The Community News Flash

BIG MAMA’S....PG 8

WILLIAMS.......PG 9

Vol 22, No. 4 • August 2022

News You Can Use

662-643-6842

read.newsflash@gmail.com

13-year-old wears the Miss Teen Alcorn County title with beauty and poise

By Lucy Weber Audarreuna Moore wears her crown well.

A 13-year-old eighth-grader at Kossuth Middle School, Audarreuna is the reigning Miss Teen Alcorn County. Poised and well-spoken, Audarreuna has beauty shining through inside and out.

A veteran of pageants since the age of two, this beauty queen enjoys the fun of participating in pageants. “I like the dressing up and getting ready for the competition,” she said.

Before every competition, Audarreuna says prayer is a vital part of her preparation. “And I tell myself to be me and not to stress.”

For this teenager who turns 14 on Sept. 9, being herself means being naturally funny and very outgoing. “I do love being on stage.

It’s so much fun and I love doing it with my friends.”

Audarreuna’s grandmother Theresa Moore and her aunt Aisha Moore are two of her biggest fans.

“I am so very proud of her,” her grandmother said. “This has given her so much self-esteem.”

Theresa Moore, better known as Nana to Audarreuna, has been known to use her sewing talents to

create gorgeous dresses for Audarreuna to wear. Currently, she is working on a lovely yellow gown with a cape that Audarreuna is looking forward to wearing.

As Miss Teen Alcorn County, Audarreuna was invited to speak at Corinth’s Juneteenth celebration and she also participated in Reconnect 4 Autism Color Run to cheer competitors on.

Already she is looking forward to crowning her successor next year on stage. In the meantime When she’s not on the pageant stage, the middle-schooler she can be found looking a lot more casual. “In real life I wear glasses.

But I will probably be wearing my contacts more this school year

Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835

POSTAL PATRON

because of athletics.”

Audarreuna will be a member of her school’s cross-country track team this fall. Depending on where the meets are held, she said she could be running competitively for five-, three- or two-miles, something she’s looking forward to.

Audarreuna Moore

She was captain of the dance team at school last year, but this year, she’s doing something different with her dancing.

“I will be teaching students ages 211 after school,” with two other girls, she said.

“My favorite

style of dance is hip hop and lyrical ballet. It’s fun and it all makes me feel like me. I love the idea of teaching it and showing girls how to express themselves.”

Dancing is something that Audarreuna loves and expects to be doing for a very long time for fun and as a career. “I want to go to the University of Alabama and be a Crimsonette. I want to become a teacher and teach dancing.”

Her grandmother supports her dreams. “My hope for her future is that she be doing what she wants and to be successful at it.”

Audrarreuna is already looking forward to crowning her successor next year. In the meantime, she plans to represent her title proudly and gracefully.

“My crown is in my heart, not on my head.”

– William Shakespeare

2

August 2022

The Community News Flash

Editor’s Corner

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher

PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

On average a person could possibly speak 860,341,500 in a lifetime. Out of those hundreds of millions of words, one of the most impactful in our vocabulary is the word “No.” It may be only two letters in length, but it can pack a powerful punch. Whether “No” comes from a toddler in the middle of a temper tantrum or an adult speaking their mind, that word grabs attention.

When the word is spoken, many times it can have a negative connotation. At other times, no can be a strategic and powerful way to set clear boundaries.

As we know, there can be many benefits to the word no.

Saying no can improve mental health stability by helping with self-care or building self-esteem and confidence.

The word no can be a lifesaver when you use it to stop someone from walking blindly in the path of a moving car.

Saying no may be a daunting thing to do, but that one little

The Power of Saying No word can be a key to your health and happiness.

Remember, you have the right to say no to anything that hurts you, that makes you feel uncomfortable, that challenges your beliefs or standards or that isn’t true to the real you.

The word no can set boundaries that are important for you.

For instance, if your goal is to balance your work life and home life, you can say no to a work call or meeting outside normal office hours.

It’s also important to remember that you can say no while giving options that better fit

your needs. That is an effective way to harness the power of no.

Your needs are important and what you say and do affects your time, energy and health.

Don’t worry that saying no gives you a reputation as a “negative Nancy.”

If a negative reply is warranted, you’ll know what’s right

for you. If the answer is yes, you’ll know that too. That is why yes and no are both options.

You know, there are times in our lives that Jesus uses the stop sign approach on us.

When the light is red Jesus is saying NO. When the light is yellow He tells us to take it SLOW. When the light is green He is telling us to GO. There are times when things don't work out as we hope and we feel a little disappointed.

It's in our times of disappointment that the Lord is saying NO to protect us from something.

Well my no was when the Lord held up the red light as I fell short of my bid for Alderman of Ward 4.

It's in this time that I realize that the Lord is protecting me Come from something Check Out since I was given the Summer the red light.

I now proceed Apparel with caution toward my next assignment in life until I'm given a green light.Thank the Lord that I have sense enough not to run the red lights in my life.

Whoo! Whoo!

Until Next! All Aboard!

The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law.

This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles.

The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff.

Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper.

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.

2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

Monthly Meditation Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Matthew 5:37

Greetings, This is a note to say thanks to all of the voters who supported and voted for me during my bid for Alderman of Ward 4.

Although I fell short of my goal, I would like to wish the duly elected Alderman of Ward 4 the best of luck during his tenure.

Sincerely, Jerry W. Porter

Notable Quote I didn't know the word no, because I wanted to please everybody all the time.

- Kristy McNichol

August 2022

AUGUST BIBLE TRIVIA

If Your Business, Church, Civic Group or Organization would like to sponsor the Bible Trivia each month call (662) 643-6842 or email us read.newsflash@gmail.com

for sponsorship details.

3

The Community News Flash

1. What oversized warrior had bronze armor weighing over 125 pounds?

2. What Roman official in Jerusalem bowed to the wishes of an uncontrollable mob?

3. In what city in Greece did a group of Jews whip up a company of thugs in an anti-Paul riot?

4. Who carried five smooth stones as his weapons?

5. What did Ehud use to kill fat King Eglon of Moab?

6. Who killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad?

7. What did Jael use to murder Sisera?

8. What rebel was killed by three darts, shot into his heart by Joab?

9. What prophet was commanded to make a model of Jerusalem and set battering rams against it?

10. Who threw a javelin at David?

11. In what city was Jesus almost killed by an angry mob?

12. What city had a riot on behalf of the goddess Artemis?

13. What king fortified Jerusalem with catapults for throwing stones?

14. What apostle was almost done in by 40 men waiting to ambush him in Jerusalem?

15. Who drew the army of Ai out of the city while another group ambushed him at Jerusalem?

16. What paranoid king ordered the execution of the infants in Bethlehem?

17. Who killed Abner?

18. What evil king of Judah was killed by his servants?

19. What Christian witness was killed by the people of Pergamos?

20. Who killed Ben-hadad with a wet cloth?

July Answers 1. Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:5) 2. The rainbow (Genesis 9:13) 3. By day (Exodus 13:21-22) 4. Elijah (1 Kings 18:44) 5. Hebrews 12:1 6. By the Red Sea (Exodus 14:20) 7. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 8. The Son of man (Matthew 24:30) 9. The two witness (Revelation 11:12) 10. Sinai (Exodus 19:9) 11. The tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) 12. Solomon (1 Kings 8:10-11) 13. The ark of the covenant (Leviticus 16:2) 14. Jude (verse 12) 15. The Ascension (Acts 1:9) 16. The day of the Lord

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

(Zephaniah1:15)

4

August 2022

The Community News Flash

What Consumers Need to Know About the Future of In-Person Banking

Tips for Small Businesses to Not Only Survive, But Thrive

(c) BartekSzewczyk / iStock via Getty Images Plus

tions to help them meet their financial goals.

