The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will celebrate its 40th birthday with an event on Saturday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for all ages. “In September of 1983, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum officially opened its doors to the public,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “Since then, visitors have enjoyed ag tours, exhibits, demonstrations and wholesome, family fun. We are excited to celebrate this incredible milestone of 40 years educating the public on Mississippi’s rich agricultural heritage. Mark your calendars for this historic and entertaining event coming up September 9, 2023.” In addition to all the usual exhibits, festivities for this event will feature the Dixieland Old Engine and Agricultural Club’s display of antique engines and other agricultural tools, and much more. Living History Presenters from around the country will be dressed in period clothing and interacting with museum visitors as Small Town, Mississippi, comes to life. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum has partnered with several organizations who will assist in providing 40 unique experiences across the museum grounds that visitors can enjoy. Additional details regarding the museum’s 40th birthday event will be forthcoming soon. For more information on the different experiences scheduled for this event, contact Rachel Bone at rachel@mdac.ms.gov. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Museum, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook. The Ag Museum is a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Cheating – taking what you didn’t earn. Yeah, that’s a real self-esteem builder. “I’m not brainy enough or strong enough to do it myself, I have to ‘borrow’ from someone else.” Stealing – So, you are the squirrel that doesn’t bother finding your own nuts. You’d rather follow your neighbor squirrel to his stash, steal it, and give it to your family. Real class act. Making your family so proud of you. Violence – Now there’s a class act! Using brute force on someone else to get what you want. Might as well take out an ad in the local paper stating you know you are ‘less than.’ Sexual Perversion – Simple logic tells anyone that a bolt doesn’t fit a bolt, and a nut doesn’t fit another nut. God had it all figured out for us. Better to be alone and not offend your Creator. Lying – You have to be one of those people who love the thought of standing stark naked on Main Street with a sign above your head reading “Liar.” Because Numbers 32:23 in the Bible warns, "You will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Adultery – Stepping outside your marriage for sex. An accepted norm in today’s world. But still, a guarantee of causing yourself pain in the future. Might as well take an axe to a leg or two, if guaranteed pain is your aim. Drunkenness – Another of the many examples of stupidity and self-centeredness. Losing control of your own behavior and emotions. Not to say anything of the real danger you can cause to those around you. Jealousy – Whine, “I want what she’s got.” You may want the same as what she has, but don’t make the mistake of wanting hers. So self-defeating. Grow up and just go work to get your own. Idolatry – Putting anything or anyone in this world before the Creator of this world. If that’s your idea of intelligence – angering the One who created you and can snuff you out in a heartbeat, then go for it. Entitlement – Expecting others to hand you everything you need or want, simply because you are you. Grow up and work for it, like a mature person. Using the people around you stinks, and that smell will eventually run them off. And then you are left alone to breathe in your own stench. Bitterness – A real no-brainer! Go ahead, live your life hurt and angry. Drink that rat poison and expect the one who hurt you to suffer. Gossiping – Are you deliberately trying to make certain you become the butt of gossip at some point? Because that is the end game of talking about other people behind their back. Fact: A good friend who is willing to gossip with you, is usually willing to talk to another good friend about you. Remember, a juicy piece of gossip about you is often just too good not to share. Just asking you to think.

By Bob Garver Last summer, when “Top Gun: Maverick” was making roughly all the money printed in the United States during that fiscal quarter, I read a number of articles (many publications jumped on the trend at once) calling Tom Cruise various iterations of “The Last Movie Star.” The moniker is obviously an exaggeration – Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt haven’t exactly been left in the dust in Hollywood – but it’s understandable where it comes from. It may take a few beats to remember that the “Avatar” movies star Sam Worthington or that Tom Holland is the most recent (live-action) version of Spider-Man, but there is no such confusion with a Tom Cruise movie. I bet most people, when discussing the “Mission: Impossible” movies, say “Tom Cruise” instead of his character’s name of Ethan Hunt. For that matter, I wouldn’t be surprised if people say “Tom Cruise” instead of “Jerry Maguire” when discussing the film named after the character. All of this is to say that Tom Cruise has an undeniable screen presence and charisma. He certainly has the straight-up talent to justify this popularity, but his blockbuster appeal is about more than that. He clearly believes that if he’s going to be at the top of the industry, he should push himself harder than the rest of the industry. That’s why he insists on undertaking difficult tasks like long sequences of running and dangerous stunts involving planes and motorcycles. This kind of dedication is why “Mission: Impossible” is a respectable franchise unto itself and not the James Bond knockoff that it would be otherwise. The new installment sees Hunt racing around the globe to stop The Entity, a computer program that has seemingly become sentient and bent on world domination. Whoever can access The Entity first, whether it’s a government or an individual, can basically control the world. Hunt is initially sanctioned by the U.S. government, represented by Impossible Mission Force leader Eugene Kittridge (Henry Czerny), but he soon realizes that nobody should be allowed to have that much power, so he goes on a rogue mission to destroy The Entity. Hunt is aided by faithful teammates Luther (Ving Rhames), Benji (Simon Pegg) and Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson). Complicating matters are money-driven duplicitous characters like high-class pickpocket Grace (Hayley Atwell) and black-market arms dealer Alanna (Vanessa Kirby). Full-on villains include assassin Gabriel (Esai Morales) and his henchwoman Paris (Pom Klementieff, gleefully maniacal in a role that frankly doesn’t call for it), who are apparently representing The Entity itself, and no, I’m not sure how that business relationship works. The mission involves gaining possession of two halves of a key and then figuring out what exactly the key opens. It also involves an elaborate series of druggings, pickpocketings, thievery, bomb scares, knife-fights, shootouts, car chases, crosses and double crosses, and a ton of antics with a runaway train. Oh, and those super-realistic masks that this series loves come into play. This movie really hopes you like Vanessa Kirby, because you’re getting a double dose of her here (no complaints from me). I spent most of this movie having a hard time deciding if it was worth recommending. Cruise and his team are their usual delightful selves, but it seems like this movie’s been done several times before. The villains are more memorable than some of the others in this series, but their motivations are questionable. The action is mostly pretty exciting, but the stakes are affected by the “Part One” in the film’s title, which tells me that nothing too conclusive is going to happen here. At the last minute, the film pulled out an effective action sequence with a train that finally earned it my endorsement. I reckon you’ll have a good time with the seventh “Mission: Impossible” Grade: B- “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some language and suggestive material. Its running time is 163 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) will host “Voices of Mississippi,” an immersive multimedia experience and concert event, on September 13th at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Performing Arts Center in Ridgeland, Mississippi. “Voices of Mississippi” combines blues, folk, gospel music, and spoken-word storytelling to paint a powerful portrait of the state’s contribution to American culture. The event features live musical performances integrated with film, audio recordings, and archival photographs, all combining to tell a uniquely Mississippi story. The event showcases a lineup of artists representing multiple genres rooted in the Mississippi musical tradition. Featured performers will include two-time GRAMMY® Award-Winner and Blues Hall of Fame legend Bobby Rush; Sharde Thomas of the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band; and three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars. “Voices of Mississippi” is based on the GRAMMY® Award-winning film, book, and music compilation set of the same name by Dr. William Ferris, founder of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Ferris was the 2022 recipient of the MCJ Pathfinder Award, which honors those who promote equity through the arts. Dr. Ferris will MC the event, sharing personal stories from his life’s work documenting Mississippi musicians and artists. The “Voices of Mississippi” benefit concert will support the work of the Mississippi Center for Justice, a nonprofit legal firm that promotes racial, social, and economic equity. “Our state’s rich cultural heritage represents every Mississippian,” says Vangela M. Wade, MCJ’s president and CEO. “Much of our state’s most celebrated creativity and most influential work was born from our state’s most marginalized people and most difficult times. ‘Voices of Mississippi’ is an inclusive event that will bring all of us together to celebrate our state’s unmatched influence on American music, art, and culture.” “’Voices of Mississippi’ celebrates our state’s rich history of music, which has long been a bridge across troubled waters. Music comforts the soul, deepens our humanity, and builds solidarity,” says Dr. Ferris. “Like the courageous work of the Mississippi Center for Justice, the sounds of Mississippians and their rich musical heritage inspire us to work for a better future together.” EVENT DETAILS “Voices of Mississippi” September 13, 2023 7:00 PM St. Andrew’s Performing Arts Center 370 Old Agency Road Ridgeland, MS 39157 Tickets on sale July 19 via Ticketmaster VIP Seating $200 General Admission Tickets $125 https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B005EEEA5F0548A For sponsorship information, including tickets to a VIP reception with the artists, contact: Tosha Taylor 601.709.0859 or 601.325.2269 ext. 107 TTaylor@mscenterforjustice.org For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, contact: Mandesha Thornton Mississippi Center for Justice 601.352.2269 ext. 147 mthornton@mscenterforjustice.org

Have you ever thought that you could create a better message for the signs you see above the roadways? Now is your chance to prove it! The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is holding its annual Safety Message Contest. Submit your clever or punny message for the chance to win and see it posted on Mississippi DMS boards. The contest will run from July 17 through 31. “MDOT’s main focus is safety; we want everyone, the traveling public and our roadside workers, to make it where they’re going every day,” said Brad White MDOT Executive Director. “These messages you see along the roadways help remind drivers of easy ways to increase their safety when behind the wheel.” MDOT’s traffic safety messages appear on DMS boards along highways and interstates throughout Mississippi. These messages, which are often related to current events and pop culture, are part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. However, any local emergency messages and traffic updates automatically override scheduled messages on the DMS boards. There is no limit to the number of messages you can submit, but below are some guidelines to remember: The message must relate to traffic safety. Signs can only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces. Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed. No emojis. For this year’s contest, participants are encouraged to focus their messages on the following themes: Speeding Distracted Driving/Texting and Driving Seat Belt Safety Sober Driving Work Zone Safety Turn Signals/Blinkers Left Lane Driving Etiquette Follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for details on how to submit your messages.

By Kara Kimbrough Last week I was perusing one of the few remaining bookstores (don’t get me started on the impracticality of ordering books online without at least holding it in my hands, thumbing through a few pages and deciding for myself if it’s worth buying) in the state and came across two intriguing titles: “100 Things to Do in Mississippi Before You Die” and “100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die.” Flipping through the books (see what I mean?) I glimpsed several items I’ve been fortunate enough to see and experience. If you’re planning a last-minute getaway with the family before school starts or simply looking for a fun road trip, here is a list of some of my favorite things to see and do in Mississippi. I realize this list doesn’t come close to covering all the wonderful things in our state, so I’ll mention more in future columns. But here are a few to get you started: 1. Listing “Mississippi Gulf Coast” is simply too broad of a suggestion – after all, there are three counties along the gulf filled with cities and towns filled with shopping, restaurants, excursions and adventures. In short, they are all worthy of a visit in their own right. Narrowing it down just a tad, one of my favorite things to do is drive over the Bay St. Louis Bridge for a birds-eye view of the shimmering water fronting Hancock County. Another good idea is to head west over the Biloxi Bay Bridge for an equally memorable experience leading into Jackson County. Paring things down even further, stopping for a picnic at Jones Park at the intersection of US 49 and 90 in Gulfport is a free, enjoyable thing to do while on the Coast. Sitting under the massive Barkdale Pavililion near the water while cool breezes waft through the pillars creates the illusion of a beach vacation without the time and expense. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a meal. If it's not too terribly hot, walk a few feet to the sand and relax in a beach chair. Similar covered beach pavilions are found along the beach, but this one is my favorite. 2. Vicksburg, filled with history, beauty and of course, the Mighty Mississippi, is the perfect day trip or mini vacation. Simply standing on the banks of the river and taking in all of its magnificent size and splendid is something everyone needs to do at least once. If you’re feeling adventuresome, book a room in one of the Civil War-era bed and breakfasts to hear informative tour guides tell of their use as hospitals (and more...) during the Siege of Vicksburg. The hardwood floors in at least one of the homes still bear faint traces of the bloodstains left by wounded soldiers. According to friends who stayed overnight in one, the detailed war stories told by an entertaining tour guide were so convincing that they slept with a loaded pistol by their bedside to fend off any lingering “visitors." Email me if you’d like the name of this “lively” B & B. A stop by the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, the origin of the world-famous beverage, and the Old Courthouse Museum containing the first teddy bear will make any visit complete. 3. Natchez is another river city not to miss when traveling around the state. Mesmerizing water vistas are found in the area famous for being the oldest permanent settlement along the Mississippi. Natchez is also filled with antebellum homes and B & Bs, albeit minus blood-stained floors. If you know your history, you’ll remember the Union Army was a little kinder to this city. Fast forward to modern day and you’ll find plenty of antique shops, quaint downtown area and an Indian village, to name just a few things to see and do. 4. Speaking of the Civil War, if you’re a history buff, you'll love researching the history of the 5-year battle in which the state's soldiers played an integral role at Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson. The impressive six-story building contains millions of researchable documents, including detailed information on Confederate soldiers, land rolls dating back centuries, genealogy records and much more. Trained staff are available to assist with research, but there’s also plenty of freedom to browse through mountains of information on your own. 5. You can’t visit MDAH without walking across the street and visiting my favorite building in the state, the Old Capitol Museum. Touring the state’s first legislative chambers and interesting displays of Mississippi history, including the Governors' and First Ladies' gallery, makes for an interesting experience. However, viewing the elaborate architecture and stunning rotunda and newly-restored dome is the crowning touch of any visit to this state treasure. 6. Don’t just drive through the Capitol City and adjacent counties in search of beaches, mountains and attractions in other states. Instead, stop and enjoy the natural beauty, scenic water views and parks near the Barnett Reservoir. The 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s called, and 17,000 surrounding acres with 105 miles of shoreline. One of the best spots is scenic Lakeshore Park located on the Rez's southeastern shore in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing and swimming in a secure sand-filled water with an adjacent beach. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. Lakeshore Park is located at 1112 North Shore Parkway, Brandon. 6. I’ve mentioned my fondness the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora on more than one occasion. But just in case you missed it, every Mississippian needs to experience this intriguing, beautiful area filled with archaic trees and stones. After all, where else can you view an area formed 36 million years ago without leaving Mississippi? It sounds like something out of the Stone Age without the long flight to the long flight to Egypt. It's hot this time of year, but the nature trail is shaded and the earth science museum is air-conditioned. The museum is filled with petrified wood samples from Mississippi as well as the other 49 states. Fossils and minerals from around the world, dinosaur footprints, whale bones and other interesting artifacts are also on display. The forest is privately-owned, but open to visitors. Before you go, check out the website for hours and admission fees: mspetrifiedforest.com. 7. Even if you’re not an alumnus, put school loyalties aside and visit the only Presidential Library in Mississippi located on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville. Believe it or not, the library chronicles the life and presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. Equally surprising is the fact that the university's Mitchell Library contains the nation’s largest privately held research and display material of Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. President who was anything but sympathetic to Mississippi during the war. Historians, scholars and students from around the nation and world visit the museums to study the collections and learn more about the lives of the 16th and 18th presidents. For hours of operation and more, visit the library's website at: usgrantlibrary.org. 8. Looking for an outing with a waterfall involved? Believe it or not, there is a waterfall in Mississippi. Travel to east Mississippi in search of the Chunky River in Lauderdale County and you’ll find the Dunn's Fall's Water Park. The bluffs of the eastern bank of the river extend to amazing heights from which a natural majestic waterfall flows. Visitors can climb winding steps on the steep embankment next to the falls to view the majestic water from below. This natural wonder is located at 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd. In Enterprise. The park is open Wednesday-Saturday and there is an admission fee. Call 601-655-8550 for more information. There you have it - a few of my “can’t-miss” places guaranteed to provide an interesting, “only in Mississippi” experience not found in a bustling tourist area. I didn’t come close to the list in the “100 Things to Do” books, but at least it’s a start. If you’d like me to visit your favorite place, drop me an email and I’ll add it to the list. In the meantime, it doesn’t get more “Mississippi” than peach cobbler, especially now when they’re at their peak. Like our state, this a low-maintenance recipe that results in an unforgettable experience. Old-Fashioned Cobbler 2 cups of sliced peaches or your favorite fruit (if using fresh berries, place them in a bowl with a little water and sprinkle of sugar and refrigerate for one hour before baking) 2 cups of self-rising flour 2 cups of sugar, plus two tablespoons, divided 1 cup milk 2 sticks of butter, room temperature Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butter in large ovenproof dish and heat in oven until melted and bubbling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix berries with two tablespoons of sugar and bring to boil. In a separate mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar and milk. Pour batter evenly across baking dish of bubbling butter, then pour berries and juice evenly on top of batter; do not stir. Bake 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will begin offering religious exemptions Monday, July 17, 2023, in addition to the existing medical exemption process in compliance with the federal court order entered in April 2023. Detailed information is now available on our website along with the proper forms to be completed and a statement from the Board of Health. "MSDH stands with the Board of Health in support of the current School Vaccination Law which has protected our children for over 40 years," said State Health Officer, Dr. Daniel Edney. MSDH issues medical exemptions when a Mississippi licensed pediatrician, family physician or internist completes the exemption form (Form 139-M) and submits it to the State Epidemiologist for review. For a religious exemption, a parent or guardian will schedule an appointment at a county health department (HD) and submit Form 139-R (available on the MSDH website and at HD locations). During the appointment, the parent or guardian will be required to watch a Vaccine Education Video and will have an opportunity to ask questions. HD staff will complete the Form 139-R and submit the completed form to the State Epidemiologist for review. The State Epidemiologist will approve and issue exemptions when parents or guardians (religious) or physicians (medical) complete the required process and request form. The Form 122 providing documentation of the exemption will be provided to the parent or guardian, the physician (if applicable), and the school if that information is provided on the form. In each exemption process, the parent or guardian will be informed of any vaccine-preventable diseases for which the child has not been adequately immunized and current outbreaks that may prevent the child from attending daycare or school. "Because of our long-existing and strong immunizations program, Mississippi has not recorded a measles case since 1992 even as other states have seen cases and outbreaks in recent years," states Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathryn Taylor. "MSDH urges parents to carefully consider the importance of vaccinating our children and continues to encourage all individuals to remain up to date on all vaccinations unless medically contraindicated." For more information on health equity, visit: www.HealthyMS.com/equity. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, recently implemented new features to support Mississippi organizations and projects needing volunteers or support. Volunteer Mississippi exists to engage and support all Mississippians in service to their communities, and it works to find innovative ways to accomplish this mission. To help connect volunteers with opportunities, the agency recently relaunched its website to better help volunteers and organizations fill their needs. One of the new website features is a free-to-use volunteer calendar. Any organization seeking volunteers for its events, whether recurring or a special event, can fill out a simple form describing its need for volunteers. From there, the event is posted to the Volunteer Mississippi calendar. Those seeking an opportunity to volunteer can view the calendar to find an upcoming service opportunity. Mississippi organizations have benefitted greatly from this service, and well over 100 organizations have had their need for volunteers filled through the volunteer calendar. Corie Jones, deputy director, public relations at Volunteer Mississippi, designed the volunteer opportunity system, and she is thrilled with the success of the system. "It can be difficult to find volunteers or a place to serve, so our goal was to simplify the process," said Jones, "and we were able to accomplish that. I'm proud of the positive response we've had to our calendar. From disaster relief to food distribution and everything in between. Volunteer Mississippi is truly connecting volunteers with opportunities." Along with the volunteer opportunity platform, Volunteer Mississippi's website contains new funding opportunities available to Mississippi organizations. Along with existing AmeriCorps grants, Volunteer Mississippi has opened applications for Volunteer and Civic Engagement Mini-Grants. These mini-grants are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the state of Mississippi seeking assistance to offset costs involved with a project or event that engages Mississippians of all ages and backgrounds inservice to their communities. These mini-grants are the second round offered to Mississippi organizations, and each applicant could receive up to $10,000 of reimbursement. Eligible projects must take place between July 1, 20­­23 and December 31, 2023and must engage at least 10 volunteers within the grant period. Suzanne Scales-Rutherford, interim co-executive director and AmeriCorps grant officer at Volunteer Mississippi, says that these mini-grants are a chance for non-profits to experience financial relief. "These mini-grants give us the opportunity to assist the organizations that are the backbone of Mississippi," Rutherford said. "Volunteer Mississippi understands the hard work that goes into civic engagement, and we want to recognize the organizations that make a difference in their communities. Our goal for the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Mini-Grants is to positively impact organizations and in turn, positively impact Mississippi." These two opportunities are not the only new features available on Volunteer Mississippi's redesigned website. Visitors can find information on events hosted by the agency, AmeriCorps grant information and a new "About Us" page that clearly articulates the mission and vision of Volunteer Mississippi. The mission of Volunteer Mississippi is to engage and support Mississippians of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities. Volunteer Mississippi works to connect volunteers with opportunities to serve around the state of Mississippi. The agency houses AmeriCorps Mississippi and partners with Mississippi service organizations to promote volunteerism to all Mississippi residents. To learn more about Volunteer Mississippi or get involved, visit volunteermississippi.org.

Do this one. (If your spouse is a bit squeamish, then best accomplish this without them being in the kitchen) Catch a live toad. Fill a large pan with cool water and place the pan on the stove. Put the toad in the pan and then turn the burner on to low heat. The innocent soon-to-be-in-danger toad will sit contentedly in that water, never dreaming that his nice, personal paradise will begin to heat up and his lovely new home will steadily turn into a personal pit of death. He will sit there enjoying his little pond, not recognizing that is getting warmer, then entirely too warm, and then eventually will cook him to death. Reminiscent of us contented humans. We have sat in a slowly-heating pan of tolerance and acceptance, where ‘anything goes’ and where absolutely nothing is deemed as wrong anymore. While we have been blissfully swimming in the nice warm water and enjoying ourselves, our play water has been steadily warming, and now seems to be reaching the cook-you-while-you-laugh point. So many do not sense the coming danger. Have we reached the point-of-no-return? Is our consciences and our moral compass so damaged by the play water that we as a nation can no longer grasp that there is a wrong and a right in the eyes of our Creator? We definitely need a bucket of ice thrown in our pan. And some have been trying, but unfortunately, we can’t seem to throw in enough ice to cool things off. Sermons have been preached, parents lecture and discipline, concerned teachers attempt to guide, and speeches have been shouted by conservative political men and women in our government system, all clearly alarmed at the direction we have taken. The result? Absolutely no change in our downward spiral. No, that sentence is incomplete. It should read, ‘Absolutely no change in our headlong dive, it’s as if we are now being pushed downward by a twelve-million-ton locomotive.’ But why? Why do we no longer heed words of caution – words that earlier generations regarded as valuable wisdom? Today most people have the defiant attitude, “You ain’t the boss of me, and I’m free to do as I please!” Well, yes, to a degree, I would agree with them. No person holds any more worth than another, worth which would give them authority over another in this world of humanity. Not one of us is God. So in that sense, they are free to rebel against society and do as they please. But human worth is not the issue when it comes to ‘Who is Boss around here.’ The only issue is this: There really is a God. A God who is the Creator of everything that exists. And that makes Him the Boss. A Boss who wrote a Letter a long time ago, telling us how to behave and what He wanted. And allowing that twelve-million-ton locomotive to destroy us is not what He wanted.

Word and Worship Church will host a drive-thru Back to School Blast 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2023. Word and Worship Church is located at 6286 Hanging Moss Road, Jackson, MS. Free school supplies will be available for grades K-12 and college students while they last. Students must be present to receive the supplies. A vaccine clinic will be provided, also. Health screenings will be available for those in attendance. The event is free and open to the public. The Back-to-School Blast is sponsored by Word and Worship Church, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, and Amerigroup.

By Kara Kimbrough It’s summer, which in the south means one thing: it’s hot. Very hot. Even so, last week I was excited to find an easy way to make one of my favorite dishes, vegetable beef soup/stew. Yes, soup can be enjoyed in the summer. It’s all in how you prepare it. Nor does it have to be served piping hot. Lukewarm will suffice in many instances. The recipe emerged from the passing of a long-time family friend who loved God and her church, First Baptist of Jackson, her family, friends and the soup made by her niece. Almost every sad event has a silver lining and this one contained several. The passing of Canton native and long Jacksonian Mary Ann Hatten was met with sadness throughout several parts of the state. As a beloved teacher early in her career at Columbia High School, she taught and impacted the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of students. Many still kept in touch and visited her decades later. A move to Jackson Public Schools to serve as history and civics teacher and guidance counselor at Chastain Junior - now Middle - School allowed hundreds more to benefit from her instruction, care and concern for “my kids.” In Columbia, Mary Ann served as a teacher under my uncle, principal of CHS. He worked alongside my aunt, the school secretary, a partnership that likely wouldn’t be permitted today. A decades-long friendship continued after they all relocated to Jackson; my uncle at Mississippi Department of Education, my aunt to Peeples Middle School and Mary Ann at Chastain. Several years ago, I reconnected with her and was able to visit her cozy apartment on Old Canton Road, where she’d resided for decades. Hearing about her frequent visits to “the Kroger” located directly behind her home, frequent stops by Gridley’s Barbecue to pick up barbecue and homemade pies to take to church and family dinners and weekly Friday night dinners to area restaurants with her friends never failed to entertain. Mary Ann was truly happy and content living there. As she explained it to me, “I have everything I need right here in the neighborhood!" During the pandemic, she uncovered another favorite restaurant. Staff at Honey Baked Ham on Northside Drive brought food orders to her car and placed them on her back seat, a kindness she rewarded with a big tip. As a long-time subscriber to The Clarion-Ledger, Mary Ann read my columns each week, calling to check on me if one failed to make it in that week’s food section. After reading the newspapers from cover to cover, she faithfully donated them to area animal shelters to use as cage liners. But back to the soup recipe. I heard many stories of how her beloved niece, Janet, traveled often from Clinton to take her out to eat and drop off her favorite soup. Janet made it without tomatoes due to Mary Ann’s food allergy. I always meant to ask her for the recipe since she called it, “the best soup you’ve ever tasted.” Sadly, I never asked and due to both ladies’ passing, feel certain I’ll never know the exact ingredients. Not to be deterred, I searched through cookbooks and my online group, Soup Lovers, to look for a recipe that met Mary Ann’s description. I received several suggestions and selected one that looked similar to Janet’s version. I loved that the recipe called for chuck roast instead of stew meat. Having to brown chunks of meat, only to have them shrivel up to half the size in the soup was always a problem. This version is full of flavor, large chunks of beef and best of all, easy to make courtesy of the Crockpot. And here’s a lesson to remember: if you plan “one day” to ask a friend for a recipe or even more important, want to pass on favorite family dishes to others – do it now. While it may not be the original, I feel blessed to have found a close replica of the original “best soup ever.” It’s now one of my favorite soup recipes – just one of the many blessings that resulted from the long, productive life of Mary Ann. Mary Ann’s Vegetable Beef Soup 2-3 pounds beef chuck roast 1 cup diced onions 16 ounce bag baby carrots, left whole 1-1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, peeled and quartered (or one cup country-style hash browns) 2 cups celery, diced 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix 32-ounce low-sodium beef broth 2 beef bouillon cubes (or Better than Bouillon, dissolved in water) 1 bag frozen English peas 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Optional: 6-ounce tomato paste if you prefer Slurry: 2 tablespoons corn starch 3 tablespoons cold water Place all ingredients in lined Crockpot set to high. Cook 8-10 hours. If possible, add potatoes and carrots 4 hours into cooking time. If that’s not possible, place them on top of the meat to cook slower. Fifteen minutes before end of cooking, combine cornstarch and cold water and stir into soup. Let cook 15 minutes, then serve. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The 2023 Mississippi Legislature revised laws requiring language interpreters for people of limited English proficiency in court proceedings to provide broader access to assistance for people who don’t understand English. The new law, which went into effect July 1, mandates court appointment of a qualified interpreter in criminal cases at no cost to the defendant, with the cost borne by the county or municipality. Changes in the criminal statute are in Miss. Code Ann. Section 99-17-7. New legislation also requires court interpreters to be paid by the county or municipality in civil cases, so limited English proficient individuals will no longer have to pay for a court interpreter. In the past there has been confusion as to when LEP individuals are entitled to use a court interpreter. Revisions to the statutes clarified that LEP individuals are entitled to use an interpreter in any instance arising out of or pertaining to the individual’s involvement in litigation. See Miss. Code Ann. Section 9-21-73 (4). This provision ensures that LEP individuals have a right to an interpreter during all phases of litigation, including hearings and depositions. This provision applies not only to litigants, but also to witnesses, said Deenie Miller, director of language access for the Administrative Office of Courts. “The new law ensures that limited English proficient individuals receive assistance from qualified court interpreters from the beginning of a case until the end of a trial, no matter what their involvement is regarding the litigation. This includes a plaintiff filing a lawsuit in the Clerk’s Office, a defendant appearing in court responding to a summons, or a witness testifying at a trial. The cost of the interpreter can no longer be assessed to the LEP individual,” Miller said. The Administrative Office of Courts is seeking bilingual speakers willing to train to become credentialed court interpreters. An Ethics and Skill Building Seminar will be held Aug. 3-4 at the Gartin Justice Building, 450 High Street in Jackson. The seminar registration deadline is July 24. Advance registration is required. The $125 registration fee includes the seminar and a box lunch both days. The registration form is at this link: https://courts.ms.gov/aoc/courtinterpreter/forms/Ethics%20and%20Skill%20Building%20Registration%20Form.pdf. Participation in the Ethics and Skill Building Seminar is the first step in the Mississippi Court Interpreter Credentialing Program which trains, tests and certifies individuals who wish to serve as court interpreters. The seminar will introduce the candidates to requirements for foreign language interpreting in court settings. The seminar will cover the role of the court foreign language interpreter, ethical requirements, modes of interpretation and credentialing requirements. Candidates to become court interpreters must already be fluent in English and a second language and must develop an understanding of legal terms and court proceedings. The AOC developed the Mississippi Court Interpreter Credentialing Program to assist state courts in providing equal access to justice for people of limited English proficiency. AOC provides all state courts with a roster of credentialed foreign language interpreters. The AOC requested legislative changes earlier this year to make sure that people of limited English proficiency receive all of the protections required by federal law. The legislation expanded the definition of who is a person of limited English proficiency, or LEP, beyond the former definition of simply a party or witness who cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English. New language in the statute adds “or who does not speak English as his or her primary language” and “has a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English.” Miller said, “There have been differing opinions as to who has the right to a court interpreter. Now it is clear that appointing a court interpreter is proper for individuals who may speak some English but are not fluent. The new definition further strengthens access to justice to our LEP population.” The Legislature this year revised definitions of the previously established three categories of court interpreters: certified, registered and non-credentialed. The legislation also adopted an order of preference, with certified interpreters first, then registered, then non-credentialed. “This will ensure that every LEP individual has the right to the most qualified interpreter available,” Miller said. “We want to encourage anyone who meets the qualifications for pursuing our Court Interpreter Program to attend the seminar so we can expand our court interpreter roster. We often are forced to utilize court interpreters from other states because we do not have enough interpreters to meet the demand. As more people learn about the new legislation, the demand will continue to increase.” House Bill 1217 was introduced by House Judiciary A and Judiciary En Banc Chair Angela Cockerham of Magnolia, Judiciary A Vice-Chair Rep. Thomas U. Reynolds of Charleston and Rep. Otis Anthony of Indianola. Gov. Tate Reeves approved the legislation on March 13. The Legislature also appropriated $150,000 to the AOC’s language access budget. The funds will help efforts to make LEP individuals aware of their right to an interpreter. Miller said, “One of our first big projects will be providing signs in clerk’s offices and courtrooms translated into multiple languages so that people who are limited English proficient know they are entitled to an interpreter.” The Director of Language Access assists the courts in meeting the needs of people with limited English proficiency. The Director is charged with educating judges, court staff and attorneys about the requirements for providing court interpreters for people of limited English proficiency to conform with federal and state laws and regulations. The Director is also in charge of recruiting foreign language interpreters. For more information, contact Deenie Miller at 601-359-4469 or deenie.miller@courts.ms.gov.