The Wesson Chamber of Commerce board has a new team bringing new ideas to the table and looking at tweaks to bring some freshness to ongoing work.  Four new board members come with no prior service, a fifth with just a few weeks service and a sixth with a history long forgotten. A Reno, Nevada, transplant, whose family roots are in Wesson, brings a background in economic development that shapes her perspective and vision of Chamber leadership. Teri Bath, the new president of the board who resettled in Wesson three years ago with her husband, a real estate developer, says she wants to see the Chamber broaden awareness and exposure of Wesson among state, regional and even national businesses and government officials. “I want to show them that Wesson is a part of Mississippi -- a diamond in the rough where industry can operate profitably and produce a comfortable living for residents, so they don’t have to drive long distances to work and their kids can find good jobs and not have to leave town when they grow up,” Bath says. Other new faces joining Bath on the Chamber board are vice president Jerri Lynn Porter, the Wesson Copiah bank branch manager; Pam Stamps, who owns a Brookhaven-based accounting firm; and secretary-treasurer Nekitha Jackson, who is also president of the Wesson Attendance Center Parent-Teacher Organization.  After many years, Tim Sutton, owner of Wesson Ace Hardware, returns to the board, and Kristi Carney comes back after brief service last year.  Marilyn Britt, former Wesson Trustmark Bank branch manager and now working at the public library in her retirement; and Janet Currie, owner-manager of the Another Time. . . .Another Place gift shop, continue long-standing service on the Chamber board. Before turning their attention to the new, however, the board is currently focused on Wesson’s venerable Founders’ Day celebration that will begin on the evening of May 3 and continue throughout the day on May 4. Specifics on the 2024 event aren’t available yet, but Bath says it will build on last year’s program, which featured a 5K Run/Walk, musicians, vendors with an array of arts and crafts, snacks, refreshments and meals; the crowning of a new Queen, a parade and fireworks. Likely, walkers and runners will again begin the festivities with 5K event on Highway 51 that follows a route through Wesson and the Co-Lin campus and ends at their starting point on Highway 51.  Last year, more than 60 adults and youth participated and larger numbers are expected this year. Throughout the day on May 4, soloists and bands now being lined up will take the Spring Street stage with an assortment of gospel, rock and country music, dance and crowd-pleasing performances.  Shoppers will browse vendor booths and bargain for clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts.  An abundance of food, snacks and drinks will be available to satisfy the hunger needs of visitors. Beyond Founders’ Day, Bath has a full agenda she wants the Chamber board to consider for the coming year: Reviving an annual community banquet as the venue for the Chamber awards ceremony. Luncheons throughout the year with speakers of interest to business people on such topics labor and tax laws, marketing, artificial intelligence and the nature of the workforce. Special raffles that build traffic at businesses with Chamber prizes for winners of drawings. Pre-election forums with candidates speaking about their positions on issues and available to answer questions.  Last year before the November elections, 30 county candidates met with more 50 persons at the municipal park. “I also want the Chamber to constantly work at building relationships with the community and forming partnerships with town government, Co-Lin, civic and service organizations towards making Wesson more viable,” says Bath. “When the town’s business community needs support, we want to be prepared to go to bat for it, working effectively on its behalf.”

Congressman Michael Guest is hosting a Passport Acceptance Event in Brookhaven on May 7th, 2024. This event is free and open to the public and will give Mississippians an opportunity to renew or acquire a passport. Congressman Guest’s staff will be available from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. to assist alongside staff from the Passport Agency. The event will be held at the Brookhaven – Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce (230 S. Whitworth Avenue, Brookhaven, MS). If you plan to attend, be sure to bring these items: Completed Passport Application (Found here or at your local post office) Passport Photograph (Find dimensions here or at your local post office) Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (Examples here) Identification (Examples here) Payment (NOTE: Checks / Money Orders Only) An informational flyer is attached. If you have any questions, please call Congressman Guest’s Brandon office at (769) 241-6120.

