A Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit focused on small towns will visit the area in October. The Lincoln, Lawrence and Franklin Regional Library will host “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” from October 14 until November 26. The exhibit offers small towns it is visiting an opportunity to look at their stories and is designed to prompt discussions about what has happened to the U.S. rural population and the economic impacts related to cultural changes. According to the Smithsonian, 40 percent of American lived in rural areas in 1900 and less than 18 percent in 2010, while only 10 percent of the U.S. population today is considered urban. The exhibition will feature five free-standing display units with photographs, text panels, objects, video monitor, an interactive touchscreen , door banner and support materials. The exhibit travelled from Wiggins, Mississippi, to Brookhaven, and will continue visits throughout the state to Marks, West Point, Rolling Fork and Pontotoc.

Ever sit around and wonder ‘Just what is the difference between fear, dismay or panic?’ Well, now that you have brought up the subject, let me give you my illustration of the differences. Fear – when you have a tiny baby in your care. You are totally responsible for its safety and welfare, its learned behavior, and the next few years coming down the road. That, my friend, definitely falls into the category of creating fear. Fear for yourself, that you will do your job correctly. Fear for the baby, as there is no way to foresee and totally avoid harm or tragedy. You can hope for the best, decide to teach and train endlessly, but you cannot predict what will happen in the conceivable future. Good and bad will inevitably appear and color the years that are coming. The future can be just plain scary. Dismay – The predictable “Oh No!” emotion of right now, when you are the proud but harried adult in charge of an energetic, fearless, unstoppable toddler. You start your day with that two- year-old fed, bathed and dressed. Your home is fairly tidy, at least the room where you have been cleaning the last few minutes. But then you follow your instincts and rush into the kitchen where Tommy Toddler has recently escaped. Only to find every last pot and pan pulled out and strewn on the floor. The oven is preheating, thanks to his tiny fingers unerringly finding the Temperature On knob. Following yesterday’s discovery that his favorite cereal is in the pantry, he has left the opened box on the floor under the breakfast table with at least half the contents being gobbled up by his ever-present sidekick, Penny The Puppy. Your toddler has somehow also learned to pull a chair up to the refrigerator and is joyfully pushing the in-door water lever and watching water pool on the floor at his feet. That, folks, is dismay. The present in all its glory. Panic – when that other human in your house is a teenager. The childhood teaching days are basically over, and you are required to mostly trust that you have done your job well. Now you are on stand-by, watching constantly and waiting for the times when you are still needed for help. Those days, or nights, when your defiant, confident, rebellious, I-know-it-all baby adult crashes and burns. You live with the knowledge that it is probably going to happen, sooner or later. And you will need to firmly correct some behavior, dry some tears, and give out a few healing hugs and kisses. While you hide your panic behind a patient and loving façade. Ongoing anxiety, waiting for disaster to hit – the panic stage of life for the parent of a teen. I realize that this isn’t a guaranteed description of being a parent. But you have to admit, it defines pretty accurately what those three emotions can make a person feel.

As the state’s health care crisis persists, four more Mississippi hospitals have applied to become rural emergency hospitals, a federal designation meant to increase their financial viability. The “rural emergency hospital” designation – a move State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney likened to a hospital closure – was rolled out at the beginning of this year. To qualify, hospitals have to end inpatient services and transfer emergency room patients to larger hospitals within 24 hours. In exchange, they get monthly stipends from the federal government and higher insurance reimbursement rates. If approved, the hospitals – Quitman Community Hospital in Marks, Panola Medical Center in Batesville, Jefferson County Hospital in Fayette and Magee General Hospital – would be some of the first rural emergency hospitals in the country. Just a handful have been approved so far, including Alliance Healthcare System in Holly Springs, according to a database last updated on August 15. For rural hospitals with an already-small daily census, it can be a lifeline — instead of losing money on what few patients they have, the adjusted reimbursements help them break even or even profit. However, for the communities with only one hospital, it means the end of inpatient health care and a hospital with little more than an emergency room. "It’s mainly critical access hospitals that are shifting, and when that happens, you’ve lost the hospital,” says Dr. Edney. “It’s a critical access hospital without the hospital.” Critical access hospitals — another designation designed to improve hospital finances — are reimbursed by Medicare at a 101% rate, theoretically allowing a 1% profit. However, they must have 25 or fewer inpatient beds, be located 35 miles from another hospital, operate emergency services and transfer or discharge their patients within 96 hours. While some see the new designation as a last resort for struggling hospitals at the brink of closure, Quentin Whitwell, who co-owns the Quitman and Panola hospitals, views it as a way to streamline services and create a financially successful hospital that serves the specific needs of the community. “It’s a game changer for a lot of hospitals,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is create a model that makes these hospitals vibrant again.” EDITOR’S NOTE: Excerpted from a Mississippi Today story.

By Kara Kimbrough Finally...fall is on the horizon! In 10, give or take a few, days, it'll "officially" be time for hot apple cider, cozy sweaters, soup bubbling on the stove and pumpkin spice lattes. I was going to mention the smell of burning leaves, but decided against it since most southern states are under a burn ban. In short, it's still hot and dry. But regardless of the weather, most of us are enjoying game day food, either on a college campus or in front of a TV. And even more will soon be engaging in fun fall activities. Here are a few of my favorite fall "must haves" - decor, supplies and recipes - that are perfect for tailgating, porch parties, TV watching and generally enjoying cooler (here's hoping!) weather. Most of the items can be found at large retailers or warehouse stores. If you can't find one of them, drop me an email and I'll help you search. 1. Folding Canvas Wagon - Hauling heavy dishes, pans of food and iced beverages onto a college campus is not for the faint of heart. If you have to park and walk at least a mile, having a wagon in which to haul your tailgate supplies is a must. I found mine at Sam's Club. Unlike a name brand version, Sam's Member's Mark brand was a few dollars cheaper, larger and had side pockets, vital for holding cell phones and chargers, utensils, napkins and more. 2. Two-Ingredient Dessert - Need a quick dessert for an early morning or afternoon game that's reminiscent of breakfast but good for any type of gathering? Spray a 11x17-inch dish with cooking spray and pour two cans of cherry pie filling (or another favorite fruit flavor) in the bottom of thedish. Using three cans of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls, separate dough into 15 rolls and place over pie filling, cinnamon side up. Bake at 375 degree for 30 minutes. If rolls start to brown too quickly, cover with foil. When cool, drizzle icing over top of each roll. Cut in squares and serve...and most importantly, don't tell anyone everything's from the can (unless asked!). 3. Folding Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit - Who doesn't love grilling meat before the big game or when on a road trip? I know I do, but hauling around a large grill isn't feasible. This lightweight foldable grill - when also doubles as a fire pit once the meal is done - is large enough to grll for a crowd of 10, but is esay to set up, lightweight and easily fits in the trunk once folded. Even better, it costs less than $50. Search online for a version that meets your needs. 4. Portable Salads - I always reach for heavier fare when tailgating, but there's usually one in the crowd that prefers green or fruit salads. However, serving these foods can be challenging, especially when using paper plates. A compact way to serve any type of salad is to pack individual servings in clear plastic cups, pop on the top and stick a plastic fork into the opening for the straw. Thiis method also works well when serving children chips and dips - simply add chips to the bottom of the cup and add their favorite dip on top for portable dipping. 5. Viral Boat Dip - I had to google the reason this concoction is called "boat dip." Supposedly a TikTok video of people eating this dip on a boat caused the millions of viewers that saw it to label it "boat dip." To make this year's sensation. combine 16 ounces of sour cream, 8 ounces Mexican shredded cheese blend, 10-ounce can of Rotel, package of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro. Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir well; refrigerate before serving. Favorite additions like crumbled bacon, chopped olives and other ingredients only add to the flavor. Last, I'm a sucker for any recipe that lends itself to personalization with my alma mater's colors. Seeing someone else's bowl of black and gold "Muddy Buddies" inspired me to find a similar recipe and make it my own. I'm including a basic recipe for this perennial snack - perfect for tailgating or snacking in front of the TV. I tailored it to my own tastes by using three melted Snickers bars instead of regular chocolate and peanut butter. However you choose to make it, it's an old school snack that's still winning over fans in 2023. Team Colors Muddy Buddies 6 cups Rice Chex cereal 3 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup peanut butter ¼ cup butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 1- ½ cups powdered sugar Combine all cereals in a large bowl; set aside. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue warming mixture until smooth and combined, about 30 seconds longer. Stir in vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add powdered sugar to the bag and seal; shake until well-coated. Evenly spread cereal out onto waxed paper to cool. Once mixture is cool, add Skittles or M & M's in your team's colors and stir well.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is inviting nominations and applications of kindergarten through sixth-grade science and math teachers 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 (STEM). Two K-6 grade science and math Mississippi STEM teachers will be selected for the 2023-24 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, an all-expenses-paid trip to a recognition event and awards ceremony, a certificate signed by the President of the United States and the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nations and 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 K-6 grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the K-6 grade level by completing the nomination form. An individual can submit multiple nominations of different teachers, and teachers may also nominate themselves by completing a self-nomination form. Both forms, as well as additional information about the awards and the requirements, are located online at PAEMST.nsf.gov. Since 1983, more than 5,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to STEM education. Up to one hundred eight awardees may be recognized each year. The nomination deadline is January 8, 2024, and all applications and completed portfolios must be submitted through the PAEMST portal by February 6. For more information, contact MDE PAEMST state coordinators Dr. Kevin Gaylor for science at kgaylor@mdek12.org or Tommisha Johnson for math at tjohnson@mdek12.org.

By Bob Arnold Until 2002, Ken Carraway was a rural Mississippian. Then he came to town, and became a volunteer. “Volunteering is the key to town living,” he says. “In rural areas, where your nearest neighbors are several miles down the road from where you live, you live a relatively independent life focused on a few needs, but in a town, you must work with others to meet many more needs.” It’s a life Carraway has learned to love since leaving Dentville in rural Copiah County about 10 miles from Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs and Utica to join other members of his family in 2002 who had resettled previously in the Wesson area. For Carraway, coming to town has meant sharing responsibility to help meet the needs of his home by working with his neighbors to guide local Boy Scouts, teach shooting sports to 4H Club members and most prominently serve in Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, which he has led as its chief since 2010. Growing up in Dentville, Carraway worked, played and traveled to elementary and high school at Hazlehurst. He helped his family raise 60 head of cattle and tend what he recalls as “a big garden.” He built and mended fences, learned to weld and fix things, mowed grass, operated tractors and other farm equipment and worked on cars, including his prize 1963 four-door Biscayne, which he bought with money he earned driving a school bus in the ninth grade, checking cattle at the Mississippi Livestock Barn and cutting lumber at a family-owned saw mill. Carraway graduated from Hazlehurst High School in 1981, where he played right guard in the tenth and eleventh grades for a struggling football team had not yet achieved the successes it has enjoyed in recent years. Over the next 15 years, he commuted regularly from Copiah County to the Louisiana coast to work for Noble Drilling in the offshore oil fields on derricks and motors and in the mud room as a roughneck, derrick hand and supply/storage yard manager. After “meeting the right lady,” he says he quit commuting to the offshore oil fields, studied Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology at Co-Lin from 1995 to 1997 and joined Georgia Gulf, now Axiall Corporation, at Gallman, where he has risen through the ranks to become Maintenance Supervisor over more than 26 years. Carraway married his wife Tammy in 1994 – the same year he started his service at Wesson Volunteer Fire Department. They have three children – Samuel, 22, with the fire department at Purvis, Mississippi, Anna, 22, a nurse at the University of Florida and Joseph, 25, a diesel mechanic. Carraway has another son, Kenneth, 43, from a previous marriage, who works at Sanderson Farms in Copiah County. In addition to a new family and work life, he became Wesson’s foremost volunteer. In Dentville, when he was a youth, a kitchen fire – although fortunately extinguished safely before much damage any injuries – left its mark on Carraway, and he got his first taste of volunteer experience at a small fire department organized in the rural community in 1992. Two years later, he moved to the larger volunteer department in Wesson and earned his certification as a fire fighter in 1997. His volunteer life has continued to bloom. In 2009, he became Assistant Scoutmaster at Wesson Troop 125 of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), then moving into the role of its Scoutmaster and helping with the Wesson Cub Scout program. As Scoutmaster of the Troop, over five years, he transformed it from an adult-led to scout led organization with a focus training and nurturing development of an Eagle Scout core membership. “I was a merit badge counselor, and taught scouts working towards various merit badges at spring and winter Adventure Camps that build their life-long outdoor skills and provide leadership experience,” Carraway says. After leaving Troop 125, he has continued his volunteer involvement with BSA as a Shooting Sports Instructor. Beginning in August 2013, Carraway also joined Copiah County 4H Clubs as Field and Stream Shooting Sports Instructor tasked with teaching youth leadership skills and interaction with adults and other youth. He has coached 4H rifle, pistol and muzzleloader teams since 2018, bringing Copiah County competitors to national tournaments four times. If folk associated with Scouting and 4H appreciate Carraway for what he has brought to their organizations as a volunteer, the wider community has been served by his more than 29 years helping to provide disaster and humanitarian relief as needs through Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, which he has directed as its Chief for 13 years. “The job of a Volunteer Fire Chief brings many challenges, “ he says. “While we train the most to help others in their time of need, we also train to teach prevention. We are given the opportunity to meet many people of all walks of life, many turning into great friendships. We also like to interact with the community while teaching fire prevention, home safety and many other topics.” Summarizing his satisfaction as a volunteer fire fighter that could apply as well to his other volunteer endeavors, Carraway recalls a recruiting ad once posted by a volunteer fire department. It highlighted what the volunteer would get from the experience: “Fun, no pay and a cool hat.” For that and working with his neighbors to make Wesson a better place to live, Ken Carraway has devoted the better part of the last 21 years. What are your hobbies? My volunteer activities, of course, are hobbies. I am also active at Sylvarena Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. As my children grew adults, approaching the age of weddings, I became a collector of quality cast iron ware, with the intention of giving it away as gifts. The collection, however, has grown beyond the supply required for gifts. It now includes some 70 to 80 hanging on wall and on display at home. I know the history of each item, the caster and its unique specialty. A cast iron good for baking cornbread, for example, may not serve you well if you are trying to fry an egg. Are you a reader? I read a lot about fire departments, fire fighting and fire safety; and get the latest how-to videos on fire equipment. Do you follow movies or theater? My wife says the best way to get me up and moving is to show a sentimental or romance video. On the other hand, I will quickly settle into an old adventure movie – Armageddon, Twister, Men in Black, Independence Day. What would you do with the winnings if you won the lottery? I would quit work so I could become a full-time volunteers doing anything to help the community. How would you change the world? The world, more than even, needs volunteers today. Voluntary organizations are struggling.

Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), the Co-Lin continuing education program for retired adults has scheduled two day trips to areas tourist site and two holiday season trips – one day-long and a second for three days. The travel agenda includes: September 13 (Wednesday). McClain Safari Tour and Eudora Welty House & Garden. $71 per person (based on 30 people attending). Deadline Date: Aug. 18th October 19 (Thursday). Heartwood Birdhouses & Berry’s Seafood. $70 per person (based on 25 people attending). Deadline Date: Sept. 25. December 12 (Tuesday). Jeweled Christmas Tour at the Towers in Natchez. $95 per person (based on 25 people attend Deadline Date: Nov. 13. November 29th – December 1st (Wednesday – Friday). Festival of Lights in Natchitoches, LA. $425 per person quad occupancy; $465 per person triple occupancy; $540 per person double occupancy; $780 per person single occupancy. Deposit due September 30. Final payment due October 30. Existing and new ILR members can sign up for another year, and learn more about the planned travel as well as fall educational events, workshops and movie and game days at the organization’s Fall Membership Social on Tuesday, August 15, at 1:30 p.m. at the Co-Lin Thames Center. Normally, ILR reveals the travel program at the Fall Social, but it is releasing information early so people can better plan their schedules. In the 2022 fall and spring semesters, ILR had to cancel several trips. “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 past will participate in them again,” says ILR Co-Lin staff coordinator Erin Johnson. “We had several members ask us to reschedule the Jeweled Christmas Tour of the Towers in Natchez that was cancelled, and many requested a Christmas Trip to Natchitoches.” LA.” For information, contact ILR Coordinator Erin Johnson 601-643-8702

Officials joined Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons in Jackson today to announce a partnership between the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), the Hinds County Board of Supervisors and Hinds County Sheriff’s Department to utilize inmate labor remove litter from Hinds County highways. “We are committed to cleaning up the Jackson-metro area and our interstates, which has a problem with trash. We can spend hundreds of thousands to contract out litter removal and within days trash will once again cover our right-of-ways here,” said Simmons. “This program will be a game changer and will put us in a situation where our highways will be beautiful. Through these collaborative efforts, we will keep Mississippi beautiful.” The program went into effect immediately. Inmates began picking up litter this morning along the east frontage road of I-55 at Meadowbrook Rd. and extended northbound. During pickups, the Hinds County’s Sheriff’s Department will be present to provide safety and security for the inmates. “To the citizens of Hinds County, this program is back. This is something I also get complaints about from the citizens of Hinds County regarding inmate labor. I’m happy to report that we found a way to effectively provide manpower and equipment to go along state highways in the City of Jackson and Hinds County to do trash pick up,” said Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones. “This is a major movement for us and for the people of Hinds County, so when people travel our county and city, they will see clean areas.” Per the Memorandum of Understanding, the Mississippi Transportation Commission will furnish the locations, supplies, safety gear and advisory signs, and will reimburse the county for costs associated with the execution of the agreement, including reimbursement to the county for the actual cost of the sheriff personnel assigned to this duty. “Today is a great day for Jackson. I would like to thank Commissioner Simmons and MDOT for providing the funding for this program, Sheriff Jones for providing the supervision and MDOC for providing the inmates,” said Hinds County Supervisor Robert Graham. “This is my number one complaint from the citizens of Jackson. Today we are here to tell the citizens we care, and we have a process for which you are going to see individuals picking up litter.” Although the program is great news to citizens of Hinds County, officials continue asking the public to refrain from littering and contributing to the state’s $3 million litter problem. “As Commissioner, I want to remind the citizens, although we’ll be picking up trash through this program, don’t go out and throw more trash out. Stop putting the trash on the highways. We don’t want you to use this excuse to throw trash on our highway system.” Sheriff Jones also reminded the public that law enforcement will continue holding drivers accountable if caught littering. Put trash where it belongs and remember to recycle when possible. It’s not just a can or food wrapper you’re throwing away—it’s taxpayer dollars. MDOT partners with local counties to use inmate labor to remove litter from the state’s right-of-ways. MDOT assists in securing transportation mileage reimbursement, an hourly supervisor reimbursement and a vehicle when available. For more information on MDOT’s Inmate Litter Program, visit GoMDOT.com/DontTrashMS. Click here to view video.

By Bob Garver It has been five years since we last saw Robert “The Equalizer” McCall, as played by the ever-arresting Denzel Washington. In that time, we’ve had a pandemic, three seasons of the Queen Latifah TV series (not to be confused with the Edward Woodward TV series from the 80’s), and plenty of time to forget about this iteration of the franchise. I wish Washington and director Antoine Fuqua had forgotten about it too, because they both could have used the time they wasted on this movie doing something worthier of their talents. The movie opens with the aftermath of a McCall killing spree on the staff of a Sicilian mansion. McCall had to get the attention of a crime boss (Bruno Bilotta) in a way that involved not getting killed, but getting captured so the boss could get personally involved. McCall’s plan in this sequence and in the one at the film’s climax have the same problem: they require the bad guys to show exactly the right amount of mercy. Even though McCall knows about their ruthlessness, he expects them to bide their time, toy with him a certain way, and not kill anyone unnecessarily, lest we hold him responsible for getting an innocent person killed because he had to get cute with his strategy. The showdown at the mansion leaves McCall wounded. He’s found unconscious by the side of the road by a helpful small-town cop (Eugenio Mastrandrea), who takes him to a local doctor (Remo Girone), who lets McCall recover at his house. McCall quickly takes to the town of Altamonte, where everyone is friendly to him, but fearful of the local Mafia, especially payment collector Marco (Andrea Dodero), brother of big boss Vincent (Andrea Scarduzio, and yes, I do think it’s funny that the actors playing brothers share a first name, but not a last). He tries to stay out of the locals’ delicate relationship with the violent organization, but trouble seems to have a way of finding Robert McCall, and he soon finds himself having to topple the entire criminal empire. McCall’s feud with the villains isn’t limited to the parameters of the little town. He picked up some information at the mansion that ties the specific crime family to an elaborate cyber-crime ring. He relays crumbs of information to CIA agent Collins (Dakota Fanning). I expected Collins to help out McCall in some of the action scenes since he’s injured, but the character frustratingly never really gets in the game. I honestly started questioning if she was some sort of last-minute addition to the screenplay to pad the movie’s runtime, since she never interacts with any major characters besides McCall, and the movie’s action is pretty scant anyway. “The Equalizer 3” has done very well for itself at the box office over Labor Day weekend, so I must admit that the project has paid off commercially for Washington and Fuqua. But did this movie really satisfy their creative appetites? Maybe they wanted an excuse to spend time in Italy? That was definitely the case with “Book Club: The Next Chapter” from earlier this year. But while that movie – for all its faults – made Italy look like Heaven on Earth, this movie can’t help but make it look “gritty,” dragging it down to the tone of McCall’s world. My theory is that Washington wanted to prove something to himself, namely that he can still carry an action movie as he approaches age 70. The film’s box office definitely proves that he “can” (and I would have said he “can” even if the film wasn’t performing well), though he “should” have held out for a better vehicle. Grade: C- “The Equalizer 3” is rated R for strong bloody violence and some language. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program at Co-Lin continued a long history of student success with 100 percent of the 2023 graduating class -- 15 students – passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam. Each Co-Lin student passed this difficult exam on the first try, and each one employed in the field of radiography. “The continued success of the MRT program at Co-Lin is because of the dedicated work of our students and instructors,” said Kelly Fenwick, Radiography Program Director. “We are grateful for the clinical education sites who partner with the college to offer our students on-site learning and provide critical hands-on training that will help them be successful in the workforce.” The Co-Lin Medical Radiologic Technology program is a two-year technical program designed to prepare graduates for employment as a radiologic technologist or radiographer. Radiographers use equipment that emits ionizing radiation to image internal structures of the body. Employment opportunities include various health care facilities such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical clinics, imaging centers and sports medicine clinics. Learn more about the program and apply atwww.colin.edu/mrt.

Jim and Nick had been neighbors for years. Not necessarily close friends who knew each other’s daily habits and dislikes, but friendly enough. Except when Jim did something that got under the skin of his neighbor. Which, unfortunately happened more than once in those years of living next to each other. Oh yes, Nick would confront Jim with the problems. Telling him exactly why he was upset, and why the problems were Jim’s fault. And Jim? His unfailing response was a nod and a smile, “Okay, I understand, and you have the right to feel the way you do.” Then he would turn away and return to whatever he had been doing when he was interrupted. Absolutely unfazed by Nick’s irritation and requests. Needless to say, this was NOT the response Nick wanted. He felt his opinion didn’t count to his lousy neighbor - there at least should have been apologies with some changes made. So predictably over a period of time, Neighbor Nick developed - shall I say - a bad taste in his mouth when Jim’s name was even mentioned. Disappointment had turned to irritation, which quickly upgraded itself to anger, and a newborn started living in their neighborhood – named Grudge. No question about it, Jim was being self-centered and disagreeable, even as he smiled and nodded. He was going to do what he wanted to do, not matter how it affected Nick. Not exactly being a team player or attempting to get along with his neighbor. And yes, Nick definitely had obvious reasons for disliking the man’s attitude. So here is my question. How long should Nick hold a grudge? Until Jim abjectly apologized? Given that man’s previous track record – good luck with that. Keep griping at Jim while attempting to convince the other neighbors that Jim was ‘a bad seed’ who needed to be ostracized, until he finally changed his behavior? Good luck with that one also – the Jims in life usually don’t respond well to anger, bullying and coercion. Scripture mentions a more effective way. Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. 23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.… Be honest with yourself. In your own experience, if you are a Jim, are you eager to please a Nick who constantly is carping and angry with you? Not normally. We humans don’t usually fall all over our self to meet the needs and wants of a person we see as always irritated with us. That kind of willingness we normally reserve for the people who are kind, loving and caring. So, if you are Nick and wanting the Jim in your life to make some changes, maybe you should heed what your Creator advised. Make your own changes first.

Today, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson named Theresa Love as executive director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. In this position, Love, a 26-year staff member of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) and former acting director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, will oversee all daily operations and events at the museum. “I am proud to name Theresa Love as executive director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum,” said Commissioner Gipson. “She has faithfully served the agency for 26 years now, and her experience and proven abilities will help further our vision to educate individuals on Mississippi’s rich agricultural history for generations to come.” Love has accumulated 26 years of experience working for MDAC, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Throughout her tenure at the museum, she has fulfilled various roles within education and volunteer services, as well as holding the deputy director, and more recently, acting director, positions. Love possesses an educational background with a bachelor’s degree in counseling. Her values are centered around family, community, history and education. A prime objective that she strives to achieve for the Ag Museum is to create a compelling experience for visitors that brings these core values to life. “I am grateful for this valuable opportunity,” said Love. “The museum has an exceptional team, and I strive to nurture the remarkable legacy of this establishment to educate and captivate guests about the rich agricultural history of Mississippi. With an abundance of available resources at our fingertips, my intention is to make the utmost use of them to foster an enthusiastic interest among our younger generation, urging them to explore and pursue careers in the field of agriculture.” In recognition of its 40 prosperous years of educating the public on Mississippi’s agricultural heritage, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will provide 40 unique experiences across the grounds for visitors during the 40th Birthday Celebration this Saturday, September 9. As her first major event as executive director, Love will oversee the museum’s upcoming 40th Birthday Celebration on Saturday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Prior to the day’s activities, the public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony with Commissioner Gipson at 9:30 a.m. to kick off this event. This event recognizes the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s 40 prosperous years of educating the public on Mississippi’s agricultural heritage. The museum has partnered with several organizations who will assist in providing 40 unique experiences across the grounds that visitors can enjoy. In addition to all the usual exhibits, festivities will feature: The Dixieland Old Engine and Agricultural Club’s collection of antique engines and other agricultural tools will be on display throughout the day. Small Town, Mississippi, will host continuous demonstrations at the Print Shop, Doctor’s Garden, Masonic Lodge, Blacksmith Shop, Nature Trail, Schoolhouse and Multipurpose Building throughout the day. The Sawmill will be operated by museum staff for a special demonstration at 1:00 p.m. inside Small Town, Mississippi. The Central Mississippi Beekeepers Association will give ‘beekeeper talks’ inside the Heritage Center throughout the day. Museum staff will provide ‘collection talks’ on various ag-related topics inside the Heritage Center throughout the day. Live musical performances will take place at the Heritage Center from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A Mississippi 4-H Agent will be educating visitors on Mississippi’s 4-H program inside the 4-H Museum Learning Center all day. Several educational presentations will be held in the Sparkman Auditorium throughout the day. Presenters include the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Chimneyville Weavers and Spinners Guild, Jackson Audubon Society and others. Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Kids Club will provide activities, including character interactions and more, inside the Ethnic Heritage Center all day. Face painting will also be available in the same building. Wagon rides will be available throughout the day with a Living History Presenter to provide commentary as visitors traverse the museum grounds. Living History Presenters will be dressed in period clothing and interacting with museum visitors as they perform various demonstrations that illustrate ‘farmsteading’ in years past at McDavid Cabin and the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead throughout the day. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the different experiences scheduled for the 40th Birthday Celebration, contact Rachel Bone at rachel@mdac.ms.gov, visit www.msagmuseum.org, call 601-432-4500 or follow the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook.