Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) recently welcomed distinguished guests, including Mr. Roosevelt Hawkins from Congressman Bennie Thompson’s office and members of Mississippi Credit Unions, to its annual Reality Fair. This interactive event is designed to equip students with essential financial literacy skills, preparing them to navigate real-world financial responsibilities as they transition from high school to higher education or the workforce. The Reality Fair provides students with a hands-on learning experience, simulating real-life financial decisions and challenges. Participants are assigned hypothetical careers and salaries, requiring them to make informed choices about housing, transportation, insurance, savings, and other necessary expenses. By engaging in this simulation, students gain a deeper understanding of budgeting, the value of money, and the importance of financial planning. Mr. Hawkins and representatives from Mississippi Credit Unions played an integral role in guiding students through the process, offering expert advice on responsible money management. Their presence underscored the significance of financial literacy and its impact on long-term success. The BEEMS Reality Fair aligns with the school’s commitment to preparing students for a prosperous future by providing them with practical knowledge and decision-making skills. The event was met with enthusiasm from both students and educators, reinforcing the importance of financial education in shaping responsible and financially savvy individuals. As students continue their academic journeys or step directly into the workforce, the lessons learned at the Reality Fair will serve as a valuable foundation for their financial independence and success. See photos from the event: https://beems-reality-fair.boltonms.com/

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is hosting a See, Test and Treat event which aims to provide free cervical, breast, oral and lung cancer screenings for qualifying uninsured and underinsured women and men. The See, Test and Treat program seeks to reduce cancer deaths and provide health education to participants. The CCRI and the College of American Pathologists Foundation are hosting the event on Saturday, April 5 from 8a.m. to 11a.m. at the CCRI outpatient clinics at the Jackson Medical Mall. Cancer screenings and education will include age-appropriate mammograms for women ages 40-64 and cervical cancer screening with a Pap test for women ages 21-64. Additionally, oral and lung cancer screenings will be available for men and women: oral cancer screenings for those ages 21-64 and lung cancer screenings for those ages 50-80 who are current or former smokers. Eligible participants will receive a free low-dose CT screening exam.

By: Mika Hartman My Final Article This morning, as I watched  Frozen 2  with Hudson, a line from Olaf stood out to me: “One born with ‘powers’ and one born ‘powerless.’” Anna's reaction, a scowl on her face after hearing this, caught my attention. Despite lacking magical powers, Anna’s strength, courage, and perseverance were undeniable. This moment in the film made me reflect on something much deeper—society’s definition of success and how we often measure ourselves and our children by it. As children, and even as adults, we dream big. We set goals that seem larger than life: becoming astronauts, rock stars, mountaineers, or even the President of the United States. But let’s pause for a moment and consider the statistics. As of March 18, 2025, only 721 people have reached the "altitude of space" according to the USAF’s definition. Only 45 people have served as President of the United States. And climbing Mount Everest? Just 7,120 have succeeded in reaching the summit, with only half of those who attempt the climb actually making it. What does this say about "success"? It suggests that even the biggest dreams—those that seem so extraordinary—are rare. They are attainable, yes, but they are out of reach for many, and that’s okay. We don’t need to achieve the extraordinary to be worthy of celebration. As a mother to a child with special needs, I constantly find myself caught in a struggle. Society pushes us to measure our children by the same standards of achievement, success, and comparison that we apply to typical children. But my son, Hudson, does not need to fit into that mold. In fact, I’m realizing he never has to. Hudson is enough just as he is, without needing to prove anything to anyone. The world may expect children with Down syndrome, like Hudson, to do certain things, but I am learning that his worth is not tied to these expectations. He doesn’t have to be a rock star, a scientist, or climb Everest to prove his place in this world. And not all children or adults with Down syndrome will be business entrepreneurs, supermodels, Iron Man competitors, or star in movies… and THAT’S OKAY! Learning what is possible is necessary, but putting all your hopes in rare accomplishments will only fail you and your child. Take a deep breath. Live your life, not someone else’s. You just need your story. Hudson is already doing big things, right here, right now. He’s learning to recognize colors, shapes, and numbers. He’s understanding the difference between matching and pairing. He gives high-fives, fist bumps, and even started using the potty. These milestones may seem small to some, but to me, they are enormous. They’re celebrations in their own right. His learning is a journey, one rooted in consistency, repetition, and modeling. Hudson thrives through routines. This is how he learns best, but it’s important to remember that not every child learns the same way. Every child is unique, and every progress, no matter how big or small, is worthy of celebration. And so, this is my story. This is our journey. I want to share this message with other parents of children with special needs: Give yourself grace. Yes, stories of success are inspiring, but don't fall into the trap of clinging to them as the sole