The Community News Flash

Buckle up: Highway Patrol officer stresses safety on the road

By Lucy Weber

Bryan McGee's best advice: Always buckle up.

As a public affairs officer for the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, the Alcorn County resident works as a liaison between the patrol and the general public. He regularly speaks to schools, civic groups and other organizations on the importance of defensive driving to keep everyone safe on the road.

"I get out and help people. That's part of the job I've always enjoyed," said McGee, who worked 17 years as a "road man" or trooper before becoming a public affairs officer, one of the flag bearers for the department. He has served as the patrol's spokesman for District 4 based in New Albany for four years ago. Before joining public affairs, he was also on the SWAT team for 17 years.

To encourage safe driving, McGee strongly supports MHP's programs D.R.I.V.E. program, which stands for Driving Requires Initiative Values & Education, and one especially important in the current season, P.R.O.M. or Please Return on Monday.

Begun in 2020, the goal of the D.R.I.V.E. campaign is to reduce the number of driving deaths of teenagers.

"Mississippi ranks in the top 5 in the nation for teen fatalities on the road," said the father of three. "Our normal range is

between 60 and 70 and that's too many."

In speaking to students, especially, McGee said he stresses the "Fatal Four" which includes speeding, no seat belt use, DUIs and distracted driving, such as texting. He speaks to drivers' education classes across the district and emphasizes defensive driving or paying attention to everyone else on the road. He tells students that when they drive

down a major thoroughfare and come to a light or four-way stop to look at the three other drivers at the intersection. "Look and see who's on their phone," he said. "That resonates with them because it's not just young people on them."

The P.R.O.M. program also encourages safe driving by reminding students to make good choices, like buckling up, no drinking and driving and no texting, McGee said.

"Seat belt usage saves more lives," he said. "We stress making good habits of wearing seat belts to the kids we talk to. We try to dispel myths they have of why they don't wear them."

After graduating from Kossuth High School, McGee attended the University of Mississippi where he majored in political science. He considered going to law school, but took a break from school and ended up working in Connecticut for two years after college.

Then 911 happened.

McGee tried to join the military but a previous injury left him unable to join so he moved back home to Corinth. He joined the Corinth Police Department but after 30 days on the job, the Highway Patrol called about his earlier application.

"I always want to try and better myself. The way I saw it, the Highway Patrol is the premiere law enforcement agency in the state," he said of his reason for immediately joining.

McGee said he has always enjoyed helping people and that is a big part of the job. "I try to do my best and be an example trooper and treat people with respect. I always want to give my best."

Staff Sergeant Bryan McGee

POBox 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292

Cell: 662-643-6842

Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

In the annals of human history, stones have played a pivotal role in shaping our collective consciousness. From the majestic edifices of ancient civilizations to the humble pebbles that line our paths, these enduring symbols have borne witness to the triumphs and tribulations of humanity. Yet, perhaps nowhere are the significance and power of stones more profoundly illustrated than in the contrasting narratives of judgment and redemption embodied by the stones used in the biblical stories of David and the woman caught in adultery.

In the biblical account of David and Goliath, stones are wielded as instruments of divine intervention and human courage. The young shepherd David, armed with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones, confronts the towering Philistine giant Goliath in a battle that transcends mere physical combat. In this

The Stones of Judgment and Redemption: ATale of Two Narratives

epic confrontation, the stones symbolize the triumph of faith over fear and righteousness over tyranny.

David's choice of stones is not arbitrary but deliberate. They are smooth, polished by the gentle caress of the river's currents, and imbued with the quiet strength of nature itself. These stones represent the purity of intention and the unwavering resolve of a young man who trusts in a power greater than himself. With unwavering faith, David hurls a single stone from his sling, striking Goliath squarely in the forehead and felling the mighty giant. In that moment, the course of history is forever altered, and David emerges victorious, a beacon of hope for his people.

In stark contrast to the story of David and Goliath is the narrative of the woman caught in adultery, a tale of judgment and redemption set against the backdrop of ancient Jerusalem. In this story, a woman is brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees, accused of adultery, and condemned to death by stoning, in accordance with the strictures of Mosaic law.

As the crowd gathers, stones in hand, ready to mete out justice, Jesus kneels down and begins to write in the sand, a simple yet profound gesture that speaks volumes. In this moment, the stones are not wielded as weapons of war but as instruments of reflection, inviting each member of the crowd to confront their own moral failings and hypocrisy.

When Jesus challenges the crowd, saying, "Let him who is

of the newspaper.

without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her," he exposes the fragility of human judgment and the universality of human frailty. One by one, the accusers drop their stones and walk away, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. In the absence of condemnation, there is only compassion, as Jesus offers her forgiveness and a chance to start anew.

In these two contrasting narratives, we see the transformative power of stones—symbols of judgment and redemption, of condemnation and forgiveness. The stones wielded by David represent the triumph of righteousness and courage, while those laid down by the crowd signify the recognition of human fallibility and the possibility of redemption.

In our own lives, we are confronted with choices akin to those faced by David and the woman caught in adultery—choices that test our resolve and challenge our principles. We may find ourselves standing at the crossroads of judgment and redemption, grappling with the weight of our actions and the consequences thereof.

In such moments, it is imperative that we heed the lessons of these ancient narratives—that we choose our stones wisely, mindful of their power to shape not only our destinies but the destinies of those around us. Let us strive to emulate the courage and faith of David, wielding our stones with conviction and purpose, yet also embodying the compassion and forgiveness of Jesus, laying down our stones in recognition of our

1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

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shared humanity.

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we be guided by the timeless wisdom of these stories, recognizing that, in the end, it is not the stones we wield but

the intentions behind them that define who we are and who we aspire to be.

