The Community News Flash

SOUP GIVEAWAY....PG 8

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Vol 20, No. 7 • December 2020

News You Can Use

Patterson: A life filled with flowers, hard work, jokes & song

By Lucy Weber Hattie Patterson’s advice for living a long life: “Stay busy and never give up.”

At 94, Patterson continues to live in her house in Corinth with her beloved flower bed by following her own motto. She keeps busy now by “raking leaves, picking up in my yard and enjoying my flowers.”

Other favorite things to do are work her number puzzles – “She works in those Sudoku puzzle books every day,” daughter Linda Alexander says -- and watch her Monday, Wednesday and Friday night wrestling shows, or “wrassling” as she calls them on television. “She remembers what time to watch,” Alexander said.

Born March 15, 1926, to parents Phillip and Emmie in Corinth, Patterson had six children, but three died as babies. Daughters Emma Crenshaw and Alexander live in Corinth and take

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Despite pandemic, 94-year-old praises Lord for family and faith

By Lucy Weber In 2020, Irene Pruitt overcame Covid and turned 94.

The Oak Grove resident didn’t realize she had picked up the virus until visiting the doctor after the fact. “I have had it. It was pretty bad,” she said. “But I’m feeling good now.”

Celebrating her birthday on Oct. 1, Mrs. Pruitt said this year, because of the ongoing pandemic, has meant fewer members of her family coming in and out of her house for visits and her beloved church, nearby Oak Grove Methodist, has been closed for services.

“I used to have lots of company, including nieces and nephews. I’m hoping for better at Christmas,” Mrs. Pruitt said. “I see PRUITT pg 4

Irene Pruitt

Family offers tribute to strong loving mother

Hattie Patterson

turns staying with Patterson in her house. Son Lee

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

POSTAL PATRON

Andrew Gaines lives in Richmond, Va. Her oldest granddaughter Deborah Gaines lives in Richard while grandchildren Varick Lambert, Jameila Lambert and Malik Alexander are nearby in Corinth. Patterson has a see PATTERSON pg 4

By Lucy Weber Birdie Earnest Patton’s family, friends and former students will treasure the “words of wisdom” she shared during her lifetime.

Sadly, Mrs. Patton recently passed away after a well-lived life at the age of 92. She will be missed by her family for her deep faith in the Lord, her love for her family and her strong belief in the value of education.

“Mom would always lead us in prayer before meals and end the evening with her Words of Wisdom moment, passing on to us what she’s learned in life., priceless moments and teachings for the younger family mem-

bers,” said Ramona McQueen, one of Mrs. Patton’s daughters. “She has armed each and every member of this family with the words of wisdom that strengthen us.

“I can recall one year after Mom’s premeal prayer that a great-grandson looked at Mom with tears in his eyes and said, ‘Great-Great (he calls her that even though she is his great-grandmother), that was a good prayer!”

Mrs. Patton lived her life on these words: see PATTON pg 4

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December 2020

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

The art of giving is all about creating an unconditional and sustainable abundance of love, peace, happiness, and contentment for others through gestures of kindness and generosity. If there was ever a time for giving, it is now. During this pandemic, the art of giving has been on full display as we watch cars waiting in long lines to receive boxes of food. The sight of these long lines of cars has left a lasting impression on my psyche.

The thought of having to watch people wait in line to receive food made me pay closer attention to the things that I take for granted, and in some cases, run out of. So, on my way to the store the other day, I noticed a man pouring gas in his car because he had run out of gas. I went to the store to purchase some paper towels and tissue and the store shelves were bare. They, too, had run out. I then stopped by a restaurant to purchase one of

The Gift That Keeps On Giving the new sandwiches that they were advertising. My expectations were hampered when a clerk came over the intercom and announced they had run out of that particular sandwich.

There are other times that a need to purchase arose. I needed to refill my prescriptions because I ran out of medicine for the month, and there have been times when my dirty clothes pile up on top of the washer because I failed to purchase laundry detergent when I ran out of it.

You might ask how the sight of watching long lines of people waiting in lines at the food bank correlates with running out other basic essentials. Well, running out things constitutes the need for that particular void to be filled and that’s where learning the art of giving comes into play. When we know the feeling of being without, we are more likely to give and fill others’ voids in life.

As soon as our children are old enough to count their own money, we teach them to divide it into thirds: a third for saving, a third for spending and a third for giving. Though dividing and saving are important, we don’t teach and stress enough to children the

importance of giving. All that most children master is the art of receiving. This pandemic and the time that we celebrate the greatest gift that mankind has ever received could be a perfect teachable moment to hone in on the art of giving.

And everybody has something to give. You can give your time, your energy, your love. It doesn’t necessarily have to cost money to be worth something. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 states, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

In Phillipians, Paul tells us that in our times of need and suffering, joy does not come from our problems being solved, but from knowing Christ loves us, and from the fact that our problems will be solved and our suffering will eventually end. Jesus has already given us everything we need.

The foundation of this world was based on the gift of giving, because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Having this as the framework reminds us in hard times that we may run out of food and

other basic essentials, but we will never run out of the love of Jesus the Christ, and His love is the gift

that keeps on giving.

Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard!

The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness.

May all these be yours at Christmas.

Durr Monument & Vault Co., Inc. Paul E. Durr, Owner

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Monthly Meditation The poor will always be with you, and you can help them any time you want to. But you will not always have me.

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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.

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Mark 14:7

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

Ann Frank

December 2020

DECEMBER 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.

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1. According to Deuteronomy, where did God's voice come from?

2. Who told Saul that obeying God's voice was more important than sacrificing animals?

3. Which Gospel mentions the voice of Rachel weeping for her children?

4. Who heard the voice of an angel ordering that a large tree be chopped down?

5. What book says that the divine voice sounds like a waterfall?

6. Who said, "Is that your voice, David my son"?

7. To which church did Jesus say, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him"?

8. What apostle addressed the Pentecost crowd in a loud voice?

9. Who cried out at the top of her voice when she saw Samuel raised from the dead?

10. At what event did a voice from heaven say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"?

11. What boy was sleeping near the ark of the covenant when he heard God's voice calling to him?

12. Where was Jesus when the divine voice said, "This is my beloved Son‌hear ye him?

13. What king heard the voice of God in the temple - although there was no temple at the time?

14. Who heard the voice of those who had been killed for proclaiming God's word?

15. Who heard God's voice after running away from Queen Jezebel?

16. Who screamed in a loud voice, asking Jesus not to punish him?

17. What king was told by Isaiah that the king of Assyria had raised his voice up against God? 18. What was the problem of the 10 men who called to Jesus in loud voices, begging him for mercy?

19. Who heard the "still, small voice" of God? 20. What criminal did the people of Jerusalem cry out for in a loud voice?

