Crossroads Magazine Family 2021

Crossroads 2021 Family Edition

Magazine

Mom-daughter

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Crossroads Magazine

2021 FAMILY EDITION

WHAT’S INSIDE

EDITORIAL

Corinth animal lover has heart, passion, dedication for dog rescue efforts

Publisher

PAGES 8-9, 12-13

Reece Terry

Kids in the Kitchen: A dozen ‘cool’ recipes to get children in the kitchen

Editor Mark Boehler

PAGES 18-21

Contributors

Board games are family-friendly boredom busters

Mark Boehler Carol Humphreys

PAGE 25

Lisa Lambert

Stave off cabin fever with game night

Metro Services

PAGE 25

Lena Mitchell

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute remains extraordinary experience in African-American history

L.A. Story

ADVERTISING

PAGES 30-32, 34

Advertising Manager

Tips for family camping trips

Derinda Nunley

PAGES 38-39

Advertising Representative

COVER STORY: Mother – daughter’s careers soar as flight nurses

Kenny Carson

PAGES 41-44

Creative Designer

Heritage, natural beauty come together at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

Katie Krawczak

PAGES 48-51

ON THE COVER

Keep focus on fun during family baking sessions

Gail and Beth Hudson are a mother-daughter flight nurse team, Gail at the Air Evac unit in Corinth and Beth at PHI Air Medical based in Columbus.

Photo by Lisa Lambert PAGE 4

PAGE 54

Communication remains key for families PAGE 54 CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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THE DOG WHISPERER Dog rescue volunteer Sherry Frazier Thrasher shows her rescue dog Farley she adopted about eight years ago. Farley wandered away from his home after a door was left partly open and he was lost for a year. In a bizarre turn of events, Farley was reunited with his owner in January after a person contacted Sherry’s dog rescue operation about a stray dog who apparently was lost from its owner. “I never gave up,” said Sherry, who spends much of her time in dog rescue efforts.

PAGE 8

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D H

Dog rescue volunteer Sherry Frazier Thrasher of Corinth shares a moment with volunteers of HASRA in Killen, Ala. and Warrior Dog volunteers of Minnesota.

HASRA helps “save, rescue and adopt” dogs helped by Sherry, the many dogs get good homes through the Warrior Dog project.

A recent Saturday is typical for the daughter of the late Buddie and Kathryn Frazier, as Sherry’s love for animals began at an early he secret is out. age.

Sherry Frazier Thrasher rescues dogs.

Eight dogs are ready for transport to a No matter the animal’s condition or circum- Northwest Alabama rescue operation known stances, concerned people throughout the for its successful adoption rate.

Crossroads area know they can call on the Two of the eight dogs were boarded until Corinth woman to help save, rescue and adopt the trip, then Sherry got a call of an injured dogs who are either strays who need a home stray in the Glen area living on the side of the or abused pets in need of escaping deplorable, road after being run over by a vehicle. inhumane or starving living conditions.

Sherry responded with not one second Animal advocates call her the “dog whisper- thought. Before the day is over, Sherry reser.” cues a mother dog and her litter of puppies, This is her story. bringing the rescue operation to 17 canines

By MARK BOEHLER

For Crossroads Magazine

T

www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

of various shapes, sizes, breeds and dispositions.

The animals are weighed, photographed, wormed, vaccinated, given flea and tick pills and will be spayed and neutered at the venue of hope, Heart of Alabama: Save, Rescue, Adopt (HASRA). It’s a non-profit, picky on the search for responsible pet owners who get rewarded with adoption.

So far this year, the “dog whisperer” has helped rescue 75 dogs in the Crossroads area, including many from Alcorn County. Last year, the animal lover helped rescue 637 dogs.

Continued on page 12

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From page 9

Over the past four years, the woman who works three jobs but still finds the time to rescue and transport dogs toward a better future can’t begin to fathom a number on her passion.

“I do it from the heart,” said Sherry, who for 15 years worked for Charlie McDaniel Carpet before the Corinth business closed.

“It keeps me busy and I like staying busy. It’s my thing to do.”

The 1979 Corinth High School graduate is a lifelong Alcorn County resident.

For the past five years, she has helped with the two- and three-year-old pre-school class at First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, where she also serves as nursery director every Sunday.

For almost eight years, she has been mostly a weekend evening nanny for the three daughters of Russell and Julia Smith.

Sherry is also employed at Tricia’s Design Gallery, where she assists in sales.

When asked how a dog rescue person could be employed with three different jobs and find time to save dogs, Sherry simply smiled as she laughed.

“All of the jobs I have are pretty flexible,” she said. “I can leave to go take care of a dog.”

Sherry’s efforts have not gone unnoticed at HASRA as the non-profit brings better awareness to animal neglect and abuse.

“She (Sherry) can’t stand to see them in the shape they are in,” said Debbie Rappuhn, founder and president of HASRA. Much like Sherry’s volunteer efforts, HASRA works 24 hours a day, seven days a week in its “save, rescue, adopt” mission, noted Rappuhn.

The operation provides dogs the care they need, animals are spayed and neutered, then put up for adoption to families who meet the criteria, she said.

“We provide dog adoptions all over the United State,” explained the founder, as HASRA is based in Lauderdale County with a Killen, Ala. address, but remains Sherry’s rescue operation of choice for dogs in and around Alcorn County due to HASRA’s openness to receive dogs and the quickness in which dogs get placed in approved homes.

“I leave with a happy heart every time I leave HASRA,” said Sherry, who transports dogs there almost every Saturday. “It’s such a happy place.”

Noted Rappuhn, “We do take good care of the dogs.”

HASRA’s strict policy of providing adoptions to families who will allow dogs to live inside homes and also provide an outside PAGE 12

Dog rescue volunteer Sherry Frazier Thrasher arrives on a recent Saturday at HASRA with one of 17 dogs saved and rescued from the Crossroads area. This injured stray was hit by a vehicle in the Glen area and was taken to HASRA by Sherry and her helpers.

fenced-in exercise area remains key that the cycle of abuse and neglect will not repeat itself, noted Sherry.

The rescue volunteer appreciates the support of many friends who help foster and transport rescues and the loving encouragement of her three grown children, 35-yearold Ian Christopher Manus, 33-year-old Kayla Leigh Manus and 28-year-old Mia CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Elyse Sweat and Mia’s husband, Thomas Sweat.

