Special to The Bolton News Tucked away in the quiet town of Bolton, Mississippi, lies a modest dirt path with a story far grander than its appearance suggests. Old Bridgeport Road, a narrow stretch of unpaved road less than half a mile long, is one of the state's most significant—and best-preserved—historic thoroughfares. Though it may not receive the same attention as the famed Natchez Trace Parkway, its legacy is no less remarkable. Designated a Mississippi Landmark, Old Bridgeport Road stands as a physical reminder of the early development of the state’s transportation system. It dates back to 1822, when the Mississippi legislature authorized its construction as the first official route through what was then frontier land—territory acquired in the Choctaw Session. Its primary purpose was to connect the state capital, Jackson, with Vicksburg on the Mississippi River. By the 1840s, the road had evolved into a vital artery of communication and commerce. It became a designated Post Road, with stagecoaches running regular service between Jackson and Vicksburg, making two trips daily. These wagons carried passengers, mail, and goods, playing a crucial role in the region’s growth and development. Old Bridgeport Road also bore witness to a darker chapter of American history. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops traversed its rugged path. In 1865, the road saw a surge of movement as Union soldiers made their way to board the Sultana—a steamboat whose tragic explosion would become one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history. Named after the now-extinct community of Bridgeport, the road’s significance extends beyond its own boundaries. It runs adjacent to a recognized Native American site, a former Union Army encampment, and the historic Holly Grove Plantation. This convergence of historical landmarks underscores the area’s cultural and archaeological value. Despite its importance, Old Bridgeport Road faced an uncertain future in the early 2000s. Proposals to bulldoze and widen the road in 2005 sparked concern among preservationists and local historians. The threat led to the road being listed among Mississippi’s “top 10 most endangered historic properties.” The outcry prompted state and local authorities to reconsider, and eventually, the Mississippi Heritage Trust secured the road’s designation as a protected landmark. Today, Old Bridgeport Road remains untouched by modern development. It has never been paved, widened, or rerouted—an increasingly rare condition in a world that constantly favors expansion over preservation. As a result, it offers an authentic glimpse into the state’s early infrastructure and stands as a tribute to the people and events that shaped Mississippi's past. For those interested in experiencing this piece of history firsthand, Old Bridgeport Road can still be explored in its original form. It may not stretch far, but every inch is rich with the echoes of Mississippi’s journey through time.

In an effort to enhance the Secretary of State's accessibility and efficiency, Secretary Michael Watson has announced the launch of a new elections resource "TextMyGov." Utilizing smart technology, Mississippi voters may now access important election information and report issues via text message. By texting "HI" to (601) 586-7600, users can initiate a conversation with the Secretary of State's Office to solicit guidance on a variety of topics. The system utilizes keywords to categorize inquiries, directing users to appropriate responses or information sources. Residents can text the relevant keyword to receive an automated response or a link to the Secretary of State's website for more detailed information. For example, texting "Precinct" will provide voters with a link to the polling place locator. Additionally, our office has instituted a new text alert system. You may receive a text notification from the number 80946. This is a legitimate text from the Secretary of State's Office. Residents who receive the initial text message and opt-in will benefit from election alerts, which will provide important election information. Users may opt-out at any time by texting STOP. If you DO NOT receive the initial text message, you may opt-in by texting "MS ELECTIONS" to the number 80946. You will be prompted to reply with "YES" to complete the opt-in process. The Secretary of State's Office will utilize this service to distribute important reminders in preparation for Election Day.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             “Thunderbolts*” certainly scared off the competition in its second weekend at the domestic box office. This sometimes happens the weekend after the opening of a huge blockbuster. Other studios will know that they can’t compete against the powerhouse, so they hold off on releasing anything that they think has the potential to be a big or even midsize hit. When that happens, I have to review either a holdover or a newcomer that can only hope to become, at most, a tiny hit. “Clown in a Cornfield” definitely falls into the latter category. This thing is cheap even by horror movie standards, yet in a minor victory, it managed to open in fifth place for the weekend. I’d admire its pluck, but there’s no sleeper hit here, just a movie that didn’t fail too badly when it was sent out to die.             