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

November Answers 1. A fig tree (Mark 11:12-14) 2. The fig's (Genesis 3:7) 3. The fig's (2 Kings 20:7) 4. The cherubim (I Kings 6:23) 5. Romans (11:17) 6. Ezekiel (27:15) 7. Midian (Exodus 3:2) 8. The third day (Genesis 1:9-13) 9. Almond blossoms (Exodus 25:33) 10. Cedarwood (Song of Soloman 3:9) 11. Proverbs (25:11) 12. Thorns (Matthews 13:7) 13. Bulrushes (Exodus 2:3) 14. Hyssop (John 19;29) 15. A reed (Mark 15:19) 16. Pods (Luke 15:16) 17. Lilies (I Kings 7:19) 18. A bruised reed (Isaiah 42:3) 19. The pomegranate's (Exodus 28:33) 20. Palm leaves (John 12:13)

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PATTERSON....from page 1 great-grandson Christopher Allen in Richmond.

“I told her to look at what she’s accomplished, to see her three living children become senior citizens,” Alexander said.

Alexander said growing up with Patterson as a mother was a very loving experience. Alexander says that her mother was strict, a statement that that Patterson strongly disagrees with. “You know we had to be in the house before the dark hit us in the book,” Alexander said to her mother, who laughed.

Patterson, who was divorced, worked hard at two to three jobs to provide for her children. “We knew what to do every day while she working out there for us,” Alexander said.

“She’s always been a hardworking woman.”

With a strong work ethic, Patterson made sure her children had one too.

“If we didn’t have a job to go to, she’d have us up at 7 each day. You didn’t live with Mama unless you

The Community News Flash

were jobbing a job,” Alexander said.

Patterson always was a practical joker. Her love of wrestling meant she would try the moves she saw on TV on her children when they were kids. “She still thinks she can do those now,” Alexander said. “She still loves to carry on.”

Patterson still loves to pull pranks. “Now, when I’m cooking breakfast for her, she’ll throw a towel at me trying to scare me,” Alexander said. “One day I went to the store and came home to find her lying on the floor. She said ‘It was just to get a reaction out of you.’”

Patterson doesn’t cook any more, but Alexander lovingly remembers her mother’s skills in the kitchen, especially homemade biscuits and her favorite dessert of butter rolls. “Mama was an excellent cook. I’d always run in and get the last biscuit with the most butter,” Alexander said.

Another of Patterson’s talents is singing. “She gets up in the morning with a hymn. This sister can sing.

There was always a request

PRUITT...from page 1 love to go to church every chance I get. I haven’t been in Lord knows when these days.”

Born in Tippah County in 1926, Mrs. Pruitt had a big family. She is the oldest one of her family, with a brother and sister still remaining. Her family moved to Alcorn County when she was a teenager, and she’s lived in the area since then. Growing up, Mrs. Pruitt said she had a lot of chores to help out the family. “I would have liked to play more than I did,” she said.

Growing up in the country, she remembers washing clothes on a washboard and chopping and picking cotton. “I came up the old timey way.”

for her to sing in church” and if St. Luke M.B. Church wasn’t closed due to the pandemic, there still would be requests for her singing, Alexander said.

Two years ago, Patterson had to give up her vegetable garden, although today her daughters can still catch her planting turnips in the yard.

The prized flower bed remains, though, and Patterson loves to go out to tend her flowers and working outdoors. “I may leave and come back to find her outside trimming her hedges. She might use a pair of scissors but she’s tending to those hedges,” Alexander said.

In March, right before the pandemic hit, her family and friends gathered to celebrate Patterson’s 94th birthday at the Catfish Cabin in Booneville.

“Everybody was together.

It all turned out wonderful and Mama enjoyed herself.”

Now, they’re all looking forward to the next birthday for No. 95. “We are so lucky to have her,” Alexander said.

She has one son and four daughters, and so many grand and great-grandchildren that “it’s hard to tell. I got a host. I haven’t counted them lately.”

As a mother, Mrs. Pruitt said she made sure all her children grew up going to church and loving the Lord. “I always wanted to do things right. I made them mind, and they couldn’t talk back. I tried to raise them the best I could.”

She sewed dresses for her daughters and “I pieced a lot of quilts,” Mrs. Pruitt said.

Cooking was never an entertaining task for her family. “I never liked to cook but I had to,” she said, adding that she enjoyed baking, making muffins and tea cakes. “There were so many of them to fill up my children.”

PATTON..from page 1 “Trust in God, Pray for Others and Never Give Up on your Dreams.”

A resident of Rienzi, Mrs. Patton was born in 1928 to Ressie and Deacon Willie Ed Earnest and was the oldest of three daughters. She married Roy Patton and they were blessed with seven children, two of whom are deceased. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Family always played an important role in Mrs. Patton’s life. Until Covid came along, the annual family tradition was to gather to celebrate Mrs. Patton’s birthday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. “Mom loved having all the kids visit simultaneously,” Mrs. McQueen said.

“We’re a competitive group and that’s a direct correlation to Mom’s tenacity and her ‘never give up’ motto,” Mrs. McQueen said, adding that Family Field Days and American Idol competitions at Christmas are special memories where their mother cheered them on.

“The memories will be cherished for life,” Mrs. McQueen said.

As her children were growing up, Mrs. Patton worked outside the home. “She mandated strict rules and guidelines for us to follow to help things flow smoothly at home and for our conduct outside the home,” her daughter said.

Education was always important to Mrs. Patton. “Ensuring that each of us obtained an education was at the top

Her joy in the kitchen was putting up foods for her family to enjoy later. “I love to can and to put food in jars. I like making jelly like apple and blackberry. I’d can whatever we raised like beans and peas and butterbeans. I loved to can whatever I could get.”

While she loves flowers, Mrs. Pruitt said she never kept a garden but her husband did. “We had flowers on the porch and I loved them in my yard.”

Mrs. Pruitt stays busy these days – picking up the house, washing and drying her clothes and “keeping up with my stories” on TV. Family visits are always a highlight, she said.

“I just thank the Lord for being here now.”

December 2020

of her list.”

During her life, Mrs. Patton shared treasured memories of her childhood with her family, including a relay while attending a one-room schoolhouse and the members of her community coming together to ensure children had a warm, safe place to learn.

That respect for education carried over to her adult years. She completed courses in Early Childhood Education from both Okolona and Rust College. Steered by her mentor, Edward S. Bishop, she accepted her initial role as a truant officer in the school system. She approached the role, with a goal of ensuring that parents and students understood the importance of pursuing an education.