definition of what is possible. Your child may or may not, according to society’s standards, achieve "big things," but what we define as big is often just a matter of perspective. To me, Hudson is doing big things every single day. I didn’t know if he would walk, but he did. I didn’t know if he would communicate, but he uses a communication device to express his wants. There’s still work to be done—he’s still learning to talk, eat, and potty-train—but every step forward is a monumental victory. These achievements may not be deemed extraordinary by societal standards, but to me, they are nothing short of miraculous. The word “convincing” has been with me throughout this journey. When we first received Hudson’s diagnosis, I spent time convincing myself that everything would be okay. But as I went through the process, convincing turned into believing, and then believing became knowing. I knew from the moment Hudson arrived in my arms that he was smart, strong, and capable. I no longer feel the need to convince anyone of his worth. I’ve known it from the start. Hudson’s journey has been filled with challenges, yes, but also triumphs. He has fought for life in ways that no child should ever have to, and yet, he is here—full of determination, love, and joy. His extra chromosome doesn't define him. It makes him unique. It makes him Hudson. And I love him for exactly who he is, extra and all. Throughout this journey, I have met many incredible families—many of whom are trailblazers, inspiring others to see beyond the diagnosis. Wanting to know what is possible without comparing is a difficult, but necessary, shift in perspective. Whether Hudson is one day on billboards or simply a treasured picture on my wall, he is enough. He has always been enough. Whatever the future holds, Hudson’s extra chromosome brings with it an abundance of love, joy, fun, challenges, hurdles, and growth. All of it is mine to experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. His "extra" is more than just a label—it’s a beautiful gift that we hold close, cherish, and celebrate. And I wouldn’t change a thing. The power of Hudson’s EXTRA is more than enough. A letter of gratitude: If you have been reading my articles monthly or this is is your first one, thank you. As a military wife, new locations come with the job. We are excited for what’s to come; we will be moving this summer. As far as what’s been, Mississippi was very good to us. We have been stationed here twice now, but this time we brought Hudson. Doors of trying my hand at writing, helping change laws, and being a voice for children who don’t have one, this duty station gave me a voice I didn’t know I had. Thank you for trusting me. I love this life and I hope I have given you an insight to a walk you may have known nothing about. Thank you to Clay and Amanda for this opportunity of sharing our life with your readers. I have learned so much about myself with this platform. I am very grateful. Unsure of what the future holds, I am certain EXTRA fun will be a big part of it. As Hudson finds his voice, I am sure he will advocate with me for needed change. Thank you with love, respect and profound gratitude. Mississippi will always be home. ~ Mika

We had a successful grand reopening of the newly renovated Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton, Mississippi on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in providing expanded educational and community resources to the residents of Bolton and the surrounding areas.  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton MS. Photo by Jackson Hinds Library System Our grand reopening event was a resounding success, bringing together local leaders, community members, and distinguished guests to celebrate the Bolton library’s new chapter! The Jackson Hinds Library System extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making this project a reality, including District 1 Supervisor and President of the Board of Supervisors Robert Graham, District 2 Supervisor Tony Smith, Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Library Commission (MLC), and the Jackson Hinds Library System Board of Trustees whose unwavering support and dedication played a crucial role in the library’s revitalization. They were instrumental in advocating for the funding and resources necessary to bring this project to fruition. Their leadership, along with the collective efforts of the Jackson Hinds Library System and the local community, has resulted in a modernized space that will benefit generations to come.  Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson speaking. Photo by JHLS “I am truly honored to be a part of a community that values literacy so deeply and has supported us every step of the way to getting us back open. As we look towards newness and vibrancy, we’re thrilled to give back through exciting new programs like Story Time on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., our Pajama Movie Party on April 18 at 4 p.m., and our "chairobics" class starting on April 10 at 5 p.m. This is more than just a library - it’s a shared space for learning, laughter, and lasting connections.” said Wesley Cooper, Branch Manager. The newly renovated library's enhanced reading area, expanded book collections, and dynamic programming are designed to serve patrons of all ages. With a dedicated space for children, teens, and adults, the Annie T. Jeffers Library is poised to become a cornerstone of education and enrichment in Bolton.  District 2 Hinds County Supervisor, Tony Smith (Left) and Branch Manager, Wesley Cooper (Right). Photo by JHLS The Jackson Hinds Library System thanks all the community members, donors, and partners who have made this grand reopening possible. Their generosity and commitment to literacy have ensured that the Annie T. Jeffers Library will thrive as a valuable resource for years to come.  For more information about the Annie T. Jeffers Library and its programs, please visit www.jhlibrary.org or contact 601-866-4247.

