By Bob Garver NOTE: This Japanese film is available in both “Subbed” and “Dubbed” versions. This review will focus on the “Dubbed” version with the English-language voice cast. Anime legend Hayao Miyazaki has come out of retirement for “The Boy and the Heron,” a sprawling fantasy with semiautobiographical elements. Surprisingly, it’s the more grounded elements that work better, maybe because they’re lifted from Miyazaki’s own life. They’re part of his own story so he made sure to get them right before letting himself indulge in the fantastical portion of the film. The film follows 12-year-old Mahito Maki (Luca Padovan) a few years after the death of his mother in a Tokyo hospital fire. His father (Christian Bale) marries his mother’s younger sister Natsuko (Gemma Chan) and together they move to the countryside, to an estate originally built by Mahito’s eccentric architect great-granduncle (Mark Hamill). I really was drawn into the story of the boy being whisked away to a new family life in an unfamiliar place, a position of affluence where he’s nevertheless incredibly lonely and broken. Then the maids showed up and the movie lost me. There are seven maids that work at the estate, and I have to believe there’s some sort of “Snow White” parallel there. They’re animated in a different, jarring fashion than the human characters we’ve seen up to that point, and the way they talk and move is off-putting too. Only one of them, named Kiriko (Florence Pugh) is necessary for the story. I have a theory that Miyazaki held a contest among his animation team to see who could design the funniest-looking old lady character in his trademark style, and he liked so many entries that he created more characters just so he’d have an excuse to use them. Mahito has such a hard time fitting in at school that he smashes his head with a rock to get out of going. It’s around this time that the gradually-building fantasy elements start manifesting, and I can’t help but wonder if what follows is a result of brain damage. A mysterious heron has been following Mahito around the property. He finally asks it what it wants, and surprisingly, the bird (Robert Pattinson) has an answer. It wants to take him to an alternate world ruled by his great-granduncle, a world where a younger version of his mother (Karen Fukuhara) is still alive. From there, the movie is a crazy adventure through an alternate reality, maybe several alternate realties, it’s all so confusing. There are new creatures and bizarro people around every corner. Somehow parakeets are the dominant species, and their king (Dave Bautista) wants to keep it that way. Eventually Mahito learns the hard lesson that the real world, with all its faults and malice, is better than even the best fantasy world, though I question how tempting the fantasy world actually is when it’s filled with bloodthirsty parakeets. Maybe “The Boy and the Heron” makes more sense to people well-versed in Miyazaki’s style. His contributions to animation – not just in Japan, but worldwide – can’t be overstated. He even won a Best Animated Feature Oscar before Disney ever did. This was my first official exposure to his work, and I can’t say I cared for it. I got a sort of whiplash from being constantly thrown into new fantasy worlds with new rules every five minutes. It doesn’t help that this movie is coming out at a time when people are tiring of the “multiverse” genre. Miyazaki clearly wants to get as many of his ambitious ideas onscreen as he can at age 82, but I didn’t need to be hit with everything, everywhere, all at once. Grade: C “The Boy and the Heron” is rated PG-13 for some violent content/bloody images and smoking. Its running time is 124 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu

By Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney I recently read that more than $308 billion is stolen through insurance fraud every year and that if you stacked up those dollar bills, they would stretch to the moon and back - 16 times. That information came from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. The number and the illustration with the moon seems absurd, unimaginable. To bring it closer to home, the FBI estimates that fraud costs the average family $400-$700 more in premiums every year. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It costs businesses billions of dollars each year - an expense that is passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Fake insurance companies or agents defraud consumers by taking money for premiums on bogus policies with no intention of paying claims. My office deals with common scenarios including: Scammers offering fake policies at costs that are significantly lower than competitors’ prices. Legitimate companies selling non-insurance products marketed to look like insurance. A dishonest insurance agent “pocketing” a policyholder’s premium payment, instead of turning it in to the insurance company, as they should. This leaves the consumer without coverage. Consumers can also be guilty of insurance fraud. The most common forms of policyholder fraud relate to auto insurance and workers’ compensation. Deliberately staging an accident, exaggerating a legitimate claim, or knowingly providing false information on an application are all examples of insurance fraud, which is a crime. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends following these tips: Don’t ignore red flags. If you are suspicious, stop, call your state insurance department, and confirm. Red flags can include an insurance company or agent that does not have a phone number or is hard to reach. Another warning is if you purchase a policy and do not receive an insurance ID card or a copy of your policy in a timely manner. If you have doubts, stop before signing any paperwork or paying your premium. Call my office and confirm the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed to sell insurance in your state. Legitimate agents and insurers will understand why you’re taking precautions. If you are a victim of insurance fraud or you are aware of fraudulent activity, call my office at 601-359-3569 or file a complaint online at www.mid.ms.gov. We work with consumers on these issues every day. In 2022, our investigations division received 542 complaints and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for Mississippians.

