Strong Hope native and current Gluckstadt resident Dale Beasley started evolving into a novelist while serving in the Iraqi War. In Iraq, the now-retired Army Lieutenant Colonel tried focusing on good things back home -- his memories of his grandmother taking him to Yazoo City for the summer, for example.  The memories became note.  The notes turned into chapters.  And presto. A book -- What I Learned at the Zoo. There were a couple of more steps. His father (the late Brigadier General Glenn D. Beasley, Sr.) laughed when he read the book, finding it humorous, and encouraged him to publish it.  Then he returned to college for nursing classes after his service as an army trauma nurse, and took literature courses as well as electives that helped polish his own writing skills.  Since high school, where he became a Willie Morris fan, he had always been drawn to Southern literature. Beasley’s first novel is a fictionalized version of a teenage boy coming of age in the 1970s during a summer in Yazoo (Zoo) City.  The boy is surrounded by an eccentric family and colorful characters set in locations spanning Copiah County, Yazoo City, and even Germany.  Beasley says there is something for everyone in the story.  The teenage protagonist has grandparents in both Yazoo and Copiah Counties, and there are scenes of old Hazlehurst businesses, many of which no longer exist.  Part of the story revolves around a plot to smuggle Cold War secrets from Mississippi to spies in East Germany. Beasley has since written a prequel to the novel that features many of the same characters -- What I Learned in Havana.  He is also co-author of Will I Be Home for Christmas, which features letters form soldiers. EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2023 Copiah County Bicentennial year has ended, but Wesson News continues to feature sketches of past and present visual artists, musicians, authors and photographers who are natives of the county excerpted from Tricia Nelson’s reporting in A Shared History:  Copiah County, Mississippi 1823-2023 edited and compiled by Paul C. Cartwright and available through Cartwright for $25 plus $5 for shipping at 3 Waverly Circle, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.  Nelson is a Crystal Springs writer who contributes to the Copiah County Monitor.

By Bob Arnold It may be a circus, a baseball game or rodeo, a light show or fireworks display, perhaps a shopping extravaganza or exhibition, or charity ball, among other events.  If you’re looking for something special to do around here, thank Chaston Bullock, Director of the Lincoln County Civic Center, who books the events. His journey to the job that he started last year included a career as a fire fighter interspersed with service in the Army, National Guard and Air Force over more than 20 years; five years with the Kansas City Southern Railroad and three years with Mississippi Emergency Management. Local folk who like having fun are happy he found his way here. Born April 9, 1975, at Hazlehurst, Bullock spent the first five years of his life in the Jackson area, where he went to Sykes Kindergarten, and then landed in Mendenhall with his parents.  He started 12 years at Mendenhall Attendance Center there in the first grade, and graduated from its high school in 1993. Bullock recalls his childhood and youth revolved around country living, surrounded by horses, chickens and other animals, and learning to hunt and fish -- “things I still like to do, but don’t have time to pursue.”  During high school, he also worked as a stockman at the Walmart store in Magee. Recognizing that college wasn’t affordable, he chose the military instead at age 18 and went to U.S. Army basic training in February 1994 “after the Air Force passed me up,” rising in rank from an E1 private to E7 Sergeant First Class.  He first shot cannons as a member of a cannon crew, was a supply clerk for three years, and then a parachutist after graduating from the Army’s airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, instead of the ranger he aspired to being. “I had more than 100 jumps to my credit at special ceremonies and in training for warfare scenarios,” Bullock says.  “I jumped for President Clinton in one ceremonial jump.” In 1997, he returned to live at Mendenhall with his first wife -- “a lady I met in Kansas,” joined the National Guard as a military policeman at Brandon, Mississippi, and the Ridgeland, Mississippi, Fire Department, where he served off and on until 2014.   Over the next seven years, the National Guard checkered Bullock’s fire fighting career with deployments to Nicaragua and Karshi Khanabad Air Base in Pakistan and for service in Iraqi Freedom.  Divorced in 2001, he left the National Guard in 2004 to study to become a paramedic and earn an Associate’s Degree at Holmes Community College. In 2005, Bullock returned to the military -- this time to the Air Force where he rose from an E5 Staff  Sergeant to an E6 Technical Sergeant.  He trained at Shepherd and Nellis Air Force Bases in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Las Vegas and the Water Survivor School at Pensacola, Florida, and Sea School at Spokane, Washington, before becoming a medic and Licensed Practical Nurse for service in the 183rd Air Evacuation Unit based at Jackson, Mississippi. After he completed flight school in 2006, the Air Force deployed him on patient pickup missions in Germany, Hawaii and Japan; and for four months service at Kandahar, Afghanistan, transporting wounded soldiers to Germany.  