Special to the Bolton News Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is gearing up for early registration for the upcoming academic year. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of designated registration dates to secure a spot for their child. Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten will be held on the following dates and times: March 31, April 2, and April 3 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM April 1 – 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM To complete the registration process, parents must bring the following required documents: Birth Certificate (Long Form) Mississippi Immunization Compliance Form (Form 121) Parent or Guardian’s ID Card Two (2) Current Proofs of Residency – These must display a street address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted). Acceptable proof includes utility bills, mortgage statements, or lease agreements dated within the last 30 days. Junk mail will not be accepted. Registration for All Other Grades Students in grades 1-8 can register on the following dates and times: April 7, 9, 10, 11, 17, and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM April 22 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Required documents for registration include: Parent or Guardian’s ID Card Two (2) Current Proofs of Residency – These must be in the same name and display a street address (P.O. Boxes are not accepted). Updated Mississippi Immunization Compliance Form (Form 121) – Incoming 7th graders must have proof of a TDAP shot included on the form. BEEMS emphasizes the importance of early registration to ensure a smooth enrollment process for all students. By preparing the required documents in advance, families can avoid delays and secure their child’s placement for the upcoming academic year. For further information, parents may contact the school office during regular hours. Don’t Miss Out! Register Early! BEEMS looks forward to welcoming students and fostering a strong foundation for their educational journey.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB Disney’s “Snow White” is the latest live-action remake of one of the studio’s animated classics. In this case, it’s perhaps the biggest “classic” of all, as 1937’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the first full-length animated feature in American history, and in 2008 was named the greatest animated film of all time by the American Film Institute. The film’s historical significance is undeniable, but frankly I don’t think it holds up as entertainment. Advancements in both animation and sound recording technology have left that movie in the dust, not to mention that Disney writes their princesses with more complexity these days. So maybe a remake that smooths out some of the rougher edges of the past isn’t a terrible idea. But this movie goes in some directions that are definitely a terrible idea. The story of course hits all the familiar beats. Princess Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is the stepdaughter of the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), who seized control of her kingdom with underhanded tactics. The queen seeks constant validation of her beauty from a Magic Mirror (Patrick Page), until one day when the mirror declares Snow White to be “fairer” than she. The queen freaks out and orders her Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White into the woods and eliminate her. The Huntsman instead affords Snow White the opportunity to escape, and she flees deep into the woods, where she stumbles upon the home of (and I’ll use the Disney spelling) The Seven Dwarfs. She becomes an ally to miners Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc, and Bashful, and she helps them straighten up their cottage as she tries to figure out what to do next. Perhaps the answer lies with the band of loveable bandits led by the charismatic Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) on the outskirts of the woods. Unlike other Disney remakes (looking at you, “Lion King”), there are some strong deviations here from the original film. Zegler’s Snow White cares deeply about the kingdom’s subjects, and we see her pay attention to their stories and needs whenever possible. She takes a more active role in overthrowing the queen, and the third act will be unrecognizable to anyone with the original ending stuck in their heads. There are even new songs, with Zegler’s “Waiting on a Wish” fitting seamlessly into the Disney songbook along other female empowerment anthems like “Let It Go.” The queen herself gets a song, and Gadot wickedly chews the scenery with “All Is Fair.” The film pulls my opinion in two opposite directions. On one hand, there’s Zegler’s performance as Snow White, bringing much-needed life and passion to a character that had previously been dismissed as one of the more useless waifs in the Disney catalogue. I’ll also throw a compliment toward Burnap, playing a better-developed love interest than the unbranded, uninspired prince from 1937. I have to recommend the film based on these elements, right? But then there are the dwarfs. These hideous CGI monstrosities from the depths of the uncanny valley are offensive, not just in the sense that actual dwarf actors could have been cast in these parts (six of the seven voice actors are not dwarves), but offensive to anyone with working