Mayor Elect- Alisa Butler-Kidd The Town of Bolton will mark an important civic moment on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as newly elected Mayor Alisa Kidd-Butler is officially sworn into office. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Bolton Municipal Building, located at 130 East Hamilton Street. The event will include the formal oath of office, which will be administered by a local official, followed by remarks from Mayor Kidd-Butler. In her speech, she is expected to share her vision for the future of Bolton, with a focus on community engagement, public safety, and continued improvements to infrastructure and quality of life. Community leaders, town officials, and residents are anticipated to attend and show support as the town welcomes its new leader. Following the ceremony, the Bolton Board of Aldermen will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will cover ongoing town business, including committee reports, budget discussions, infrastructure updates, and an open forum for public comment. This seamless transition from ceremonial to administrative proceedings symbolizes a continued commitment to transparent and effective local government. Mayor Kidd-Butler’s swearing-in represents a new chapter for the town of Bolton. Residents are encouraged to attend both the ceremony and the board meeting to witness this important moment in the town’s history and to take part in the civic process from the very beginning of her administration.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s June, considered by many to be the perfect vacation month. And, it is technically summer, but without the oppressive heat that typically arrives next month. Even so, the thought of packing the car, unloading everything in a beach rental, then traveling to and from restaurants and entertainment can be overwhelming. Here’s a solution: head to Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, where everything for the perfect summer beach vacation – including an entertaining, family-friendly musical production in June– is under one roof. Beach access…a few steps away Notice I included the word “beach” in my description of the perfect plan for a relaxing vacation. That’s because “The Beau,” as it’s widely known, is literally on Biloxi Beach. Guests are able to leave their hotel rooms and step right out onto the beach to relax on the sand, walk along the water’s edge to view mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets and engage in any number of water sports. But the real magic exists inside the cocoon-like exterior of the sprawling resort.   Everything under one roof Once you’re inside, there’s really no reason to leave. First, there’s the massive pool lined with palm trees, comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas for an even more luxurious experience. Lounging by the shimmering pool underneath the swaying palm fronds, it’s easy to forget you’re not on a tropical island. Pool access is limited to hotel guests, insuring a secure, private experience.   Beau Rivage’s pool area is filled with comfortable lounge chairs, covered pavilions and private cabanas that can be rented for the day. Photo credit: Beau Rivage Back inside, everything needed for a leisurely vacation is at your disposal. After enjoying a comfortable night’s rest in one of the modern, well-appointed guest rooms or suites, many with stunning gulf views, there are opportunities for shopping, dining, nightlife, entertainment and relaxation. If self-care and pampering are high on your list, a quick elevator ride whisks guests to a serene full-service spa and salon. In the breathtaking lobby, hundreds of fresh flowers and seasonal décor are perfect backdrops for family photos or selfies. Head down the spacious promenade, where a variety of boutiques and specialty stores offering a multitude of shopping opportunities. Dining at its finest When it’s time to dine, 12 restaurants representing a variety of cuisines at various price points are spread throughout the property. One of my favorite restaurants is BR Prime. Each visit to this glamourous steakhouse has been better than the last. With elegant “Vegas glam” décor and ambiance, personal service and outstanding steaks, seafood and desserts, it’s a fine dining experience like no other. While BR Prime may never loose it’s first-place standing in my mind, running a close second after last week’s visit is Coraline’s. Settling into a cozy leather booth next to massive curved windows offering stunning water views of boats lazily floating along the gulf as a massive orange sun sunk below the horizon was an unexpected treat. Equally impressive was the restaurant’s tasteful, elegant décor reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Since its opening last summer, Coraline’s has quickly become a favorite dining destination for guests and it’s easy to understand why. If you’re an oyster-lover, you’ve come to the right place. Coraline’s oysters are prepared at least a half-dozen ways, as are numerous fresh seafood offerings. Equally prominent are Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, along with creative versions of nostalgic offerings like deviled eggs paired with pan-fried okra slices, moist cornbread loaves served with whipped butter and syrup and pork belly with apple and jicama slaw.   Coraline’s Redfish Court Bouillon is a delectable dish of fresh seafood prepared with New Orleans-inspired flair and flavors. Photo credit: Beau Rivage Other popular dining spots are Jia, an award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant; Italian favorite Stalla and Salt & Ivy, known for Coastal-inspired dishes and weekend champagne brunch. Interspersed throughout the resort are eateries serving coffee and pastries, snacks, adult beverages and to-go meals, among other offerings. One of the most frequent stops for guests is the Beau’s famous buffet. A multi-million-dollar refresh has increased the number of daily visitors who line up early for breakfast, followed by meals of fresh seafood, specialty meats and numerous dishes ranging from Southern favorites to ethnic flavors. The buffet opens for breakfast at 8 a.m. and offers lunch and, on most days, dinner until late in the evening. ‘ Grease is the word!' Experiencing the excitement of opening night of the hit Broadway rock n’ roll musical  Grease  was the crowning touch of last week’s mini-vacation. Based on the iconic film of the same name,  Grease  is playing Beau Rivage for a limited engagement through June 29. The show features legendary music, including the Academy Award-nominated song, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” as well as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together.” Performed with a live band, and high-energy choreography, the production is fun, entertaining and a pleasant escape from reality. Unlike many stage recreations of famous movies, this live rendition of the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John exceeded my expectations. With a professional cast of actors, singers and dancers, many of whom bore a striking resemblance to original cast members, and colorful sets and props,  Grease  surpassed some Broadway plays I’ve seen in New York City. Before planning a vacation that involves packed itineraries and activities requiring lots of travel time, consider everything the Beau has to offer. Like me, you’ll quickly realize everything needed for a relaxing summer break is at the Beau. In simple terms, everything about a visit to the Beau is enjoyable, memorable and here’s the important part: stress-free. Make sure to check out Beau Rivage’s website for detailed information on room rates and special packages,  Grease  tickets and show times, restaurants, menus and much more. If You Go: Where:  Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530 Contact:  Guest Services: 228.386.7111 Reservations:  888.567.6667 or book online Website:   beaurivage.mgmresorts.com/en.html Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Mississippi has often been called one big small town—a place where hospitality is a way of life and charm runs deep. Scattered across the Magnolia State are dozens of quiet communities, rich in history and personality, waiting to be discovered. One of those places is Bolton. Tucked away in Hinds County, just 18 miles from Jackson and 25 miles from Vicksburg, Bolton might not make many headlines, but it certainly deserves recognition. Founded in 1830, Bolton was built by early Italian immigrants who established it as a farming community. Back then, Mississippi Highway 18 served as a lifeline, bringing travelers straight through downtown. For years, local businesses thrived on that steady stream of traffic. But the arrival of Interstate 20 rerouted the flow of visitors, and many of those mom-and-pop shops struggled to stay afloat. Despite that shift, Bolton has never lost its spirit. Its people remain rooted in tradition, proud of their heritage and always ready to welcome newcomers. Though small in size, the town has produced a long list of notable figures. Blues legends Bo Carter and Charley Patton once called Bolton home. So did jazz musician Walter Vinson, singer Lucille Jenkins Spann, Olympian Calvin Smith, NFL player Cleveland Green, and author Alan Huffman. The town also gave rise to actress Amia Edwards and Congressman Bennie Thompson, who previously served as Bolton’s mayor before becoming chair of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security. Leading the town today is Mayor Lawrence Butler, who has held the office since 1980. Originally from Edwards, he moved to Bolton after marrying a local woman, and has since become the longest-serving mayor in Mississippi. His commitment to the town is a reflection of its overall character—steady, loyal, and deeply rooted. At the center of Bolton’s downtown sits a business that has become part of its identity: Gaddis and McLaurin Mercantile. Founded in 1871 by Dr. John Gaddis and George C. McLaurin, the store originally served as a supplier for local farmers. Over the years, it has grown into a one-stop shop for almost anything—seed, feed, hardware, lumber, clothing, and more. Walking through the store today feels like stepping back in time. Original wood floors creak underfoot, antique decor lines the walls, and customer service is still delivered with a handshake and a smile. In many ways, Gaddis and McLaurin isn’t just a store—it’s the heartbeat of Bolton. But Bolton offers more than history and hardware. Since 2021, B-Town Steakhouse has been serving up one of the best meals in the region. Open only Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., the restaurant has built a loyal following with its cozy atmosphere and flavorful menu. A must-try is Emily’s Famous Pimento Cheese served with buttery crackers, followed by a Certified Angus Beef steak cooked to your liking. Reservations are welcomed but not required, and the experience is worth the drive. So next time you're traveling down I-20, consider taking Exit 27. Spend a little time in Bolton. Visit the mercantile, enjoy a steak dinner, and take in the quiet strength of a town that’s still standing tall despite the odds. Small towns like Bolton aren’t just a part of Mississippi—they're the heart of it.