He received the Air Medal for his role in seven urgent, 113 routine and 29 priority medical evacuations. In addition to service as an Air Force medical specialist, he also worked as an equal opportunity specialist and a licensed mediator trained to interact with people regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin or sexual orientation. From 2014 to 2019, Bullock was a conductor and engineer on the Kansas City Southern Railway.  In 2019, he went to work for Mississippi Emergency Management as an operations specialist and assisted local emergency managers in responding to disasters as an area coordinator before coming to Lincoln Country Civic Center in 2022. Now remarried, Bullock and his wife Stephanie, a friend since childhood, live on 16 acres in Lloyd Star, and over the past ten years have shared in rearing his son and daughter, aged 26 and 24, and her three sons, aged 21, 20 and 16 from previous marriages.  She is Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning, which works with the state’s four-year colleges. What are your hobbies? I still enjoy hunting and fishing on my 16 acres, and nurturing the land where I am growing pine trees -- maybe for a business in the future.  I like to travel -- anywhere.  My wife and I cruised in Caribbean last year, and I hope to travel to Alaska.  I am also Associate Pastor at Center Point Baptist Church at Brookhaven. Are you a reader? I am not an avid reader, but enjoy the Bible and conducting Bible studies.  When I was serving in Afghanistan, I recall the pleasure of reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen about a veterinary student who joins a traveling circus. Do you have a special interest in music. I don’t sing, but would like to learn to play the saxophone, violin or banjo.  I like Country, Gospel and even appreciate Christian rap, or at least its message. How about movies or theater? When I travel, I will take in a play.  I like Brookhaven Little Theater.  My preference is comedy.  I want to laugh! What would you do with the winnings if you won the lottery? I would tithe, giving 10 percent to the church.  I would also become a philanthropist, blessing people who need financial help as I am able. How would you change the world? That’s easy.  Bringing people to Christ and his love.

Wesson Chamber of Commerce honored four organizations and two individuals around town and contributors to its activities in its 2024 awards ceremony last month. Taylor’s Legacy LLC, the Wesson Cobra Parent Teacher Organization, Wesson Garden Club and Hometown Family Dental received the Chamber’s Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Positive Social Media Presence Award and Best New Business Award.  Daniel Hux and Jordan Stephens received the Wesson Attendance Center and Co-Lin Educator of the Year Awards.  The Chamber also recognized the special contributions of 2023 Founders Day Queen Mackenzie Martin and outgoing board members Stephen Ashley and Deemie Letchworth. Guest speaker Dr. Dewayne Middleton, president of Co-Lin, talked about the college at the event held in Rae Auditorium in the school’s Administration Building, and expressed appreciation of  “the partnership the college has with the Town of Wesson and Chamber.” In his comments, Middleton noted Co-Lin’s varied athletic and academic achievements -- the NJCAA softball regional and national championships, the football Mississippi Association of Community College Conference South Division championship and the Heart of Texas bowl victory, the college’s ranking as number one in student success by the Mississippi Community College Board and Education Achievement Council and standing as one of the top 150 community colleges nationally among 1,000 considered in the Aspen Institute Community College Excellence program.  In describing his vision of a student-oriented college, he cited improvements to its physical plant, including completed upgrades of softball facilities and plans for a new gymnasium and residence hall. At the event, Chamber members also spoke about the background and accomplishments of those receiving awards: The journey of Taylor’s Legacy, Business of the Year, started in 2021 when beloved Charles Taylor lost his battle with cancer and his loyal HVAC customers were left in the hands of his grandson, Braden Taylor. Braden, with the help of his father and uncle, who are both licensed and certified in HVAC, have sought to uphold  level of quality and affordable service maintained by Charles. This company is truly a locally owned, family-operated small business which strives for excellence with integrity and takes pride in its work and life in the community. Organization of the Year Wesson Cobra Parent Teacher Organization is a nonprofit organization was founded more than 18 years ago to promote, encourage, and build community among the Wesson Attendance Center community by connecting families to school and community resources that improve student achievement.   