Use your stones wisely. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

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So when they continued asking Him, He lifted Himself up and said unto them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

John 8:7

APRIL BIBLE TRIVIA

1. What singer was shut out of the Israelite camp for seven days when she was stricken with leprosy?

2. What five women demanded that Moses give them their deceased father's estate, though women had no property rights at the time?

3. What woman of Jericho was spared when Joshua's men took the city?

4. What unfortunate woman was gang raped, then cut into 12 pieces and sent to the tribes of Israel?

5. Who brought down Samson for the price of 1,100 pieces of silver from each of the Philistine chieftains?

6. At whose house did Peter confront maids who asked him if he was one of Jesus' disciples?

7. What famous Moabite woman was married to Chilion of Israel?

8. Who was the Kate Smith of the Hebrews?

9. What woman was suspected of drunkenness as she prayed in the sanctuary at Shiloh?

10. Who was David's first wife?

11. What young girl was brought in to warm the cold bones of old King David?

12. What name was borne by one of David's wives and one of his mothers-in-law?

13. Who was stricken with leprosy for speaking out against her brother?

14. What famous woman judge was married to the obscure man named Lapidoth?

15. What was Moses' mother's name?

16. What woman gave up her son to the household of an Egyptian but came to raise him in her own home anyway?

17. What Midianite woman was the daughter of a priest and the wife of a former Egyptian prince?

18. What woman of dubious character hid Israelite spies under piles of flax?

19. What woman from an idol-worshiping nation became an ancestor of Christ?

20. What barren woman begged the Lord for a son and later gave up her only son to live in the house of the priest Eli?

21. Who took great pains to make peace between David and her foolish and obnoxious husband?

Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835. March Answers

Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly

1. Proverbs (Chapter 8)

2. Job's wife (Job 19:17)

3. Rome (Romans 16:13)

4. Abimelech (Judges 9:53)

5. Samson (Judges 16:1-3)

6. The woman of En-rogel who acted as a liaison between David and the high priest (2 Samuel 17:17)

7. The Bahurim woman (2 Samuel 17:19)

8. The wise woman of Abel (2 Samuel 20:16-22)

9. Ezekiel (8:14)

10. Delilah (Judges 16:19)

11. Philippi (Acts 16:16)

12. 2 Timothy (3:6-7)

13. 2 John

14. Twice (Genesis 3:20; 4:1)

15. Twice (2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13)

16. Luke (17:32)

17. Rachel (Genesis 29:6)

18. Dinah (Genesis 34)

19. Tamar (Genesis 38)

20. The wife of Potiphar (Genesis 39:7-20)

It is graduation time and we would like to allow your business, church or civic organization the opportunity to wish the Graduating Class of 2024 good luck as they embark upon their new and exciting endeavors.

Aspecial graduation edition of the Community News Flash will be printed on Friday, May 3, 2024.

All advertising information should be submitted by Friday, April 26, 2024

For additional information call 662-643-6842 or emailing read.newsflash@gmail.com Join

It All Belongs to God

Human

beings are a selfish, possessive, and territorial species, something we share with many other animals. Consider the squirrel, who gathers her acorns and hides them for the winter, or the way in which many animals guard their territories and their food. But we should consider that the source of everything we have is ultimately God and thus should not act as if our “possessions” are really ours. This is reminiscent of the contrast between the early European settlers of the Americas and the indigenous peoples they encountered. The European settlers believed that if they settled on the land and mixed their labors with it, it would become their possession. Most indigenous peoples considered that the land belonged to no one and that you couldn’t own the land. For them, it was more as if you belonged to the land than that the land belonged to you. In a similar way, we should consider that we belong to God, as does everything in heaven and earth. This simple change in perspective is radical, and if you really start thinking in this new way, your giving will be transformed. I remember once complimenting my father on how generous he and my mother were about giving to others, and also to charity. And he said rather matter of factly that they didn’t consider it “their money,” but rather God’s money. Be a good steward of God’s bounty.

– Christopher Simon

“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” Deuteronomy 10:14 NIV

Act Locally During Global VolunteerMonth

(StatePoint) April is Global Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate volunteers and inspire volunteerism in communities large and small.

Volunteerism is on the decline, according to research from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau. And what’s more, Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, shared that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. During Global Volunteer Month, advocates are trying to change that perception at the local level.

“Volunteers are crucial to solving pressing challenges, creating vibrant communities and strengthening our social fabric,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Every person has something to share or give.”

To boost volunteer engagement during Global Volunteer Month, Points of Light is sharing the following ways you and your family can make a positive impact in your neighborhood or town:

Spread the word: Use the Global Volunteer Month toolkit, along with the hashtag #GlobalVolunteerMonth to thank volunteers. Be sure to tag a volunteer whose impact you appreciate.

Take the pledge: To show your commitment to volunteering, take Points of Light’s pledge. Then, discover ways to get involved that support your favorite cause

resources. Three years ago, she became the first president of the Youth Advisory Council and began leading mentoring efforts, going above and beyond to find funds for a scholarship for a deserving mentee. Even after moving away for college, Threatt returns to work with her own mentee while recruiting community partners and soliciting funding for programs.

Daily Point of Light Award honoree

on people to take action. Throughout April, lend your time, talent and passion to a cause you care about and invite others to join you, creating a ripple effect of change,” said Sirangelo.

and availability using Points of Light Engage, a database featuring hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities worldwide, including some in your area. Remember that volunteering doesn’t have to be through a formal organization. Lending a helping hand to a friend, family member or neighbor counts, too. In fact, 70% of volunteer work is carried out locally and informally, without the involvement of any organization, according to the UN.

Expand your impact: Learn about the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that outlines the many forms of civic engagement. These actions include listening and learning, using one’s voice, social entrepreneurship, volunteering, public, national or military service, using one’s purchasing power to express values, working, voting and donating.