While rearing her three kids, the family would collectively see a stray dog and share the desire to help the animal.

“We’ve been rescuing and saving dogs most of my life,” said the mother, who is also a grandmother to 10-year-old Willow Grace and 4-year-old Rubie Caroline. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

These two canines were making the trip to HASRA on a recent Saturday on their eventual journey to a new home.

Sherry continues to recruit foster home and transport volunteers.

Richelle Stark is a foster and transport volunteer, while Angie and Danny Spencer, Melissa Little and Nelda Warren help foster dogs. Trudy Kennedy, Cindy VanHaitsma and Desiree Gentry are all transport volunteers. All helpers have witnessed first hand the dedication of Sherry’s efforts.

“She has such a love for it,” said Stark, a special education teacher who adopted three cats from the local animal shelter.

“She does what is necessary to save animals … she never puts herself first. She follows through and supports all of us.” www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

“The biggest thing with her,” added Shark, who has been helping Sherry for almost a year, “is her love for saving animals.”

VanHaitsma and Gentry – a mother-daughter volunteer duo – are in awe of Sherry’s spirit and dedication.

“She is so amazing,” said VanHaitsma, who has helped Sherry for about a year.

“She has such a compassion for dogs … she wants dogs to be loved, to be cared for and she will go to a lot of effort to see to that.”

Gentry began Saturday rescue transport last August. “She is the most amazing human I know,” said Gentry. “She has such a CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

passion. Despite multiple jobs, she stays so dedicated to it. I can’t speak enough about her and what she does.”

Sherry will continue her efforts to rescue dogs and give them hope for a better future.

Awareness is the key, she said.

Dogs needs to be rescued, saved and adopted, temporary foster homes are needed and HASRA seeks donations to operate, said the volunteer.

“My concerns are the animal neglect and abuse,” she said. “And nothing being done about it.”

(To learn more about HASRA or give a donation, go to hasra.org.)

PAGE 13

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PAGE 17

FOOD

Kids

in the

kitchen A dozen simple, tasty, ‘cool’ recipes to help get children interested in cooking

By L.A. STORY

For Crossroads Magazine

W

hen did I learn to cook? To prepare food for myself or others?

I know it wasn’t something I have always known how to do.

I know my mother preferred to be queen of her kitchen, but she didn’t mind a kid in the kitchen as long as we stayed out of the way and merely observed. I recall many times watching my mother make dinner for the family.

When I showed an interest in learning the process of cooking, we started small. I think sugar cookies were the first things I remember my mother teaching me how to make. I also remember making small, easy things like cinnamon toast and scrambled eggs.

PAGE 18

The first meal I learned to prepare was spaghetti with meat sauce. I wanted to impress a boyfriend and make him dinner for his birthday. Mom showed me how to make spaghetti with meat sauce and, but also how to put the meal together, pairing it with salad, garlic bread, and a dessert. It was the first real experience where I realized there was an art to putting a meal together.

My culinary education, such as it was, also consisted of Home Economics classes, which were required once upon a time. It was a class that I didn’t fully appreciate until later for the practical life skills it taught.

Now, I have grandchildren. I think about the many things I would like to teach them, one of those things being how to cook. I believe getting kids interested in cooking early is CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

important for many reasons such as family bonding. It’s also important for mere survival and there’s a little science to the cool stuff like how to make ice cream or bread. It helps a child to figure out where their food comes from and the effort it takes to prepare it.

I remember being baffled as to how my mom took something as firm as a potato and turned it into mashed potatoes – there’s science involved. The process of getting water to the boiling point and how that kinetic energy breaks down the potatoes. It’s interesting stuff – and a tasty lesson, too.

Learning to cook can also expand a kid’s palate – sometimes making them branch out to eat more vegetables or try new foods. Having kids in the kitchen can mean making things a kid will like or making things simple enough www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

that a kid can help or – depending on the age group – possibly make on their own or with little supervision.

Having kids in the kitchen means one generation is teaching another how to survive and frankly, there’s an immeasurable value to the experience both as the teacher and as the student.

Either way, these experiences can make great memories.

Here are several recipes, which I chose for different reasons. A couple of them, I chose because they are cool – like bread in a bag or making ice cream in a bag. Other recipes I chose because they are simple, tasty meals that would possibly appeal to a child and easy enough that a child could help with some part of the preparation.

Bread in a Bag

By Southernbelle at allrecipes.com 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 3 tablespoons white sugar 1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast 1 cup warm water 3 tablespoons non-fat dry milk 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ teaspoons salt Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large resealable freezer bag, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast and warm water. Squeeze most of the air out of the bag, and seal. Squish with your hands until the well blended. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, or until bubbles appear.

In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, dry milk, oil and salt. Pour into the resealable bag and squeeze out most of the air.

Seal, and squish until well blended. Add the last cup of flour to the bag and continue mixing in the same manner until well blended.

Remove the dough from the bag, and place on a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes.

Form into a small loaf, and place in a greased 8x4 inch loaf pan.

Cover with a towel, and allow to rise for about 30 minutes, or until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the top of the loaf gently. Bake the bread for 35 minMaking smoothies can be a blast in the kitchen, but don’t spill the secret. They can be a way to get kids to get fresh utes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. fruits – and love them. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

PAGE 19

Savory Snack Mix Adapted from Betty Crocker’s Fix-It-Fast Family Favorites 3 cups toasted whole grain oat cereal 3 cups corn chips (broken in half, if desired) 1 cup unsalted peanuts 1 cup thin pretzel sticks 1 /3 cup margarine or butter, melted ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ cup garlic powder Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Mix cereal, corn chips, peanuts, and pretzel sticks in a large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients; pour over cereal mixture.

Toss until even coated. Spread onto an ungreased jelly roll pan or sheet pan. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring once.

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Monkey Bread Muffins

By Brooke McLay Updated October 4, 2016, Posted at pillsbury.com 1 /4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers refrigerated Original biscuits 1 /4 cup butter 2 /3 cup packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons water Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 6 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray. In small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Separate dough into 8 biscuits; cut each into 6 pieces. Roll biscuits pieces in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Place 8 biscuit pieces in each muffin cup.