This group strives to promote the well-being of the students, staff and parents through the power of positive influence to ensure that every day every student feels safe, encouraged, and challenged.  The PTO offers support to WAC by volunteering assistance, planning and organizing events, fundraising to provide financial assistance and services and to promote and celebrate student achievement.  Its current Board includes President Nekitha Jackson, Vice President Leanne Duet, Secretary Kayla Ryan, Treasurer Shannon Westmoreland, Media Representative Semone Curole, Faculty Representative Ginger Heard, and Teacher Representatives Brittney Warren and Tiffany Brooks. The Wesson Garden Club, founded in 1934 by Decima Rea, a member of the Rea family for which the Rea auditorium is named,  The Positive Media Award recipient was federated in 1936, and is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., and the Natchez Trace District.  It has 31 members who work for the advancement of gardening, the development of home grounds, the furthering of city beautification and the protection of native shrubs, plants and birds.  It facilitates a youth garden club, the Butterbeans, to provide nature education to third through sixth graders with after-school programs during the school year and an annual summer day camp.  Jennifer Peets is Chairman of social media for the Wesson Garden Club as well as The Garden Clubs of Mississippi. She has been a member for eight years. Hometown Family Dental, Best New Business, is owned and operated by Dr. Marissa Smith. She and her team enjoy educating patients about the importance of oral health and are passionate about listening to patients and working with them to create a treatment plan that meets their goals. Dr. Smith and her team strive to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for her patients. Dr. Smith graduated from Wesson Attendance Center in 2013. She attended Co-Lin, where she received her Associates degree before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science and attending the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in Jackson, Mississippi, where she graduated in 2022.  She is a Mississippi Rural Dental Scholar and William Winter Scholar. She received the Community Preventative Dentistry Award and the Dentist Entrepreneur Award during her senior year in dental school.  Dr. Smith lives here in Wesson with her Husband, Maverick. They had their first child , Sophie, on January 11. Wesson Attendance Center Educator of the Year Daniel Hux grew up in a family of educators. His parents, both teachers, are Jimmy and Barbara Hux. They taught and raised their family in Bogue Chitto, where Hux graduated Valedictorian from Bogue Chitto High School in 1996.  He continued his education at Co-Lin and then Mississippi College where he completed his bachelor’s degree in history, with Magna Cum Laude status. He continued his education earning a Master of Arts Degree, also at MC, with the  honor of Summa Cum Laude.  Hux taught at WAC for 22 years. His family includes wife, Stephanie, and children, Logan (graduate of WAC) and daughter, Laney, a student at WAC. The family attends Moak’s Creek Baptist church where Hux is a Deacon. If he is not at school, Hux enjoys his family time and hunting and fishing. Former WAC colleague Rod Martin says “Daniel Hux is an exemplary person overall and the gold standard for what teachers should be. In addition to being patient, kind, and encouraging to his students, he has a deep understanding of his content area. He passes this along to his students.  Hux is exceedingly deserving of the award in recognition of his outstanding service to the students and community of Wesson.”  Wesson High School Principal Dr. Barbie Roberson says “Hux plays a vital role in our A rating, but most importantly he plays a vital role in the lives of children.” Co-Lin Educator of the Year Award Jordan Stephens is a proud alumna of the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that laid the foundation for an impactful career in education. In 2016, Jordan became an integral part of the Wolf Pack family, bringing a genuine commitment to student success. Initially joining as an Academic Counselor and Disabilities Support Services Coordinator, Jordan quickly expanded her roles within Co-Lin. She has served the college in the capacity of dual enrollment coordinator and as an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, which showcases her involvement in fostering academic excellence. Jordan’s multifaceted contributions have also extended into the realm of mental health and well-being. As the college’s mental health liaison, Jordan is passionate about creating a supportive environment for students, recognizing the importance of holistic development in their educational journey.  Currently serving as the Director of Enrollment Services, Jordan continues to shape the student experience at the institution. In the role of advisor for Trailblazers, Jordan takes on the responsibility of guiding students as they navigate their educational paths, encouraging them to explore new horizons and carve out their own academic trails.  Jordan is a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She lives in Crystal Springs with her husband, Brad, and daughter, Emily Catherine.

By Bob Garver I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first installment of director Denis Villeneuve’s take on the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic “Dune” back in 2021. The sounds and visuals were great, and I understood why it won so many technical Oscars that year, but I couldn’t get invested in the characters or story, so I didn’t recommend the film. I feel the same way about “Dune: Part Two,” but somehow the dynamic has shifted without anything really changing. The characters and story arcs are still baffling to keep straight (and as with the “Demon Slayer” movie last week, this doesn’t make for a great entry point into the series), but the sounds and visuals are so awesome that I give it a recommendation. I guess I could chalk it up to going into the film with a little more familiarity with the property, having seen the first movie, but I’d like to think that Villeneuve has just upped his game in some subtle fashion. The story this time sees hero Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) living full-time, and stripped of his noble title, on the sand planet Arrakis, known for its valuable “spice.” He joins up with the good-but-rebellious Fremen, led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem), in their war against evil spice-controllers House Harkonnen. Stilgar and other Fremen believe that Paul may be a messiah sent to win them the war, so much so that his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) is immediately granted the high religious position of Reverend Mother and all the powers and responsibilities that come with it. Paul, his mother, his mentor Gurney (Josh Brolin), and his warrior girlfriend Chani (Zendaya) know he’s no messiah, but he starts to give input that turns the tide of the war, so are the Fremen so wrong to believe in him? Could it even be that he really is the messiah and never known it? Over on the bad guys’ side, Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) has been weakened, but is still alive following the battle with Paul’s father in the first movie. He has since put his nephew Glossu (Dave Bautista) in charge of his army, but Glossu is about as good at leading an army as Bautista was at being a lead babyface wrestler going into WWE WrestleMania ten years ago, which is to say not good at all. In fact, that’s probably why Paul is doing so well in battle – he’s up against a lousy opponent. The Baron is considering putting his younger, more sadistic nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) in charge of the army instead. Also, everyone on Arrakis has to answer to Emperor Shaddam (Christopher Walken), who doesn’t care about the war and just wants spice harvesting to go smoothly for economic reasons. His daughter Irulan (Florence Pugh) is preparing to take over for him, she doesn’t have much of a role here but she’s sure to be given more development down the line. And I’m looking forward to seeing what happens down the line. Not so much for the still-bland story and characters, but just to see what this series can do to top itself as a sheer spectacle. After the first “Dune,” I didn’t care if we ever got another movie. But after “Part Two,” I care. Just my luck, I’m hearing that the next installment won’t be ready for at least five more years, but this movie is doing so well at the box office that the studio may tell the production to step on the gas. This is the kind of ambitious epic that doesn’t come along very often, so when it does, it makes for a special occasion, which is why I recommend springing for special large-scale theater experiences like IMAX or Dolby. This film is likely to fare even better than its predecessor at next year’s Oscars, and is frankly the first “must-see” film that I’ve seen in a long time. Grade: B- “Dune: Part Two” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language. Its running time is 166 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith I absolutely love looking for different types of plants for my landscaping.  In home landscapes, the usual suspects like hollies, ligustrums, azaleas and camellias often take center stage. While these are excellent choices, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for those willing to explore the realm of conifers. In particular, let’s consider the versatile and often overlooked shrub-type junipers.  Junipers offer a unique and intriguing element to gardens. The fact that they come in various heights, widths, shapes and colors -- some even transforming into stunning plum hues in the winter -- makes them exciting to work with. Imagine the visual impact of pairing a conifer with a glossy-leaved holly or a red-leafed plant like loropetalum! The possibilities are endless. In the conifer family, where tall trees like pines and bald cypresses dominate, shrub junipers stand out as valuable additions to the landscape. What makes them unique is their needle-like leaves, a texture that starkly contrasts with the typical glossy foliage of hollies or the vibrant blooms of azaleas.  I’ve seen them used to frame trees with striking bark, like crepe myrtles, and as the backbone of foundation plantings. They’re also excellent for use on slopes prone to erosion, and their tolerance to adverse conditions like heat, drought and harsh winters makes them a reliable and resilient choice for any garden. One of my favorite junipers is the Blue Point, with its striking blue-green foliage arranged in dense, scale-like clusters that create a lush and visually appealing texture. This elegant plant has an upright and pyramidal growth habit that makes it perfect for use as a standalone specimen or grouped for a hedge or screen.  Blue Point junipers typically reach a mature height of 10 to 12 feet, with a spread of six to eight feet. This moderate size makes them well-suited for various landscape applications. Blue Point junipers bring structure and balance to outdoor spaces. If you are looking for something more whimsical, Blue Point juniper spiral topiaries are an option. These are Blue Point junipers that have been pre-trimmed and maintained over a year into magnificent works of art resembling a corkscrew.  Another of my favorite junipers, Blue Pacific, is a low-growing, spreading evergreen known for its beautiful blue-green foliage. Its dense, prostrate growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover. Its golden yellow branches adds to their beauty in the landscape. I encourage gardeners to explore the beauty and versatility of shrub junipers. These resilient and visually captivating conifers can add a lot of character to any landscape. ... EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television programs. Locate Southern Gardening products online at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening

How do you navigate in this scary world? The way I see it, for most of us it is a matter of one of three possibilities. You either walk by sight - looking at what is in front of you and making a decision from what you see; by instinct – which I call pure gut reaction to things that have already happened in your life; or by trust in your Creator – the one who knows all, before it ever happens. Sight; your response to seeing what is actually out there, and then acting in your own best interests. Example, seeing the stock exchange move up or down and you buy and sell accordingly. Or, your response to seeing a bridge out in front of you, so you turn off onto an unknown dirt road. Or seeing someone really attractive and wealthy and deciding ‘That one is marriage material for me!’ But here the problem: effective sight walking means seeing around blind corners and knowing what is coming before it hits. Good luck with that. Dirt roads, stock values, and beauty can be pretty unpredictable in the long haul. Instinct; the belief that “It’s okay, you’ll just know what to do when the time comes.”  Sometimes said with the ever-popular, “Whatever your gut is telling you, that’s what you should do.” Yeah, yeah, I know, Gibbs on NCIS could solve crimes by listening to his gut, but you ain’t Gibbs. (And besides, his track record of listening to his gut on the home front was definitely lacking.) Actually, living on instinct and guts involves a lot of relying on what the past has taught you. Things like, leave a burning house. Don’t grab a sizzling hot skillet without a potholder. Don’t buy half a beef when you don’t have access to a freezer. Faced with anything along those lines, you will remember and be prepared to do the smart thing. But there’s a lot of decisions in life that you face, and your past can’t give any pat answers. But here’s this. Trusting your Creator; your Creator can actually see around the future corners, so ask Him to tell your heart and brain what to do when the time for a decision comes. He made you for a purpose within His plan. He loves you and wants the best for you. Accept that just like every little toddler feels the pain of falling down when he is learning to walk, He allows you to fall and feel pain sometimes. That’s how learning to walk is done. That’s some of the options available. Now of course, you do you. You have that freedom, as you certainly should. But walking alone around blind corners, or just relying on past experience? That doesn’t hold a candle to asking the Creator to give you help and guidance for your future.

Members of the Co-Lin Board of Trustees, administration and athletic department, along with representatives from Paul Jackson and Son Construction, and Allred Stolarski Architecture of Ocean Springs cut the ribbon to officially open the newly constructed press box/concession stand at the Lady Wolves softball field. The project is just another example of the college's vision of excellence in all areas of campus and student-life at Co-Lin, officials said. “We are thrilled to open this newly renovated facility for the Lady Wolves softball program,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Thank you to our Board of Trustees, our chairman Melton King, all our corporate sponsors, and our private donors who helped make this upgrade possible.  This is a major step in moving our softball program and the college forward.  We are excited to start the season at this impressive facility. Let’s go Lady Wolves!” The first floor of the 3,100 square foot building includes a concession stand, restrooms, coach’s office, laundry, and storage. The second floor houses the visitor and home media rooms, player lounge/meeting room, president’s/hospitality suite, and restrooms. The $1 million project also includes 51 chair back seats, new bleachers that will seat 143 and a new backstop. “The upgrades we’ve made to our softball facility are going to really increase the game day experience for our fans and community,” said Bryan Nobile, Co-Lin Athletic Director. “We are excited about the continued success of the Co-Lin Lady Wolves softball program and are ready to get the season started in just a few weeks.” The softball facilities will also be used for camps and high school games. The reigning NJCAA Division II National Champion Lady Wolves open their spring season on Sunday, February 18, at Southeast Arkansas Community College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The home opener is slated for Tuesday, February 27, a doubleheader against Baton Rouge Community College.

By Kara Kimbrough Easter is on the horizon and that means it’s time to start thinking about cheesecake. Some think about (and make) cheesecake all year long, but for the most part, the thick, cream cheese-laden dessert makes its annual springtime debut on the Sunday dinner table when Easter rolls around. The world-famous cheesecake served at Junior’s in New York City and at the original in Brooklyn is the best choice for Easter cheesecake (more on the recipe below). However, there are quicker versions that will produce a more-than-acceptable Easter dessert, including one I discovered last week. But first, a little more about Junior’s and its decadent, irresistible cheesecake. The restaurant was founded in Brooklyn by Harry Rosen in 1950. But, Rosen’s family had operated a diner in that location under a different name since 1929. Rosen decided on the Junior's in honor of his two sons, Walter and Marvin. Two more locations followed; one in Connecticut and another in New York City’s Times Square, a location I’ve now visited twice. After reading about the history of Junior’s in a book about New York’s most famous delis and making a version of their famous cheesecake using the book’s recipe for Easter several years ago, I was hooked. Filled with several bars of cream cheese and whipping cream on a base of sponge cake, it was simply the best cheesecake I’d ever tasted – and not because I made it. The recipe is just that good. I’ve since replaced the sponge cake bottom with Martha Stewart’s recipe for vanilla sugar cookie crust; a sturdier base for the heavy cheesecake filling. Visiting Junior’s in Junior’s in order to sample their famous cheesecake was one of the top things on my to-do list when I visited the city in 2019. After enjoying a mammoth pastrami sandwich, a large slice of cheesecake was placed before me. I still remember the excitement I felt as I took the first bite. It was 10 times more delicious than I’d anticipated it might be and – I don’t mind sharing – much better than my version. I missed the opportunity to dine at Junior’s on a nonstop, busy trip in 2021, but made sure I allotted plenty of space on my January itinerary to enjoy a meal at the legendary spot. As luck would have it, the restaurant was just a few blocks from the Hilton Times Square, the hotel at which I was staying. As a result, I was able to enjoy not one, but two meals there. But unbelievably, I never had the chance to enjoy a slice of cheesecake and here’s why. First, the hotel’s concierge recommended Junior’s breakfast when asked about the best places in the area. A bountiful breakfast of bacon, biscuits, bagels and unbelievably, grits that were actually delicious was the perfect carb-loading meal before a long day of walking. Cheesecake at that time of day just didn’t make sense, no matter how tempting it looked on the menu. Then, my last dinner in the city before flying home the next day was enjoyed at Junior’s. Despite my plans, I decided combining a rich slice of cheesecake with the gigantic pastrami sandwich I’d eaten might not be the best plan before boarding a plane. In hindsight, I think I would’ve been fine and yes, I regret not ordering that slice of cheesecake when I had the chance. As I said, the homemade version, even when topped with strawberries and glaze, just doesn’t come close to the original. So, looks like I'm going to be FORCED to return to NYC soon to satisfy my longing for Junior’s cheesecake. In the meantime, email me and I’ll send you Junior’s cheesecake recipe, along with the one of the sugar cookie crust. There are some versions online, but mine is taken directly from Junior’s cookbook. If making time-intensive cheesecake isn’t something to which you can devote the needed time during Easter weekend, here’s a shortcut version of a cheesecake-like dessert that, despite its crust of crescent roll dough, is surprisingly tasty. Just don’t reveal the secret ingredient when someone asks how you made it. Crescent roll dough doesn’t sound very impressive, but it adapts well to recipes and just like Junior’s cheesecake, is uniquely delicious in its own way. Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake Squares Can of crescent rolls 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup of granulated sugar Cinnamon sugar coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon Strawberries and cream topping: 2-3 cups sliced strawberries (add sugar and place in refrigerator) 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out crescent dough on floured surface. Mix cinnamon and sugar together for coating.   On a parchment paper lined baking dish (8x8 is best, but you can use a similar size) sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture.   Cut crescent roll dough in half. Use one half for the bottom. Other half will be for top. Mix cream cheese, egg, vanilla and sugar together until smooth. Then add to dough in the baking dish. Add second half of dough on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.   Allow to cool for at least 1-2 hours. Then refrigerate until chilled. Top with fresh strawberries and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk for the “strawberries and cream” flavor. Note: increase pan size to 9x13 if needed, but an extra can of crescent dough will be needed. Cheesecake layer will be thinner (but still good) unless you increase the filling ingredients. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Co-Lin honored Gwyn Young, its legendary women’s basketball coach, at a reunion of his former players on Thursday, February 15, the Thames Conference Center on the Wesson Campus. Young served as the head of the Co-Lin Wolves for 48 years, amassing a career record of 1,004-306 for a .766 winning percentage. He is the second winningest inactive women’s basketball coach in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).  Young set a career milestone of 1,000 wins on January 12, 2023.  He served as the men’s assistant coach from 1975-1978, leading the team to an MACJC State Championship in 1975-76 before becoming the head coach in 1978 for also one season with a team that finished 10-12 overall. Other Co-Lin coaching duties encompassed the slow pitch softball team, which Young led to the 1988 MACJC State and NJCAA Region XXIII titles. Young and his former players were also recognized during halftime of the women’s basketball game against Northeast Mississippi. “We are thrilled to be able to honor Coach Young and his family,” said Co-Lin Athletic Director Bryan Nobile. “He has put Co-Lin women’s basketball program on the map.” Young is a member of the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Copiah-Lincoln Sports Hall of Fame, and the Mississippi Association of Community College Conference (MACCC) Hall of Fame.  He won eight MACJC state titles, seven NJCAA Region 23 tournaments and was runner-up 11 times. His teams made six NJCAA National Tournament appearances, with the 1989 team finishing a school-best fourth in the national tournament.  He was named Region XXIII Coach of the Year in 1989, 1993, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2010, and 2011, and MACJC and MAC Coach of the Year in 1993, 2001, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2013. The Clarion-Ledger has also recognized him as Coach of the Year for Junior Colleges on numerous occasions, and the court in Mullen Gymnasium was named in his honor in 2011.  His former players have signed with over 37 different colleges and universities in his career with many former Lady Wolves going on to become coaches themselves. Young was a standout player for the Wolves. After graduating from Co-Lin, he attended Mississippi College where he was team Most Valuable Player and a team captain. Young received his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College and master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Young and his wife, Velesta, have two adult children, Lane and Jessica, and five grandchildren, Mailey Kate and Reece Young; Justin, Mary Gwyn, and Grant Hynum.

By Guest Columnist Stephanie Duguid In today’s digital age, bold steps are needed to protect our community against the hidden dangers of cyber activities. Inappropriate behaviors, cyberbullying and meeting strangers online have become increasingly prevalent issues that demand our attention and action: Inappropriate behaviors.  The internet offers a vast platform for communication, but with it comes the risk of encountering inappropriate content and online privacy violations. To tackle this issue, vigilance about what we share online and with whom is required. Educating ourselves and our loved ones about the potential risks and the importance of responsible online behavior is essential. If you come across inappropriate content or behavior, don’t hesitate to report it.  There are laws against such activities online, and perpetrators can face legal consequences. To report concerns, visit Cybertipline.org. Cyber bullying.  Cyberbullying is a distressing aspect of online activities that can have severe consequences for victims. It’s crucial to understand the dangers associated with it. Supporting the victim is paramount; offering empathy and reporting the bullying can make a significant difference.  We can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate online community by promoting kindness and respectful online interactions.  Laws also protect individuals from cyberbullying, and reporting any incidents to the appropriate authorities is essential. Meeting strangers.  Never share personal information, such as your address on phone number, with someone you’ve just met Online.  Avoid sending pictures of any kind to strangers, as these images can be misused. Meeting individuals in person with whom you’ve only interacted through texting is also discouraged, as it can lead to dangerous situations.  Our safety should always be a top priority when engaging with unfamiliar individuals on the internet. We can all take proactive steps to safeguard our community against cyber threats.  Report inappropriate behavior whenever you encounter it online.  By doing so, you not only protect yourself, but also contribute to a safer online space. Be cautious about what you share online, and educate others about online privacy. Share information about the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness online. To stay safe online, follow these practices: Create a different password for each of your accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Use privacy settings to control who can see your information and posts. Limit access to your location on social media platforms and apps. Look for the lock symbol or “HTTPS” in  website addresses to ensure secure connections. Never share personal information online, such as your home address or phone number. Do not share passwords with anyone, even those who claim to be from a trusted organization. Let us join hands and work together to ensure that our online world remains a place of safety, respect, and support for all. Remember, together, we can make the internet a safer place for everyone. EDITOR'S NOTE:  Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).

Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) members embarked on day trip this week to the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) at Jackson to see the Picaso Landscapes: Out of Bounds. The trip started the spring travel season for the Co-Lin continuing education program for retired adults, which include two more day trips to area tourist sites and a four night excursion to Arkansas attractions. The MMA Picaso exhibition is honoring the legacy of the artist who died 50 years ago.  It was the first solo exhibit of the artist’s work presented in Mississippi. The ILR travel agenda also includes: March 21 cooking school day trip. The Farmer’s Table cooking school, Candy & Creamery and Mercantile at Livingston, Mississippi, and Mississippi Petrified Forest at Flora, Mississippi.  At Farmer’s Table, the ILR travelers will their lunches in a class guided by the chef.  The trip, limited to 18, is full, but ILR will schedule a second trip if there is interest.  $119. April 9 home tours day trip. The Pilgimage home tour at Natchez, Mississippi, will feature two new sites -- Concord Quarters and the Holly Hedges Home -- and a luncheon at the Carriage House, including fried chicken, a starch, vegetables, salad, biscuit, dessert, tea or coffee.  $155. April 30-May 4 Arkansas excursion. Fort Smith, Arkansas, Bentonville, Arkansas, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, are the stops.  At Fort Smith, the travelers will see the Fort Smith Historic Site, Fort Smite Museum of History and the Clayton House; tour the U.S. Marshals Museum which opened in 2023 to present the history of the oldest law enforcement agency in the U.S., and the Chaffee Barbershop where Elvis got his famous buzz cut before induction in the U.S. Army.  They will then ride on a train from Van Buren to Winslow to bus to Bentonville, Arkansas, and tour the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art after stopping at a Walmart new concept store on the way.  The Thorncrown Chapel and The Great Passion Play await them at the Eureka Springs, Arkansas, stop.  $1,310 single occupancy, $975 double occupancy, $850 triple occupancy and $790 quad occupancy based on 32 persons.  $150 deposit is due by March 15. “Some of our members have travelled to the places on our trip schedule, but newer members have not, and we encourage those who have enjoyed travel experiences in the past to participate in them again,” says ILR Co-Lin staff coordinator Erin Johnson. For information, contact ILR Coordinator Erin Johnson 601-643-8702

By Bob Garver Prior to “Hashira Training,” my exposure to the “Demon Slayer” anime series was limited to the 2020 film “Mugen Train.” Well, that and all the cosplayers I see every day dressed up in the green-and-black checkered pattern of main character Tanjiro (Natsuki Hanae), but “Mugen Train” was the only media. It should be noted, therefore, that I am not the target audience for this movie. The target audience is people that are already familiar with “Demon Slayer” lore, especially Season Three of the television show. I was largely lost having only seen “Mugen Train,” and I can’t imagine the difficulty of getting into the series based on this movie alone. My understanding is that this movie is both the ending of Season Three and the beginning of Season Four. It’s like watching two episodes back-to-back, as opposed to “Mugen Train,” which was its own feature between Seasons Two and Three. A recap montage is shown before the action gets underway, including clips from “Mugen Train,” but I didn’t find it very helpful, except to remind me that Tanjiro’s family was killed by demons, save for himself and his sister Nezuko (Akari Kito). Nezuko was turned into a demon and now has to go through life being gagged at all times so she can’t feed on human flesh. Tanjiro’s mission in life is now to protect people, rid the world of demons, and try to find a way to turn Nezuko human again. At some point he found a village to protect and joined up with some veteran demon slayers, but I couldn’t keep the new characters straight. The action begins at the tail end of a battle between demon Hantengu (Toshio Furukawa/Koichi Yamadera) and Tanjiro and his fellow Slayers, as they protect a village where everyone wears silly masks. Tanjiro is the only one of the good guys not sidelined. He cuts off Hantengu’s arms, but tis but a scratch. He cuts off his head, but it’s just a flesh wound. Maybe if he can destroy his heart, he’ll call it a draw. Surprisingly, Hantengu is closing in on some innocent villagers he can kill, which will restore his powers. I don’t know how he plans to kill the villagers without arms or a head, but apparently it’s a very urgent matter for Tanjiro. But day is breaking, Nezuko is outside, and as a demon, she’ll likely die if Tanjiro doesn’t shield her from the sun. He has an impossible decision to make. Following the battle and its aftermath, we’re introduced to new villain Muzan (Toshihiko Seki), a demon who has waited a thousand years to strike. Recent developments mean that it is finally his time. The Hashira, a conglomerate of the best Demon Slayers, meet to discuss the impending attack. They agree they need an army. Leader Gyomei (Tomokazu Sugita) organizes a program where prospective Slayers can receive accelerated training under the Hashira. And… that’s it. We see early stages of the training where recruits are put through the wringer, but the episode/movie ends before anything can come of it. Also in this segment, two popular characters from “Mugen Train” return for unimpactful cameos, seemingly just to remind viewers that they’re still in play. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba: To the Hashira Training” boasts exciting action and characters that would probably be interesting if I could wrap my head around them the way a snake wraps itself around one of their heads. But this movie isn’t for newcomers to “Demon Slayer” or people with minimal exposure like myself. Fans will probably find much of value here, but the film was never able to capture my interest in a way that even “Mugen Train” could. Grade: C- (but take that with a grain of salt) “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” is rated R for violence and bloody images. Its running time is 104 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. NOTE: This Japanese film is available in both “subbed” and “dubbed” versions. This review is based on the “subbed” version - Japanese spoken with English subtitles.