The old man is sitting on his front porch is his favorite rocking chair and talking to a his freshly minted twenty-one-year-old grandson – attempting to encourage him to think things over clearly before deciding. To make decisions for his life based on clear facts, a living God, and real love. Instead of impulse, illogical dreams, and irrational hopes. He was trying to get that young man to realize that an older person has already walked a lot of roads and seen an enormous amount of heartache and pitfalls. Pitfalls that an inexperienced walker who can’t see around the bend can avoid. But only if he is willing to listen to the voice of someone who has already fallen many times, and had to painfully pick himself back up and limp on down the road. But, as is very predictable, the young energetic rabbit isn’t eager to sit and listen to the advice of the old tortoise. He wants to race down the roads himself, to make his own way, to prove to himself and to the world that he is able, intelligent, and clever. He is convinced that he will be successful at avoiding all the heartache the old man keeps talking about. And arrogantly and naively believes that he is the master of his own fate. Nobody is going to tell him how to live his life. As he stands and begins making noises to leave, the old man glares exasperatedly and finally attempts to yell in a wheezing, weak voice. “Hey, son! I’m not just sittin’ here flappin’ my gums at ya for the fun of it! You got a lot of hard life in front of ya. I done been there, and I already know whut it’s is gonna cost ya! Ya need to sit back down and listen ta’ me, cuz believe me, ya don’t want to walk some of those roads that I can see ahead of ya! So jest shut up and sit back down and listen ta’ me!” You already have a pretty clear idea of how the conversation went from that point. The old man sitting there in his rocking chair, shaking with frustration and anger while he tries to yell loud enough to be heard by the retreating figure of his grandson, who is now almost jogging to get to his sports car and make a quick getaway. The old hairy saying is still true; ‘You can listen and learn, or you can live and learn – but you WILL learn.’ But another saying is also true: ‘Rare is the person who is willing to learn by listening to someone who has already fallen way too many times.’ Most of us go at it the hardest way possible. We come to a steep cliff, think about it for a little while, impulsively make an ill-informed decision, close our eyes and leap. Just hoping for the best. Stupid. There are better ways.

We are proud of our students who have a 25+ on the ACT! Pictured top, left to right: Alana Pittman (27), Turner McNamee (27), Luke Smith (27), Brayden Bullock (28), Raymond Vickers (29), Gracie Horton (26). Bottom Row: Emerson Bingham (26), Anna Shea Carraway (26), Reagan Lord (28), Morgan Townsend (28), Piper Lloyd (26), and Alexis Burt (29). Not Pictured, Noah Delaughter (26). Senior Sam McCoy has an ACT score of 31. We can’t wait to add more students to the 30+ club!!! Congratulations, Sam!!

