By: Kara Kimbrough  Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter night when time is short but dinner must still be served. Call me strange, but I don’t despair during the short period of time in which we experience a rare phenomenon: winter. Chilly temperatures and early nightfall provide permission to take our lives down a notch and spend cozy evenings indoors. And the other reason to savor cold weather? Savory, hearty and yes, delicious winter food. What’s not to like about thick soups, chili, jambalaya, red beans and rice and the other heavy foods that are typically too heavy to enjoy when warm weather arrives?    And one other reason I don’t abhor cooler weather? Winter's dishes provide warmth and comfort, and who could hate that when the thought of sky-rocketing electrical bills causes us to set the thermostat "just a little" lower than we’d like?    Last week, I was excited to discover recipes for new winter dishes. The best part? They contained elements of my favorite things: pasta and soup. Anytime I can partake of either one is a good day…or night. Learning that the recipes could easily be cooked in a Crockpot was the icing on the cake.      If, unlike me, you dread winter, remember there’s no better prescription for a gray day than one of these hearty dishes. I’m hoping they’ll chase away the worst case of winter blues and create a meal that will warm body and soul until spring. 4-Ingredient Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna 1 pound ground chuck1 jar pasta sauce 1 package (25-ounce) frozen cheese ravioli 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or your favorite combination of cheeses) Optional: Seasonings to taste: garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper      Brown ground chuck until no longer pink; drain excess grease. Stir in pasta sauce and any seasonings (if adding).    In a 4-quart (or larger) lined Crockpot, layer half of ingredients in this order: meat sauce, frozen ravioli, cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until ravioli is tender. Meaty Pasta e Fagioli (Traditional Italian versions of this soup don’t usually include meat, but I added it to mine. If you prefer a meatless version, just omit the meat) 1 pound lean ground chuck 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups chopped celery 2 tablespoons minced garlic (adjust amount more or less to your taste) 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (add more broth or water if mixture is too heavy at end of cooking) 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 2 cups ditalini pasta (or your favorite shape) (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed Seasonings to taste: dried thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper     In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain grease and set aside.      In the same pot, heat olive oil. Cook onion, celery, garlic and black pepper until vegetables are tender, 10 minutes. Stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with favorite seasonings. Pour into lined Crockpot and cook for low for 6-8 hours.    30 minutes prior to end of cooking: stir in cooked beef, pasta and beans; cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Increase heat to high if needed to finish cooking pasta. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

As the forecast calls for extreme winter weather to arrive in parts of Mississippi, Atmos Energy is closely monitoring the weather and staging its employees across the system. Colder weather may impact the amount of natural gas you use. Using energy wisely and making a few household changes may produce a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and conserve energy this winter: Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home. Protect natural gas meters.  Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to help keep the meter working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy's Emergency Number, 866.322.8667, if you have concerns about your meter. Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear.  Blocked vents can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor. Minimize the risk of frozen pipes.  Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside. Save money and energy  by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home (where safe to do so). These tips and more are available on our  Storm Center  page at  atmosenergy.com . Although natural gas outages are infrequent, if you experience loss of natural gas service or low gas pressure, contact the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866.322.8667 – agents are ready to assist 24/7. Atmos Energy will communicate regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events. To sign up for text alerts, adjust your notification preferences in the Account Center. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and on our website at atmosenergy.com for continued safety and weather preparedness information. Smell gas, act fast! If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately! From a safe distance call 911 and Atmos Energy's 24-hour toll-free emergency number at 866.322.8667.

