Join us this Sunday, January 14 at 3pm as we launch Second Sunday at St Mary’s Bolton 2024 with one last visit from Bishop Seage. A reception follows in the Terry Brantley Parish House.

By Bob Garver For the first time since the pandemic, January means the release of a terrible horror movie in “Night Swim.” Actually, the pandemic only really affected January horror in 2021. It’s just that with January 2022 bringing us that nifty “Scream” reboot and January 2023 giving the world the instantly-iconic “M3GAN,” I can’t say that the horror in those years was terrible. But now we’re back to January being a dumping ground for pathetic leftovers that couldn’t cut it at Halloween. Following a perfunctory kid-gets-taken opening, we’re introduced to the Waller family. Like many families at the openings of horror movies, they’re looking for a new house. Father Ray (Wyatt Russell) had his baseball career cut short by a case of multiple sclerosis and the family needs a place where they can put down roots while he figures out the next chapter in his life. They decide against a house that suits his medical needs and instead pick one where he falls and injures himself in the backyard pool upon first visiting. I was ready to attack the believability of this decision, but then I remembered that my parents still live in the house where I burned my finger on an active iron on our first walk-through. Some extensive repairs and bad experiences with brown water later, and the pool is ready to go. Ray benefits from it the most as he engages in water therapy. The spring-fed water is helping his body heal remarkably well, and he may even be able to salvage his baseball career. Too bad everyone else isn’t enjoying the pool as much. Mother Eve (Kerry Condon) thinks she sees someone in the pool, but everyone is in bed. Son Elliot (Gavin Warren) hears the voice of the girl from the opening and something grabs his hand while swimming. Daughter Izzy (Amelie Hoeferle) is attacked by a zombie-like creature and is pulled into an alternate dimension below the floor of the pool. So… haunted pool movie. It’s not that I’m opposed to the idea of a haunted swimming pool. I’ve enjoyed plenty of haunted house movies, it doesn’t matter that this one localizes things in the backyard. Plus, a pool has a size advantage on any human villain, as well as any beast smaller than a kaiju. But if the pool is to be considered a character, then it’s a badly-written one. Its motivations and rules are murkier than the sludge stuck in its filter. We supposedly get some answers in a goofy, hurried scene of exposition late in the film, but it’s so nonsensical that the entire sequence could have been cut and I would have respected the movie for its brevity. One of the film’s few critical defenders (in that she gave it a somewhat positive two-and-a-half-star review) is Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com, who says that the pool “eats” people. No wonder she halfway likes the movie, that’s a pleasing justification: the pool needs to eat, that’s why it’s so malevolent. But no, that’s not what the pool is doing. It’s sucking people into an alternate dimension and they can never return home, but I’m not getting “eaten” from that. If the pool is meant to be eating people, then the movie is doing such a bad job of communicating this concept that I feel the need to argue with a professional critic saying that it is. The problems with “Night Swim” go far beyond the pool itself. This is a bland, unoriginal horror movie with dull characters and even duller scares. There’s a scene late in the film where a villain is stalking a protagonist and calls out, “Marco!” After a few forced moments of suspense, the villain pops out and yells, “You’re supposed to say ‘Polo!’” The film thinks that five-word, six-syllable phrase makes for an effective jump scare. That’s this movie’s sense of timing in a nutshell. Even though I don’t think the pool of “Night Swim” eats its victims, I do invite the movie overall to eat me. Grade: D “Night Swim” is rated PG-13 for terror, some violent content and language. Its running time is 98 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed a second pediatric influenza death in Mississippi for the 2023-2024 flu season. A pediatric death is defined as the death of an individual under 18 years of age. The MSDH does not provide details of the specific age, gender, or location of the death out of respect and privacy for the family. The patient in this case had not received a flu vaccine for the 2023-2034 flu season. “We highly encourage people to get a flu shot. A vaccination won’t necessarily keep you from getting the flu, although it can reduce your risk of infection and is the best protection to keep you from a severe outcome,” said Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathryn Taylor. “With a few months left in this season, we recommend everyone six months of age and older consider a flu and COVID-19 vaccination.” Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi, and the flu shot usually takes up to two weeks to produce immunity. Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at County Health Departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.msdh.ms.gov/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers. While vaccination is the best protection against flu, there are other things you can do to reduce the spread of flu whether you are vaccinated or not. These measures include: Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Staying at home when you or your children are sick. Washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your face. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH. The agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database.  Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. For more information on the flu, please visit our website at www.msdh.ms.gov/flu.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is inviting high school juniors and seniors interested in health care careers to save the date for an outreach program called Exploring Health Care Pathways. The event, which is free, will be held in the School of Medicine on the UMMC campus from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on February 24. It offers 11th and 12th graders across Mississippi the opportunity to learn more about health care professions from faculty, staff, and students representing UMMC’s various health science schools. They will also discuss Information about admission requirements, educational background for each program and opportunities for funding. Students may click on this link to sign up. Exploring Health Care Pathways is the creation of the Office of Admissions and the Improving Primary Care for the Rural Community through Medical Education (IMPACT the RACE) Program at UMMC. For more information, call  (601) 984-50

Have you ever had a bad day, when everything you touched just soured? Sure, we all have had those kinds of days, nothing new to any of us. And when you had one, didn’t you find that it was difficult to be a sweetheart to everyone around you? After all, living twenty-four hours in the pits doesn’t exactly make you feel like being The Perfect Parent/Spouse/Employee. Probably, more than likely people avoided you like the plague, to evade getting bombarded by the toxic words spewing out of your mouth. And even when you came back to normal, your family and co-workers undoubtedly felt like they needed to throw a white flag into the room before they entered, to see if it turned brown before they risked walking in themselves.  Not a pretty thought, is it? And that is my point. When bad days make you act like the south end of a north-bound donkey, you aren’t just hurting the people around you. You are hurting ‘the you’ that has to live with the long memory of just how badly you behaved. And that is no fun. If by some weird chance you don’t believe me, try this. In your head, create the next twenty-four hours. A full day when you deliberately let your guard down. When you let yourself act and speak like a complete jerk. When you’re unconcerned about your loved one’s hurt feelings as you make cruel fun of them. Carelessly and deliberately damage someone’s reputation by passing along juicy and completely false gossip about them. Yell mercilessly at your kids and watch the stricken look on their faces. For good measure, kick your kitty or puppy three feet ahead of you as you stomp into the bedroom to pick a fight with your spouse. Then, when you have mentally destroyed those twenty-four hours, stop and rethink that daydream. How would you feel if you actually acted it out? Lousy and ashamed, you say? I would agree with you, you jerk. Folks, being the previously mentioned donkey body-part creates two huge permanent problems. For the people around you who were treated so callously, as you would have probably caused them emotional scars. And also for the future you, who has to live with the memories of your shame and embarrassment. Because memories, especially the painful ones, have a very long shelf life. Something about acting like a jerk and a fool has tremendous staying power when it comes to trying to forget. Even when you beg for forgiveness from the very people you hurt, and they graciously give you what you don’t deserve, you can be haunted by a memory that never seems to fade away. Surfacing in your thoughts when you lay awake at night. Or popping up unexpectedly when that loved one is sitting quietly by your side. Not worth it, folks. Bad memories live forever, so do your best to make ones that don’t hurt.

Below freezing temperatures, ice and snow could damage your roof and plumbing. Severe weather could also mean a high number of insurance claims. Avoid claim denials by taking action now. If you plan to be away from home during the next week, leave the heat on, cover outdoor faucets and wrap pipes. Many insurance policies do not provide coverage for frozen pipes and other damage in homes that are no longer occupied or that are vacant. "For example, if you've listed your home for sale, moved out and turned off the heat, then the pipes freeze and burst, the insurance company could deny your claim because you did not take the proper steps to protect the home," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "Now is the time to reach out to your insurance agent to talk about what your policy covers." The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) recommends these tips ahead of extreme cold weather: To minimize the risk of frozen and cracked pipes, detach garden hoses from your home before freezing weather begins and properly winterize your home and irrigation systems. To protect interior pipes, leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks. Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken. Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely. Use a safe and secure ladder when removing leaves and debris from gutters or contact a professional to assist you. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic.