Mrs. Patton retired while serving in her most cherished role at the John Street Day Care Center. Throughout her career, she believed in how smart little ones are if the people around them show them love and interact with them through the learning process. “She fondly recalled how she would allow the children to plant seeds, take responsibility for tasks, and practice the importance of sharing and showing kindness to each other,” Mrs. McQueen said.

Her family will remember Mrs. Patton as a strong, strong-willed , funny, caring and opinionated woman who had a great sense of humor and a strong faith in God. This story was written before the passing of Mrs. Birdie Patton.

December 2020

File of Life Can Save Lives Have you heard of the File of Life? I hadn’t, until a reader pointed it out to me. The File of Life can literally be a lifesaver in a medical emergency.

A File of Life is a card that contains your medical and contact information in case of an emergency where you can’t speak for yourself. The card comes with a red plastic pocket that attaches by magnet to the refrigerator door and lists your name, emergency contact information, any allergies, current medications and dosages, any general health problems and your insurance information.

If something happens and emergency help is required, valuable time can be lost while your hospital records are located or your contact person is found. Worse, you could inadvertently be given the wrong treatment — for example, a drug that you’re allergic to or an overdose of something you’re already taking — by those who are trying to save your life.

All across the country, towns and counties are handing out File of Life information and instructing emergency medical responders to look for it at your refrigerator door before they begin treating you. Some areas also use a front-door sticker to alert emergency personnel that you have a File of Life card.

Does your community use the File of Life? Check its Web site (www.folife.org) for more information. Besides the refrigerator file, there’s a miniature one for your wallet. Ask about the File of Life at the local senior center, or even call the Fire Department non-emergency number to ask.

If they’re not aware of this valuable source for emergency information, give them the phone number for File of Life: 1-800-814-1788. Many communities buy them and give the cards to seniors free of charge.

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

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The Community News Flash

Vaccine for Cervical Cancer Prevention DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Why isn’t the cervical cancer vaccine given to women in their 30s and 40s?

Also, please discuss Pap smears and the new and better Pap smear. Why is it better? — Anon.

ANSWER: Gardasil, the new vaccine for prevention of papillomavirus infection — the cause of cervical cancer — is not as likely to be effective in preventing cervical cancer in women already infected with the papillomavirus. It works best before exposure to the virus. Therefore, the principal target is younger women, between the ages of 9 and 26, with girls of 11 and 12 being the ones chosen to be the concentrated focus of immunization.

More studies are needed to ascertain the vaccine’s effectiveness in older women and in men.

Doctor George Papanicolaou deserves the credit for saving the lives of an uncountable number of women through his work in devising the Pap smear for detection of cervical cancer.

The standard Pap smear is still an excellent way to detect what was once a very common cancer. All women who have been sexually active for three years or who have turned 21 — whichever comes first — are strongly urged to begin having Pap smears.

The “new” Pap smear is a new technique in processing cells taken from the cervix. (The cervix is the necklike projection of the uterus; it juts into the vagina.) The technique is called liquid-based cytology, “cytology” being the microscopic study of cells. The

sample cervical cells are suspended in liquid and then spun in a centrifuge.

The cells collect at the bottom of the centrifuge tube and are more plentiful than cells put directly on a slide after obtaining them from the cervix. The sensitivity of this test — its ability to detect abnormal cervical cells — is increased over the standard test. That’s not to say that the standard test is not good or reliable.

The booklet on cervical cancer and Pap smears provides details on both subjects. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 1102W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. 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: My mom, 86, is fine in most respects, but she makes too much saliva. It drips out of her mouth when she eats.

She’s a very fastidious woman, and this bothers her to no end. She has to use a napkin after every bite. Is there a medicine that can turn off the flow? — C.N. ANSWER: First, find out if your mother is making too much saliva or if she’s having a swallowing problem.

Swallowing problems require a different solution.

Medicines can dry the mouth. They often have such unpleasant side effects that people don’t like to use them. The scopolamine skin patch can dry the mouth. It’s a prescription medicine, and the doctor has to judge whether it’s safe for her.

In extreme cases of too much saliva, an ear, nose and throat doctor can tie off some or many of the ducts that lead from the salivary glands to the mouth. *** 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. © 2007 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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The Community News Flash

December 2020

ECONOMY

The Way Forward for the U.S. Sports Industry

(c) Pixfly / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Athletic arenas, stadiums and even youth sports centers have shuttered their doors to large crowds amid COVID19, yielding a massive, growing revenue loss for a major American industry and contributing to thousands of layoffs nationwide.

However, analysts say a new scientific breakthrough could soon put an end to the extended timeout.

In addition to maskwearing and social distancing, ensuring that viruses can’t live on high-traffic surfaces is crucial to keeping in-person sports safe, particularly as new research shows SARS-CoV-2 can outlive influenza on surfaces by 10 days.

While conventional disinfectants can’t guarantee full coverage, and they leave surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination, a new product called SurfaceWise2 from biotechnology company Allied BioScience, is offering optimism that sports facilities could soon safely reopen to fans. Replacing the need for constant “COVID-style” deep cleans, it is the first and only surface coating approved by the EPA for continuous protection against COVID-19 with a

single application, making safety more reliable and more efficient. Only approved for use in Texas so far, the nation is still awaiting promised fasttracked approval for broader use in facilities like sports arenas, especially as the second wave of COVID-19 cases approaches just in time for flu season.

“In high-traffic arenas and sports facilities where contamination is persistent and pervasive, conventional cleaning methods, just don’t cut it,” says Daryl Johnston, senior sports advisor for Allied BioScience and FOX News NFL game analyst.

“To rebuild the $100 billion U.S. sports industry, the long-lasting, EPA-approved surface coating SurfaceWise2 is the most effective way to protect stadiums, locker rooms and training facilities, and keep players and fans safe.”

Beyond the novel coronavirus, SurfaceWise2 is also effective against the common cold and bacteria that plague sports facilities, including MRSA, streptococcus (strep throat), E. coli and fungi, as well as the influenza virus.

So how does SurfaceWise2 work differ-

ently than conventional cleaning? Compatible with virtually all surfaces, it’s applied via an electrostatic sprayer for efficient, complete and uniform treatment.

Droplets are small -- 900 times smaller than an average droplet -- and applied at a force of 75 times greater than gravity, causing a “wraparound effect,” and a natural force of attraction between the sprayed droplets and target surfaces.

Unlike conventional cleaning and disinfection, which leave surfaces vulnerable to recontamination immediately, once SurfaceWise2 is applied, its long-lasting antiviral coating physically breaks down the cells of bacteria and viruses that land on treated surfaces, effectively and continuously killing them without giving the bacteria a chance to mutate and build up resistance.

SurfaceWise2 has undergone rigorous review and carries the lowest toxicity rating by the EPA, ensuring it is very safe for humans.