Get inspired: Points of Light recognizes ordinary people doing extraordinary things to strengthen communities and solve persistent problems with its Daily Point of Light Award. Know an outstanding volunteer in your community? Nominate them as a Daily Point of Light by visiting pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight, or to inspire others, share these stories of recent honorees:

Daily Point of Light Award honoree T’Kiyah Threatt is a 21-year-old from Uniontown, Alabama, a town of just over 2,000 residents. She dove into service as a high school junior when she started working with C.H.O.I.C.E., an organization that ensures young people get needed

Teresa Gerald of Ridgeland, Mississippi, channels her passion for literacy into volunteer work through Friends of the Ridgeland Library, where she has held the elected position of president since 2014, contributing thousands of volunteer hours. Twice a year, Gerald manages, promotes and works the Friends of the Ridgeland Library Book Sale. When the library’s funding was cut by $110,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022, her fundraising efforts with Every Library Institute raised $112,000 in emergency funds.

No matter the scale, Points of Light recognizes the spirit of volunteerism as a driving force of change around the world.

“We’re celebrating volunteers around the world all month long, as well as calling

Three locations:

(c) PeopleImages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

How to Build a Healthy Money Mindset fora Stable Financial Future

(StatePoint) Building and managing your wealth is a lifelong process that can have major implications for you, your children and other beneficiaries. While your path to building wealth should be tailored to your circumstances, this three-pronged approach from Freddie Mac can help you plan for a stable financial future.

1. Understand your money mindset: Understanding your relationship with money can help you identify opportunities to create healthier spending and saving habits. Apositive outlook toward money can provide you with a strong base on which to build wealth and achieve goals. Conversely, a negative outlook can make you reluctant to take the steps you need to establish a strong financial history. For example, being overly focused on displaying wealth can lead to overusing credit. Likewise, becoming preoccupied with financial success to the point of anxiety can prevent you from spending the wealth you do have on items you need and want to live comfortably. By recognizing the factors that influence how you spend and save, you can make new choices that better support your financial goals.

2. Set and manage goals: Establishing and maintaining a set of defined financial goals is the next step when building wealth. Think about what you would like to accomplish over the short-, mediumand long-term, and make a savings plan to help you get there. It’s also important to take actions to safeguard your accumulated savings. This includes being mindful of

inflation, guarding your information from scammers, and planning for unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

3. Be prepared: Building an emergency fund can help you maintain financial stability by putting you in a better position to weather unexpected financial circumstances, such as a loss of income, unplanned medical bills or property damage from a storm. Creating an emergency budget can help you gauge how much you need to save, but in general, you should save up enough money to cover three to six months of your typical monthly expenses. Keep this money separate from your other savings, and don’t touch it until it’s needed. Additionally, having adequate homeowners or renters insurance will help ensure that your wealth is protected in certain unexpected circumstances. Familiarize yourself with your coverage so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

Want to know more about managing money and establishing wealth? Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart, which is available in English and Spanish, offers free personalized financial educational resources. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to learn more.

By adopting a healthy money mindset and setting tangible financial goals, you’ll be well on your way to a stable financial future for you and your loved ones.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV

Creation and Command

There is a distinct difference between creation and command in the human realm. That is, creation is normally done through intention and physical means. Artists conceive an idea and then ponder how they might physically bring their artistic creation about by manipulating materials at hand. Command, on the other hand, is when we bring something about by merely ordering that it be done, without giving thought to the physical means of doing it. An art director might command that the artists working for him or her produce some work of art, and thus leave the creation part to his or her employees. With God, the distinction between creation and command seems to dissolve. The Bible often describes God as creating by command, as when God says “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3). Are we to believe that in this case God didn’t need to think about the physical means of creating light, and that His mere command made it so, or should we not rather believe that no human being can conceive of how the divine creative force could bring about light and darkness, to say nothing of existence itself. The more we think about this distinction between creation and command, as it pertains to existence and the physical world, the more awesome appears the source of existence. From whence comes all of this? Ponder your own existence for a moment. Why are you here? Is your existence merely the contingent result of an infinite series of causes and effects flowing back in time through all your ancestors, or is it the result of some divine creation and command? If contingent, where does this contingency end? There must be some necessary and non-contingent source of our existence.

– Christopher Simon

(c) Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

ALife of Passion

The word “passion” has many different synonyms to describe it: enthusiasm, zeal, fervor, ardor, eagerness, interest, energy, and excitement, to name a few. How we define it defines us.

TD Jakes once wrote, “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. Your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”

As children, we did so much with passion: play, sing, dance, and interact with friends. Somewhere between then and now, we lose our lust for living. Is it because of fear, trauma, loss, or hurt that we lost our zest? We all have at one time or another. The thing is, like small doses of poison, we don’t recognize the danger of doing so until it's too late. Too late may look like sadness, regret, perhaps depression, existing and not living, longing, and a lot more soul-zapping emotions that chisel away at the little girl or boy that once skipped instead of walked. But the truth of the matter is, it’s never too late. Whether we are 20 or 100 years old, we can find our passion. We must find our passion; our life depends on it.

As for me, I often say, “I have too many passions and only one life.” That said, I am just as broken as others, and in my brokenness, I too have allowed life's pain to dampen my passions. But as the saying goes, “it’s not how many times one falls that matters; it’s how many times we get up that does.” Gratefully, I have gotten up more than I have fallen.

Francine Papadimitrakis

So ask yourself these questions: What kind of things make me feel alive? What can I do for hours on end and never feel drained? What’s my heart's desire? What do I love? The answers to these questions may unearth your long-buried passions.

I write these words sitting on an old stone step, in a cottage next to olive groves overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, on the island of Crete in Greece, and living a life of passion.

“Perfection is founded entirely on the love of God: ‘Charity is the bond of perfection;’ and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God’s.”

-Saint Alphonsus de Liguori

Who Do You Love?

The Sufi poet Rumi writes much about love, and perhaps the most surprising thing he says about love is that all true love is the love of God. That is, although we may think we are in love with our partner, we are really in love with divine characteristics which our partner shares with God. Even something so mundane as the love of money is just loving the value which money has, and this is nothing more than loving the ultimate source of all value, i.e., God. This is not to say that our love cannot be perverted into loving things that have no value or that people aren’t sometimes mistaken in their love of things or money over people. We often make these kinds of mistakes. The miser is someone whose love of money becomes so twisted that he loves money more than the things which money can buy. And what do we desire when we are in love but to be united with our beloved? Therefore, saints and mystics have always desired union with God above everything else.

– Christopher Simon

New non-profit to help those outside of prison get on right track and find purpose

By Lucy Weber

Chris Ragin is intent on helping men and women adjust to find their purpose outside of prison.

The founder of From Prison to Purpose is working to make the new program in Booneville, begun in October 2023, a vehicle for assistance and change for those adjusting to life outside. "We want to keep them on the right track and be a positive influence for them," he said.

Through classes, mentoring and a variety of other programs to improve lives, Ragin said he foresees that the non-profit can help those formerly incarcerated progress to a bright future.

"We can help them get their GEDs, help with tutoring and classes to get them to transition into society."

Ragin is working with his church Spring Hill MB Church in Booneville now to get the program in operation, hopefully by this summer. From Prison to Purpose has a board of directors and officers, eight people altogether, and they plan on working with businesses in the community to make the organization a success. Currently, Ragin said he is seeking donations and grants to provide stable funding for his vision.

"We just did a community program to let people know what we are doing. We had a really nice turnout," he said. "The church is very supportive."

Ragin knows first-hand what kind of support those leaving the prison system need. "I was 17 years in federal prison. I had my sentence reduced from a release date of 2035. I got out in 2017," he said.

"What I wanted to do (through his new

organization) is to help those in that situation. If you don't have a good support system when you get out, you can fall back in old ways. I took a lot of classes and received information that

The program is designed not only for those who recently left the system, but for others who have been out for a time and are still needing help, Ragin Ragin previously worked with another nonprofit with its prison support program, but "God led me to this," he said. "I grew up in a Christian background. My grandfather and uncle were ministers. Prison led me back to my Christian roots and helped me mature in the Spirit. The name of From Prison to Purpose, that's something God gave me.

"I always pray," he said. "I've always helped people." In Prentiss County today, Ragin works in a prison ministry every month. "I share my experiences. I may have taken a wrong route and made bad decisions, but prison turned me around. I do reference the Bible in this program because that's what got me through my time."

Ragin said he wants to lead his program and those involved by example. "I've always wanted to live a purpose driven life. I tell people you may have been to prison but there's always a purpose for you. There's always a brighter side."

Anyone interested in donating and learning more about From Prison to Purpose can contact Ragin at 228-6698401.

Chris Ragin

Books arrive on three wheels from the McNairy County Library System

By Lucy Weber

McNairy County librarian Robbie Harris is looking forward to road trips on her special bicycle to deliver books to children who want to read.

Harris, the systems director for the county’s two libraries, said the pedal library, which is a three-wheeled trike with a big box on the front for carrying books, is the latest mobile way to connect with readers, although some folks get confused when they first see it.

“They think it’s an ice cream cart or a hot dog cart,” she said, “but it’s a book bike. As far as I know, we are the only library in our region that has a book bike.”

When people see the bike, the reactions are great, Harris said. “They want to know what it is. They’re amazed by it.”

The three-wheeler, which has a black frame and a large red box on the front to hold books, is housed at the Jack Connico Memorial Library in Selmer, but Harris said the vehicle can be taken 12 miles over to the Irving Meek Jr. Memorial Library in Adamsville if needed.

Since McNairy County is large in size, Harris is always thinking of ways to reach children who live far away from the libraries and don’t have means of going to them. The Friends of the Library organization is supportive of her wish to take it out more, she said. “My desire is to get out into the communities, to get outside the four walls of the library, to reach kids.”

Would you like to become a betterfather?

We are looking for fathers who would be interested in becoming “Team Parents” by dedicating a minimum number of hours with their children in order to become more involved in their lives. We will attempt to make a positive influence in the life of a father.

The library system has had the book bike for about two years, but there have only been limited uses of it at local festivals and a Fourth of July parade so far. In 2024, Harris said she plans to make the bike more visible.

“Hopefully, when spring comes, we can take it to the farmer's market,” she said. “I’d like to take it to an apartment complex near the library to promote our summer reading program, ‘Adventure at Your Library.’

Harris said she also delivers books to library patrons who are home-bound or at assisted living centers. “I need to schedule times to get it to the nursing homes,” she said.

The book bike can carry up to 200 books that weigh up to 260 pounds total, according to the manufacturer, Haley Trikes of Pennsylvania. That is room enough to meet Harris’needs.

Currently, she uses the bike to carry books that have been donated to the library but can’t be entered into the system for check-out. “Most of the time, I take donated books to encourage children to read,” she said.

Once library books can be carted around, Harris said it will be easy for children and adults to check books out online from the book bike. “I will be unlimited with the kids I can reach. I want to reach everybody,” she said.