On Saturday, March 1, the BetterMan Mississippi conference, a first of its kind hosted by  local Christian leaders, will be held at the Jackson Convention Center.   BetterMan is a national movement launched by Robert Lewis, author of “Raising a Modern Day Knight” and “Men’s Fraternity.” It presents a common vision for manhood that has impacted over 750,000 men in every state.   Generations of men want to be good men; they want to be God’s man, but they don’t know how. No one has shown them – no one has given them an example. BetterMan is filling that void.   “Godly men have generational impacts. They forge the paths ahead not just for one generation and one legacy but for multiple generations and multiple legacies,” said Brian Crawford of Mission Mississippi.   In addition to Lewis, other conference speakers include Reginald Buckley, pastor of Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Chip Henderson, Pastor of Pinelake Church, Bartholomew Orr, Pastor of Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, and Kyle Reno, Pastor of Crossgates Church.   “We’re believing it’s a moment that will spark a movement among men in the state of Mississippi that will not stop with our state. You don’t want to miss it. Come be a part of it,” said Kyle Reno of Crossgates.   The conference is 9am until 4pm. It is free and includes lunch, but you must register. To register or for more information about BetterMan Mississippi go to BetterManMs.com

H inds County Sheriff hosts series of community town hall meetings Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones made his first stop in Bolton, meeting with towns across the county as part of an effort to strengthen community relationships and address concerns. Bolton residents had the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct answers from community leaders, fostering an open dialogue between law enforcement and the people they serve. Sheriff Jones explained the motivation behind these meetings, stating, "We just saw need where we need to engage a little bit more in our unincorporated towns throughout Hinds County." He emphasized the importance of transparency and making residents feel connected to law enforcement, adding, "We have to be transparent with the people, and we also have to let them know that they feel like they're a part of us." The sheriff's office also provided valuable resources, including contact information and mental health services, to ensure residents have access to necessary support. Bolton resident Clyde Robinson appreciated the initiative, saying, "I got a lot of information right here, that's good for me. I don't have to look for it or ask anybody—I can just go right there." To further enhance their ability to assist the community, deputies are undergoing mental health training to be better prepared for related situations. Sheriff Jones stressed the importance of being proactive, stating, "What we don't want to happen, we don't want to find ourselves faced with them and we don't have the resources to help them." Robinson echoed the value of mental health awareness, adding, "When we are educated about this going on, we are able to handle it a lot better." Encouraging other communities to take advantage of these meetings, Robinson urged residents to participate, saying, "I'm just saying to the other communities, come out and voice your opinion and just come out and be seen and be heard." Sheriff Jones' next stop will be in Terry on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Terry Community Center. He will also visit Edwards on February 18, Utica on February 25, and Raymond on March 4. These meetings reflect a commitment to community engagement and transparency, ensuring that Hinds County residents remain informed and connected with law enforcement.

By Bob Garver             For whatever reason, the studios decided that what America wanted this Valentine’s season wasn’t romantic comedies or sweeping dramas, but violent R-rated fare with varying degrees of love and relationship theming. Frankly none of these movies are going to be big commercial hits, with “Dog Man” still ruling the box office this past weekend and “Captain America: Brave New World” sure to dominate Valentine’s Day itself. That’s why I’m smooshing these movies all together here, because they have a way of cancelling each other out. For example, even though the lot includes my favorite film of 2025 so far, it also includes my least favorite. Which brings me to…   Poster Credit IMDB “Love Hurts”             Ke Huy Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a suburban realtor with a dark past. He used to be an enforcer for his crime-boss brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu), but quit when he couldn’t kill loose-end lawyer Rose (Ariana DeBose). He let Rose live on the condition that she disappear and let Knuckles think she was dead, but now she’s tired of hiding. She wants to take Knuckles down for good and she wants Marvin to help her do it. Should Marvin leave his agreeable new life behind? Do he and Rose even have what it takes to defeat Knuckles and his army of henchmen and hitmen?             The film is a storytelling mess, with a convoluted storyline about stolen money distracting from Marvin’s key arc. Supporting players, most of them hitmen, try to steal scenes by being quirky, but they’re just annoying time-wasters (although Quan’s “Goonies” co-star Sean Astin has a juicy scene as his best friend). Exposition is dumped in awkward narration. The choppy action scenes are even more awkward. This is a movie that wants to be nothing more than a series of fights, has no idea how to put a story around them, and then doesn’t even get the fights right. Grade: D “Love Hurts” is rated R for strong/bloody violence and language throughout. Its running time is 83 minutes. Poster Credit IMDB “Heart Eyes”             “Heart Eyes” stars Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding as a pair of bickering co-workers who, by the law of romantic comedies, are destined to fall in love on Valentine’s Day. Problem is, this is no rom-com, this is a slasher movie with a killer whose fetish is killing loving couples. Our leads run afoul of the killer, even though they’re not really a couple, though they might end up as one through this shared experience… if they manage to live, of course.             The movie has two charismatic leads and some genuinely funny, twisted jokes. But its constant need to subvert cliches becomes predictable after a while (“what will ruin the sweet moment this time?”) and it really falls apart toward the end when it starts playing its horror straight. There are some fun ideas in play here, but not enough for me to say that I love this movie. Grade: C “Heart Eyes” is rated R for strong violence and gore, language and some sexual content. Its running time is 97 minutes.   Poster Credit IMDB “Companion”             “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher as Iris, a woman being taken by her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) to a remote mansion in the woods to meet his friends. She tries to fit in for Josh’s sake, but his friends seem weirdly standoffish. One of them assaults her and an even more brutal act of violence follows. In the aftermath, we learn that the seemingly mild-mannered Josh has been more… “controlling” of Iris than previously thought.             The film is an equally funny and sick series of cat-and-mouse games between the two leads. Thatcher, between this and last year’s trapping “Heretic,” can now officially call herself a Scream Queen. But it’s Jack Quaid who steals the movie. This role is going to make it hard for him to get a date for a while. I’m not saying that he isn’t handsome, but there’s an unmistakable brand of inner ugliness in play. See this movie with a date and you’ll both have fun squirming. Grade: B “Companion” is rated R for strong violence, sexual content, and language throughout. Its running time is 97 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Walter Vinson Walter Vinson, born on February 2, 1901, in Bolton, Mississippi, was a key figure in the evolution of American blues music. Known for his intricate guitar work and soulful vocals, Vinson played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the Mississippi Delta blues, a genre that would go on to influence countless artists and musical styles worldwide. You can find his picture here:   https://www.facebook.com/BluesCompartido1/photos/walter-vinson-was-born-february-2-1901-in-bolton-mississippi/921195686828120/ Vinson’s journey began in the small town of Bolton, nestled in the heart of Mississippi. Growing up in the early 20th century, he was surrounded by the rich musical traditions of the region, particularly the spirituals and work songs sung by African American laborers. These early influences inspired him to pick up the guitar and develop his distinct playing style, which blended rhythmic precision with melodic flair. In the 1920s, Vinson formed a partnership with guitarist Lonnie Chatmon, and together they became known as the Mississippi Sheiks. The group achieved widespread popularity, particularly with their 1930 hit “Sitting on Top of the World.” The song, written by Vinson and Chatmon, became a blues standard, covered by legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Howlin’ Wolf. Its timeless appeal and simple yet poignant lyrics embody the spirit of the Delta blues. As part of the Mississippi Sheiks, Vinson helped bridge the gap between rural blues and the burgeoning recording industry. The band recorded for Okeh Records, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and influential tracks that continue to be celebrated today. Their music not only reflected the struggles and joys of life in the South but also introduced a new audience to the raw power and emotional depth of the blues. Despite his contributions to music, Vinson’s life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. After the Sheiks disbanded, he continued to perform sporadically, but his later years were marked by relative obscurity. He passed away on April 22, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy that is still cherished by blues enthusiasts and scholars. Walter Vinson’s story is a testament to the enduring power of Mississippi’s cultural heritage. As a son of Bolton, his music stands as a reminder of the state’s profound impact on the world of blues. On what would have been his 124th birthday, we celebrate his life, his music, and his enduring influence.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Recently sidelined, I know how a hobbled old milk cow looks at life, or what a horse tethered to the fence feels. Imprisoned, caged, confined. Stuck in one place with absolutely no say in the matter. And it is not fun. Reading is a favorite pastime of mine, that is true, but enough is quickly enough. And TV? I would rather be hogtied, starved and tossed into a roomful of squalling, fever-ridden sick toddlers than to have to watch daytime tv shows. At least I would feel compassion for those poor little tikes. Daytime soap operas, with their endless, ridiculous dramas leaves me wanting to drown every last one of those so-called actors in a puddle of stinking mud. Used to being on my own two feet, independent and doing as I please, I am now tied to a recliner with my foot in the air for most of the day. And this hobbled horse, who ordinarily walks miles each day, is not happy. And an unhappy hobbled horse is a disgruntled horse. And a disgruntled horse (with an ankle that hurts) is probably not the easiest of animals to be around. You might even find those around me privately using the words, “crabby, irritable and cranky.” Shocking, I know. But there it is. Lest you be doubting my word about feeling out of sorts, kindly reread the first two paragraphs. Trust me, folks. If you find yourself walking on older sidewalks that have caved to the pressure of growing tree roots wanting more space for themselves, BEWARE. Meek sidewalks get shoved around by aggressive tree roots, letting themselves get heaved upward and out of the way. Then those passive acting sidewalks become stumbling blocks for the oblivious walker. Who then becomes a cranky victim having to sit for days - foot up, with an ice bag as company. Getting to walk a little each day, but only with a heavy, monstrously ugly, black boot in tow threatening to upend your balance and fall, which could damage your other ankle. But now, a word of advice to the unfortunate people who have to live in the same home as grouchy victims. To those suddenly-pressed-into-service caregivers I write the following: First of all, know that all bad things will eventually come to an end, one way or another. Secondly, keep your running shoes handy. Just knowing that a quick temporary escape from Irritable Irma surely will help you make it thru. And third, don’t take personally what is thrown your way. Be it complaints from a viperous tongue, an occasional flying shoe, or a glare that could easily take down a belligerent barracuda. Lastly, attempt to listen patiently as possible to the victim as they rehearse their litany of grievances. Remember, this is their way of expressing their frustration at being imprisoned in a chair. Then go use your running shoes.