The film follows Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas), a teenager moving to the rural town of Kettle Springs with her doctor father Glenn (Aaron Abrams). Sullen and supposedly shy, Quinn is expectedly standoffish toward her unsophisticated classmate Rust (Vincent Muller). But she’s able to make surprisingly fast friends with the cool clique: jock Matt (Alexandre Martin Deakin), joker Tucker (Ayo Solanke), friendly Ronnie (Verity Marks), mean Janet (Cassandra Potenza), and leader Cole (Carson MacCormac). Cole is the son of wealthy corn syrup magnate Arthur Hill (Kevin Durand), who chews scenery so viciously in straight scenes that it’s hard not to picture him delivering villainous exposition by the movie’s end.             It soon becomes apparent that the adults in the town don’t much care for teenagers, especially Cole’s group. Teachers, shopkeepers, and the local sheriff (Will Sasso) seem to have a vendetta against the kids, punishing them for pranks that they only sometimes pull. Quinn knows that it’s normal for kids to “think” authority figures are out to get them, and it’s not like the teens completely abstain from mischief, but something seems off about the dynamic. Cole explains that it’s because the group is being unfairly blamed for a recent fire at the corn syrup factory that had a devastating economic effect on the town. Quinn takes him at his word that the fire was an unrelated accident, but should she trust him? Can any teenager ever be trusted?             Never mind filling in blanks about the town’s past, there’s a killer on the loose! Somebody dressed as Frendo the Clown, the mascot of the corn syrup company, is killing off teens that have upset the establishment. As a matter of fact, their master plan seems to be to attack a group gathering for a booze/drugs/sex/music party set in a barn. And the barn is right next to… that’s right, a high-end golf course. Just kidding, it’s a cornfield. Get ready for some deaths by pitchfork.             I wasn’t digging “Clown in a Cornfield,” and not just because it doesn’t do scares and violence well. It doesn’t, but I think the bigger problem is with the characters. These are some of the least-likeable protagonists I’ve seen in a while. The “broken family getting set up in a new town” trope has been done to death in every genre, but especially horror (and don’t think I’ve forgotten about you, “adult is barely able to keep custody of a child and scary happenings are the last thing they need”). Quinn and her father just seem like they’re this movie’s plug-in for character types, not characters of their own, and nothing about their chemistry with one another seems natural. And this is to say nothing of the collection of one-dimensional clown fodder that make up the circle of friends or shady townspeople. I live in New York City, and I’m about as likely to see this movie again as I am to see an actual cornfield outside my window. Grade: D “Clown in a Cornfield” is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, and teen drinking. Ita running time is 96 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Cureton Industries LLC, a minority- and woman-owned business headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is making significant strides in Bolton, Mississippi. Since launching its sand and gravel division in 2023, the company has become a vital contributor to the local economy, providing essential materials for infrastructure and landscaping projects across the Southeast. Located at 6800 I-20 Frontage Road, Cureton Industries offers a range of services, including bulk and bagged aggregates such as sand, gravel, shells, limestone, paver base, and river rock. These products are available for purchase in retail stores or by the truckload, catering to both commercial and residential needs. The company's commitment to quality and customer service has set it apart in the industry. In 2024, Cureton Industries expanded its operations by introducing a bagged line of rocks for distribution to retail stores and landscaping companies. This move not only broadened their product offerings but also created new employment opportunities in the region. The company's Bolton facility is undergoing further enhancements, with plans to implement advanced equipment such as conveyors, a robotic arm, and an automated palletizer. These upgrades aim to improve efficiency and increase production capacity in 2025, necessitating the hiring of additional employees.  Beyond its core operations, Cureton Industries has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. In response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the company's Georgia-based team provided storm cleanup services to affected Florida communities. Additionally, through its nonprofit, The Art of Refinement Foundation, Cureton Industries has collaborated on various park, community, and education projects, further solidifying its role as a community partner.  Cureton Industries' presence in Bolton not only strengthens the local economy but also exemplifies the positive impact of businesses that prioritize quality, innovation, and community involvement. For more information about Cureton Industries and its services, visit their website or call 888-779-6600.