Non-toxic, non-irritating, odorless and containing no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases, the solution can be used in all areas occupied by athletes, industry workers and fans, even in enclosed spaces. To learn more, visit www.surfacewise.com.

As scientists continue working on developing a viable vaccine, restoring the ability of businesses to operate safely will be key in tackling joblessness and revitalizing the economy in the meantime. When it comes to industries that rely on drawing a crowd, new science presents new hope.

700 Taylor Street

December 2020

The Community News Flash

The Importance of Managing Your Stress excellent, and it can also act as a helpful If you live with high amounts of stress, distraction from your daily conyou're placing your whole wellcerns. being in danger. Stress wreaks While you'll get the greatest havoc on your emotional stabenefit from frequently exerbility. It lowers your ability to cising for 30 minutes or think clearly, function effimore, it's okay to build up ciently, and take pleasure in your fitness level slowly. life. It might seem like there's Even extremely small activities nothing you can do about can add up over the course of a stress. The bills won't stop, day. there will certainly not be more Tip 4: Connect to others hours in the day, and your work There is not anything more and family duties will forever be calming than spending quality time demanding. But you have a lot more with another human being control than you may think. who makes you feel Good stress management secure and appreciated. In improves the hold stress may fact, face-to-face contact have on your life, so you triggers a flow of horcan be happier, be in good mones that reduces the health, and be more helpful. body's defensive "fight-orThe goal is a stable life, with flight" reaction. It's time for work, relationApril Bailey, Clinical Therapist nature's natural ships, relaxation, and stress reliever and it fun and the ability to also helps fight off depression and anxiety. hold up under pressure and meet chalWith Covid-19 on the rise, creating new lenges head on. Please keep in mind that ways to connect with others are being utistress management is not one-size-fits-all lized through video calls using Zoom, and that's why it's vital to try to find out google hangouts, WhatsApp to name a what works best for you. Here's a few few. stress management tips that can help you.

Do keep in mind that the people who Tip 1: Learn the causes of stress in you talk to don't have to be able to resolve your life your stress. They just need to be great lisStress management begins with recogteners. And try not to let fears about nizing the sources of stress in your life. appearing weak or being a burden keep This isn't as simple as it sounds. While it's you from opening up. The people who easy to recognize major stressors such as care about you will be pleased by your switching jobs, relocating, or going trust. It will only improve your bond. through a divorce, identifying the sources Tip 5: Learn to reduce stress in the of frequent stress can be more difficult. It's moment all too easy to ignore how your own When you're exhausted by your mornthoughts, feelings, and behaviors add to ing commute, caught in a stressful meeting your daily stress levels. at work, or hopeless from another arguTip 2: Manage your time better ment with your spouse, you want a way to Poor time management can produce a lot of stress. When you're stretched out too handle your stress levels right now. That's where immediate stress relief comes in. thin and running late, it's hard to remain The quickest way to decrease stress is calm and focused. Plus, you'll be enticed by taking a deep breath and using your to dodge or cut back on all the healthy things you ought to be doing to keep stress senses-what you see, hear, taste, smell, or in check, like socializing and getting plen- touch. You can quickly relax and concentrate on yourself by looking at a favorite ty of sleep. picture, smelling a certain scent, listening Tip 3: Get moving to your favorite song, tasting a piece of When you're stressed, the very last candy, or hugging a pet. Of course, not thing you possibly feel like doing is getting up and exercising. But physical activi- everybody reacts to each sensory experience in the same way. The key to quick ty is an enormous stress reliever, and you stress relief is to experiment and discover don't have to be an athlete or devote hours the special sensory experiences that work in a gym to feel the benefits. Exercise best for you. releases endorphins that make you feel

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The Community News Flash

December 2020

Make the holiday brighter for those in need by donating soup

By Lucy Weber Tis the season to help others.

A group of men in Corinth want to aid the elderly and those in need in the community this Christmas season through a food drive. Ron Harris, coordinator of the drive, said the group of about 20 or so men, ranging in age from their 20s to their 40s, saw the need and want to show their love for their community.

“We just want to help the community, the elderly and families having to go without,” he said. “We want to show our respect. We want to make the community safer.”

The immediate goal for December is to collect cans of soup and give it out.

Collection will continue through Dec. 12 and the give-away will be Dec. 19.

As a father, Harris said he and the others want the community to realize there are good people out there who want to help and change the community for the good.

“The other guys have the same mindset.”

The loosely organized group of friends, friends-of-friends and men who grew up

together in the community has reached out several times over past years to put a smile on people’s faces by giving back and helping. Before the coronavirus, the group would cook warm meals to give out in person, Harris said, but that isn’t possible now because of health safety precautions..

“A few years ago, we had an event at the park where we cooked food and had

bouncey houses for the kids,” he said, adding the men’s group held other activities at the park and other sites to give away food.. The men would hold raffles to raise money for funding the events and giveaways.

The group’s efforts dipped over time.

“We lost the fire and now we’re trying to build the fire back up,” Harris said. “We’re willing and want to see a change. We’ll figure it out.”

As part of their restart, the men held a Trunk or Trick for children in the community before Halloween 2020.

The group is working on a permanent name. For now, members refer to it as Community Stand Up.” Now, the group is asking those who can to donate cans of hearty, warm-giving soups, as many as they can, to help others this Christmas. The men will deliver to the

elderly and those without transportation to assure they get what they need.

To donate by Dec. 12 and to get on the list for food that will be delivered on Dec. 19, call or text Harris at 662-603-9294.

The group is available to pick up donations also if the donor will call.

The group is looking forward to the end of the pandemic so that members can increase their activities in the community.

There are a number of the men who want to share personal stories and motivational talks with youths about staying on the right path and out of trouble, Harris said.

“We want to let our voices be heard,” he said.

In 2021, the men’s group is eager to expand its community efforts. “Gradually, we’d like to work up and try to do a food give-away every month,” Harris said.

The Tree Angels

Left to Right:Kimberly Stafford, Mary Young, Angelia Holmes and Geneva Irons

There's an old saying that says, "Put your money where your mouth is." Well, a group of ladies from the Oak Grove Church in Biggersville does just that each Christmas.

Several years ago the ladies started talking about doing some type of project to help others and they came up with the idea to create gift baskets.

So, the ladies put their money together and start creating gift baskets for the senior citizens at their church.

2020 has been a bountiful year for cre-

ating gift baskets. The ladies have created thirty one gift baskets this year. Last year was the first year that they started creating baskets and they didn't create near that many baskets.

The loving gestures that these ladies give, bring warm smiles to the faces of the people who receive the baskets.

Under the leadership of their Pastor Elder Q. H. Whitlock Jr., these ladies plan to keep being the church that people need to see.