Students at Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS)  have the exciting opportunity to represent their school  in the upcoming Sports Paradise Winter League , a competitive basketball season designed for young athletes. Open to boys and girls ages 3-14 (K5-8th grade) , the league runs from February 22 through April 26, 2025 , with games played at Hillcrest Christian School  and Tougaloo College . BEEMS students will have the chance to develop their basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship  while competing against players from across the region. The league features a regular season, playoffs, and a championship , giving every participant a chance to shine and contribute to their school’s success. To encourage early participation, an early bird registration fee of $50  is available until February 14 . After that date, the fee increases to $65  for individuals not currently on a team. The final deadline for registration and payment is February 14 . Parents and students interested in joining can contact Coach Chris Stephens  at 601-954-6370  or via email at sportsparadisefun@gmail.com  for more details and registration instructions. This is a fantastic opportunity for BEEMS students to showcase their talent, compete for their school, and enjoy an exciting basketball experience . Don’t miss out— register today and get ready for an action-packed season!

By: Kara Kimbrough Just a few ingredients are needed to create these delicious strawberry treats for Valentine's Day.  Valentine’s Day is almost here and we can’t let the day go by without making a heart-shaped treat of some kind. I know…store shelves are filled with chocolates of all shapes and flavors, but something you make with your own loving hands is appreciated more and tastes better. If dipping candy fillings or strawberries into scalding hot chocolate isn’t your idea of fun, you can always reach for a can of…wait for it…crescent rolls. The tasty dough provides a delicious base for a variety of interesting dishes and desserts. First, forming crescent roll dough into cute hearts and filling the shapes with sugary cream cheese and strawberry preserves before baking to a crispy goodness results in the cutest (and tastiest) Valentine’s Day dessert or treat you’ve ever seen. Trust me when I say, they’re much better than a box of chocolates that have been sitting on the shelf since early January. And here’s something you may not know. Crescent rolls have been revolutionized over time to include handy sheets of dough instead of the perforated rectangles we’ve always known and loved. In many cases, I prefer using these sheets instead of regular pie dough when time is short and I’m going for a puffy crust versus a flat one. I've found that some supermarkets don’t always have crescent roll sheets in stock. In that case, simply pinch together the perforated edges of regular rolls and you’re good to go. Try one (or all) of these crescent roll-centric recipes and let me know your thoughts. Like me, you’ll likely be a convert to dough (and rolls) in a can when it’s time to create a quick treat or dish. Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day Hearts 1 8-ounce can refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls 1 8-ounce cream cheese, room temperature ½-1 cup strawberry preserves 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Icing: 1/3 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk Splash of vanilla Roll out a sheet of crescent roll dough (pinch edges together if not using a sheet) on a floured surface. Roll both long edges up to meet in the middle. Cut roll into 1-inch slices. Pinch the bottom of each slice into a point to resemble a heart. Place heart-shaped slice onto a lightly-greased baking sheet, then gently press down on dough to create a heart shape inside edges. Add granulated sugar into softened cream cheese and mix well. Fill each “heart” with cream cheese, then top with a dollop of preserves. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. While hearts are baking, combine icing ingredients. After baking and slightly cooling, drizzle icing over each heart. Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie 32-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed reduced-fat reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed reduced-fat reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup 2 8-ounce cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls 1 egg yolk Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix vegetables, chicken and soups. Pour into greased or sprayed 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Unroll dough, separating it into four equal-size rectangles. Press perforations to seal. Place dough over chicken mixture and cover well; pinch center edges to seal. Press outside edges of dough to edges of baking dish, overlapping edges if needed. Whisk egg yolk and brush over top for a golden, crispy finish. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. Mini Submarine Sandwiches 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened 1 cup jarred olive spread, more to taste 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 2 8-ounce cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheet (use 8-count cans of rolls if sheets aren’t available) 2 packages (16-20 slices) of sliced deli meats: sliced ham, salami, prosciutto, turkey or your favorite variety 8 slices mozzarella cheese Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and Italian seasoning on medium speed until well blended. Stir in olive spread; mix well. Unroll one dough sheet on work surface; reshape into 12x8-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto dough sheet, to within 1 inch of one of the short ends, leaving room to seal the seams. Place half of the meat slices over cream cheese, followed by 4 cheese slices. Starting on the short, topped edge of rectangle, roll up tightly and pinch seam together.   