Hinds Community College recognized high school and college graduates in 1972 and previous years in the annual 50+ reunion held this fall as part of Homecoming week, including Mary Beth Grogan White of Bolton. Pictured (l to r) are the Classes of 1970-1972: Torona Stokes of Flowood, Randy Shelton and Alice Cauthen Shelton, both of Camden; Mary Beth Grogan White of Bolton, Mary Etta Purvis Naftel of Raymond, Skipper Anding of Ridgeland, Shirley Daigle of Port Gibson and Lou Anne Polk Askew of Raymond.

The Hinds Community College Foundation recently recognized scholarship recipients, donors and other honorees. Among those recognized were (l to r) Mallory Gipson of Florence, who received the Lora M. Underwood Memorial Scholarship; Weldon Grizzell of Jackson, who received the Vashti and Clyde Muse Impact Scholarship; Brantley Martin of Raymond, who received the Dr. Vernon Clyde Muse Scholarship, and Carmen Harris of Bolton, who received the Vashti Underwood Muse Scholarship. With them was Hinds Community College President Emeritus Dr. Clyde Muse (front).

By Bob Garver With “Avatar: The Way of Water” opening next weekend, no new wide release wanted to open this weekend and have only one week to make money before they got squashed. I’ve already reviewed first-place domestic box office finisher “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” as well as runners-up “Violent Night,” “Strange World,” and “The Menu” in second through fourth place, respectively. As much as I’d like to revisit “The Menu” and heap on more praise, this week’s review will be for fifth-place finisher “Devotion.” The film stars up-and-comers Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as a pair of heroic Korean War fighter pilots in 1950. Jesse Brown (Majors) is the more gifted flyer of the two, but as an African-American, he’s held back by the prejudices of the day. He’s not completely shut out, and things are starting to turn around, especially considering his incredible skill, but there are still many that look down on him. Tom Hudner (Powell) is also a gifted flyer in Brown’s unit. He’s not as talented as Brown, but he’s seen as more likeable, media-friendly, and promotable. He wishes there was more he could do for his superior colleague, but Brown and his wife Daisy (Christina Jackson) insist that Hudner not fight Brown’s battles for him, just be there for him. Hudner spends the bulk of the movie trying to figure out how to be there for his friend without overstepping. I’ll come right out and say it – we’ve already had a fighter pilot movie this year with “Top Gun: Maverick,” a film that may end the year as the #1 box office performer worldwide. That movie even had Glen Powell, who, between this film, that one, and playing John Glenn in “Hidden Figures” is getting quite the reputation as Hollywood’s go-to guy to play aviators. The marketing for this movie has tried to push it as a sort of successor to “Top Gun: Maverick,” trying to pull in audiences that made that film a hit. But it’s actually having the opposite effect, making this film look like a cheap knockoff that doesn’t need to be seen by audiences that have already had their fill of fighter pilots in 2022. I assure you it's no knockoff – too many talented people are putting their backs into this effort, and Jesse Brown’s story most definitely deserves to be told - but it is a notch below the superior performer creatively, and that is translating into a terrible performance commercially. Probably the biggest problem with the film is the decision to dwell too much on this portion of Brown’s life. Don’t get me wrong, this is obviously an important part, and no biopic would be complete without it, I’m just not sure it was a great idea to limit the film’s timeline to just one year. Yes, the film centers around the friendship between Brown and Hudner, and I know the two didn’t know each other until 1950, but Brown has achieved so much success already at the start of the movie that there are barely any obstacles to overcome. I think a straight-up Brown biopic would have been the way to go rather than focusing on his relationship with the frankly bland Hudner. “Devotion” is a competent movie with dedicated performances. War movie aficionados will have a pretty good idea of what they’re going to get here: bonding among the officers, family dynamics with Brown, some bullying and heated conversations about race relations, comic relief antics during a shore leave (Brown’s encounter with a celebrity is a highlight of the film), and of course, tense flying sequences. It’s a fine choice if you’re into this kind of movie, but it can be tedious if you’re all fighter pilot-ed out for a while. Grade: C “Devotion” is rated PG-13 for strong language, some war action/violence, and smoking. Its running time is 139 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Only In Your State End the year with a bang by catching the Geminid meteor shower! Not only is it the final meteor shower of 2022, but it’s one of the most spectacular of all meteor showers because of its reliability. Luckily, it will be visible from Mississippi – no special equipment required. A year-end favorite for stargazers, the Geminid meteor shower occurs in December every year. It typically peaks during mid-December, and 2022 is no different. Shannon Dizmang/Flickr This year, the Geminids will peak on the nights of December 13th and 14th. Of all the celestial events that take place throughout the year, the Geminid meteor shower is not to be missed. It’s touted as one of the “best and most reliable” annual meteor showers. St0rmz/Flickr Fun fact: The Geminids were first recorded in 1833, after being spotted by passengers on a Mississippi riverboat. So, what makes the Geminids so special? Well, for starters they're stunning! Like fireballs streaking across the sky, Geminids are bold, white, and bright. Stephen Little/Flickr The slow-moving, long-lasting meteors, which are sometimes referred to as “earth grazers,” are easy to spot with the naked eye. Geminids aren’t just easy on the eyes. They’re abundant, too. David DeHetre/Flickr Stargazers can expect to see anywhere between 50 and 150 meteors per hour! The number of meteors visible depends on several factors, including the brightness of the moon. Though the Geminids can be seen without any special equipment, there are a few ways to improve your view. First, you’ve got to pick the perfect viewing spot. John M. Cooper/Flickr What makes a perfect viewing spot? The darker, the better. Choose a place free of light pollution. Also, head to your viewing location at least 30 minutes before the meteor shower begins, giving your eyes time to adjust. Second, timing is everything. Tasayu Tasnaphun/Flickr The Geminid meteor shower starts around 9 p.m. and lasts into the early morning hours. However, for the best views, you should check out the Geminids at 2 a.m., which is when they peak. Last, you’ve got to look in the right place. Nick Miller/Flickr Geminids radiate from the constellation Gemini, but you actually don’t want to look directly at the constellation during the meteor shower. Geminids will be visible across the night sky. Plus, those viewed near the radiant typically have shorter trains, which, in turn, makes them more difficult to spot. To learn more about the Geminid meteor shower, check out the EarthSky website. So, what do you think? Do you plan on watching the Geminids this year? Have you checked them out in the past? If so, what’d you think? Tell us! Celestial events sure are stunning. The only issue is that they only come around every so often. Don’t worry, though. There are lots of beautiful places in Mississippi that you can explore all year long.

Open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace began November 1 and continues through January 15, 2023. Five health insurance companies will offer plans in Mississippi. They are Ambetter from Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi and UnitedHealthcare. Cigna also joined the Marketplace in 2022. “Carefully review the options available to you and in your area,” said Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “Make sure that the plan you are considering provides the coverage that you need. While low monthly costs are attractive, you also need to consider copays and deductibles that you may have to pay later. Check with the provider to see which facilities are in-network.” Mississippians can see plan options, monthly premiums and more by visiting www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/. For other insurance-related questions, contact the Mississippi Insurance Department at 601-359-3569.

The community is invited to join St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m. for their Second Sunday Service: An Advent Eucharist, celebrated by their Vicar, The Rev Hailey Allin, with Music of the Season, featuring Tyler Kemp and Mandy Spivak.

First graders are in the Christmas spirit! Mrs. Bishop and members of the student council assisted 1st graders in making their own “Plastic Bottle Top” Christmas Tree in Mrs. Bishop’s Project Lead The Way class.

Central Hinds Academy's Travis Lord and Hayes Kilby recently placed in the Hinds County Farm Bureau Essay Contest and received a cash reward. Hayes placed 1st in his division, and Travis placed 2nd in his division.

Taken from an article published by NAPS While the holiday season is generally a time of joy and celebration, military families can often experience a very different range of emotions. Active service members and veterans returning home for the holidays might struggle to participate in family gatherings or even find the season particularly distressing. And, for the families of those service members who do not return, the holidays can be an agonizing reminder of a loved one’s absence. In the spirit of the season, honoring the sacrifice of all men and women who proudly served in our armed forces through charitable giving can make a big difference. Children of Fallen Patriots, a foundation that honors the sacrifices of fallen military heroes by helping ensure the success of their children through college education, has outlined several ways that showcase how charitable giving ensures strong futures. Support Veteran-Serving Organizations Tens of thousands of non-profits exist in the United States dedicated to serving veterans and their families. With so many different veteran-serving organizations in the States, it’s crucial to ensure donations are doing the most good for heroes in need. A good way to evaluate an organization is to use Charity Navigator, a renowned nonprofit evaluation site. The site rates charities on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of their programs on a four-star scale, evaluating their measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. Care for Military Families in Need Service members selflessly put their own lives on the line to ensure better lives for all Americans, but their families sacrifice much as well. While many organizations offer support directly to veterans, the family back home can get lost in the shuffle. Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Studies show that almost 25,000 children have lost a parent in the line of duty over the last 35 years. A college education is a significant financial burden, and the majority of surviving military spouses make less than $50,000 annually. Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has provided over $61 million in support to over 2,700 children, including over 1,300 graduates. Additionally, the Gold Star family-focused nonprofit earned a perfect rating from Charity Navigator—an accomplishment less than 1% of the 200,000 rated charities have earned. “The best way to honor the sacrifice of our service members is to ensure better futures for their children,” said David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots. “A college education is the single most important gift we can give to the children of our fallen heroes, especially during the holiday season—a particularly difficult and stressful time for Gold Star families.” Generosity Goes Beyond The Wallet Making a donation is one of the easiest ways to support veteran-serving organizations, but plenty of options exist. More and more people give their time by coordinating fundraising events, such as bake sales and 5k runs. They also spread the word on social media so the country’s veteran community is supported and speak up about the issues that adversely affect them. Learn More For further facts on what you can do, visit www.fallenpatriots.org.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has opened nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor the United States gives to teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science. Two Mississippi seventh through twelfth teachers will be selected for the 2022-23 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity to provide input on policies to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science education. Parents, students, fellow educators or members of the public can nominate a seventh- through twelfth-grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Eligible teachers must have at least five years of full-time employment as a kindergarten through twelfth-grade teacher prior to the 2022-2023 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering or mathematics teaching duties during each of the past five years. Nominations will be accepted until January 9, 2023. Teachers must complete the application process by February 6, 2023. “There are so many Mississippi seventh- through twelfth-grade teachers deserving of a PAEMST award for their dedication to students in the subject areas of science and mathematics,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “I encourage friends, families and colleagues to nominate a teacher who is achieving positive student outcomes and is passionate about teaching and learning. Teachers may also strongly consider nominating themselves.” Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The awards recognizes teacher with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. To nominate a teacher or apply, visit paemst.org.

Seasonal influenza vaccinations are now available for children and qualifying adults at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older as the best protection against the flu. “In Mississippi, we are already seeing increased flu activity, including reports of increased hospital admissions for flu-related illness and increased emergency department visits,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year, because this can be and is beneficial in protecting against severe illness, complications and hospitalizations.” Byers added that both the flu vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccination or boosters can be given at the same time. Flu season typically starts in November and lasts as late as March in Mississippi, but usually peaks anywhere between December and February. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH, but the agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. Those eighteen and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for ten dollars. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at all MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Wearing a face covering in public places offers additional protection against the flu. To locate a county health department clinic or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu.

Mississippians are driving in the dark more now that we have fallen back to Standard Time. Shorter days and deer on the move are just some of the challenges drivers may face at this time of year. The National Safety Council says roadway visibility is about 500 feet with high-beam headlights. "Collision with a deer or other animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile policy," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "Deer collisions can cause thousands of dollars in damage. If you do hit a deer, contact your agent as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car." Deer become more active from October through January and during those months, there is a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population. As a result, more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year. Mississippi Department of Transportation statistics show there were more than 3,800 deer crashes last year. "Deer are unpredictable animals, especially when startled," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "Drivers should remain alert, especially in morning and dusk hours when deer tend to be more active. Motorists should also avoid distractions and always wear a seat belt." Keep these tips in mind: Deer are unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart into traffic. Deer often move in groups. If you see one, there are likely more in the vicinity. When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars. WDo not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. In the event your vehicle strikes a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Call the police if the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists. Watch this informative video that was put together by MDOT and MID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljj8MoQEjRk