everything right in painstaking, extremely difficult detail. But also like Pitt’s charisma, the film thinks its ability to nail Formula One driving carries it to greatness and it just doesn’t. In just the past few years, “Ford v Ferreri” and “Gran Turismo” gave me equally exciting racing sequences, and both had better stories to go around them. So I’ll put it this way: if you’ve gone a long time without seeing a Brad Pitt movie, a racing movie, or a “Top Gun” movie, and you’re willing to give this movie premium-format prices and over two and a half hours of your time, then you might get something out of “F1: The Movie.” Otherwise, steer clear of this one. Grade: C- “F1: The Movie” is rated PG-13 for strong language, and action. Its running time is 155 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

The ham radio community is gearing up for a fun and informal gathering at the Quisenberry Library in Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Whether you’re a licensed operator or just curious about amateur radio, you’re invited to join in on the camaraderie and conversation starting around 9 a.m. The library, located at 503-559 East Northside Drive, offers an ideal outdoor setting with ample parking and plenty of tall shade trees—perfect for stringing up wire antennas and setting up portable radio equipment. It’s conveniently located just west of the Indian Lanes Bowling Alley. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear, including batteries, radios, tuners, and antennas, as well as a chair, since outdoor seating is limited. While the real action is expected to begin at 9 a.m., some organizers plan to arrive a little earlier to get a head start on setting up. The event offers a chance for attendees to test their setups, exchange tips, and make HF, VHF, or UHF contacts. Even if you don’t have equipment of your own, you’ll still be able to get on the air with the help of others. Bathroom access will be available once the library opens, and the air conditioning inside will be a welcome relief from the Mississippi heat. Most of all, the goal is to have a good time, enjoy fellowship, and connect with others who share a passion for radio. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, organizers will reschedule for a later weekend. For now, mark your calendar and get your gear ready. The radios go live at 9 a.m. on July 19.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Quote; “I have been accused of being too hard on my sons. I totally disagree. Undisciplined boys become undisciplined men. Undisciplined men are found in prisons, hospitals and graveyards.” – Steve Harvey; comedian, author, actor, and television host. You’ve been around them, we all have. The parent who gazes adoringly at their little boy who is acting like a self-appointed detonated bomb. Using the tenderest tone of voice, they carefully speak to him, “Evan, please don’t do that, it’s not nice. Remember what I was telling you this morning, that a good little boy doesn’t try to cut the tail off of a kitten? And they never throw mud balls in the living room. Please be a good little Evan now, too.” Good Little Evan doesn’t even bother to look at Mommy as she is talking, and continues to terrorize the other three-year-olds in the room. But instead of jerking her son up and applying some well-aimed knowledge to his backside, she just sighs patiently. She looks at the now incredulous and angry adults around her and proudly says something in the way of, “Only three years old, and already Evan obviously is displaying the ability to be a born leader.” She then scornfully continues, “He simply  never  just does what he is told without thinking about it. He has a mind of his own.” Tossing her head and smiling smugly, she ends with, “And that, my friends, is the mark of a young man on his way to the top.” Thirteen years later; Born Leader Evan slouches in and stares defiantly at the judge in charge of the courtroom. His total contempt for any semblance of authority was obvious. Now leading his own neighborhood juvenile gang, he has fulfilled his proud Momma’s prediction years ago. The judge’s decree of three months in juvenile lockup followed by six months of probation changes nothing. Evan remains unrepentant, belligerent and determined to be his own man… a born leader racing down a very dark road. Ten years passes. Still a leader, still rebellious and angry, Born Leader Evan is the underground head of the inmates in a State Prison. But now his ‘leadership abilities’ are confined to leading in prison for the next twenty-five years. Unfortunately, statistics bear out the very real probability of this story being true in many young people’s lives. Your kids need firm guidance. They don’t like it, and they will complain bitterly. And tender-hearted, well-meaning but misguided adults will vehemently condemn you for being a firm parent with a strong arm and accurate aim.  But just remember, history backs you up. Kids with adults in their lives who give them firm, loving discipline have a much greater chance of becoming successful and productive as adults. And when they have kids of their own, most likely they will be parents who can pass along the same basics of life. Yes, I very much agree with Steve Harvey. And incidentally, those same teachings for rearing children are found in Scripture.