Harris said any group interested in a visit from the book bike can call the Selmer library at (731) 645-5571 and speak with her about scheduling.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2 NIV

Sing to the Lord

There is an old proverb which says “Who sings well prays twice,” to which I would add that even if you don’t sing particularly well, it’s worth singing if you enjoy it. When we are really driven to sing it is often because we are compelled to do so by our feeling something within us. We are musical beings, driven to tap our feet or clap our hands when the rhythm moves us, and driven to sing when the spirit moves us. Saint Paul advised the Colossians to “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NIV) This advice brings home the point that singing is not only part of praying, but also of teaching and learning. Children learn their ABCs perhaps more from the melody of the song they are singing than from the letters. And who doesn’t remember the songs and nursery rhymes of their youth with a touch of nostalgia? I still remember “Frere Jacques” even though the French lyrics are mostly lost on me. Finally, we should remember that it’s not just that we ought to sing when we are happy, but that we should sing in order to be happy.

– Christopher Simon

Robbie Harris

Suits You Too Mobile

How to Raise a Healthy, Active Child

(StatePoint) Many factors impact your child or teen’s wellness, including where you live, genetics and other influences. According to experts though, you can encourage a healthy lifestyle for your child, and help prevent obesity and other illnesses that can extend into adulthood.

“Raising a healthy, active child is about much more than nutrition and physical activity,” says Natalie D. Muth, a pediatrician and registered dietician. “It also entails adequate sleep, a positive approach to screen use and social-emotional wellness, and to the best of your ability, helping ensure your surrounding environment supports healthy routines.”

At a time when few children and adolescents meet the recommendations for nutrition and activity, a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living,” offers guidance to help optimize a child’s health regardless of their weight, as well as strategies based on the best science that can also help prevent obesity at every stage, from infancy through adolescence.

"We've gone Mobile"

Here are some practical tips from the AAPthat you can use to tackle issues within your control:

• Learn about good nutrition. Visit MyPlate.gov for great ways to take a team approach to planning and making meals so that kids have an active role in what they eat. The site takes into account cultural traditions, giving examples of healthy meals that include familiar foods.

• Reach for water. Sugary drinks such as 100% fruit juice, sodas, sports drinks and fruit drinks, account for 24% of added sugar intake in the

U.S. diet in people 1 year and older. Consumption contributes significantly to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health risks, according to USDAstatistics. Ideally, aim for one sugary drink or fewer per week. Bonus: drinking water cleanses teeth and gums, preventing cavities now while setting the stage for lifelong dental health.

• Limit ultra-processed foods. It may not be realistic to avoid ultra-processed foods altogether, but try to limit their access and help children and adolescents learn the benefits of eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables. You can also talk with them about the health risks of too much “junk food,” which is generally loaded in sugar and salt, doesn’t increase feelings of fullness, and prompts overeating.

• Adopt a family media plan. Everyone benefits from sensible screen time limits that make room for healthy activities. Engage kids in creating a plan for the whole family.

• Move more. It can be challenging to get up and move more, but when you make it a priority, kids benefit. Organized sports aren’t the only option. Your family can also enjoy walking, biking, swimming and dancing. Indoors, you can try active gaming or online fitness class-

es to strengthen muscles, build coordination and release tension.

• Manage stress. If your schedule is jammed with so many commitments that there’s no room for healthy downtime, consider what you can let go. Rest rebuilds the body’s systems after the challenges of a tough day or week, so reserve time for it.

• Lean on support. Not all neighborhoods have safe places for children to play and walk to school, or offer nutritious and affordable food nearby. Additionally, factors like racism, toxic stress, housing or food insecurity and safety risks can impact your child’s health. Creating a safe environment at home, and leaning on the support of schools, health care systems and the wider community can create a healthier life for your child. One important resource is your pediatrician. Talk to them about ways to support an active, healthy lifestyle for your child.

For more tips and resources, visit healthychildren.org.

“Remember that feeling loved, seen and appreciated are just as central to your child’s health as nutrition and exercise. The brain and the body are one system – so when kids feel safe and secure, their bodies function well,” says Dr. Muth.

(c) Sabrina Bracher / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Don't Shy Away From Shrimp

If you've taken shrimp off the menu because you have fears about high amounts of cholesterol, there is good news. You don't have to give up shrimp! Research shows and dietitians concur that the high percentage of "good fats" in shrimp reduces the impact of cholesterol. So, enjoy shrimp as part of a balanced and delicious diet.

In addition to being a great source of high-quality protein, shrimp is rich in health-enhancing nutrients. It also is low in fat and calories. Here are just a few reasons to place shrimp on your menu:

Vitamin D: Four ounces of shrimp provide almost half the daily requirement of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D helps build strong bones, maintain a healthy immune system and also may lower the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer.

Selenium: Aserving of shrimp can provide 65 percent of the daily selenium requirement. This powerful antioxidant has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers and also promotes healthy function of the thyroid gland.

Vitamin B-12: Four ounces of shrimp provide a third of the daily requirement for vitamin B12. It has many functions, including formation of red blood cells and maintenance of a healthy nervous system.

Tryptophan: One serving of shrimp provides 100 percent of

the recommended daily intake of this essential amino acid. Tryptophan plays a role in appetite control and sleep, and improves mood.

This Shrimp Scampi with Tomatoes and Spinach is a "Diva-style" version of the traditional dish. It's a one-pan meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.

SHRIMPSCAMPI WITH TOMATOES AND SPINACH

Frozen shrimp is the perfect "go to" item for a quick and

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 bag (about 6-10 ounces)

fresh baby spinach

2 teaspoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley or basil leaves

1/2 (8 ounces) of a 16-ounce package linguine pasta, cooked and drained (about 4 cups)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

nutritious meal and works well in this recipe.

1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, fresh or frozen and thawed, shelled and de-veined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice

1 cup chicken broth

1. Put the shrimp on a large pie pan or plate and pat dry completely with a paper towel. Toss the shrimp with the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Arrange shrimp so they lay flat and are evenly spaced.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter to the skillet. When foaming subsides, raise heat to high; carefully invert the plate of shrimp over the pan so the shrimp fall into

the pan in an even layer, all at once.