By Kara Kimbrough Visitors from around the world flock to Natchez during all seasons, for every reason imaginable. It's true, the city's beautiful antebellum homes are a major tourism draw, but Natchez is much more than the sum total of its pilgrimages. You don't have to look far to find 10 additional things to do in one of the state's oldest cities. 1. "Take the carriage ride." It's an invitation you'll hear over and over as you walk along picturesque downtown streets. The offer is one you should take. Sit back in the horse-drawn carriage and let the driver and professional tour guide take you on a 45-minute tour. The tour offers a unique view of homes and landmarks without having to leave the comfort of your carriage. 2. Get a snapshot of Natchez in historic photographs. Located in the First Presbyterian Church's Stratton Chapel is a collection of more than 500 photographs depicting life along the river, area merchants and commerce, and the early families and children who shaped the historic city. 3. Exercise in a beautiful setting. No trip to Natchez is complete without a brisk hike along the scenic Natchez Trails. The trails are a combination of city streets and walkways dotted with interpretive panels depicting the history of the area in which you are walking. The trails run throughout the downtown area and along the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Pedestrians and cyclists can share parts of the trails, which wind to the edge of the river. 4.  Retail therapy is alive and well. Shopping is a way of life in Natchez, dating back to Natchez' first days as a crossroads for American trade from the Natchez Trace. With many antique stores (Franklin Street is referred to as "antique alley"), specialty shops, art galleries and locally owned treasure troves, you don't want to miss exploring the retail side of Natchez. 5.  Channel your adventurous side. Natchez is a paradise for adventurers and those who love being outdoors. The Natchez State Park features clean campsites and amenities. With the Mississippi River and several nearby lakes dotted throughout the area, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, kayaking and boating are yours for the picking. If water is not your thing, play golf, go hunting, or pick up a geocaching map and add a treasure hunt to your trip. 6. Explore the Indian village. Take the short drive out to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and stroll the hallowed ground of the home of the city's original inhabitants. There are ceremonial mounds at the site, along with a replica of an Indian dwelling and a museum with artifacts that have been recovered over the years. 7. Great restaurants are as plentiful as antebellum homes. Shopping, hiking and exploring can work up an appetite. Some must-tries: • Biscuits & Blues, which helps perpetuate Natchez' reputation as biscuit capital of the world • Local favorite Roux 61 serves up notoriously huge portions of its delicious fare. • Stopping by Fat Mama's Tamales is a rite of passage in Natchez. *  The desserts at Mammy’s Cupboard are legendary. Try a slice of the mile-high meringue pie served atop a variety of flavors. Tip: you won't go wrong with a slice of my favorite, coconut cream pie! 8. Visit King Cotton for a day. Don't care to visit an antebellum mansion? Then stop by Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins for a more down-to-earth look at what it took to make cotton king. You'll tour the 1,800-acre working plantation, complete with several restored slave cabins and a 19th-century cotton gin replica. Weather permitting, drag a sack through the fields and pick your own cotton. 9.  Visit the Turning Angel at the Natchez City Cemetery. It sounds a bit strange to consider a cemetery a major must-see, but once you glimpse the beauty of the Natchez City Cemetery and learn the history of some of the characters buried there, you'll understand why. One of the most famous attractions is the Turning Angel, the statue that some say appears to turn when they drive by it at night. The statue is such a Natchez landmark, it inspired the title of the novel "Turning Angel" by bestselling author and Natchez native Greg Iles. Take a self-guided tour of the cemetery with a brochure and map or hire a tour guide to provide history lessons and details of the deceased. Tombstone inscriptions, embellished by romantic and mysterious tales, draw portraits of the departed interned in this historic, beautiful place. 10.  Explore Natchez' ghostly side. If the cemetery tour whets your appetite for "the other side," sign up for a ghost tour conducted by locals. You'll get a firsthand look at Natchez' "inhabited" buildings and hear stories of their tenants' wanderings. The ghostly getaways include drives to view local haunts and legends as well as a journey down through "occupied" spaces. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Mika Hartman The word “audible” automatically makes us think American football; I can hear Peyton Manning yelling “Omaha” as I am typing. Actually, calling an “audible” can be applied to most everything we do. Some people are great with the quick pivoting and some have difficulty in change(s) to routine. In my world, “audibles” are a must. I actually seek those who can make changes quickly to best serve Hudson. It’s a game changer for our family. Every year, we visit several medical specialist here locally, some out of town and even a couple out of state. I call everyone on our team “Team Hudson the Strong”. Now that Hudson is 6, I have had many years of figuring out what works best, what he will tolerate and what we just have to “grin and bear” and get through. The people and professionals who call “audibles” for Hudson are my faves. They see him, truly see him, and call plays according to his