In 1-quart saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and water to boiling, stirring constantly.

Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until brown sugar is completely dissolved. Reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons caramel mixture for drizzling after baking. Spoon remaining caramel mixture over biscuit pieces in muffin cups.

Bake 8 to 11 minutes or just until biscuit pieces are golden brown.

Remove from muffin cups, drizzle with reserved caramel Did an adult say snack mix time? The answer for any kid or young at heart – when do we get started? mixture. Serve warm.

PAGE 20

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Strawberry-Yogurt Breakfast Smoothie Adapted from Betty Crocker’s Fix-It-Fast Family Favorites 2 cups whole frozen strawberries 1 cup milk (or milk alternative) 2 containers (6 ounces each) strawberry yogurt Place strawberries, milk and yogurt into a blender. Cover and blend on high speed – about 30 seconds – or until smooth. Yield: 4 – 1 cup servings.

with 1 slice ham. Spread 2 tablespoons corn mixture over ham.

Top with cilantro, if desired. Roll up. Serve immediately. Great for picnics. Yield: 5 servings.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Found at allrecipes.com Original recipe yields 4 servings 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Honey Pancakes 3 cups milk Adapted from Betty Crocker’s ¼ cup butter Fix-It-Fast Family Favorites 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups Bisquick Original baking 2 tablespoons butter mix ½ cup bread crumbs 1 cup milk 1 pinch paprika 2 tablespoons honey Cook macaroni according to 1 egg the package directions. Drain.

Honey-Cinnamon Syrup (below) In a saucepan, melt butter or Beat baking mix, milk, honey margarine over medium heat. Stir and egg with wire wisk or hand in enough flour to make a roux. mixer until well blended. Pour Add milk to roux slowly, stirring batter by scan ¼ cupfuls onto constantly. Stir in cheeses, and hot griddle (grease if necessary). cook over low heat until cheese Cook until pancakes are dry is melted and the sauce is a little around edges. Turn; cook until thick. Put macaroni in large casgolden. Yield: About 12 pancakes. serole dish, and pour sauce over Serve with Honey-Cinnamon macaroni. Stir well.

Syrup.

Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add Honey-Cinnamon breadcrumbs and brown. Spread Syrup over the macaroni and cheese to ¾ cup honey cover. Sprinkle with a little pa½ cup margarine or butter prika. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.

Heat all ingredients in a sauceCheddar Corndog pan, stirring occasionally, until Muffins hot.

Adapted from recipe located at Ham and Cheese tasteofhome.com Tortilla Roll-Ups 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornAdapted from Betty Crocker’s bread/muffin mix 2 Fix-It-Fast Family Favorites /3 cup 2 percent milk 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar 1 large egg, lightly beaten, room cheese temperature ¼ cup mayonnaise or salad dress- 5 turkey hot dogs, sliced 1 ing /2 cup shredded sharp cheddar ¼ cup sour cream cheese 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel 2 tablespoons finely chopped corn with red and green peppers, pickled jalapeno, optional drained Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

10 flour tortillas (6 to 8 inches in Line 9 muffin cups with foil diameter) liners or grease 9 nonstick muffin 10 slices (1 ounce each) deli fully cups. In a small bowl, combine cooked ham muffin mix, milk and egg; stir in Cilantro sprigs, if desired hot dogs, cheese and, if desired, Mix cheese, mayonnaise, sour jalapeno. Fill prepared cups threecream and corn. Top each tortilla fourths full. Bake until a toothwww.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

pick inserted in center comes out clean, 14-18 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Refrigerate leftovers.

Freeze option: Freeze cooled muffins in freezer containers. To use, microwave each muffin on high until heated through, 30-60 seconds.

Easy Chili

Adapted from recipe found at Pillsbury.com 1 pound lean (at least 80 percent lean) ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 /2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (19 oz) kidney beans light red, undrained In 3 or 4-quart saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

Stir in remaining ingredients; heat to boiling over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ice Cream in a Bag

by Lena Abraham March 29, 2019, Delish.com 1 cup half-and-half 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 /2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups ice 1 /3 cup kosher salt Toppings of your choice In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal. Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.

Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.

Apple Dumplings

by Makinze Gore July 28, 2020, delish.com 2 granny smith apples 2 cans crescent dough 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, plus more for pan 1 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt 8 oz. lemon-lime soda Preheat oven to 350° and Pizza Roll-Ups grease a large baking dish with Adapted from recipe at butter. Peel and core apples then tasteofhome.com cut each apple into eighths.

1 /2 pound ground beef Separate crescent dough into 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce triangles. Starting at the wider 1 /2 cup shredded part-skim mozza- end, roll one apple slice up in a rella cheese crescent triangle. Repeat with 1 /2 teaspoon dried oregano remaining apple slices and 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerat- crescents. Place into prepared ed crescent rolls pan.

In a large skillet, cook beef over In a small saucepan over memedium heat until no longer dium heat, melt butter, brown pink; drain. Remove from the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and heat. Add the tomato sauce, salt together. Pour mixture over mozzarella cheese and oregano. apples.

Separate crescent dough into Pour soda around edge of pan, 8 rectangles, pinching seams trying to avoid pouring on top together. Place about 3 tableof dumplings. Bake dumplings spoons of meat mixture along 1 until golden, 30 minutes. long side of each rectangle. Roll Serve warm with ice cream up, jelly-roll style, starting with and spoon sauce from pan over a long side. Cut each roll into 3 dumplings. pieces. Place, seam side down, 2 in. apart on greased baking Published author, freelance writer and newspaper journalist Lee Ann Story sheets. Bake at 375 degrees writes food columns for Crossroads for 15 minutes or until golden Magazine. She lives in Alcorn County. brown.

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Board games: Family-friendly fun

F

amilies spend a lot of quality time together. While there are many ways to fill that time, sometimes the best activities are those that inspire a bit of nostalgia.

Board games have been a tried and true family activity for centuries. In fact, Senet, which is believed to be the world’s first board game, was enjoyed in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3500 BCE. Checkers, chess and backgammon are some other beloved board games that have withstood the test of time.

Many family-friendly board games that have been developed through the years are just as fun to play today as they were when they were first introduced.

■ The Game of Life: The idea

behind this game is to go through life making smart decisions. The player who retires first and with the most money is the winner. It can be a great way to teach youngsters about money management and sound decision-making.

■ Scrabble: Players strategically place letter tiles on the board in a crossword puzzle format. These letters form words, and each letter is valued differently, creating a score for each word. Families can enjoy this fun competition while expanding their vocabularies.

■ Clue: Clue is the original “who done it” mystery game.

Players attempt to figure out which suspect was involved in the crime against Mr. Boddy, naming the room in which it took place

Board games can be an ideal activity that the family can enjoy together.

as well as the weapon used during the crime. Although it’s somewhat macabre, the game can instill thoughtful problem-solving skills as players try to narrow down the possibilities.

■ Monopoly: The first Monopoly game was released in 1935, and since then there have been various incarnations. The game involves buying and trading properties and requires both risk and luck. Monopoly is fun to play and teaches great lessons regarding real estate, budgeting and other

financial skills.

■ Battleship: What started out as a pen-and-paper game during World War I evolved into a successful strategy game. Two players attempt to target and sink their opponents battleships on a 10 x 10 grid.

■ Chess: Players have to maneuver 16 pieces across a 64-square game board with the ultimate goal being to checkmate the opponent’s king piece. This game has endured nearly 1,500 years and has many different fans.

Stave off cabin fever with family nights

I

f the global pandemic has taught the public anything, it is how to be resourceful.

Many components of daily life have changed as a result of the COVID-19 virus, and quite a number of people have discovered new things about themselves in the process – including interesting ways they can keep busy.

Indulging different hobbies and forms of entertainment has long been a way to stave off the cabin fever that often accompanies cold weather and spending increased time indoors. Now these activities also are ways to pass the time in safe manners when social distancing from others.

Reconnect with the joys of playful interaction afforded by any number of board games, video games, movies, and other activities. There are many great methods to getting the family together in entertaining ways.

Consider the following ideas.

Themed movie night Set aside one night each week for a family movie night. The twist is that each week the movie selection must fit a particular theme or contain a certain criterion chosen randomly from a jar. For example, if “animal” is selected, then the movie must be about animals or have an animal as a main character or component of the film. A Spending time at home can involve movie or game nights that become part theme helps add some variety to of families’ weekly routines. the movie selection process. action and give all ages a chance Classic game night Puzzle or trivia night to win. Action games combine Puzzles can put the brain to the Many homes have a closet a physical activity and family test. Research shows that puzzle or drawer filled with various interaction. and trivia work can strengthen games. Chances are many of Games can be commercial ofcognition. Puzzling actually stim- them are classic offerings that ferings with regimented rules, or ulates the brain and can potential- have withstood the test of time, freestyle games that the family ly ward off Alzheimer’s disease, such as Monopoly or Scrabble. creates. according to a recent study pubRevisit these beloved games Relay races, timed scavenger lished in the Archives of Neurolo- and see if you can improve your hunts or physical games like gy. If you like to do jigsaw puzzles, strategies.

Twister are some options. you can improve visual-spacial You also can divide up into Action game night reasoning by figuring out where two groups and engage in a pieces fit into the big picture.

Look for games that involve heated game of charades.

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TRAVEL

Extraordinary experience in African-American history

T a t

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The tall, domed entrance to the National Civil Rights Institute welcomes guests and sheds light on the Civil Rights movement.

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The institute recommends at least a 90-minute stay to fully absorb the displays.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Birmingham Civil Rights National Historic Monument remains the first stop on the Historic Civil Rights Trail Story by LENA MITCHELL • Photos by MARK BOEHLER

T

he drive from Corinth to the corner of Sixth Avenue North and Sixteenth Street North in Birmingham is less than three hours, about 165 miles, but at the end of that short trip is an extraordinary experience of African American history – the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Mississippi has its share of landmark events that helped to propel progress during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s, but there is no denying that Birmingham was an epicenter in the planning and culmination of many of the most notable events of that time.

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Historic Monument of the National Park Service includes the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which is also an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

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The Institute works to preserve, interpret and promote understanding of the social and cultural significance of that time. It stands across Sixth Avenue from the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where four young Black girls were killed in a Ku Klux Klan bombing attack on Sept. 15, 1963, and across Sixteenth Street from Kelly Ingram Park, the site of numerous protest gatherings throughout the 1960s.

Those sites, along with the A.G. Gaston Hotel, Birmingham’s Fourth Avenue Historic District, the Colored Masonic Temple, and Bethel Baptist Church in Collegeville, make up the Birmingham Civil Rights National Historic Monument designation.

All of the sites are special, but the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute brings the entire CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Birmingham Civil Rights story together, with exhibits that walk visitors through a timeline of history.

“Our role is to be sure that all visitors have the best possible experience they can,” said Linda Porter, gallery experience manager at the Institute. “All tours begin with an eight-minute film about the development of Birmingham to the Civil Rights Movement.”

Leaving the introductory film steeped in the tensions and drama of Black peoples’ lives in the 1950s, most visitors embark on a self-guided tour, though volunteer-led tours are also available.

As the back wall of the theater lifts to take one into the Barriers Gallery, the first exhibits visitors see are the many ways “separate but equal” was implemented during racial PAGE 31

segregation: two water fountains with signs for black and white users; a segregated lunch counter with life-size statues of white teens casually enjoying themselves as a black girl looks longingly from the outside.

From the Barriers Gallery one moves to the Confrontation Gallery, with its display case of a Ku Klux Klansman’s robe.

“The original KKK robe was donated by a family that purchased a home in North Birmingham and found the robe while cleaning out,” Porter said. “We also have a cross that was burned in a biracial couple’s yard. This was something that happened in the ’90s, not in the ’60s.”

On to the Movement Gallery, with its timeline of history from the 1950s through 1979.

“People may not know that the White Citizens Council was formed by (affluent) white men in reaction to the Brown vs. Board of Education decision,” Porter said. “They still exist but call themselves conservative citizens groups now. In 1956, after the NAACP refused to give the White Citizens Council a list of its members, the state banned the NAACP from operating.”

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A bus exhibit, emblematic of segregation in public transportation, evokes memories of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, as well as symbolizing Freedom Rides throughout the South.