December 2020

The Community News Flash

9

How COVID-19 Has Changed the Way We Do Business Forever

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how business gets done. And when it comes to midsized and small businesses, the importance of investing in new technology, facilitating remote work and maintaining a tech-savvy workforce has never been so clear, according to a new survey.

Conducted by The Harris Poll for CIT Group Inc., a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers, the survey of leaders of U.S. middle-market and small businesses is designed to illuminate the intersection of technology and talent.

Compared to last year’s survey, significantly more leaders today believe continuous technological investment is a business requirement.

“The resiliency and flexibility that technology can deliver businesses has been convincingly proven by COVID-19,” says David Harnisch, president of CIT’s Commercial Finance division. “Business leaders have taken that lesson to heart and are focused on making technology a fundamental part of their ‘tomorrow thinking’.”

Most executives surveyed wish that they’d invested even more in technology over the past 12 months. In fact, more than three in four middle market executives believe investments in technology would have helped their company fare better during the pandemic. For small businesses, roughly half felt similarly.

However, there’s little question how important technology will be going forward, with the majority of respondents saying it’s crucial to future success.

Seemingly determined not to repeat the mistake of under-investing, the majority plan to invest as much or more in their business over the next 12 months as compared to the past year. Only 15% of small businesses say they may invest less this coming year, likely due to financial constraints resulting from the pandemic.

“Small businesses don’t always have the financial resources that larger enterprises often enjoy,” says Ken Martin, managing director of CIT’s Small Business Solutions group.

“When investments are imperative, borrowing or leasing may be the right

solution to acquiring the technology needed to remain competitive.”

When it comes to these upgrades, investments that make it easier for employees to work remotely are a clear priority. Over the next 12 months, 71% of middle market executives and 31% of small business leaders who plan to invest will spend on technology that facilitates remote work.

“It’s not just a matter of convenience. Businesses that empower employees to work remotely have a clear competitive advantage,” says Denise Menelly, CIT's executive vice president and head of Technology and Operations.

This is a trend that’s likely here to stay.

Approximately a quarter of small businesses operating remotely expect -- and want -- these changes to remain permanent after COVID-19 subsides, and about 40% of middle market executives expect the same, with some seeing it as a means to grow the company.

However, this digital transformation puts a premium on a tech-savvy workforce able to support customers and collaborate with colleagues remotely.

While many believe their current workforce has the skills to keep up, businesses are also substantially more likely than last year to say companies need to focus on hiring tech-savvy talent.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of uncertainty for small and midsized businesses, it has in many ways clarified what’s needed to remain successful in an evolving world.

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December 2020

The Community News Flash

Burdens of COVID Hit Hardest Among Marginalized Students (StatePoint) Students are the greatest hope for the future, but for many, their plans are threatened due to burdens posed

by COVID-19. Here are just a few of the issues students and families face today, and steps being taken to address these concerns: • The digital divide: Recent images of two Latino children doing their online schoolwork in a Silicon Valley restaurant parking lot calls attention to the deepening digital divide in the COVID-19 era. Nationwide, 16.9 million lack the home internet access necessary to support online learning. A phenomenon known as the “homework gap,” this issue disproportionately impacts students of color. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, one out of three Black, Latino, and Native American/Alaska Native households doesn’t have access to a home internet connection and one in six doesn’t have access to a computer or device.

• Housing insecurity: For students in the LGBTQ community, campus closures have sometimes meant the loss of in-school counseling and the support of like-minded, accepting peers. When “home” is an unwelcoming or even unsafe environment, students can be at a greater risk for depression, anxiety, abuse and homelessness.

• Educational barriers: Distance learning creates new educational hurdles. With parents taking on an unprecedented instructional role, language barriers for non-English speaking parents can prove significant, like for Asian and Latino immigrants. What’s more, certain programming for students

ing financially struggling students and families in a lurch.

Efforts to Help In the face of today’s many unprecedented challenges, help is on the way. New emergency grants are being provided by organizations like UNCF, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, APIA Scholars, Point Foundation for LBGTQ youth, American Indian Graduate Center, Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Scholarship America for military veterans and people with disabilities. Career sites like Zippia offer annual scholarship lists for students such as this curated list for LBGTQ college students: zippia.com.

Additionally, organizations like Wells Fargo recently completed their new Wells Fargo Student Impact Scholarship in September 2020 to help students impacted by COVID-19.

This initiative will provide 200 students with $5,000 each in funds, which could help them cover various costs for their instruction and potentially make the difference in being able to continue their education. Since 2010, Wells Fargo has provided more than $87.8 million across all higher education programs and sponsored events. For additional resources, visit the Beyond College Webinar Series for online training modules for students and recent graduates at collegesteps.wf.com.

While the hardships of the COVID-19 era can make it incredibly difficult to be academically successful or even continue school at all, new efforts are helping close the gap during this difficult time.

(c) Drazen Zigic / iStock via Getty Images Plus

with disabilities, including speech and physical therapy, can be tough, if not impossible, to provide virtually. Lastly, certain learning disabilities can make virtual lessons especially difficult to follow.

• Military family and school options: Continued access to quality education has always been a concern for military families, who often have no choice but to send their children to the nearest public school, whether it’s the right fit or not.

Today, this problem has grown in severity, as the level and quality of remote instruction can vary wildly among school districts.

• Lack of financial resources: Despite the economic disruption caused by the pandemic, colleges and universities are largely maintaining or increasing their tuition costs, leav-

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11

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH

Kids Zone

,

12

Stretching your budget to cover holiday gifts and deciding what to give are common problems at this time of year. Inexpensive ingredients from your local grocery store can solve both your budget and gift-giving dilemmas. Gifts from the kitchen provide a way to give from the heart.

Being fancy or elaborate isn't important -- being thoughtful is.

Here are some tips for giving food as a gift: --Avoid adding nuts or coconut to recipes for very young children or the elderly, as these ingredients could potentially create a choking hazard.

--If you know your recipient has diabetes or is working hard to maintain a healthy weight, don't tempt them with high-calorie treats. Opt for soup mixes or low-fat, wholegrain fruit breads.

--Consider the household. A sin-

December 2020

The Community News Flash

Gifts From the Grocery Store gle person or couple may really enjoy a small fruit basket, but would find a case of grapefruit overwhelming. Give items in proportion to household size.

--There often is an abundance of foods during the holidays, so think about a gift for the weeks ahead.

Coordinate a festive basket complete with the recipe and ingredients needed to prepare a special meal. Use a theme like Mexican, Italian or German.

--For friends or family members who have limited cooking skills, give a Meal of the Month certificate.

Pledge to prepare them a meal once per month. This would be a special gift for those who live alone or someone who finds cooking a challenge. Plan to share the gift of your time and enjoy the meal with them as well.