eyes. I can’t recommend the film based on these elements, right? I’m going to give “Snow White” the mildest of recommendations just because my expectations were so low going in. There’s been no end of bad publicity surrounding the races, heights, and political stances of the film’s cast, and these live-action remakes have a sour reputation for being lazy retreads of beloved animated properties. I was ready to declare this movie the worst of 2025. Instead I got a valiant, vibrant adaptation that I would sooner watch again for entertainment than the 1937 version. It isn’t perfect, and I completely understand why someone would consider the dwarfs to be deal-breakers for the entire film. But thanks mostly to Zegler, I saw enough Disney magic in the film to give it a pass. Grade: B- “Snow White” is rated PG for violence, some peril, thematic elements and brief rude humor. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Daniel Taylor Mashburn. Sr. September 24, 1933 - March 24, 2025 Bolton, MS Daniel Taylor Mashburn, Sr., 91, of Bolton, MS, died peacefully at home on March 24, 2025. Dan is survived by his wife of 20 years, Brenda; his son, Danny (Gina); and his granddaughter, Isabel; as well as his nephew and nieces and many great nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Molly; and his brothers James and Robert. Dan was born in Bolton, MS on September 24, 1933. He attended Hinds Agricultural College where he was the first student to earn a pilot's license. He then served in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for 18 months, where he met lifelong friends. After returning home, he began his career in farming where he raised corn, wheat, soybeans, milo, cotton, and cattle. Dan was honored with the award of Young Farmer of the Year; he was involved with Hinds County Farm Bureau serving as President. He was a member of the Model T. Club, the Ostomy Club, the Rotary Club, and served as a Gideon. Dan was a member of Memorial Methodist Church, where he was a true servant of the Lord. He served as Lay Leader for 31 years and taught the Junior Sunday school class for 25 years. Dan will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will be remembered for the stories he told, his contagious smile and attitude, his servant heart, and his eagerness to give a hug. Visitation will be held at Memorial Methodist Church, Bolton, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. March 28, 2025, with interment to follow at Bolton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: Memorial Methodist Church, PO Box 90, Bolton, MS 39041, or a charity of your choice . To plant trees

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com You are aging, every second you are alive, that is an inescapable fact. And right along with that joyous and party-mood-making pronouncement is another fact. Multiple years of aging most always brings on a certain amount of physical pain. Ready to invite me to your next happy-go-lucky soiree yet?  “Oh yeah, give that woman a mic and let her be the life of the party!” Not so fast to condemn me, my sarcastic friend. All I want to do is help you get armed and ready for your personal one-on-one battle with an enemy that hates you and is determined to take you out. To turn you into a sniveling, angry, pain-controlled shell of the person you used to be. No, I’m not a drug pusher for a big pharmaceutical company. And I’m not telling you to “just pray the pain away.”  Here is what I  am  going to tell you. Don’t concentrate on what hurts. You are giving Old Man Pain a whole bunch more credit than he deserves in your life. Sure, you hurt, I realize that. I hurt too.  I’m not discounting the way the pain surges through whatever part of your body is affected. But I am asking you to deliberately not allow pain to be the most important thing in your life, as much as you possibly can.  Don’t misunderstand me, I’m aware that severe pain has the ability to stand up and scream at you so loudly that not much else gets through to you. But not all hurting in our bodies has that capability. Many times, it just gripes, and gripes, and gripes so long and persistently that we finally just give in and make it the priority in our life. We have volunteered our body, mind and emotions for a whole-sale hostile takeover. DON’T DO THAT! Fight for the right to enjoy your days and nights. Battle that tendency we all have, to just plop ourself down in a sad puddle of self-pity and stare at the offending arm, leg, neck, foot, or whatever, and then whine to ourself about how it has taken over our entire life. WELL, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO HAPPEN, WHEN YOU GIVE THAT OFFENDING PART OF YOUR BODY THE TOP BILLING IN YOUR MIND?! Decide to take control, as much as possible. Get your mind involved in something else. Anything else. Stick your nose in a great book, glue your eyes onto the tv with a fantastic movie, prop up your pain-filled body part on an ice pack and get involved in a rousing board game with a loved one. Do  something   that will interrupt your concentration on Mr. Pain’s efforts. Now, I am not telling you to never use pain meds – yours truly is not a medical doctor, I don’t have that right. But I do know that our brains have powerful influence on our physical body – and especially at controlling pain. And find a way to laugh. “Laughter doeth good like a medicine,” the Bible says.

