As the year draws to a close, the staff and students of Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School extend a huge thank you to Dr. Shelby and The Kirkland Group for their unwavering instructional support throughout this school year. Your dedication to enhancing education and empowering both teachers and students has made a lasting impact on our community. From providing valuable resources to sharing expert guidance, your contributions have been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and grow as a school. Your commitment to education reflects the true spirit of teamwork and collaboration, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership. As we embrace the holiday season, we also pause to reflect on the joy and sense of community that Bolton-Edwards represents. It’s a time to cherish the connections that make our school a special place and to remember the many hands and hearts that contribute to our success. Thank you once again, Dr. Shelby and The Kirkland Group, for your support, and may the holiday season bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your families.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB In between the blockbusters of the Thanksgiving season and the blockbusters of the Christmas season comes “Kraven the Hunter,” a movie that was never going to be a blockbuster in any season. Sergei “Kraven” Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is another one of those Spider-Man villains that’s getting his own movie because Sony still has a piece of the “Spider-Man” franchise and they think fans will mistake it for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is owned by Disney. “Venom,” “Morbius,” and “Madame Web” are all part of the same branch. Supposedly there are (or at least “were”) plans for a big Avengers-style crossover down the line, but these movies keep bombing so badly that fans don’t care if they continue. Kraven’s origin is that he and his brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger) were brought up by their imposing Russian gangster father Nikolai (Russell Crowe), who was big on hunting metaphors. After their mother died under mysterious circumstances, Nikolai took the boys on a hunting trip, where Sergei was mauled by a lion. He nearly died, but aspiring voodoo priestess Calypso (eventually played by Ariana DeBose) gave him a magical potion that not only restored his health, but gave him the ability to communicate with animals. Now Kraven is a hunter like his father, but instead of animals, he hunts people. Sometimes this just means tracking people down to talk to them (like Calypso, who’s now a lawyer), but usually it means killing bad guys. Kraven spends most of the movie trying to protect Dmitri, whether it’s from their father’s control or from a rival gangster known as The Rhino (Alessandro Nivola). The Rhino employs an assassin called The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott), whose gimmick is that he can disappear while he counts to three, then pop out somewhere unexpected, usually to kill someone. The moment I met this character, I knew his downfall was going to come in a scene where he disappears for a two-count, then something “surprising” keeps him from reaching three. The movie could have done without the dull Foreigner, since it already has a pretty good surefire villain in The Rhino and a complicated villain in Nikolai. For that matter, the protagonists aren’t bad either. I can actually see Taylor-Johnson, Hechinger, DeBose, Nivola, and Crowe making an effort here. I can see Taylor-Johnson turning Kraven into a cool character under different circumstances. I got a few chuckles out of Nivola’s scenery-chewing. But this isn’t a movie that knows how to capitalize on the talent in its ranks. This is a movie that is here to slap together a few smoldering shots for publicity stills, a few action scenes for trailers, and call it a day. Taylor-Johnson is fine when he’s giving a performance, but not when “Kraven” is unconvincingly hopping around a supposed maximum-security prison. Nivola gives his character some engaging personality, but it’s hard to notice when he’s become an ugly (not terrifying, just ugly) CGI Rhino. “Kraven the Hunter” is just another in a long line of Spider-Man-adjacent bombs. There’s only one way I see these Sony also-rans having any kind of future: Disney needs to buy them for a song and bring them over for the crossover with the one character that can make them interesting. I’m not talking about Spider-Man, I’m talking about Deadpool! Don’t laugh (or do, I don’t care), he’s helped the public regain interest in the likes of Elektra, Chris Evans’ Human Torch, even himself after his awful 2009 debut. He’s on a roll and I’d love a movie that’s 20% superhero adventure and 80% jokes at the expense of how badly these characters flopped in their own movies. And yes, this movie is a such a flop. Grade: C- “Kraven the Hunter” is rated R for strong bloody violence, and language. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Many people do. Many people find this particular holiday season to be full of heartache, or a nameless void. They can feel a myriad of unwelcome emotions that threaten to overwhelm and sink them into a black hole. Sadness, depression, loneliness, anxiety, or just the very fear of any of those. Any one, or all of these emotions can descend without warning on their lives and take the wheel. Others around them may understand their problem and attempt to help, or they can be totally clueless. Some will begin avoiding the sufferer or even get annoyed that their own happy season is being sabotaged by such an inconsiderate person. But what is actually ground zero for this suffering? What is the root cause of the pain people suffer during what is universally accepted as the world’s greatest and happiest holiday time? Unless you are the victim, you cannot provide a real answer. There is no possible way that one person can know exactly what another is thinking, and therefore feeling, because of those personal thoughts. None of us have ESP, no matter what Aunt Lizzie has claimed. But we can know this. The emotional pain is real, and is related directly to the thoughts surrounding a time in our lives. And the more painful that time, the more difficult it is to contain and divert our thoughts from it. Think of a dog chasing his tail. That never-ending challenge is a battle in itself. “Will I ever get over this and feel happy at Christmas? Will I ever learn to smile again, and truly mean it?” Christmas-dreader, you are not alone with this problem. Many others share your pain during this season. Countless others suffer in silence, just like you. And just like you, they paste on the fake smile and use their artificial laughter for the sake of those around them. They too have learned the emergency-driven art of 8/4/8 X 15 breathing, to take control of spiraling anxiety and fear. Now, I do realize that this is no comfort to you, to know that others are struggling also. So, what can I offer you that will begin to ease the pain of memories that don’t allow you to breathe easily? To promise a future will finally allow your pain to begin subsiding into a dull ache? And provide you with real reasons to sleep well, and then awaken with a zest for living again. I’m no miracle worker. Personally, I can’t offer that hope to you, but I know the One who can. He definitely wants to help you find ways to handle your pain. If you will open up, over and over, in total honesty to Him about your anger, depression and fear, He is the one who can offer you hope of one day starting to enjoy life again. And giving you hope is one thing that I do feel comfortable offering to you this Christmas.

Mississippians in need of dental treatment can apply for free services available during Dental Mission Week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.  The school’s ninth annual Dental Mission Week, set for Feb. 4-6, seeks to raise awareness of issues related to access to dental care and to provide free dental care for vulnerable populations that include medically underserved or uninsured minor children and adults, including military veterans.  Free services provided are cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene education. Those selected for treatment will be contacted by the School of Dentistry to schedule an appointment.  "Since 2017, Dental Mission Week has been an integral part of the work we do in the School of Dentistry to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities in the state,” said Dr. Pia Chatterjee-Kirk, interim dean of the School of Dentistry. “In that time, our students, faculty and staff have provided uncompensated dental care to over 7,000 Mississippians who may not have otherwise been able to get the care they needed.”  The deadline to apply is Dec. 30. Visit umc.edu/DMW to download an application. Applications are also available at the School of Dentistry or from a local Veterans Affairs facility liaison.  Applications must be mailed to UMMC School of Dentistry, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39215 including a working phone number and signatures where indicated. The School of Dentistry will not accept applications that are emailed or faxed.  For more information, call 601-984-6185.

BEEMS Benchmark 2 Testing is scheduled for December 16-20 . This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning progress. Parents, ensure your child gets plenty of rest and arrives on time. Let’s work together to achieve academic success! Following testing, students can enjoy holiday-themed events celebrating their progress and achievements. Friday, December 20 will be a 60% day for early release.

By Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB             “Gladiator II” has some awfully big sandals to fill, both commercially and creatively. Its predecessor, 2000’s “Gladiator,” made $187 million at the domestic box office. The new film has thus far made an estimated $132 million after three weekends of release. With a lot of money up for grabs in the upcoming holiday season, another $55 million isn’t out of the question. Maybe I could even stretch to see it making the $68 million it needs to hit the $200 million mark. Yes, inflation means that it’s less impressive to make these numbers now than it did nearly a quarter-century ago, but these are attainable goals. What I do not see as attainable is the sequel ever becoming as well-regarded as the original. That film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, so already the new one has to live up to an impossibly high (dare I say “gold”?) standard. But even with realistic standards, this movie is still a disappointment.             The second film takes place a few decades after the first, with the once-great Roman Empire ready to collapse under the blissfully-ignorant rule of twin emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). They’re still greedy enough to want to expand the empire, so they send out top general Acacius (Pedro Pascal) to conquer a kingdom in Africa. Acacius doesn’t believe in the imperialist cause, but he’s sworn allegiance to his home, so he sacks the kingdom, which includes killing the wife of top soldier Hanno (Paul Mescal), who swears revenge.             Hanno is taken prisoner and sold into slavery, where he’s served up as a potential gladiator without much consideration. But he impresses in his tryout against a troop of baboons, and is purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who sees managing gladiators as a way to curry favor with the emperors, feeding into political ambitions and possibly even a power grab. He makes a deal with Hanno that if his “personal instrument of destruction” can become a superstar in the Colosseum, he’ll eventually give him a chance at revenge against Acacius.         Hanno is conflicted between wanting revenge and not wanting to be used as a political pawn for a slimeball like Macrinus. He’s not conflicted about wanting to stay alive, however, so he plays along in putting together a string of victories. Also, Acacius’s wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the daughter of former emperor Aurelius, notices that Hanno bears a striking resemblance to her long-lost son Luscious. And Luscious’s father… is not Acacius.             The story and action aren’t very engaging in “Gladiator II,” with choppy editing and plodding pacing. But the real weakness of the movie is the acting. Pascal and Nielsen are fine, and the emperors get to do some fun scenery-chewing, but whoever thought that bland pretty-boy Paul Mescal could be an inspirational protagonist on par with the iconic Russell Crowe made a severe miscalculation. Also, and I’m not saying that the rest of the cast is exactly making me feel immersed in Roman culture, but there’s something so unmistakably American about Denzel Washington. Maybe it’s his voice, maybe it’s his mannerisms, maybe it that he shares a last name with the nation’s capital, but he belongs at Caesar’s Palace much more than he belongs at… these Caesars’… palace. He’s too Vegas-y is what I’m saying.             “Gladiator II” has my permission to be a modest financial hit as long as it stays in the shadow of superior recent releases “Moana 2” and “Wicked,” the latter of which has much scarier CGI primates. But it hasn’t won me over as a movie worth recommending, and I definitely don’t consider it an awards contender. Am I not entertained? Taking into account the wording of that question, I can say that yes, I am not entertained.   Grade: C-   “Gladiator II” is rated R for strong bloody violence. Its running time is 148 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com I am convinced of a truth after living all these years on this earth. Simply and baldly stated, there are some people who have bathed themselves in misery for years. And they truly do not want anyone to hand them a big thick towel to dry off.  They experienced a severe trauma in their life some time before, and rather than grieving it, and then slowly moving past it - or at least WANTING to move on from it - they get stuck with that wet muck all over them.   Now I am not saying they consciously prefer to live the rest of their years on earth in sadness and misery. Not at all. I am saying that they do not know how to want   to get on with their newly adjusted life. And there lies the problem.   Deciding to move on in a new way with your life takes guts and determination. And for some, that just seems entirely too difficult, so they just stop. They have been mired in grief and depression for so long that the deep hole they have lived in simply become a way of living. Grief and depression can zap physical strength, fuzz your ability to think, and badly weaken your ability to ‘gird your loins’ to do what needs to be done. So too many hurting folks can end up feeling as if there is no way out, no hope of ever getting back to enjoying life. They will tell anyone who wants to help them that they really don’t want their help, all they really want is for their time on earth to be over. And if someone insists on offering encouragement or solutions to their problems, very often the traumatized-person-who-has-decided-to-remain-that-way will become hurt and angry.   Going down the drain of defeated thinking, feeling, and living.   What do you do - as the ‘someone’ who cares and wants to help? Certainly, you can suggest professional counseling. But beware, you best have on your asbestos suit. Talking in depth about their feelings is usually the last thing they want, and they will let you know it. Being there for them is good and necessary, but again, don the asbestos suit. You’re going to need it over your heart and feelings. Their pain level can take its toll on you.   You will really need to remember this: Each person who is grieving does it in their own way and on their own time table. The old belief: “It’s been a whole year, my word! Can’t she pull herself up by her bootstraps and get on with her life yet?” may be true for some. But it is not fool-proof and guaranteed for all. Patience, a listening ear, encouragement, and a willingness to dance the one-step-forward-and-two-steps-backward pattern with your loved one is vital.   Last advice? Be self-aware and care for yourself. Don’t ignore your own feelings and find yourself swirling the drain, when it’s almost too late.

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board (MEMB) works to promote and expand the market for Mississippi produced eggs. Every year, the MEMB and the American Egg Board (AEB) combine efforts to educate communities on the versatility and cost-effective nutrition source that eggs provide. As part of those efforts, the American Egg Board's Eggcelerator Lab® is excited to launch its annual Product Development Competition. This year's competition challenges students to develop new and innovative products featuring egg yolk. Students can win a total of $18,000 in prizes and a trip to Chicago. This competition will engage, excite and encourage students to think big by showcasing their knowledge, expertise and ideas in creating food products that focus on new and novel uses for egg yolks. Eggs are an ingredient with endless nutritional and functional benefits. Through this competition, participating students will have the unique opportunity to develop innovative ways of using common egg ingredients to meet today's consumer preferences for new types of food products. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in institutions within the United States are eligible to compete in creating new food products that incorporate egg as an ingredient. Successful entries will meet specific competition criteria demonstrating innovation and providing value to consumers. AEB's Eggcelerator Lab® is the egg industry's innovation center, created to spearhead innovation and help bring new egg-based product ideas to market through unparalleled insights and proven innovation methodologies, along with unmatched technical, functional, culinary and nutrition expertise. The Eggcelerator Lab® is addressing consumer needs through transformative products and technologies that capitalize on the unique functional and nutritional benefits of the incredible egg. Visit www.incredibleegg.org/eggceleratorlabcompetition/ for guidelines and eligibility requirements. For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at msegg@mdac.ms.gov .

The Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA) is celebrating 50 years of training firefighters and saving lives and property. To celebrate this milestone, a small gathering of current and former MSFA staff and instructors along with members of the fire service will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the MSFA Auditorium at 1:00 p.m. MSFA is located just outside the capital City of Jackson in Rankin County, Mississippi, on one hundred-twelve acres. MSFA began in 1974 with James S. Hart Jr. as the Executive Director traveling the state and operating out of his pickup truck. In March 1975, a groundbreaking ceremony was held where the Administration Building now stands. Firefighters from all over the state come to MSFA for training. Volunteer firefighters and corporate employees also receive training here. Kelly Elliott currently serves as the 6th Executive Director, "The Mississippi State Fire Academy reflects the dedication, skill, and passion of the people who have contributed to its growth over the years. From instructors to support staff, each individual has played a vital role in shaping not only our state's fire service but also a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond. As we celebrate 50 years, we honor the work that has saved lives, protected communities, and ensured our firefighters are always ready to answer the call—Making a Difference When It Matters the Most." The mission of the MSFA is to serve the Mississippi fire service community and the world by providing quality education and training in fundamental and advanced skills to save life and property. MSFA is a subdivision of the Mississippi Insurance Department and falls under the leadership of Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. "The Mississippi State Fire Academy is one of, if not, the best firefighter training academies in the world. For 50 years, men and women have come in, given their all, and returned to their communities to serve others. The dangers of firefighting can never be completely removed. It is a very dangerous occupation. Good training, knowledge, and skills can help a firefighter survive the physical dangers of the job. The training the State Fire Academy offers continues to be the most up-to-date and advanced and I look forward to another 50 years of exceptional service," says Chaney.