By: Kara Kimbrough This recipe isn’t actually used by Delmonico’s in New York City to create their famous steaks, one of which is pictured here, but the recipe does use the Delmonico cut of steak and is delicious in its own way. (Photo credit: Giada Paoloni for Delmonico's).                          We are only a little over halfway through 2025 and I’m already obsessed with a few things. I’m referring to new supermarket products I’ve discovered; restaurant meals I can’t stop dreaming about, destinations to which I must return and travel products that made my life easier during the first half of the year. In no particular order, here are a few of my top obsessions thus far: 1.    Breyer’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream -  It’s hot, so I’ll start with a cool treat that found a way to transform my favorite dessert – strawberry shortcake – into an ice cream. Whoever decided to combine delicious swirls of strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream, along with the cake crumbles from Good Humor’s Strawberry Shortcake Bars is…a genius!  2.    Delmonico's Hash Browns  – Despite the present-day heat, my mind often wanders back to a very chilly January night in New York City. Jan. 21, to be exact...the night when I enjoyed one of the best meals of my life. I’ve shared details of my Delmonico’s dinner, including the outstanding salad, steak and baked Alaska. But it’s a simpler dish that I can’t stop thinking about. Delmonico’s hash browns...potatoes combined with a delectable cream sauce and cooked to a crispy finish in a cast iron skillet, then topped with crème fraiche and chives. It's a dish that I must sample again in order for my life to be complete. 3.    MoKo Double Eyeglass/Contact Lens Case  – If you’ve flown much since 9/11 changed air travel forever, you understand the stress of condensing all of your vital carry-on toiletry items down to miniscule 3-ounce sizes. Trying to ensure a tiny bottle of contact lens solution is safely in my carry-on, along with a lens case containing a spare set of contacts and another containing glasses in case of emergency is stressful indeed. Imagine my excitement at finding a compact, two-sided case with space for glasses on one side, contact lens case and small solution bottle within TSA guidelines and a built-in mirror on the other. Everything fits in one handy case! I rarely order items from Amazon, but this is one product I couldn’t resist.   4.   Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey  – One of the most stressful things about cooking a turkey is the defrosting process. It can be days before the chunk of frozen meat is defrosted enough to cook, causing unnecessary stress during the holidays. Butterball finally got with the program, inventing its “Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey.” This new and improved turkey doesn’t need to be thawed before roasting, eliminating days of waiting before baking. Now, unwrap and roast…that’s it! There’s even a special brine that helps the turkey retain its moisture, resulting in a tender, golden-brown turkey.     5.    Trot Pets Bowl Set  - Speaking of travel, making sure our furry, four-legged friends are happy and well taken care of while we’re out of town is a vital part of any trip. I found a complete set of food and water bowls with compact lids, along with a matching non-slip mat, that I can fill with Teddy’s favorite food and give to my pet-sitter. This makes things much easier on the sitter, who often has a house full of other dogs to keep separated at meal time. Knowing he will feel at home when served meals from his handy, dishwasher-safe set alleviates unnecessary stress for everyone, especially Teddy. To order a set, go to:  trotpets.com . 6.    Gulf Islands National Seashore  – I’ve experienced my fair share of gorgeous sandy beaches and multi-colored gulf waters, but a new one caught and held my interest this year: Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola. This stunning, peaceful national park contains more unspoiled, natural beauty than almost any other place I’ve visited. Miles of pristine, largely-uninhabited beaches fronting mesmerizingly-blue gulf water transported me to a private island experience. There's even an historic lighthouse in the distance to complete the picturesque scene. It's an otherworldly place that I’m longing to revisit.  7.    Beau Rivage’s Breakfast Buffet  – I wasn’t expecting breakfast to eclipse the previous evening’s meal at Coraline's, but that’s almost what happened during a recent visit to the luxurious Biloxi resort. I decided to stop by the breakfast buffet on my way out for what I though would be a quick bite. I was surprised to find a wonderland of delicious breakfast items, ranging from traditional dishes like pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs, fruit, biscuits and gravy and related items, to elevated ones like made-to-order omelets. Eggs Benedict, cheese grits and a plethora of homemade pastries. And the piece de resistance? Hot beignets made fresh for each diner. As I sipped a cup of steaming black coffee in between bites of the flaky, powdery treat, I “almost” felt like I was dining at New Orleans’ Café du Monde.         