3. Cook the shrimp, without moving them, for 1 minute. Add garlic, turn the shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Transfer shrimp mixture to a bowl and set aside.

4. Return skillet to the heat and add tomatoes, chicken broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to the pan to make a sauce. Turn heat to high and bring sauce to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Add in the spinach, lemon juice and zest, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until spinach wilts slightly. Add the shrimp, parsley or basil, and the pasta to the skillet, and toss to coat. Portion onto plates and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

• From L.D.W. in Illinois: “When I have a recipe, I put all the ingredients on the counter and as I use each one I put it away. My daughter and daughter-in-law like the idea, as they at one time or another have forgotten an item.” I like that one, too, L.D.W. A well-prepared cook makes a delicious meal.

• “To wrap a baby gift in unforgettable gift wrap, circle the announcement in the paper with a colorful marker, then use the newsprint to wrap your package. It has always gotten rave reviews from recipients.” — R.L. in Virginia

• Another reason to get the newspaper: Crushed newspaper makes a great rag for shining windows in your home and in the car. No lint left behind!

• “When thickening soup, don’t overlook instant potato mix. It’s perfect for making a thin broth into a nice, thick stew sauce, and it’s pretty cheap. It only takes a couple of tablespoons.” — I.F. in Utah

• Want delicious fried chicken crust but not the dripping oil? Baste chicken pieces with mayonnaise, then dredge in crushed cracker crumbs mixed with a bit of flour. Bake and enjoy.

• If your plastic food containers develop an unpleasant odor, never fear: Scrub with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Rinse and air dry.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

By Samantha Weaver

• It was venerable American newscaster David Brinkley who made the following sage observation: “The one function TV news performs very well is that when there is no news, we give it to you with the same emphasis as if there were.”

• According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat in the world was named Crème Puff and lived to the ripe old age of 38 years and three days.

• If you do much printing, you might not be surprised to learn that if you figure out the cost by volume, the average ink cartridge for a printer costs seven times more than Dom Perignon champagne.

• On an average day in the United States, 90 million cans of beer will be consumed.

• If you’re planning a summer jaunt to Atlantic City, N.J., this year, you might want to stop by Margate City, just a couple of miles south of the gambling mecca. While you’re there you can see the oldest zoomorphic structure in the United States. Lucy the Elephant, built in 1882 by James V. Lafferty, is 65 feet tall and has served at various times as a cottage, a business office, a restaurant and a tavern. In 1976 it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

• It was United Airlines that hired the first stewardesses for its flights, back in 1930. In addition to being attractive and charming, stewardesses had to be registered nurses.

• Those who study such things say that in ancient Mesopotamia, it was not unusual for those of the wealthy classes to crush semiprecious stones and adhere the powder to their lips.

Thought for the Day: “In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. The last is much the worst.” — Oscar Wilde

Life-Improving Goals and Apps to Help You Accomplish Them

(StatePoint) Setting a goal that will improve your life is simple, but holding yourself accountable and tracking progress can make it difficult to stick with your objectives. Make your new attempts at reaching your goals different by utilizing apps to stay on track.

1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones. With busy schedules and loved ones living near and far, it can be hard to keep track of life’s special moments. Luckily, the American Greetings ecards app makes celebrations easy and affordable. With more than 1,000 highly personalized digital greetings including ecards, SmashUps personalized video greetings, Creatacard virtual greeting cards, and Pics & Wishes multimedia cards, you can quickly create, personalize and send greetings for every holiday, occasion, or just because. Plus, with the ability to schedule cards up to a year in advance and receive reminders for birthdays and anniversaries, the app will ensure your loved ones’special days are never forgotten.

2. Hit Your Workout Goals.

Achieving your workout goals is within reach—even if you are short on time for the gym. Whether you are aiming to start a more active lifestyle, build healthy habits, lose weight, get fit, tone up or just feel amazing, there is a workout routine out there for you. The FitCoach app creates a workout plan each week that includes cardio, strength, recovery and other exercises tailored to your goals, lifestyle and personal data.

3. Dive into ANew Book Series. Exercising your mind is equally as

important as exercising your body. Reading can boost your vocabulary, knowledge and creativity and even make you more empathetic. Plus, studies from the Mayo Clinic reveal that incorporating reading into your nighttime routine helps with sleep. Now, finding a new series or pageturner is easier than ever with the Goodreads app. Users can set annual reading goals, see what their friends are reading, write book reviews, and keep track of what they want to read. Struggling with motivation to finish that hefty novel? Online book clubs available in the app can connect you with other readers.

4. Track and Manage Your Finances. Take charge of your finances and keep an eye on your spending. Utilizing a personal finance app like the Spending Tracker –Budget App helps you create a budget calendar, keep track of transactions and manage your accounts all in one place. Gaining insight into spending habits can make saving goals much more manageable.

5. Cook a New Recipe. Stuck in a culinary rut? Find new recipes in the Kitchen Stories app. With more than 10,000 recipes, users of any skill level and diet preference can find a new recipe every day complete with instructional videos and tips from expert chefs. Once you find a favorite meal, add it to your personal cookbook so friends can see what you have been up to in the kitchen.

Grab your phone and start downloading! With these simple and helpful apps you can make your goals stick.

Grandma Jo’s Stew

This crockpot recipe is a favorite of my grandsons. They love all the vegetables and meat chopped into tiny pieces. I love that it simmers away while I play with the boys.

