By Kara Kimbrough "Life's too short..." It seemed like I heard these words everywhere I went last week. The fact that I heard it as the 22nd anniversary approaches of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, the Pentagon and an aborted plane headed toward the U.S. Capitol didn't escape my notice. First, a supermarket cashier began telling me about her recipe for what she proudly calls "$100 Baked Beans." She's fine with purchasing ingredients that cost over $100 for one bowl, albeit a very large one. In fact, her feeling is, "life's too short" to worry about money when you have an award-winning recipe. Filled with five meats, a bunch of spices and much more, she promised to email me the recipe. If I receive it, I'll pass it along. A few days later, I overheard a conversation in a restaurant between a couple at a nearby table. A friendly debate on whether or not to order dessert was taking place. I listened with interest that quickly turned to sadness as the wife recounted the story she'd recently heard. A lady who visited Paris declined to sample the French pastries and desserts for which the city is known because she was "watching her weight." Sadly, she passed away the following week without taking even one bite of world-famous delicacies. As the lady ended the story, her husband quickly interjected: "Order what you want...life's too short to worry about calories." It made me wonder how many of the 2,996 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001, went to bed on Sept. 10 after turning down a piece of pie at dinner that night...or choosing a salad instead of a grilled steak or New York-style pasta. For the innocent victims that included hundreds of young men and women in their 20's and 30s, seniors on the verge of retirement, babies and young children, firefighters, policemen and many other rescue workers, life was indeed much too short. Americans should never forget what happened that day 22 years ago. It wasn't just an attack on New York City, the Pentagon or the Capitol, the target which led to the plane crash in Pennsylvania - it was an attack on America. And four Mississippi natives, including two from the town of Durant, were among the victims. It was an attack on all of us, regardless of where we live. I was in New York City at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum site on the 20th anniversary in 2021. I had hoped to return this year as a member of the press corps covering the memorial ceremony, but a scheduling conflict arose. If you haven't visited the 9/11 site, I highly recommend it. Built in the footprints of the Twin Towers, it's a life-changing experience - something every American needs to see. On a lighter note, I'm sad not just to miss the anniversary, but the city itself. There are many breathtaking sites and attractions I haven't yet experienced and restaurants I want to visit. The next best thing to being there? I uncovered several must-try New York recipes in Mississippi's own Quail Ridge Press' "Best of the Best From New York" cookbook. Here are two that stood out as quintessentially New York. The pasta dish, reminecent of one I enjoyed two years ago, is on my list for 9/11/23. And remember, life's too short...never forget 9/11 or the need to embrace life while we are blessed with it. Reuben Lasagna 1 27-ounce can sauerkraut, rinse and drained (can substitute chopped cabbage and onions, sauteed in oil until wilted, or dill relish) 1 pound sliced deli corned beef, coarsely chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 8-ounce bottle Thousand Island dressing 1-1/2 cup milk 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon dry mustard 9 oven-ready (no boil) lasagna noodles 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs 1 tablespoon butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degress. Coat 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine sauerkraut (or substitute) and corned beef. Mix well. In another medium bowl, combine soup, dressing, milk, onions and mustard. Spread 1/3 of soup mixture in baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top. Top with 1/2 of the corned beef mixture, then another 1/3 of remaining soup mixture. Layer with 3 remaining noodles, then remaining corned beef mixture. Add the last 3 noodles and cover with remaining 1/3 of soup mixture. Sprinkle Swiss cheese, then bread crumbs on top. Drizzle butter on top. Cover with foil. Bake 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover and bake for additional 5-10 minutes or until bubbly. Let set for 5-10 minutes. Cut and serve. Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce 12 ounces heavy cream Stick of butter, melted 8-ounce can seasoned tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste 1 tablespoon tomato pesto, more to taste 1 teaspoon basil 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic 1-1/2-2-1/2 cups grated Romano cheese 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes 10 ounce package of linguini or favorite pasta Pour all liquids into a heavy saucepan and get them very hot, being careful to stir and not let them stick. Add salt, pepper, pesto, basil and garlic. Lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in grated cheese until it thickens; add chopped tomatoes and stir to combine, continuing to cook on low. Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package directions. When pasta is cooked, run under hot water to wash off starch; drain well. Place pasta in bowl and toss with sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste and add chopped chicken, shrimp or other favorite meat, if desired. Serves 4. Recipes from Best of the Best From New York by Quail Ridge Press. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) today released a survey to collect input from the public about the qualities and priorities the SBE desires in the next state superintendent of education. The survey will be open through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Any member of the public may complete the survey. Survey respondents will be asked to identify themselves as a teacher, district/school administrator, parent/guardian, student, statewide leader/legislator, business/community leader, postsecondary institution representative or other citizen. The SBE will use the survey results to help evaluate candidates for the permanent state superintendent of education position. The SBE is working with the firm McPherson & Jacobson, LLC to lead the search process. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The SBE voted May 18, 2023, to allow an individual who is named interim state superintendent to be eligible to apply for the permanent position. The SBE expects to select its final candidate before the end of 2023. Senate confirmation during the 2024 legislative session is required to complete the appointment process. State Superintendent of Education Search Survey Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

WHO: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). WHAT: Temporary overnight lane closures. WHEN: The work will take place overnight from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. It will begin the evening of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and last through May 2024. WHERE: I-20 from McRaven Rd. in Hinds County to Pearson Rd. in Rankin County, and I-55 from McDowell Rd. to the Pearl River north of I-20. View a map of the project limits HERE. WHY: The purpose of the work is to remove the existing damaged surface in preparation for a more extensive project that will take place at a later date. This project includes milling off the top layer of asphalt to provide a smoother riding surface. New transitions will be milled and paved along bridges and ramps throughout the project. HOW: Primary work that will take place is the removal of open-graded friction course (OGFC). In addition to the OGFC removal, crews will: Perform punchouts and base repairs throughout the project limits. Repair the Gallatin St. ramp to I-20 westbound. Remove the existing surface lifts. Remove and repave ramp and bridge transitions throughout the project. Remove and repave I-20 from SR 468/Pearson Rd. to the Childre Rd. overpass where the concrete section begins. Drivers are advised to slow down, be on high alert for roadside crews and posted signage, and anticipate a moderate traffic impact during the overnight lane closures. The public can stay updated on this work throughout the extended project by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting MDOTtraffic.com, and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

By Mika Hartman October is quickly approaching, and for moms like me, that means it’s almost “Buddy Walk’ season. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) kicks off every year with a walk in New York City; this is the original location of NDSS’s Buddy Walk and it began in 1995. The Buddy Walk program was established to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since 1995, it has been the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. The reason behind NDSS celebrating early, in September, is to be the “green flag”, if you will, for all the fun that October has in store for our families. Not only is October the time you will be able to participate in walks around your areas, it is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Over 300 walks take place across our country. Go to ndss.org to learn more about the Buddy Walk and NDSS’s Times Square Video Presentation. Be sure to rock your Yellow and Blue all of October, too. Buddy Walk’s are designed for EVERYONE! This walk isn’t a competition, or a race, it is a way to put the spotlight on the ones we love who were born with an extra chromosome. You can walk at your own pace and, honestly, just showing up means the world to our families. It is a day of celebration and laugher, it is a day that brings joy and hope, and it is a day filled with love. South Mississippi (Gulf Coast): GULF COAST DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY’s BUDDY WALK is October 21st. The GCDSS’s walk will be held at the Gulfport Sportsplex starting at 11am. This is the 23rd annual Buddy Walk for the Gulf Coast nonprofit. Please go to gcdss.org and click on “Buddy Walk” for more information. Join any team, everyone is welcome. Central Mississippi (Jackson and surrounding area): CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY’s BUDDY WALK will be October 14th. Their event will take place at Trustmark Park in Pearl. You can learn more by visiting cmdss.org. Their “Big Top” theme will be super fun, I know they would love for you to join in the fun. North Mississippi (Oxford and surrounding area): 21 UNITED OF MISSISSIPPI will be hosting their Buddy Walk on October 22 in Oxford. This will be the 9th walk held in North Mississippi. You can find more information about this walk on ds-stride.org or by going to 21 United’s Facebook page. The walk will take place from 2pm-4pm at the Pavilion @ Armory in Oxford. As you can see, there are many ways for you to join in and support your community. Our loved ones with Down syndrome are deserving of a special day like this; one where they feel the love they give all year round. Another way to join in on the fun: Watch the Times Square Video on September 9th, starting at 8:30 Central. You can join the NDSS Facebook Live and see the presentation in real time. A few EXTRA sweet faces from Mississippi will be on the Big Screen. You’ll be thankful you tuned in. However, if you can be there in person, I promise it will be a forever favorite memory. It is indescribable with the purest joy. MEET EASTON! Easton Fuller. Age 1. Easton and his family lives in Lawrence County, Mississippi. Mom says, “We are so excited to continue to spread awareness and show everyone how truly amazing our kids are and a diagnosis does not define him.” So happy for you all… EXTRA Happy! MEET ANDI! Andi Sisk. Age 4. Andi and her family are from Madison, MS. Mom says, “We are SO excited for her to be part of this amazing opportunity to show the true beauty of Down syndrome. We know she is beautiful inside and out and want everyone to experience the immense joy she exudes. I will be going up to NYC to see her face in Times Square in person! We cannot wait!” We will be cheering EXTRA loud for you, Andi! From participating, to making a donation of any size, becoming a sponsor or just simply showing up for our children, you are making a difference. We make the day easy for you and all you have to do is come celebrate with us, by us, I mean the ones that are being celebrated… the real superheroes. Find out ways to be in the know of what’s going on in your Down syndrome community. Join Facebook pages, sign up for newsletters, help with “Call to Action” alerts to move needed law changes, and be a friend. One last ask: Please check out Camp Kamassa; It is the wonderful camp for children with all different disabilities being built right here in Mississippi. The organization is called “Mississippi’s Toughest Kids” and Camp Kamassa truly is a one of a kind camp for children like Hudson. They have literally thought of everything and deserve the recognition for the years it has taken to build this safe and beautiful campground. The details, with children like my son, in every consideration, through this entire project is breathtaking. It is still under construction, but you can tour it now. Opening 2024 with mountains of wonderful memories ahead. We are beside ourselves with glee for a camp like this. You can be a part of many extra steps for Down syndrome. Take extra steps for Buddy Walk; participation in your area or joining any team and walking anywhere. Taking an extra step by watching the Times Square Presentation on Sep. 9th. Also, Camp Kamassa is 326 acres, that will certainly get you some extra steps in. I daily take extra steps to make sure I encourage, advocate and cheer for so many I love with Down syndrome; having you walk alongside us is progress, no excuses, just family and friends encouraging more steps… EXTRA steps, extra big ones! EXTRA EXTRA My family just hosted Buddy Cruise Night at the Biloxi Shuckers. What a beautiful night under the MGM Park lights. Our first pitch was thrown out by GCDSS’s Self-advocate Patrick McIlwain and our National Anthem was sang by Pass Christian’s Luke Putnam. Luke is our friend with autism. From the EXTRA special jerseys (I helped design to represent our special kiddos) that were worn by the Shuckers, to Buddy the ship and Gadget our clown, we had the best time. A big thanks to The Biloxi Shuckers, Buddy Cruise and everyone who came out in the stifling hot weather to be a part of this EXTRA special game. My heart is EXTRA full.

The young lady had fallen in love. Radiant with happiness, she absolutely glowed like a softly lit Christmas tree. The young man she loved so deeply had recently admitted he felt the same. She floated through her days on air, waiting for the moment when he would pop the question that she eagerly waited to hear. That day came, along with a sparkling little diamond set in a slender gold band. Soon, they had their wedding and moved into their small apartment together. The beginning of their marriage had its usual learning bumps and curves - socks left on the floor, differing opinions of room temperature at night, who would be responsible for paying the bills, and all the other myriad of things that have to be learned, argued and negotiated in a new partnership of living together. But she was happy. Then it happened. ‘The Test’ came back positive, they had a third party who would be joining them in their tiny apartment. Realizing they would soon need more space than their miniature apartment afforded, they found a rental home and moved in, lock, stock, and barrel. At this point though, the well-intentioned husband had some ideas which he proceeded to run past his spouse. “Sweetheart, now that we have a house with a yard and a garage, we have to care of more than just the inside of an apartment. We have to mow the grass and stuff. We need to ‘divide and conquer.’ So, let’s divide the work 50/50. You work part-time and take care of everything inside our home, and I’ll work fulltime and be responsible for the outside.” 50/50 sounded equitable to the young wife, and she readily agreed. So, he mowed the grass and watched for anything the exterior of their house might need, while she tended to all the things inside. Then the baby arrived. And she quickly found that their little bundle of joy brought an immense workload with it. Caring for their baby, housecleaning, clothes washing, cooking, and also trying to keep up with her part-time job to help pay the rent on their home kept her constantly busy and too exhausted for affection. But, as she was reminded by her oblivious and now resentful husband, she had readily agreed to the aforementioned 50/50 arrangement. He just didn’t understand why she was angry and depressed all the time. Predictably, their once-happy marriage was headed for divorce. Fifty/fifty in a marriage simply doesn’t work. A marriage relationship can only successfully function for the long haul when both of you are determined to out-give your spouse, emotionally and physically. There will be times in life when one spouse will have to give more, other times that spouse will need to be given more. But that is the way a good marriage works. 50 plus 50 can end up equaling 0, when both spouses are not committed to giving more than the other when it’s needed.

By Bob Garver Like its main character, “Gran Turismo” fights hard to overcome the stigma of its association with a video game. Video game movies have taken some big steps lately, both creatively and commercially, with efforts like the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” though the genre still lacks that one ceiling-shattering creative standout. Unlike its main character, “Gran Turismo” ultimately can’t quite pull it off. It’s close, it really is, but this movie comes just short of being the first video game movie to earn my recommendation. Archie Madekwe stars as Jann Mardenborough, a gamer struggling to find his place in the world. He’s not interested in pursuing an education or a career, much to the consternation of his father (Djimon Hounsou). The only time he feels like he’s accomplishing anything is when he’s playing the “Gran Turismo” racing game, but there’s no future in that… or is there? Nissan executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) has a plan to take the best players from around the world and put them behind the wheel of real race cars. Jann qualifies, and thus his underdog journey begins. Jann trains under the harsh tutelage of former racer Jack Salter (David Harbour), a mentor that lost his own nerve for racing after a fatal accident. Not only does Jack not believe in Jann, he doesn’t believe in the whole concept of simulated racing translating to actual racing. Many other characters hold the same belief, saying that real racing isn’t the same as gaming and that it’s too dangerous for this type of experiment. I’d say it becomes monotonous, but the hazards of racecar driving can’t be overstated. We follow Jann as he goes through a crash-course (for lack of a better term) in racing at a makeshift academy where he needs to finish in the top five of his class, to a qualifying circuit where he has seven races to finish in at least fourth place to earn a contract, to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race (yes, the one from “Ford vs Ferrari”) where he has to finish at least third or sim racing will be shut down forever. Along the way he gradually earns the respect of his peers, naysayers, and most difficult of all, his family. It’s mostly typical underdog sports-movie stuff, without the necessary feature of much in the way of traditional athletics. I know racecar drivers are real athletes, and I’m not saying otherwise, but nothing changes the fact that the actors can always be filmed vibrating and breathing heavily from the driver’s seat while the car, driven by a someone else (in this case, it’s often the real Jann Martenborough), is what’s seen in the most tense sequences. On the other hand, Harbour turns in an excellent performance and sports movies are as popular as they are for a reason – because it’s easy to get caught up in them – including this one. I was on the fence about “Gran Turismo.” I was tempted to say that this movie just barely breaks the streak of there never being a “good” video game movie, or that it doesn’t really count as a video game movie because the movie is more “about” the game than it is an adaptation. But then I learned of a deal-breaker: this movie completely misrepresents a horrific real-life event that takes place at the end of the second act. In the movie it takes place at a time when a setback needs to happen so Jann has an obstacle to overcome going into Le Mans. In real life, it took place two years later. This certainly isn’t the first time in movie history that real-life details have been fudged for dramatic purposes, but this one is so blatant and was called out so immediately that it really makes me question how much respect the filmmakers really had for their subject. And when I start questioning that, it makes me question how much respect they have for their audience. Grade: C “Gran Turismo” is rated PG-13 for intense action and some strong language. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) urges Mississippians to take necessary precautions and follow burn ban guidelines to prevent further wildfires. Despite a few isolated showers and storms, the state is still experiencing a drought, making it more susceptible to wildfires. With Labor Day approaching, it is crucial to be cautious and refrain from any unnecessary burning. Governor Tate Reeves has signed a partial state-level burn ban proclamation to combat the increasing number of wildfires in Mississippi. The ban covers 40 MS counties, including the MFC regions 3 and 4. In addition, three other counties, including Humphreys, Oktibbeha, and Sunflower, are under burn bans. To check local burn bans in your counties, visit www.mfc.ms.gov. Since August 1st, the MFC has responded to over 431 wildfires that burned over 8,700 acres statewide. The fires are burning intensely, with residual smoke and interior stump smoldering for a longer time frame than expected. The most susceptible areas to wildfire are currently on the coast and some areas in Central MS. The MFC's Incident Management Team (IMT) is set up in Wiggins to coordinate operations. MFC team members are working with local, state, and federal partners to pool resources for the most susceptible areas to wildfire. The IMT is a proactive approach to managing resources efficiently and to be close to the most vulnerable regions to wildfire. The MFC and its partners are doing everything they can to help protect both land and structures, but they are also urging the public to help. By working together, residents can make their property and their neighborhood much safer from wildfire. "We urge everyone to be cautious during the holiday weekend and continue to follow the burn ban guidelines to prevent any further wildfires," said Russell Bozeman, State Forester. "By coordinating efforts and resources, MFC and the IMT aim to enhance the overall response capabilities and effectively manage wildfires." The National Fire Protection Association provided some safety tips, including: • REMOVE leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home. • SCREEN areas below decks and porches with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent material from accumulating underneath. • COVER exterior attic and soffit vents with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent sparks from entering your home. • ENCLOSE eaves to help prevent ember entry. • INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. REPLACE missing shingles or tiles. COVER ends of tiles with bird stops or cement to help prevent ember penetration during a wildfire. Tips for Landscaping Around Your Home: • REMOVE dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home. • KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity. • PRUNE tree limbs so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees. • MOVE construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings. • DISPOSE of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire Remember, something as simple as a debris burn that gets out of control or even a spark from a car or a trailer can cause a wildfire. Let's work together to prevent any further damage. For more tips, visit www.firewise.org. For more information, follow the Mississippi Forestry Commission on social media or visit www.mfc.ms.gov.

By Kara Kimbrough The internet is full of tips and tricks to create an enjoyable Labor Day weekend barbecue. Most that I read made sense, but this took the cake for nonsensical advice, especially here in the Deep South where we practically invented outdoor grilling. “Never grill indoors – always leave the grill outside your house.” Really? Like we don’t already know that an open flame from a grill (if you could even drag it inside) is a recipe for disaster inside an enclosed space? Yes, it’s unreasonably hot, but die-hard grillers know to start early before the heat gets too intense…or better yet, wait until the sun goes down. Nonsensical advice aside, it’s time to think seriously about the long holiday weekend coming up and plan menus accordingly. In my opinion, nothing’s better than a juicy burger fresh from the grill topped with crisp lettuce, freshly-sliced tomatoes and doused with a homemade burger sauce. Add a couple of slices of bacon and it's even better. But I realize Labor Day meals need new more additions, so below are a few to get you started. Here's to a relaxing, enjoyable Labor Day and to the beginning of the end of a long, hot summer! Spaghetti Salad 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half 1 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing (I like Newman’s Own) 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons seasoned salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 medium red onion, diced 1 medium cucumber, diced 2 medium tomatoes, diced Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, raised with cold water and drain well. Transfer to large bowl. In medium bowl, whisk together salad dressing, cheese and seasonings until well blended. Stir in cucumber and onion. Pour over spaghetti and toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Garnish with chopped tomatoes. Pita Bites 1 (10 ounce) package pita bread, cut in half 3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 1 teaspoon dried Italian-style seasoning 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Jar of prepared salsa, hummus or your favorite dip Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open pita bread halves and roughly cut into approximately 2 inch pieces. Arrange on a medium baking sheet. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in garlic and dried Italian-style seasoning. Pour the mixture over pita bread pieces. Sprinkle bread with Parmesan cheese, adjusting the amount as desired. Bake in the preheated oven 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Top each half with a spoonful of salsa, hummus or favorite dip. Mexican Street Corn on the Cob (For grill or air fryer) 6 ears corn, shucked, rinsed (fresh is best, but if you can’t find it, prepare frozen ears according to package directions Vegetable oil if using air fryer 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1/3 cup Mexican Style Blend cheese 3 teaspoons chili powder Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving For grill: Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; heat 5 minutes (or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Grill corn, turning often, until slightly charred all over, about 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Transfer corn to a platter. Brush with mayonnaise mixture. Top with cheese, chili powder and cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges. For air fryer: Cut corn to fit in air-fryer basket (you may need to cut cobs in half). Brush corn all over with oil. In batches, arrange corn in basket and cook at 400 degrees, turning halfway through, until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. While corn is frying, in a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream. Transfer corn to a platter. Brush with mayonnaise mixture. Top with cheese, chili powder and cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges. Shoney’s-Style Fresh Strawberry Pies For glaze: 4 cups water 3 cups sugar 1 3-ounce package strawberry-flavored Jell-O 1-1/2 cups cornstarch 2 tablespoons red food color Pies: 4 pints strawberries 2 baked 9-inch pie shells To make glaze, in medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of the water, sugar and gelatin. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. In small bowl, gradually mix remaining 1 cup water into cornstarch until smooth. Add to saucepan, stirring constantly, with wire whisk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until mixture is thick and fairly clear. Stir in red food color. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature until cool. Do not over-refrigerate. For pies, spread ¼ cup of the glaze onto bottom of each pie shell. In large bowl, combine strawberries and 2 cups of glaze. Mix gently to coat evenly. Spoon half the mixture into each pie shell, arranging berries to create a pretty design. Spoon the remaining glaze over each pie, smoothing and sealing glaze to edge of crust with spoon. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Mr. Robert Nathan Gregory MSU Extension Service Gaddis & McLaurin sounds more like the name of a law firm than a general store, but since the 1870s, the name is synonymous with all manner of dry goods in the Hinds County community of Bolton. Its expansive range of inventory is one reason for its longevity. Items normally found at local co-ops – animal feed, grass seed, lumber, tools and hardware – have been the store’s calling card for much of its existence. Over time, store owner and longtime row crop producer Kendall Garraway has brought in a multitude of home and garden items. “We have great management in place, and it has really grown in the last 10 years,” says Garraway. “Not only does it supply and act as a hub for the community, but it helps keep the value of the land assets up.” Garraway’s success earned him a major accolade as he was recently named the Mississippi winner of the 2023 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award. He joins growers from nine other states who received the same distinction. All 10 growers will be considered for the overall regional award at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. Kyle Lewis, an agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Hinds County, nominated Garraway for the award. “Mr. Kendall has been a friend of MSU Extension by hosting on-farm demo tests in soybean and cotton where he uses the data received in making variety selections and management decisions,” Lewis said. “He has made great strides in timberland and wildlife management with timber harvest and prescribed fire management. He allows us to use his store for programs and demonstrations and is always ready to help in any capacity.” The store is hardly the only business operation flourishing under Garraway’s watch. His primary focus has always been on growing row crops, raising cattle and managing timber at his family farm, Gaddis Farms. Garraway also operates a cotton gin, leases portions of his land for hunting, and invests in commercial and retail real estate. He has several acres of solar panels installed as a financial investment that could potentially become a solar farm. Despite the leadership responsibilities he juggles, Garraway says his work rarely seems like a real job. He is quick to point out the heavy involvement his uncle and cousin, Ted Kendall III and Ted Kendall IV, share with him on the numerous business ventures. “I did not attend a school with an agriculture program, so I majored in banking and finance,” he explains. “After graduating, I almost went to work for a bank but was offered a job on a farm by my uncle, and I’ve never looked back.” Garraway uses soil health and stabilization practices in his row crop operation by using minimal tillage. On about half of his acres, he uses no-till planting along with cover crops. “We have used several programs to take highly erodible land out of row crops and into timber to better utilize and protect the soil,” Garraway says. “We have been using no-till and minimum till on our row crops. This method uses less fuel and helps prevent erosion. Hunting and wildlife have been important to me for recreation and to provide income to the farm, so habitat management has always been important.” MSU Regional Extension coordinator Theresa Hand said Garraway’s support of MSU Extension, 4-H, Master Gardeners, Farm Bureau and other community organizations is the center of Garraway’s success. “Kendall is an influential community leader who has served on numerous boards and in advisory roles with MSU Extension at the local, regional and state level,” Hand says. “His enthusiasm for agriculture and his open honesty is what makes his input so valuable.”

Dr. Steven Reed of Southern Eye Care of Clinton recently became the first Mississippian to be elected President-Elect of the American Optometric Association (AOA). Reed has served on the AOA Board of Trustees since 2016 and previously served as the president of the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA). The election to his latest role, Reed said, is something he hopes to use to advance his organization’s cause and improve the health of Americans. “Our goal as a board is to create and track our strategic plan and objectives. One of our objectives is continually educating the general public on the need for a comprehensive eye examination.” A challenge to that goal, he said, is that many people view their eyes as a separate part of their body. However, from a medical point of view, Reed said the old adage that the “eyes are the windows to the soul” rings true. Through programming from the AOA and its members, as well as lobbying at the state and national level, Reed said he hopes to reinforce the need for annual eye exams and inspire people to take care of their eyes. “At last count, there were more than 270 diseases that display signs and symptoms in the eyes,” he said. “So really, eye examinations should be part of someone’s overall health care. “In the 30 years I’ve been in practice, I’ve diagnosed brain tumors, diabetics, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, and many other diseases,” Reed added. “And that’s what we (the AOA) want people to understand: Eye care is part of your overall health care strategy.” One of the campaigns Reed is helping lead as part of his President-Elect role is called “Eye Deserve More.” The campaign pinpoints members of the public that might neglect their vision. Most recently, the campaign has been focused on gamers, people who spend long hours on either computers or gaming systems, staring at a digital screen. By emphasizing the importance of eye health amid hours of screen time, Reed said AOA metrics show the campaign has been successful in motivating members of the public to get their eyes examined. In addition to promoting overall eye health, Reed said his role as president-elect also encompasses liaison work with other states. As president-elect, Reed serves as a liaison to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. “As liaison trustee, my role is to be a resource on the national level to assist their leadership as needed. This symbiotic relationship strengthens our profession and improves patient care.” Other objectives Reed said he hopes to accomplish during his one-year term as president-elect include enacting a federal law to fight vision insurance plan abuses. “Vision plans in general are really not concerned about patient care,” Reed said. “They’re concerned about their bottom line. The rules we have to follow with many vision plans often end up costing patients more, and limiting their choices. Also, many of them force us to use their labs, causing needless delays in products for patients. We’re hitting this from all angles. Patients deserve better service.” As president-elect, Reed serves as a liaison to several committees within the AOA, including the Sports and Performance Committee, the Federal Relations Committee, the Advocacy Committee, the Political Action Committee, and the Meetings Committee. A graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Reed is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a BS in Biochemistry. He is the 2010 and 2016 recipient of MOA’s James P. Brownlee Optometrist of the Year Award. In addition to Southern Eye Care of Clinton, Reed co-owns and operates Southern Eye Care Clinics in Flowood, Forest and Vicksburg and is owner of Family Vision in Magee, Collins, and Prentiss.

As electricity consumption continues to rise in proportion with the rising temperatures, Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey urges Mississippians to take steps to conserve energy as we continue to endure these extreme temperatures. Today, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) issued a maximum generation emergency alert until 10 p.m. tonight because of loss of generation assets in other parts of the MISO service area and higher than forecasted energy consumption due to the continued extreme temperatures across the MISO footprint. The regional grid operator is asking consumers of all customer classes to practice energy conservation and reduce nonessential electricity use. If conditions persist, MISO will continue to communicate with its member utilities to assess and implement measures that will ensure overall grid stability, including potential localized load modification actions. “While our in-state MISO utility members’, including Entergy Mississippi, LLC, and Cooperative Energy Inc., generator assets are available and their electric generation exceeds in-state consumption, because of our participation in this regional market, we want to do our part to ensure grid stability and energy resource adequacy across the affected area,” Commissioner Bailey said. “The Mississippi Public Service Commission continues to monitor the effects of these extreme temperatures on our state and regional energy grid and appreciates the consuming public’s assistance in the wise consumption of energy use during this time.”

By Bob Garver Having seen the best (“The Dark Knight,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) and worst (“Morbius,” “Fant4stic”) of what the modern superhero genre has to offer, I can report that “Blue Beetle” falls right smack in the middle of the spectrum. It would be easy to write off this movie’s staggering averageness with a wide-brush line like “not a classic, not a disaster,” but I feel the need to stress the degree to which this movie is right on par. It isn’t so much that it’s dull or that I didn’t care about it, because that would be the mark of a bad superhero movie. It’s that the movie manages the curious feat of having just enough of a unique identity for me to recommend it with a bare minimum of passion. Our hero is Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a smart, resourceful recent college graduate. He’s happy to be back in his hometown of Palmera City with his family, including his mother Rocio (Elpidia Carillo), father Alberto (Damián Alcázar), sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), Nana (Adriana Barraza), and crazy uncle Rudy (George Lopez). But he’s less happy to hear that his family has fallen on hard times and is about to lose the house. He vows to help them out financially. A cleaning gig at the home of wealthy industrialist Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon) goes badly, but he does make an impression on Victoria’s niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine), who half-heartedly invites him to apply for a job at corporate headquarters the next day. When he gets there, a skittish Jenny tells him to flee with a mysterious box, keep it safe and hidden, and above all, not open it. It’s maybe an hour before he opens the box in front of his family. Inside the box is The Scarab, an alien artifact that immediately attaches itself to Jamie and causes him develop a metallic skin, destroy most of the house, and rocket into outer space. Eventually Jamie figures out that he’s inside a super-suit that is certainly dangerous in his hands, but even more dangerous in the hands of the military or evildoers like Victoria or her mechanized henchman Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo). He seeks out Jenny for help getting the Scarab out of his system, and she takes him to the hidden lair of her long-missing father, who was secretly a low-level superhero called Blue Beetle. Jamie and his family use some of Blue Beetle’s tech and resources, though I don’t believe Jamie ever officially takes on the name himself. Whatever, fans are going to call the Jamie “Blue Beetle” going forward no matter what. Story-wise, it’s not hard to see the inspirations for “Blue Beetle.” The main character gets his powers from a bug at a corporate building like Spider-Man, he’s inside of a metal suit like Iron Man, he has a testy relationship with the symbiote (voiced by Becky G) attached to his body like Venom, some of his powers are imagination-based like Green Lantern, he hides out in an armory beneath a mansion like Batman, and I’m sure I’m missing several others. Maybe Blue Beetle’s real superpower is that he can amalgamate every other superhero movie. And yet, “Blue Beetle” compensates for this lack of originality with a healthy dose of heart. Not too much heart, characters like Jamie and Jenny are likeable enough, but they’re pretty standard as far as superhero leads go. But there is an undeniable charm to the Reyes family, and it’s hard not to be swept up in their chemistry and care for each other. Then again, this movie isn’t much different than dozens of other superhero movies, and it’s not like most of them don’t have likeable characters too. I was going to give this movie a non-recommendation grade of C for being too bland, but then Nana showed up and saved the day. If you see the movie, you’ll understand why I had to bump the grade up to a B- just for her. Grade: B- “Blue Beetle” is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language, and some suggestive references. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.