By: Kara Kimbrough Easy Strawberry Butter Cake is the perfect spring dinner party (or meal) dessert.        It doesn’t take much to impress me. In fact, I’m often inspired by the simplest things. Take a video I watched this week of a cookbook author preparing four simple items for a spring dinner party: a large green salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing; white bean salad with crunchy vegetables; dry-brined, roasted chicken and for dessert, a simple strawberry butter cake.     Transfixed, I watched as she whisked the cake ingredients together in one bowl, then baked everything in a springform pan. It’s a dessert that can be baked the day before a party or special meal to save time as the meal is prepared.    For the meal, she coated chicken pieces with coarse salt and brined them overnight in the refrigerator. The day of her dinner party, she tossed a simple green salad with vinaigrette, then grated, chopped and sauteed vegetables for the white bean salad.     Continuing with the simplistic theme, she compiled a tray of appetizers that included sliced cheese and meat, pickles and olives. The bare table was simply set with two plain taper candles in glass holders, along with a milk glass vase of yellow daisies. Once the candles were lit, the stage was set for a casual evening filled with good food and fellowship.   End result: a tablescape and most importantly, dishes that are simple to make, yet create a delicious dinner that guests will long remember.    Here are recipes for similar dishes to the ones served at the “simple yet elegant” spring dinner party. Whether you’re expecting guests or just a regular night at home with family or, like the dinner party I witnessed, it will result in the perfect spring meal. White Bean and Charred Bok Choy Salad 1 bunch bok choy, rinsed and patted dry 1 bell pepper, sliced and finely chopped 1 stalk celery, sliced and chopped 2 can white beans, drained 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup dill, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for sauteing Dressing: ⅓ cup olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ¾ tablespoon honey, adjust to your sweetness preference Pinch of salt and pepper      Remove stalk from bok choy and add leaves to skillet filled with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and saute, tossing frequently, until leaves are slightly charred and any excess water has cooked out, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the charred leaves from the skillet, coarsely chop them and add to a large salad bowl.    Add remaining salad ingredients to the bowl. Mix together dressing. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, preferable longer, before serving. Dry-Brined Roast Chicken 6-8 chicken pieces (breasts, wings, drumsticks) 2 tablespoons coarse salt, more as needed 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme    Pat chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix salt, orange zest, rosemary, and thyme together in a small bowl; rub mixture all over chicken. Cover dish loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1-3 days.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove plastic wrap and bake chicken in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 2-2-1/2 hours depending on size. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone should read 165 degrees. Strawberry Butter Cake 1 package strawberry cake mix 1/2 cup butter, melted 4 large eggs, divided 1 package (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries Powdered sugar for dusting      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x3-inch round springform baking pan. (can also use a 9x13 pan)      In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, and 1 egg. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan. In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3 eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until combined. Stir in strawberries.     Pour mixture over cake mixture; bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is set and top is lightly browned.     Cool before cutting. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Brownsville M.B. Church Situated in the heart of Bolton, Mississippi, Brownsville M.B. Church has long served as a pillar of faith and fellowship within the community. This historic congregation has provided generations of worshippers with a spiritual home rooted in the Baptist tradition. Its legacy continues today, offering both a place of worship and a hub for outreach and connection. Located at 7565 Bolton Brownsville Road, the church is more than just a landmark—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and enduring faith. Over the decades, the church has remained committed to its mission of spiritual growth, service, and inclusion. Its long-standing presence reflects the strength of the congregation and its dedication to the people of Bolton and surrounding areas. Visitors to Brownsville M.B. Church are welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The congregation gathers each Sunday to reflect on scripture, uplift one another through worship, and strengthen their collective commitment to service. Sunday School begins at 9:00 AM, followed by Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 AM. Midweek spiritual growth is fostered during Wednesday Night Bible Study, held from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Pastor Reginald Garrett, Sr. Under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Garrett, Sr., the church continues to thrive as a place where tradition meets purpose. Pastor Garrett’s vision emphasizes community involvement, spiritual education, and the nurturing of faith in everyday life. His leadership has helped guide the church through times of change, while honoring the principles that have defined Brownsville M.B. Church since its founding. Beyond its regular worship services, the church engages in meaningful outreach initiatives that benefit individuals and families throughout the region. These efforts are a testament to the congregation’s dedication to living out their faith through action, compassion, and a sincere desire to make a difference. Brownsville M.B. Church remains a cornerstone of the Bolton community, not only for its historic significance but for its ongoing impact in the lives of those it serves. With a rich past and a vibrant present, the church continues to be a beacon of light, hope, and unity for all who enter its doors.