If you’ve already deviated from your health resolutions for 2024, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health invites you to attend their FREE Health and Wellness Fair. The event will be held at Word and Worship Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024.  Word and Worship is located at 6286 Hanging Moss Road, Jackson, MS. Attendees will have the opportunity to undergo blood pressure, glucose, and mental health screenings. Additionally, resources on COVID-19, tobacco cessation, and chiropractic services will be provided. Free HIV tests (in-person and self-test kits) and massage therapy will also be available. Dr. Sandra C. Melvin, CEO of the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, stressed the significance of residents knowing their vital health statistics. "These complimentary health screenings serve as a crucial, initial step towards achieving positive wellness outcomes," she stated. The event is made possible through collaboration with the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, Jackson Free Clinic, Body in Balance Healthcare, the Tobacco Coalition, Southern Health Alliance, CLM, and Word and Worship Church. Contact Yolanda Raymond at yraymond@advancingminorityhealth.org or (769) 572-5263 for more information.

By Kara Kimbrough As promised, I compiled a list of my “favorites” from 2023 – included are new supermarket products and hidden gem restaurants that deserve a look in 2024. Without further ado, here’s what captured (and held) my attention in the previous year. 1. Yellowstone Coffee, Steak Rub/Seasoning and Chili – First, full disclosure: I’m not an avid viewer of Yellowstone, the modern-day version of “Dallas" with Kevin Costner as patriarch. However, after I received a box of products created as a result of the show’s popularity, I was eager to see if they lived up to the show’s hype. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Caramel oatmeal light roast and heavy-duty medium roast bunkhouse coffee met my high coffee expectations. The flavorful steak rub and seasoning transformed a good piece of meat into a great one. And while I found the chili to be a little spicy, it’s a product I would purchase in lieu of any other of the canned varieties on the shelf. 2. Rao’s Made for Home Ketchup – I’ve long been a fan of the New York-based Italian restaurant’s pasta sauces, so I was excited to try the chain’s newest venture into the food business. Three varieties are available: Roma Tomato, Arrabbiata and Truffle Ketchup. I’m not a fan of spicy Arrabbiata pasta sauces, so I tried the milder Roma flavor. Flavorful and delicious, it’s now a staple on my grocery list. 3. Garcia’s Donuts in Laurel – Before you state the obvious…yes, I know doughnut shops are a dime a dozen in Mississippi. But hear me out. This is no ordinary doughnut shop. In fact, I haven’t even tried their doughnuts, although they looked absolutely fabulous. I visited the small restaurant located on 16th Avenue near the U.S. 84 intersection to enjoy lunch with a friend who’d been raving about Garcia’s burgers. So, a burger was on my radar and I wasn’t disappointed. I selected the Comeback burger, but there were many others from which to choose, each one unique and equally delicious-looking. Also on the menu are sandwiches, blue plate specials and original creations that aren’t always on the menu. It’s time for a return visit so I can sample Garcia’s newest invention, fried King Cakes filled with every delicious flavor imaginable. Hours of operations are: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; closed on Sunday. 4. Oreo Thins Lemon Cookie – Since I’m not a huge fan of chocolate, I was excited to see a Golden Oreo filled with a citrusy lemon filling. When the craving for a cookie arises, this variety of Oreo’s famous snack more than rises to the challenge. 5. Kettle Brand Unsalted Chips – I’ve long been honest about my love of potato chips, especially the uber-thick, crunchy variety produced by Kettle Brand. However, I almost had a coronary after adding up the sodium content of the chips I was consuming in one sitting. Learning Kettle produces a salt-free variety was exciting, especially since I had no viable plan for giving up my favorite snack. The only drawback is that the salt-free variety is hard to find…Walmart, Kroger…are you listening? 6.Entenmann's Glazed Cookie Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches – I’ve always been a fan of Entenmann’s packaged baked goods, but their newest product blows everything else out of the water. Picture a vanilla doughnut filled with vanilla ice cream topped with a sugary glaze. The fact that each delicious sandwich is only 7 grams of fat is the icing on the cake. 7. Activia Probiotic Dailies Lowfat Probiotic Yogurt Drinks – Being able to grab one of these flavorful drinks after a workout or any time, really, and receive my daily dose of protein, calcium and probiotics (whatever that is) made these small bottles of goodness a lifesaver this year. 8. Woody’s Roadhouse – I know I’m going to get negative feedback for including this Biloxi restaurant (there's also a Gulfport location) on the list instead of mentioning one of hundreds of locally-owned places, but here goes. Meeting a friend at the Biloxi beachfront restaurant was a decision based on convenience, but once we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The menu was filled with a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and seafood choices. Yes, it’s a franchise restaurant, but when the food is delicious, the view is outstanding, it’s easy to access from U.S. 90 and the price is reasonable, I have no problem recommending it as a place to enjoy a meal when visiting the Gulf Coast. 