Special to The Bolton News Women's History Month, celebrated each March, honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Each year, the National Women's History Alliance selects a theme reflecting women's progress and empowerment. The theme for 2025, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," emphasizes the vital role women play in shaping future generations through education and leadership. This week spotlights Deborah Butler Dixon, a native of Bolton, Mississippi, whose remarkable career in public service exemplifies this theme. Dixon served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020, representing District 63. During her tenure, she focused on enhancing public education, improving healthcare access, and promoting economic development throughout Mississippi. Her tireless efforts to strengthen the state's educational system and provide better healthcare services earned her widespread respect and admiration. Dixon's ability to bridge divides and collaborate with others to address the challenges facing her district highlighted her exceptional leadership skills. As a trailblazer in the Mississippi legislature, Dixon's legacy continues to inspire future leaders, particularly young women who aspire to make a difference in their communities. Her deep-rooted commitment to her hometown of Bolton serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in shaping a brighter future for generations to come. In celebrating Deborah Butler Dixon and other influential women, Women's History Month 2025 provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to achieve equality and empowerment for all women.

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB “Mickey 17” is the kind of movie where you just have to trust the filmmaker to take you on a ride. Fortunately, it’s a filmmaker who has proven trustworthy with such rides in the past. Six years ago, writer/director Bong Joon-ho released “Parasite,” another movie that didn’t really telegraph its story. Even if people knew about its early stages about an impoverished family taking on jobs as servants of a wealthy family, they probably wouldn’t have been able to guess where the story was going. But enough people trusted Bong enough to see the film, which they overwhelmingly loved. Word of mouth carried the film to a Best Picture Oscar win, even though it was still a tricky movie to summarize because of all the subtleties and tonal shifts. “Mickey 17” isn’t nearly as complex or obscure as “Parasite,” but it requires a similar leap of faith. That is to say, the mere premise of Robert Pattinson on a spaceship dying over and over again may not sound all that appealing, but Robert Pattinson on a spaceship dying over and over again, brought to us by the guy that did “Parasite”? I’ll buy a ticket, because I’m sure Bong is going somewhere awesome with this. And yes, the movie does go to some awesome places, though not every place it goes is awesome. Pattinson plays Mickey, an “expendable” onboard a spaceship headed toward an alien planet. He was only allowed on the spaceship, which got him away from loan sharks on Earth, because he volunteered for the most dangerous job. The deep-sea pipeline workers in last week’s “Last Breath” were said to have one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth. With all due respect to those characters, Mickey’s job is the most dangerous off of Earth, and the likelihood of death is 100%. Mickey’s job is to be a test subject for all things deadly. The dangers of outer space, viruses, artificial food, and the atmosphere of the new planet are all things tried on Mickey. And sometimes he dies. But it’s okay, because the ship’s scientists can use an elaborate printer to make a new body, upload his conscience from a computer, and just like that, Mickey’s ready for another task. When we join Mickey, he’s died 16 times and is mostly just bored with his job, though he does enjoy the company of friend from Earth Timo (Steven Yuen) and girlfriend onboard the ship Nasha (Naomi Ackie). Still, Mickey 17 isn’t thrilled about being left for dead on a freezing planet with creatures known as Creepers descending on him. To Mickey 17’s surprise, he survives the encounter, and returns to the ship to discover that there’s already a Mickey 18. This is a big no-no with the cloning technology, punishable by death for both beings. The two have to work out a way to co-exist, which means finding a way to share work, rest, food, and… “affections” from Nasha. Plus they want to save the population of both the ship and the new planet from war-mongering commander Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his power-hungry wife Ylfa (Toni Collette). Sorry to introduce these characters as near-afterthoughts, but the movie never does quite find a way to fit them neatly into Mickey’s story. There’s really only one great thing about “Mickey 17,” but it’s the most important thing, and that’s Pattinson’s relatable everyman (and multiple-man) performance. Funny, endearing, and of course multi-faceted, Pattinson is literally doing the work of many men to earn this movie a recommendation by the skin of its teeth. The rest of the movie is something of a mess with its weird chronology, superfluous subplots, unnecessary screentime for its villains, and pointless ambiguity in a