Exhibits also include representation of the jail cell that housed the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he wrote his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”

“The March on Washington, as well as protests throughout the country, were planned in Birmingham at the A.G. Gaston Hotel,” Porter said. The hotel is currently under restoration for future visits and tours.

From the Movement Gallery visitors move through the Processional Gallery and Milestone Gallery, to weave through life-size statues of people from all walks of life, moving toward a more hopeful future as they CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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note the milestones and achievements of the Civil Rights Movement displayed on pedestals throughout the area.

And finally, the Human Rights Gallery takes the story of the fight for civil rights and extends it beyond U.S. shores to champion the fight for human rights worldwide.

The half of a battle tank that protrudes from one wall of the exhibit, said to be one of those used by the infamous Eugene “Bull” Connor to intimidate black protesters on Birmingham’s streets, might as easily represent the tanks used by the Chinese military to mow down student protesters in 1989 in Beijing, China’s Tiananmen Square.

A 2009 expansion at the Institute added the Office of the Mayor exhibit, referencing Birmingham’s first black mayor, Richard Arrington, who established a 21-member task force soon after his election in 1979 to make the Institute a reality. The institute opened in November 1992.

Porter suggests visitors plan on spending at least an hour-and-a-half to two hours at the Institute.

In addition to the permanent exhibits described here, the Institute is currently hosting two special exhibits and five traveling exhibits, so allocating more time – or more than one day’s visit – would be well worth it.

“Anything less and you would be cheating yourself,” Porter said.

What: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Where: 520 16th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Thursday–Saturday Admission: $15 Adults; $13 Seniors age 65 and older; $13 college students and military ID; $13 for non-Jefferson County students grades 4-12; Free for Jefferson County students grades 4-12 and age 4 and under.

Other information: 800-328-9696. For safety online timed ticketing is required.

Face coverings are required for all staff and visitors except children age 2 and under.

Social distancing guidelines are followed. All public spaces are sanitized and deep cleaned continuously throughout the day.

Where to eat: ■■ Red Cat Coffee House @ Railroad Park, 1701 1st Ave. South for pastries and sandwiches; ■■ Big Bad Breakfast: 5361 US-280 for great breakfast and lunch, closes 2:30 p.m.; ■■ Eugene’s Hot Chicken: 2268 9th Ave. North lunch and dinner for the go-to place for hot chicken; ■■ El Barrio: 2211 2nd Ave. North for the Mexican cuisine lovers for lunch or dinner; ■■ Michael’s Steaks and Seafood, 1525 1st Ave. South for a great evening dining steak and seafood experience, dinner only.

Entrance to the 16th Street Baptist Church

Tishomingo County resident Lena Mitchell is a retired northeast Mississippi journalist.

PAGE 34

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Great places to go camping within a short drive from the Crossroads area include Tishomingo State Park, J.P. Coleman State Park, Pickwick Landing State Park, Chickasaw State Park, Corps of Engineers Piney Grove Campground at Bay Springs Lake and TVA’s Pickwick Tailwaters Campground below Pickwick Landing Dam.

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Tips for family camping trips

F

or nature lovers, perhaps nothing is more enjoyable than packing up the camping gear, traveling to a favorite campsite and getting away from it all while sleeping under the stars. Such an experience can be transformative, turning first-time campers into lifelong enthusiasts.

The opportunity to turn youngsters into nature enthusiasts who can’t wait to spend time outside may be one reason why so many families go camping. A 2018 report Kampgrounds of America found that 52 percent of campers have children, making camping among the most popular and family-friendly ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Camping with youngsters can help families make lasting memories. Parents who have never before taken their children camping may benefit from employing a few strategies to make the trip as fun as possible.

Make a trial run in the backyard. A night camping in the backyard won’t be exactly the same as a night in the woods, where wildlife, and particularly insects, may be less welcoming hosts. But a backyard camping night can acclimate children to their sleeping bags and their tents.

A fun night sleeping under the stars in the backyard also may make kids more enthusiastic about an upcoming camping trip in the woods.

Go over safety early and often. Use every opportunity to explain camping safety measures to youngsters in advance of your trip. Emphasize the importance of staying together in the woods, and teach youngsters how to identify potentially harmful plants like poison ivy, making sure they know to avoid coming into contact with these and other poisonous plants. Contact your local parks department, or the campground where you will be staying, for some additional advice on camping safety.

Let kids help when choosing camping equipment.

Youngsters may be more excited about camping if they’re allowed

Family camping trips can instill a lifelong love of the great outdoors in youngsters. A few simple strategies can help parents make such trips safe and memorable.

to choose certain equipment, including their sleeping bags and tents. Before visiting your nearby camping retailer, explain to kids that tents come in various styles because they’re designed to protect campers from certain elements that may be more common in certain areas than others.

Such an explanation can make it easy to explain to youngsters why you’re purchasing certain items, even if those items weren’t kids’ top choices.

Plan the family menu in advance. Plan the menu in advance so you can ensure everyone will continue to eat healthy. But make sure to include a few kid-friendly camping classics, like s’mores, in the meal plan as well.

Prepare a camping-friendly first-aid kit. Bandages and topical antibiotic creams are part and parcel of any first-aid kit, regardless of where you’re going.

But the elements pose a different set of challenges that require a more extensive first-aid kit. When designing a first-aid kit for your camping trip, be sure to include all the usual items but also overthe-counter medications that can treat pain, allergies, constipation, and diarrhea. An extra gallon or two of water also makes for a wise addition to campers’ first-aid kits.

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807 SOUTH PARKWAY 1609 SOUTH HARPER ROAD CORINTH MS 38834 WWW.FERRELLS.COM

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Gail and Beth Hudson are a mother-daughter flight nurse team. Mother Gail Hudson has been with Air Evac in Corinth for 20 years. Daughter Beth works for PHI Air Medical based in Columbus.

Mother and daughter’s careers soar as

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Gail and Beth Hudson share a moment with Beth’s PHI Air Medical helicopter based in Columbus as it lands in Corinth.

Story by CAROL HUMPHREYS • Photos by LISA LAMBERT ail and Beth Hudson have taken their nursing professions to new heights where the forceful swooshing of helicopter rotary wings is a part of their everyday lives.

