You are one talented and gifted person – no doubt. When He tucked you into your mom’s womb, your Creator handed you some abilities that are expressly yours. You may be one who socializes easily, able to talk the horns off a billy goat. Or you could be gifted with the ability to effortlessly make and manage money. You may be a tremendously talented artist. Maybe easily having sweet little babies like an assembly line is where you shine. Teaching may your slot. Or you may be able to repair anything that exists. I don’t have any idea who you are – but I do know everyone has gifts. But how are you using yours? Just because you are really good at something doesn’t mean you should be doing it – the way you are doing it. There is the right way and there is ‘abusing what you have been given.’ There are always two ways to go with your talent. And I do mean always. Are you just being friendly with others, or are you gossiping? Simply making money, or cheating at it because you know how? A wonderful artist creating wholesome work or, um...otherwise? Giving strong leadership or all-out bullying? Having babies, but then not truly parenting? If you haven’t yet found your gifting yet, you will at some point in your life. Also at some point, you will be tempted to use it wrongly. Typically, that temptation involves a desire for money, fame, or power. And it takes prayerful determination to doggedly cling to a decision to “Use what I have in a good way.” Want an example extremely close to home for me? I could be writing smut right now, and making money from publishers who are willing to use my words to line both their pockets and mine. I could have wielded a microphone on the sleazy stages of nightclubs, instead of churches across our country. A social expert needs to be constantly self-aware of crossing the gossip line. The financial guru has to back off from crossing the no-no line of ethics. Mechanical geniuses and teachers have their own temptations when it comes to their work. And the artist? You can be a wholesome creator, or you can give in to the temptation of the sensational. A baby-maker on steroids? You better make certain that you provide love, discipline and time for each of those babies. Folks, my point is this. Find your gift of God. Determinedly hone it to where it holds a fine sharp point. Ask your Creator to keep you accountable for how you use it in life. Then use it. Use it well. Use it as a major part of your life, but use it in a way that doesn’t cause you guilt and shame at the end of the day. Make certain your Maker looks at you with pride, because you used His gift to you to make life worthwhile for yourself and others around you.

By Robert Jordan There is a dirty little secret in the healthcare system that most folks are unaware of, and it may impact your ability to go to the pharmacy of your choice. I am speaking of the reimbursement rates for medications that are being paid to pharmacies, mostly independent pharmacies, around the state. That may not seem that important but let me explain. Our society has allowed monopolies to take over the system of delivering drugs to patients in the name of cutting the cost of healthcare. In the pharmacy world, those monopolies are called PBMs, or Pharmacy Benefits Managers. In many cases, the PBM, the chain pharmacy, and the wholesaler are all wrapped into one. This means that a company sells drugs to itself, pays whatever it wants to its own subsidiary and charges patients what they want for needed medications. This has created a situation where a PBM effectively controls all aspects of an industry, apart from manufacturing of drugs. But, why let this get in the way of profits? They simply go to manufacturers, and without regard to safety or efficacy, tell them that if they do not give the wholesaler (owned by them) a deep discount, then their drugs will be nonformulary, or require prior authorization, dampening sales. Independent pharmacies are also a target of these tactics. The PBMs create contracts that require pharmacies to accept minuscule profits, or even losses for medications. They hide behind the fact that pharmacies are under no obligation to sign these contracts, but when 75 percent of the population is covered under insurance, this is akin to suicide for a pharmacy. They have been systematically lowering reimbursements over the last decade and like a frog in slowly warming water, pharmacies have adjusted by lowering staffing and making it up in other services, never quite getting fed up enough to jump out. Unfortunately, the boiling point is getting close. The power of PBMs exploded when the quest to lower healthcare costs came to the forefront of politics. They swooped in and promised to lower costs and to keep the system in check, and to save taxpayers and companies money. What happened was that the cost of healthcare did not go down at all, in fact it exploded. PBMs profits have also exploded. In fact, nationwide, PBMs generated 315 billion dollars in revenue last year. If they were generating this profit by making the system more efficient, or offering better customer service, I would not be writing this. The truth is that they generated much of this profit by forcing others to take losses. If a big box store came to a small town, opened a location, and undercut their competition with the sole purpose of putting them out of business, I might encourage others to shop locally and I would support the small business as much as I could. I would never be in favor of legislation that would keep a company from competing on price. That is unAmerican and antithetical to our principles. What if that same company opened a store in a small town and through some mechanism, not only undercut their prices, but forced their competition to accept even less for the same product? What if they then threatened the small business with retaliation if they complained about the situation? I think that everyone would agree that the company in question would be overstepping its bounds. I think that most folks would support legislation that would prohibit that practice. I recently billed a PBM for a diabetes medication, which is only available in brand name, with a wholesale cost of $948.00 for a 1-month supply. The PBM set the customer’s copay at $125.00 and paid my pharmacy $776.00, for a loss of $47.00 to my pharmacy. This is not only common, its routine. I do not think that most people know that a company has the power to force a business owner to take a loss for a medication. When I explain this practice to people who are not familiar with the situation, they often react with, “isn’t that illegal”? Pharmacists have not been particularly good at communicating about this problem. If you have ever wondered why pharmacies are out of stock more often than they used to be, or your pharmacist may bypass your insurance and give a better deal, or for that matter, Doctor’s do not order labs that used to be routine, it is because of a broken system where middle men have convinced the government and large companies that they can lower costs, haven’t done so, and become incredibly wealthy in the process. In the most recent legislative session, HB1265 failed to make it out of the conference committee and back to the floor for a vote. This bill would have brought transparency, prevented PBMs from paying their own pharmacies more than they pay other pharmacies, and place the State Board of Pharmacy over more regulatory control of PBM practices. Many other states are passing laws that regulate PBMs and have found that they save money while supporting independent pharmacies which are often pillars of their community and sometimes, the only source of life-saving medications for 50 miles. I would encourage everyone to investigate this for themselves. PBMs are exceptionally good at yelling from the rooftops that any threat to their bottom line will cause skyrocketing prices for consumers. It is a shell game. They are the magicians. Think about your local pharmacy owner. Do you think that they have teams of people sitting around thinking up the next way to make themselves rich at the expense of their neighbors? They are most likely figuring out how to make their next payroll, or how to pay the charge backs from the last draconian audit that they received from a PBM, which often results in PBMs taking back money on technicalities which have no bearing on whether the patient got the right medication. The end goal of the PBMs is that you go to their pharmacies, get the drugs that they tell you to, and pay the price that they dictate. If something is not done to reign in the power of these companies, the main street and neighborhood pharmacies who have served the population of Mississippi for, in some cases, a century will cease to exist. What will they do once they do not have any competition? If the history of these companies is any guide, that is when they will really start putting the squeeze on the consumer. You will be the last place for them to pull their increased profits from.

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By Kara Kimbrough Mother’s Day may have come and gone, along with a few college graduations, but there are still plenty of special occasions occurring from now until summer. High school graduations, bridal showers and milestone birthdays are just a few of the reasons to celebrate the special people in your life. And it’s a good time overall to switch from winter’s heavy comfort foods and instead, turn to dishes and desserts that are light, refreshing and delicious! If the thought of hosting a special spring celebration creates anxiety when considering the time needed to prepare food for guests, consider mixing quality prepared baked goods from a reputable bakery or supermarket whose products you trust. A brunch or afternoon party table filled with layer cakes, cupcakes, sliced fruit breads and plates of sliced fruit is more than adequate. As long as everything is served on nice platters (just remember to hide or better yet, throw away the bakery’s cardboard box) nobody has to know who prepared the food. Whichever route you choose — homemade or store-bought — the number one rule to remember is to relax, have fun and enjoy the moment. After all, the guests attending your spring celebration will treasure the memories of the special event long after thoughts about the food have faded. Following are three of my favorite spring recipes that will make your event special while allowing you to enjoy your guests. Favorite Strawberry Pie 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 1 8-ounce container whipped topping 2 cups (or more) chopped strawberries 1 shortbread pie crust Mix cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar in mixer; add whipped topping and strawberries, and mix well by hand. Pour into crust and garnish with strawberries. Chill for several hours or freeze slightly before serving. Old-Fashioned Lemon Pound Cake All-vegetable shortening, melted 1 cup salted butter, softened 3 cups granulated sugar 6 large eggs, separated 1½ teaspoons lemon extract ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk, divided 2 cups confectioners’ sugar Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 12- to 15-cup Bundt or tube pan with melted vegetable shortening, and dust with flour. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add extract and ¼ cup lemon juice. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until stiff. Fold into batter. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean, 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons milk. Gradually whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Fried Rice, Chicken and Vegetables 4 cups cooked rice 1-2 large chicken breasts ¼ teaspoon salt Vegetable or canola oil 2 eggs 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion 4-6 cloves garlic, minced 1 cube chicken bouillon 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced Slice chicken into thin strips. Sprinkle with salt and rub it evenly all over chicken. Beat two eggs in a bowl. Heat skillet under medium heat. Add vegetable or canola oil to skillet. Once oil is heated, add eggs to skillet. When the bottom of the egg mixture is cooked, flip and cook the other side. Once eggs are no longer in liquid form, break it into small pieces. Remove from skillet and set aside.  Heat skillet under high heat. Add vegetable or canola oil to skillet. Add chicken pieces. Stir and flip occasionally until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside. Add 1-2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil to skillet. Once oil is heated, add diced onions and minced garlic. Once onions and garlic are fragrant (do not brown or burn), add cooked rice. Break apart rice if it is in chunks. Stir continuously for 30 seconds, then add chicken bouillon, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper. Stir continuously for a minute, or until everything is mixed well. Add frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken pieces and egg/omelet pieces previously set aside back into the skillet. Stir to combine. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions (optional). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

From unicycles to 18-wheelers, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages safety in all vehicles, and this month, two-wheeled vehicles are in the spotlight. May is recognized nationally as “Bike Month” and “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nice weather, so you may see more motorcycles and cyclists on the road. At MDOT, we want to remind drivers to share the road with bikes and motorcycles. Let’s help everyone reach their destination safely. Cyclists and motorcyclists should follow these tips for a safe ride: Before you leave, check your bike for proper fit, maintenance and tire pressure. Check brakes, headlights and signal indicators on motorcycles. Plan to be seen. That means wearing bright clothing or utilizing reflective tape. Use lights when riding at night. Always wear a helmet; it could save your life. They're also required on Mississippi roads. Follow all traffic laws. That means riding in the same direction as traffic, using hand signals for turns and obeying traffic signs and signals. If you’re behind the wheel of a car, follow these tips to keep cyclists, motorcyclists, yourself and others safe: Before you leave, adjust your mirrors and know your blind spots. Bikes and motorcycles are smaller than vehicles and can blend in with traffic. Check twice for bikes! Leave extra space between your vehicle and cyclists and motorcycles; don’t follow bikes too closely. By law, motorists should leave a distance of at least three feet between their vehicle and cyclists. Be nice. It is unlawful to harass, taunt or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle. Pay attention. While you can't control how others drive any vehicle, you can anticipate traffic changes, allowing you to respond at a moment’s notice. Regardless of the vehicle, everyone traveling on Mississippi roadways should be mindful and respectful of others. Always obey speed limits, avoid distractions and never drive impaired. For more bike safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.

By Bob Garver There has been a push in recent years for the Oscars to add an award for stunt work. I’m all for it, sure, give some often-unrecognized professionals their moment in the sun. My guess is it’s going to happen eventually, given the passion of the advocates and no apparent strong argument against it. Director David Leitch is no doubt a proponent of the movement, seeing as he’s a former stunt performer himself and his film “The Fall Guy” is basically a two-hour plea to give stunt performers their due. Which isn’t to say it isn’t a highly entertaining plea. It’s just about the most fun you can possibly have watching a plea. Ryan Gosling stars as stunt performer Colt Seavers. At the start of the film, Colt spends his days building a relationship with aspiring director Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) when he’s not doubling for megastar Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). A stunt goes wrong and Colt’s back is broken, which also damages his relationship with Jody. Eighteen months later, Colt’s back is healing, but things between he and Jody may be permanently severed. But then he gets a call from Gail (Hannah Waddingham), Tom’s go-to producer. Tom is filming a movie in Australia, and everyone wants Colt for stunt work. And “everyone” means Tom, Gail, and the movie’s director: Jody. He reluctantly makes the trip only to learn that Jody emphatically does not want him and Gail has ulterior motives. Tom has gone missing and Gail needs an able-bodied nobody to help track him down. Colt agrees to investigate, only because this movie is Jody’s chance to prove herself as a director and it can’t be completed without Tom. Colt is soon spending his days filling in for Tom on set, helping Jody with her film in the only way he knows how, by doing dangerous stunts. It takes some time for her anger to subside, but he’s soon back in her good graces and there’s even a hint of the two rekindling their relationship. But then there’s his night job of tracking down Tom. It’s even more dangerous, with drug dealers, gun-toting henchmen, a sword-wielding girlfriend (Teresa Palmer), and a dead body on ice. The adventure requires Colt to use all his expertise as a stuntman, which means Leitch and the movie’s stunt team get to show off all their expertise. Indeed all the stunt work is impressive, though I feel like the film is cheating a bit by actively trying to get me to pay attention to it. And it’s distractingly smooth at times, like Colt is way too competent for a person in this position. It’s been established that he can handle stunts in a controlled environment, but can he really handle action this well in the moment when he’s unprepared? The trailer hints at the disparity between movies and “real life” in a moment when Colt decides he can’t safely make a jump from a rooftop, but there are hardly any other scenes like that in the movie. Also, it’s really unwise to have Gosling do scenes where he flies through glass unharmed when certain viewers will remember a scene from 2016’s “The Nice Guys” where his character thinks he can handle broken glass easily and faces consequences when he’s wrong. Still, “The Fall Guy” delivers on what audiences came to see: creative, stunt-filled action and a delightfully witty romance. Couples that see this movie together are going to wish they had the chemistry of Gosling and Blunt, even when they’re arguing. Movie buffs will be equally enchanted by the love this movie has for the industry, especially stunts. Fans of well-conceived mysteries may sadly feel left out on this one. But overall, I can say that I “fell” for “The Fall Guy.” That line makes me want to bang my head against a wall. I wish I had a stunt double for that. Grade: B- “The Fall Guy” is rated PG-13 (Hooray! The first non-R-rated movie I’ve seen since March!) for action and violence, drug content and some strong language. Its running time is 126 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.urces in your area.

Hmmm…evidently an often-thought-about and frequently asked question. Along with many other thought-provoking ones, like: If a baby dies, does that infant go to heaven automatically? And will that child be that age for eternity? Others have questions such as; Will we be working in eternity? If so, will it be the same kind of work we were trained to do while down here on earth? (I could feel the shudders of moms of two-year-olds as I typed those last two questions). Other questions include: How does anybody KNOW they will go to heaven forever when they die? Is there truly a perfect heaven out there somewhere – where you can actually see and be with God Himself? Is there really a hell to fear? What is hell like? How do we know? So many questions in our minds, so much uncertainty. Better be reading the Bible for yourself to give you some answers. I don’t pretend for one fraction of a second to have the perfect answers to all the questions I have heard through the years.  I am not a trained Bible scholar, and if I were one, I have the distinct impression that we mere humans are prone to misunderstanding what the Good Book says. Otherwise, why would we have so many differing churches with their completely opposite beliefs about obeying God? But there is one place where I am pretty sure I can hang my hat, as my mother always said. And it is this: God is real. God is all-powerful. God is all-knowing. God is wise, trustworthy, just, and good. So, if He deems it to be the best thing for two-year-olds to stay two years old forever, well, I believe Him. And if He deems it best for you to be the caregiver of two-year-olds in eternity – then I believe you will be given the patience of Job added to the wisdom of Solomon, and you will be in love with the job He has given you. (Notice I did not write ‘if He deems it best for me to be a caregiver for two-year-olds in eternity’ - like I said, God is all-knowing about us and our capabilities. And that’s not one of ‘em for this lady.) God created you. So, He knows you – all the way down to the smallest cell in your gizzard. He knows which gifts and abilities He gave you when He created you. Therefore, He is aware of your secret visions and your dislikes. He knows where to post you in heaven. For an eternity that He promises will make your every dream a reality. So quit worrying. Oh, sure, if you really want, you can spend your time here on earth fearing and wondering about eternity. He won’t stop you. But He did instruct us to not waste our time being anxious. About anything. He also instructed us to trust Him, and then to have faith in His ability to take care of us…forever.

WHAT: With the passage of H.C.R. 60 by the Mississippi House of Representatives and the State Senate declared Mississippi the home of Southern Soul Music. Mississippi stands unparalleled in its historical contribution to American music. Among these musical treasures, Southern Soul music shines brightly, capturing the hearts of an ever-expanding audience each day. Mississippi, through iconic institutions such as Malaco Records, established in 1967, along with numerous private studios, has nurtured a rich environment for Southern Soul music, bringing to the forefront many talented artists, DJ’s, promoters, and music lovers. The follows the previous declaration of the City of Jackson in 2019 by the Councilman, now Commissioner De’Keither A. Stamps. WHO: Confirmed Attendance List: Bobby Rush, Arthur Young, Isaac Lindsey, Nellie Tiger Travis, Big Yayo, Vick Allen, Terry Wright, O. B. Buchana, Castro “Mr. Sipp” Coleman, LJ Echols, Stephanie Lukett, Young Guy, Soul City Sunz, Composition, DJ Black, Ragman, Mazerati Redd, Richard Bradley, Lamorris Williams, Robert L Jackson, Jacqueline Williams, Lee King, Christopher Mabry, Delo Brown, Big Mel, Harvey Brown (Breeze MrDo2Much), J’Cenae, Murindia Williams, Chantal Taylor, Miron Simpson, Monica Williams, Jerry Mason, Alice Luckett, Tornika Bell, Patricia Thomas Jones, DJ Pinki3, Odie Bridges, DJ “Big O”601, O Emmons, Pamela Jones, Ralph Smith, Leon jones, Patricia Thomas, Maronda Parker, Mr.Oboi /Oboi DeWayne, Vickie Shirley, Melodic Princess, Lateisha Bailey, Tre da Joker, Earl Jackson, Dennis Daniels. Action of 55 Boyz, Gold Gillis, Jake Carter, Bridget Shield, Ladie D, Davie McCullum, Mississippi HumminBoy, Latrell “milkman” knight, Da Kuntry Couple, Lady Jaide, Keneisha, Daddy Dave, Kountry Boy Kev, PREP CASHMERE, Desiree Sartin, Sherri ( Lady Redtopp) Hartwell, Rick Outlaw, Andria Scarbrough (MZ DRIA), Tyrone Davis, Kelly Crocker, Chad Barnes, The, Duchess Jureesa McBride, Vickie Baker, Eddie Simmons, DJ Bigg V, Elle Jai, The Real Dee Martin, MR REDBOY WHEN: Tuesday, May 14 at 2 p.m. WHERE: 2nd Floor Rotunda, New Capitol, 400 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201 More Details: There will be a reception to follow at M-Bar, 6340 Ridgewood Ct., Jackson, MS at 5 p.m.

In the coming weeks when you are grocery shopping, think about your letter carrier. Pick up some non-perishable food items, including cereal, pasta, pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals (such as soups, chili, and pasta), 100% juice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned protein (tuna, chicken, and turkey), and beans. Saturday, May 11, will mark the 32nd anniversary of one of America's great days of giving --- the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive. Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers in Mississippi and across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in who need our help. Participating in this year's NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is simple. Just leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox Saturday, May 11, and your city or rural letter carrier will do the rest. Nationwide, over 1.9 billion pounds of food has been collected in the past 30 years.

By Kara Kimbrough Ordinarily, I will entertain an alternate train of thought...but on this topic, I stand first. One of – if not THE – worst parts of cooking is dealing with the pile of dirty pots and pans that multiply during and after the cooking process. Inevitably, the sink is piled high with large objects to wash, no matter how simple the meal. Here’s a simple solution: tear off some aluminum foil, pile ingredients on top and place in the oven or on the grill. Voila! No dishes to wash! You’ve heard of “one pan” meals? How about “no pan” dinners, courtesy of foil that can be wrapped up and thrown in the trash once cooking is done. Another benefit of no pan dinners- they can be prepared the night before, refrigerated and baked or grilled 30-40 minutes before dinner is served. Here are recipes for three of my favorite no pan dinners. All you have to do is roll out the foil, pile on your favorite ingredients, bake and enjoy a "dish-free" evening. Beef and Potatoes Dinner 1-pound lean ground beef 1 package dry onion soup mix 4 small potatoes peeled and sliced 2 cups carrots chopped 1 large or 2 small onions, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Cream of mushroom soup Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ground beef and dry soup mix in a bowl. Form into four patties and set aside. In a large bowl combine all remaining ingredients except mushroom soup. Toss until well mixed. Spray 4 large pieces of foil with non-stick spray. Place ¼ of the vegetable mixture in the center of the foil. Top with one beef patty. Add two tablespoons of condensed mushroom soup on top of each patty. Repeat the same layers on 3 additional foil sheets. Wrap foil around ingredients, leaving space at the top for heat to circulate. Double fold the edges and crimp to seal. Also double fold and crimp ends. Place beef side up on a large baking sheet and bake 35-45 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Note: These foil packs can also be grilled at medium heat for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and ground beef reaches 160 degrees. Fish-in-Foil 5-6 fish filets (tilapia or redfish or your favorite fish) 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings 1 large baking potato, sliced thin 1 cup canola oil 1/2 cup lemon Tony Chacherie’s seasoning Mix oil and lemon juice together in a shaker. Take a large sheet of foil, spray lightly with cooking spray and place 2-3 place filets on foil, directly in center. Sprinkle with seasoning, then top with a layer of potatoes and then onions; pour a portion of oil/lemon mixture over layers. Repeat same thing with additional foil sheets. Wrap foil around ingredients, leaving space at the top of food for heat to circulate. Double fold the edges and crimp to seal. Double fold and crimp ends as well. Place packets on large baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until done. Makes 2-3 servings; double recipe as needed. Winner Chicken Dinner 1 pound chicken tenderloins or sliced chicken breasts 1 medium zucchini, chopped into 1-inch chunks 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 pound gold potatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon dried 4 tablespoons butter, cubed Salt and pepper, as needed Measure 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil to about 18 inches. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Layer chicken and veggies in a mound into the center of each sheet of foil, dividing ingredients evenly between all 4 sheets. Top with cubes of butter (1 tablespoon for each sheet of foil) and fresh herbs. Season heavily with salt and pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon of salt for each packet. Fold edges of foil over and crimp top edges and sides tightly to seal. If cooking on grill or fire, consider double wrapping to prevent tears in foil. To cook in oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes or until meat is cooked through and veggies are soft. Carefully open up foil packets as the steam inside is very hot. You can eat straight out of the foil or dump contents onto a plate. To cook on grill: Preheat grill to medium heat, about 400° and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until meat is cooked through and veggies are soft. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Ferriss Trophy presented by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort. The Ferriss Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding college baseball player in the state of Mississippi. The trophy was named for Dave “Boo” Ferriss, long-time Delta State baseball coach. The finalists for the Ferriss Trophy are Brett Sanchez of Belhaven, Dakota Jordan of Mississippi State, Ethan Lege of Ole Miss, Dalton McIntyre of Southern Miss, and RJ Stinson of William Carey. The five finalists and their coaches will be recognized at a luncheon and program on Monday, May 20th at the Golden Moon Casino. Former Southern Miss Baseball Coach Scott Berry will be the featured speaker for the event. The luncheon is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale now online at msfame.com or by calling the Hall of Fame offices at 601-982-8264. If you cannot attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the Hall of Fame website. All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Ferriss Trophy is a part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series which also recognizes the top college athlete in football with the C Spire Conerly Trophy and the top college men’s and women’s basketball players with the Howell and Gillom Trophies presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort.

By Guest Columnist Wendy Bailey, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Mental Health With the arrival of May, we are not only greeted by the warmth of spring, but also by a call to prioritize an aspect of our lives too often overlooked—our mental health. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, providing support and fostering understanding about mental health and treatment. We at the Department of Mental Health urge communities across the state to join together in acknowledging the importance of mental wellness and the resources available to support it. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to neglect our mental well-being amidst the myriad responsibilities and challenges we face. However, investing in our mental health is not just a personal choice—it's a social imperative. By prioritizing mental wellness, we not only enhance our individual lives but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of our communities. One crucial aspect of mental health awareness is early intervention. Just as we prioritize regular physical check-ups, it's essential to prioritize mental health screenings, as well. These screenings can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent the escalation of mental health challenges. Connecting with mental health services should not be seen as a last resort, but rather as a proactive step towards maintaining well-being. In Mississippi, there are eleven Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) that serve as invaluable resources, offering a range of services tailored to meet a person's needs. Whether it's counseling, therapy, peer support or crisis services, these centers can get Mississippians on their journeys to healing and recovery. However, seeking help can be daunting, often due to the misconceptions that surround mental health issues. We must work collectively to educate ourselves, replacing judgment with empathy and understanding. Mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness, but a natural part of the human experience. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we create a supportive environment where people feel empowered to seek the help they deserve. As renowned author Brené Brown once said, "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll ever do." Seeking help for our mental health is an act of courage, one that reflects a deep commitment to self-care and self-compassion. Moreover, it's essential to recognize that mental health is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. Just as we prioritize physical fitness through regular exercise and healthy habits, we must also prioritize our mental fitness through self-care practices, mindfulness and ongoing support. As we embark on Mental Health Awareness Month, let's come together as a community to prioritize mental wellness, support one another and break the silence surrounding mental health issues. Together, we can create a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health—a future where every individual can thrive. If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis or needs to speak to a trained counselor, call 988 24/7 to reach one of the call centers in Mississippi. You can also visit www.dmh.ms.gov and www.mentalhealthms.com for resources in your area.