sequence toward the end. The film is based on a book, and maybe certain detours worked better on paper than they do onscreen. Maybe the script should have gone through a few revisions and Mickey-style regenerations. Grade: B- “Mickey 17” is rated R for violent content, language throughout, sexual content, and drug material. Its running time is 137 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Where does a person go after death? We need to understand one thing from the beginning. When you draw your last halting shallow breath on this earth, from that point on, you are winging it on your own, with no one to run interference for you. Family ties mean nothing in eternity. The great-great-grandaddy who left your family a bejillion dollars in the oil, or cattle, or real estate business? He has no sway whatsoever in guaranteeing you an eternity with no  whiff of smoke. And having royal blood coursing through your veins? Being the direct descendent of someone was a direct descendent of King Whatchacallit of Kalukamacogee does not mean your eternity will have  cool air conditioning everywhere. Most people understand all this, so instead, they turn to good works. “God is good, so He must want me to be good-good-good. So I’ll do everything perfect, to make sure I get to heaven.” But that phrase ‘winging it on your own’ doesn’t mean that spending your entire waking hours here on earth working as a wannabee Mother Theresa will enable you to avoid  ‘THAT PLACE.’ Someone might be thinking, “Well, how about kindness, sincerity, and honesty?” Well, granted, you will be enjoyed by those around you, but those still don’t qualify someone for heaven. According to the Bible, life after death simply doesn’t work in any of those ways. In fact, Scripture says exactly the opposite. That book consistently teaches that giving our time, or good works, or our money has  nothing to do with where we spend eternity. So then, what does? One of the easiest ways to understand that all-important point is found in this question:  If any of us could be good enough to get to Heaven when we die, then why would Jesus - the Son of the Living God, the absolute Creator of all - come to earth as a tiny helpless infant and some thirty+ sinless years  later allow Himself to die as the entire payment for the sins of the world? If we could do enough, or pay enough, or be perfect enough, why would He bother to do what He did? The answer? Not one of us can do the impossible…being perfect and sinless enough to pay for our own sin. For example: A tin can that once contained green beans cannot claim to have never contained green beans. Impossible. It can be scrubbed and sanitized so much that it is almost see-through, but it can never claim to  be “unused.” The analogy applies. Once a person sins – even just one time – they can never claim to be sinless. They have to have a qualified Someone who agrees to sanitize them, to make them ‘sinless - an  unused can.’ And Scripture says the only one qualified to do that is Jesus, the One who never sinned at all. Simple facts from the Bible, and a simple analogy for an explanation, but a very concrete truth.

Special to The Bolton News At Mississippi Plastic Bag and Packaging, their motto is simple but powerful: "Working Hard to Be the Best." Located in Bolton, MS, they dedicate themselves to producing high-quality packaging solutions that meet and exceed their customers' expectations. Every day, they strive for excellence by ensuring top-tier product quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery—all backed by a well-trained and well-supervised team that upholds our commitment to superior service. Customer Satisfaction at the Core Their success is driven by an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. They understand that in today’s fast-paced industries, having a reliable packaging partner is essential. That’s why they go above and beyond to ensure their products not only meet industry standards but also provide solutions that help businesses run smoothly. Their ability to adjust their production schedule to meet urgent demands means that when their customers need a quick turnaround, they’re ready to deliver. Innovative Packaging Solutions Mississippi Plastic Bag and Packaging offers a wide range of custom packaging solutions, including: ✅ Custom Plastic Bags – Tailored to fit your specific needs ✅ Roll Stock – High-quality materials for seamless packaging processes ✅ Barrier Pouches – Ideal for preserving and protecting products ✅ And Much More – We provide versatile packaging options to fit various industries By continuously innovating and refining their processes, they ensure that their customers receive durable, efficient, and cost-effective packaging solutions. Committed to Growth and Excellence As they continue to grow, their commitment to both their customers and their team remains stronger than ever. Their dedication to high standards, adaptability, and outstanding service is what sets them apart in the packaging industry. Whether you need custom plastic bags, roll stock, or specialized barrier pouches, Mississippi Plastic Bag and Packaging is here to keep your operation running smoothly—no matter the challenge. 📍 Mississippi Plastic Bag and Packaging – Bolton, MS 📦 Quality Packaging. Competitive Pricing. Reliable Service.