Shoppers in Mississippi will get some considerable tax breaks in July and August, with one of them going into effect permanently in the Magnolia State on July 1st. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR) is slashing the sales tax rate on groceries purchased in the state by two-percent, from seven-percent to five-percent, effective July 1st. Then, on July 11 through July 13, Mississippi shoppers will get another, temporary sales tax break through the state’s Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, just in time for school clothes and supplies shopping before the 2025-2026 school year arrives. In August, Mississippi Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will take place from August 29 -August 31. Be sure to check out our upcoming posts of The Bolton News for a breakdown on all the products covered and savings.

By: Bob Garver     Poster credit IMDB   “Final Destination: Bloodlines”             It’s hard to believe that we went over a decade without a new “Final Destination” movie. Fans love this series and its “slasher-movie-without-a-slasher” gimmick. The “killer” here is the concept of Death itself, which takes the form of unlikely, elaborate, horrific accidents.             This sixth installment features arguably the best opening kill sequence of the entire franchise. Set in the 1960’s, apparent protagonist Iris (Brec Bassinger) visits a rooftop restaurant at the top of a hastily-built tower. The tower collapses and everyone is killed, including Iris, but the scene turns out to be a dream-like vision by Iris’s granddaughter Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) in the modern day. But wait, if Iris was killed in the tower collapse, how did she live long enough to have a family? Things aren’t adding up, even by “Final Destination” standards.             We eventually learn that Stefani’s whole family is marked for death, it’s just taken Death a few decades to get around to them. Cue the convoluted, yet inventive sequences of family members getting picked off in ways that only the sickest minds in horror can dream up.             Though we know most of the characters are toast, they’re more likeable than usual thanks to their strong familial bond. That, and a sincere farewell appearance by the late Tony Todd, make “Bloodlines” the most heartfelt of the “Final Destination” movies. I can’t say it’s the tightest entry, as I think it leaves too much potential unfulfilled at the end, but until the last ten minutes or so I was ready to call this my favorite installment in the series. As it is, it takes a backseat to the fifth movie, but it’s in a respectable second place. Grade: B- “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is rated R for strong violent/grisly accidents, and language. Its running time is 110 minutes.     Poster credit IMDB   “Karate Kid: Legends”             Huh, another franchise that took over a decade off, at least with its movies. Jackie Chan is back as Mr. Han, the new head trainer of this series following the passing of Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi. Han wants to train his great-nephew Li Fong (Ben Wang) in the martial arts, but the boy’s mother (Ming-Na Wen) forbids it due to a family tragedy. She uproots Li from Bejing to New York City, where he makes fast friends with schoolmate Mia (Sadie Stanley) and faster enemies with her karate champion ex-boyfriend Conor (Aramis Knight). For a multitude of reasons, including standing up to the psychotic bully and avenging a beating on Mia’s father (Joshua Jackson), Li needs to defeat Conor in the Five Boroughs Karate Tournament.             Mr. Han is happy to come to America to help Li train, but there’s a problem: it’s a karate tournament and Han specializes in kung-fu (viewers of the 2010 “Karate Kid” were quick to point out that the title was misleading). Many of the principles are the same, but Li will never win with kung-fu skills alone. To give Li a karate influence, Han drafts in Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the most famous student of Mr. Miyagi. Intense training montages ensue.             The bad news is that the movie is highly formulaic and predictable, with expected story beats (save for a detour where Li trains Mia’s father in boxing, which probably should have been saved for a sequel) occurring like clockwork. The good news is that the movie is a decent enough version of the formula, with the chemistry between the characters, especially Li and Mia, ever charming. “Karate Kid: Legends” isn’t in the same league as the all-time-classic original, but it’s hard not to get a kick out of a movie this sweet. Grade: B- “Karate Kid: Legends” is rated PG-13 for martial arts violence and language. Its running time is 94 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com You think that bold firefighters hold no fear in their bones when they rush into a red-hot cauldron of fire that was once a high-rise building? That police officers run have no fear inside as they run toward an active crime scene? That parents don’t spend some sleep-deprived nights, dreading the marching onslaught of the notorious ‘teen years?’ That the middle-aged generation laughs fearlessly and poo-poos the much-talked-about inevitable old age, loneliness, and pain? Think again, my friend. Every one of those people that I mentioned above, if they hold even a smidgen of a brain in their heads, also own some fear and trepidation. They would be a little bit naïve and a lot stupid if they didn’t. But they also have something else in common, more than just jittery nerves, anticipation, and downright fear. Reality stares them in the face.  “I have no choice. This has to be done. Whether I chose this for myself, or it chose me. I just have to do my best while it’s happening.” In the case of being a ‘fearless firefighter’ – the honored title they have earned through the years. Each of them knows that the job comes with the possibility of disaster and death. That is the ‘scared but courageous’ part – doing what they do, in spite of knowing what could and sometimes happens. And police officers are extremely aware that an innocent looking situation can end up costing them their life. They know that officers get killed while doing their job, even when every professional precaution was used. That is scary stuff, and it takes real courage to do what they do, knowing what could happen by the end of their shift. Parents of little kids? It’s a wonder that we don’t see more zombies driving around in a sleep deprived daze. The absolute knowing that  ‘those years’  are just a few thousand days away is enough to keep the suppliers of antianxiety and sleeping pills enormously wealthy for hundreds of years. The wary and realistic parents who stare down the road toward their child’s teen years probably sense the never-ending marching of time and hear a not-too-distant death knell.  “Oh, God in heaven, I can remember what I was like at that stage! How am I going to survive this?! Would You please perform a miracle and make my child the opposite of me as a teenager?!” Takes real courage to be that scared and still choose to keep breathing, I promise you. And speaking of the never-ending march of time. You might as well put that phrase in the same sentence as “scared but courageous.” After spending any time at all around an older generation person, any observant mature man or woman will have seen and heard enough to begin realizing that their turn is coming, and begin wondering about what is ahead for them. Running headlong or shuffling into the future - no matter what scary stuff that future may hold. That, folks, is real courage.

Special to The Bolton News Before most alarms sound across town, a quiet energy begins to stir in Bolton. It’s Saturday, July 12, 2025, and once again, the Jimmie Ray Lewis, Sr. Park Pavilion becomes the gathering place for a tradition rooted in remembrance, wellness, and neighborly love. Now in its twelfth year, the Jimmie Ray Lewis, Sr. Walk-A-Thon invites the community to rise with purpose—and walk in step with something greater than themselves. Beginning at 6:45 a.m., the event welcomes walkers of all ages and backgrounds to lace up their shoes for a morning of fellowship and inspiration. This beloved tradition, proudly sponsored by the Hinds A.H.S. Class of 1975/Utica, MS and Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, has grown far beyond an annual wellness activity. It has become a living tapestry of stories—stitched together by footsteps, laughter, and heartfelt connections. For many longtime participants, the walk isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a ritual of love. “My mother walked in the very first one,” recalled Thomas Reed, a Bolton native and teacher. “Now that she’s gone, I walk every year in her honor. It keeps me rooted to her memory and to the values she passed on.” Some stories carry unexpected impact. Angela Peterson, a nurse who volunteers at the health booth each year, remembers the day one participant’s blood pressure reading prompted an urgent intervention. “He looked perfectly healthy,” she said, “but his pressure was dangerously high. We connected him with follow-up care right then and there. A few weeks later, he sent a handwritten thank-you note. That’s why we keep showing up.” The walk’s reach extends beyond adults, too. Ten-year-old Layla Jackson joined last year with her grandmother. “I liked helping pass out water,” she said. “People smiled and said thank you, and I felt like I was helping everyone.” For Layla and so many others, the event plants seeds of service and care that grow with every shared mile. Even weather has failed to dampen spirits. Pastor Ray Ellis remembers a year when clouds threatened to cancel the walk. “It started drizzling, and I thought folks would head home—but no one did. They pulled out umbrellas and kept walking, praising, laughing, soaking in more than the rain. That’s the power this event holds.” This year, as in those before, participants can expect more than fellowship. Free blood pressure screenings, health awareness presentations, and refreshments will be available throughout the morning—offering both nourishment and knowledge. Yet ask anyone why they return year after year, and it’s rarely about the snacks or swag. “It’s the people,” said twenty-three-year-old Isaiah Franklin. “I grew up coming here with my parents. Back then, I just followed along. But when I came back after college, it hit different. It reminded me who I am and where I come from. You feel the love in every step.” As the sun rises over Bolton, so does a shared sense of belonging. Neighbors clasp hands, stories rise up like morning mist, and legacy walks right alongside every participant. This isn’t just an event—it’s a heartbeat. And everyone is welcome to be part of its rhythm.

By: Kara Kimbrough Key lime pie is Florida’s unofficial signature dessert. Most restaurants have some form of it on their menu. Red Fish Blue Fish’s version did not disappoint. I was tempted to title this column, “ Dishes I wished I tried in Pensacola.”  This thought is due to the fact that, although I sampled amazing cuisine during a recent short trip, I either overlooked or ran out of time to sample quite a few amazing dishes whose menu descriptions sounded divine. I’ll intersperse a few of the “wish I tried” dishes in with a recap of the amazing cuisine I DID sample and can highly recommend. First, let me clarify something about Pensacola’s The Fish House. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that the homemade smoked corn tartar sauce “almost outshone the fried shrimp and sides” with which it was served. After sharing the name, the idea that you might have gotten the impression that this upscale eatery was akin to one of the many rustic “fish houses” that are dotted across the U.S., especially the south. This couldn’t be farther than the truth. Opened close to 30 years ago in downtown Pensacola overlooking the scenic bay, the restaurant’s first mission was to serve grits for 2,000 people as they welcomed Governor Jeb Bush to its historic district. Fast forward to today and I regret not ordering the restaurant’s signature dish, Grits à Ya Ya. I’ll let the menu description speak for itself: “Spiced Gulf jumbo shrimp top a sauté of spinach, portobello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, shallots, and cream over a heaping bed of smoked Gouda cheese grits.” Is there any wonder I’m still kicking myself for passing this by? But there are still bright shining moments of my culinary journey through Pensacola. Perhaps my favorite meal was enjoyed at downtown Pensacola’s Union Public House. To say there were surprises every step of the way – good ones, to be clear – isn’t an overstatement. First, after perusing creative menu items, including an interest lineup of appetizers that included Korean barbecue wings, pimento cheese puffs and grouper and shrimp corndog, among other offerings, it was the final two choices that held my attention. Cajun boiled peanuts and pork rinds aren’t items normally found in a dining establishment that I wouldn’t characterize as “fine dining,” but definitely above-average  in terms of ambience, food quality and personal service. I threw caution to the wind and ordered boiled peanuts after my server explained the chef’s version was "different." They’re boiled with a special blend of seasonings and served with lemon; simple, yet addictive at the same time. I'm sure I'll never again be able to enjoy the roadside vendor's version. For my entree, I selected redfish piccata; quite possibly the freshest and most delicious-tasting fish I’ve ever sampled. Served over a bed of wilted Swiss chard, cous cous and quinoa, sun-dried tomato and olives, it’s definitely a meal I plan to repeat. And my only regret about a memorable Union Public House experience? I passed on dessert…a huge mistake. Not sampling the chef’s buttermilk pie topped with a blueberry compete and here’s the interesting part – smoked corn ice cream – a combination that other diners raved about in online reviews, is one of my biggest regrets. I won’t be happy until I can return and sample this delectable dessert. In the interest of time, here are a few more culinary highlights of my visit to Pensacola: Bodacious Café Best: Bayfront Bagel Sandwich filled with scrambled egg, turkey sausage, tomato and cheese. Regret – Not ordering more cranberry-orange muffins to-go. 5 Sisters Blues Café Best: fried pork chops with mashed potatoes and gravy fried okra and cornbread. Regret: Not ordering fruit cobbler ala mode for dessert. Native Café Best: Pancakes and cheese grits. Regret: Not ordering a made-to-order omelet. Red Fish, Blue Fish Best: Key lime pie, Florida’s unofficial signature dessert. Regret: Overlooking the fried shrimp po’boy I sampled other delicious small bites and entrees during my visit and yes, there are plenty more that I wish I’d tried. Pensacola offers a wealth of fresh, delicious seafood and other cuisines at restaurants ranging from small neighborhood joints to elegant eateries. Don’t just take my word for it; plan a trip to enjoy some of the best food I’ve sampled at any coastal beach destination. If you’d like more information on Pensacola’s culinary scene, attractions or accommodations, drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share more recommendation. As for me, I'm still dreaming about fried shrimp (and tartar sauce), redfish, key lime pie and yes, boiled peanuts. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com . Easy Florida Key Lime Pie 5   large egg yolks beaten 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk ½ cup fresh key lime juice 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust Topping: homemade whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping (optional). Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks in a large bowl; mix well. Pour mixture into unbaked graham cracker crust. Bake in preheated oven until filling is set, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Whether you're moving, going on an adventure or starting a project, everything you need to pack sometimes just won't fit inside the vehicle. That's when it's important to know how to properly secure your load. Improperly secured, or unsecured, objects in the back or on top of a vehicle can cause accidents, injuries and even death. Safety is the top priority of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), which is why MDOT recognizes June 6 as "Secure Your Load Day." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured because of objects on the road. The great majority of these accidents involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. In addition to safety hazards, debris from unsecured loads contributes to roadside litter which costs Mississippi millions of dollars each year to remove. "Before you get on the road, you can help protect yourself and others by always double-checking to ensure any items outside of your vehicle are properly tied or weighted down," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "By taking the time to learn how to best secure your load, you can help keep others safe, reduce roadside litter and avoid legal consequences." Motorists responsible for debris from unsecured loads could face fines up to $500 and up to six months in prison. MDOT offers the following tips to safeguard your load: Tie down the load with rope, netting or straps. Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer. Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp. Don't overload the vehicle. Always double check the load to make sure it is secure. Use safety chains when hauling trailers. "Secure Your Load Day" is part of a nationwide effort of the Governors Highway Safety Association to raise awareness about the dangers of debris falling from vehicles. It was spearheaded by Robin Abel whose daughter was blinded by a piece of particle board that flew from the back of a moving trailer on Interstate 405 in Seattle, Wash.

The Hinds County School District has announced its summer registration event for the 2025–2026 school year, scheduled for Monday, June 10. Registration will be held at Raymond High School, located at 14020 Highway 18 West in Raymond, Mississippi, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This centralized registration opportunity will serve families with students attending several schools within the district, including BEEMS, UEMS, RES-CM, and RHS. Holding registration for all four schools in one location aims to streamline the process for families and ensure all students are prepared for the upcoming academic year. Parents and guardians are required to bring two current proofs of residency showing the same name. Acceptable documents include bills dated within the last 30 days. Junk mail will not be accepted as valid documentation. Families transferring into the district should be aware that additional information may be required for enrollment. District officials encourage families to take advantage of this early registration opportunity, noting that there will be no registration allowed on Meet the Teacher Night or on the first day of school. For more information, families are urged to contact their child’s school directly.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB The eighth “Mission: Impossible” movie, “The Final Reckoning,” sees Tom Cruise’s secret agent Ethan Hunt strive to save the world yet again. But this movie has “Final” in its title, so maybe Hunt won’t succeed this time. Maybe the world will be destroyed by the evil A.I. program known as The Entity. Or even worse, maybe Hunt will meet his end and the world will be denied any more of Cruise’s smoldering star power, at least in this franchise. At any rate, Hunt has to defeat not only the all-powerful computer program, but also old human enemy Gabriel (Esai Morales), who is somehow working “for” The Entity. The odds of surviving are really long – and at 170 minutes, so is the movie’s runtime – but Hunt is up to the challenge of saving the world and Cruise is clearly up to the challenge of keeping the audience entertained for that long. I can’t say he succeeds in the latter mission, but he chooses to accept it. Things don’t get off to a great start. We pick up a few months after the end of the seventh movie, with The Entity already causing damage across the world. World powers worry that their weapons programs are about to be compromised, making them wonder if they should launch weapons before they lose them, or before other, non-compromised countries can launch their own weapons first. Hunt has gone underground pondering what to do next. At least he has his team, like hacker Luther (Ving Rhames), gadget guy Benji (Simon Pegg), and con artist Grace (Hayley Atwell). He even breaks former enemy Paris (Pom Klementieff) out of prison to fight for good, and convinces Theo (Greg Tarzan Davis), one of her guards, to join them as well. They learn that Gabriel will be attending a formal charity event, and Hunt sees it as an opportunity to beat up bad guys while wearing a tuxedo… I mean, extract information. I’ve made the film’s first act sound more exciting than it is. The business with Gabriel is there, sure, but so much of it is just characters talking about how dangerous The Entity will be if it falls into the wrong hands and how Hunt is crucial to the survival of the planet. Much of it is exemplified by U.S. President Sloane (Angela Bassett) debating with her cabinet, which consists of so much star power (Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, Janet McTeer, Charles Parnell, and Mark Gatiss) that the film seems to want to give them their own movie. There was so much talking that I was questioning if the film had somehow forgotten to add action sequences. The second act wasn’t much better, as Hunt has to rescue an item from a sunken submarine in the Arctic. I appreciated the danger and suspense, but the plan was so convoluted that I could never tell if Hunt was succeeding or not. Finally, the third act kicked “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” into gear. The fate of the world is on the line and it’s going to come down to a matter of seconds. More importantly, Cruise’s beautiful face is on the line as the actor engages in some of his trademark dangerous stunt work. The action is tense, creative, and even funny at times. In other words, it’s exactly what people come to these movies to see. If the whole movie had kept up this spirit, it would have earned a recommendation from me, but so much of what comes before it is a slog that I can’t recommend the movie overall. Fortunately, for all the talk of finality, Hollywood is certain to keep milking this franchise, ensuring that “Mission: Impossible” won’t really be going out on this disappointing entry. Grade: C “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and action, bloody images, and brief language. Its running time is 170 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com If the adult version of you originated in a home that consisted of one child, that shaped you. You very likely grew up having no real concept of ‘sharing-because-you-have-to.’ Two in one bedroom, and having to learn to accept your different preferences? Probably inconceivable. And God forbid ever sharing one bed with a sibling who hogged blankets, or practiced competitive snoring with hogs. No, you didn’t experience those personality-bending, irritation-building points in your childhood. Most likely, you had your own room with your own toys. So, experiences in learning to share, practicing patience, and having those dead of the night panicky whispered conversations with your sibling roommate about that goblin that lived under the bed didn’t happen too often. The art of give and take, and learning how to really listen to another had to come to you through some other way. But on the other hand, if you had so many brothers and sisters that you guys looked like starving locusts surrounding the dinner table every night, then that also definitely had a hand in forming you into the adult you are today. You may have been the sibling whose snoring defied the hogs in decibel levels, or the one who defiantly ate the heart out of the just-cut watermelon, or any of the hundred other ways that siblings aggravate and anger the others. Or you could have been the sibling who learned patience with the family’s well-meaning Miss Take Charge. Maybe you were the quiet kid who had to find stealthy ways of quietly defending yourself from - umm - less loving and sensitive siblings. But regardless of your role in your large family, hopefully you eventually learned that sharing can be fun, giving you a foundation for successfully being a team player as an adult. Fact; the adult you became is the product of your growing up years. At least partly. But is the child-that-you-were the only factor that influenced you to become the you-of-today? Of course not. What you experienced outside the family walls played a huge part. And personal choices through the years determined the largest percentage of the Adult You. After all, deciding to spend your evenings in bars, versus hanging out with church-going adults does create a huge impact on your life. For example, how often have you witnessed a lady who is dedicated to living a wholesome family lifestyle, deciding to marry a man who is a lush and an indiscriminate skirt chaser? Probably not too often. And if you actually have seen that happen, then you have witnessed a case of really poor personal choices put in action. Childhood siblings. They definitely played a part in ‘you being you’ today. But not that much. You choosing the roads you travel as an adult - now  that  plays a much bigger part in who you are and who you become. Studying a map beforehand is important.