Seasonal influenza vaccinations are now available for children and qualifying adults at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older as the best protection against the flu. “In Mississippi, we are already seeing increased flu activity, including reports of increased hospital admissions for flu-related illness and increased emergency department visits,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year, because this can be and is beneficial in protecting against severe illness, complications and hospitalizations.” Byers added that both the flu vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccination or boosters can be given at the same time. Flu season typically starts in November and lasts as late as March in Mississippi, but usually peaks anywhere between December and February. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH, but the agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. Those eighteen and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for ten dollars. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at all MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Wearing a face covering in public places offers additional protection against the flu. To locate a county health department clinic or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu.

Mississippians are driving in the dark more now that we have fallen back to Standard Time. Shorter days and deer on the move are just some of the challenges drivers may face at this time of year. The National Safety Council says roadway visibility is about 500 feet with high-beam headlights. "Collision with a deer or other animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of your automobile policy," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "Deer collisions can cause thousands of dollars in damage. If you do hit a deer, contact your agent as quickly as possible to report any damage to your car." Deer become more active from October through January and during those months, there is a dramatic increase in the movement of the deer population. As a result, more deer-vehicle collisions occur in this period than at any other time of year. Mississippi Department of Transportation statistics show there were more than 3,800 deer crashes last year. "Deer are unpredictable animals, especially when startled," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "Drivers should remain alert, especially in morning and dusk hours when deer tend to be more active. Motorists should also avoid distractions and always wear a seat belt." Keep these tips in mind: Deer are unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart into traffic. Deer often move in groups. If you see one, there are likely more in the vicinity. When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars. WDo not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. In the event your vehicle strikes a deer, try to avoid going near or touching the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Call the police if the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists. Watch this informative video that was put together by MDOT and MID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljj8MoQEjRk

With nearly two million members and 12,000 posts throughout the United States, The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, Bobby Thornton, Commander of the Wesson Drane-Prine American Legion Post 79, told the Wesson Lions Club Thornton, a retired U.S. Army Colonel with honorary rank of Brigadier General, talked about the history and work of the Legion, which the U.S. Congress chartered in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. “The Legion was formed on March 15, 1919, in Paris, France, by a thousand officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces (A. E. F.) and has evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States” he explained. The organization, he said, is founded on four pillars: Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. “We are really a family,” Thornton pointed out. “Our veteran members served on active duty in the armed forces, but not necessarily in combat. Our Auxiliary unit includes the spouses of member veterans, including both wives and husbands. The Sons of the American Legion are children of veterans, but did not serve in the armed forces. A Riders organizations are motorcyclists, who participate in annual Legacy Run to raise scholarship money for students related to veteran members.” The first post of the American Legion was George Washington Post 1 in Washington, D.C., Thornton related. Organized March 7, 1919, it obtained the first charter issued to any post of The American Legion on May 19, 1919. The oldest, continuously operated American Legion post is Tulsa's American Legion Post 1 chartered on June 19, 1919. “The Legion played the leading role in the drafting and passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the "G.I. Bill," Thornton said. “In addition to organizing commemorative events, members provide assistance at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics. It lobbies on behalf of interests of veterans and service members, including support for benefits, such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration. It has also historically promoted Americanism, individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; peace and good will.” Other special ongoing concerns of the Legion, Thornton noted, are veteran cemeteries, veteran homes for the elderly and disabled, Boys and Girls states and Boys Nation that teach youth about government, honoring Prisoners and Missing in Action service men and women – some 82,000 still unaccounted in past wars and flag etiquette – particularly proper destruction of them when they are old and tattered.”