I’m still searching for a recipe that’s “close” to Delmonico’s hash browns; when I do, I’ll share it with you. If you visit New York City, I highly recommend booking a reservation at this historic restaurant and sampling them for yourself, along with one of their famous steaks.        In the meantime, I was excited to find a recipe for a version of Delmonico steak. The recipe mainly referred to the cut of steak – Delmonico – not the restaurant. While it was delicious, it didn’t quite live up to the original, but it’ll suffice until I get back to NYC. When I arrive, my first stop will be at, you guessed it…Delmonico’s.   Delmonico Steak with Onions and Steak Sauce 4 (1-inch) Delmonico steaks, 8-10 ounces each 2 teaspoons extra- virgin olive oil Steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, or coarse salt and pepper Onions: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 large yellow skinned onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Steak sauce: 1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, half a turn of the pan 2 cloves garlic, chopped  1 small white boiling onion, chopped  1/4 cup dry cooking sherry  1 cup canned tomato sauce  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  Black pepper      Heat a heavy grill pan or griddle pan over high heat. Wipe hot grill or griddle with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook steaks 6 minutes on each side for medium doneness, 8 minutes for medium well. Season steaks with steak seasoning or salt and pepper and remove to a warm platter to allow the meat to rest.           To make onions: Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes, until onions are soft and sweet. Add balsamic vinegar to the pan and turn onions in vinegar until vinegar cooks away and glazes onions a deep brown color, 3 to 5 minutes.    To make steak sauce:  Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, garlic and onions and sauté 5 minutes until onion bits are tender. Add sherry to the pan and combine with onions. Stir in tomato sauce and Worcestershire and season with black pepper. To serve, top steaks with onions and drizzle steak sauce down over the top, reserving half of the sauce to place on the table. (Recipe from RachaelRay.com ). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Special to The Bolton News Just beyond the quiet streets of Bolton lies a peaceful escape that many in the area are only beginning to discover. The Ergon Nature Trail, tucked away near the edge of town, offers visitors a chance to step into the calm of Mississippi’s natural beauty without venturing far from home. The trail, surrounded by native trees and winding under a canopy of green, has become a favorite spot for walkers, birdwatchers, and families looking for a quiet retreat. Though simple in its layout, the trail’s charm lies in its natural setting. Gentle slopes, shaded paths, and the occasional call of birds overhead create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of daily life. Local residents have noted the peacefulness the trail provides. Early mornings often bring joggers or quiet strollers enjoying the cooler hours, while weekends draw small groups and families taking advantage of the open space. Benches placed along the path offer moments to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy the breeze rustling through the trees. The Ergon Nature Trail also serves as a quiet classroom for area students and nature lovers. Teachers and homeschool groups have used it as an outdoor learning space, identifying plant life, observing insects, and learning about Mississippi’s native ecosystems. The trail’s accessibility makes it especially appealing for all ages. Though modest in scale, the trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, allowing both casual visitors and more experienced hikers to enjoy the space safely. Efforts by local volunteers and community groups have helped keep the path clean and welcoming, and there’s growing interest in hosting occasional clean-up days or nature walks to encourage more use. For Bolton, the Ergon Nature Trail is more than just a walking path. It’s a reminder of the value of green spaces in small towns, offering a connection to the land that is both personal and shared. As more people discover it, the trail continues to grow quietly into one of Bolton’s most treasured natural spots—a place where residents can slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the simple beauty of the outdoors.