By Kara Kimbrough Touch of Grace Southern Biscuits are light, flaky and tender…in short, they’re a little bit of heaven on earth. The homemade biscuit, a beloved American icon, is on the endangered species list. I blame it on supermarket biscuits marketing themselves as “homemade,” with an “old fashioned buttermilk taste.” In reality, they’re pale spheres of sticky dough ready to spring from their cans offering little more than synthetic butter. Here’s the main reason I’m upset about the neglect of the biscuit. I consider an old-fashioned, no-carbs-barred biscuit one of life’s top necessities. It’s a flaky bite of bliss that we all need now and then.     I could go on and on…a  homemade biscuit is a soft pillow of comfort that makes eases life’s trials. Only the most hard-hearted Southerner would turn down a piping hot, fresh-from-the-oven biscuit. Plain and unadorned or filled with a little homemade jelly, it just doesn’t get any better than a biscuit.     Not many people make homemade biscuits anymore, but it wasn’t always this way. Flip through any cookbook from the 1960’s up until the health-conscious 1990’s and you’ll find page after page of biscuit recipes of every description. Key ingredients included whipping cream, sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise and even sourdough starter.      Of course, these fancier versions were predated by real biscuit pioneers, women like my grandmother who made a pan of biscuits each morning with hearty ingredients like shortening, flour, buttermilk and baking powder. These fist-sized balls of buttery goodness were one of the best reasons to get out of bed every morning.     To satisfy both camps – those who cling to their cans and homemade biscuit-lovers short on time or expertise – I can offer three solutions.    First, a recipe from Quail Ridge Press’  Quick & Easy Cookbook  creates surprisingly-good  Quick (and I Mean Quick) Herb Rolls  out of a 12 ounce can of Hungry Jack Biscuits. Yes, they're from a can, but once they're "doctored" a little, all reservations are gone.       For those who revere the art of (almost real) biscuit-making, I'm sharing a simple 3-ingredient recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks,  Best of Bell’s Best .     And last, those who are truly serious about making the BEST homemade biscuit you’ll ever taste in your life – Shirley Corrihor’s recipe for “Touch of Grace” Southern Biscuits found in her cookbook,  BakeWise , is the only biscuit recipe you’ll ever need.     After the movie “ The Help ” premiered, I took a cooking class in which we were tasked with mastering  recipes for the food served in the film. The movie’s culinary director used Shirley’s recipe to create  light, fluffy biscuits.       To achieve this state of deliciousness, she combined extremely wet dough and a steamy oven. I was skeptical as I scooped dough that can only be described as “soupy” with an ice cream scoop into a cast iron skillet. However, the heat of the oven combined with the wet dough in the most delightful way, making me an instant convert to the technique.       The email for “Touch of Grace” biscuits is a little lengthy, so drop me an email if you’d like it and I’ll send it to you.     Whichever biscuit path you take, remember this axiom upon which all Southerners are raised. You can get away with almost anything if you bake hot biscuits. Quick (and I Mean Quick) Herb Rolls 12 ounce can of Hungry Jack Biscuits 1-1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes ½ teaspoon dill weed 1 tablespoon onion flakes 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese    In a 9 x 13 Pyrex dish, melt one stick of butter and add parsley flakes, dill weed, onion flakes and Parmesan cheese. Cut each biscuit in half and roll around in the butter mixture to coat. Place halves in the dish and bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Recipe from Quail Ridge Press’ Quick and Easy Cookbook 3 Ingredient Biscuits (adapted from Best of the Best of Bell’s Best Cookbook) 2 cups self-rising flour8 ounces sour cream 1 stick butter, melted (do not use margarine)     Mix all together and spoon into greased muffin tins, filling halfway. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until brown. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Contact her at  kkprco@yahoo.com

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB           “Novocaine” stars Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a man with a condition that makes him unable to feel pain. This is an action movie, and it sounds like a man who can’t feel pain would fit right into the role of action hero, right? Actually, no. Caine’s condition is just terribly inconvenient in his everyday life. He could get cut or burned without realizing it, and if the wound is left untreated, he could get an infection. He doesn’t have the instinct to keep his tongue away from his teeth, so he has to abstain from solid foods or else he could chomp right into his tongue. He can’t even feel the pangs associated with having to go to the bathroom, so he just goes every three hours whether he needs to or not.             Caine’s condition has led to social awkwardness, and although he’s nice to people, he has few real friends outside of unseen online gamer Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). But things change when he starts a relationship with fellow bank employee Sherry (Amber Midthunder), who has her own history with physical pain. They go on one date and Caine immediately knows he’s in love with her. He’s at a rare high point in his life at work the next day when a trio of robbers massacre that bank and take Sherry hostage as they flee. The sense of fear and potential loss is the worst feeling Caine has ever had in his life, and he’s going to rescue Sherry no matter what happens to his body in the process.             