This recipe for Hearty Confetti Bean Soup Mix is an economical and nutritious gift from the kitchen.

Place the ingredients in a jar with a

ing contains 160 calories).

Remember, with a little imagination, your grocery store can provide you with numerous gift-giving solutions on a budget. Happy holidays!

HEARTY CONFETTI BEAN SOUP MIX

tight-fitting lid and place a festive ribbon on top or use holiday stamps or stickers to decorate a resealable plastic bag. Print a copy of the recipe on a card (you can write or print out a copy, cut it out and paste it on the back of an old Christmas card or a note card) and attach the recipe below with a ribbon. The delicious seasoning mix included with the bean mixture ensures that the soup will be both tasty and easy to make. The following recipe yields four gift jars or plastic bags of soup mix. This recipe will yield 8 to 12 servings of bean soup (a 1 cup serv-

1 pound dry black beans 1 pound dry Great Northern beans 1 pound dry red kidney beans 1 pound dry pinto beans 1 pound dry green split peas 4 (1 quart) jars with lids or resealable plastic bags 1. In large bowl, mix beans.

Spoon this mix into four 4-cup containers (1-quart jars or plastic zipper bags), placing about 3 rounded cups into each container.

2. Prepare seasoning bags.

4 (6-inch) squares plastic wrap or 4 re-sealable sandwich bags 12 beef bouillon cubes 3/4 cup dried chopped chives

4 teaspoons dried savory 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 8 bay leaves 1. On each square of plastic wrap or in each sandwich bag, place 3 beef-flavor bouillon cubes, 3 tablespoons dried chopped chives, 1 teaspoon dried savory, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 ground black pepper and 1 bay leaf. Gather plastic wrap up to form a pouch, and tie with string or ribbon or seal plastic bag.

2. Place one seasoning bag in each container of bean mix.

Provide the following recipe to gift recipients.

Prepare the Hearty Confetti Bean Soup at least three hours before serving to allow the flavors to combine: 1. Rinse beans from one container of Hearty Confetti Bean Soup mix with cold water and discard any stones, debris or shriveled beans. In

5-quart Dutch oven over high heat, heat beans and 9 cups water to boiling and for cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans.

2. Return beans to Dutch oven.

Add contents of seasoning bag from mix and 5 cups water. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low.

3. Cover and simmer 90 minutes or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Add 16 ounces stewed tomatoes with its liquid. Over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered 15 minutes longer, stirring to break up tomatoes.

4. Alternately to use a slow cooker, follow steps 1 and 2. Then, place beans and 16 ounces of stewed tomatoes in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or until beans are tender. Stir the beans and discard bay leaf before serving. Makes 8 to 12 servings.

December 2020

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• On sale in December: Candles, after-holiday sales on decorations and gift wrap. Also, smart shoppers are on the lookout for loss leaders — items that are marked below cost in order to get you into the store to buy higherpriced items. If you have the willpower, you can save a bunch of money in December.

• “Whenever I have overnight guests for the holidays, I get a lot of compliments on the small touches I make for them, such as a mini coffeemaker in the room, and a guest basket with toiletries and such. But the one thing that every single person raves about is the white-noise machine by the bed. It’s essential for me, and my guests just love it!” — Happy Hanukkah from Florida • “If you have a picture frame that just won’t stay straight, cut the eraser tip off a pencil and glue the flat (not the domed) side to the back of your frame at the bottom. Use one on either corner for stubborn frames. Then rehang. The erasers keep the frame from slipping to either side. It works great.”

— R.I. in California • “We make a large poster-board tracker for holiday events and appointments. We hang it on the inside of the front door. It’s basically a large monthly calendar, but it helps the whole family stay on the same page about our schedule, and having it right at the door forces us all to look at it many times a day.” — B.T. in Oregon • If you have a table that’s wobbly because of an uneven leg, and you are a wine drinker, you are in luck. Take one wine cork, cut it in small slices and glue the slices to the uneven leg until the table no longer wobbles.

Easy!

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.

• In Japan in 2000, a survey was conducted to determine what the Japanese people thought was their best invention of 20th century. With their history of technological innovation, you might think they would come up with something robotic, or perhaps one of the numerous Japanese cars that now cruise on roads all over the world. But you’d be wrong. The respondents decided that Japan’s best invention of the past 100 years was ramen noodles — and starving college students probably wouldn’t disagree. Runners-up in the survey were karaoke and the Sony Walkman.

• Our nation’s first president, George Washington, received an annual salary of $25,000.

• It was author Cecilia Bartholomew who made the following observation about the practice of her craft: “Writers have two main problems. One is writer’s block, when the words won’t come at all, and the other is logorrhea, when the words come so fast that they can hardly get in the wastebasket in time.”

• It’s been reported that country singer-songwriter Willie Nelson believes he’s had numerous previous lives, including at least one as a Native American.

• If you’re planning a trip to Seattle next summer, try to go in early July so you can catch the annual Milk Carton Derby. Yep, I said Milk Carton Derby.

Every year, participants design and build boats entirely out of milk cartons, then race them on Green Lake, competing for $10,000 in prizes.

• If you’ve ever worn a tuxedo, you know what a cummerbund is, but you probably don’t know the origin of the word. It comes from a Hindi word meaning “waistband.” *** Thought for the Day: “No matter how rich you become, how famous or powerful, when you die the size of your funeral will still pretty much depend on the weather.” — Michael Pritchard

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December 2020

The Community News Flash

14

New Research Highlights Cybersecurity Threats as Workforces Go Remote

(c) SeventyFour / iStock via Getty Images

(StatePoint) The business landscape changed significantly in 2020, and new research suggests that cyber criminals took note.

The latest threat intelligence from SonicWall Capture Labs, which reflects yearto-date findings through September 2020, shows that while overall malware volume declined for the third consecutive quarter, cybercriminals are increasingly using different means of attack.

“For most of us, 2020 has been the year where we’ve seen economies almost stop, morning commutes end and traditional offices disappear,” says SonicWall president and CEO, Bill Conner. “Unfortunately, the overnight emergence of virtual offices has given cybercriminals new attractive vectors to exploit.”

What do businesses need to know?

Consider these key findings from SonicWall: Malware Volume Dipping Global malware volume is steadily declining. In a year-over-year comparison through the third quarter, SonicWall researchers recorded a 39% drop worldwide. However, this doesn’t mean it’s going away. Conner warns this could represent a cyclical downturn that could shift course in short order. What’s more, malware authors and cybercriminals are still busy working to launch more sophisticated, targeted and diversified attacks.