(StatePoint) From digital payments to video “We remain committed to making a positive banking, the way consumers conduct basic finandifference for our customers and communities, cial transactions has changed substantially and to helping all move forward financially,” says throughout the past decade, and the COVID-19 Kevin McCann, retail growth and innovation pandemic has only accelerated the trend toward executive for PNC. “We believe the balance we digital banking. However, brick-and-mortar bank will be striking between physical and digital bankbranches continue to play an essential role for ing will allow us to meet our customers where many consumers when it comes to important financial conversations. Industry experts say more they are by providing that sweet spot of convenient digital tools and meaningful side-by-side perchanges are coming down the pike to meet consonal interactions.” sumers’ evolving needs and to provide the right Those who are less comfortable with the latest mix of digital tools and experiences, with more personalized human interactions at brick-and-mor- technologies and who may be feeling anxious about these changes can put their concerns aside, tar bank locations. according to McCann, who notes that bankers also Leading the charge in implementing some of will be available to spend time helping customers these changes is one of the largest diversified understand the digital tools available to them, financial services institutions in the United States, within and outside of the branch.

PNC, which is embarking on a multi-year converTo learn more about the evolution of branch sion of its retail branch network in response to banking, visit www.pnc.com. feedback and insights gleaned from its customers.

At a time when both physical facilities and Between May 2022 and the end of 2026, more digital tools are critical to banking customers, a than 60% of its 2,600 branches nationwide will new way forward is emerging. convert to a new format. Basic financial transactions will begin to be completed using automated or selfservice solutions, such as ATMs and video banking, freeing bankers’ time to hold more in-depth conversations and truly engage with customers in offering financial advice, Privately owned and operated expertise, and solu-

(StatePoint) Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities. They pump life into neighborhoods, making them vibrant places to live, work and raise families, and are key to millions of local jobs. In fact, approximately 50% of all Americans are employed by a small business and 99% of American businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Small business is big business,” said Wells Fargo’s head of Small Business Derek Ellington. “As a bank that proudly serves over 3 million small business customers, we are still supporting small businesses in their post-pandemic recovery, but we’re also seeing many growing businesses bringing new ideas to life, and going from surviving to thriving.

Now more than ever, it’s an important time for small businesses because they are such a vital part of the economy.”

To further power economic growth, strengthen your business, and deliver on the products and services the nation depends on every day, Wells Fargo offers the following four tips to move

from surviving to thriving: 1. Be flexible. If there was one glaring lesson business owners learned from COVID-19, it was to be flexible. Businesses had to revamp their online offerings and create a digital, ecommerce presence. Most had to change relationships with supply chains and vendors or reduce hiring. When it comes to business planning for the next six, 12 or even 18 months, one thing is certain: flexibility will be key.

Between staffing demands, supply chain delays and rising interest rates and inflation, write your plans in pencil. Most importantly, be nimble enough to pivot, using your experiences over the past two years as a guide.

2. Stay in the know. Stay informed of the latest developments that could impact your business. For example, what do rising rates and growing costs of supplies and services mean for you?

A small business banker can help you understand your options based on your particular business and needs, and make any necessary adjustments. Keep in touch with your tax advisor, accountant, and local chambers of com-

merce to stay in the know.

3. Prepare for new competition. Now that life has regained a sense of normalcy, new business trends are emerging fast. To prepare for new competition, stay ahead of your competitors and drive new growth: • Know your customers, and find and solve their pain points • Ensure you have competitive pricing • Change your business model and services to stay ahead • Provide exceptional customer service to existing and new customers • Target new markets 4. Invest in growth strategically. To continue to grow, innovate and attract the best employees, demonstrate that you’re willing to invest in the future. However, it’s never cheap, and you might not be able to afford needed investments with your current revenue. Before borrowing money or taking out a loan, consider opportunities like changing your payments or receivable collection process, or reducing expenses. Then look into the right lending opportunities when you are ready to accomplish big milestones like expanding, relocating, or adding new technologies with more capabilities. Strategic growth is all about investing in the right areas of your business at the right time to create an infrastructure in which you can flourish.

For more small business tips and resources, visit wellsfargo.com/biz.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or new entrepreneur, consider using these tips to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing environment.

August 2022

Cooking for One Cooking for one (or even for just two people) can be a chore, and too often we opt to take the take easy way out. Maybe we’ll load the grocery cart with microwave dinners, or we’ll just have cereal for dinner.

Our reasons are valid ones: Packages are too big, and we often waste food because we don’t eat it before it goes bad. It takes too much time to prepare food and then clean up afterward, and it isn’t worth it for just one person.

Cooking for one doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some ideas: • Buy individual portions, even if they cost more. For example, frozen vegetables come in one-serving size.

Small cans of vegetables or fruit contain two servings. When you consider that there won’t be any waste at all, it’s worth the extra money. Buy packaged frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets, and only use what you want.

• Think omelets: There are so many foods that can go into a tasty two-egg omelet, such as leftover meat, vegetables and cheese.

• If you have nearby friends in your situation, consider banding together to prepare group meals a few days a week. You won’t have to cook every day — and you’ll have company while you eat.

• Make a big tray of lasagna or a onedish chicken casserole, and freeze the rest in meal-size portions.

• Experiment! Try something new.

Libraries have cookbooks with cooking-for-one recipes, or look online at recipe sites. Consider getting a miniature slow cooker. Load it up in the morning with your ingredients, plug it in and by dinner time, you can have a delicious meal all ready to eat.

We owe it to ourselves to stay as healthy as possible, and a good part of that is to eat as well as we can.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible.

Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

5

The Community News Flash

Number, Type of Polyps Determine Next Exam DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you talk about colon polyps? I had polyps removed during a colonoscopy. My doctor recommends another colonoscopy in three years. I have retired, and my insurer has declined to cover my colon because I had something removed from it. I will have to pay for the colonoscopy. When I was working, the insurance company insisted on colon procedures for preventive care. Please advise. — A.C. ANSWER: Polyps are small growths sprouting from the lining of many organs. In the case of colon polyps, some of them turn into colon cancer. The problem is that a doctor looking at the polyp cannot tell if it has the cancer potential unless the polyp is removed and viewed with a microscope.

More than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer occur yearly in the United States, and every year there are more than 50,000 deaths from colon cancer. Colon cancer and colon cancer death can be eliminated by removing all suspicious polyps.

Guidelines urge everyone to have a first colonoscopy at age 50. If a polyp is discovered that measures more than two-fifths of an inch, if the polyp has microscopic evidence of dangerous changes or if a person has three or more polyps, that individual is told to have a repeat colonoscopy in three years. Otherwise, if all is well, the next colonoscopy can be delayed for 10 years.

I don’t understand your insurer’s unwillingness to insure your colon, since the company is less likely to lose

money on you because you have been conscientious in having the examination and its follow-up. Perhaps a telephone call to the company can get it to change its decision.

If the company won’t budge, I’d still have the scope exam, even if the money has to come out of your own pocket.

The assurance that all is well is worth every penny.

The booklet on colon cancer explains this common condition in detail and its treatment. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 505W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What is a man to do for excessive back hair?

My husband is embarrassed to take our girls (7 and 9) to the town pool because of his hairy back, and he is very self-conscious on a beach as well.

I have offered to shave his back, but he’s worried that the hair will come back thicker. Any suggestions? — L.C. ANSWER: Yes. Shave your husband’s back for him. The hair won’t grow back thicker. That’s a fable some unknown person started way back when. It’s not true. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been getting a monthly B-12 shot for 20 some years. I don’t know why.

Are these shots necessary? — A.S. ANSWER: They’re necessary for people with pernicious anemia. Those people can’t absorb the vitamin.

Twenty-some years is too long to go without knowing the reason for your treatment. It’s time you asked your doctor why you’re getting the shots. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. © 2009 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Patterson Memorial Chapel 125 South Franklin Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-286-2200 Office

Save money. Live better Open 24 Hours 2301 Harper Rd. Corinth, Ms. 38834 662.287.3148

www.walmart.com

Whitfiled Nursing Home Privately Owned and Operated Providing Healthcare to the Community Since 1928

2101 E. Proper St. Corinth, MS 38834

(662)286-3331 Jennie Whitfield, NHA President/Sec

6

August 2022

The Community News Flash

TRAVEL

Tips for Travelers to Save Money and Stay Connected this Summer ring

After School Tuto

(c) Saklakova / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) After more than two years of pandemic-related restrictions, Americans are ready to break free and travel again.

According to Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report, more than two-thirds of Americans say they’re planning to “go big” on their next trip. But planning and budgeting for a trip can be stressful. With inflation rising, many people are watching their wallets more closely, so finding ways to save money and stay connected while traveling this summer is more important than ever.

Here are some of the latest travel tips to make your next getaway more affordable: • Book Flights Like a Pro: According to NerdWallet, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to travel when flying within the United States. NerdWallet also suggests booking domestic airline tickets one to three months in advance. The more flexible you can be with your desired timeframe, destination, and airport, the better. Be on the hunt for exclusive partnerships that offer travel discounts, like T-Mobile TRAVEL with Priceline, a new site with travel deals of up to 40% off hotels and select rental cars, available exclusively for TMobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers.

• Bring it, Don’t Buy it: If you’re looking to save a few dollars while traveling, bring your own snacks and reusable water bottle. Many airports have refillable water stations available. Having a designated travel charging kit in your luggage with charging cables for your smartwatch, phone, computer and more will save you the added and often inflated cost of buying on the go.

• Maximize Your Phone Plan Internationally: When traveling overseas, purchasing a local SIM for that designated country will save you roaming charges and fees. An international SIM card is another option for those traveling to multiple countries for short periods of time. Make sure to check with your wireless provider for what’s included in your plan. For example, T-Mobile customers get 5GB of free highspeed data each month with no international data-roaming charges, with up to 5G speeds where available, in more than 210 countries and destinations on the provider’s most popular plan, Magenta MAX, and on the Business Unlimited Ultimate plan.

• Road Trip Smarter: Even though gas prices are soaring, those with large families, pets and a love for singalongs often still prefer to travel the open road when vacationing. Finding the best gas prices is easy with apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru, which provide updated gas prices in your area. You can also save money at the pump leveraging other rewards programs, such as those offered by your phone provider. T-Mobile teamed up with Shell and the Fuel Rewards program to offer customers on qualifying plans an exclusive 25 cents off per gallon of gas this summer through the week of Labor Day via TMobile Tuesdays.

With the price of everything on the rise, you’ll want to tap into benefits and costcutting opportunities where you can to stretch your dollar further, and take the amazing vacation you’ve been planning for so long.

1102 S. Johns St. #A Corinth, MS 38834 (662)287-5200

Project Attention Center

August 2022

The Community News Flash

7

Relationships: What are they?

Nakesha Fleming, LMSW, PCAT, BC-TMH

Relationships… we are all a part of them. It can be family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, teammates, spouses, significant others, mentors, mentees, etc. The list could go on for a while. What are some words that come to mind when you think of the current relationships you are engaged in? Do the words fun, beneficial, and confidant comes to mind? Or do you resonate more with chaos, drama, and confusion?

What is a relationship? What does it mean to be a part of a relationship with others? Let's discuss this a little further in the therapeutic corner.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a relationship is the state of being related or interrelated. The root word for relationships is relate. Let's break this down even more. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines relate as showing or establishing a logical or causal connection between. Now think about all the relationships you are involved in.

Out of all those relationships, would you say you have a beneficial connection? Are you in a relationship with the person because of kinship, history, or obligation? These are questions to help define the relationship.

Have you ever called an individual a friend and they did not view you as a friend? That hurts, doesn't it? Also, how long have you allowed abusive (verbally, psychologically, emotionally, etc.) relationships to go on due to the other person being blood-related? An abusive relationship is not beneficial, and there should never be an obligation to a relationship because then it is no longer a relationship. You are probably thinking what do relationships got to do with MY mental health? I am glad you ask. It has everything to do.

The right relationship can give community, sisterhood, and brotherhood. It can cause potential to manifest, goals to become reality, and give space to be your true authentic self. On the other end of the spec-

trum, the wrong relationship can cause isolation, depression, losing yourself and possibly belongings, and possibly recovering from abuse.

The right relationship can open the right doors for property, business, and promotion. The wrong relationship can cause you to miss the train to destiny. Relationships are vital. They are like veins in our body because they can pathways to success or blockage to our rightful place.