This means getting into a series of fights with the robbers (Evan Hengst, Conrad Kemp, and Ray Nicholson). He’s nowhere near as tough or skilled as they are, but he can use his condition to his advantage. He can get hit, but he can get back up. He can stall for time by taking a beating or enduring torture until help arrives. He can even use weapons that his enemies are too afraid to touch because they’re scalding hot or submerged in a deep fryer. By the way, is it weird that this movie makes me unusually inclined toward cannibalism with a scene where Caine makes his hand extra-crispy?             This movie can thank its lucky stars for Jack Quaid, whose sincerity and commitment to the character are the only interesting things about the movie. I was really looking forward to seeing Amber Midthunder again after she carried the “Predator” prequel “Prey” in 2022, but she’s disappointing in a predictable role here. Batalon is just playing a less interesting version of his “Spider-Man” sidekick character. Betty Gabriel has some heartfelt moments as a cop, but her character doesn’t have much impact on the story. Perhaps most disappointing is Ray Nicholson as the lead villain. He was so expressive and unnerving last year in “Smile 2,” but I didn’t get any of that from his bland performance here. I’d have let Conrad Kemp carry the load as primary antagonist, he has some scene-stealing qualities about his face.             Caine’s convoluted rescue mission reminded me of the convoluted plot of “Love Hurts” from last month, a movie that I decried while praising Quaid’s performance in “Companion” in the same article. Perhaps it’s appropriate that my opinion of “Novocaine” falls squarely between those two films. This movie could have been a lot more brainless, but I quibble with its predictable story (I guessed one twist just from the trailers), lame characters outside of the lead, and tonal inconsistency. The advertising makes this movie look a lot more comedic than it is. There are gags, to be sure, but there are also long stretches where the movie plays things unexpectedly straight. Not that actors like Quaid and Gabriel aren’t good at playing things straight, but there were times when I noticed I hadn’t laughed for what seemed like several minutes. Like many of the punches Caine takes, this movie wasn’t exactly “painful,” but it certainly didn’t do me much good.  Grade: C “Novocaine” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, and language throughout. Its running time is 110 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Two elderly sisters, one widowed and the other never married, were living together. They had decided the year before that because the oldest owned her house, the younger should leave a rented apartment and move into her sister’s second bedroom. After the initial “Move over, I’m needing more drawer and closet space than this!” complications were negotiated, they began implementing their plan to coexist in that cozy little home.  It had been decided beforehand the younger sister would pay a reasonable monthly rent, and together they would split the utility, home insurance, and grocery bills. With that arrangement in mind, both felt they would have a fairly adequate idea of their own future financial picture. This worked pretty well the first year, with only a few hiccups disturbing the peace. But then. Younger sister, having always had an extremely soft heart for the hurting and broken people who crossed her path, developed a new passion. She realized that she could help them in her own, albeit, small way. Soon she had her own ministry aimed at providing food for as many as she could fit into her budget, which was admittedly tiny. But of course, word quickly got around the community that help was available in the form of one small fragile woman with a huge golden heart. Her ministry to the hurting and hopeless begin to take on a life of its own. Resulting in more needy people knocking on her door. It wasn’t long before keeping up her share of their household financial commitments was getting impossible. Something obviously had to give. And indeed, something did give. A piece of paper appeared on the older sister’s little desk one day. Hand written at the top was “My Tab.” Underneath that heading was written a small insignificant amount of dollars. Beside that amount was the explanation, “Part of my rent this month.” The subsequent conversation that evening consisted of the younger sister explaining to the older, that due to giving a homeless man money for food that week, and also having refill her own prescriptions, she was going to have to owe her sister a “few dollars toward the rent” until next month. The two sisters had a great relationship and enjoyed living together for the most part, so the oldest easily agreed to waiting. But the end of the month came, and instead of the expected payment, the tab had grown longer. Always just a few dollars, and with a logical explanation written beside each entry. Their warm enjoyable relationship was beginning to cool. Six months later, with an even longer tab, some hot words, and no tangible payment toward the now sizable total, their former comfortable relationship turned into an ongoing chilly standoff. It is a good thing to give help to the hurting. But not at the expense of neglecting your own obligations. Your reputation gets damaged. So does personal relationships.