behaviors during this visit, not solely to their checklist. Example of an audible: Hudson has sensory issues with his dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Brushing his teeth, trimming his nails, cutting his hair, etc., all cause him to become very upset. If you know me, you know I often say, “Momma tried, momma failed, but I tried”… I will always try and pivot as needed. This is because I know one day the “momma failed” part will be omitted. I know one day, this will be easier for Hudson. And when “audibles” get called, it helps us get closer to this goal and more quickly. Last month, I called an audible and switched Hudson’s dentist to a new one, new to Hudson. Our last one wanted to start using a restraining board. Nope. I chose to go with someone that we already have a relationship with the family; this family also has a EXTRA bundle of joy. Making this change was easy, because I knew the understanding was built-in; however, I still had not taken Hudson to see if the fit was right. Boy, it was! The entire staff all “called plays” as we went. The first one being the dreaded paperwork for a new patient. I ran in and left Hudson and Henley, my 16 year old daughter, in the car. Hudson has a true sixth-sense about medical buildings and scrubs… all are bad. Avoid, if possible. So, the lady at the front desk gave me what was needed, told me what I could skip, and let me fill out in the car. After we went in, they called us back quickly, second good “play call”. Then, the dental hygienist realized the challenges we had and brought the dentist straight back to look FIRST. Hudson is 6 and this was the first time we 1) saw the dentist first 2) our dentist had me hold Hudson like a lap hug and lay him back into his lap. Hudson did awesome; he was way more relaxed, no papoosing or restraining him causing more fear. Lastly, the dental hygienist watched and learned this method, too. She used the same way to clean Hudson’s teeth. Our best dental experience to date. All because our new dental team each called “audibles” for Hudson… and mommy, too. Our pediatrician and team all work amazing for Huddy and his care: audibles, new play calls, outside the box thinking and listening. Example of sticking to the checklist: When we go to doctors appointments I can feel Hudson getting tense; but, I can also feel me getting tense too. I know some nurses or staff will absolutely not make changes to a routine and the weight of this can be heavy. When you or I go see the doctor we understand the whole “first, then” of what’s to come. Hudson is already on high alert. Hudson: “Will they need blood?”, “Will they need to stick instruments in my ears?”, “Will they hurt me?” It’s a very different experience for Huddy. He’s not wrong. He has been to enough clinics and through enough appointments to know what might happen. So if you are determined to get a blood pressure, well, good luck. All that is going to happen is try, retry, retry, retry, give up and leave Hudson even more distrusting. He has been bruised by the cuff, restrained to the point of choking on tears and snot, and has even cause bruising to his spine from the force he’s using to be free. It is awful. And when you get the “let’s try again”, it feels devastating. Oh, and, now let’s look at or listen to his heart. Really? It will not be accurate, he’s just been put through major anxiety and I am pretty sure the information is all inaccurate. What an audible here could be is to get the most important data needed at the start and then worry about blood pressure, height, weight, etc. Working backwards would ensure that the reason for the appointment was met. Yes, I agree that all information might be required for the full picture, but any good assessment is better than the whole thing going poorly and always talking about sedation. These conversations always lead to more appointments. Counterproductive. Call a darn audible. Help, not force. The audible might not work, I know. Trying is the key to finding out what will work better. Our next trip to see the dentist, Hudson might not lay back. New may have to pivot again. And that’s okay. It’s the willingness to pivot that matters. If it was a life or death, do whatever you need. If we want Hudson to ever be okay, you can’t hurt him at every visit with you. I know the staff gets frustrated. Guess what? So do I. Talking quietly when we come in never helps, working with us seems like a better conversation that we should have together. If we had more options of “specialist” on the coast, I would have already called for some new players on our team. I share this to say to people “be aware of your surroundings”. The way you would want to be treated is exactly how we do too. It may look different, but our need to do all of these appointments is great and shouldn’t be so difficult. We recently took Hudson to Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday. Our first evening after the drive we only had time to play in the main lobby area and go to dinner. Hudson was having a great time and then he tripped on a ramp. CJ heard the parents of the other children playing, telling them to back away and don’t look. Seriously? As a parent, you just missed a beautiful opportunity to call your own audible and teach your kids to be better humans. Down syndrome is not contagious; however, the world would have more love if it was. There are already challenges we face, and it should not be in our healthcare team, too. When life throws you negative looks, negative comments, negative vibes even, the least your own team should do is what is best for your child. These are the reasons why I will always advocate. Hudson makes the world more beautiful; calling EXTRA audibles could make his world a little easier, and we are grateful to those on our team who do.

Many of the practices associated with sustainability, such as recycling, can be extended into the garden. 1.  Composting is a way to help reduce organic waste that goes to the landfill and helps feed gardens. These organic materials, which include grass clippings, leaves and other yard wastes, account for about 30% of trash that goes to the landfill. Compost creates the perfect conditioner to help soil maintain proper moisture content. It also reduces soil compaction, increases the presence of earthworms and beneficial microorganisms, and provides a slow release of nutrients into the soil.  Creating a compost pile is simple, but it does require some patience and know-how. Usable compost can take from 6 months to 2 years to generate depending on several factors. Pile placement and size is important to properly break down the contents. 2.  Soil testing is an important step before planting. Soil test results provide recommendations for fertilizer and lime. Lime helps increase soil pH.  While samples can be taken any time, it is best to send in soil samples 2 to 3 months before planting.  Soil test results help gardeners apply accurate fertilizer amounts only when needed. The results are customized to specific plants and give gardeners target dates for application. 3.  Installing rain barrels.  These vessels capture rainwater that can be used to water garden plants instead of using groundwater. They can be made from recycled materials or purchased. When choosing or making a rain barrel be sure to follow certain guidelines to ensure the water is clean. 4. Biodegradable peat pots. These pots can be planted directly into the ground when it is time to transfer seedlings to the garden. 5.  Nonplastic, biodegradable landscape fabric. This is available commercially. Newspapers can also be used as a weed barrier. 6.  Electric-powered lawn care equipment. Tools, such as mowers, weed eaters and leaf blowers, are more energy efficient, require less maintenance and produce less greenhouse gas emissions compared to gas-powered equipment. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Wilson, 662-566-8019 or jeff.wilson@msstate.edu; Dr. Keri Jones, 662-325-3313 or kkd1@msstate.edu; Dr. Sherry Surrette, 601-857-2284 or s.surrette@msstate.edu EDITOR’S NOTE:  Excerpted from Mississippi State University Extension Service report.

Ron and Teri Bath are recipients of the Magnolia Award, the most coveted award presented to area gardeners by the Wesson Garden Club.  Their award certificate says: “The Baths are receiving this prestigious award because of their diligent efforts in consistently maintaining a well-groomed yard, curb appeal, originality in landscape design, use of native and seasonal plant material and creativity.  They are recognized for their love of gardening and for maintaining the most outstanding landscape throughout 2023.  Their love of gardening brings great credit to them both, the Town of Wesson and the Wesson Garden Club.” Homeowners who received WGC’s Yard of the Month during the year are eligible for the award.

A former Hinds County Community College educator and department chairperson, who most recently served as workforce coordinator for the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) has joined Co-Lin as the new Dean of Workforce Education. In her new role at Co-Lin, Dr. Geanell C. Adams is responsible for connecting trained employees of the college with employers throughout the seven-county Co-Lin district.  The job involves, on one hand, developing relationships with employers and area economic developers to identify training needs and, on the other hand, assessing existing Co-Lin workforce training programs to continue, enhance, or shift them based on local industry need and market saturation or developing new training initiatives. From 2002 to 2007, Adams was based in Greenville, Mississippi, as a court reporter serving Washington, Leflore, and Sunflower Counties as an official and freelancer before moving into education at Hinds Community College (HCC) as the state’s only Certified Court Reporting Instructor (CRI), and later chair of the program until 2017 when she started teaching and served as chair of the Business Office Technology program at the college.  From 2022 until February 2024, when she came to Co-Lin, Adams managed grants, internship and apprenticeship awards, sub-award contracts, and equal opportunity monitoring for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program through CMPDD. A native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, in the Delta region seven miles north of Cleveland, Adams joined the military when she was a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Mound Bayou.  After her high school graduation in 1991, she went to U.S. Army basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, trained as a medic at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East before returning home on Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) status at Walter Reed and Brook Army Medical Center after sustaining an injury. From 1992 to 1996, Adams attended Delta State University (DSU), earning a BA Degree in political science and beginning coursework on an MA Degree in community development, which she didn’t complete until 2020 after pivoting into court reporting and earning two Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees and an Education Specialist Degree at DSU. At Prince Institute of Professional Studies in Montgomery, Alabama, from July 1999 to 2002, Adams earned an Associate’s Degree in Court Reporting Technology and a Medical Transcription certificate.  She received MBAs in Human Resource Management (2016) and Healthcare Administration (2020) as well as her Education Specialist Degree with a focus on Educational Administration & Supervision (2017) before completing her MA in community development in the economic development track. In May 2023, Adams received her Doctor of Education Degree in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi at Oxford. Adams and her husband, Lee, a retired Greenville, MS police chief, live in Terry, Mississippi.  They have a son, Arian, a sophomore at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, MS.

By guest columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid As part of the Mississippi Health Ambassador Initiative, Brooke Edwards, DCNP at Brookhaven Skin and Med Spa, has shed light on the critical importance of skin health. Skin cancer remains a significant health concern affecting millions of Americans. Understanding its prevalence, types, risk factors, and preventive measures are keys to skin health and reducing its impact. Prevalence and impact.  Skin cancer affects a large portion of the population, with approximately 1 in 5 Americans developing it by the age of 70. Tragically, more than two persons die as a result of skin cancer every hour in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention efforts. Shockingly, the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubles after experiencing five or more sunburns. Types of skin cancer.  There are several types of skin cancer, each with its own characteristics and implications. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form, followed by squamous, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.  While basal and squamous cell carcinomas are more common and have higher survival rates, melanoma poses a significant threat due to its potential to spread rapidly to other body parts. Mississippi statistics.  In Mississippi, the impact of skin cancer is evidenced with approximately 500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year. Tragically, an average of 70 Mississippi residents succumb to melanoma annually. These statistics underscore the importance of heightened awareness and access to preventive resources in the state. Risk factors.  Excessive sun exposure, indoor tanning, the presence of atypical moles, genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to risk.  Individuals with fair skin, light eyes, and a history of sunburn are particularly vulnerable.  Understanding these risk factors empowers individuals to make informed choices about sun protection and lifestyle habits. Preventive Measures.  Preventing skin cancer begins with sun protection and adopting sun-safe behaviors.  These include wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves;  seeking shade during peak sun hours and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Regular self-exams and annual dermatological visits are essential for early detection and prompt treatment of suspicious lesions. Indoor tanning risks.  Indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma, particularly among young individuals. Research indicates a 75% increased risk of melanoma for those who engage in indoor tanning before the age of 35.  Shockingly, studies have found that 97% of young women diagnosed with melanoma had used tanning beds, highlighting the urgency of addressing indoor tanning practices. Professional guidance.  The Skin Cancer Foundation offers valuable resources such as “Skin Cancer 101,” which provides essential prevention and early detection information. Visit www.skincancer.org. Consulting with dermatologists provides individuals with personalized guidance and care. Dermatologists can conduct thorough skin examinations, educate patients about skin cancer prevention and recommend appropriate treatment options based on individual needs. Early detection and treatment.  Early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes in skin cancer. Timely intervention can prevent the spread of the disease and improve prognosis. Treatment approaches vary depending on the type, severity, and individual circumstances of the patient. Promptly addressing suspicious lesions and seeking professional medical advice are critical steps in managing skin cancer effectively. By prioritizing sun protection, recognizing risk factors, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer and protect their skin health for years. Together, we can raise awareness, promote preventive measures, and combat the impact of skin cancer in ourcommunities. EDITOR'S NOTE:  Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).

The Center for Pregnancy Choices, Metro Area is holding its 7th Annual LifeWalk on May 4, 2024, at Trustmark Park Stadium. Registration begins at 8am and the Walk will begin at 9am. This family friendly event is the CPC Metro’s largest fundraising event each year, bringing over 800 friends and supporters together to celebrate a culture of Life in Mississippi. Even though abortion is illegal in Mississippi, the demand is still here, according to the CPC. The CPC has a mission to help women "rewrite their stories" and "to strategically empower every woman who is seeking abortion with the help and hope they need to choose life." 100% of every dollar raised at the Life Walk will help women in crisis. To register, visit cpcmetrofriends.org/lifewalk or register a church with a Church Ambassador. Call 601.487.1063 for more information.

By Bob Garver After last week’s heavy, serious, ultraviolent “Civil War,” I needed a movie like the lighter, sillier, also ultraviolent “Abigail.” Is this film as intelligent and thought-provoking as last week’s offering - a film that still rules the box office, by the way? No. Is this film going to leave much of an impact on popular culture? Probably not – it doesn’t do much to stand out from similar movies, some from the same people that made this movie. But would I pick “Abigail” over “Civil War” to watch in my free time because it’s much more fun? Oh, yes. The film starts out as a kidnapping thriller. A team of strangers work together to abduct 12-year-old Abigail (Alisha Weir) from her family’s home and take her to a mysterious mansion overseen by Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito). He insists on taking everyone’s phones and tells them not to give each other personal details like their real names, though he assigns them nicknames based on the Rat Pack (seems like the kind of detail that should have been worked out ahead of the actual kidnapping, but you’ll be asked to suspend disbelief much further by the movie’s end). Lambert just needs the team to watch the girl for 24 hours while he does Head Kidnapper stuff, during which time Joey (Melissa Barrera) is the only one allowed to tend to Abigail, so she doesn’t see anyone else’s face. Assuming nothing goes wrong, they’ll soon be able to go their separate ways with their share of a $50 million ransom. Things go wrong. We spend a few scenes getting to know the team. The aforementioned Joey is a recovering drug addict that just wants to pull this one job and then be a doting mother to her estranged son. Frank (Dan Stevens) is a former cop that has thus far kept his obvious anger issues in check, but looks like he could snap at any moment. Peter (Kevin Durand) is a dumb musclehead that wants people to think of him as more than a dumb musclehead, but is too much of a dumb musclehead to figure out how to change his image. Rickles (William Catlett) is a former soldier clearly harboring many secrets. Sammy (Kathryn Newton) is a spoiled rich kid that turned to a life of crime out of sheer boredom. And Dean (Angus Cloud) is a 99%-useless idiot that happens to have a talent for driving. I mean no disrespect to Cloud, who passed away last year, but this is a movie where characters are expected to be killed off, and I was hoping that Dean would go early. Given how much effort Cloud clearly put into making Dean annoying, I’m sure he’d take me rooting for the character’s death as a compliment. But then there’s Abigail herself, and although I don’t want to go too far into spoilers, she turns out to be a doozy of a kidnapping victim. In one swift shift, this goes from a movie about a little girl being locked in with six kidnappers to a movie about the kidnappers being locked in with… what they thought was a little girl. She’s not happy with the kidnappers or what they’ve done in the past. Alliances and deals are made and broken to avoid slaughter at Abigail’s tiny little hands or huge deadly fangs. “Abigail” isn’t necessarily a great movie by itself, but it works well as something to hold over certain horror fans. Upset that the “Scream” series is in limbo? Here’s a movie from Radio Silence, the directors of “Scream VI,” plus star Melissa Barrera. Can’t wait until next year for “M3GAN 2.0”? Get your dancing little psycho girl fix here. Sorely miss people exploding like bloody water balloons like in Radio Silence’s 2019 horror hit “Ready or Not”? This movie just might have you covered. History will probably see “Abigail” as a middling horror movie at best, but here and now it earns bonus points for coming along at the right time. Grade: B- “Abigail” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Orders are now being prebooked for The History of Little Bahala 1816-1950 covering the area’s native families, important landmarks and locations. and available for $30. The 70-page book with a three-page fold out map, with more than 120 pictures, five maps and 20 newspaper clippings from as early as 1876 is available for $30. Churches, schools, cemeteries, stores, grist mills, saw mills, RR lines, swimming holes, family homes and more are spotlighted. Among families cited are Ables, Barnes, Breeden, Beard, Barber, Barger, Barry, Bullock, Collins, Campbell, Chadwick, Case, Davis, Decell, Douglass, Entrican, Foster, Furr, Floyd, Free, Greenlee, Girault, Hutson, Hoggatt, Horton, Haley, Herring, Johnson, Jordan, Kilcrease, Keys, Lusk, Lea, Mills, Middleton, Magee, McDavid, Mullins, Moore, Parnell, Ray, Ryals, Ratcliff, Reeves, Rutledge, Smith, Stapp, Seal, Shoemaker, Speed, Stephenson, Sandifur, Thompson, Temple, Wells, Washington, White and Wilson. Send checks and money orders to Glen Foster at P.O. Box 17791, Natchez, Mississippi. 39122.

Do they bother you? Do walls and fences cause claustrophobia in you? How about locked doors and gates? Do they bring about a fierce need to find the key and escape? The obvious answer for most of us is, “Well, it depends. Am I trapped inside those barriers, or protected by them? Totally logical thinking. But the problem is that we humans are not always logical. Especially when it comes to our freedom. One tiny whiff of a suspicion that we are trapped in a situation, and some of us can begin to panic. Walls and locked doors that earlier brought about a feeling of security suddenly feel as if they are part of a prison. That situation is now seen in an entirely different light. Everything that was once viewed as normal and good is now the opposite, and anxiety can easily follow. “Katie-bar-the-door-and-prepare-thyself, ‘cause that door’s comin’ open!” There is just something within us that makes us fearful of not being able to run free, wherever and whenever we choose. Now, let’s look at a totally different scenario. You find yourself in a room with a locked closet, and suddenly you can easily have a whole different reaction. Hell and high water probably can’t stop you from wanting to find a way to compromise that lock. Nosy curiosity is a big motivator. But how about if it’s walls and locked doors that actually are meant to protect and shelter us? A whole different story. “Of course we need them. After all, in this crazy world that seems to be getting crazier every minute, I need all the protection I can get. And fences? Yep, I have the right to keep people on their side of the fence.” Funny stuff. The very same things - walls, locked gates and doors. But they bring out opposite emotional reactions in people, depending on their viewpoint. Maybe – just maybe, there is a lesson to be learned from walls, gates and doors. We need to make certain our reaction to them is a logical and reasonable one. Sometimes the irrational side of our brain causes us to fear what isn’t really a threat. We can perceive danger in a situation, when it is actually just a form of a flashback. Back to a circumstance when walls and doors truly were scary and dangerous. Of course we do need to be able to recognize bad walls and locked doors, to get away and protect ourself. But we also need to realize not all walls and doors are scary. They may be there for your protection, and you are not seeing them for what they really are. Remember, some rules and regulations are not made to harm you. I am specifically referring to The Ten Commandments written in your Bible. They are not there to take away the fun in your life and trap you. The One who created you only wants to help you.