Here is a list below that provides some description of a healthy and beneficial relationship. Check to see if your relationships have these: 1. Cooperation: Do you have people or a person who is working together with you? Or do you find yourself working alone?

2. Trust: Just like a foundation is important for the stability of a home so is trust in a relationship.

3. Accountability: Are you able to hold the people you are in relationships with responsible for their words or vows? Do they get mad when you do? Or do they change the behavior that is bothering or hurting you?

4. Safety: Do you feel safe in the relationships or are you afraid… to be yourself? Do you feel physically safe?

5. Honesty: The building blocks of trust is honesty. Is the people or person you are in a relationship with operating in integrity?

6. Support: Do the person or people you are involved in relationships with supporting your goals and dreams? Do they show up for you? Do they simply call to check on you?

These are just a few characteristics that I found to be important for relationships. You may have your own or want to add to the list. Please keep this list in mind as we continue to talk about… Relationships.

MED SYNC

PLAZA PACKS

Coordinates all of your medications into one monthly pickup

Prescriptions are refilled once a month in easy open pouches with clearly printed instructions

For questions or to enroll in one of these services, please call us today

8

August 2022

The Community News Flash

Fill up on good cooking at Big Mama’s Country Kitchen in Booneville

Jimmy Sorrell

Lorenza Sorrell and Anita White

By Lucy Weber If you find yourself in Booneville Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, look for the crowd under the tent outside 306 Martin Luther King Drive and order a plate filled with deliciousness.

“You’re not going to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes unless you want to socialize,” says Anita Denise White, owner, cook and dynamo behind Big Mama’s Country Kitchen, open since May 29.

This may be White’s first entry in the restaurant business, but she comes from a talented line of family cooks. Her grandmother Esther Lee Sorrell, the original Big Mama, was the head baker at Northeast Community College for years and her mother Mary Sorrell White was a cook at Northeast and at The Front Porch, a local favorite for years. White’s auntie Marie Hall also had a chef’s hand in teaching her to cook. Her dad Leroy White taught her his beloved cheesecake recipe.

“That’s where my cooking background comes from.”

Family plays an important role in the establishment and the growing success of Big Mama’s Country Kitchen, where soul food and fresh from the garden vegetables are always on the menu. Jimmy Sorrell, White’s uncle, is her business advisor. Her aunt Lorenza Sorell is her partner and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives are on hand taking orders, handing out the to-go plates and even appearing in videos promoting the restaurant.

On opening day, there were six different

generations of Big Mama’s family on hand, White said. “I come from a family of love and unity.”

White said she has always wanted to open a restaurant. She had her eye on the current location, located in the midst of five Booneville churches creating a ready market for Sunday take-out dinners, for a while.

As usual this year, White found herself dreading the approach of May, a month that reminds her of losses in her life. But on April 30, White felt the Lord directing her to call about the vacant building she desired for her restaurant. She got a positive answer that she could get the location and immediately started working. Her Uncle Jimmy helped with the paperwork and other legalities to get everything lined up.

“I wanted to take back May by getting the restaurant open,” she said. “I already knew what I wanted to cook. I’ve always loved to cook.”

White praises God, giving him all the glory for the restaurant going from an idea to being open for business in 29 days. She continues to ask God’s blessing every time she starts cooking. “In the middle of cooking and seasoning, I ask God to bless it all,” she said. “God is breathing on us every day.”

White brings the same cheerfulness and liveliness to her cooking as she did when she was captain of the cheer squad at Thrasher High School that won school spirit awards three years running at

Northeast cheerleading camp.

“My motto is if you like the food, tell everybody else and if you don’t, tell me and I’ll fix it,” White said.

Her food, though, is bringing in tons of compliments. “I always enjoy seeing other people enjoy my food,” White said.

Wednesdays are for hot plates packed with a variety of tasty meats and vegetables. Fridays bring fish baskets/plates,

chicken baked or fried or chicken and dressing and spaghetti dinners. Sundays are for soul food/country cooking wrapped up in traditional Sunday dinners. The menu is packed with one batch of greens or another, purple hull peas, black-eyed peas, stewed potatoes, pinto beans, baked chicken, fried chicken, chicken pot pie, turkey wings and other taste sensations before you even get to the dessert menu with specialties like homemade peach cobbler and more.

White sees the restaurant not only as a means to deliver good food at good prices but also as a ministry. “This is my passion.

It’s my dream. It’s my mission.”

The restaurant is open Sundays beginning at 12 so churchgoers can stop by after service to pick up lunch, Because of the timing, White said she and everybody working on Sunday always has time to attend their own church services before opening. “I know it’s all God’s doing,” she said.

The restaurant is open Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

August 2022

The Community News Flash

9

Williams' vision is for Aberdeen students to fly high

Major Allen Williams

By Lucy Weber Aberdeen High School is preparing to soar.

Major Allen Williams, who heads the Air Force JROTC program at the school, is developing an aerospace science academy that focuses on preparing high school students for a variety of careers in aviation, civilian or military. The state has similar programs at the community college level but this academy would be the first in Mississippi at the high school level.

"We are ready to begin officially," said Williams, who has been at Aberdeen High for four years after serving 25 years in the Air Force.

Williams said the school is ready to launch the program, which has the support of the Aberdeen mayor and community, in this school year but is waiting on the Mississippi Department of Education for final approval. If not for this upcoming term, then the academy will likely be in service for the 2023 year. "I am very confident that we will get this going in the next year."

The goal is to get more African American students to look to careers in the aviation/aerospace fields. The number of African Americans in the aerospace/aviation industry is low in all aspects, from pilots to other supporting jobs, Allen said.

This academy will give the students at Aberdeen High, which has a majority African American enrollment, the opportunity to enter an untapped career field.

"Less than 5 percent of pilots are African American, and less than 2 percent are African American females. Our students haven't seen a living, breathing commercial pilot who looks like them," he said.

The program could allow students to learn about all the different careers available and potentially allow them, through the school program, to earn a license as a private pilot or become a certified drone operation by graduation. The program will be taught as part of the JROTC curriculum for those students enrolled in that and a civilian track for those students who don't participate in JROTC. "We presented an overview of the program to the eighth graders earlier this year and a lot of the kids were interested," Williams said.

The JROTC curriculum already teaches aviation and aerospace history, the science of flight, and other related topics. The academy could expand that learning to include more aerospace sciences. The national Aircraft Owners Pilot Association (AOPA) has a curriculum for grades 9-12 that would cover the civilian side of the academy. Under the academy structure, students would continue to take the regular courses required for high school graduation.

"The only difference in the two programs are that my JROTC are in Air Force uniforms one day a week and the others are not," Williams said. "The academic curriculum will control all gates students need to get through."

"My ultimate vision, within the high school program, is to teach them to fly," he said, since FAA rules allow students of a certain age to get a private pilot license and at age 16 to earn a drone operators' license. Those who invest the time in the academy could have that extra potential to graduate with both a drone certificate and pilot license, he said.

