Susie and her older sister went for a walk on the country road near her home. As they stepped onto the arched bridge that spanned a rushing creek, Susie stopped midstride. Her sister, not realizing she was now alone on the bridge, just kept walking and talking about the grim problems they each faced in life. Susie had brought along a long rope with one end tied securely around her waist, the rest looped over her shoulder. Taking the rope in her hands, she walked up to her sister and held out the other end of the long rope. “Here, hold this for me,” she said glumly. Not a word of explanation, just the short, terse request. When the other woman reached out in surprise and took the rope end, Susie turned on her heel and walked over to the side of the bridge. She climbed up on the short railing as her sister watched in confusion. And then, before her sister could react to what she was seeing, Susie simply leaned forward and fell as far the rope around her waist would allow. As she dangled there in mid-air, high above the foaming water and huge boulders, her sister rushed to the railing, screaming in panic for Susie. She struggled to not let Susie fall to her death, but the rope was slowly slipping thru her hands and creating deep, painful burns. Short of breath, and terrified she couldn’t hold on much longer, the older sister screamed “Susie, what are you doing?!!!” But Susie wasn’t struggling or pleading for help, she was just calmly and limply hanging there. She then looked up and said quietly, “Just hold the rope for me, sis. Just hold the rope.” No explanation, just, “Hold the rope, sis. Just hold on to the rope.” Inexplicable behavior, isn’t it? But if you have ever found yourself in a relationship with someone who has decided to figuratively hand you one end of their rope, leap over the side of the bridge and just simply hang there – then you can identify with the older sister. The Susie in your life has made you the keeper of her rope and refuses to help herself. ‘Trapped’ doesn’t even begin to describe your feelings. You know exactly how that sister felt. So what do you do, when your Susie is just hanging out and you are hanging on for dear life – with deepening burns on your hands? You’re feeling like you can’t just walk away and live your life, ‘cause you have to stand there - holding her rope. Realize that this situation is what your Susie has chosen. Realize you are not accountable for her predicament - she is. Realize you have the right, and the responsibility to tell her that you will no longer hold her rope. Make your Susie – not you - take responsibility for the choices and lifestyle that she picked. Choices. We all make them, good and bad.

Wesson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Hometown Family Dental (HFD) new offices on Spring Street with ribbon-cutting. On hand for the occasion in front row (left to right) were Patty McCardle and Marilyn Britt, Chamber members from Trustmark Bank; Stephanie Duguid, Chamber board member from Co-Lin; HFD’s owner Dr. Marissa Smith, the office receptionist Summer Evans and Smith’s spouse Maverick Smith; and Chamber board members Deemie Letchworth and Jessica Breazeale. At the ceremony in back row (left to right) were Chamber board members Ken Sullivan, Juanita Proffitt and Stephen Ashley. The new dental office is open Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.

By Guest Columnist Stephanie Duguid April was Stress Awareness Month. Take some time to identify signs of chronic stress that may be detrimental to your well-being. Everyone has moments of stress from time to time, such as when you’re stuck in traffic, or you have a hard day at the office. But, for some people, stress can also become a serious issue. Expose yourself to too much chronic stress and you’re putting yourself at significant risk of a range of health challenges. In fact, experts say that stress is directly connected to many of the main causes of premature death. The good news is that there are various ways you can begin to cut down on stress, from exercising to changing your routine. However, before you get started, it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of stress. Be aware of these red flags: 1. Tooth or jaw pain. Yes, stress does affect your teeth, more than you might think. If you’ve noticed soreness in your jaw or pain in your gums, then it might be because you’re dealing with feelings of stress. Grinding your teeth is often something that you may not even realize you’ve been doing until you get to the dentist, and they berate you for signs of bruxism. If you do notice signs of discomfort in your jaw, check with your dentist to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to protect your teeth. 2. Your memory is getting worse. As your schedule becomes more overwhelming, and you end up with more things to think about each day, it’s easy to brush off issues with forgetfulness. However, if your memory is really letting you down lately, it could be because of stress. When you’re putting your brain under too much pressure, you expose it to a lot of extra work, and you end up getting frazzled or burning out a lot faster. Paying attention to where you lose track of your train of thought could show you where you have too much on your plate. It might be time to slow down. 3. Your digestion isn’t right. Digestive health and stress are closely connected. You might have noticed during stressful periods in the past that you tend to have challenges with heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. These are all common gastrointestinal symptoms of stress. Your stomach will often churn and feel uncomfortable when you’re stressed because feelings of anxiety cause the body to produce additional digestive acid. These feelings can also mean that you don’t empty food from your stomach as quickly as you should, which leads to cramping, gas, and bloating. 4. You’re always thirsty. If you’re constantly suffering from a major thirst, it’s worth speaking to a doctor. Excessive thirst can be a sign of things like diabetes. However, you could also be dehydrated because of excess stress. That’s because stress causes your body to pump out extra hormones from your adrenal glands. Those glands are also responsible for the hormones that regulate the fluid levels in your body, as well as electrolytes. If your adrenal glands are worn out, then the body might feel like it needs more hydration when it really doesn’t. Although upping your H2O intake shouldn’t cause any problems, it’s still a sign of a long-term problem that’s important to rectify. 5. Your muscles are sore. Sore muscles often happen as a result of tension. If you’re under a ton of stress, your body responds by involuntarily tensing up. This can gradually lead to more body pain over time because your muscles aren’t used to being under that much strain. When your body is in fight or flight mode, this produces excess cortisol, too, and more tensing. The same way you suffer from soreness from grinding your teeth, you could experience soreness elsewhere in your body because you’re placing more pressure on your muscles. A good massage or a hot bath might help in the short term, but eventually you’ll need to tackle stress. 6. Your sleep pattern is inconsistent. If you’re having trouble with falling asleep at night, it could be because stress is making it harder for you to relax. It’s likely that you spend a lot of time thinking about the things that worry you when you’re in bed. After all, there’s nothing else to take your mind off those worries. You might also notice that you’re having more odd dreams because of your stress. On the other hand, some people experience a desire to sleep more often when they’re stressed. This could be an indication that you’re not just suffering from stress, but that you’re having issues with anxiety and depression too. Consider speaking to your doctor about these issues. They should be able to offer some personalized guidance. It's critical to your health and wellbeing that you learn to relieve stress. Try these 15 Simple Ways to Stress Less to building your resilience and creating a calmer environment. To build resilience: 1. Slow down. Cut your to do list down to a realistic size. Schedule breaks throughout the day. Breathe deeply. Your feelings are closely tied to your breath. Lie down on your back and place one hand on your abdomen. Your body will naturally start to breathe more fully from your diaphragm rather than taking shallow breaths from your chest. 2. Laugh it up. Humor drives away tension. Look for the funny side of difficult situations. 3. Eat healthy. Sticking to a balanced diet will make your body more effective at tolerating stress. Get most of your calories from natural whole foods. Cut down on added sugar and salt. 4. Sleep well. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Move your bedtime back an hour each night until you are able to wake up feeling refreshed. 5. Work out. Exercise is a constructive way to handle disturbing news or conflicts at work. Buy resistance bands so you can do strength training movements at home. 6. Create something. Creativity is another stress buster. Find a medium that you enjoy. You may want to paint, cook, or write. 7. Reach out. Build a network of mutually supportive relationships. Connect with positive family and friends on a regular basis. 8. Advocate for yourself. Let others know how they can help you. Ask for what you need tactfully and directly. Environment adjustments: 1. Clear away clutter. A tidy home and workspace will reduce your anxiety levels. Get rid of anything you seldom use. Donate it to charity or sell it online. 2. Add scent. Fragrance is invisible but powerful. Wear your favorite perfume. Practice aromatherapy with soothing essential oils like lavender and chamomile. 3. Play music. Use sound to create the mood you want. Put together a playlist for different activities. 4. Enjoy silence. On the other hand, the lack of sound can also be soothing. Turn off your devices for a designated period each day, including mealtimes and before bed. 5. Decorate naturally. Green spaces are energizing. Spend more time outdoors and bring nature into your home. Grow ferns and herbs.. 6. Create a refuge. Design a meditation room or space in your home. If you have trouble meditating, you can use it for reading or relaxation practices. Dealing with stress is an ongoing process. Take time each day to think about what you can do to make your surroundings more peaceful to protect your health and wellbeing. Make it a priority to take care of yourself by reducing your stress. EDITOR'S NOTE: Stephanie Duguid is Dean of Academic Instruction at Co-Lin. She is also an athletic trainer and nutrition specialist and has been teaching courses related to those two areas as well as practicing what she preaches for more than twenty years.

By Guest Cooking Columnist Charles Fortson, Jr. Apple pies and apple cobblers are country delights. Here’s a fast, easy way make a dessert that can compete with the best of them. Twenty minutes preparation time, 45 minutes cooking time, and you can serve up a treat that you’ll have a hard time saving, with folk coming back for more. Ingredients: 1 can of apple pie filling 1 large can of uncooked cinnamon rolls 1 cup of chopped pecans 1 stick of butter 1 box of butter yellow cake mix Directions: 1. With thin layers of butter, wipe down a medium size baking pan with sides. 2. Place the uncooked cinnamon rolls in the pan and roll them out from side to side (a little should go up the sides of the pan). 3. Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled out cinnamon rolls. 4. Spread the chopped pecans over the apple pie filling. 5. Spread a nice thin layer of the cake mix over everything. 6. Cut butter into 1/8-inch slices and place them over the top 7. Preheat over for 350 degrees 8. Cook for 54 minutes. 9. Cut in small pieces so you have enough for everybody. It’s addicting! EDITOR’S NOTE: Charles Fortson, Jr., is proprietor-chef at Uncle Ray’s across from Lake Lincoln State Park. He makes lunches and dinners to take out or for table service, while also operating a convenience store and bait shop at his Sunset Road location. Follow his cooking tips on Uncle Ray’s Facebook page or call 601-643-0174 to check on his daily specials.

By Bob Garver The Guardians of the Galaxy were the goofballs of the Marvel Cinematic Universe before “everyone” wanted to be the goofballs of the MCU. The first film from 2014 pulled off the unlikely feat of introducing five new, disparate, uniquely funny heroes and making fans care about all of them. The original lineup was human Peter “Star-Lord” Quill (Chris Pratt), the anthropomorphic Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), living tree Groot (Vin Diesel), green assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), and blue powerhouse Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). Since then, the team has taken on Quill’s half-sister Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Gamora’s adoptive sister Nebula (Karen Gillen), displaced pirate Kraglin (Sean Gunn), and even Soviet space dog Cosmo (Maria Bakalova). They also lost Gamora at the hands of her own adoptive father Thanos, but a past version of the character traveled through time, so she’s still around, but doesn’t remember being part of the team, nor does she want to be. The new adventure kicks off when Rocket is attacked by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), the newly-created “son” of the vindictive High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) of the Sovereign race, who wants revenge on Rocket for stealing from her back in “Vol. 2.” And Adam just goes right on the attack, driving the small target through a wall at first sight. It’s a nice change of pace from recent MCU outings where the villain tries to introduce themselves dramatically and the hero makes fun of them (looking at you, M.O.D.A.K.). Rocket can’t be healed without information about his artificial biology, so Star-Lord leads a mission to his furry friend’s planet of origin to steal his records. Gamora, now a space pirate, comes along, but only because she’s promised a fee. Star-Lord knows the mission is about helping Rocket, but he can’t help but get distracted by the possibility that spending time with Gamora will make her fall in love with him again. She’s not receptive to the idea. Rocket, meanwhile, is forced to confront his traumatic past through a series of coma dreams. He started off as a normal, non-talking raccoon, but was given a series of painful technological upgrades by the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) as part of an effort to create a sort of master race. He was best friends with his fellow tortured test subjects, otter Lylla (Linda Cardellini), walrus Teefs (Asim Chaudhry), and rabbit Floor (Michaela Hoover). The team made a pact to stay together, and we haven’t seen these other characters before, so… don’t get too attached to them in these flashbacks. Ah, but how can you not? That High Evolutionary is as sick and cruel as he is megalomaniacal. He’s the kind of heel I want to see kept alive in the MCU just so he can be punished more down the line. The Rocket scenes and later ones with the High Evolutionary’s exploits are true tear-jerkers, but the tone, as always, is mostly humorous. I got some good laughs out of Mantis expressing shock at how long humans live, Star-Lord failing to sweet-talk a receptionist, and Drax negotiating the number of people he can kill on the mission. It all adds up to a highly entertaining first two-thirds. Then I started feeling the length of the movie: the jokes got less funny, the characters and their individual storylines got too crowded and confusing, and the movie certainly wasn’t retaining its appeal with its visually-mushy, commonplace-for-MCU action scenes. After a string of disappointments, the MCU has given us a decent outing with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” but I’m still waiting for that special movie that reminds me of why it’s the biggest franchise in the (known) galaxy. Grade: B- “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language (including the MCU’s first unbleeped F-bomb, which I think is wasted here), suggestive/drug references and thematic elements. Its running time is 150 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. .

By Bob Arnold A little more than a year ago, Rob Rector, a Houston resident and father of Stephanie Duguid, Co-Lin’s Dean of Academic Instruction, resettled in Wesson with Joan, his wife of 41 years, in the last stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, who he transferred to the Beehive assisted living facility at Brookhaven from care in Houston. Ask him to compare his new life to the one he left behind, and he shows you two photos on his cell phone: One taken from a car driving on Highway 51 pictures one car in the opposite lane and a dashboard clock showing 5:20 p.m. The other is an aerial view of the spaghetti-like entanglement of freeways in the Houston area. “It’s Wesson and Houston at rush hour,” says Rector. “It’s symbolic of the different pace and pressures. I miss Houston restaurants – gumbo at Floyds and enchiladas at Molinas, but my blood pressure demonstrates the effect of the move – 165/120 when I left Houston and 118/68 in Wesson.” His daughter Stephanie coaxed him to make the move to Wesson, and found the Beehive for her stepmother, who died there last month, where she spent her last days in a family ambiance in which personal care was emphasized in contrast to largely indifferent, but competent medical care in Houston. “Life has been like night and day for me, and was for my wife,” says Rector. Rector’s journey to Wesson encompasses an education and career in the early days of computing when digital equipment started making analog devices a relic of the past, teaching scuba diving, helping the U.S. space program with its computer needs after the Challenger space shuttle disaster shut it down and travelling to all 50 U.S. states and 63 foreign countries in the course of his work. Born at Pocatello, Idaho, the location of the hospital closest to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where his father worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, Rector lived with his mother in his early childhood at Nevada, Iowa, while his father served in the Air Force during World War II. His father continued his Air Force career following the war, moving his family to Columbia, South Carolina; Fort Worth, Omaha, Florence and Naples in Italy and finally Washington, D.C., where Rector graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland in 1958. As they moved from place to place, Rector developed an interest in electronics nurtured by working with Lionel Train sets and accessories to build a growing model railroad system. “Each time we were transferred to a different bast, I would find parts and components of model trains left behind that I used, and my interest in electronics grew along with my model railroads,” Rector recalls. Out of high school, Rector joined the Army, intending to learn flying at its air academy, but instead went to its Data Processing Equipment Operations School at Indianapolis, where he learned about unit record computing and wiring panels for equipment, when the Army determined he was too tall to pilot airplanes with small cockpits. “As analog equipment was beginning to be replaced by digital equipment, I was in the right place at the right time as I entered college and then embarked on a career,” Rector says. When he enrolled in electrical engineering studies at Louisiana Tech (LT) in 1962, college officials, after learning about his Army experience, put him to work on LT’s new IBM 1620 computer with 60K of memory as the focal point of his learning. Today, cell phones have more memory than those 60K computers in the 1960s. Modern laptops have built-in disc drives and dedicated printers, while those 1960s computers required card decks with programmed instructions for processing and printing. With “keys to the computer center and access to the manuals,” however, Rector and his student colleagues at Louisiana Tech used their primitive computers to perform pre-stress concrete beam calculations for bridges on Interstate 20 bridges in Louisiana that are still standing and mapping crystals, among other things, as they earned their degrees. In 1967, Rector received his Electrical Engineering degree from LT, and joined Western Geophysical (WG), a part of Litton Industries, at Shreveport, Louisiana, and was immediately transferred to Houston, where he helped develop digital oil exploration equipment and programmed control and navigation systems for ships. His work over 20 years at the company encompassed nine trips to Alaska one summer and took him to the Philippines and Singapore to test experimental and manufacturer equipment and systems on ships. He developed processing systems for Geophysical Data vehicles at WG’s Galveston laboratory from 1971-75, and served as president of WG’s Digital Data Systems subsidiary for three years. He also worked with mixed success with Litton Medical Systems to apply geophysical mapping systems to ultrasonic medical scanners – an adaptation that, in the end, proved impractical because of the cost. Rector temporarily left the fledgling computer world in 1985 to turn a scuba diving hobby into a business – Aquaventures – with a partner – to train diving professionals. As a youth in Italy, he had started snorkeling and received instruction on use of aqua lungs, continuing with the hobby over the years to become a Scuba Diving Master Instructor. In 1988 following the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, Rector dedicated himself to computing, and started applying his experience to help rebuild the U.S. space program, which virtually shut down in the aftermath of the accident. Unisys, a part of what became United Space Alliance, hired him as a Flight Integrator to bring an array of digital products used in the space shuttle into a single system. His work over 19 years until his retirement in 2007 included development of systems that enabled the successful launch of the Hubble Space Telescope; mission control software for varied manned and unmanned space flights, including those related to the space shuttle and space station; and simulators for space shuttle and building the space station. In addition to his work, family has been an important part of Rector’s life. He has two daughters – Stephanie, who introduced him to Wesson, and Kimberly, an investment counselor based in Boston, with his first wife, Marjorie, whom he married as a college student in 1963. Through his two daughters and step children through his second wife Joan, he has six grandchildren. What are your hobbies? Scuba diving was a passion that I had to give up because of an aging body, and, for 20 years, I cared for my wife Joan in her battle with Alzheimer’s. I have nothing that really is a focus of my attention now. Are you a reader? When I was a commuter in Houston, I got into audio books – John Grisham, Clive Cussler’s adventures and thrillers, Neal DeGrasse Tyson on science. Do you follow movies or theater? I am into the old Sean Connery James Bond movies. Modern movies are too much about special effects. So I don’t follow them. How about music? I like jazz and country – the music of Wes Montgomery, B.B. King and Cal Tjader. I don’t enjoy the music kids like today. With better music, they would have better attitudes. What would you do with the winnings if you won the lottery? I would travel. Although I’ve travelled to all 50 U.S. states and to 63 foreign countries, I somehow missed Australia and New Zealand. They are on the top of my list. Next, I would spend my money on family care, particularly education. How would you change the world? The political divisions and “my way or the highway” opinions are big problems. I don’t know the answers, but I know what needs to be addressed.

Today, In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization operating Hope Animal Sanctuary in Carroll County and Justice for Animals Campaign in Montgomery County, will present a letter of support for the prosecution of Daniel Berthelette who was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty for dragging his neighbor’s dog to death on Sept. 6, 2022. Who: Crystal Springs Mayor, Sally Garland In Defense of Animals Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley Twenty-Second Circuit District Attorney, Daniella M. Shorter What: Doll Stanley and Mayor Garland will present Shorter with a letter signed by thousands of people which calls for the prosecution of a man who dragged his neighbor’s dog to death ***When: 2.30 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023*** ***Where: 121 W Frost St, Hazlehurst, MS*** On Sept. 14, 2022, the Crystal Springs Police Department arrested Berthelette for wrapping a wire around the neck of his neighbor’s dog, George, attaching it to his truck, and dragging George to death. Witnesses to the merciless crime reported the description of the truck and driver to the Crystal Springs Police Department. At one point, Berthelette stopped to exit his vehicle, presumably to ensure he had killed George. It’s unknown if George was dead at that time. Berthelette drove on and attempted to dispose of George’s body in a city dumpster. City employees denied Berthelette's disposal of George and later identified Berthelette to law enforcement and presented in court. In Defense of Animals contacted George’s guardians, the Bush family, to assist them in gaining justice for the horrendous killing of their companion and best buddy to the son. In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley learned that Berthelette was inappropriately charged with a misdemeanor which should have been a felony. Stanley communicated with Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland and City Prosecutor John Brock Campbell regarding the charge, which was amended to aggravated cruelty to a dog or a cat under § 97-41-16. Maliciously injuring dogs or cats. Stanley and Garland will meet with District Attorney Daniella M. Shorter to deliver a letter signed by 17,328 In Defense of Animals supporters which calls for strongest possible sentencing of the abuser. Stanley and Garland will request that the letter be presented during the sentencing phase of Berthelette’s trial. The pair is confident he shall be found guilty. Of the crime, Mayor Sally Garland said, “We are a small city; we wanted the word to get out and make the perpetrator famous. We are thankful In Defense of Animals is involved because we just don’t have that kind of network or resources.” Mayor Garland personally launched an investigation with Public Works Director Russell Brewer to identify Berthelette as the individual who heartlessly killed George. “We were mortified, and our hearts are broken over the very idea that someone could tie a wire around a dog’s neck and drag him,” Garland added. “No one should think they can ever drag a dog and get away with it.” “The unwarranted killing of a neighbor’s companion animal is troubling enough; it’s unthinkable that anyone would wantonly choose such a vile manner to kill any animal,” said Stanley. “We are grateful to Crystal Springs Mayor Garland, City Prosecutor Campbell, Public Works Director Brewer, and Crystal Springs Police Department for tracking down the perpetrator and recognizing the serious nature of this incident. Animal advocates intend to see justice for George, his family, and all animals of Mississippi.” In Defense of Animals is following this case with the intensity that the Bush family, the witnesses, and the community deserve. A crime of such cruelty is a crime against society. ### NOTES ### Letter to DA Shorter: RE: Prosecute Dog Dragging Case to the Fullest Extent I am writing to you, standing with Crystal Springs Mayor Sally Garland and thousands of animal advocates, to support you in the prosecution of Daniel Berthelette, who was charged with heinously killing his neighbor’s dog, George. On Sept. 6. 2022, Berthelette maliciously collared George with a wire, hooked him to the rear of his truck, and dragged him to his death. Berthelette’s gruesome crime was witnessed first when he stopped, either to see if George was still being dragged or if he was dead. The witnesses reported the truck’s license plate and the description of the truck to the police. Berthelette was later turned away from a city dumpster when Public Works employees witnessed him trying to dispose of George. The City of Crystal Springs investigated the despicable crime and Daniel Berthelette was arrested on Sept. 14, 2022. This defendant deserves no plea bargains, no leniency, only maximum sentencing. Also, before he is released, he must have a mental evaluation and anger management classes or therapy and not be allowed to live with animals. I will be following each proceeding in this case. Thank you for taking this and all cases you prosecute with the seriousness they warrant. [Signed: 17,328 In Defense of Animals supporters] More Information: https://www.idausa.org/campaign/justice-for-animals/latest-news/dog-dragged-death-mississippi-justice Images (free for use with credit to the Bush Family): https://bit.ly/Justice4GeorgePix Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483 In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin Co., California, with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

By Kara Kimbrough Retracting last week's statement proclaiming spring is the perfect time to grill may be necessary. When temperatures rose to the mid-80s this week, all pleasant grilling conditions disappeared. In my defense, technically, it is still spring. Despite the heat, Memorial Day is on the way whether we're prepared for it or not. And we still have to eat. My only advice: serving cool, fresh salads are one way to beat the heat and keep things light at any Memorial Day meal, regardless of the temperature. When it comes to potato salad, nothing compares to Mama Hamil's creamy, chunky version. Thankfully, the popular Madison family-style restaurant offers large containers of its delicious salad for take-out. If you'd prefer to make it yourself, drop me an email and I'll send a recipe similar to theirs. Here are the recipes for three other favorite salads, guaranteed to keep your Memorial Day dining cool, light and delicious. Totally Easy Tortellini Salad 2 (14-ounce) packages frozen cheese tortellini 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), diced 2 stalks celery, diced 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained 1 (8-ounce) bottle creamy Caesar salad dressing Prepare tortellini according to package directions and drain. Rinse with cold water, drain and chill. Combine tortellini, bell peppers, celery, artichoke hearts and dressing in large bowl. Add ground black pepper and other seasonings to taste. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Marinated Corn Salad 3 (15-ounce) can shoepeg or whole kernel corn, drained 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 (8-ounce) bottle Italian dressing In a bowl with a lid, combine vegetables, then pour in bottle of dressing. Close container and shake well. Refrigerate overnight or at least several hours before serving. Seafood Salad Extraordinaire 2 cups cooked seafood (shrimp, crabmeat (can use imitation) or a combination of both 1/2 cup French dressing (more to taste) 1-1/2 freshly finely grated onion 1/2 cup finely grated green pepper 1/2 cup finely grated celery 1 tablespoon fresh dill 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup mayonnaise In a large bowl, combine seafood with all ingredients except mayonnaise and eggs. Mix well and refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir in mayo and chill for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Seven Co-Lin students were recently honored at a luncheon in Jackson for their selection to the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Mississippi Community College Academic Team. Pictured from left, PTK advisors Etienette Oatis and Cheryl Hunt; Co-Lin Simpson County Center honorees Justin Ware and Ramsey Jones, both of Mendenhall; Wesson Campus honoree Ty'China Byrd of Brookhaven; Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims; Wesson Campus honoree Isaac Sivils of Bude; Natchez Campus honorees Ciera Demby and Gerald Monroe, both of Natchez; and PTK advisors Mary Warren, Amber Bowman, and Janie Blakeney. Not pictured is Natchez Campus honoree Blair Burchfield of Vidalia, LA. Honorees were presented with a medallion and certificate during the luncheon held at the Clyde Muse Center on the campus of Hinds Community College.

Ducks and people. You begin comparing male and female ducks to us human counterparts, and you will find a drastic difference. And I’m not referring to our non-webbed feet and wings. One cold morning, we bundled ourselves up in warm jackets and began the one-mile walking trail that encircled a little local lake. Outdoors walking versus an exercise machine in a stuffy hotel exercise room? No contest. As we walked, we watched a male and female duck gliding contentedly around their watery home. And I began noticing some real differences between us and them. The male duck was absolutely gorgeous. His head was a deep beautiful green, his breast glinted bright red in the sunlight, and his back was covered in blue green feathers. Oh yeah, one good-lookin’ male. God sure guaranteed he would attract the attention of a female. Ah. Now, the female. The one swimming beside this gleaming, glossy, attention-garnering male. Well, she was the exact opposite. No spark of deep jewel tones anywhere. Drab, mousy-colored shades of brown, buff and black feathers covered her head and body. Not exactly the stuff of dreams for the average human female, who usually likes to be attractive as possible. And yet, that was exactly how God made this female duck, and He called her perfect. So. My tongue-in-cheek question is this; Why in the world do many human females decide, unlike the female duck, to do everything possible to be gorgeous? Or maybe we don’t decide this at all, maybe it was put in our DNA by our Creator. Our Creator: “I’m gonna create human ladies so that from the day they hit puberty, a lot of them are gonna glance in the mirror and gasp, “Oh my gosh, I am so plain! My hair color is so ugly! And this face! I have got to get lipstick, and eyeshadow, and blush, and mascara, and eyeliner, or I can never step foot out of this house again!” Oh, I know, some are not born with that particular gene that makes women want to ‘gussie up.’ Those ladies are totally at peace with the au natural image looking back at them in the mirror every day. Neither way is wrong or right. It is simply a matter of being true to yourself, to what you enjoy. But in whichever category you land, Gussie or non-Gussie, I encourage you – love being you. There will never be another you. Your Creator made you and said, “For all eternity, I am totally happy and content with having only one of that particular lady.” So, whether you are one who loves constantly changing styles in clothes and makeup, or are just the opposite - be confident in being YOU. Happy Mother’s Day to all the gussied-up moms and the al natural moms among us.

CASA Mississippi is proud to announce the opening of CASA of Hinds County, its new Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program which will serve children in the Hinds County foster care system. CASA of Hinds County is the newest member of the National Court-Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children, a nationwide network of 940 programs that recruit, train, and support volunteers who advocate for the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to provide a voice for children who are in the foster care system or whose families are at risk of court involvement. They work to ensure children receive the necessary services and support to help them thrive and find a safe, permanent home. “We are thrilled to bring CASA to Hinds County, which currently has approximately 185 children in the foster care system,” said Laura Gee, Executive Director of CASA of Hinds County. “Our goal is to provide a voice for every child in foster care who needs one. With the support of dedicated volunteers from our community, we can help these children navigate the complex child welfare system and ensure that they receive the services and support they need to thrive.” CASA of Hinds County will recruit and train volunteers from the local community to serve as advocates for these vulnerable children. The program will work in collaboration with local child welfare agencies, attorneys, and judges to ensure that the children's needs are met, and their voices are heard. Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more at www.casaofhindscounty.org

The Salvation Army Jackson Metro Area is excited to announce “A Night with the Mississippi Braves” fundraiser on Saturday, June 10th at Trustmark Park. This exciting event will feature a baseball game between the Mississippi Braves and the Biloxi Shuckers, with gates opening at 5:00pm and game starting at 6:05pm. Attendees can stick around after the game for a firework display. Additionally, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will have “Cooking with Grace” cookbooks and themed “buy-it-now” baskets available for purchase, and the Mississippi Braves will have an auction, with all proceeds going to The Salvation Army Jackson Metro Area. This event is organized by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and promises to be a night of entertainment and fundraising. “This event is a great opportunity to have fun and show your support for The Salvation Army’s important work in the community,” said Arlette Thompson, President of The Salvation Army Jackson Women’s Auxiliary. “We’re grateful to the Mississippi Braves for their partnership in helping us raise funds to support our programs and services.” Ticket vouchers will be available to purchase for $10 for field level and can be purchased at give.salvationarmyalm.org/event/night-with-the-braves/e487611. Who: The Salvation Army Jackson When: Saturday, June 10, 2023 5:00pm – Gates Open 6:05pm – Game Starts Where: Trustmark Park 1 Braves Blvd, Pearl, MS 39208