Ever been looked squarely in the eyes and bluntly told you are a bitter, angry person? Probably not. After all, who in their right mind wants to be within twelve feet of a bear and throw heavy stones at that huge, furious mass of muscle and bone? Nobody wants to face that. Facing that bear would be the equivalent of standing in the same room with you while telling you this truth; “You are hard to be around. You always find a way to be angry…always. It never seems to matter what the subject happens to be when we are talking, you are always upset.  Another thing. When anyone does something for you, it’s never quite enough. You are never satisfied. You are a bitter, resentful person, and everyone knows they take their emotional life in their own hands when they choose to be around you for very long at all. I love you, but I am so tired of your constant attitude that this world owes you something. In your painful and twisted thinking, you somehow hold every one of us accountable for your loss. And you will continue doing it until you get what you want, or until the day you die.” Of course you probably have never been told that. For two reasons. You are still loved by family and friends, in spite of your difficult personality. And no one who loves you wants to hurt you with such cruel, blatant words. And secondly, humans are basically a chicken-hearted race when it comes to poking an angry bear. But, Bitter Person, you need to hear some loving truths. And that truth is this; You do have to live this life. Unless you get so fed up and bitter that you decide to end it all. And because you have to live this life, you deserve to live it in peace. To have joy and forgiveness that will make all the difference in the years you have left. For your own sake, you need to face your loss, forgive God and anyone involved, and decide to embrace what you have left and enjoy it. Yes, you will probably always mourn what you don’t have anymore. That is understandable. But here’s the problem. Each and every day while you are walking forward, you have your head turned around backward as you gaze longingly at the past. Blind to your future. And that is causing you to stumble over every crevice and rock in your way, bringing even more pain. And the curves on that road you are on? There’s no way you can see ahead and prepare for maneuvering them successfully. Plus, you never get to see the beauty that is still ahead on your path. All of this is causing you to be bitter and angry. Hurting. Unlikeable. And lonely. Like the title of a song that was recorded years ago by a friend of mine, It's Time To Learn To Love Again. Please.

Registration is now open for Hinds Community College’s new Electrical Line Worker program on the Raymond Campus in fall 2024. The 16-week electrical line worker program will be an intensive training course designed to prepare students for careers in the electrical utility industry. The classes will be offered Monday through Friday in the fall and spring with an enrollment capacity of 16 students per semester. “Hinds is offering this program in response to the electrical utility industry saying more line workers are needed to meet the demand in Mississippi,” said Jason Webb, Dean of Construction and Manufacturing. “The work they do is very demanding and satisfying.  They love a challenge and they respect hard work. We feel the same at Hinds.  We want to be part of providing that person the opportunity to begin a career in the electrical utility industry. We are excited to assist our local utility companies and contractors with trained, entry ready individuals,” Webb said. The classes for this program include: Safety for Line Worker National Electrical Code Fundamentals of Electricity for Line Workers Pole Climbing Interpersonal Skills for Line Workers Truck Driving for Line Workers For more information and to apply, go to https://www.hindscc.edu/workforce/training/electrical-line-worker

Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann is proposing several policy measures in the 2025 Legislative Session to tackle Mississippi’s high chronic absenteeism rate in public schools across the state. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 18 days of the school year, or 10 percent, for any reason including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate for the 2022-23 school year was 23.9 percent. While the rate has begun to trend down since the pandemic, and is lower than some other states, it is still more than 10 percentage points above the state’s 13 percent rate during the 2018-2019 school year. “If students are not in the classroom, they are not learning. We need to drill down into this data and see where our biggest opportunities for driving up the rate are, particularly regarding unexcused absences,” Hosemann said. Among other solutions, Hosemann said he is interested in exploring: Restricting the use of cellphones in public schools, which has been shown in recent years to severely impact student mental health, particularly during classroom instruction. Some other states and school districts in Mississippi have already implemented policies banning or restricting the use of cellphones in schools; Moving school attendance officers from the Mississippi Department of Education to district-level supervision to encourage better personal relationships between the district, officers, students, and the wider community; Increasing school attendance officer salaries. School attendance officers start at $24,528.29 in Mississippi; and Encouraging low-performing schools, which often have high chronic absenteeism rates, to consider moving to a modified calendar. A modified calendar more evenly disperses school days throughout the year, provides more short breaks during the school year, and shortens the summer, when students often experience learning loss. Several bills were introduced in the 2024 Legislative Session addressing school attendance officers with the Mississippi Department of Education’s support, but they ultimately did not pass. In the early fall when school resumes, Hosemann plans to visit schools in different regions of the state which have lower and higher chronic absenteeism rates to hear about on-the-ground challenges and other possible solutions to the problem. Hosemann has also asked the K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force, created by Senate Bill 2727, to examine this issue in the context of child and adolescent mental health and its impact on school attendance and academic performance. To learn more about Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, visit www.ltgovhosemann.ms.gov.

By: Kara Kimbrough I’m not sure how – or when – it happened, but 2024 is more than halfway done. Before more time elapses, here are the items that have made cooking, eating and traveling a little more memorable in the first six months. 1.      The first one is actually a combination food/travel find: A road trip of any length must include snacks. A new favorite is Ritz Toasted Chips in honey barbecue flavor (there’s also sweet habanero for those who prefer a hot bite). It’s taken a while for Ritz to embrace the toasted craze, but when they did, the results were delicious. 2.      Breyers CarbSmart Creamy Almond Vanilla Frozen Dairy Dessert Bars – Breyers has always “done ice cream right,” but they’ve surpassed themselves with this frozen treat. Thankfully, I don’t have to limit carbs for health reasons, but it never hurts to cut back when a product is, unlike most carb-free pastas, actually edible. After buying these for a friend with dietary restrictions, I tried them for myself. I discovered they’re not just edible, but good. After a “real” pasta dinner, enjoying one of these cool treats allowed me to have dessert, guilt-free. 3.      Traveling can be stressful, especially with the added worry of getting sick while away from home. Thankfully, I’m rarely sick on the road, but that didn’t stop me from taking preventative measures during a recent trip to Texas. Biovanta’s Immunity Defense Lozenges and Throat Spray are drug-free, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines that provide a safe and effective way to prevent illness and if needed, treat colds and a cough. I can’t positively say that’s why I survived two packed flights, continuous people exposure and non-circulating hotel room air without a sign of illness… but it definitely didn’t hurt. 4.      Selecting my next travel destination was made a little easier by a unique blanket that doubled as the perfect cozy throw this winter. A soft, 58”x 50 blanket made of fleece and microfiber fleece features the intricate art and history of mapmaking from Xplorer Maps, the travel destination for hand-drawn story maps and accessories. Blankets and other products feature a wide variety of colorful, realistic maps, including the National Parks, famous domestic and international travel destinations, many U.S. states and my favorite, a complete U.S. map depicting each state and the item for which it is most famous. Check out these amazing products at: www.xplorermaps.com. 5.      A not-so-fun aspect of traveling is having to downsize liquid items to three ounces. Even if you’re checking a bag in addition to carrying one or two onboard, who has space for full-size containers of favorite health and beauty products? OK, I DO make an exception for my full-size can of John Frieda Hairspray. However, Mychelle facial creams and a genius cleansing stick, all of which are sold in travel and full-size containers, elevated my beauty products carry-on game. Additionally, aluminum-free Crystal Sea Salt + Sage Deodorant became such a favorite due to its sturdy container and ability to do the job without leaving a streaky mess. I use it on a daily basis, not just when traveling. Many Biovanta products are sold at area drugstores; I found Mychelle products at Whole Foods in Jackson. Check out their respective websites for more details. 6.      Yoplait Protein Strawberry Yogurt – Consuming an adequate amount of protein has always been challenging, but this product has helped improve my daily intake. Besides the fact that it contains only three grams of sugar and leaves no bitter aftertaste, one small container is filled with 15 grams, or 30% of my recommended daily intake. Another game-changer in the daily aisle. 7.      Screamin' Sicilian Multi-Meat Pizza Bowl – As stated above, I’m not that concerned about cutting carbs…but that doesn’t necessarily mean I should throw ALL caution to the wind. When I first saw these flavorful bowls in the freezer case, I grabbed one solely due to the enticing package photo. After preparing it, I discovered the bowls contain “almost” everything you’d find on a pizza – meats, cheeses, vegetables and tomato sauce; the only thing missing is a carb-filled crust. With a 31gram serving count, I’ve never felt so good about enjoying my favorite pizza toppings. 8.      Packing cubes – I realize I’m late to the package cube game. I can now share they’ve been a game-changer in my packing organization. Being able to pack and grab each day’s outfit and accompanying items in one compact bag has greatly reduced the time I spend departing a hotel room every morning. After reading reviews and checking out several brands, I purchased Miami Carryon 12-piece from QVC due to its variety of sizes and shapes. 9.      And my favorite “new” travel destination of 2024? I say “new” because Mississippi’s natural, unspoiled beauty can never be surpassed and New York City, even in drizzly January, continues to hold my heart captive…but Grapevine, Texas is a recent addition to my “favorite places to visit" list. Located just outside Dallas and here’s the best part, only 10 minutes from DFW Airport, the “Christmas Capital of Texas” resembles a Hallmark movie town on steroids. There’s so much to love about this city with a small-town feel. I’ll share more details in next week’s column. 10.  Speaking of New York City, I’m still hoping I’ll manage to squeeze in a trip this summer. Reading about the free and low-cost things to do right now on NYC Tourism & Conventions’ website kicked my interest into high gear. NYC is packed with activities that include festivals, bazaars, outdoor concerts and plays, sporting events and of course, Independence Day activities galore, ranging from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest to Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. If you’re a foodie, visiting during Restaurant Week, scheduled for July 22–August 18 is a great idea. Hundreds of restaurants citywide will be offering prix-fixe menus and other specials rarely offered in NYC. To learn more about Summer 2024 in NYC’s five boroughs, visit the website at: www.nyctourism.com. Last, my favorite recipe (thus far) in 2024 is this easy homemade granola. Just like almost every supermarket product, cereal prices have skyrocketed in recent months. A bowl of granola, chopped apples and nuts and almond milk is a favorite meal. However, I can’t justify paying $4 or more for a half-full bag of oats and grains. This recipe is so easy and economical to make for meals and snacks that I highly doubt I’ll go back to the commercially-made version. Enjoy the rest of 2024  - stay tuned for more favorites at the end of the year! Easy Homemade Granola 4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats (not Quick Cook variety) 1 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans (whatever you prefer) 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 cup melted coconut oil 1/3 cup maple syrup 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (or shredded) 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries or other favorite flavors) or semisweet chocolate chips (whatever you prefer) 1/2 cup chia seeds (optional) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, almonds, cinnamon and sea salt until evenly combined. In a separate measuring cup, stir together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the coconut oil mixture into the oats mixture, and stir until evenly combined. Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Then remove from the oven, add the coconut, and give the mixture a good stir.  Bake for 5 more minutes, until the granola is lightly toasted and golden. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire baking rack.  Let cool until the granola reaches room temperature.  Then stir in the dried fruit, chocolate chips or any other optional add-ins you prefer. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By: Mika Hartman Recently, CJ took us on a beautiful vacation. We love cruising for many reasons, so we boarded the newest ship The Icon of the Seas.  Traveling with Hudson presents many challenges, but we know his life needs to be more than doctors appointments and therapy. Huddy is six and he’s been on six cruises. This isn’t meant to brag or be boastful, but to say that we have found a way that our family travels well and we go. Cruising may not be for everyone; for us, we have all of Hudson’s needed medical equipment close by in our room and we can have fun in any time increments that he’s up to. Our room is definitely used and we approach the bigger stuff in a “divide and conquer” way. Something for all. Hudson always grows on our adventures. He comes back with a more confident stride in his step. He takes more bites of food. He tries new things. We may still have the routine of his needs to meet that can’t be missed, but he deserves to live and to be challenged. I won’t endorse this ship; many hits and misses for a family like mine. I look through different lenses than most and you’d likely go “coo coo for cocoa puffs” over this floating city. I really wish they’d hire a special needs parent when making final decisions. I am not saying that they need to make the entire ship ADA friendly, but more simple considerations would have made it better for all and wouldn’t negatively change the experience for anyone. The staff was amazing and very helpful and we made several new friends onboard, too. Oh, and the crepes! Unlimited crepes are always a great idea. This cruise was the most “divide and conquer” one we’ve taken. Our daughter, Henley, is only home for a couple more years; so, vacations like this and summer freedoms are winding down with her. The goal of “just right” was met; however, CJ and I didn’t really get to do a lot together. He instead surprised me with something I've never dreamed of, a rare diamond ring. As I walked through the jewelry store on the ship, I was instantly drawn to the yellow diamonds. I looked at all of the displays and kept eyeing the yellow ones. I assumed it was because of my love for Hudson and Down syndrome, in general. Both blue and yellow have become a regular part of my wardrobe; awareness to acceptance is the mission. “Let me try that one on, please”, I told the lady behind the counter. With this gorgeous bauble on my finger, she started sharing the reason it is so rare. Only 1 carat in 10,000 carats mined are this intense canary yellow diamond. Wait, what? That’s my Hudson. A beautiful diamond that is rare, and still a perfect diamond. Extra valuable. Extra unique. Creates extra happiness and joy. Different, but brilliant. “Diamonds need not explain how radiant they are, they just keep shining. Whoever shall admire their brilliance, will find their way to them.” ~Unknown So, CJ bought it for me. It was meant to be. If you think about a diamond, it’s a piece of coal that never gave up. Any person born with Down syndrome has been coal from the start. My favorite fact about Down syndrome is this: 20% of eggs with a 21st chromosome survives the first cell division. Of that 20%, only 20% survive to fertilization. Of that 20%, only 20% actually survive the first cell division following fertilization. These children are miracles who have fought to live every step of the way. And they each “shine bright like a diamond” and they are “EXTRA rare”.

By: Bob Garver Watching “The Bikeriders,” the word “inauthentic” kept driving through my mind. For example, I wasn’t buying pretty-boy Austin Butler as a tough biker. There is a planet where Butler can come off as intimidating and that planet is called Arrakis. Here on Earth, he looks like a clean-cut actor making a calculated decision to take on a grungy role to make people notice his range, but it’s backfiring because it is so transparent. And it’s even worse for the actors that I regarded as tough guys going into this movie. Based on other performances they’ve turned in, Michael Shannon, Damon Herriman, and Boyd Holbrook all seem like good choices for a rough-and-tumble biker pic. But here they’re buried under so much bad makeup and unconvincing acting choices that it will actually be harder for me to take them seriously the next time they try to look dangerous in a good movie. The movie follows a Chicago biker gang called The Vandals from the mid-60’s to the early 70’s. The main character is actually Kathy (Jodie Comer), the wife of longstanding member Benny (Butler), who is relaying stories about the gang to a reporter (the ever-frail-looking Mike Faist, fortunately not cast as a biker). Comer is a British actress doing a Midwestern accent that I think impressed friends in acting workshops with how different it was from her natural voice. I have no doubt that the accent took effort and caused strain and discomfort and I hate to say it was all in vain, but I’m sorry, it just comes off like she’s seen “Fargo” too many times. Speaking of laughable accents, Tom Hardy is in this movie as Johnny, the gang’s leader. His Chicago accent wasn’t too distracting at first, and it even looked for a while like he might get out of this movie with some dignity intact. But then I remembered that this was the same voice he used for Al Capone in that awful direct-to-VOD biopic back in 2020 that I only reviewed because it was gaining notoriety for being terrible. I think he leans more heavily into the accent as the character gets older, either that or I was unconsciously very forgiving in his early scenes because by the end the accent is grating. There’s not much of a through-line to the narrative, just stories about the gang being tough. When some bar patrons injure Benny, Johnny and the gang burn down the bar and treat getting revenge on the perpetrators as an afterthought. Benny and Kathy struggle with his decision to stay in the gang, with Benny heavily implying that he’ll choose the gang over her if he she makes him choose. The movie goes out of its way to establish an aspiring gang member (Toby Wallace) as a character without ever really tying him to The Vandals, a surefire sign that his role here is to kill somebody important. I can’t say that I went into “The Bikeriders” as a fan of biker culture. I can say that after seeing the movie, I’m even less of a fan. The unintentional message of the movie is that bikers are either every bit the stereotypical lowlifes they’re made out to be, or they think they’re above the lowlife stereotype, except they’re not. Real-life bikers that aren’t lowlifes should be unhappy with this movie, both because it’s a negative depiction of their lifestyle and because the ones doing the depicting are bad at their jobs. Grade: D “The Bikeriders” is rated R for language throughout, violence, some drug use and brief sexuality. Its running time is 116 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA are relocating a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center from Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss to a new location in Bolton, Miss. This center will open at 8 a.m. on June 27, 2024, to help survivors affected by the April 8-11, 2024, severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding. Specialists from FEMA, the State of Mississippi, and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, check the status of their applications, answer questions, and provide referrals to resources. The mobile center will now be located at: Hinds County Public Works Department parking lot (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage) 10000 I-20 Frontage Road, Bolton, MS 39041. In addition, the following recovery centers are already open: • Hinds County: Smith-Wills Stadium parking lot (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage) 1200 Cool Bell Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 • Humphreys County: Humphreys County Multipurpose Building (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage across the street from Willard Jack Trucking) 417 Silver City Road, Belzoni, MS 39038 • Madison County: Karl M. Banks Emergency Services Complex (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage) 1633 West Peace St., Canton, MS 39046 • Neshoba County: Dixon Volunteer Fire Department (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage) 14800 Highway 21 South, Philadelphia, MS 39350 • Scott County: The Usry Voting Precinct, District 2 Building (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage) 5335 Old Highway 80, Forest, MS 39074 Centers are open: Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The center is closed on Sunday. To find the location of all open centers, visit fema.gov/drc To apply for assistance, you must bring the following: • Social Security Number • Insurance Information • Damage Information • Financial Information • Contact Information • Direct Deposit Information MEMA is working with federal and local partners to open more Disaster Recovery Centers in other disaster-declared counties across the state. It is not necessary to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. For the latest information on recovery from the April tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4790. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

A Christian school’s relocation from Jackson to the Morrison Heights Mission Campus in Clinton opens new horizons, as Providence Christian Academy (formerly Kaleidoscope Heights) finds a more suitable space and fills a niche in the community’s education choices, school and church leaders say. The academy, accredited by the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools, is one of the few Christian schools in the state that primarily serves children with special learning needs. The move folds the private nonprofit K-12 Christian academy into a family-oriented neighborhood setting — a vast improvement over its current office building surroundings, which offer little access to outdoor recreation, Head of School Becky DeWett said. The move also represents another key community mission for Morrison Heights Baptist Church, whose former campus in Clinton’s Easthaven subdivision is now the meeting base for three churches, and home to a day care facility and a food pantry. “We see it as a mission opportunity to our community, and also to the school,” said Morrison Heights Associate Pastor of Missions Tim Rowan. The school will partner with the Hispanic church, Iglecia HIspana de Clinton, in one building’s use, and occupy other areas exclusively. “I think it’s going to be transformational,” academy teacher Tabatha Tucker said of the move. She praised the uplifting, supportive environment the school provides for students, including her own son and daughter. “It opens up a way for every student to get an education they deserve, in a Christian environment that helps encourage them, and strengthens their faith.” The academy was founded as Kaleidoscope Heights three years ago, in the wake of the state welfare scandal that embroiled New Summit School owners and led to their school’s closure. Kaleidoscope Heights formed to fill the educational void for children with learning disabilities. The newly named Providence Christian Academy continues to serve a diverse range of students with specialized learning needs — children with dyslexia or anxiety and those on the autism spectrum, for instance — who can benefit from the school’s smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. Its Christian founding principles emphasize the full embrace of its mission. “We are all created in the image of God and God does not make mistakes,” said DeWett, a Clinton native who served as a missionary based in Ukraine for nearly 30 years and returned home when war broke out. She has been with the school for two of its three years in existence. “We try to help our students understand that they may have a difficulty to overcome, but they’re still image bearers of Christ. … We don’t just teach the minds. We teach the hearts, the minds and the souls. We believe in the well-rounded student, in every aspect.” The school’s name change honors the providence of God. “We’re guided by divine care, prudent preparation, community belonging,” DeWett said, echoing the school’s purpose as a place “where faith meets wisdom.” Providing options to meet individual learning needs, along with opportunities to earn a degree or complete a track toward possible employment, is a real ministry to families searching for the appropriate education for their children, Rowan said. “And, it’s a great opportunity to get to know these families and invite them into our church, to be able to meet other needs that they may have as well.” The new location’s more affordable rent offers another bright outlook. “We’re going to be able to invest in some more state-of-the-art training and state-of-the-art equipment — things that our kids are going to need in the long run.” DeWett said. The academy has 54 students and 15 staff members now, with the goal for a student body of 65 next fall. “In time, maybe next year, we’ll have more space and can expand more,” DeWett said. Class sizes never exceed 12 students. “We adapt and make allowances for different students. We meet them where they are, and take them beyond.” The school will begin its move to Clinton as early as late May, and start classes there in mid-August. Fall enrollment is now open. The 7th through 12th grades classes are near capacity with limited openings, with greater availability in the elementary levels, DeWett said. Call 769-233-8813 or email providenceacademyclinton@gmail.com for more information. The school welcomes partnerships, sponsorships and donations from local businesses, particularly for scholarships. “We have many students that are far below the poverty line, that struggle to pay our tuition, which is not exorbitant,” DeWett said. “We have parents that have three and four jobs, because they believe that their child needs to be here. We would love to look at them and say, ‘Look, we’ve covered half of your tuition, give up two of those jobs and be with your child.’ … We want to minister to the family, and the child. “The Clinton community needs to know that we’re there and we’re ready to help families and students to prosper.”

Come out to Bolton and help to celebrate the 11th annual Jimmy Ray Lewis, Sr. Walk-A-Thon. This event will be held on July 13, 2024 from 6:45 AM - 9:00 AM. This will be held at the Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Park Plaza in Bolton. There will be refreshments, health awareness presentations and free blood pressure screenings. The sponsors for this event are the Class of 1975 Hinds A.H.S./Utica, MS and Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home Inc.

The High Horse: Bite & Beverage Barn of Bolton proudly presents an unforgettable evening with Eddie Jr., Bolton's own Grammy-nominated musical icon. This special benefit concert series titled "Eddie Jr., Welcome Home" is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, starting at 6 PM, on the eve of Independence Day. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Downtown Bolton at 250 Bolton-Raymond Road, Bolton, MS, 39041, this event promises an intimate concert experience as they celebrate one of their most illustrious talents returning to his roots. Eddie Jr. will grace them with his exceptional musical prowess, delivering performances that weave together the rich tapestry of their local culture and his acclaimed career highlights. The concert is designed not only as a showcase of extraordinary talent but also as a pivotal fundraising initiative for The High Horse: Bite & Beverage Barn. As a cornerstone of community and culture in Western Hinds County, The High Horse aims to utilize this event to foster cultural enrichment and economic vitality in the region. “We are thrilled to welcome Eddie Jr. back to Bolton and to host this significant event,” says Dyamone L. White, Founder of The High Horse. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together in support of the arts and our ongoing efforts to revitalize this beautiful part of Mississippi.” Please note that tickets will not be sold prior to the event. Attendees can pay $20 at the door on the day of the event to gain entry. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic night in Bolton—come celebrate, enjoy, and support a great cause. For further information, or to schedule interviews with Eddie Jr. or event organizers, please contact: Dyamone L. White Owner and Operator The High Horse: Bite & Beverage Barn of Bolton Phone: 601-473-5113 Email: dyamone@highhorsebolton.com

Those who attended Bolton Consolidated School, from its early days up until its closure in 1970, are invited to a full school reunion this fall. The reunion will be held at the Beulah Baptist Church in Brownsville on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Former students are encouraged to attend and meet with others who also went to school at the facility. Former students are asked to pass the information about the reunion along to others, because the planning group does not have everyone's address to notify them of the event. The group says last year's reunion was a success, and that they hope to have even more people this year. In order to help the organizers prepare enough food for the event, those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to Linda Cumberland at LCumberland51@icloud.com or to Nell Yarbrough at yarbor_n@bellsouth.net or 601-857-2912.

Losing is not for the faint-hearted. It takes its toll on your mind, your emotions, and your body, no doubt about it. It literally takes a champion at heart to lose, because you have to have a lot of courage to face the battering of your self-esteem. And your finances. And your heart. If you’re currently in the middle of losing, or have ever been the loser, I have a few things to say to you. First of all, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger on a dead horse in the desert. You are not the only one stranded in that hot dry sand right now, and there are millions who have already stood where you stand. And millions more who will. The stark fact is that we all face loss at one time or another. You probably won’t appreciate this next statement, if you are in the middle of your loss right now. But here it is. Your loss is not the most important fact, no matter how lousy it is making you feel about your life. What is a more important fact that you know? You will survive! And you will actually gain from that loss! Because it will teach you that you have courage, the gravel in your gut, to take such a knockout blow and still be alive in spite of it all. Realizing that you are courageous and a survivor is vital. Life doesn’t play fair, and for you to know that “I survived disaster once, so I know I can do it again,” is a self-knowledge that will serve you well the next time Life decides to try to kick in your teeth. You will hurt, yes, but you will also know that pain doesn’t have to kill you. Eventually you will be able to pick yourself up, and start over. The word that describes that, folks? Courage. And that very same courage that it takes to fail and begin again is part of our DNA as American citizens. Untold losses and failures happened in the lives of our courageous fore-fathers who built this country, one pain-filled step at a time. They survived, and so can we. They eventually thrived and built a great nation. And so can we. If we stay true to what our forefathers taught us - to just keep working, trusting, and surviving the pain of loss. And that leads to the last thing. Remember, the Creator is on your side. But He has a plan for your life, and it includes winning and also losing at times. Winning feels great, but losing builds courage and character. That’s undoubtedly why He planned each life with wins and losses built into it. He never wants us to stay like toddlers, who don’t have the ability to mature and withstand heartache. Our Creator wants us to grow strong and courageous. Scary stuff, so develop the courage to lose.