16 ounces lean round steak, cut into 36 pieces

2 cups sliced carrots

1 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

2 cups diced raw potatoes

1 cup frozen peas

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reducedfat tomato soup

1 (8-ounce) can cream-style corn

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Spray a slow-cooker container with butter-flavored cooking spray. In prepared container, combine meat, carrots, onion, celery, potatoes and peas.

2. In a small bowl, combine tomato soup, corn, parsley flakes and black pepper. Stir soup mixture into meat mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Mix well just before serving. Makes 6 (1 1/2 cup) servings.

• Each serving equals: 237 calories, 5g fat, 20g protein, 28g carb., 336mg sodium, 4g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Vegetable.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Making your own ice cream is easier than you think — especially when it doesn’t require a fancy machine. This delectable four-ingredient treat whips up in 10 minutes flat and freezes into scoopable sweetness in an hour. A serving of labor-intensive, custard-based strawberry ice cream has 282 calories, 12 grams of saturated fat and 134 times the cholesterol of our luscious dessert, which has a mere 70 calories per serving and less than 1/2 gram of saturated fat. So go ahead: Spoon up some more.

1 pound frozen strawberries

1 cup 2 percent plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberries, for garnish

1. In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse 1 cup strawberries until finely chopped. Transfer chopped berries to large metal bowl.

2. In food processor, puree yogurt, sugar, vanilla and remaining strawberries until smooth. Transfer to bowl with strawberries; stir until well-combined.

3. Cover and freeze about 1 hour, until firm but not hard. Garnish with strawberries. Makes 7 (1/2-cup) servings

Tips: You can substitute plain lowfat yogurt for the Greek yogurt. When testing this recipe, we found both worked well, but we preferred Greek yogurt’s creamier texture. We also tested this in three different freezers and found that the freezing time varied depending on freezer make and model. Begin checking your ice cream at 1 hour, and continue freezing if you prefer a firmer texture.

• Each serving: About 70 calories, 1g total fat (0.4g saturated), 1mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 14g total carbs, 1g dietary fiber, 3g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

1. GEOGRAPHY: What is an older name for the country of Ethiopia?

2. BUSINESS: Who founded a company called De Beers Consolidated Mines?

3. HISTORY: For what crimes was Socrates executed?

4. LITERATURE: What did Madame Bovary’s husband do for a living?

5. ANATOMY: Where are the conjunctiva located in the human body?

6. GOVERNMENT: Which of the original 13 colonies did not attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

7. SCIENCE: What common alloy is made up entirely of copper and zinc?

8. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: To which U.S. president is the following quote often attributed: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who coined the term “muckrakers” for crusading journalists and other writers?

10. POETRY: How old was the Romantic poet John Keats when he died?

Answers

1. Abyssinia 2. Cecil Rhodes

Corrupting the youth and impiety

Doctor

1. In 2010, the Florida Marlins’ Jorge Cantu set a record with at least one hit and one RBI in the first 10 games of a season. Who held the record of eight games?

2. Who is the all-time major-league record-holder in saves for a lefthander?

3. Who is the only starting quarterback other than Drew Brees to lead the New Orleans Saints to at least a 12-win regular season?

4. When was the last time before 2010 that West Virginia reached the men’s basketball Final Four?

5. Who was the youngest player to tally an overtime series-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Finals before Chicago’s Patrick Kane, 21, did it in 2010?

6. Name the first American men’s soccer player to lead a foreign league in scoring for a season.

7. In 2011, Chris Barnes became the sixth player in PBA history to complete the career Triple Crown. Name three of the first five to do it.

Answers

1. George Kelly of the New York Giants in 1921.

2. John Franco, with 424 saves.

3. Bobby Hebert guided the Saints to 12 wins in 1992.

4. It was 1959.

5. Bobby Orr was 22 when he did it for Boston in 1970.

6. Herculez Gomez led a Mexican league in scoring in 2010.

7. Billy Hardwick, Johnny Petraglia, Pete Weber, Mike Aulby and Norm Duke.

Why Financial Planning Is a Great Career Option for Women

(StatePoint) Financial planning was once thought of as a male-dominated industry, but that’s quickly changing. The number of women getting their CER-

TIFIED

FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is growing year over year — and for good reason: The benefits of entering this field as a woman are numerous. Below are a few to consider.

• It’s lucrative. Financial planners are in high demand and are well-compensated for their expertise. Afinancial advisor can pull in a generous salary right out of the gate, and earning the right credentials can boost compensation significantly. The median income for those with CFP® certification and less than 5 years of experience is $100,000 — and that median figure grows to $206,000 with 10 or more years of experience. In general, financial advisors with CFP® certification earn 12% more than those without.

• Being a CFP® profes-

sional offers good worklife balance. With the potential to work remotely and create one’s own schedule, financial planning is a career path wellsuited to those looking for flexibility and a desirable work-life balance.

• Financial planning can be personally fulfilling. Providing competent, ethical financial advice that helps others achieve their life goals — from sending their children to college to securing a comfortable retirement — can be extremely gratifying.

Research also finds that female CFP® professionals have a unique dedication to providing holistic financial planning. Working as a financial planner provides opportunities to uplift and empower other women, as well as members of groups historically given fewer opportunities to accumulate wealth.

• Women who aspire to become CFP® professionals will find support in many places. CFPBoard, for example, has imple-

Business Owners Are Optimistic as Economic Conditions Improve

mented initiatives to recruit women and advance their careers.

Some firms subsidize the cost of CFP® certification and give employees time away from work to study for the CFP® exam. Additionally, women’s networks and business councils can help build leadership skills and professional confidence, and many firms are even paying their employees’membership fees.

CFPBoard also administers scholarships for individuals underrepresented in the field, along with a mentoring program.

To learn more and get started today on your path to becoming a CFP® professional, visit getCFPcertified.org.