By: Kara Kimbrough One Pan Pasta literally takes minutes to compile and cook. With a side of garlic bread and a green salad, dinner is served in less than 30 minutes.    Disclaimer: I haven’t watched Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show, "With Love, Meghan.” I admired Princess Diana and have similar feelings for Prince William, as well as his wife, Princess Kate. Stodgy King Charles and Meghan’s husband, Harry…not so much. I assumed the cooking show would be more about Meghan than the introduction of new recipes and useful kitchen tips. From online clips and comments from those who've watched it, my assumption was somewhat correct. However, a few things piqued my interest, including using a multi-colored crudité and hummus board to increase my daily vegetable intake and making one pot pasta. "With Love, Meghan" isn't entirely about food. In the first few episodes, Meghan interspersed crafts and DIY projects with recipes. How to make homemade bath salts and crafting beeswax candle using wax extracted from backyard bee hives were two of the more interesting projects. I haven’t watched the show in its entirety, so I hesitate to be too critical. From online clips, it appears to have been filmed in a beautiful, albeit rented home using soft lighting, there’s a lush vegetable and flower garden out back and the food does look appetizing, if not a bit simplistic. Recipes she and her guest chefs shared included truffle popcorn, honey lemon layer cake with raspberries, salt-baked fish with roasted tomatoes, Korean fried chicken, carrot top pesto and a meal I’d actually make -  sun tea, focaccia and pasta salad. Similarly, I was intrigued by her one pot pasta – until, that is, critics quickly shared that Martha Stewart did the same thing years ago. I hurriedly searched for Martha’s version and vaguely remember making it years ago. It’s been around for quite a while, so it’s not a stretch to think Meghan gained "inspiration” from Martha’s version. Just as I did years ago, I made a few adjustments, primarily in the substitution of canned tomatoes for cherry tomatoes. When tomatoes are in season, using chopped fresh ones is an even better idea. While searching for one pan dinner, I ran across a recipe for a version of one of my favorite dishes, lasagna, that requires no layering and cooks together in less time than the baked version. And as the name suggests, there’s only one pan to wash. Drop me an email and I’ll share the recipe with you. For now, I’ll leave Meghan to her bee-keeping and crudité tray-arranging without further comment. But I remain grateful to her for reintroducing me to one of Martha’s best inventions...and who knows, making a beeswax candle (without the live bees) might be in my future. One-Pan Pasta 1 pound pasta (thin pasta works best) 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups) 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 sprigs basil 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving Coarse salt Freshly ground black pepper 5 cups water Parmesan cheese, optional Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet (pasta should lay flat; break in half if your pan is small). Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs or a fork, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 9 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with basil. Serve with olive oil and Parmesan, optional. (Adapted from Martha Stewart’s recipe) Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) has several important dates to keep in mind throughout the month of March. Parents, students, and staff are encouraged to mark their calendars for these key events. March 10-14 – No School Students will enjoy a break from school during this period. Classes will resume after the break. March 17 – Return to School Students and staff will return to campus, ready to resume learning after the break. March 18 – PreK-3rd Grade Parent Literacy Night Parents of PreK-3rd grade students are invited to Literacy Night, which will take place at 5:30 PM in the BEEMS Cafeteria. This event aims to engage families in activities that promote literacy and reading development for young learners. March 19 – Term 3 Report Cards Report cards for the third term will be sent home, providing students and parents with an overview of academic progress. March 21 – Reality Fair (Grades 6-8) Starting at 8 AM, students in grades 6-8 will participate in a Reality Fair, an interactive event designed to help them develop financial literacy skills and gain real-world budgeting experience. March 24 – Fine Arts Festival The Fine Arts Festival will be held at Raymond High School (RHS) at 6 PM. All are invited to attend and support BEEMS students as they showcase their artistic and musical talents. March 25-26 – ELPT2 State Assessment Students will take the ELPT2 State Assessment on these dates. It is important for students to be well-rested and prepared. Week of March 24 – iReady EOY (K-8th Grade) End-of-year iReady assessments will take place for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. These assessments help measure students' progress and growth in key academic areas. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed and support their students throughout these important events in March.

By Bob Garver              This week, I’m going to do what I usually do and review the biggest as-yet-unreviewed movie at the weekend box office with “Last Breath.” However, I’m also going to take a detour and review the film that just won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in “Anora.” My rationale is that the Oscar win may lead to renewed interest, and thus a spike in ticket sales, on a national level. Also, I’ve wanted an excuse to talk about this movie for months. But first, the “hot” new release… Poster Credit: IMDB “Last Breath”             This movie tells the real-life story of a mission to rescue a deep-sea pipeline worker stranded at the bottom of the ocean. Finn Cole plays the terrified diver, Simu Liu is his partner and the only diver capable of such a dangerous rescue, Woody Harrelson operates the underwater vessel that Cole and Liu use as a base, and Cliff Curtis is the captain of the ship in charge of the vessel. Everyone has to be very smart, capable, and careful, and they have to do it all in the middle of a huge storm. It doesn’t look good for our marooned main character, who has only a ten-minute supply of oxygen.             “Last Breath” has its heart in the right place, trying to make a memorable cinematic experience out of real heroism. It does what it can to wring every last drop of suspense out of an operation that, mathematically, must have been over relatively quickly (quickly for a feature-length movie, that is, not to be without oxygen). But the banter, emotional beats, and character types can be found in any number of similar films. The only thing this movie really has to boast about is its ability to recreate danger and make its audience very uncomfortable. How eager are you to sit through a movie that can’t sell itself on anything other than making you uncomfortable? Grade: C “Last Breath” is rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Its running time is 93 minutes.   Poster Credit: IMDB “Anora”             The newly-crowned Best Picture Oscar winner stars Mikey Madison (herself the winner of the Best Actress Oscar) as the title character, a sex worker who doesn’t allow herself to have any delusions about her life. That is, until she meets wealthy young Russian Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), who falls in love with her and promises her a life of luxury. For possibly the first time in her life, Ani allows herself to be hopeful about the future, and her dreams seem to come true when she and Vanya get married. But one day, three “business associates” (Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Oscar nominee Yura Borisov) of Vanya’s oligarch father show up at Vanya’s house, tasked with getting the marriage annulled. Anora’s chance at a better life is about to fall to pieces, and Vanya doesn’t help things by simply disappearing, which sends everyone on a crazed search together, but with conflicting goals.             The cast plays well off each other, and the desperate search scenes play deliciously into my anxieties in a way that no movie has triggered since 2019’s “Uncut Gems.” But the heart of the movie is in the Madison performance as a character who refuses to admit how pathetic she truly is, including and especially to herself. In that way, “Anora” is the most heartbreaking film of 2024. It’s also the funniest film of 2024, with all the shenanigans between Anora and the Russian goons, especially Borisov. Oscar-winning director Sean Baker made sure all tones were covered in his Oscar-winning script, then he went and won another Oscar for editing. This movie is so tragic, uproarious, infuriating, and beautiful that I was literally stumbling around in a daze after I left the theater. The one thing that was clear was that I had just seen the best movie not just of 2024, but the last five years. And if you have room in your heart for a very raunchy indie movie, I suggest you see it too. Grade: A for Anora! “Anora” is rated R for strong sexual content throughout, graphic nudity, pervasive language, and drug use. Its running time is 139 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com While watching our teen-aged son play four years of high school basketball games years ago, we both noticed an absolute truth; Our son could not seem to grasp that he wasn’t able to block every shot that was put up by the opposing team. He obviously believed that it was his God-given job to stop any player headed to the goal. Of course, you know what happened. He got his five allowable fouls in about, um, the first fifteen minutes of play. Then according to basketball rules, the referees would be obliged to ask him to leave the floor and spend the remainder of the game as the coach’s favorite ‘rider of the pine.’ Over and over again. No matter what he was told by his coach, his brother, or his parents, he simply believed that following his instinct, to ‘stop that ball, regardless of the consequences,’ was the only way to play ball. Never occurred to him to realize that  there is a section in   the rule book that   referees have to follow  as guardians of the game. Namely,  “Players are not allowed under any circumstances to use their body as a wrecking ball to prevent the opposing team from scoring.” It never seemed to register on his immature teenage brain that he would get a lot more playing time if he would learn to respect the referees’ job, and play the game by the rules. The truth of that old saying; “The referee has the power, so play by his rules!” totally eluded him. Instead, an automatic reaction would just seem to kick in as he faced an approaching ball handler, “I’ve got this. I know I can stop him, this time.” Every time. And way too often he was called for a foul. Go figure. Reminds me of those adult, supposedly grownup people, who insist on playing the game called Life on their own terms. Belligerent, rebellious, rule-benders.  Not bothering to pay attention to the ground rules laid out by the one and only Creator and Rule Maker of the game.  And of course, very often they get called for a foul. Then they have to ‘ride the pine’ for a while, as The Rule Maker attempts to teach them to play nice. Go figure. Folks, just write it on the wall;  The sooner that players, either on the basketball floor or in Life, learn that it’s a lot more fun to play within the rules, the better their experience.  But try teaching that truth to an energetic teen moron. Fortunately, most young male basketball players do eventually mature and become rational adults. They learn to play Life within set rules and boundaries, but still bring that ‘committed to a cause approach’ with them to their career. But unfortunately, others tend to grow up continuing to be rebellious, rule-bending players of Life – adult morons. And the consequences are so much more disastrous than when they were just playing basketball.

On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by: Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to quickly recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include: An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase, Pressure to act immediately, and A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money "safe." Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn't be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable. Sharing our  Scam Alert  fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves. Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Report a scam  here .

By: Kara Kimbrough Ship Island, located 12 miles from the Gulf Coast, is the perfect getaway due to its white sand beaches and clear blue water. (Photo courtesy of Coastal Mississippi.)  I’m calling it now…March is going to a great month! Why would I make such a bold statement? For starters, it contains two of my favorite occurrences of the year: Daylight Savings Time begins on March 9 and spring is sprung on March 20. And for those that have children at home or work in education, spring break falls somewhere in the middle. Need I say more? Cool, balmy March is the best time to enjoy and explore all that Mississippi has to offer instead of jumping ship to another state. I can’t list them all, but here are a few on my top places to enjoy March, spring break or simply take a leisurely day or weekend trip. 1. Take advantage of one of Mississippi’s 25 state parks extending from the Tennessee state line to Hancock County's waterfront. Camping, fishing, biking, hiking, bird-watching and a number of water sports are offered at scenic parks filled with natural beauty, all for a low cost. Tishomingo State Park, located in the northeast corner of the state is the largest, while Clark Creek in Woodville features over 50 waterfalls, some as high as 50 feet tall. For a complete list of state parks and amenities at each one, visit:  mdwfp.com/parks-destinations 2. Our Capital City is filled with museums offering something for every age group and interest. A few that come to mind are, in no particular order: Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum; Two Museums: Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum; Children's Museum; Sports Hall of Fame/Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. As I’ve mentioned before (maybe more than once) my favorite is the Old Capitol Museum. Learn more about these and other museums around the city at:  visitjackson.com  and  mdah.ms.gov .   3. It’s one of those “places everyone should visit in their lifetime” spots. I’m referring to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, which draws visitors from around the world to Tupelo nearly 50 years after the famed singer’s passing. The small white shack where Elvis was born is the first stop, but after touring the museum, chapel and church, a picnic in the 15-acre park is the perfect place to relax and reflect on the life of one of Mississippi’s most beloved natives. For hours of operation, admission prices and more, visit:  elvispresleybirthplace.com . 4. Two more perfect picnic spots are often overlooked for busier areas, but hear me out of this. Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying the sight of the Mighty Mississippi as it rolls by. Both Natchez and Vicksburg offer scenic picnic areas overlooking the river and luckily, they’re usually not overrun with others with the same idea. In Natchez, relax and picnic in Bluff Park, while Riverfront Park is the place to visit in Vicksburg. Once you’ve enjoyed a meal and all the beauty you can handle, head out to explore these two bustling cities filled with hundreds of interesting things to see and do. Find out more at:  visitvicksburg.com  and  visitnatchez.org .  5. A trip to our greatest treasure - the beautiful Gulf Coast – is never a bad idea, especially when one is in need of sun, sand and soothing breezes. Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties are packed with thousands of opportunities for family fun. Just a few things to do include visiting the Mississippi Aquarium, taking a riverboat cruise or shrimp boat tour; visiting a museum, exploring the swamp (and gators) at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch; enjoying fresh seafood or other cuisines at hundreds of area restaurants, shopping and much more.        Or, board a ferry in Gulfport for the short 12 mile trip out to Ship Island. A Ship Island excursion offers blue, Caribbean-like waters and white-sand beaches for visitors to relax and enjoy sunbathing or swimming. It's the perfect getaway and best of all, it can be enjoyed within a few hours without a long trip out of state. Visit Coastal Mississippi to learn about activities, lodging, dining and more at:  coastalmississippi.com .       All this talk about Mississippi’s iconic spots and natives made me remember a small recipe book in my collection created by Elvis’ favorite cook, Mary Jenkins. Contrary to popular belief, Elvis dined on much more than fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. He also loved spaghetti, as evidenced by the recipe’s inclusion in the booklet containing recipes for his favorite meals. I’m sharing the recipe so you, too, can dine like Elvis. Hopefully, you'll add a visit to Tupelo – and these other wonderful Mississippi sites – on your spring to-do list.   Elvis’ Favorite Spaghetti 1 pound spaghetti 1 cup each: chopped onion, bell pepper, celery 1 tablespoon garlic powder 3 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 1 bay leaf 2 cans tomato paste 1 bottle ketchup (small) 2-1/2 pound ground beef      Mix all ingredients together except for ground beef and spaghetti. Cook sauce over low heat, stirring as needed. In a separate pan, brown ground beef and drain; then add to the sauce as it cooks. Boil noodles and drain. After simmering two hours, remove bay leaf and pour sauce over noodles.                                 Recipe adapted slightly from Mary Jenkins’ “The Favorite Recipes of Elvis Presley.” Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Bolton residents are gearing up for another community workday at Texas Street Park on March 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in the effort to clean up fallen trees and limbs, making the park a more beautiful and enjoyable space for everyone. This community-driven initiative aims to bring neighbors together for a day of service, camaraderie, and fun while enhancing one of Bolton’s cherished outdoor spaces. To keep energy levels high, food and drinks will be provided for all participants. "It’s a great way to come together as a community and make a real difference," said one of the event organizers. "Texas Street Park is a special place, and with everyone pitching in, we can ensure it remains a safe and welcoming spot for all." The workday will focus on removing debris and tidying up the park to improve safety and accessibility for visitors. Organizers encourage participants to bring gloves, rakes, or any tools that may help with the cleanup efforts, though supplies will also be available on-site. "We’re excited to see familiar faces and new volunteers come out and lend a hand," another organizer added. "Not only will we be cleaning up, but we’ll also be building a stronger sense of community." All are welcome to participate, and no prior experience is needed—just a willingness to help and a positive attitude. This event presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the town’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance local green spaces while enjoying time with neighbors. For those looking to give back and have fun while doing it, Texas Street Park is the place to be on March 22. Come out, roll up your sleeves, and be a part of making Bolton better!

By: Frank Corder, Magnolia Tribune It’s that time of year again, time to reset those clocks and spring forward into Daylight Saving Time. Most Americans will lose an hour overnight this coming Sunday, March 9, when the time changes at 2 a.m. That means darker mornings and more sunlight later into the evening. According to  Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , surveys from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) have found that  about 63% of Americans  would prefer to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, and  55% experience tiredness  following the switch. The school goes on to note that the time transition does more than just inspire mixed opinions, grogginess, and foul moods. Researchers say that the change has long-term negative consequences for our bodies and minds.  “The scientific evidence points to acute increases in adverse health consequences from changing the clocks, including in  heart attack  and  stroke ,” says sleep expert Adam Spira, PhD, MA, a professor in Mental Health.  The school went on to note that the time change “is also associated with a heightened risk of  mood disturbances  and  hospital admissions , as well as elevated production of  inflammatory markers  in response to stress. The potential for car crashes also spikes just after the spring forward, Spira says; a 2020  study  found that the switch raises the risk of fatal traffic accidents by 6%.” Proponents of the change have long said the extra daylight adds in outdoor work, such as farming, and helps with mental health as there is more daylight during the day. However, as Spira notes, “exposure to more light closer to bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep at our usual bedtime, and can reduce the amount of sleep we’re able to get each night.” Either way, until Congress acts to change the clock winding practice, most Americans will continue to live by the annual spring forward, fall back routine. Legislation has routinely been filed to support ending the twice-yearly change but it has never reached the President’s desk. President Donald Trump has previously voiced support for keeping Daylight Saving Time permanent. Notably, Mississippi is among roughly two dozen states that have passed measures to end the practice once Congress acts. Hawaii has never observed the annual time change and Arizona opted out of it in 1968. This year, Daylight Saving Time lasts from March 9 through November 2 when clocks will the fall back an hour. The longest day of the year will be the summer solstice on June 20, 2025, while the shortest day will be the winter solstice on December 21.