Repeat for remaining dough sheet. With serrated knife, carefully cut each roll into 6 slices, about 1 1/4 inches wide, and arrange spiral sides up in baking dish, reshaping into round shapes, if necessary. Lightly press down on tops of rolls to flatten slightly. Bake 32-36 minutes or until golden brown and dough is baked through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm. Recipes adapted from Pillsbury.com . Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life to join its close-knit congregation. Located at 1289 Williams Lake Road, Bolton, Mississippi, this small country church is dedicated to glorifying God through worship, fellowship, and service to the community. Under the leadership of Pastor David E. Johnson, Sr., Zion Chapel offers a range of weekly services designed to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Sunday mornings begin with Sunday School at 9:00 a.m., followed by an inspiring worship service at 11:00 a.m. Additional gatherings include Sunday evening Young People Worship at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday night Bible Band and Friday night prayer and testimony, both starting at 7:30 p.m. With a longstanding presence in the area, the church has been a source of spiritual guidance and support for generations of worshippers. Pastor Johnson is the youngest son of Superintendent Earnest Johnson and the late Mother Joe Mary Johnson. A fourth-generation member of the Church of God in Christ, he has been a member of the Church of God in Christ for over 50 years. He accepted his call into the ministry and was licensed to preach by his father in 2008. He was ordained an elder in 2009. He has been an active member of Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ in Bolton since the beginning of his father’s pastorate in 1963. Elder Johnson has been an ardent supporter of his father’s ministry as evidenced by the numerous roles he plays at the church. He currently serves as Associate Minister, Sunday School Superintendent, Junior Class Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Superintendent Earnest Joseph Johnson Scholarship Committee, musician and choir director. He was recently appointed as District Seven Sunday School Superintendent. Pastor Johnson loves the Lord and is passionate about reaching the youth of the church. The church is not only a place of worship but also a pillar of support for the local community. Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ provides a warm and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and purpose. Its mission to unite people as one family under God is reflected in its outreach and acts of service. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, a sense of belonging, or an opportunity to serve, Zion Chapel Church of God in Christ invites you to experience the love of Christ in action. For more details, visit their official website  or attend one of their vibrant services.

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Bolton Baptist Church is a welcoming and close-knit congregation devoted to helping individuals grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. This small country church embraces people from all walks of life, uniting them as one family under God. Bolton Baptist aims to glorify God through worship, fellowship, and acts of service within its local community. Sunday mornings at Bolton Baptist begin with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., followed by a vibrant worship service at 11:00 a.m. These gatherings include music, prayer, and a thought-provoking message from Pastor Jonathan Poe, who joined the church in December 2023. Pastor Poe brings a deep passion for teaching and leadership, drawing from his background in theology and experience pastoring in Mississippi and Texas. Midweek services on Wednesday evenings start at 6:00 p.m. and offer a unique combination of fellowship, a shared meal, Bible study, and worship—creating opportunities for members to grow spiritually and build meaningful connections. Bolton Baptist is deeply committed to serving its community, providing a warm, inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and purpose. The church is located at 306 Bolton Brownsville Road in Bolton, Mississippi. All are invited to join this vibrant congregation and experience the love of Christ in action. For more details, visit their official website at Bolton Baptist Church . Pastor Jonathan Poe

The 4K students at Central Hinds Academy recently embarked on an exciting learning adventure, gaining firsthand experience with the postal system. As part of their lesson on communication and community helpers, the young students took a special trip to the school’s mailbox to send off letters of their own. Dressed in warm smiles and filled with excitement, the children carefully carried their letters, each one uniquely crafted with drawings and messages. Teachers guided the students through the process, explaining how letters travel from one location to another and the important role postal workers play in delivering mail. "This activity helps students understand how the postal system works in a hands-on way," said one of the teachers. "It’s also a great way to reinforce early writing skills and teach them the joy of sending and receiving mail." The students eagerly took turns placing their letters in the mailbox, a moment filled with pride and curiosity. Many wondered how long it would take for their letters to reach their destinations and expressed excitement at the possibility of receiving mail in return. By participating in this engaging activity, Central Hinds Academy’s youngest learners not only deepened their understanding of how mail is sent and delivered but also experienced the joy of personal communication through letter writing. The trip to the mailbox served as a memorable lesson, highlighting the importance of the postal service in everyday life.