By: Kara Kimbrough Strawberry shortcake made with homemade shortbread and whipped cream is the perfect spring dessert. The official start of spring is this week...this fact alone should be cause for celebration. After all, what’s not to love about spring? We’re in all-too-short balmy window before summer’s oppressive heat descends and stays around until mid-fall.  Within that window are several entertaining opportunities, including celebrating Easter, high school or college graduations, Mother’s Day and much more. One thing I’ve picked up from hearing friends discuss spring milestones that warrant a gathering of friends and family is that they’re afraid their home, budget or cooking skills aren’t “good enough” to meet others’ expectations. Here’s the honest truth about these types of beliefs: if they’re really friends (and family should go without saying), they don’t care about being served elaborate food or being entertained in a showplace. They simply appreciate being invited into your home to enjoy food and fellowship. In fact, they often won’t remember the food you served, but will never forget the time they spent in your home as the honoree or invited guest. A tip I’ve picked up from years of interviewing caterers, party planners and hostesses is to keep it simple. This rule of thumb applies to the main entree, sides, dessert and most of all, your plans. At this time of year, guests are not looking for  heavy dishes served in colder months. Just following this tip simplifies the process, cuts expenses and makes entertaining doable for anyone. A number of light dishes exist that can be easily doubled or tripled, depending on the size of your crowd.  A large skillet of grilled chicken, rice and vegetables can feed the multitudes and doesn’t require more than a green salad and slices of garlic bread or garlic-cheese biscuits to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. For a ladies-only gathering, a bowl of chicken, shrimp or pasta salad is easy to stir together and is “plenty,” especially when served with a pretty charcuterie board of sliced vegetables, dips, crackers, sliced bread and cheeses. For dessert, a simple strawberry shortcake that tastes more like shortbread is easy to create, especially if you choose to use Cool Whip (just make sure to throw away the container!) instead of making homemade whipping cream. As special occasions and milestones arise, remember that they deserve to be celebrated. Just follow my advice for a seamless meal: forget about the aesthetics of your home and remember that the memories of simple, but delicious food and your warm hospitality will linger long after the celebration is over. Spring One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables 3 chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise if they’re very thick) 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon salt and pepper 3 garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 small yellow onion 2 cups broccoli florets (if frozen, thaw beforehand) 1 cup yellow rice 4 cups chicken stock 8-ounce cream cheese cup frozen peas 1/2 lemon, juicedParmesan cheese (for topping) Sprinkle of red pepper flakes (for topping) Finely mince the garlic (if using fresh), chop broccoli into small pieces, and mince the parsley. Prep chicken by cutting off any fat or tendons. Season well with seasonings. Add oil to skillet and fry chicken on medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and cover, set aside. In the same pan on medium heat add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2 minutes before adding the garlic and broccoli. Continue sautéing for a few more minutes until vegetables are slightly soft and fragrant. Add in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned. Pour in the chicken stock and mix well. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed add cream cheese and frozen peas. Mix well. Next add the juice of half a lemon, and additional Italian seasoning and salt & pepper to taste. Slice cooked chicken into 3-inch pieces and place on top of rice and vegetables. Add fresh parsley, grated parmesan, and red pepper flakes, if desired. (Recipe doubles easily) Strawberry Shortcake 1 stick butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 egg 1 vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt Strawberries ½ pound sliced fresh strawberries Whipping cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup powder sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Start by whipping heavy cream in a stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until peaks stiffen (about 2 minutes). Refrigerate until ready to use. To make cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix butter and sugar before adding in egg and vanilla extract. Mix well then add in milk. Once wet ingredients are incorporated, add in dry ingredients and fold to combine. Transfer batter to a lined 9-inch cake tin and bake on 350F for 23-25 minutes. Allow cake to cool completely before creating individual servings by using round biscuit cutters or cutting into squares. Top one layer of cake whipping cream and fresh strawberries, then add another layer for an extra generous serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .