Dr. Stephen W. Sachs, pianist extraordinaire, is featured soloist for the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra’s season finale, “Mid-European Promenade”, St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, downtown Jackson, May 7, 2023, at 3 p.m. He will be performing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 21” for piano and orchestra. Dr. Sachs is Professor Emeritus at Belhaven University where he was Music Chair from 2004-2019 and Dean of Fine Arts from 2015-2017. He was Professor of Music at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA, serving from 1978-2004. Opening with the “Light Cavalry Overture”/ von Suppe, followed by Mozart’s piano and orchestra Concerto, and ending with Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dances”, it promises to be a most enjoyable musical experience. The MCO has been offering the gift of classical chamber music to the Jackson community free of charge since 1984. Made up of around 40 non-professional and professional musicians, the group offers three concerts each season. The group is under the direction of Artistic Director Wayne Linehan, Concertmaster Zakary Joyner, and Concertmaster Emeritus, Ryan Rogers.

April is designated Financial Capability Month. No matter how much or how little money you have, recovering from a disaster can be challenging and stressful. Preparing now makes rebuilding easier. “Banks, bankruptcy, and insolvency are in the news a lot lately,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “Your home and your vehicle are two of your biggest assets. Protecting them could protect you from financial ruin. It’s my job to make sure your insurance company is sound and will take care of you in your moments of greatest need.” Before purchasing insurance, discuss your specific needs with an agent. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards. Be sure to shop around, get quotes from more than one insurer, and look up company rates. Keep copies of your insurance policies and other important documents on hand. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food. Be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number, or credit card number. The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a joint publication from Operation HOPE and FEMA, can help you prepare financially and provides tips to reduce the financial impact of disasters on you and your family.

Seems my own version of ‘tough men,’ are rarely found any more, and the modern version of tough men are weak in comparison. Politically, today the phrase characterizes a person who fights for the causes he believes will benefit his people – or likely himself. Physically, it’s a man who has the capability and determination to do whatever he wants to do – usually for himself. Mentally, it is used to describe a man who doesn’t crumple easily under stress and strain – rare, but can be located. And the emotionally tough man is one who simply doesn’t feel – easily found. But the other day I listened to a man describe his long-deceased granddad as the toughest man he ever knew, and I came to agree. Evidently, Granddad was a tough man in just about every way you can imagine. Now, you’re probably rolling your eyes and blowing off what is coming next. Thinking that the grandson is remembering Granddad from a little boy’s enamored point of view. And unfortunately, because of today’s version of ‘tough guys,’ most of us would agree with you. Because you just don’t find very many male role models anymore that make a mom yell, “Now Johnny, THAT’S a guy you should be watching! That’s who you need to learn to be – just exactly like him!!” But keep reading. In a nutshell, here are some actual facts backed up by other family members. Not a fondly held, hazy-around-the-edges, biased memory of a little boy. These are genuine details of a life that evidently was strong in the ways that count: A hard working farmer, he raised his kids on the family farm during the Great Depression. He carried water for the house, planted crops, grew chickens for eggs, and kept milk cows - just to survive. His horse was his transportation - and also his tractor to plant those crops. Always playful and involved, the man carved a bat and a toy gun out of a tree trunk, and spent many evenings in the backyard, teaching and enjoying the children. Enduring hardship without complaining seemed second-nature to the man. At age sixty, he broke his leg while playing in a practice baseball game against the community’s semi-pro league. He splinted it himself and then drove home, as doctors were not a part of his life. At age eighty-four, when a blizzard struck that made roads impassable for days, he simply walked the mile to his cow pasture each day, while toting a fifty-pound sack of feed and carrying his axe. After all, somebody had to break the ice on the pond so the cattle could have water. He never held a public office in his community. He never held a title other than Family Man. But the man was respected and liked by family and neighbors alike. Because he just simply did what he knew to do – be a man of love, integrity, and hard work. A tough man, in all the ways that count.

By Kara Kimbrough Just like almost everything in popular culture, positive and negative features arise. This applies to social media. In fact, one particular platform with Chinese owners is on the verge of extinction, at least in the U.S. As I recently told a group of impressionable students, it's important to be a responsible social media user. Sharing every thought in your head or detail of your life online is never a good thing. I primarily use social media to discover and enjoy the "good stuff"...not the bad. I'm referring to tons of new DIY ideas and techniques, home decor inspirational ideas from experts, cleaning and organization tips and best of all, original recipes not found in any cookbook I've ever seen. My favorite social media platforms are Instagram and Pinterest. And don't judge...but I do occasionally scroll through the one owned by China - ignoring the bad, of course. For those who prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid social media, I thought this would be a good time to share a few of the "good stuff" I've found: 1. Smashed, Locked and Loaded Potatoes - sure, nachos topped with ground beef, cheese, chopped vegetables, salsa and sour cream are delicious, but let's face it, they've been around for a while. A new version - in fact, one that I took to a Super Bowl gathering to rave reviews, is a similar dish with cooked, "smashed" potatoes as the base instead of tortilla chips. Boil or microwave two pounds of baby potatoes until tender, then set aside. Fry 5 slices of bacon, drain and crumble. In a separate bowl, combine/mix 5 tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon each of dried parsley and rosemary leaves, 1/2 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Add potatoes to the bowl and coat well. Then pour potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and using the bottom of a glass, mash (but don't totally break apart) potatoes. In a 425-degree oven, roast potatoes for 15 minutes, flip and roast another 15 minutes. Watch carefully so potatoes don't burn. Remove from oven and sprinkle with a cup of Mexican cheese. Return to oven for another minute or two until cheese melts. Remove and top with crumble bacon, chopped chives and sour cream. 2. 20 Minute Pasta - My love of pasta is well-documented, including in this column. So when I find a recipe that'll get my favorite meal on the table in no time, I have to try it. Boil frozen or fresh ravioli (substitute another variety if you like) according to package directions. While the pasta is boiling, coat a skillet with olive oil and brown three cloves of chopped garlic, a diced onion, half of a chopped green pepper and a teaspoon of chili flakes. Let this brown, then add a little oregano and basil (to taste). Finally, add a cup of crushed tomatoes, cup of milk and 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese. Combine well and heat through on medium-high heat. Drain and add the cooked pasta, stir and cook on medium heat for a couple more minutes until pasta is thoroughly coated. 3. Loaded seafood bread - Nothing goes better with pasta than garlic bread. When it's loaded with shrimp, cheese, butter and olive oil, pasta dinner is elevated to an entirely new hemisphere. Boil a pound of peeled shrimp in a sauce pan with Tony Chachere's seasoning for 3-4 minutes until pink. Drain and set aside. In another bowl, combined two sticks of room temperature butter, two cloves of chopped garlic, a sprinkle of onion powder and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to combine. Cut a loaf of French bread in half length-wide and brush both sides with olive oil. Use a knife or spatula or spread butter mixture on both sides of the bread. Place under the oven broiler set on high until bread is crispy (just a few minutes; watch closely so it doesn't burn). Coarsely chop shrimp and add to both sides of the bread, then top with shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese. Place back under the broiler for a couple of minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 4. Addictive snack mix - Finding a new recipe for a quick snack mix was the social media find of the week. Melt two sticks of butter in a skillet, then add a cup of brown sugar. stir well and cook over low heat until butter and sugar are well blended. Bring to a boil in a large sauce pan and cook for two minutes to make a butterscotch-type sauce. Add a teaspoon on vanilla extract and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well until mixture is well blended. Remove pan from heat and pour in a box of oyster crackers; stir to coat well. Pour mixture onto a foil-covered baking sheet and place in a 300-degree oven for 10-12 minutes. While this is baking, combine a cup of sugar with a couple of teaspoons of cinnamon and some salt (to desired taste). When crackers are removed from oven, sprinkle with the sugar-salt-cinnamon mixture and toss. Last, I love homemade pizza - just not the time-consuming process of making the dough. And store-bought crusts leave something to be desired. Not only did I find a pizza recipe for two of my favorite things - burgers and a loaded salad with Thousand Island dressing - but I discovered that refrigerated Pillsbury Pizza Dough is easy, quick and really delicious. And best of all, who can feel guilty about indulging in pizza when it's topped with salad? Just consider it a fun way to get your recommended vegetable serving - enjoy! Burger and Salad Pizza Can of Pillsbury Pizza Crust (found in the dairy case) Olive oil Cup of Parmesan cheese Cup of mozzarella cheese Pound of ground chuck, cooked, drained and crumbled 4 cups of chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green peppers and other favorite salad ingredients Thousand Island salad dressing, to taste Spread pizza dough into a prepared pizza pan, brush with olive oil and bake in a 400-degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of both cheeses and half of ground beef crumbles. Place back in oven and bake for another 6-10 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove and top with salad mixture, remaining ground beef and cheeses and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing (or your favorite). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel columnist from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

by Ben Williams and Linsey Ewing Once every ten years or so since the early 1980s, Opera Mississippi has returned to Johann Strauss II's popular and hilarious operetta Die Fledermaus! (or…The Bat Gets Even!). This decade's entry, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, was particularly special as the company's first return to a mainstage performance at Jackson's Thalia Mara Hall since before the 2020 pandemic. Other firsts included director Rose Freeman's first partnership with Opera Mississippi and Freeman's first staging of this opera. While some of the humor of late-nineteenth-century Viennese society might inevitably be lost in translation, there was no chance of leaving this concert hall without having laughed at least once. As the orchestra, under the seasoned direction of conductor Jay Dean, played the familiar themes of the overture, a silent Batman (Die Fledermaus, get it?) and a jesting magician fell over each other arranging the stage for the first act. Next up: the operatic crooning of tenor Nicholas Perna (Alfred) making soprano and Opera Mississippi's executive director, Stacey Trenteseaux (Rosalinde), weak in the knees while their over-the-top 80's-campiness never let up. In addition to these Mississippi-based singers, the production featured artists from around the country, including the three power-house baritone voices of Jason Detwiler (Eisenstein), Jason Duika (Falke), and Tony Offerle (Frank). Drawing strong cheers was the acrobatic soprano of Tjaden O'dowd Cox (Adele) in her popular "Laughing Song," who also literally performed acrobatics while singing on Opera Mississippi's season-closer last year. Much of this production's success was due to the strong support of the Mississippi musicians making up the chorus and orchestra. The large ensemble of emerging and seasoned singing artists hammed it up at the Orlofsky ball. Meanwhile, the instrumentalists, all of whom are regular performers of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, led by concertmaster Shellie Brown Kemp, tastefully performed the subtle dance music of Viennese nobility. An evident good time was had by all: audience, cast, and crew. Opera Mississippi didn't just return to Thalia Mara; they brought the party! EDITOR’S NOTE: Ben Williams is the Chair of the Department of Music and an Associate Professor of Music at Mississippi College. Linsey Ewing is a writer, editor and online tutor specializing in English-language learning.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) on Monday, May 1. The application period will remain open until Monday, May 15. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. “I encourage farmers and landowners who have experienced property damage due to these nuisance animals to submit an application for this program,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Those who have previously participated in the Wild Hog Control Program have seen positive results.” In Mississippi alone, wild hogs cause more than $60 million in damages annually. Through the WHCP, MDAC provides “smart” wild hog traps to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. MDAC provides the training necessary to use the “smart” traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands. Applications must be completed and submitted online at www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp. Submitted applications will be evaluated based on the number of acres available for trapping, historical agricultural losses caused by wild hogs on the property and current trapping efforts on the property. A cooperative application is encouraged for small acreage (i.e., adjoining land managers of small parcels should work together to submit one application). Traps will be available for one-month intervals, dependent upon use and success. One trap per 500 – 1,000 acres is recommended, depending on landscape and land use. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp for program guidelines, applications and additional information. Submit questions regarding the WHCP to Chris McDonald at chris@mdac.ms.gov.

National Foster Care Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau that seeks to increase national awareness of foster care issues. Southern Christian Services is joining in the effort to raise awareness for this year’s theme: “Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families”. According to the Children’s Bureau, there are more than 390,000 children and youth in the foster care system nationwide. 80% of those children and youth are experiencing significant mental health issues. This is four times higher than children in the general population. There are two primary contributing factors to the development of a child’s mental health. The first is biology. A large majority of children served in the child welfare system are predisposed to mental health challenges at birth solely based on genetics being passed down to them from their biological family. The second contributing factor is environment. Children that enter the foster care system have been exposed to a wide range of adverse experiences such as substance abuse, deplorable living environments, and abuse by the hands of those tasked with caring for them. Studies conducted by the CDC show that adverse childhood experiences increase the likelihood of a child developing long term emotional, physical, and behavioral health issues as they age. While the odds seem stacked against our children, there is hope for healing. Research shows that the brain of a traumatized child can be healed through positive experiences. It is through repeated positive, safe, and loving experiences created in connected relationships that a traumatized child can truly heal from the adversity they have experienced. Despite the hope offered for healing, mental and behavioral health continue to be one of largest unmet health needs for children and youth in the foster care system today. Considering these facts, Southern Christian Services is committed to meeting those needs by providing safe places for our MS foster children. One way we do this is through our therapeutic foster care program. This program utilizes a community-based and trauma informed approach to caring for children and youth with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges in the least restrictive environment possible. The program utilizes a “team” approach by directly engaging the therapeutic foster parents and foster children in the healing process. It is critical for everyone’s voice to be heard and valued in this process. By working alongside our therapeutic foster parents, we are able to provide our parents with practical tools and insights to help our MS foster children reach their fullest potential and heal from the trauma they have experienced. In addition to providing targeted support to our foster parents, we also ensure every child has access to qualified mental health therapists who specialize in treating trauma. As an agency, we envision a community where every child has a safe place to call home and the opportunity to thrive. You can help give our MS foster children that opportunity by becoming a licensed therapeutic foster parent. To learn more about how you can change a Mississippi child’s life forever by visiting our website www.scscy.org/therapeuticfostercare or call 601-354-0983.

By Mika Hartman “Our children are worthy of EQUITABLE SPACE in this world. This is non-negotiable.” -Heather Avis of The Lucky Few Podcast This week my family had the honor of using our voices for needed change. We traveled to Washington D.C.; alongside National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation and more than 350 advocates, we took on Capitol Hill Day. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, family, friends… you name it, they showed up and demanded to be heard. Medical advancements and early intervention therapies have moved lives and abilities forward, while our laws have remained the same; outdated and discriminative. Our very busy day with back to back meetings even permitted us to use the underground tunnels to make all our meetings on time. This day will always bring joy. It will be one I talk about to my family for the rest of my life. I think the most amazing takeaway is that my 15 year old daughter, Henley, learned her voice matters. She spoke with Congressman Mike Ezell. Henley shared her concerns; she understands that Hudson will likely outlive her dad and me, that her future will one day require her support in all ways. She recognizes that the best case scenario is for Hudson to be as independent as possible. That he should be able to have fair wages, savings and be a part of the community. And no matter where she lives, Hudson should be able to join her without losing what we’ve been able to provide. Not require her to move to him. Henley also shared her concerns for families that don’t have the same support that we have. Her heart is pure gold. She desires for all Hudson’s buddies to have unlimited opportunities and be included in their communities. I only learned my voice really matters since Hudson’s birth. Henley learning this now is powerful. We talked about society’s expectations across the board: They are LOW! Most adults with Down syndrome often get talked to like young children. Most decision making adults see or hear the diagnosis and automatically build a wall. They don’t take time to see the abilities. If we could re-story the way people see our children, we could eliminate much of this fight for inclusion. I don’t want to change my son’s extra chromosome; he was born just as he was designed. We have to do a better job to accept him as he is, not look to always changing him. Again, he deserves equitable space in this world. You will never make me uncomfortable by asking any questions. I will only be uncomfortable if you whisper, stare, ignore, hide or if you are rude. Don’t read that wrong, I won’t be uncomfortable for me, I am uncomfortable for you. Hudson is who he is and I am proud and embrace this journey we are on together. Our meetings on Capitol Hill included U.S. Representative Mike Ezell and Staffers, Katy Roberts from U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s office and U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith had something come up, so we met with Kendall Garraway Moore from her office. You probably already know this, but it was like being at home having coffee with old friends. That’s what I love about Mississippi; connections with good folks comes easy and the friends/connections in common are mind-blowing. While we met with three of the five offices, all were asked to meet with us. Our message was clear with all three meetings: Please be our voice for needed change. Our Legislative Priorities: Join our Congressional Task Force for Down Syndrome so Member and Staffers can be in the know about the needs for families like mine. Lead by Cathy McMorris Rogers. S.1183 Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention (Introduced while we were there. I will share more on this below.) Support the National Alzheimer’s Research Act (NAPA) Re-Authorization (Senator Wicker has already signed on) Sponsor/Support Transformation to Competitive Integrative Employment Act (End Subminimum Wage. States who already have changed subminimum wages: AK, CA, CO, DE, HI, ME, MD, NH, OR, RI, SC, TN, WA, and VA (new)) Asking for Increased Funding for the INCLUDE Project at NIH with GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation (Needs more Republican Support) CJ, Henley, Hudson and I attended these meetings with confidence in our message. Nick Leto with National Down Syndrome Society joined with us to share specifics on the policy changes sought. I believe we made a difference. Our asks are bipartisan good needed changes that reflect the want of our community. We matter. Hudson’s life matters. In one meeting we were asked what we see for Hudson’s future. I jokingly said that he will be the most amazing breakdancer this world has ever seen, but the serious answer is that we want to see him graduate high school with a diploma, not a certificate. We want him to have opportunities to go to college should he want to. Opportunities to be an active participant in his community. Have his own financial means to support the life he wants to live. What is possible is on Hudson; we just wish to support what he CAN DO, not always have conversations of what he can’t do. As we were heading back to our end of Capitol Hill Day Reception with National Down Syndrome Society, we were met by friends. The news they shared were exactly why I advocate. It was both Charlotte Woodward and Bobbi Sarmiento walking hand in hand. They had been told that the U.S. House was introducing on the U.S. House Floor by Rep. Kat Cammack; and they got to be there for this beautiful moment. It had been introduced on the U.S. Senate Floor earlier in the week. Charlotte Woodward is our friend who works at NDSS. She was a recipient of a heart transplant and she happens to have Down syndrome. Her doctors didn’t discriminate and provided her a lifesaving transplant. S.1183 is named after her, still waiting on House Bill number. She wants to make sure that everyone has access to medical needs in the Down syndrome community. Bobbi Sarmiento is Baby Zions mom. Baby Zion was denied a heart transplant and sadly died at 4 months old. This sweet baby was solely denied because he was born with an extra chromosome. Bobbi was there to see that no more families suffer the way she has. This loss rocked our entire community and it has left us outraged that we are still seeing deadly discrimination today. At the start of the reception, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, of Florida, came in the room. She was thrilled to share with everyone that she was the one to introduce the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act. Thank you to U.S. Representative Kat Cammack, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. Rep. Cammack said she believes this will go all the way with 100% support from all. Bipartisan and good. Urge your U.S. Legislators to say YES! Yes, we already have protections against discrimination here in Mississippi, known as Cole’s Law, The reason this is needed at the federal level is simple, the transplant list itself is a federal list and this should be a federal law. Many states have created different wording on this and a federal law would enforce this law be consistent across borders and create a practice that all must follow across all states. No misunderstanding of the law. What we have here in Mississippi was in Florida at time of Baby Zion’s death. Federal protections must be passed to protect our loved ones no matter where they live or who provides their health needs. I feel like the biggest ask on the priorities list, solely based on cost, is the Transformation to Competitive Integrative Employment Act. This will take time, planning, and cost some money upfront, but, ultimately, it will save trillions and it’s just the right thing to do. The word itself, subminimum, for wages paid to most people with disabilities, is below minimum and it’s not even a real word. When a typical child wants to elevate education to maximize opportunities and job security, we encourage that the sky is the limit. When good paying opportunities with benefits, retirement and more are available, the person can then be independent of government supplements. We should invest in people with disabilities futures; find the abilities and maximize the level of independence. Transitioning should always be a focus. As long as there is room to grow and be better at any/all tasks, the goal should always be to seek enrichment to the best of that individuals personal abilities; the sky should be the limit for all. We must raise our expectations of our children with disabilities. An award was given to a documentary film maker this week. He followed a young lady who fought those who had stereotypes of her and Down syndrome. Each challenge she and her family faced, they met with “Challenge Accepted”. Everyone I have met on this journey has the same sentiment; don’t tell us what can’t be done, we will show you what can. The “Alzheimers Research Inclusion” is a must. Something in the extra chromosome protects Hudson from developing a tumor, but the chance of developing Alzheimers is greater in our family with Down syndrome than the general population. By increasing access to diagnostic care and treatment, congress must ensure insurance coverage, such as at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, provides access to high-quality diagnostic care and treatment. We are also seeking portability of healthcare benefits across state lines. Alzheimers on the person is unfathomable, but we also know the heaviness on the caregivers. We are seeking to help better support caregivers, too; training, respite care, financial planning and accessibility of memory care and long-term care centers. Excellent, appropriate medical care is important for: length of life, quality of life, and allows a person with Down syndrome to reach their true potential. People with Down syndrome have a different disease spectrum and research is key to providing the care that is needed. More beautiful moments from our trip were the Champions of Change Awards and dance party that followed. Two great friends of mine won awards. Both Courtney Gaines from Oklahoma and Jordan Burk with Kelly and Kelso from Texas took home trophies. They are both wonderful champions. Even without a trophy in my hand, I feel like a champion, too. You see, both recipients shared how important of a role I played in their success to be there that night as winners; Jordan even thanked me from the stage. I helped with the passing of Courtney’s Law (just like Hudson’s Law) in Oklahoma. I called lawmakers and held zoom meetings to see that Oklahoma protect our families along with Courtney’s mom, DeAnna. I am also a huge supporter of the Kelly and Kelso franchise. Jordan is moving huge mountains and I have had the pleasure of being a cheering mom figure for him as he opens new doors. I was nominated for this award, which is an honor, but the winners are people I have been cheering for all along… and that is a huge win for us all. And THE DANCING, the best. David DeSanctis was our DJ and the moves on the dance floor created the smiles that hurt in the best way. Hudson did some of his breakdancing moves on the stage and the party was a nonstop blast. Just as we celebrate all of Hudson’s inch-stones, forward moving progress is a clear win. As you can see, it is time that the people we elect hear our needs and support our good bipartisan asks. The benefits will have ripple effects through our communities and across our country. Stop apologizing for behaviors that society deems unacceptable by our friends with disabilities; your child was born exactly who they were meant to be and society is who needs to change. Inclusion isn’t disability based or a case by case basis, it is meant for all. My life is better because Hudson was born with his extra. My voice is stronger because of him. The friendships made, the education I have been given, the glasses I see through now, all better because of Down syndrome and the people who were born with it. Had God asked me if I wanted Hudson to have his extra, I would have likely said no because of the unknown for me. He didn’t ask, because He knew that Hudson’s extra is a gift to me and the world. Whether you advocate like a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a friend, know this: Good needed change comes when you are EXTRA bold! EXTRA loud people get heard and become the change we seek! The person who is your “why you’re an advocate” is EXTRA worthy of your voice, your time, and your energy! To the world: Embrace Hudson’s EXTRA, he is who he was born to be and I would not change one thing about him. He will always love who he is… just as I do.

By Bob Garver “It’s hard to believe that the new big-screen adaptation of the classic Judy Blume novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” made only $6.8 million at the domestic box office this past weekend. The theater where I saw the movie was more crowded than usual, and the audience clearly liked it to the point where there was applause at the end. I know that the film’s female-centric subject matter can be off-putting to male audiences, but this movie didn’t make a fifth of what “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” made in its fifth weekend. The blockbuster filled with eye candy was always going to steamroll this relatively quiet effort, but I would like to see this movie do better because it is the superior film. Abby Ryder Fortson stars (and nuts to any advertising that says that Rachel McAdams is the star) as Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader in the 1970’s. Her world is turned upside-down when her parents (McAdams and Benny Safdie) announce that the family is moving from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs. Fortunately, it’s easy for Margaret to make friends with attention-crazy neighbor Nancy (Elle Graham) and her clique that also includes Gretchen (Katherine Kupferer) and Janie (Amari Price). Unfortunately, that’s about the only thing that’s easy for Margaret, because sixth grade is the year when things really start to get dramatic for preteens. Margaret does her best to navigate this new world of social and biological challenges. She thinks she can cruise through it with the help of her friends, and they help to a degree, but since they’re all equally confused, they’re only so much help to one another. She’s also thrown a curve in the form of spiritual challenges. She recognizes a need to pray to a higher power, but is unsure about what role religion should play in her life. Her parents have a gripe with organized religion due to some disturbing family history, but she considers Judaism with her grandmother (Kathy Bates), Protestantism with Nancy, and even Catholicism after she sees her classmate Laura (Isol Young) go to confession. By the way, this movie (though I suppose the book did it first) could have gone the easy route of turning the imposing, rapidly-developing Laura into a bully, but it’s subversive and intelligent enough to force Margaret to confront the realization that she and her friends are the ones doing the bullying. The movie moves along at a pretty good clip, getting in a lot of milestones both on the calendar and in life. In fact, sometimes it moves a little too fast, like it’s skipping some things. I feel like there’s a scene missing where there’s a falling-out with the group of friends, as evidenced by a scene where Margaret and Janie have fun at a dance while Nancy can only watch from afar with an inattentive Gretchen. Also, I could tell I was supposed to like the girls’ nervous teacher (Echo Kellum), and Margaret goes out of her way to compliment him at the end of the school year, but based on what I’d seen of the character, it felt unearned. Maybe a scene was cut, or maybe something didn’t make it from page to screen, but the guy never struck me as a particularly good teacher. I know I’m skipping over many story points crucial to “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” including the well-known, potentially-uncomfortable women’s health elements. To be clear, these elements are prominently in the movie and usually handled with more sensitivity than I could possibly do justice. But the movie is so much more than that. It’s thoughtful and touching and very, very funny, especially when Kathy Bates is involved. It contains tremendous performances, especially by Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams. Most importantly, it’s the best thing playing in theaters right now and it could use a boost in ticket sales. Grade: B “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material. Its running time is 106 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Kara Kimbrough If Americans can start decorating for Christmas in October, there’s no reason we can’t begin planning for Memorial Day. In all actuality, May 29 and the accompanying long weekend for many will be here before we know it. There’s just something about the first holiday of summer – Memorial Day - demands an outdoor cookout. And here in the south, we know that grilling gets a little challenging as temperatures soar during summer months. So, that first weekend of grilling is really the best. First, a history lesson...and here's something we can all agree was a great Congressional act. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day on the last Monday of May to honor Americans who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. I have to remind myself that Memorial Day is not really about burgers and homemade ice cream – it’s about remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. However, we still have to eat – and eat Americans do, spending over $500 million annually (and probably more this year due to food prices) on Memorial Day meal supplies. Besides enjoying a delicious burger with all of the trimmings, keeping family and friends safe and healthy is a major goal of anyone hosting a backyard cookout. Here are a few tips from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to remember before striking up the grill: 1. Prevent grill fire flare-ups and excess smoke formation by grilling by trimming any excess fat from meat and poultry. 2. Marinades add flavor to meat and poultry and can tenderize less tender cuts of meat. Marinades with little or no sugar may help protect meat from charring and have been shown to reduce HCA formation. Before cooking, remove meat from marinade and pat dry to promote even browning. Avoid sugar glazes and sauces, if possible, as they often cause meat to burn. 3. Use medium heat while cooking to ensure delicious, flavorful meat. High heat can overcook or char the outside of meat while the interior remains underdone. 4. Cook burgers to medium (160°F) doneness, until no longer pink in the center and juices are clear. Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally into the side of burgers to check doneness. Place the thermometer in the thickest part or center of the burger. 5. Turn beef occasionally for even cooking and browning. Use a spatula to turn burgers. Do not press, flatten or pierce the meat — flavorful juices will be lost. Instead of trying one of the fancier burger versions featured in every magazine and website this month, I’ll stick with The Great American Hamburger from Steve Raichlen's "The Barbecue! Bible.” I’m also including my favorite marinade for any type of meat, but especially steaks. Some of you will remember the Steak and Ale restaurant in Jackson from many years ago as "the" steakhouse. Their French onion soup was also legendary. Getting their famous marinade was a real treat. As Memorial Day approaches, I’ll share my favorite sides, salads and desserts. The Great American Hamburger For the Burgers 2 ¼ pounds ground round, chuck, or sirloin 6 slices (1/2 inch thick) Vidalia or other sweet onion (optional) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 hamburger buns For the Toppings--Any or All Iceberg lettuce leaves Sliced ripe tomatoes Sliced dill pickles or sweet pickles Cooked bacon (2 slices per burger) Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayonnaise Step 1: Divide the meat into six equal portions. Lightly wet your hands with cold water, then form each portion of meat into a round patty, 4 inches across and of an even thickness. Step 2: Set up the grill for direct cooking and preheat to high. Step 3: When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate. Step 4: If using onion slices, brush them on both sides with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place the onion on the hot grate and grill until nicely browned, about 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate. Step 5: Brush one side of the meat patties lightly with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the burgers, buttered side down, on the hot grate and grill until the bottoms are nicely browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Brush the tops lightly with some of the melted butter and season them with salt and pepper. Using a spatula, turn the burgers and grill until they are browned and cooked to taste, 4 to 5 minutes longer for medium. Meanwhile, brush the cut sides of the buns with the remaining melted butter and toast them, cut sides down, on the grill during the last 2 minutes the burgers cook. Step 6: Set out the toppings. Put the burgers and onion slices on buns and serve. Recipe from Steven Raichlen's The Barbecue! Bible Steak and Ale Meat Marinade (copycat version) 3 1/2 cups pineapple juice 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons Garlic, minced fine Simply mix all together. You can let the meat marinate up to 24 hours. Recommended for grilling pan-frying of meat of your choice. Add a little bit of butter to the pan if you are going to cook it in a skillet.

By Bob Arnold Lake Lincoln State Park may have seen the early fruits of new funding that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) can tap to upgrade state parks and a WDWFP five-year strategic plan that, among other things, addresses needs of parks, which have suffered from lack of sufficient funds for maintenance and improvements. Last month for a full week, a MDWFP deployment team visited the Lake Lincoln, primarily focusing on overgrown vegetation and foliage that has become a problem throughout the state park system. The three-person team, including Park Administrator Cary Spence, Toney Fleming, Director of Park Operations; and Zach Watts, a construction project assistant; along with volunteers from area high schools and Co-Lin “delimbed” trees and bushes that were blocking views of the park’s lake front and managed controlled burns to eliminate growth on the park’s forest floor that chokes off new plants, stresses established plants and trees, reduces food and shelter options of animal populations and can fuel wildfires. The team and volunteers also cleaned and upgraded cottages in the park, installing a ramp for disabled persons and repairing hand rails. In recent months, similar work has helped Percy Quinn and Roosevelt State Parks catch up on maintenance, and the team’s next stop is Waldoxie State Park. WDWFP’s Andere Hollis and Brian Ferguson are organizing the deployment teams. Mississippi has 25 state parks with varying needs for maintenance and amenities. While the deployment teams are not new, their visits have been few and far between due to lack of resources. But a new funding mechanism and a five-year WDWFP strategic plan promise to change things in the parks. Capital improvements as well as maintenance assistance are also on the horizon. Following the 2022 state legislative session, Governor Tate Reeves signed into law a bill that created the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund for appropriation of funds to improve the Mississippi outdoors. The fund to which the legislature can designate funds as it sees fit, has a $20 million cap, excluding federal funds, with a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to oversee their distribution. Among other things, MDWFP can draw on the fund to improve state park outdoor recreation features and trails. To carry on its work in the broad area for which it is responsible, WDWFP is also looking to a strategic plan that recognizes “state parks are not being full utilized” and calls for: Public surveys to identify amenities desired in the parks. Expanding community involvement through Friends of the Park groups working with management of the individual parks to address needs, help plan and implement community-oriented events and establish new amenities. Partnering with other state bureaus and agencies and local organizations to identify and utilize historical, natural and other resources. A multi-media marketing program to increase awareness of parks and the recreational opportunities they offer. Generating federal funds to augment state resources. Follow Mississippi State Parks on Facebook for information about the state park system.

Joshua Hamilton of Wesson, Mississippi, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Hamilton was initiated at Delta State University. Hamilton is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."