Ransomware Erupts Ransomware attacks are making daily headlines as they wreak havoc on enterprises, municipalities, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. SonicWall researchers tracked a staggering 139% year-over-year increase in the U.S. A relatively young ransomware family, Ryuk in particular gained popularity in 2020.

Whereas there were just 5,123 recorded Ryuk attacks reported through the third quarter of

2019, there were 67.3 million through the third quarter of 2020. This represents one-third of all 2020 ransomware attacks.

“The increase of remote and mobile workforces appears to have increased the prevalence of Ryuk, resulting in financial losses and impacts on healthcare services,” says SonicWall vice president, Platform Architecture, Dmitriy Ayrapetov. “Ryuk is especially dangerous because it’s targeted, manual and often leveraged via a multi-stage attack preceded by Emotet and TrickBot malware. Therefore, if an organization has Ryuk, it’s a pretty good indication that it’s infested with several types of malware.”

So how can businesses protect against Ryuk? SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) with patent-pending RealTime Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI), protects against all Emotet, TrickBot and Ryuk ransomware variants.

IoT Threats Grow COVID-19 led to an unexpected flood of devices on networks, resulting in an increase of potential threats to companies fighting to remain operational. SonicWall Capture Labs found a 30% increase in IoT malware attacks worldwide.

Most IoT devices, like voice-activated smart devices and door chimes, were not designed to prioritize security, making them susceptible to attack and supplying perpetrators with numerous entry points.

“Employees once relied upon the safety that office networks provided, but the growth of remote and mobile workforces has extended distributed networks that serve both the house and home office,” says Conner. “Consumers need to consider whether devices like AC controls and baby monitors are safely deployed.

For optimum protection, professionals using home offices, especially those in the C-suite, should consider segmenting home networks.”

SonicWall threat intelligence data also concluded that cryptojacking, intrusion attempts and IoT maleware remain sources of opportunity for cybercriminals.

To learn more about the latest threats and solutions, visit www.sonicwall.com.

“Our findings show a relentless pursuit by cybercriminals to obtain what’s not rightfully theirs for monetary gain, economic dominance and global recognition,” says Conner. “As changing times require organizations to evolve, they’ll need seamless protection to address emerging cybersecurity threats.”

Christmas Fruit Drops

by Healthy Exchanges

Bacon and Potato Deluxe Looking for a dish to take to a holiday potluck. This one is sure to be a winner on any buffet.

1/4 cup chopped green onion 4 eggs, beaten, or equivalent in egg substitute 3 cups frozen loose-packed shredded hash brown potatoes 1/4 cup Oscar Mayer or Hormel Real Bacon Bits 3/4 cup shredded Kraft 2 Percent Milk Sharp Cheddar cheese 1/3 cup Land O Lakes Fat-Free Half & Half 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. Cook onion in a small skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray over medium heat until onion is tender, stirring often. In a large bowl, combine eggs, potatoes, bacon bits, Cheddar cheese, half and half and black pepper. Add onion. Mix well to combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is set. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes.

Divide into 6 servings.

HINT: Mr. Dell’s shredded potatoes work great, or raw shredded potatoes, rinsed and patted dry, may be used in place of frozen potatoes.

• Each serving equals: 208 calories, 12g fat, 11g protein, 14g carb., 241mg sodium, 156mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Meat, 1 Starch; Carb Choices: 1.

Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 for more information about its “common folk” healthy recipes.

The perfect holiday sweets for an old-fashioned swap with friends.

COOK: 10 minutes MAKES: 6 dozen cookies 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 large eggs 2 cups toasted rice cereal 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 1/2 cups red candied cherries, coarsely chopped 1/2 cups green candied cherries, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease large cookie sheet.

2. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in vanilla, then eggs, 1 at a time. At low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl. With spoon, stir in cereal, walnuts, cherries and 1 cup chocolate chips.

3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, 1 inch apart, onto cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 11 minutes or until golden. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

4. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips in small microwave-safebowl; heat in microwave on Medium (50 percent power) about 2 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring once. Stir until smooth. Place cookies on waxed paper; drizzle with melted chocolate. When chocolate is set, store cookies, with waxed paper between layers, in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week, or in freezer up to 3 months.

• Each serving: 100 calories, 6g total fat (2g saturated), 17 mg cholesterol,80 mg sodium, 12g carb., 1g protein.

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: By what other name are a cat’s whiskers known?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Where can the Acropolis be found?

3. HISTORY: What was the Intifada?

4. MEDICINE: What is scoliosis?

5. MUSIC: In what century did the Gregorian chant arise?

6. MOVIES: What was the name of Gary Cooper’s character in “High Noon”?

7. ANIMAL ENTERTAINERS: What kind of horse was Trigger, Roy Roger’s trusty steed?

8. SCIENCE: What metal is liquid at room temperature?

9. ANATOMY: Where is the medulla oblongata located?

10. LITERATURE: Who created the “Tom Swift” series of novels?

Answers 1. Vibrissae 2. Athens 3. Palestinian uprising of 1987 4. Curvature of the spine 5. Late ninth century 6. Will Kane 7. Golden palomino 8. Mercury 9. Lower part of the brain stem 10. Edward Stratemeyer

1. Who was the last Texas Ranger to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award?

2. Name the player who caught the most major-league games in 2007.

3. Entering 2007, who was the head coach the last time Alabama won the Southeastern Conference Championship in football?

4. When was the last time before 2006 that the NBA Finals featured two teams playing in the finals for the first time?

5. Three players each tallied their 600th career goal during the 2006-07 NHL season. Name them.

6. Name the final four men’s soccer teams in the 2006 World Cup. 7. How many gold medals did the U.S. win in boxing at the 2004 Olympics?

Answers 1. First baseman Mike Hargrove in 1974.

2. Russell Martin caught 145 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007.

3. Mike DuBose in 1999.

4. It was 1971, when the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Baltimore Bullets, 4-0.

5. Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic and Brendan Shanahan.

6. France, Germany, Italy and Portugal, with Italy the champion.

7. One — Andre Ward won the light heavyweight gold medal.

December 2020

The Community News Flash

15

HOLIDAY SEASON

FAMILY LIVING

Combatting the Serious Effects of 5 Tips for a Safer Digital Experience Digital Devices During COVID-19 This Holiday Shopping Season

(c) AntonioGuillem / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Screen time among children and teens has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the cold-weather months, when families are more likely to be spending free time indoors, it’s especially important that parents and caregivers set schedules to help ensure safe, healthy and balanced use of digital devices, according to experts.

“Digital devices and the internet have become absolutely necessary tools for kids, not only for school, but for connecting and socializing with friends. Unfortunately, these tools can often be used in unhealthy ways to fill a void left by the loss of many typical school-year routines,” says Michele Havner, director of marketing, OurPact, a screen time monitoring app for parents.