By Mika Hartman Since Hudson’s birth, many new prayers have filled my FaceTime’s with God. I have wept and begged that He hear me, I have called on Him in my new fears and thanked Him in all of Hudson’s achievements and for his iron strength. I have always prayed, but Hudson forced a deeper needed connection with God; not for only Hudson, but for all born and unborn. My prayers are bigger now. Maybe it’s my age, I turned 47 today, maybe its this priceless journey, maybe it’s all the planted seeds of my own and seeds given to me that are growing, but I can feel God loving and changing people through me. Prayers work. God hears us. Last Christmas, I was asked by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America to join an amazing list of people who were weekly praying for the overturning of Roe Vs Wade. Mississippi was leading this courageous fight and many impressive leaders showed up to pray for its victory. How I was on this list will always be a crazy mystery, but God. Marjorie Dannenfelser led many of the weekly “On Our Knees” prayer calls that Vice President Mike Pence, Governor Tate Reeves, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Alveda King, Senator Tim Scott, Father Frank Pavone and others, including me, were on, begging for this victory in His name. We were on our knees praying for all babies; not some, but all. Here was my prayer on December 27th, 2021: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for all You do for us, Your children. Thank You for Your Word. Thank you for the gift of life that You so lovingly trust us with. When You chose Mary to be first to love and care for Jesus, she felt You. She listened. She carried out Your plans… even unknown and definitely unplanned, she followed and trusted You. May we all be better Marys. And I thank You for Joseph; his understanding and willingness to trust You, too. Dear Lord, may we all follow Your calls and fulfill Your plans for us with zero hesitation. You are King and all Glory is YOURS. The law of You, Lord, is perfect, reviving the soul. Dear Lord, I pray that the Christmas story would be a vivid reminder that You use broken people; we should understand that we are all broken; yet You still claim our worthiness. We all need You and Your love. The King of Glory entered Earth as a baby and Your plan to deliver us from sin was fulfilled. Thank you. I pray this evening for a culture change dear Lord, a change of hearts that knowingly or unknowingly still discriminate… that the world see all babies worthy of life, the way You intended the way You created us. May the world find peace that we are all created in Your Image and that You knew each one of us before we were in our mothers womb. Father I ask that You keep hearts steadfast as we enter into this new year; That 2022 be the one history remembers as the year for life. Protecting all Your gifts and giving Your plans the priority to be fulfilled. May we protect the babies under Your will and make it law of our land. And Father, this is so dear to my heart, I pray for a world that my son and his friends born and unborn are no longer judged by their disability, but seen as You see them; a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do they prosper… may the fruit they bear, be known by all as good and sweet, Lord. I firmly pray for all of these things in YOUR name. Glory to God in the highest heaven. Amen. I remember this night so perfectly. I couldn’t get the phone to connect, they were running late and the line wasn’t opening. My time was running out for the call to start, yet, I was calm. Marjorie Dannenfelser’s voice came over the call with seconds to spare and I was on my largest call ever. I was at my dad’s being only two days after Christmas. It was the perfect time for me to share after such a wonderful celebration of Jesus and His birth. How God’s plans for all lives are known before they are even conceived. My daughter listened and came in the room after and asked if someone wrote this prayer for me. I giggled. That told me that I nailed it, by I , I mean Gods message was spoken through me. What a Christmas gift it was for me to know my voice has power and my message would save lives and change hearts. I don’t know how many listened that night, but it doesn’t matter to me; that call was God using me for the plan He had for my life EVEN BEFORE I was conceived. This Christmas has a very Grinchy feel for me in the most wonderful way; not how the movie starts, but that ending. Hudson only watches a few movies and he watches them daily, over and over. This year, he has added “The Grinch” as a favorite on repeat. We all know the story, “And what happened that day? Well, In Whoville they say - they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then - the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinch’s, plus two!”… the perfect recipe for Christmas: love, being selfless, giving to those who need it most, togetherness and prayer. Be who the Grinch became. Love thy neighbor again. Be kind to those who cross your path. Invite EVERYONE to the table. Lord, love people through me. Prayers aren’t like Christmas wish lists; pray for everything and everyone. Pray EXTRA all year round.

Houston, we have a problem. Over-promising and then under-delivering. And I am not just referring to our government which, to my politically uneducated yet fairly logical mind, is definitely not delivering what was vehemently promised. And I am also not referring to the advertising that vows, ‘After using our product for one month, you will have the glowing smooth skin of a teenager!’ Even though you are seventy-seven years old. Or the TV commercials featuring erupting geysers and water hoses running amok. (Don’t scratch your head in confusion, men. You know what I am talking about.) I was a hands-on mom for many years. I know what it is like to tell my kiddos they will get a certain sweet treat after they have had their nap, and then reach into the Do-Not-Touch-Drawer, only to find I had forgotten to buy more. (Yep, I was a mom who regulated their sugar intake.) And unfortunately, I can also remember the looks on their faces when we were not able to go on a family outing as promised, because Dad had an emergency pastoral hospital visit that disrupted our plans. Oh yes, I am very aware of the consequences of not fulfilling a promise. Disappointed eyes, quivering lips, and a certain amount of “Ain’t fair!” yelled over their shoulder as they stomped and slammed into their bedroom. A broken promise is way worse than simply being told up front, “No way am I going to let you have that!” Why? Because, a promise shoots someone’s hopes and confidence in you sky high, and then when that promise is broken, you have to watch the shattered results hit the ground. And if you cause that scenario to occur very many times, then you just might have to watch as they start losing faith in what you say. They lose faith in you. And when that happens, you have paid an enormous price for breaking your promises. Reminds me of that dishonest bag of oranges in my kitchen right now. They look SO good. Enormous, bright orange and unblemished, they promise a huge amount of tart, tangy, sweet juice running down my chin when I take a bite. But the problem begins as I began to peel. And peel, and peel. By the time I get to the actual fruit, I have a large pile of worthless peelings in front of me, and a small, dried- up, poor imitation of an orange in my hand. Juicy, hah! Ever heard of ‘better luck getting blood out of a turnip?’ I told my better half that I am sick and tired of believing what each orange is promising. Learned my lesson, and not gonna fall for their good looks any more. Just throw them and their pretty promises in the garbage. Folks, I have watched as that same reaction unfolds in the lives of people around me. “I’ve fallen for your promises for the last time! You can play me for a fool for a while, but not forever! You’re outta here!” Learn from the deceitful orange.

By Kara Kimbrough Full disclosure: I enjoy shopping at actual brick and mortar stores. Retail therapy is important to me, especially at Christmas. And, I feel good knowing I’m supporting businesses that in turn, support Mississippi families in particular and our state in general. As shopping season gets into full swing, it’s vital to patronize local business owners. Second, consider joining me in an effort to support small and family-owned businesses, regardless of their origin. I'm certain they'll appreciate our business much more than multi-billion dollar conglomerates. I can’t think of a better way to illustrate my point than to highlight some of the businesses represented at the Junior League of Jackson’s 2022 Mistletoe Marketplace, along with some new friends from other areas. Besides creating a wonderful event that attracts hundreds of visitors to Jackson, the proceeds from Mistletoe - in excess of $1 million - help thousands of deserving Mississippians, ranging from sick babies at UMMC to underprivileged school children and elderly services. As you begin making your gift and entertaining shopping list, consider patronizing these and other small or family-owned businesses. Many have websites and 800-numbers for online shopping. 1. Ala Carte Alice –Maple bacon jam, apple pie moonshine jelly and chipotle raspberry and pecan glaze are flavors most have never tried. It’s just one reason to shop at this Louisville business that keeps locals and customers from around the U.S. coming back for seconds. Besides its unique jellies, Ala Carte Alice sells brownies and dessert mixes; cheese balls, dips, soups and spreads mixes; meat rubs and other creative food items to spice up your holiday party or give to others. For more information, call 662-779-1079 or shop online at: www.alacartealice.com. 2. Fireman John’s Barbecue – One of the highlights of Mistletoe this year was finally meeting Madison’s “Fireman John,” someone I’ve interviewed and quoted many times as a source for barbecue and meat-related articles, but never met in person. Getting to sample his products, including sauces, marinades, vinegars, rubs and more at his booth was also a thrill. The product of numerous prestigious barbecue cook-off championships, I can attest Fireman John – and his products – are the real deal. Check out the products at www.firemanjohnbbq.com. 3. I was amazing at the massive selection of Mississippi-made products showcased by Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce in the aptly-made Genuine MS booth. There were too many featured to list, but a few that caught my eye were Maddy’s Sweet Shop shortbread, Sunday Morning coffee, Original Grit Girl products and Pearl River Gingerbread Tea. Beautiful Mississippi-made Christmas pottery and everyday tabletop and dinnerware pieces also make great Christmas gifts. Learn more or shop at: www.genuinems.com. 4. Nothing But Bundt - The name says it all. You’ll find nothing but Bundt cakes at this unique shop in Flowood, but you won’t go away mad. Handcrafted Bundt cakes, miniature Bundlets and bite-sized Bundtinis will deck the halls and the dessert table in the most delicious way. Available in a self-serve container for gift-giving or stuffing a stocking or boxed by the dozen, the unique cakes come in a variety of flavors. Call 769-243-7108 or order online at: www.nothingbundtcakes.com. 5. J. Olive Co. in Ridgeland and Hattiesburg - Many physicians tout the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet filled with fruits, vegetables and olive oil. If that’s true, J. Olive can get you started and then some. With convenient locations in Ridgeland and Hattiesburg, J. Olive’s fragrant shops are filled with a variety of flavor-infused olive oils, balsamic and gourmet vinegars and related specialty items, including dips, spreads, rubs and salts. One of my favorite items is J. Olive’s Fruit Infusion Flavor Bottle. It makes drinking the recommended daily amount of water much more pleasant. Shop online at: www.joliveco.com. 6. Wisconsin is about as far north as Mississippi is south, but after sampling their products, I can attest these folks really life up to their reputation as excellent cheese-makers. Besides the fact that Gardner’s Wisconsin Cheese & Sausage sold a truckload of cheeses and sausages at Mistletoe (it was that good) the owners of the small, family-owned cheese and sausage factory are truly nice people. I’m not a huge cheese or sausage-lover, but I enjoyed sampling their products. Favorites were honey barbecue jack, aged gouda, Italian herb bruschetta cheddar and garlic summer sausage. Check out their products at www.gardnerswisconsincheese.com. 7. A question about why someone from Jericho, New York, would come all the way to Mississippi led to a conversation with a friendly lady named Lisa manning the Tall Order booth filled with colorful socks of all sizes and designs. I learned the family-owned company was founded to honor Andrew Friedman, a dedicated husband and father who was killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Called a "gentle giant, the 6’5” Friedman always put others ahead of himself, setting the standard for the “Tall Order” sons Dan and Mike, co-founders along with mom Lisa, try to match in business and in life. Both boys grew taller than their late dad and needed large-size socks. As a result, Tall Order was born. In addition to larger sizes, Tall Order sells regular sizes of socks as well as underwear and shirts. The best part: 10% of all sales goes to charity in honor of their late dad. For more information, visit www.tallorder.com. Speaking of New York, there’s no better Christmas gift than a box filled with a ticket to one of my favorite cities after the holiday are over. Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Big Apple for January and early February that will cost substantially less than at any other time of the year. NYC Hotel Week will run from Jan. 3 – Feb. 12, 2023, offering 23% savings off standard room rates at more than 140 hotels across all five boroughs. NYC & Company’s NYC Winter Outing Program combines Hotel Week, Restaurant Week, Broadway Week and Must-See Week. In short, visitors can take advantage of rare deals on dining, Broadway shows, attractions, museums, tours, performing arts and hotels in all five boroughs. Hotel reservations are available now, so give the gift of a stay in NYC to a loved one this holiday season. For more information on Winter Outing, visit nycgo.com. If you have a Christmas shop, event or restaurant’s holiday meal you’d like me to mention, simply drop me an email and I’ll add it to an upcoming column before the season ends. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

This winter season, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host the annual Homestead for the Holidays event on Thursday, December 8, and Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Admission is $8 per person for ages 3 and up. Enjoy breakfast for supper, story time with Mrs. Claus and get your picture made with Santa and Rudolph. Take a stroll through Small Town and see various agricultural demonstrations, visit the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead and experience Christmas during the early 1920s. Carousel, train rides and hayrides will be available, as well as live music throughout the grounds. Make sure to write a letter to Santa on one of our limited-edition postcards, printed in the Small-Town Print Shop, and stop by the General Store for an old-fashioned glass bottle drink while browsing the wares and unique Mississippi-made products that make great gifts and stocking stuffers. Experience the “Tasty Side of Agriculture” with cinnamon bread, gingerbread loaf, candy-cane cookies and more, offered for sale at the old Filling Station located in Small-Town across from the General Store. We hope you will join us for this wonderful time of community and enjoy the warmth that an old-fashioned holiday celebration creates! Homestead for the Holidays is sponsored in part by the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, the Mississippi Beef Council, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., Mississippi Poultry Association, Mississippi Loggers Association and the Dairy Alliance. 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 about the Museum, call 601- 432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook. The Ag Museum is a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

By Bob Garver “Violent Night” doesn’t have it in itself to be the best naughty Christmas movie ever made, so it tries to compensate by being every naughty Christmas movie ever made. Drunken, bitter Santa (played here by David Harbour)? That’s been done before, let’s say most notably by 2003’s “Bad Santa.” Murderous thieves taking hostages at Christmastime? 1988’s “Die Hard” and its many knockoffs. Kids setting bone-breaking makeshift booby traps for bad guys? 1990’s “Home Alone” (which yes, counts as a naughty Christmas movie, even if it was ostensibly for kids). Family hammering out drama during a hostage situation? 1994’s very funny Denis Leary comedy “The Ref.” Beverly D’Angelo? 1989’s “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Even the whole idea of Santa Claus as an R-rated action movie hero was done better in 2020’s “Fatman.” “Violent Night” doesn’t pretend that it doesn’t owe much to its predecessors (it even checks “Home Alone” by name), but it wants you to believe that it’s somehow more than the sum of its parts. It isn’t, though there are some laughs to be had along the way. Harbour’s Santa falls asleep from whisky and cookies while visiting the mansion of the wealthy Lightstone family. He awakens to learn that all the family’s servants and security have been killed and the family itself has been taken hostage by a team led by Mr. Scrooge (John Leguizamo), who is there to steal $300 million from matriarch Gertrude (D’Angelo). Worse, his reindeer have flown off, leaving him unable to make a getaway, and the bad guys are going from room to room, looking for expendables to eliminate. He tries to escape anyway, but then notices that youngest granddaughter Trudy (Leah Brady) is on the Nice list. She might be one of the Nicest kids in the world. Santa’s got his tell-all list, a sack of unending gifts, a history as a bloodthirsty Viking, and a few other goodies thanks to Christmas magic. He decides to stay and save the Lightstones’ lives as a Christmas present. This sure as sugar cookies means violence toward the Naughty villains. Every Christmas-themed weapon imaginable is in play here: from icicles to tree ornaments to sharpened candy canes to snowblowers. And it’s not just Santa doing the killing, the Lightstone family members find it within themselves to fight back, even sweet little Trudy. The villains in this movie turn out to be infuriatingly easy opponents. They’re efficient gun-toting killing machines for about two minutes and for the rest of the movie they make those classic villain mistakes of talking too much and getting into fights where they forfeit the element of surprise. At least the villains in “Home Alone” were consistently inept, these guys are stupid when they’re supposed to be smart, which makes their stupidity all the more glaring. That’s not to say there isn’t a charm to “Violent Night.” David Harbour is great in the role of Santa, with some memorably funny lines and readings. D’Angelo is gloriously profane at times, Leguizamo sinks his teeth into the silliness, and Brady is naturally worth protecting. The action is funny and creative in small doses, but the movie gets greedy and goes on too long. It would have done well to stay in the Lightstone house instead of climaxing a snowmobile’s drive away at a location that hasn’t been established. There’s a lot of filler here, like Santa reckoning with his past, including the dissolution of his marriage. Mrs. Claus isn’t a character here, so that whole tangent is sadly pointless. That said, I’d be happy to see a sequel where we meet Mrs. Claus and get more of Harbour’s Santa. I’d wouldn’t mind spending more time with this character as long as the movie around him is tighter. I could see “Violent Night” doing well enough to spawn a franchise that becomes an annual tradition, even if the film misses the mark of becoming a Christmas classic. Grade: C “Violent Night” is rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout and some sexual references. Its running time is 112 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Genuine MS® Store Hosts Open House December 3 The Mississippi Farmers Market will host its annual Merry Market event on Saturday, December 3, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in downtown Jackson. In addition to the usual variety of farm fresh foods and handcrafted items, shoppers can expect a special appearance and photo opportunity with Santa Claus from 9:00 a.m. to noon; vendor giveaways; children's activities including decorating and coloring Christmas ornaments and writing wish-list letters to Santa; complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and popcorn; specialty holiday-inspired foods, evergreen wreaths and other products available for purchase from vendors; and the Genuine MS® Store, located inside the Mississippi Farmers Market, will hold an open house. The Genuine MS® Store is a unique retail operation that offers an array of products grown, raised, crafted and made in Mississippi. In addition, the open house will include tasty treats and samples, as well as special holiday discounts on select products. The Genuine MS® Store has recently expanded its holiday shopping hours, opening every Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Visit www.genuinems.com to shop exclusive online holiday gift options and learn more about the Genuine MS® program. The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For more information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com and follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Child Nutrition is seeking sponsors to operate the 2023 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in counties throughout the state. The federally funded program provides nutritious meals to children during school vacation periods though the program operates from June through August in most areas of Mississippi. Meals and snacks are served to children in places such as schools, churches, playgrounds, libraries and parks. Public or private nonprofit schools; units of local, municipal, county or state government; residential summer camps; and public or private nonprofit organizations may qualify as sponsors of the program. To be eligible, potential sponsors must: Be currently licensed through the State Department of Health Possess a current food permit Show you are financially and administratively capable of operating the program Provide continuing services to the community Serve meals on a regular schedule to children or provide meals as part of an organized program for enrolled children at camps. New and returning sponsors are encouraged to attend a training session set for Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. For additional training information, contact SFSP Director Susie Q. Evans-Gater via email at susie.evans@mdek12.org or SFSP Outreach Coordinator April D. Catchings at acatchings@mdek12.org or call (601) 576-5000. More information about the SFSP may be accessed through the USDA website at: fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

For many folks, it’s that dreaded time again. The Christmas holiday dinner with the extended family. The event that causes you to have to make a choice. A choice between seeing Mom’s happy smile because everyone came, or staying home so you don’t have to be around The Tongue this year. You know who I’m talking about. You promised yourself last year that God Himself couldn’t force you to sit through another dinner with Conceited Connie or Bully Bart again. Every time you hear that voice, you immediately feel your insides quiver with intense dislike. Oh yes, you’ve warned yourself repeatedly, “Just don’t react,” but every year you’ve felt a strong urge to pick up the nearest overloaded dinner plate and smash it over the head of said person. Compared to four hours of listening to their drivel, standing one-legged on the point of a needle in a hail storm sounds easy. But your spouse protests when you’re honest about wanting to boycott the family dinner this year. “But honey, you know how your mom looks forward to getting the whole family together at Christmastime! If you don’t go, she’ll be so disappointed.” And then your beloved pulls out the big guns and aims straight at your conscience. “And you know, your mom isn’t getting any younger. We’re not really sure how many more years we’ll have her here with us.” So, you sigh and pull on your big girl panties, or you men take a deep breath. You square your shoulders, and march out to the car. Knowing exactly how the condemned man feels as he marches to the gallows where the hangman’s noose dangles. Sound familiar? Probably. And you’re not alone in your dilemma. It’s a well-known fact that most families here in the good ol’ USA have issues. But knowing that just doesn’t help much, does it? So, what to do when the dreaded Dinner With The Tongue rolls around? First of all, have your plan of survival firmly fixed in your mind. Take an antacid. Or two. Fortify yourself with the prescription muscle relaxer of your choice. Scope out the nearest exits of the room ahead of time. Then plaster a smile over your gritted teeth and glue it in place. And when you hear that nerve-grating voice that lets you know The Tongue has arrived, keep taking deep breaths. But when you have finally reached your boiling point, excuse yourself quietly and beeline out of the room for a while…leaving Mom’s holiday dinnerware intact on the table. So, why should you even bother going? Because, if you ghost the family holiday dinners completely, everyone else has to face The Tongue without you. That happens very many years, and others will decide to join you in your strike – leaving only a few committed die-hards sitting around Mom’s table, staring at empty chairs. And Mom’s annual family dinner disintegrates to nothing. And another American family is no longer that…family.

By Kara Kimbrough The email in my inbox sounded so appealing: “From Thanksgiving to New Years, Beau Rivage in Biloxi is transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with larger-than-life nutcrackers, colossal Christmas ornaments, hundreds of frost-covered trees, thousands of brilliant poinsettias and Santa’s sleigh and reindeer soaring high above the atrium. A stunning 25-foot Christmas tree and classic winter scenes throughout the resort’s public spaces invoke the spirit of the season.” It’s ironic that a Currier & Ives-like Christmas is recreated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, an area more famous for sun, sand, beaches and warmer temps. But regardless of where we find it, Mississippians, myself included, long for a similar Christmas. Coast residents still speak longingly of the “Christmas snow of 1963,” but we'll likely never enjoy a Christmas filled with the cozy fireplaces and sleigh rides depicted in 99% of all Hallmark Christmas movies. I try to visit the Coast each December to view Christmas decorations at cities and towns along the beach, shop at holiday open houses and dine at new and innovative restaurants that pop up every week or so. Believe me, our state’s southernmost area is the perfect holiday getaway for those in need of a jumpstart to the Christmas season. My first stop is always the Beau Rivage. The sights, sounds and smells of Christmas are everywhere, especially in the cavernous lobby, atrium and shops. In short, it rivals anything Hallmark has to offer. It’s fun to simply wander around or people watch while sipping coffee in the open-air Roasted Bean. The four-diamond beachfront resort is open to the public for shopping, dining at one of the fine or casual eateries and trying one’s luck on the gaming floor, regardless of whether or not you're staying in one of the comfortable guest rooms. And from now until New Year’s, an entertaining mix of shows, concerts and family events are planned for guests of all ages. Below are a few Christmas events at the Beau, followed by additional Coast holidays happenings. As always, contact each venue or municipality with questions about hours, parking and tickets: The Beau’s BR Prime will host an upscale Santa Brunch on Dec.4. Capture memories and dine on an exquisite holiday meal with an exclusive event featuring Santa. Enjoy strolling characters, a commemorative photo and cherished keepsake gift to mark this special holiday occasion. Scheduled for Dec. 15-26 in the Beau Rivage Theatre, Finding Christmas is a Broadway-style musical variety production that follows young siblings as they set out on a quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. Besides a spectacular show, attendees are treated to snowfall at each performance. December headline entertainment at the Beau kicks offs with The Commodores (Dec. 2) followed by A Boy Band Christmas (Dec. 3) and country singer-songwriter Josh Tuner (Dec. 9). The Nutcracker presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Ballet Theatre performs on Dec. 10 and Dec.11. Popular party band The Molly Ringwalds will close out 2022 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve performance in the Beau Rivage Theatre. Gulfport’s Annual Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is recurring daily until Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Eve). The festival features over 1 million Christmas lights across Jones Park. Visitors can walk or ride aboard a free heated trolley. Admission is $15 general admission; $5 for children ages 5-12, and free for any child age 4 and under. Tickets can be purchased online here or at the box office. It’s not actually an event, but one of my favorite Coast “sights” - Annual Snowflakes in the Bay- begins November 28 and extends through Jan. 1 in downtown Bay St. Louis and Depot Row. Beautiful century old Live Oaks are decorated with illuminated snowflakes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for walking, shopping and dining in the historic Bay area filled with restaurants, shops and nightlife. There are literally hundreds of Christmas activities taking place on the Coast, ranging from tree, lighthouse and boat lightings, parades, Santa events for children and so much more. For a complete listing of holiday events, visit gulfcoast.org and simply search “Christmas.” Officials at Coastal Mississippi are happy to help plan your trip. If there are festive Christmas events or decorations in your city or town, please drop me an email and let me know. I’ll share everything I receive in upcoming columns. In the meantime, if you’d like my list of favorite places to stay, dine and shop on the Coast, email me and I’ll send it to you. To get into the Christmas spirit before my Coast trip, I made a batch of microwaves pralines found in one of my favorite cookbooks, The Gulf Gourmet. It’s almost foolproof and in reminiscent of the pralines found in New Orleans. Like almost everything on our Gulf Coast, it’s simply wonderful. Microwave Pralines 1 box brown sugar 1 small container whipping cream 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 cup pecans Mix brown sugar and whipping cream together in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook in microwave for 8 minutes. Take out and stir. Place back in microwave for 5 minutes. Take out, stir in butter and pecans until mixture begins to lose gloss. Spoon quickly onto wax paper. Let stand until candy sets and remove from wax paper. Makes about 30 pieces when dropped by tablespoon. Recipe from The Gulf Gourmet, Recipes from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.