This program would be a way for Aberdeen students to have a head start on their futures.

Williams said he believes the program will become the first in the state soon. "There's a real

light out there. All the planets are aligning."

The interest from students in aviation and aeronautics is out there.

Under Williams' leadership, interest in JROTC keeps rising. This past year, there were 52 students in the program at the high school, which has an enrollment of about 300, but in the upcoming year there will be 92 students. The JROTC program held its first aviation camp this summer for middle-school students "to cultivate more interest and to get them excited about JROTC," he said.

Williams was not a pilot in the Air Force but worked in intelligence where his work supported the military's aviation program. He joined the Air Force after high school and earned his college degree in the service. Williams's last assignment before retirement was teaching in the ROTC program at Tuskegee. It was there, he said, he realized the vision for getting African American students ready for a career in aeronautics and aviation.

"When I retired, my vision was to expose students to this because of the opportunities it represents," Williams said. "I've told everybody, when we prove this concept in Aberdeen, Mississippi, this could spread everywhere."

10

The Community News Flash

August 2022

New Research Sheds Light on How People Are Taking Civic Action (StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities.

“Civic Life Today: The State of Global Civic Engagement,” which was commissioned by Points of Light and designed and executed by INFLUENCE|SG, studied attitudes around civic engagement in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil.

“We believe that the most powerful force is the individual who has realized their power to make change happen. However, everyone can be more impactful when working together,” says Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change. “This report is intended to reveal ways to act effectively -- making it easier for individuals to find these opportunities and organizations to create them.”

The report also supports Points of Light’s Civic Circle, a framework that helps people understand that there are many ways to do good. The nine activities outlined by the Civic Circle are: 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. Whether you’re a business leader hoping to mobilize your employees, a nonprofit or NGO leader looking to connect individuals to your cause, or an individual wanting to support your community, the Civic Circle and these key report take-

(c) Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock

aways can help you get started: • Pandemic effects are universal: The same social issues and personal costs have been shared by people everywhere. At the country level, healthcare, education, and the environment/ climate demand attention. On a personal level, the health of others in the community is where the most impact has been felt, followed by individuals’ financial and mental health.

• Issues leading civic engagement: Education, the environment, and healthcare were the top issues respondents wanted their countries to support, with healthcare ranked the leading issue in the United States.

• How people prefer to take action: The most common Civic Circle actions taken by respondents were using one’s voice (influencing one’s network through social media, advocacy, or

other form of expression), listening and learning (learning about a cause or social issue), and volunteering (intentionally helping someone else). However, perceived barriers to civic engagement linger -- two of the top three reasons people cited for a lack of social issue involvement were financial in nature, reflecting the perception that being civically involved means donating money.

• Virtual volunteering is here to stay: Volunteerism has not only remained important, it’s on the rise, with 54% of global respondents saying, “I plan to volunteer more than I did before the pandemic.” Of those, the vast majority intend to do so primarily via virtual opportunities.

• Calls for corporate involvement: Individuals see companies as having an obligation to get involved. Indeed, a majority of respondents said they expect companies to address social challenges. At the same time, respondents are measuring a given company’s sincerity by the way it treats its employees.

To watch a webinar recently hosted by Points of light with INFLUENCE|SG to discuss the research findings in more detail and to download the report, visit pointsoflight.org/civic-engagement-research.

“At a time when the whole world is facing a common challenge, we’re excited to see people take action. According to this report, 80% of Americans took at least one civic action in a 30day period, up from 52% in May 2020. That statistic itself is amazing,” says Paquin. “If we hope to move forward together, it’s this positive energy that we must capture.”

August 2022

11

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH

Kids Zone

12

August 2022

The Community News Flash

Abundance of Squash Inspires Creativity My kitchen garden contains long, vibrant green vines containing beautiful, edible, yellow flowers. The blossoms precede an abundant crop of summer squash. Summer squash are members of the gourd family and include zucchini, cocozelle, yellow squash (crooked and straight) and pattypan, also called scalloped and scaloppini.

Summer squash is available yearround, but are best from May through July. They should be harvested when the rind is tender and the flesh is sweet.

To select the perfect summer squash at the grocery store, look for ones that are medium-sized, with shiny, unblemished, slightly tender rinds. The larger ones may be fibrous with hard rinds and seeds. The smaller ones may not have developed much flavor.

Summer squash is very fragile and

should be handled with care, as small punctures and drops of water will lead to decay. They should be stored in the vegetable bin of the refrigerator, unwashed and in a perforated plastic bag, for no more than three to five days. Wash the squash immediately before cooking.

Squash can be frozen, but it will be soft, making it more suitable for dishes like casseroles where crispness isn't important. To prepare squash for freezing, cut off both ends and cut it into cubes or slices. Blanch for 2 minutes in hot water. You also can freeze grated summer squash.

Summer squash is low in calories, but the nutrients are in the peel, so never peel summer squash. Squash is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2 and B6, calcium, zinc, niacin and protein.

Squash is deliciously versatile and can be prepared in casseroles, as croquettes, stir-fried, stuffed, baked, boiled

or as the "crust" for this recipe for Sneaky Squash Pizza.

SNEAKY SQUASH PIZZA This squash-based pizza "crust" tastes great and is good for you. The pumpkin puree in the tomato sauce provides a boost of beta-carotene and fiber.

You can add 2 or 3 ounces of sliced pepperoni, if desired, but this all-veggie version is delicious. Any leftover sauce can be used on pasta, refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for three months.

Squash Crust: 3 cups grated zucchini 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

3 Eggland's Best eggs, well-beaten 1/2 cup flour 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Sauce: 1 cup canned, unseasoned pumpkin puree 1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Topping: 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1. Generously oil a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Preheat oven to 450 F. Put grated zucchini in a colander and press out as much excess liquid as possible. You can also roll the grated zucchini tightly in a

clean dishtowel and twist it to wring out any excess water to ensure a crisper crust.

2. Put the zucchini in a mixing bowl. Add beaten eggs, flour, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Mix well and spread mixture evenly in baking pan. Bake in 450 F oven for 8 minutes.

3. Remove baking pan with zucchini crust from oven, and reduce temperature to 350 F. Using a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar and the ground nutmeg until well-combined. Spread sauce evenly over baked zucchini crust.

4. Combine onions and bell peppers and sprinkle vegetables over the sauce.

Arrange sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and Italian seasoning. Drizzle the cheeses with remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake at 350 F, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

August 2022

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• “Take a dry cloth to wipe out the canister that cornstarch comes in. You can use these canisters for your child’s crayons, or when there’s a group of children, everyone can have his or her own crayons. You also can use these canisters for erasers, pins, buttons, beads, etc. It’s the yellow canister with the blue top.” — D. in Virginia • “You can easily muffle the noise of a tabletop sewing machine by setting it on a scrap of carpet. If you use a slightly larger piece of carpet, it will give you a place to put your scissors and other tools without them sliding around. You can even use a corner for pins if you glue a little square of cork on the back of the carpet.” — J.J. in Florida • To use every last drop of toothpaste in the tube, do this: As your tube dwindles, squeeze from the bottom, then roll up the excess tube. Secure it with a rubber band, clip or clothespin.

• “When I last moved, I used packing peanuts for some items. When I was taking photo frames down from the walls, I removed the nail for each item, stuck it into a packing peanut and taped the peanut to the back of the frame. At the new location, there was no searching for nails to rehang the pictures — they were already at hand.” — M.S. in New Mexico • Go Green Tip: Love animals?

Adopt from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder or puppy mill. And be sure to spay or neuter your dog or cat. There are thousands of animals that, through no fault of their own, end up in shelters. Taking in (and taking care of) a stray or shelter animal reduces the environmental impact of uncared-for animals on the streets.

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.

• It was French playwright Albert Guinon who made the following sage observation: “When everyone is against you, it means that you are absolutely wrong — or absolutely right.”

• If you’re like the average man, you have roughly 15,000 whiskers on your face. (Yes, that pun was intended.)

• Several months ago, The Baltimore Sun reported this stranger-thanfiction true-crime story: A robber tried to use a sawed-off shotgun to hold up a man named Roland Scott.

Incensed, Scott wrestled the gun away from the would-be thief and ordered the man to hand over his own money and take off his clothes. After the robber complied, Scott started beating the man with the butt of the weapon.

During the beating, the shotgun went off, fatally shooting Scott in the stomach.

• That loose debris floating around up in space is actually traveling at about 44,000 miles per second.

• Every July 4 weekend, the town of Austin, Minn., hosts the SPAM Cookoff, featuring such delicacies as SPAM pizza, SPAM kabobs, SPAM Caesar salad, SPAM spring rolls, SPAM mousse, SPAM strudel and, yes, SPAM cheesecake.

• If you happen to live near railroad tracks, you probably aren’t too thrilled with all the noise. Look on the bright side, though: You probably have a better-than-average garden. It seems that the vibrations from passing trains help plants to thrive.

• During a portion of the 19th century, the country of Switzerland changed its capital every two years.

• What do President Andrew Jackson, inventor Guglielmo Marconi, composer Irving Berlin, author Beatrix Potter and outlaws Jesse James and Butch Cassidy have in common?

None of these famous personages had any formal schooling. *** Thought for the Day: “The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we have of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us.” — Quentin Crisp

Affordable self storage Store your stuff with us.

662-643-3658

13

August 2022

The Community News Flash

14

Six Earth-Friendly Tweaks You Can Make to Your Shopping Habits

(c) Ivan Nadaski / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Did you know that there are many sustainable tweaks you can make to the way you shop?

With major companies leading the charge, it’s easier than you might think. For example, Amazon cofounded and became the first signatory to The Climate Pledge in 2019.

Now, more than 300 companies have signed the Pledge and committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2040, working together and taking bold steps to decarbonize their businesses and fight climate change.

As part of the Pledge, Amazon is working to reduce carbon emissions across its own operations, from adding 100,000 electric delivery vehicles to its global delivery fleet and investing in renewable energy, to inventing machine learning algorithms to arrive at the best possible packaging choices for deliveries.

Here are six tips to shop more sustainably for yourself: 1. Browse wisely: When browsing Amazon, you can now shop from a selection of more than 300,000 products from more than 20,000 fanfavorite brands such as Honest Company, Columbia and Burt’s Bees designated as “Climate Pledge Friendly.” This ensures these products have one or more of 39 certifications that help protect the natural world. A new private brand, Amazon Aware, now features thoughtfullydesigned, affordable, everyday essentials across fashion, home and beauty made from materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biobased ingredients with certifications from the Climate Pledge Friendly program specific to product type.

2. Learn more about small brands: Brands, entrepreneurs and startups

are overcoming the challenges associated with launching new products.

Amazon Launchpad, which provides businesses with support, is sharing unique stories from brands with more sustainable products, including South Korean vegan skincare line, Melixir, as well as GOODSAM, SHANTI BAR, and White Leaf Provisions at Amazon.com/Launchpad.

3. Reuse: Discover and buy refurbished products that have been professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new. At Amazon Renewed, you can find great prices on pre-owned smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktops, and cameras, across top brands. Products are backed by a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

You can also look for items offered

by Amazon Warehouse to find quality pre-owned, used, and open-box items, all of which have passed a 20-point quality inspection and are backed by a 30-day return policy.

4. Donate: Shop at smile.amazon.com and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you.

Participating organizations include a wide range of environmental charities.

5. Don’t trash it, trade it in: Did you know you can trade in certain devices, cell phones and video games for an Amazon gift card? Through Amazon’s Trade-In program, the devices are either restored and resold, or recycled, ensuring a more sustainable way to dispose of devices.

6. Recycle: Learn how to recycle packaging in your community by visiting the Amazon Second Chance page at amazon.com/amsc.

Additionally, when your orders arrive, find details of how to recycle and dispose of packaging by clicking on the “Returns & Orders” section of your account. The website also features information on how to trade in and recycle products, and how to find open-box and refurbished devices.

For more sustainability stories and tips, visit amazon.com.

Your purchasing decisions matter and small steps can collectively make a difference.

Southern Peach Pork Chops

Chicken and Cheddar Quiche A delightful early-supper dish. It’s great either warm or cold.

1 Pillsbury refrigerated unbaked 9-inch pie crust 1 full cup (6 ounces) diced, cooked chicken breast 1 (8-ounce) can cut peas and carrots, rinsed and drained 1 (2.5-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Kraft reduced-fat Cheddar cheese 2 eggs or equivalent in egg substitute 1/4 cup Land O Lakes Fat Free Half and Half 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup Preheat oven to 350 F. Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and flute edges. Evenly sprinkle chicken, peas and carrots, mushrooms and Cheddar cheese into prepared pie crust. In a large bowl, beat eggs with a wire whisk until foamy. Stir in half and half and chicken soup. Pour egg mixture evenly over all. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until center is set. Place pie plate on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges.

HINT: If you don’t have leftovers, purchase a chunk of cooked chicken breast from your local deli.

• Each serving equals: 236 calories, 12g fat, 13g protein, 19g carbs, 409mg sodium, 115mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Meat, 1 Carb, 1 Fat; Carb Choices: 1.

Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 to signup for our FREE monthly newsletter.

All you pay is the shipping and handling. This is the ONLY national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss.

Juicy peaches hot off the grill are perfect with tender seared meat.

1 tablespoon curry powder 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch black pepper 1 clove garlic, crushed with garlic press 4 (about 5 ounces each) pork loin chops, 3/4-inch thick 4 large peaches, each cut in half 1/2 cup peach jam, substitute apricot jam or preserves Arugula, for garnish 1. In cup, stir curry powder, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, cinnamon, pepper and garlic.

2. With hands, rub both sides of pork chops with curry mixture.

3. Brush cut side of peach halves and 1 side of chops with some jam.

Place peaches, brushed side down, and chops, brushed side up, on grill over medium heat; cook 5 minutes.

4. Turn chops and peaches over and brush grilled side of chops with some jam; cook 5 minutes longer. Remove peaches from grill when browned and place on platter. Turn chops and brush with remaining jam; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer, until chops are browned on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside. Place chops on platter with peaches; garnish with arugula. Serves 4.

• Each serving: About 475 calories, 24g total fat (8g saturated), 23g protein, 42g carbohydrate, 58mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipe finder/.

1. GEOGRAPHY: What country claims Addis Ababa as its capital?

2. MUSIC: What is the real name of Irish rock ban U2’s lead singer Bono?

3. SCIENCE: Which famous scientist was known as “the Wizard of Menlo Park”?

4. MOVIES: What was the name of the fictional town that was the setting for “Back to the Future”?

5. SPACE: Who was the last astronaut to step on the moon?

6. ENTERTAINERS: What was the name of Michael Jackson’s pet chimpanzee?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the name for an animal that eats insects?

8. MEDICINE: Who produced the first vaccine for rabies?

9. TELEVISION: What was Andy Kaufman’s character named on the comedy series “Taxi”?

10. LITERARY: Who wrote the novel “The Bridge of San Luis Rey”?

Answers 1. Ethiopia 2. Paul Hewson 3. Thomas Edison 4. Hill Valley 5. Eugene Cernan 6. Bubbles 7. Insectivore 8. Louis Pasteur 9. Latka Gravas 10. Thornton Wilder

1. New York Yankees great Lou Gehrig set a record in 1936 for most home runs against one team (14) in a single season. Name the team.

2. When was the last time before 2008 that Ken Griffey Jr. was in a playoff game?

3. Who was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders when they went to Super Bowl II? 4. When was the first time a No. 2 men’s basketball seed was upset by a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament?

5. From 2003 through 2009, which two NHL teams have won the most playoff series (10 each)?

6. In 2009, Mark Martin, at age 50, became the third-oldest winner in NASCAR Cup history when he won a race in Arizona. Name the two older winners.

7. Earlier this year, Roger Federer became the sixth male tennis player to win a career grand slam. Name four of the other five to do it.

Answers 1. The Cleveland Indians.

2. It was 1997, when he was with Seattle.

3. John Rauch.

4. Richmond defeated Syracuse in 1991.

5. Detroit and Anaheim.

6. Harry Gant (52) and Morgan Shepherd (50).

7. Don Budge, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Andre Agassi.

August 2022

The Community News Flash

SENIOR LIVING

BUSINESS

7 Behavioral Health Tips for Older Adults

(c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Older adults experiencing a behavioral health issue such as anxiety or depression may be embarrassed and think they simply need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” but helping them seek help can empower them to live their best lives, according to experts.

“Everyone is different, but there are tools for better health, including therapy, medication and self-care,” said Dr. Lindsay EvansMitchell, medical director for behavioral health for Cigna Medicare Advantage.

Behavioral health disorders affect one in five adults over 55. Older men have the highest suicide rate of any age group or gender. Among men who are 75 and older, the suicide rate is 40.2 per 100,000 – almost triple the overall rate.

The most common behavioral health disorder in older adults is dementia, and its incidence is growing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Experts project that more than 9 million Americans 65 years or older will have dementia by 2030. Anxiety disorders and mood disorders are also common among older people.

Dealing with a behavioral health issue?

These self-care tips can help: 1. Find a Provider. “Cognitive disorders, such as dementia and mood disorders, often look the same,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said.

“Only a trained professional can make an accurate diagnosis.” For help finding a provider, reach out to your primary care physician or health plan, such as Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Also consider virtual therapy. It’s easy to schedule and offers the convenience of seeing a therapist without leaving home.

2. Nurture Yourself. Good nutrition feeds

15

the body and mind. If you have questions about nutrition for older adults, consult your physician or a registered dietitian.

Additionally, drink water throughout the day.

“Dehydration can worsen cognitive issues,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said.

3. Sleep Well. Like all adults, older people need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly.

Dr. Evans-Mitchell noted that older people’s tendency to go to bed early, wake up early, and nap throughout the day can disrupt healthy sleep cycles and limit rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, potentially contributing to behavioral health issues.

4. Exercise. Even moderate exercise can improve mental and physical health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans describes benefits such as improvements in brain health, better cognitive function, and reduced risk of anxiety and mood disorders.

People who exercise also tend to sleep better.

Having trouble getting started? Some Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness benefit, which can pay for a gym membership or provide at-home fitness tools.

5. Head Outside. Being outside has numerous benefits, including vitamin D absorption needed for cognitive health.

Additionally, research has shown that chemicals released from trees can stimulate brain functions. Don’t forget the sunscreen though, as skin cancer is most common in people older than 65.

6. Buddy Up. Papa, available through some Cigna Medicare Advantage plans, connects older adults and their families with “Papa Pals” for companionship and support.

“Papa Pals” can provide transportation, help with everyday tasks -- or simply be a friend, doing activities like watching movies or playing games.

7. Parent a Pet. Caring for pets generates positive emotions and can reduce anxiety.

Just petting a dog has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and pets provide a bond that can elevate two feelgood brain chemicals: oxytocin and dopamine. Dogs also encourage people to exercise outdoors.

“Behavioral health issues can be complex and confusing to navigate, but taking positive actions can be empowering,” Dr. EvansMitchell said. “It’s never too late to make a new start.”

An Unhappy Workforce Can Cost Money. How to Turn Things Around employees who say the recognition they receive at work is not authentic or equitable are actively looking or watching for new employment opportunities. Further, two in five employees say they are not receiving enough recognition from leaders at their organization -- only a few times a year at most -- when the bare minimum for positive impact is at least a few times a month.

Recognition of employees is not only useful for retention, it can assist with recruitment too, say analysts.

“In today’s competitive talent marketplace, the power of employee referrals cannot be understated.

Yet, only 28% of employees in this study strongly agree they would recommend their organization as a great place to work. Organizations that acknowledge employees through strong cultures of recognition can boost this figure to 68%,” says Ed O`Boyle, Gallup’s global practice leader. “When organizations celebrate employees’ successes and contributions, those employees pay it forward and become brand ambassadors.”