In recognition of the vital role hospitals and healthcare professionals play in the well-being of Mississippi communities, Mississippi legislative leaders have officially proclaimed May 11–17, 2025, as Hospital Week in the state. "Mississippi's hospitals are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential services and compassionate care to our citizens," said Richard Roberson, President and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA). "During Hospital Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the unwavering commitment of our state's hospitals - and the physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, therapists, food service workers, administrators, volunteers, and many other devoted professionals - who work tirelessly to improve the health of our communities. We also appreciate our state's leaders joining us to recognize and celebrate hospitals across our state by issuing proclamations of support."  "The role that hospitals and health systems play in rural areas is even more essential," said Chad Netterville, director of the Mississippi Rural Hospital Alliance. "They serve as anchor institutions in our rural communities and are oftentimes the largest employer in those communities." National Hospital Week has been celebrated for more than 100 years. It began as National Hospital Day in 1921 and was changed to National Hospital Week in 1953. Mississippi hospitals will host various events and activities throughout Hospital Week to honor their staff and engage with their communities. These may include health fairs, staff appreciation luncheons, community outreach programs, and educational seminars promoting health and wellness. During Hospital Week, MHA will concentrate its social media messaging on celebrating Mississippi hospitals and health systems and recognizing the many ways they are more than healthcare.  MHA has teamed up with the American Hospital Association and hospital associations nationwide to encourage participation in Hospital Week by sharing stories and expressions of gratitude to Mississippi hospitals and healthcare professionals using the hashtags #HospitalWeek and #WeAreHealthCare on social media. This initiative aims to highlight the diverse roles within healthcare and the collective effort to provide outstanding care. For more information on National Hospital Week and resources to participate, visit the American Hospital Association's website at  https://www.aha.org/ahia/get-involved/national-hospital-week . For more information about MHA, visit  www.mhanet.org .

By: Bob Garver             “Thunderbolts*,” the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, seems like awfully familiar territory. In the film, a group of assassins, criminals, and burnouts band together to form a ragtag group of do-gooders looking for redemption. There are definitely shades of the MCU’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” in play. Or how about that Sony-controlled “Sinister Six” movie that may never materialize? Actually, the real template seems to be “Suicide Squad” from the DC Extended Universe. That was the crummy team-up of also-ran villains that had the hook of Margot Robbie playing Harley Quinn. “Thunderbolts*” can’t even boast Robbie’s Harley, but it also isn’t saddled with Jared Leto’s miserable Joker, so it’s roughly a draw.             For all the emphasis on the team effort, there is an unadvertised clear-cut lead. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the adopted sister of the late Black Widow, is starting to feel bored with an unfulfilling life of black ops work. She visits her father, Red Guardian (David Harbour), but he isn’t much help. He loves her very much, but he’s never been the best father, and he mostly wants her to help him advance his own shambled career.             Yelena takes an assignment in the base of a mountain, but it’s a trap. She’s ambushed by the molecularly unstable Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), seen here for the first time since 2018’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” Then the two of them are ambushed by disgraced soldier U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), seen here for the first time since the 2021 Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Then they’re all ambushed by Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), seen here for the first time since 2021’s “Black Widow,” and if this group is the Suicide Squad, then she’s the Slipknot. Also present is an amnesia-stricken stranger named Bob (Lewis Pullman), but there’s not much time to learn his story, as the mountain is about to be incinerated.             Pulling the strings and trying to cut off loose ends is CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Much like Amanda Waller of “Suicide Squad,” she’s a morally-compromising government official who’s a little too eager to sacrifice her own people. She’s in the middle of an impeachment and wants to eliminate four of her most embarrassing assets. So she assigned them all to attack each other, with a follow-up plan to blow up the whole mountain anyway. Even though they don’t like each other, they work together to escape. With some help from Red Guardian and the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), frustrated that he can’t stop the dangerous de Fontaine as an elected official, they form a team temporarily known as the Thunderbolts, named after Yelena’s pee-wee soccer team.             de Fontaine still wants to eliminate the Thunderbolts, but she’s intrigued by escaped test subject Bob. He unwittingly has tremendous superpowers, and with the right molding, he could be the best asset to the U.S. government since The Avengers. The problem is that he’s also capable of tremendous destruction and could also be the biggest threat to the world since Thanos. He’s so unstoppable with his ability to instantly turn victims into lifeless shadows that the Thunderbolts have to try to get him to choose to stop attacking people because they are in no way a match otherwise.             