By Kara Kimbrough     I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: those on your Christmas gift list would prefer a gift you make over something that comes from a store. Even better if it’s a gift from the kitchen or at the very least, a bakery or specialty food or beverage item they can enjoy during the holidays.     My argument for homemade gifts is bolstered by a personal testimony from Christmas 2023. Stumped by the prospect of finding something to give to three different high school principals at whose schools I serve as a career coach, I filled gift bags with tins of homemade spiced nuts and cookies and a bag of Christmas coffee and a matching mug. I dropped them off with the instructions to "relax and enjoy this during your Christmas break!"     On the first day back at school following the break, one of my principals watched for my arrival on the school’s camera system. She then met me at the front door to personally thank me for the bag, adding that she enjoyed watching Christmas movies while munching on the snacks and drinking spiced coffee in the holiday mug. I considered it high praise from someone who most likely received many Christmas gifts but was still touched by my simple bag of treats.    This year, I plan to make my own Christmas coffee blend and pour it into decorated Mason jars with a printed tag listing instructions. I’m also changing up my treats, switching to shortbread cookies and pralines – two of my favorite items to make during the holidays.     I’m happy to share the recipes, with another word of encouragement: “Make your own gifts - your friends, neighbors, teachers, bosses and others will appreciate them more than you know!” Christmas Coffee Mix 2 cups powdered creamer 1-1/2 cups hot cocoa mix 1-1/2 cups instant coffee 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar (adjust according to taste) 1-1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground clove 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cardamom       In a large container or jar, combine the powdered creamer, hot cocoa mix, instant coffee, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground clove, ground nutmeg and ground cardamom.   Make sure   the container or jar is tightly sealed, then shake or mix the ingredients very well. This step is crucial to make sure all ingredients are mixed well. Microwave Pralines 1 pound light brown sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 to 2 cups chopped and/or whole pecans      In a 2-quart bowl, combine sugar and whipping cream only and microwave on high for 10 minutes or until soft-boil stage. Stir in butter or margarine, vanilla and pecans QUICKLY, stir until glossy.      Drop QUICKLY by tablespoonful onto ungreased wax paper. Shortbread Cookies with Pecans 3/4 cup butter,  softened to room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar 1 egg yolk 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2-3 dozen pecan halves     Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat butter with a hand mixer until creamy. Next, gradually add the sugar, beating well between each addition until light and fluffy. Then add the egg yolk and mix to combine. Add the flour and beat on low and keep mixing until well combined and the dough forms. Next, add the vanilla and mix to combine.     Shape dough into 1 ½ inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Gentry press a pecan half in the center of each cookie. Bake 16-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool slightly then transfer to wire cooling racks and cool completely. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

This holiday season, the Mississippi Poultry Association (MPA) continues its annual tradition of giving by donating chicken and eggs to benefit Mississippians in need. Governor Tate Reeves has chosen The Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army as the recipients of this generous donation, which will provide crucial protein to families facing hunger during the holiday season. “This donation is a testament to the compassion and generosity of Mississippi’s poultry industry,” said Mack Walker, MPA Chairman of the Board. “We’re proud to work alongside Governor Reeves to ensure this food reaches those who need it most.” The partnership between The Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army will ensure the distribution of these nutritious products to communities across the state. The donation will provide meals to thousands of families, offering hope and relief in a challenging year. “At the Mississippi Food Network, our mission is to fight hunger, and partnerships like this make all the difference,” said CEO Dr. Charles Beady. “We’re grateful for the continued support of the MPA and the opportunity to collaborate with The Salvation Army.” “This gift is about more than just food—it’s about bringing comfort and nourishment to families in need,” added Major Timothy Delaney. “We’re honored to work alongside the Mississippi Food Network to make this possible.” The Mississippi Poultry Association has been facilitating this donation since 2011, reflecting the industry’s deep commitment to supporting local communities. Together, The Mississippi Food Network and the Salvation Army thank MPA, Governor Reeves, and the hardworking individuals across Mississippi’s poultry industry for their dedication to helping others. Join the Mississippi Poultry Association, Mississippi Food Network, and The Salvation Army on Thursday, December 12th at 10 AM. Please note that Governor Reeves will not be in attendance.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) is seeking applications from high school sophomores to serve as the new high school junior student representative on the SBE Board for the 2025-26 school year. Application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025. Now in its seventh year, the Student Representatives of the Mississippi State Board of Education program includes a high school junior and a high school senior who serve as non-voting SBE members to share their viewpoints on policy decisions regarding Mississippi public schools. The current SBE junior representative, Crosby Parker of Gulfport High School, will serve as the senior representative in 2025-26. Through a competitive process, the SBE will appoint a new junior representative to serve a two-year term starting July 1, 2025. The top 10 semi-finalists among applicants, including the junior representative appointed and an alternate representative, automatically get to serve on the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. There were 33 students who were eligible applicants for the 2024-25 junior representative position. The SBE adopted policy in 2018 outlining criteria for adding student representatives to the State Board. Student representatives are responsible for attending monthly SBE meetings and any standing committees or subcommittees to which they are assigned. They are excused from school to attend SBE meetings as official school business, and they also work as liaisons for their peers to SBE. The application packet must be mailed and postmarked by Jan. 31, 2025. Access the application at mdek12.org/mbe/student-representatives-of-the-mississippi-state-board-of-education/ . A video component of the application must be uploaded by 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2025. For questions, contact Donna Hales at (601) 359-3857 or email dhales@mdek12.org . Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news .