9. Mrs. Butterworth's Epic Cinnabon Pancake Kit – Who doesn’t love a massive Cinnabon cinnamon roll…or a stack of pancakes? Now, you can have the best of both worlds with this crazy-good innovation from Mrs. Butterworth. With a packet of cream cheese frosting and cinnamon-sugar sauce, it’s a win-win for every pancake-lover. 10. St. Pierre Brioche Waffles with Butter – I’ll admit it; I was a skeptic when I saw this package of shelf-stable waffles in the bread aisle. However, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to give it a try. I’m not sure how they do it – but the waffles DO taste like they’re homemade or at least, fresh from the freezer, then toaster. With a light sugary coating that does a good job of taking syrup’s place, they’re the perfect on-the-go breakfast (or anytime) snack. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

As colder temperatures are upon us, Central District Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps is urging cities, counties and residents to take proactive measures in ensuring their safety and the safety of their communities. One of the most effective ways to prepare for winter storms is by identifying and eliminating dead trees on private properties. Dead or decaying trees pose a significant risk during severe weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or high winds. These trees are more susceptible to falling or losing branches, which can cause damage to homes, vehicles, power lines and infrastructure. By removing dead trees, residents can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and property damage during winter storms. Common indicators include bare branches, loose or hanging bark, cracks in the trunk and fungal growth. If any of these signs are present, it is recommended to consult with a professional arborist for further evaluation and guidance on tree removal. “I emphasize the importance of early action and encourage cities, counties and residents to inspect their properties for any signs of dead or dying trees,” Commissioner Stamps said. “Our goal is to prioritize their safety and the safety of others before the onset of winter storms. Together, we can create safer and more resilient communities throughout our state.” For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Commissioner De’Keither Stamps, please contact: (646) 671-2229 or email dekeither.stamps@psc.ms.gov.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in partnership with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, urges Mississippians to plan ahead for winter weather this year. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a “wetter than average” winter for the state. Mississippians should be prepared for cold temperatures, the potential for flash flooding and prolonged power outages this season. “While we may not experience lots of snow in Mississippi, we are prone to ice during these cold months. All citizens should have a disaster go-kit that can get them through at least seventy-two hours without power,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Check on your neighbors and elderly, too.” “As winter approaches in Mississippi, it’s crucial to prepare for cold temperatures, potential snowy and icy conditions. Stay informed, have emergency supplies like blankets and non-perishable food on hand, and ensure your home is adequately insulated. Preparedness is key to navigating winter weather effectively in Mississippi. Now is the time to prepare,” says Michael Hill, National Weather Service Jackson Warning Coordination Meteorologist. The winter season can also make roads and bridges treacherous for drivers. “As we’ve seen in recent years, winter weather and extreme cold events capable of impacting Mississippi highways can strike quickly this time of the year,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “With that in mind, MDOT offers the public preparedness resources for the winter months, including safe driving tips, a car kit checklist, and car care information at GoMDOT.com/winter.” To winterize a home: • Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood-burning stove. • Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows. Install storm windows, or cover windows with plastic. • Winterize the house, barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. • Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic, and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing. • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in the house knows how to use them. • Learn how to shut off water valves, in the case of a pipe bursting. • Know ahead of time what should be done to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or employees. Car Kit Checklist: • Windshield scraper • Jumper cables • Blankets • Water/snacks • Flashlight with extra batteries • First aid kit • Cell phone charger • Emergency flares or reflectors Disaster Go-Kit Checklist: • Non-perishable food for family and pets • Extra blankets • Additional medications • Phone charger • Flashlights • Water (1 gallon/person/day) • Dry firewood • First aid kit • Hygiene items • Extra batteries More preparedness tips can be found at MSEMA.org.