Research has consistently shown that more screen time is often accompanied by health and wellness challenges like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor sleep and reduced physical activity. Havner says that parents can help kids build healthier relationships with digital devices in the following ways: • Being good role models: Parents are in many cases relying on digital devices to work from home and may also be facing some of the same issues as their children, including boredom and isolation. However, they can serve as good digital role models by setting aside screen-free time for other activities, like art, cooking, music, exercise, crossword puzzles, reading and more.

• Avoiding being punitive: This extended situation has been stressful for parents and kids alike, so parents should try to take a compassionate approach to the situation.

When engaging children on screen use,

they can start the conversation on the right foot by acknowledging the many challenges and stressors that the “new normal” has created for young people. This is also a good time to check in about what exactly kids are doing online and whether the uptick in social media use has exposed them to negative content or cyberbullying.

• Setting schedules: Screen use before bed is associated with poor sleep due to the blue light emitted by digital devices, which can delay the release of sleep hormones. If possible, cap screen usage at least 30 minutes before bedtime. While many people like to keep devices on bedside tables, consider turning bedrooms into screen-free zones.

• Making it happen: Devices have become so important to children, they may not realize the negative effects they are having on their health, making getting kids to actually put down devices often easier said than done. In fact, kids will often defy verbal limitations and warnings.

Fortunately, parents can get a little outside assistance in making rules stick. One solution is OurPact, a screen monitoring app that allows parents to set online schedules.

Using the app, parents can limit app access automatically for recurring activities like school or bedtime, and can block or grant internet access on a child’s device. They can even view screenshots of kids’ digital activity, helping them swiftly address usage issues like unsafe content and cyberbullying. To learn more or download, visit OurPact.com.

While the new normal has meant an unavoidable uptick in screen time, parents can help kids strike a healthy balance.

(c) Melpomenem / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Online holiday shopping is booming this year, as more consumers avoid brick-and-mortar stores in an effort to socially distance.

According to a national consumer survey

by Experian, 62 percent of shoppers will buy from the comfort of their computers. But with many worried about being a victim of identity theft and fraud, it may not be such a jolly experience.

In fact, 57 percent of those surveyed feel there’s a greater risk this year of identity theft because of COVID-19, while 18 percent of survey respondents have already been affected by a coronavirus-related scam.

However, even though consumers are concerned about identity theft, only 49 percent of those surveyed shop on protected internet connections and only 47 percent check if the websites are secure.

“With increased online traffic occurring, the holidays are always a ripe period for cybercriminals. However, this year is even more attractive for hackers,” says Michael Bruemmer, Experian vice president of Consumer Protection. “Consumers need to make sure they’re following good security practices to keep their information and financial accounts safe and retailers should be vigilant so that shoppers have a positive customer experience.”

For a safer digital experience this holiday shopping season, consumers should consider the following tips: 1. Don’t use public Wi-Fi: Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept data and steal sensitive information.

Consumers should only enter credit card

information or other sensitive data on their phones or computers from home or on a private network, or use a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection.

2. Consider identity theft monitoring: A product like Experian IdentityWorks helps monitor financial accounts and credit reports to identify possible fraud, such as a credit card account being opened in one’s name.

Offering fraud resolution support and realtime alerts, comprehensive identity theft monitoring can save consumers valuable time when it matters most.

3. Change passwords: With a password manager, consumers can create strong passwords for online accounts, and change them regularly.

4. Use secure websites: Consumers should only shop on websites they are familiar with and that have a URL that starts with “https” rather than “http.” Https indicates the website has a secured connection, making it much harder to hack.

5. Don’t use a debit card: Credit cards offer much more protection for online purchases than debit cards. If fraud occurs, the money is not gone from an associated checking account and a claim can be filed with their card issuer.

Additional survey data can be found by visiting experian.com/blogs. For more tips to protect against identity theft, visit the Ask Experian blog at experian.com/education.

While scams abound this time of year and this holiday season is presenting additional security threats, being proactive can help put a stop to cybercriminals and hackers.

16

December 2020

The Community News Flash

SAFETY

How to Select Safe Toys for Kids This Holiday Season

(c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Children look forward to opening their holiday presents all year.

However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate.

To help you make savvy selections, PlaySafe.org from The Toy Association, the premier site for toy safety information, is offering the following guidance: • Avoid shady sellers: This time of year can be especially costly, making it tempting to shop around. However, that low priced toy may not actually be “a good deal.”

“U.S. toy safety laws are considered the gold standard.

Before reaching your home, a toy is subjected to over 100 different safety standards and tests and must be certified compliant by an independent testing laboratory,” says Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “The cheap imitations and counterfeits available online from illicit sellers haven’t met these same safety standards.”

A recent survey commissioned by The Toy Association of U.S. parents who are their

household’s primary toy purchaser revealed that 71 percent of parents whose kids get holiday gifts from grandparents who shop online aren’t completely confident that their elders know how to ensure that toys are from verified sellers. In the same survey, 19 percent of parents report that their child has received a knock-off toy that was bought online.

Parents should talk to gift purchasers about sticking with verified sellers. This includes buying directly from brand websites or by following provided links to official retailers selling a brand’s products. For those who do choose to shop through lesser-known online sellers, checking out reviews and a product’s legitimacy before making a purchase is essential.

• Follow age recommendations: Playing with toys above a child’s age grade can lead to misuse and possible injury.

However, 26 percent of parents in The Toy Association survey report that their kid has received a toy which was meant for kids who were older. Pay special attention to age grading on product labels and encourage family members who are also toy shop-

ping to do the same. These are not merely suggestions, they’re firm recommendations made by safety experts based on childhood developmental stages. Find this information on labels and in product descriptions. If it’s not available, that’s a red flag and could mean the toy is illicit.

• Pay attention to toys labeled 3+: Toys labeled 3+ may contain small parts that can be a choking hazard for children under 3 or kids who still mouth toys. While these items often make great gifts for older kids, they should be stowed away after playtime to keep younger siblings safe.

Not sure if a toy is small enough to be hazardous?

Consider getting a Small Parts Tester to test toys and other small household objects.

• Monitor playtime: Kids find ways to play with things that are not toys, including objects that can be very dangerous if accidentally swallowed. The holiday season may introduce new curiosities to the house (e.g. batteries, high-powered magnets, decorations, medications from visiting family members). On the other hand, there is a federal law that requires batteries in toys to be kept inaccessible, thanks to the use of a locking mechanism. Keep dangerous, non-toy items out-of-reach and monitor children during playtime.

For additional toy safety information, tips and resources, visit PlaySafe.org.

“Don’t let your child unwrap a potential safety hazard this holiday season,” says Lawrence. “By shopping smart you can ensure safe play.”