There’s an admirable emphasis on mental health in “Thunderbolts*,” with the movie taking sensitive looks at Bob’s repressed dark side, Yelena’s uncertainty about her place in the world, and everybody’s past traumas. It’s why a lot of people have been won over by this movie, and I’m glad they’ve been able to find something of value here. But all I saw was the MCU realizing that they had too many directionless minor characters, so they consolidated them into one unoriginal, uninteresting movie. Grade: C- *The asterisk in the film’s title is because the MCU wants fans to call the movie something different once they’ve seen it. I’m not getting behind that nonsense, and I hope the practice doesn’t catch on. “Thunderbolts*” is rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

As the school year draws to a close, Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is preparing to honor its students with a series of End-of-Year Awards Day programs. These ceremonies are a proud tradition, offering the school community an opportunity to celebrate the academic success, growth, and milestones of students from PreK through 8th grade. Awards Day Schedule: Thursday, May 16  – 1st through 7th Grades  at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 19  – PreK and Kindergarten  at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21  – 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony  at 9:00 a.m. All ceremonies will be held on campus in the school gymnasium. These programs highlight the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in academics, citizenship, attendance, and leadership throughout the school year. Teachers and administrators will present awards, celebrate student progress, and offer words of encouragement as each grade level prepares for the next step in their academic journey. The 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony on May 21 is a particularly special occasion, marking a significant transition as students complete their middle school years and prepare for high school. It will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of the dedication and resilience these students have shown. Important Note for Guests: To ensure the safety and visibility of all students, no balloons are allowed at the school  during any of the awards day programs. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and be seated before the ceremonies begin. BEEMS looks forward to welcoming families, guardians, and supporters to these meaningful events. Together, we’ll honor the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of our students as we close another successful school year.

The Bolton-Edwards Elementary and Middle School (BEEMS) community is gearing up for an evening of celebration and pride as it prepares to honor its student-athletes at the Royal Blue Sports Athletic Banquet. The event will take place on Monday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the BEEMS Gymnasium. Attendance is by invitation only. This annual banquet serves as a time-honored tradition, recognizing the hard work, commitment, and resilience of student-athletes who have represented BEEMS with distinction throughout the school year. From early morning practices to late-night games, these athletes have balanced academics and athletics with determination and heart. Royal Blue stands as a powerful symbol of BEEMS pride, representing the strength in unity and the commitment to excellence found in every athlete. Guests can expect an evening filled with celebration and recognition, including award presentations for outstanding performance, leadership, and sportsmanship across various teams. Coaches and staff will also take a moment to reflect on the season's highlights and acknowledge the growth and achievements of each team. The banquet is more than just a ceremony—it is a tribute to the student-athletes who wear the BEEMS name with pride, and to the families, teachers, and coaches who support them. As the athletes are honored under the gym’s lights, they stand as shining examples of what it means to rise to a challenge, support one another, and strive for greatness. With excitement building, the BEEMS community looks forward to a memorable night where excellence is not just acknowledged, but celebrated in true Royal Blue fashion.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     Many things like our car washes, ATMs, and grocery stores now boast that they have contactless accessibility. “NO TOUCHING, KEEP TO YOUR YOURSELF SO YOU WON’T RISK BEING CONTAMINATED OR INVOLVED.” And that concept works for keeping yourself germ-free in this scary disease-ridden world. But not so effective in rearing kids. We are now seeing the effects of living as touch-me-nots, where impressionable kids have too many of their relationships through texting, social media, and phone calls. Instead of eye-to-eye conversations, hugs, and hands-on discipline. I believe this type of hands-off emotionally distant parenting has resulted in a generation of kids living in loneliness, despair, and depression. Sure, you may not hear a child specifically verbalize that is how they feel. But watch. Listen between the lines. If you take the time, I think you will realize that our current remote style of relating is taking its toll. Too many of America’s families are suffering from the lack of home-time and intimacy. Being gathered around the dining room table eating together, talking, listening, and even the inevitable arguing among siblings is a vital part of learning how to function in life, how to relate to others. And having to share a bedroom, “Oh, God forbid!” with a sibling is not a bad curse on a child. On the contrary, a kid learns to share, to compromise, to lay in their bed and listen to another’s hurts and successes.  