“Recognizing employees is a simple way organizations can demonstrate their commitment to their employees and inspire them to feel connected, confident and cared about, and in today’s climate, it’s no longer a nice-to-have program but rather a business imperative,” says Dr. Martin.

recognized are more likely to be (StatePoint) Amid the Great Resignation, the pandemic-era phe- engaged and feel loyal to their organization. nomenon of employees leaving “The data clearly shows that their jobs, new research studying employees in the United States, the when recognition is genuinely embedded in workplace culture, United Kingdom and Ireland are people feel its full impact -- they shedding light on how employers can retain their staff and keep them feel seen, valued and motivated to put in a little extra effort,” says Dr. happy.

Meisha-Ann Martin, senior director “Unleashing the Human of People Analytics and Research Element at Work: Transforming Workplaces Through Recognition,” at Workhuman.

Employee recognition doesn’t a new research report by Gallup just have an impact on work perand Workhuman, reveals that curformance though, it also has an rently, only about one-third of insulating effect that can help employees say their employer has shield employees from burnout and a formal recognition program, and support their overall wellbeing.

81% of senior leaders say recognition is not a major strategic priority More than 70% of employees who have good recognition experiences for their organization. at work rate their lives more posiIndustry experts define a culture of recognition at its most basic tively overall and are more likely to be “thriving” in their everyday level as one in which gratitude, lives compared to those who are praise and appreciation are freely not being fully recognized. given and regularly received in an But Dr. Martin advises compaauthentic and equitable way nies to consider how they go about throughout the organization. The recognizing their employees. The data suggests that not embracing study found that more than half of this ethos is a missed opportunity.

Indeed, Gallup’s analysis of the study data shows that an organization of 10,000 peoPaul E. Durr, Owner ple with an already 10530 Hwy 45 S. engaged workforce can save up to $16.1 milGuys, TN 38339 lion in turnover annu731-239-2728 fax: 731-239-2002 ally when they make recognition an imporwebsite: durrmonument.com email: durrmont@bellsouth.net tant part of their culQuality products Dependable service ture. What’s more, employees who feel

Durr Monument & Vault Co., Inc.

The Community News Flash

16

August 2022

5 Black Service Members Shaping Contemporary Military History

Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell, 1st Black female fighter pilot for the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force

(StatePoint) Black Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War, paving the way for Black service members today.

“It is also important we foster an inclusive environment across the USO (United Service Organizations). One consistent finding of our service member surveys is the diverse population we serve feels welcome, supported, and included when visiting the USO,” said J.D. Crouch II, USO CEO and president. “We should feel very proud of this but always stay attuned to improving the experience for them.”

The USO is sharing five stories of modern-day service members who are shaping contemporary military history.

1. Retired Lt. General Nadja West is no stranger to being a “first.” In 2013, West became the first Black female major general of the Army’s active component, as well as the Army Medicine’s first Black female twostar general. In 2015, she became the first Black surgeon general of the Army. Finally, in 2016, she became the first Black female lieutenant general and highest-ranking woman to graduate from West Point. With more than 20 years of experience, she’s proved herself a decisive leader, helping lead the Department of Defense (DOD) through crafting the response to the Ebola crisis, and managing an $11 billion budget and 130,000 healthcare workers when she

was commanding general of Medical Command.

2. Retired Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell made headlines when she became the first Black female fighter pilot for the Air Force. Throughout her school years, she set her sights on the sky. As a kindergartner, she wanted to be an astronaut, but soon shifted her focus from spaceships to jets.

Determined, she joined the Civil Air Patrol, worked at air shows, earned a private pilot’s license and earned a spot in the Air Force Academy. Although naysayers told her to have a back-up plan because they believed her goals were unrealistic, to Kimbrell, that wasn’t an option. In 1988, Kimbrell graduated from the Air Force Academy and earned her pilot wings the following year. She’s now a decorated Air Force veteran, having earned an Air Medal, an Aerial Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, just to name a few. With a full, successful military career behind her, Kimbrell shows no signs of slowing down. Today, she dedicates her days to help future officers at the Air Force Academy, where she teaches physical education and is the academy’s Director of Culture, Climate and Diversity.

3. The first-ever Black female plebe to attend and graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, Janie L. Mines first stepped onto campus in 1976. “The academy wasn’t ready for [women],” Mines said in an inter-

view with the DOD. “It just happened quickly, and it needed to be done. The academy considered itself to be a combat school, and [women] were not allowed to serve in combat. So, we were seen as taking up spots for good combat officers that were needed, because we ‘couldn’t do the job.’

Additionally, there was a general belief that as Black women … I would not be able to lead in what was at that time a white-male Navy.” Despite being accepted to other prestigious universities, Mines was determined to attend the Academy and answer the call to serve. “When the Academy contacted me and said I was going to be the only Black woman who would be admitted, I felt like it was something I had to do.” After graduation, Mines went on to become a lieutenant in the Navy Supply Corps and one of the first women to ever serve on a Navy ship.

Today, she mentors young midshipmen, is the author of “No Coincidences: Reflections of the First Black Female Graduate of the United States Naval Academy” and is a member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Service.

4. On January 21, 2021, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a near-unanimous vote to become the first Black defense secretary of the United States. A retired Army four-star general, he previously attended West Point and was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant. Austin served more than 40 years in the Army. He was the 33rd vice chief of staff of the branch and was the last commanding general of the U.S. Forces – Iraq Operation New Dawn. In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed him commander of United States Central Command, making Austin the first Black person to ever hold the position. In 2016, he retired from the military as a decorated and distinguished Army veteran with many honors, including a Silver Star and Humanitarian Service Medal. In the private sector, he served on several boards until President Joe Biden nominated him to be secre-

tary of defense in 2021 -- where he serves today.

5. Retired Col. Merryl Tengesdal is the first, and currently the only, Black woman to fly a U-2 spy plane, which is utilized for the Air Force’s high-altitude missions. After graduating from the University of New Haven, Tengesdal first served in the Navy flying helicopters. She went on to become an instructor pilot, training Navy and Air Force students at Joint Student Undergraduate Pilot Training. She transferred to the Air Force when her Naval obligation was complete. Though she describes being the first Black woman to fly a U-2 plane as “surreal,” she also says it’s a “blind spot.” “I try not to get caught up in being the only Black female. I just want to keep being inspirational and motivational for other people,” Tengesdal said. During training, Tengesdal’s instructors told her there would always be people who would say she was there because of her race and gender, and others who would say she shouldn’t be there because of those things. One instructor reminded her that she was incredibly talented and would keep proving to others that she belongs at the top – and soon enough, the critics wouldn’t have those excuses anymore. Today, she reflects on that conversation in instances of self-doubt. Tengesdal retired in 2017 and has had many adventures since, including being a contestant on “Tough as Nails,” a CBS reality show.

Diversity and inclusion are central to the USO’s values and mission. To learn more about the USO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion visit https://www.uso.org/diversity.