As flight nurses, the mother and daughter are specially trained to provide medical care to patients during aircraft transportation.

Though working for different air transport companies, both are dedicated to saving lives during emergency situations.

In April it will be 20 years since 54-yearold Gail became part of the Air Evac Lifeteam 58 based in Corinth. Her daughter, 30-year-old Beth, started her first year as a

G

flight nurse for PHI Air Medical based in Columbus in July 2020.

“It’s still a new experience for me unlike my mom who has 20 plus years under her belt,” said the younger air ambulance nurse.

“I feel like I’m a very competent nurse, but I go into every patient flight now with my eyes wide open hoping to make a difference.

With every patient I ask myself, ‘What if this was my family member, how would I care for them?’ It’s life-changing for me because being a flight nurse is my dream job and it’s all new.”

As flight nurses, both women administer first aid and ventilation procedures and assist with getting patients into the aircraft, ensuring they are safely secured. The critical care RNs are also certified in basic life

support, advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and transport professional advanced trauma. Their flight crews consist of a pilot, a flight nurse and a flight paramedic.

“I never know what kind of cases I’ll see,” said Gail. “It could be injuries from a vehicular accident or a child with severe burns.

All our patients are unique. We’ve flown veteran pilots who tell us war stories. My main goal when we put a patient on our aircraft is to get them to a medical center safely and hopefully in better condition.”

A major advantage to the use of critical care air medical transport is the ability to provide advanced care prior to and during transport, at a level of sophistication previously available only in a regional referral

“... I go into every patient flight now with my eyes wide open hoping to make a difference. With every patient I ask myself, ‘What if this was my family member, how would I care for them?’”

BETH HUDSON

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N

ABOVE: Flight nurse Gail Hudson lands with her Air Evac unit based in Corinth.

LEFT: Iuka resident Gail Hudson of the Air Evac unit based in Corinth was honored for 2,000 patients flights from her leadership and crew at Air Evac.

center’s emergency and critical care units.

Air Evac’s Corinth base has approximately a 30-minute flight radius which covers Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama.

Since there isn’t a Level 1 trauma center in Northeast Mississippi, multi-system injury patients are usually taken to the Regional

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Medical Center or the “Med” in Memphis.

For less severe traumas, patients are taken to the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Children are automatically taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Longer flights might be taken occasionally

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for special reasons or more recently because of the overwhelming surge of Covid-19 patients.

Gail’s team works 24-hour shifts, averaging seven on-call shifts per month. During this time they stay at a three-bedroom modular with a hangar behind Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth.

The Iuka native has always had a nursing career beginning with a job at a local nursing home while in high school. After graduating Iuka High School in 1985, she attended the Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse programs at Northeast Mississippi Community College. After graduating in 1990, the RN worked at MRHC on the medical/surgical floor for a year then transferred to the critical care unit and finally to the Emergency Room department.

It was while she was working in the ER the critical care nurse became interested in being a flight nurse.

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“I would see the helicopters land at the hospital to pick up patients and to me, the helicopter teams were the best of the best,” said the RN. “They always seemed to know what they were doing. They were like the medical equivalent of the Navy Seals.”

The ER nurse learned AirEvac was putting a base in Corinth while working at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, Ala. She went through a one-week “hands-on” training program in critical care transport at AirEvac’s headquarters in West Plains, Mo. “The experience helped me decide if I really wanted to fly,” she said. “I was offered a job with Air-Evac and helped start up Lifeteam 58 in 2005 with Jay Chappelle who is now vice-president for Global Medical Resources Southeast Region and regional director of base operations.”

It was an eye-opening experience as to how much the air transport service was needed, said the seasoned flight nurse.

“I wanted to work for Air Evac because their mission was to put aircraft in rural areas to get patients to a Level 1 facility as quick as possible,” Gail said. “The closest trauma center in our area is a Level 2 in Tupelo and still 45-50 minutes away from Tishomingo and Alcorn counties.”

“Every now and then I’ll run into somebody who’ll ask if I remember them and tell me I was part of the team that flew them or a loved one during an emergency. I believe our faster response time has helped save lives,” she said.

Beth said she unintentionally followed in her mother’s footsteps.

“I did an internship with the FBI while a senior in high school and thought seriously about working in military intelligence.

Then I was called upon to work as an ER tech and realized I really liked working in that environment. So I decided to go to nursing school which kind of surprised me. I watched my mom work constantly and I didn’t want to do that,” she said.

“Now I’ve turned out to be just like her,” the RN added, laughing.

The 2009 Tishomingo High School grad-

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Air Evac honors flight nurse Gail Hudson with her set of wings to celebrate 2,000 patient flights in a 19-year period.

uate has achieved both her goals of being a flight nurse and an Army nurse. She joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in Tupelo while still in nursing school. She received her combat medic training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and started out with the National Guard as a ground medic.

As a nursing student, Beth worked at MRHC EMS in Corinth and after graduating, at the North Mississippi Medical Center ER in Tupelo. She transitioned to a flight paramedic role in October 2018 with the Mississippi National Guard.

The job of being a flight nurse requires working in cramped quarters with varying challenges and tremendous life-and-death responsibility.

As far as her daughter choosing a similar career, “Beth is an adrenaline junkie like her mom,” said Gail. “But I also have mixed feelings about it. I know what can go wrong in that piece of machinery, but I know doing this is part of who she is.”

She has reason to be proud of her daughter who was recently promoted to 1st lieutenant with the Army Reserves. The officer

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now drills at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala. If she is deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan, she would be part of the team as an ER nurse in charge of setting up field hospitals.

Gail also deserves accolades as she recently received a set of wings commemorating 2,000 patient flights, a remarkable milestone.

The hard-working nurse is married to Iuka native Larry Hudson. Her son, John, 25, is a travel nurse, currently working in Lovell, Wy. Recently, she had an opportunity to have her photo taken with her daughter for the first time as flight nurses. Both agreed it was a lot of fun when the crew from AE58 was joined by the crew from PHI out of Columbus at the Roscoe Turner Airport in Corinth.

“It is a cool job,” said Gail. “I mean, how many people can say their office is 3,000 feet in the air?”

Carol Humphreys is a freelance writer for the Daily Corinthian and Crossroads magazine. She is a resident of Corinth.

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Activities to keep kids entertained W

hat parent hasn’t heard their child utter the familiar phrase “I’m bored” at some point?

Despite a seemingly vast array of toys, electronics and other items at their disposal, children can be quick to sulk and say there’s nothing to do. Parents can counter “I’m bored” with these eight boredom-busting activities that are certain to help pass the time in entertaining and sometimes educational ways.

■■ Craft time: Pick a theme and gather the materials for the project. For example, kids can evoke a trip to the ocean by creating handmade sea creatures. Paint a paper plate and hang brightly colored yarn underneath it to create the “tentacles” of a jellyfish. Kids can use salt dough clay to fashion seashells, sea snails or crustaceans.

■■ Painting: Shaving cream is a

great sensory material that is relatively easy to clean up. Kids can whip up a batch of shaving cream paint and use it to finger paint on a table or even in the bathtub.

Simply mix shaving cream with food coloring in a bowl, or use a muffin tin to separate the colors.

■■ Build a birdhouse: Birdhouses or bird feeders can be made from scraps of material found around the house. Scavenge for spare lumber or other supplies in the shed or garage.

An adult or older sibling can help cut the wood into pieces. Young children may enjoy painting the house. Wood adhesive or screws can be used to assemble the project.

■■ Plan a garden: Kids can help to design a garden the entire family will maintain and even be responsible for a special parcel that’s all their own. Gardens can grow food, flowers and more.

Add a touch of whimsy with figurines for a fairy garden or even small superhero figures for a spot for boys to tend.

■■ Box makeovers: Tissue boxes or cereal boxes can be made into many different creations with paint or construction paper.

Use a few craft supplies like pom-poms or wiggly eyes to turn boxes into “monsters.”

■■ Boat races: Build a small sailboat for each member of the family. Fill up a long, shallow container and take turns racing the boats by blowing on the sails.

■■ Leaf art: Gather leaves and twigs from around the yard and then combine pieces to make them look like various animals.

■■ Spray park: Create an athome spray park with a garden hose and a pool noodle. Poke several small holes into the pool noodle on all sides. Stick a garden hose into the end of the pool

Head off kids’ boredom by having plenty of ideas at the ready.

noodle and hot-glue a wine cork into the hole at the other end.

Turn on the water and let kids run through.

Family-friendly

Fall is a great time to host an outdoor art sessions thanks to the assortment of vibrant colors that have become synonymous with autumn landscapes.

■■ Bonfire: Outdoor activities need not be limited to daylight hours. A post-dinner backyard bonfire can entice everyone outhildren who spend a lot of side, where families can tell scary time outdoors benefit from stories as they make s’mores. exposure to nature in myriad ■■ Stargaze: Stargazing is anways, some of which may surprise other way families can spend time even the most devoted outdoorsoutdoors and learn a few things at men. the same time. Some blankets, a According to a 2006 study pubthermos of hot cocoa and a chart lished in the journal Human DiFamilies looking to spend more time together in the great outdoors can look of constellations can provide the mensions of Wildlife, fifth graders to a number of activities people of all ages can enjoy. perfect complement to a sky full who attended school at a local of bright stars. If visibility is comprairie wetlands where lessons in patterns of students, reducing cursions and provide an excellent promised in the backyard, find a science, math and writing were their risk of stress and improving opportunity for parents to teach local spot where everyone can get integrated in an experimental way their ability to adapt to stress. children about the assortment of a clear view of the night sky. had significantly stronger reading Parents who want their chilplants, birds and wildlife that live ■■ Fruit picking: Apple picking and writing skills than their peers dren to reap the rewards of being in the parks and along the trails is a popular autumn activity, but who attended more traditional exposed to the great outdoors can near their home. families need not wait for the auschools.

■■ Outdoor art class: Families tumn harvest to enjoy a day pickencourage educators to incorpoAnother study published in the rate nature into school curricdon’t even need to leave their ing fruit or vegetables at a nearby International Journal of Enviproperties to spend quality time farm. Visit a local farm during its ulums and also embrace these ronmental Research and Public harvest season, teaching children family-friendly outdoor activities. together outside. Pick a pleasant Health found that holding a class ■■ Nature treasure hunt: A afternoon and set up an outdoor about how the foods they love are outdoors one day a week signifitreasure hunt in nature can keep painting station, encouraging grown and eventually make it to cantly improved the daily cortisol kids engaged on family hiking ex- everyone to paint what they see. the family dinner table.

outdoor activities

C

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W H ER E

HERITAGE AND

NAT U R A L BE AU T Y COM E TOGET H ER

At 72 feet tall, Sauls Mound is the second tallest Indian Mound in the United States.

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The view from the Sauls Mounds Overlook shows the park museum, which was built to replicate a prehistoric Native American Indian mound.

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park offers 17 Indian mounds in a 400-acre area; six miles of interconnecting hiking trails Story and photos by MARK BOEHLER • For Crossroads Magazine

P

INSON, Tenn. — Heritage and natural beauty come together at the historic Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park.

The Tennessee state archaeological park, one of only two in the state, covers over 1,300 acres and includes at least 17 mounds created by Native Americans.

Six miles of interconnecting hiking trails

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offer visitors of all skill levels and ages the opportunity to explore the unique history of the site. Many miles of the trail are paved for bicycle rides, strollers for the little ones in tow or wheelchairs.

Several miles of gravel and forest floor trails are also available for hikers only and offer easy to moderate hikes with historical signage along the way. A CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

cypress swamp, mixed beech-oak slopes and oak-hickory uplands can be seen in addition to the earthen mounds which encompass 400 acres of the park.

There are also two rentable picnic facilities with tables, grills and restrooms.

A group camp with four cabins, restrooms, a kitchen and more is also available for group camp trips.

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Boardwalk Loop Trail passes through a Cypress Swamp.

The park’s museum, designed to replicate a prehistoric Native American mound, shares the story of Tennessee’s prehistoric history.

Land speculator Joel Pinson arrived in 1818 to survey what is now Madison County and found the mound complex which would later bear his name. In the 1950s and 60s local citizens mounted a successful effort for the preservation of the site by the state and it officially became a state park in 1974.

Archaeologists believe the mounds were built during the Middle Woodland period, around 100-500 AD. Based on items discovered at the site and studies of the mounds, it is believed the mounds PAGE 50

were primarily used for religious ceremonies. Some evidence also indicates the layout of the mounds has an astronomical purpose with certain points on the mounds matching the cardinal directions and other astronomical directions or points.

The neat feature of the park is the visitor experience can measure as much history with exercise as each person wants. Detailed maps are available at the museum for visitors to plan their experience.

Must do Climb to the Sauls Mound Overlook; have a snack break on the Boardwalk CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Loop with a rest stop overlooking the South fork of the Forked Deer River, the mode of transportation for Indians; and spend time in the museum at the end of visit so everyone can buy a keepsake in the gift shop.

Best advice Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the best time to visit the park was the third weekend in September for the Archaeofest, a celebration of Nation American culture and history with tours, presenters, crafts and vendors. Call the park for this year’s plans and its possible return as time draws near. Make it a bucket list item in future years should Archaeofest return. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

What to pack

Plenty of drinks, snacks and include a sack lunch as the state park is in a rural, remote area. There is a 24-site picnic area and playground near the museum. Don’t forget sunscreen as Sauls Mound and many trails are in the full sun and pack insect repellent as mosquitoes like to dine on visitors, especially those hiking the Boardwalk Loop.

Directions Pinson Mounds is a little less than an hour drive from the Corinth area; Take U.S. 45 north into Tennessee and watch for the signs in Pinson to the right just north of Henderson. Follow the signs from there. Pinson Mounds can be found at 460 Ozier Road, Pinson, Tenn.

Hours Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 1 through March 15 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 16 through October 31. The museum and office are closed on all state and federal holidays.

Where to eat Bell’s Drive-In in Henderson, open for lunch and dinner. An iconic diner located on South Church Avenue. Get the cheeseburger and onion rings for lunch. Opens at 10, closes 10-11, depending on the day. Bell’s is closed on Sunday. If it’s late in the day, check out Snookum’s Steakhouse on East Main in Henderson. Open 4:30-9, it is closed Sunday and Monday.

And yes, order a steak. Ribeye, strip or filet mignon with as many add-ons as the belly and wallet can stand – mushrooms, onions, peppers and shrimp. Snookum’s also has good burgers and catfish.

Where to stay Chickasaw State Park is just 17 miles away and a good place to overnight with rustic cabins with fireplaces. Reservations recommended, especially on the weekend.

For more information Contact the Pinson Mounds park office at 731-988-5614 or visit www.tnstate parks.com/parks/pinson-mounds.

ABOVE LEFT: The paved trails in the park are open for not only hikers, but bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs. There are many earthen and gravel trails for hikers only.

LEFT: The park features prehistoric Native American Indian tools and pottery, plus exhibits on wildlife, trade, ceremony, archaeological fieldwork and Pinson site history. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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PAGE 53

Keep the focus on fun during family baking sessions

B

aking is a beloved tradition in many families. Though family baking sessions tend to be especially popular during the holiday season, there’s nothing stopping families from breaking out the flour and having some fun in the kitchen at any time of year.

Fun is the focus when families bake together, and the following are some ways to make such sessions enjoyable for everyone.

■■ Encourage input.

The designated family baker may have a host of go-to recipes up his or her sleeve, and baking such specialties might be a necessity on birthdays or during the holiday season. But all baking sessions need not be beholden to family favorites. Encourage all family members to recommend recipes prior to family baking sessions, even allowing a different person to choose the recipe each time. This can make the whole family enthusiastic about baking together and may even help fami-

lies discover some new foods.

■■ Remember that patience is a virtue.

Family baking sessions require patience, especially when young children are involved. Kids’ attention spans may wane or they may grow upset if they spill some ingredients. Remain patient at such times and let kids know making a mess is part of the fun of baking together.

■■ Simplify sessions as necessary.

Baking with toddlers and school-aged youngsters is going to be different than doing so alongside preteens and adolescents. In addition, consider kids’ maturity levels when planning family baking sessions, as some youngsters might be more than capable of following more challenging recipes. Making sure kids are given age-appropriate tasks or jobs on par with their maturity levels is a great way to keep sessions fun and prevent frustration.

When baking with the family, keep the focus on fun so everyone has a great time while baking some tasty treats.

■■ Share the baking bounty.

Let everyone indulge a little during the baking session. If you plan on making cookies, don’t hesitate to let everyone snack on a few chocolate chips while preparing the cookies. And once

the bounty is done baking and it’s ready to eat, share it with family, friends and neighbors. Kids will be proud of their creations and want to share them, and that will ensure they’re excited about the next family baking session.

Communication remains key for families C

Good communication is vital for every family.

PAGE 54

ommunication is at the core of any successful relationship. Families who are able to communicate effectively can express their concerns, needs and desires to one another in an open and honest manner. Effective communication can change a home environment, foster more intimate and trusted relationships, and serve as a foundation for children to grow.

The benefits of effective home communication are numerous. According to Hearing and Speech-Language Services, regular and intentional communication with a child is one of the most effective tools parents and caregivers can use to foster healthy development, paving the way for the child to be an effective communicator as he or she grows and interacts with others. In addition,

regular communication can foster a strong sense of self-esteem, improve problem-solving abilities, decrease problem behaviors, and prepare kids for voicing their opinion on important issues.

No topics are off limits when it comes to stimulating family conversation. In fact, the more creative, funny and adventurous the ideas, the more apt children and adults may be to engage in the discussion.

These talking points can help get the conversation flowing and require specific answers instead of vague generalities.

■■ What has been the best part of the week so far?

■■ Tell me something interesting you learned at school (work) today.

■■ What is the funniest joke you have ever heard?

■■ If you could be anyone or

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anything in the world, what would you be and why?

■■ If you won a lot of money, what would you spend it on?

■■ What do you do when you see someone being teased?

■■ Name a quality of yours that you are most proud of.

■■ If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?

■■ What is your favorite childhood memory?

■■ Where in the world would you like to live most?

■■ Are there things that scare you? If so, what?

■■ What would your superhero power be?

■■ If you could fly for a day, where would you go?

Families can customize the questions or turn them into a regular game that everyone can enjoy throughout the week.

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