Medically underserved Mississippians in need of free dental treatment are invited to apply for services available during Dental Mission Week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. Dental Mission Week, set for Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2024, seeks to raise awareness of issues related to access to dental care and to provide free dental care for vulnerable populations that include 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. In addition to providing necessary care to Mississippians, Dental Mission Week supports dental education in the School of Dentistry. Students learn how to become servant leaders in their communities, and they gain valuable hands-on experience, not just in dental procedures, but in making their patients feel welcome and comfortable. “Dental Mission Week is just one way the School of Dentistry can express its compassion for life, love and humanity for others,” said Melody Longino, the school’s manager of ambulatory operations and Dental Mission Week coordinator. The application deadline is Jan. 12. Download an application here. 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. Visit this website if you would like to donate to Dental Mission Week efforts. Additional details on Dental Mission Week are available here.

The annual energy bill for a typical single-family home is $2,060 in the United States.  Have you ever wondered just where that money goes?  Well, for the average family, a whopping 42% of that is made up of heating and cooling costs combined. Water heating is another 13% of the total cost.  Electronics account for 21% with lighting at 12% and appliances at 12%.  What are some ways you can reduce your bill and save money?  The top ten money saving tips can save you a significant amount on your energy bill. 1.       Replace any light bulb, especially ones that burn more than an hour per day, with a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. 2.       Seal from the inside.  Air sealing is an inexpensive way to lower energy costs and improve comfort. Seal gaps and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings with caulk or foam sealant.  Look for cracks around windows and where wires and pipes pass through. 3.       Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips and turn off during vacations or long periods without use.  Smart power strips make it an easy task to save money. 4.       Change your central HVAC system filter when dirty according to the manufacturers recommendations.  Dirty filters can impact your home comfort and increase your electricity bill.  Make sure to change out every 30 days. 5.       A one-degree increase in heating setpoint or reduction in cooling setpoint can increase energy use by 3-5%, so to save money set your HVAC unit to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. 6.       Have your duct work checked for leaks.  Leaks at the return, air handler and supply can be a major contributor to high bills.  Mobile homes should be checked at the grill, cross over duct, and down flow air handler, for leaks. 7.       Set both the upper and lower water heater thermostats no higher than 125 degrees. 8.       An electric space heater can cost more than $100 per month to operate.  Minimize their use, except for limited or temporary spot heating.  Turn space heaters off when leaving a room. 9.       Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight.  Eliminate unnecessary refrigerators. 10.   Close shades and drapes during the day to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. For more ways to save and for the latest member information, visit www.southernpine.coop and follow Southern Pine Electric on Facebook. Southern Pine Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that distributes electricity to more than 69,000 meters in 11 counties in central and south Mississippi. It is headquartered in Taylorsville and has offices in Brandon, Newton, Hattiesburg, and New Hebron.