With demand for personal financial advisors expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and the industry making way for more women professionals, it’s worth exploring this rewarding career path.

(StatePoint) What a difference a year makes. New research finds that small- and mid-sized business owners are increasingly optimistic about economic conditions and the prospects for their own businesses.

According to PNC’s Spring 2024 Economic Outlook Survey, nearly 80% of business owners surveyed feel optimistic about conditions for their business over the next six months -- up from 60% a year ago.

This optimism likely stems from an improving outlook for the economy as a whole as inflation pressures and recession fears appear to be easing. Amajority of those surveyed (55%) said they are highly optimistic about the national economy -- a dramatic increase from the 26% who felt that way in the spring of 2023. Even more (63%) said they are highly optimistic about their local economy -- more than double the reading from a year ago.

The uptick in optimism for the economy mirrors PNC’s revised outlook for 2024, which shifts away from a predicted recession to a forecast of slow growth. PNC chief economist Gus Faucher said

from 2022, as supply chain issues driven by the pandemic have largely dissipated,” Faucher said. “But more progress will probably be necessary before we can expect the Fed to start easing rates.”

Labor Challenges Easing

One such challenge has been the tight labor market, which has made hiring difficult for business leaders.

he expects the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates later this year as inflation continues to ease.

“Business owners continue to feel confident that good days are ahead,” Faucher said. “This time around though, the economy is seen as a supporting factor to that optimism instead of a limitation.”

Calming Inflation

Easing inflation pressures are among the biggest factors reported in the survey. Last spring, 55% of respondents reported that they expected to raise prices in the ensuing six months -- that dropped to 47% this round. Similarly, 40% expect prices from suppliers to increase over the next six months, that’s down from 47% last spring.

Inflation overall has been gradually easing since a mid2022 high of 9% -- its highest level since the 1980s. By January 2024, inflation was reported at 3.1%, with continued easing projected in the months ahead. Still, inflation remains above its pre-pandemic pace and Faucher says more progress is needed before the Fed likely cuts rates later in 2024.

“We’ve come a long way

Consistent with PNC’s Fall 2023 survey, respondents say the lack of overall applicants remains their primary hiring issue. Respondents cite lack of experience (22%) and high salary/benefit and flexibility requirements (9%) as other barriers.

The nationwide unemployment rate for January 2024 was 3.7% -- below what is considered “full employment” in the U.S. economy. Faucher said he expects the shortage of available labor to ease as consumer demand softens and the effect of slower job growth across the economy becomes more visible.

Despite the trend across the broader U.S. landscape, few survey respondents anticipate workforce reductions over the next six months. Only 4% report anticipating a reduction, while 74% expect no change to their workforce numbers and 21% project an increase in their workforce over the next half of the year.

“Employers have been under pressure despite the improving conditions because the economy has been at or near full employment for an extended period,” Faucher said. “We expect some slack in the labor market in the coming months, which will likely further ease inflation.”

(c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(c) gorodenkoff / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Spring Cleaning: Don’t Toss That ‘Junk,’It May Be Valuable!

(StatePoint) From baseball cards and sports equipment to postcards and photographs, is that “junk” in your attic or basement dusty treasure or just dusty? We’ve all heard of families getting rich from the sale of rare memorabilia they found when spring cleaning.

Alittle time spent determining if items are valuable and where to sell them can pay off in the long run.

“The sale of older sports cards, postcards and photographs can yield thousands of dollars, even tens of thousands or more for the right ones,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that helps families identify and sell valuable sports cards and memorabilia.

Crisafulli has assisted people in selling tens of millions of dollars of baseball card collections, autographs, sports equipment and more. Such sales can be life changing. In one instance, he researched a family’s old baseball bat and proved it was game used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. His Love of the Game Auctions sold it for almost half a million dollars, a figure which would top a million dollars today.

Here are some of his tips to determine if your sports collectibles are valuable:

The Older, the Better with Cards

Vintage sports cards from the early periods of sports are collectible, especially Hall of Famers. Do you have stars from the 1960s, 1950s or earlier? Look for names like Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner or Ty Cobb. Even non-star cards can be valuable, especially in nice con-

dition with sharp corners and no creases.

Really early cards from the 1880s through the 1930s are particularly desirable, such as those by tobacco, gum and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, American Caramel, Goudey or Diamond Stars.

When determining where to sell cards and memorabilia, focus on a specialty auction house, such as Love of the Game, which employs trained experts in researching sports ephemera, and maintains bidder lists of sports collectors. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Don’t Overlook Memorabilia and Equipment

Cards aren’t the only potentially valuable things. Look for older promotional and advertising ephemera spotlighting sports stars, especially items that promote sporting goods, food or tobacco brands. Ads from magazines aren’t valuable, but store displays, signs and premiums can be pricey.

Old sporting goods and equipment, such as balls, bats, gloves and uniforms, can also be valuable, especially if you had a family member who played minor or major league sports. Note that items from before the 1960s are highly collected. Also look for equipment endorsed by star players. Condition matters, but game-used equipment from professionals can be valuable in almost any condition.

Save Postcards and Photographs

If you have old photographs, cabinet cards or postcards of sports stars or ballparks, they should be evaluated. Those from pre-1960 can be expensive. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs.

Popular stars are key, meaning original images like Babe Ruth or early ballparks can be valuable, as opposed to images of your family members playing sports or of popular vacation destinations. When examining photographs, look for markings on the back, such as photographer, publication and date stamps. Also set aside cabinet cards, which are photographs from the 1880s through the 1930s adhered to cardboard stock.

“Agood rule of thumb is that the older a sports item is, the more valuable it might be, especially from before the 1950s going back to the 1880s,” says Crisafulli.

This spring cleaning season, don’t rush to haul “junk” to the curb. Examine it first.

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