By Kara Kimbrough “Reggie and Ladye Love Smith…” when you hear the names that are often printed or spoken together, you might know them from one of many different places and events. Reggie may be remembered as someone with whom you grew up in Jones County. Same with Ladye if you’re an Iuka native. Or it may be an Ole Miss connection. Both were members of the University Concert Singers; Ladye was selected Miss University. Most likely, though, you’re familiar with their outstanding vocal talents as long-time members of the famous Gaither Family Vocal Band. In addition to their association with the Gaither organization, the Smiths have sung with some of the most iconic artists in both country and gospel music; have been part of the famous Opry Singers at the Grand Ole Opry; been featured as vocalists at Billy Graham Crusades and sung on movie soundtracks of award-winning films. Now, Ladye's name is on another project; a cookbook entitled, “Ladye Love’s Cookin’ It Up With Reggie.”  The cookbook, an easy-to-read spiral-bound book filled with over 300 of Ladye and Reggie's favorite recipes from family and friends, was updated from an earlier version created by her late mother, Yvonne, a long-time home economics teacher and renowned hostess in Ladye’s hometown of Iuka. While her plate is full with a full-time career and an active home life as a wife and mother, Ladye always knew she’d one day update her mother’s original cookbook. “My mother was an amazing teacher and cook with a natural talent for hospitality,” said Ladye. “She would cook for various church and community events and her food was loved by everyone in town. As a wedding gift, I asked her to compile a book of her recipes for us, but it took her several years to gather them all.” Whenever there was a funeral at the church, her mom would cook and serve meals to the grieving families, Ladye recalls. She also organized weddings, catered receptions and hosted numerous showers and other special events until the end of her life. Before her death, she was involved in renovating the kitchen of their church in Iuka. “After her death, we sold the cookbook she made for us and donated a portion of the proceeds to help complete the church kitchen renovation,” Ladye said. “In this new version of the cookbook, I have included recipes that we received during our concert tours or from friends and family. Due to our busy schedules, I tend to prefer quick and simple yet delicious recipes. Gloria Gaither kindly shared her mother's red raspberry cake recipe and Bill's favorite tomato basil soup." Other “family favorites” included in the cookbook are her mom’s mock sukiyaki, a beloved recipe still made today by Ladye and her childhood friends, who were treated to the special meal countless times in Yvonne’s kitchen. Her aunt’s midnight fudge; Reggie’s favorite coconut cake; Yvonne’s famous breakfast steaks and Mississippi pot roast are other favorite recipes found in the cookbook. Besides the need to update her mom’s initial book, Ladye felt the need to publish another one due to the outpouring of interest from fans. Thousands grew to love the Facebook Live cooking videos she began posting during the pandemic. “We found ourselves isolated from both our loved ones as well as the wonderful people we meet on tour during the pandemic, so we turned to technology to connect us,” she said. “We started doing Facebook Live cooking and singing segments from our home, never expecting the incredible response we received. The popularity of the recipes we shared online prompted us to update our family cookbook.” She added the updated version includes many of the meals, appetizers, desserts and vegetable dishes they have shared online, along with many other favorite meals and desserts. To make the experience more interactive, a QR code next to certain recipes in the cookbook allows readers to scan them with iPhones or other online devices and link to some of the Facebook videos and personal stories about the friends and family members behind the recipes. The Smith’s Christmas plans often center around their touring schedule and other commitments. If they’re home in Nashville, the holiday includes attending a church service and a special meal served either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. As expected, Ladye relies on her mom’s and other family members’ recipes to make the meal special. “I prepare our traditional meal with ham, turkey, and several dishes from the recipe book, such as corn pudding, green bean casserole, my aunt Jean's orange salad, lima beans, fried okra, sliced tomatoes, green onions and rolls,” Lady said. “If we have a party, I use many recipes from the cookbook, including appetizers, cookies, desserts, and finger foods like easy peppermint dip and fruit.” The day after Christmas, the family travels to Mississippi to see Reggie's parents R.V. and Linda Smith in Moselle. There, they enjoy another big Christmas dinner with the entire family that  includes “Aunt Beth's corn casserole, Mamaw's chicken and dressing and sweet potato casserole, all of which are found in the cookbook,” she added. To obtain a copy of this unique cookbook filled with the perfect blend of old family favorites and new, healthy versions of classic dishes, visit the Smith’s website at: www.reggieandladye.com. Cookbooks are also sold at concert venues at which the Smiths are singing with the Gaither Vocal Band tour. Here are two of Ladye’s favorite recipes from the labor dedicated to her mother, who set the bar high for cooking and entertaining, but most importantly, to be the kind of Christian Ladye she still aspires to be. “Everyone she came in contact with felt special and loved,” Ladye said of her mom. “I always said if I could be half the spiritual lady she was, I’d be fine because she not only spoke of love, she was love in action.” Reggie’s Coconut Cake 1 yellow or white cake mix 1 can cream of coconut 1 sweetened condensed milk 1 large carton Cool Whip 2 packages frozen coconut Cook cake as directed. Punch holes in hot cake. Pour in milk and cream of coconut. Cool. Spread Cool Whip and coconut on top. Refrigerate. Keep refrigerated. Yvonne’s Famous Breakfast Steaks Top round steaks, chilled in freezer, stiff enough to cut in 1/8-1/4 inch thinly sliced steaks, cut by butcher (have butcher chill steaks before cutting and ask them to tenderize them or many grocery stores now have then top round steaks already cut) Flour Vegetable oil Pepper Lowry’s Seasoning or salt Lightly flour, salt and pepper steaks. Fry in oil until done. Note: Make gravy and serve with hot biscuits. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

As we immerse ourselves in the festive spirit of the season, it's important to acknowledge that the holidays can bring both joy and challenges. The whirlwind of shopping, parties, cooking, travel, and added financial strains can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety for some. While it's natural to experience occasional sadness, if these emotions begin to impact your relationships, work, or focus, it's crucial to address them promptly. Here are some strategies to navigate the holiday season with mental well-being in mind: Set Realistic Expectations: Acknowledge that perfection is not attainable. Set realistic expectations for yourself and the holiday experience. Plan and Prioritize: Create a manageable schedule. Prioritize essential tasks and events, allowing time for self-care. Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time with friends and family. Social connections can provide support and alleviate feelings of isolation. Practice Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. Take breaks when needed, engage in activities you enjoy, and ensure you get enough rest. Budget Wisely: Financial stress can contribute to holiday anxiety. Establish a budget and stick to it to minimize financial burdens. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary. Establishing clear boundaries helps manage stress and prevents burnout. Reflect and Express Gratitude: Take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Expressing gratitude can shift focus away from stressors. Mindful Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises into your routine. Deep breathing and meditation can help manage stress. Mindful Eating and Drinking: Resist the urge to overindulge in food or alcohol as a means of coping with stress. Opt for nourishing and healthier foods and maintain regular exercise to promote overall well-being. Seek Professional Support: If you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Many resources are available to support you. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your mental health and well-being during the holidays. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can foster a positive and nurturing environment for yourself and those around you. If you find yourself grappling with persistent feelings of depression or anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms such as irritability, hopelessness, or disruptions in sleep patterns, it's crucial to seek assistance. Should these emotions linger for several weeks, I encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider or contact the Mississippi Department of Mental Health's Helpline at 1-877-210-8513. In addition to our helpline, Mississippi offers resources to address mental health concerns. If you or someone you know needs help, visit 988lifeline.org, or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. This dedicated line provides immediate access to professionals trained to assist individuals in crisis. Remember, your mental health matters, especially during the holidays. Let us stand together, Mississippi, to support one another year-round and foster a community where mental well-being is a priority.

By Lisa Miller In the heart of Bolton, the town's annual Christmas Parade took on a whimsical charm this year with the enchanting theme, "Christmas on Madison Street." The festivities unfolded with a delightful array of attractions, featuring Santa Claus on a firetruck, politicians spreading cheer, spirited cheerleaders, festive four wheelers, majestic horses, an abundance of candy, a thrilled crowd, and the timeless elegance of antique cars. The parade commenced with the resonant sirens of a firetruck, adorned with twinkling lights and a jubilant Santa Claus waving to the crowd from the top. The theme, "Christmas on Madison Street," set the stage for a journey through the nostalgic and festive spirit of the season, symbolizing the unity and joy that the holiday brings. Bolton's political leaders were an integral part of the celebration, embracing the theme wholeheartedly. Dressed in holiday-themed attire, they waved to the crowd, fostering a sense of community and togetherness as they showcased their festive spirit. The presence of politicians added a touch of civic pride to the parade, emphasizing the unity that the holiday season encourages. Spirited cheerleaders brought an infectious energy to the streets of Bolton, performing dazzling routines and high-flying stunts that had the crowd cheering in unison. Their vibrant presence added a dynamic and youthful element to the procession, capturing the hearts of onlookers and embodying the essence of joyful celebration. The unmistakable rumble of four wheelers added a contemporary and spirited vibe to the parade. Adorned with festive decorations, these vehicles brought a touch of modern flair to "Christmas on Madison Street," appealing to the diverse tastes of the community. Majestic horses and riders, decked out in holiday regalia, contributed to the equestrian elegance of the parade. Their graceful presence and the gentle jingle of sleigh bells further enhanced the enchanting atmosphere, transporting spectators into a magical winter wonderland. As the parade made its way through the town, large crowds gathered along Madison Street, eagerly anticipating the next enchanting float. Children and adults alike reveled in the excitement, their faces lighting up as candy rained down from parade participants. The sweet treats added an extra layer of joy to the festivities, creating an atmosphere of shared delight. Antique cars, meticulously decorated with festive flair, provided a nostalgic touch to the procession. These classic vehicles, rolling down Madison Street, showcased the timeless elegance of days gone by and added a layer of historical charm to the festive celebration. In the end, "Christmas on Madison Street" proved to be a magical affair, uniting the community in a shared experience of joy and merriment. The parade, with its diverse array of participants and the heartwarming theme, embodied the true spirit of Christmas in Bolton, leaving behind cherished memories for all who were fortunate enough to witness the enchanting spectacle. See photos here.

By Bob Garver When the writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023 forced several movies off the fall schedule, it was a pair of musicians that came to the rescue with two of the most heavily-promoted concert movies of all time. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” got the box office through a rough patch back in October. Now comes “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” to get it through early December. The box office shouldn’t need Beyoncé to get it through early December, Thanksgiving weekend should have brought about some hits with staying power, but where the slate of traditional blockbusters failed, the concert documentary is here to thrive. Since comparisons to the Taylor film are inevitable, I’ll jump right into those. One of the first things I noticed was that this film is a mashup of several Beyoncé concerts, whereas Taylor’s film was limited to one. There are points in the film that cut between performances of the same song at different venues. The editing during these scenes is always smooth, and I’d be unable to tell that any cutting was even going on were it not for Beyoncé’s outfits inexplicably changing mid-song. They’re always great outfits, so the chance to see as many of them as possible is greatly appreciated. Then again, there’s something about all the cutting between concerts that seems like cheating. With Taylor, there was a “no second takes” atmosphere that made the whole production seem flawless and magical (though I have since learned that some flubs were edited out). With Beyoncé, I get the impression that there’s a safety net where if a take didn’t go well at one concert, the film could just cut to footage from another. That’s not to say the film leaves out imperfections entirely – one show is interrupted by a power outage – but I feel like the film only left this scene in as a calculated showcase for the crew overcoming adversity, and possibly so the audience wouldn’t think about other mistakes. The other big difference between Beyoncé’s film and Taylor’s is that while that one was almost entirely limited to what the audience saw at the concert, this one throws in behind-the-scenes footage. I have mixed feelings on this idea, both in concept and execution. In concept, yes, we’re getting to see exclusive footage, but I kept getting the feeling that it was at the expense of getting to see her perform more songs – including some of her biggest hits, which aren’t in this movie. In execution, I found the behind-the-scenes stuff to be hit or miss. Beyoncé wants the audience to know how hard she works, which is undeniably true to a nearly impossible degree, but the point is made so often that it feels beaten into the ground by movie’s end. Anecdote-wise, Beyoncé often makes time to affectionately put over role models like her mother and a family friend named Uncle Jonny that made many of her early outfits. Uncle Jonny passed away over 20 years ago and somehow he’s the breakout star of this film. I’ll be honest, I had a hard time enjoying “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” despite Beyoncé being an incredible artist with some of the most dominating charisma on the planet. Maybe it was because so many of the songs chosen for this movie were unknown to me. Maybe it was all the cutting away from the music for non-musical pontifications. Maybe it was just that after two concert movies in two months, I’m all concert-ed out. I can’t say I “go” for this one, but if you’re a member of the BeyHive, you’ll probably get more out of it than I did. Grade: C “Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce” is not rated by the MPAA, but would be an R for language and sexually suggestive material. Its running time is 169 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Mom and her teen-age daughter were grocery shopping together, preparing for the family dinner on Friday night. The family always enjoyed fresh fruits, so before paying out at the cash register, they stopped in the fruit and vegetable section of the store. Mom picked thru several possible candidates of cantaloupes, squeezing, eyeballing and then finally picking each one up to give it her final test – smelling. Her daughter stood by watching this whole ritual with her usual impatient rolling of the eyes and sighing. But Mom finally found ‘the one,’ the one which met all her criteria, and turned to place it in her basket. At that point, she met the eyes of her young daughter and spotted the unmistakable “Mom, why all this fuss over a stupid cantaloupe?” look in her eyes. Swallowing her own annoyance, Mom proceeded to patiently teach her young teenager that all the rigamarole she had gone through allowed her to find a cantaloupe that was truly cantaloupey – unblemished, perfectly ripe, and tasty. As she talked, she suddenly recognized this could be a fun opportunity to teach the girl how to evaluate boys and find the ones who would be good dating material, as dating often leads to marriage material later. How to identify and find promising ‘young cantaloupes.’ This is what Mom taught while holding two totally different-looking cantaloupes in her hands: Dating – the time for searching through the bin and recognizing a truly ripe cantaloupe. Rejecting the ones that you can readily identify as still-green candidates. And also the ones who have a blemish that will soon ruin the taste. Actually, a lot like the process of finding a possible future life partner. Life partner possibles – the cantaloupes that hold a lot of promising evidence of being what a mature cantaloupe should be when it is cut and eaten. A young man on his way to becoming a mature, loving and responsible adult. Promising evidence – A cantaloupe with a good scent and no visible blemishes. A young man who is respectful and exhibits honesty, kindness, and patience. And most importantly is a true follower of God. Blemishes – An easily spotted bruising on the surface of the fruit. “If I buy an obviously blemished one, it will likely have a mushy texture when it’s cut open, and a bad taste when we try to eat it. And I’ll have just spent my money for nothing and disappointed myself. I would have to just throw it away, so it’s not worth the risk.” Same disappointing issues can occur with a mate. The daughter probably acted bored with this lecture – but still, she heard it and probably absorbed much of it. Hopefully, applying it as she dated in the coming years until her probable marriage. This was a smart and caring mom, who took advantage of a moment to teach a valuable lesson that would influence her girl’s dating decisions and her entire future.

Hinds Community College has two fall graduation ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec 14 at the Muse Center on the Rankin Campus. Nursing and allied health graduates along with academic, technical and career graduates whose last names begin with A-G will participate in the 10 a.m. ceremony. The 2 p.m. ceremony is for graduates whose last names begin with H-Z. Nearly 600 graduates will receive a total of 887 credentials, with some students receiving more than one credential. In total, 126 students are graduating cum laude with a grade point average of 3.2 to 3.59; 72 are graduating magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.99 and 20 are graduating summa cum laude with a grade point average of 4.0. Kimberly Gaines of Pearl will offer the invocation and benediction at the 10 a.m. ceremony. She will earn a degree in nursing and wants to practice her passion for caregiving as an LPN in an assisted living facility after graduation. Speaking on behalf of graduates is Taviyon Young, a native of Natchez who now lives in Madison County. He studies political science and will earn his Associate Degree in General Studies. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, is a former Rankin Campus Student Government President and is a member of the Minority Male Leadership Initiative. He is transferring to Jackson State University, where he plans to study political science with a concentration in legal studies. Offering the invocation and benediction at the 2 p.m. ceremony is Eric Dotson of Kosciusko. He will receive an Associate Degree in General Studies. He plans to join the Army National Guard after graduation and then transfer to a four-year college. The speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony is Chelse McGrew of Hazlehurst, who will receive an Associate Degree in Kinesiology. She plans to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to get a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.

By Kara Kimbrough Borrowing a phrase from a former college student of mine who once said, “Wow, you lecture a LOT about stuff you’re passionate about!” I’m continuing my series (not lecture) on the joys of gifting others this Christmas with homemade candy, cookies and other treats. I even have a story from Christmas ’22 to back up my claim that home-baked gifts are the best – and it’s a good one. Last year, I gave a friend a bag full of homemade treats a few days before Christmas that include a tin of orange balls. This is an old-school Christmas treat best served chilled due to its butter content. Unbeknownst to me, she and her husband were about to embark on a day-long journey to their son’s home in Tennessee. Halfway there, she texted me to say they were parked on the side of the road devouring the contents of the bag. I was concerned a lunch of sugar and spice pecans, sugar cookies and lukewarm orange balls was less than filling; however, she assured me it was a lifesaver in their quest to reach their destination before dark. Now that I’ve convinced you (without lecturing) that gifting homemade Christmas treats might just turn into a lifesaver for those on your list, I’ll share a few more of my favorite old-fashioned Christmas treats. After previously publishing my favorites - the recipe for my grandmother’s buttermilk fudge and microwave pecan pralines - and hearing from readers about sugar-related disasters, I vowed never to share them in print again. However, if you’d like these two recipes, drop me an email and I’ll send it to you. In the meantime, get into the kitchen and starting compiling your own “Lifesaving Christmas Treat Bags!” Scottish Shortbread Cookies 1 pound cold unsalted butter, sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1-1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt 4 cups all-purposed flour In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until soft. Add the sugars and salt, and continue to mix until the texture is fluffy. Scrape down the bowl once or twice along the way. Add the flour in two additions, mixing on low until just combined. Turn out onto the countertop, form a ball and press into a thick disc shape. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until completely chilled, minimum of a couple of hours. Heat oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the center. Roll the dough out 3/4-inch thick and use a cookie cutter or knife to create as many cookies as possible. Use a cookie stamp to imprint a design on top, if desired. Arrange an inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheet. Return the cookies to refrigerator, on the pan, for another 15-30 minutes to prevent spreading. Bake for 20 minutes, rotate pan, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cookies are golden. Old-Fashioned Orange Balls 11 ounce box Nilla Wafers Vanilla Wafer Cookies, crumbled 1 Stick of Butter, melted 6 ounces Orange Juice Concentrate (I used half a 12 ounce size) ½ cup Chopped Pecans 2 cups Confectioner's Sugar 3 cups Flaked Sweetened Coconut, more if needed Add the crumbled vanilla wafers, orange juice concentrate, pecans and melted butter to the large bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment; mix on a medium speed until combined. Add confectioner's powdered sugar, then continue to mix until combine. Dough will be sticky. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then use a one inch scoop to form orange balls, placing them on the lined baking sheet. After all the balls are formed, gently roll them in the flaked coconut to coat and transfer the orange snowball back to the lined baking sheet; repeat until all are coated. Refrigerate the orange snowballs until ready to serve. Note: Orange balls do need to be refrigerated before and after serving. Christmas Turtles Nonstick cooking spray 1 cup pecan halves 24 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon shortening Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray. Arrange 3 pecan halves in a "Y" shape on the prepared cookie sheet. Place 1 caramel candy in the center of the "Y". Repeat with remaining pecans and caramels. Bake in preheated oven just until caramel is melted, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan over low heat until chocolate is melted. Spoon chocolate over candies and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.