And learn that the feelings and opinions of others really do matter. Pretty successful training for a budding adult. Isolationism is taking a tragic toll on our country’s society. Remember, as the kids go, so goes a nation. After all, the way you are raised as a child plays a part in how you function as an adult. If you are emotionally isolated in childhood, there is a good chance those young years will influence how you function in your grownup years.   As a result, many neighborhoods are segregating into many small microcosms, where only very few make a concentrated effort to care for more than those within their small circle. Gone are the days when neighbors deliberately became friends, or at least made that effort. Therefore, trust and closeness in our neighborhoods, where we each care about the welfare of others on our street, is just about down the drain. How do we begin to turn this around? In your own home, first of all. Secondly, start with a neighbor. Be it the little widow lady who lives on the corner, or the huge family next door. Reach out in warmth, friendliness and kindness. Go out of your way to introduce yourself. Retrieve their empty trash can for them after trash pickup day – it won’t kill you. Offer to help them with a chore, and don’t take it personally when they shy away at first offer. After all, nowadays, neighbors aren’t really trusted at first. Just begin. Our country’s worth it.

By: Kara Kimbrough Spaghetti salad, full of chopped vegetables and tangy dressing, is the perfect hot-weather meal or side dish.     When I say “salads are spring/summer survival food,” I’m not referring to pale leaves of iceberg lettuce topped with a few shakes of tasteless low or no-fat dressing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think a top-heavy salad of rich ranch dressing, oil-laden croutons and salty bacon pieces on a miniscule layer of lettuce constitutes a healthy meal. But at the same time, there has to be “just a little” substance to my salads. And there’s no time like the present to begin compiling a list of some of my go-to salads as spring and soon, summer, requires lighter meals and side dishes without turning on the oven.        First, I absolutely love pasta, so finding a new way to transform my favorite carb into a salad always makes my day. I jotted down the ingredients for Spaghetti Salad. A quick trip to the supermarket yielded the ingredients for the easy dish that turned out even better than expected. The tasty, satisfying dish will be a staple in my refrigerator for a quick meal or to take to gatherings when a side dish is required. Due to the oil-based dressing, this salad will hold up well outdoors at backyard cookouts and on summer picnics and beach trips.       Following this discovery, I watched an online demonstration of a busy mom creating easy lunches to take to work to save money. First, I was intrigued by her salad prep work. Using her grandmother’s recipe, she pickled sliced red onions to serve as crunchy toppings. For protein, she bakes or grills several chicken breasts and slices 1-2 daily to top the salad. And the creamy dressing looked easy and delicious. Because the salad is so tasty, she claims to never tire of it, bringing it or a variation to work every few days.      Here are two of the spring/summer salads I tried this week, along with my new find, a way to pickle red onions…the old-fashioned way, of course.   Spaghetti Salad 1 pound spaghetti (heavier than angel hair) 1-2 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 green pepper, sliced 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin ½ cup sliced black or green olives ½ cup pickled onions (more to taste) 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing (I like Wish-Bone) 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ½ cup grated parmesan 2-3 tablespoons Salad Supreme   Boil pasta until al dente. When done, drain in colander and run under cold water until cooled. Pour into a large serving bowl and add chopped vegetables, stirring well to combine. Pour in dressing and additional toppings; stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; preferable overnight, before serving. Pickled Onions 2 small red onions 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups water ⅓ cup sugar 2 tablespoons salt      Thinly slice onions and divide the onions between 2 (16-ounce) jars or 3 (10-ounce) jars. Heat the vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve, about 1 minute. Let cool and pour over the onions. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The onions will be ready to eat once they're bright pink and tender - about 1 hour for very thinly sliced onions, or overnight for thicker sliced onions. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.   Everyday Salad Salad: 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped green leaf lettuce 4 ounces sliced cooked chicken Pickled onions Slices of avocado, tomato or other favorite vegetable Dressing: ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (I used olive oil-based) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese    Add dressing ingredients to bottom of mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add chopped lettuce and toss well to combine. Top with diced chicken, pickled onions and sliced vegetables.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .