The Community News Flash

MERRY CHRISTMAS

GILMORE JR....PG 8

December 25th

Vol 23, No. 8 • December 2023

News You Can Use

662-643-6842

read.newsflash@gmail.com

Library of Love Melissa Shumpert sells books and crafts, but gives away prayer and comfort

By Galen Holley Community News Flash Melissa Shumpert’s love of books is tremendous, but her love of the Lord is even greater.

“In the midst of everything I was going through, I never forgot how much I enjoyed reading, and I felt an unction of the Holy Spirit to open a bookstore,” said Shumpert, owner of Alpha and Omega Thrift Bookshop and Boutique in Tupelo. Her shop is a cornucopia of spiritual reading as well as a remarkably cute and eclectic repository for bags, small home decor, and items that, for very modest prices, put smiles on customers’ faces and perhaps a word of encouragement in their hearts. The space is sparse yet tastefully appointed, with several pub style tall tables and chairs sitting atop a polished concrete floor. The windows are draped with airy purple curtains that bespeak tranquility.

Shumpert moved from Oxford to Tupelo. She went through a terrible divorce and said that, in the midst of her pain and struggles, she felt strongly that God was prompting her to follow what had long been a personal aspiration. The COVID pandemic also served as a catalyst in helping her arrive at her decision to go into business, Shumpert said.

“Many churches weren’t holding public services, and people were shut-in and afraid, and I felt that a calm, peaceful space where people could come, have a cup of coffee, a little snack, read, and maybe pray, would be nice.” said Shumpert.

“It seemed like a strange time to start a new endeavor like this, but the Lord was helping me formulate a business plan, and He impressed upon me that I should follow His urging.”

Thanks to her years of avid reading, Shumpert already had a substantial cache of spiritual books, some 300 or so. That was a good nucleus from which to start. She needed a building, and the Lord provided yet again.

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

Melissa Shumpert

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“This person said they had a space, and that they felt a divine prompting to hold it for someone,” said Shumpert. She opened her shop on June 3, 2022.

Most of Shumpert’s merchandise is imprinted with inspi-

rational phrases, or is at least is in some way associated with the spiritual life. She saved space for quirky, more secular items as well. On the store’s Facebook page, one bag read “A great teacher is hard to find and impossible to forget,” and another read “Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here.” The diverse array of books included works on everything from prayer and spiritual encouragement, like titles from Joel Osteen, to the dangers of the occult and spiritual warfare, like Redeeming the Bloodline by Hrvoje Sirvona. A study guide to C.S. Lewis’s classic fictional work The Screwtape Letters stood out as an ode to classical literature, and The Great Azusa Street Revival: The Life and Sermons of William Seymour was a recounting of a seminal event in the history of black churches in America.

Shumpert wants her shop to be a soothing respite from the stress of everyday life, she said. “Sometimes people might come in with heaviness on their hearts, and I want them to feel welcome,” said Shumpert. “The Holy Spirit may even lead us to pray together.”

One of those who find peace and a meaningful, engaging environment at Alpha and Omega is Shumpert’s daughter, Melody. She was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and it's been hard for her to find employment in an understanding, non threatening atmosphere, Shumpert said. Melody is a regular staple at the bookshop and helps keep things shipshape, Shumpert said. She would like to explore the possibility of hiring more special needs persons, Shumpert added. In addition, Shumpert’s husband, Mario, is the store manager, and daughter Hannah and son Jason also help out.

“We think of this as more than just a bookstore,” said Shumpert. “We want people to feel at home here. It’s a great space for meetings, or to just relax.” Shumpert paused, and seemed a bit emotional, and then said, “All things are possible through God.” Alpha and Omega Thrift Bookshop and Boutique is located at 3192 Tupelo Commons (behind the Malco Theater and near Buffalo Wild Wings). The hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., as well as Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed on Monday. Shumpert holds a Bible study on Saturday at 4 p.m All are welcome.

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

Editor’s Corner Embracing Evolution: A Journey of Self-Love with the Revised Edition of Jerry W. Porter

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

In the vast tapestry of human existence, the journey of self-discovery and self-love is often marked by twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. It's a journey that demands courage, introspection, and a willingness to embrace change. I have embarked on this transformative odyssey and my revised edition is nothing short of a masterpiece—a testament to the power of self-love and personal evolution.

My journey is one that resonates with many of us. The revised edition of myself is a reflection of the profound changes I have undergone, not just externally but within the depths of his soul. It's a narrative that speaks to the universal truth that life is a continuous process of growth, learning, and redefining oneself.

The beauty of my revised edition lies not only in the physical transformations that I have embraced but also in the metamorphosis of my mindset, values, and outlook on life. In a world that often demands conformity, my journey is a rebellious celebration of authenticity and self-expression.

It's a declaration that we have the power to redefine ourselves, transcending societal expectations and discovering the true essence of our being.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my revised edition is the courage he exhibits in sharing my vulnerabilities and insecurities. In a society that often glorifies perfection and masks imperfections, my openness is a breath of fresh air. I invite others into the intimate spaces of his struggles, which allows them to connect with the human experience on a deeper level.

My revised edition is a love letter to resilience. It reminds us that setbacks, failures, and challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones towards personal growth.

My journey exemplifies the idea that our past does not define us; rather, it shapes us into the individuals we are meant to become. It's an inspiration for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of self-discovery, assuring them that it's never too late to embrace change and fall in love with the person they are becoming.

My story is also a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The revised edition of myself is a mosaic of experiences, cultures, and influences that have shaped me. It

underscores the richness that comes from embracing and respecting the diversity within and around us. In a world that often grapples with division, my journey serves as a reminder that love and acceptance can bridge even the widest gaps. I try to bridge the gaps each month in my newspaper.

As we delve into the pages of my revised edition, we are not just witnessing a personal transformation; we are also confronted with a mirror reflecting our own potential for growth. My journey challenges us to question the narratives we tell ourselves, the limitations we impose, and the fears that hold us back. It urges us to embrace change, to rewrite our stories, and to fall in love with the evolving masterpiece that is our own life.

God did not give us a spirit of fear.

My revised edition is a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by cynicism and despair. It reminds us that, amidst the chaos, we have the power to cultivate inner peace and serenity. My journey encourages us to find joy in the little victories, to savor the journey, and to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

In a society that bombards us with images of unattainable perfection, my revised edition teaches us the true meaning of self-love. It's

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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not about conforming to external standards but about embracing our uniqueness, flaws, and all. My journey invites us to look beyond the superficial and discover the profound beauty that lies in authenticity.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our lives, let my revised edition be a guiding light— a reminder that self-love is not a destination but an ongoing process.

It encourages us to be kinder to ourselves, to celebrate our victories, and to be patient with our flaws. My story is a testament to the fact that the journey of self-love is a lifelong endeavor, and each chapter, no matter how challenging,

contributes to the masterpiece that is our true selves.

I wrap this month’s editorial up by saying that my life has been a symphony of self-discovery, resilience, and love. It echoes the universal truth that our journey is unique, and there is beauty in embracing the revisions and evolutions that come our way. Let my story be an anthem for self-love, a call to celebrate the masterpiece that is you in all your revised and evolving glory. I hope that you will find a new version of yourself as you unwrap the presents under the Christmas tree. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

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Monthly Meditation "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Proverbs 16:3

Notable Quote We work on ourselves in order to help others, but also we help others in order to work on ourselves.

Pema Chodron

December 2023

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The Community News Flash

DECEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA

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

1. Who set up a commemorative stone after the Israelites covenanted to serve the Lord?

2. Which of Paul's epistles speaks about a "spiritual rock" that was Christ?

3. Who rolled the stone across the tomb when Jesus was buried?

4. Who spoke of a rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone?

5. What friend of Jesus had a stone rolled over the front of his tomb?

6. Who rolled a stone from off a well so the Laban's flocks could be watered?

7. Who sealed up five Amorite chieftains in a cave by rolling large stones across the entrance?

8. Who was thrown into a den of wild animals that was sealed with a stone?

9. Who brought costly stones for the foundation of the temple in Jerusalem?

10. Whom did Jesus tell that the stones would cry out if the people were silenced?

11. Who set up a commemorative pillar of stone at Paddan-Aram?

12. Who struck a rock and brought water from it?

13. Who prophesied that there would not be one stone of the temple that would not be thrown down?

14. Who picked up 12 souvenir stones from the dry path across the Jordan River?

15. Who had a garment with two onyx stones engraved with the names of the children of Israel?

16. Who wrote on tablets of stone for Moses?

17. Who had a breastplate with 12 precious stones in it?

18. What precious jewel is mentioned by Jesus in a parable about the kingdom?

19. What city is decorated with 12 precious stones?

20. What did Jesus say should not be cast before swine?

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

609 N Fillmore Street Corinth, Mississippi

www.aiming4hf.org Healthy Relationships Matter!

November Answers 1. Manna (Exodus 16:31) 2. White (Revelation 2:17) 3. Laodicea (Revelation 3:18) 4. White (Revelation 4:4) 5. Saul (2 Samuel 1:24) 6. Red (Numbers 19:2) 7. Scarlet (Genesis 38:28) 8. Job (30:30) 9. Blue, red, and purple (Exodus 28:33) 10. The scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:27) 11. Ananias the high priest (Acts 23:3) 12. Edom (Esau's other name) (Genesis 25:30) 13. Blue (Numbers 15:38) 14. The Red Sea (Exodus 13:18) 15. Red (Exodus 25:5) 16. White (Revelation 19:11) 17. Red (Deuteronomy 32:14) 18. Moabites (2 Kings 3:22) 19. Job;s (16:16) 20. White (Revelation 6:2)

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

Christmas Price Index Through the Years (StatePoint) The good old days – when a gallon of gas was only $1.13 and a performance by 10 leaping lords could be purchased for just more than $2,900. The year was 1984 and those Lords-a-Leaping, along with the other 11 gifts from the popular holiday carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” were making their debut in the inaugural PNC Christmas Price Index (CPI).

Dating back to the late 1700s, the carol’s early verses deviate very little from the version of the song known today. Though one factor has changed dramatically: the price tag for True Love’s annual holiday shopping binge.

For 40 years, PNC Bank has been calculating what it would cost to buy all the gifts in the song as part of the CPI. The first CPI was created by a PNC predecessor bank as a whimsical holiday feature for a weekly business newsletter. Then, as now, the index was intended as a lighthearted comparison to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Over the years, the index has risen and fallen with the economy and consumer sentiment. When it launched, the total cost to buy all 12 gifts was $20,023.57. In 2023, that cost has ballooned to $46,729.86.

How it’s calculated Rebekah McCahan, a vice president with PNC’s investment strategy team, has been responsible for calculating the CPI for 38 of its 40 years. She uses a variety of sources, including national bird suppliers, a hatchery and waterfowl farm, and a national pet store chain. A nursery provides the pear tree price; a jeweler assists

The cost of 12 Drummers Drumming has risen significantly in the past 40 years.

with the five gold rings; and a Philadelphia-based dance company provides the price of the ladies dancing.

As to be expected, there have been several interesting data points throughout the years: • $4.14 - The price difference of the Seven Swans-aSwimming since 1984. Every gift in the index has risen in price, but one of the most expensive is also the least changed. The swans debuted at $13,120.86 in 1984 and are priced at $13,125 in 2023.

• $2,400 - Dollar for dollar, the four entertainment industry gifts (Ladies, Lords, Pipers and Drummers) have seen the biggest price increases and are most responsible for the CPI’s growth over the years. Each of these gifts has grown by at least $2,400 from their debut in 1984.

• 8 – The number of times the Four Calling Birds have changed prices in the history of the index. Ever a model of consistency, the birds pricing remained the same for 17 years before their first modest increase.

They last experienced an increase in 2013.

• 233% – The percentage price increase of the Three French Hens in 2010 — the largest one-year percentage increase for a single gift in the index’s history. They jumped from $45 in 2009 to $150 the following year.

• 2003 – The year the CPI experienced its biggest jump in total price. The index grew by 18.4% that year due to significant price increases for the calling birds, swans, pipers and drummers.

• 2020 - The year of the single biggest percentage drop in the index (58.5%), and the lowest overall price of the index (only $16,168.14). The 2020 CPI did not include any of the entertainment-related gifts, due to pandemic restrictions on in-person performances.

More than just numbers “I never imagined the CPI would have had the staying power that it has proven over the years,” McCahan said.

“I don’t know what the next 40 years will bring, but I do know this is something I have enjoyed being part of.

Why Advocates Say That Fentanyl Deaths Are Preventable (StatePoint) The overwhelming majority of opioid overdose deaths are due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Here’s what physicians at the American Medical Association (AMA) want you to know as the drug overdose and death epidemic continues to devastate communities nationwide: • Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable, chronic disease: Two-thirds of U.S. adults say either they or a family member have been addicted to alcohol or drugs, experienced homelessness due to addiction, or experienced a drug overdose leading to an emergency room visit, hospitalization or death, according to a KFF Tracking Poll. “Despite their prevalence, drug use disorders are the most stigmatized health conditions worldwide, impacting treatment and policy, and even individuals’ willingness to seek treatment,” says Bobby Mukkamala, MD, chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force.

• Prescriptions are down, overdoses are up: The 2022 AMA Overdose Epidemic Report shows a 46.4% decrease in opioid prescribing nationwide in the past decade, in large part due to physician efforts to ensure appropriate prescribing, but also state laws and health insurer and pharmacy policies that deny opioid therapy to patients, even those that need it. Nevertheless, the

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nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic continues to worsen. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in the 12-month period that ended in February 2023, more than 105,000 people died from fatal overdoses that were primarily driven by synthetic opioids, like illicit fentanyl.

• Deaths are preventable: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicates that nearly 40% of all overdose deaths occur with a bystander present. For this reason, increasing the availability of opioid-related overdose-reversal medications will save lives. Thanks to

advocacy from the AMA and other public health leaders, the FDA approved the first-ever over-the-counter naloxone product, and now pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations are able to sell this safe, effective treatment. The AMA is urging retailers to price the medication responsibly and stock naloxone in prominent places. The AMA continues to urge health insurance companies to cover opioid overdose reversal medications at low- or no-cost.

• Preparation saves lives: Consider having naloxone or another overdose reversal medication on hand in case you witness someone overdosing. If you come across someone slumped over and showing signs of possible overdose, an overdose reversal medication is as easy to use as inserting it into the person’s nose and depressing the plunger. Don’t hesitate -- whether they’ve taken fentanyl or not, there’s no downside to giving naloxone when an overdose is suspected.

• Young people are dying: Among 14-18-year-olds, overdose deaths increased 94% from 2019 to 2020 and 20% from 2020 to 2021, according to the CDC. Physicians urge parents to talk to their children about alcohol, drugs and other substances.

“Making opioid overdose reversal medications widely available in educational settings can save young lives,”

says Dr. Mukkamala.

The AMA urges schools and universities to stock the medications and let students know it’s available if necessary.

• Treatment works: Opioid use disorder is a treatable, chronic disease that can help individuals lead long, productive lives.

“Having an opioid use disorder requires medical help just like any other chronic disease,” says Dr. Mukkamala, who advises checking with your primary care provider if you have concerns or questions about how to get help.

You also will need to talk with your insurance provider about coverage requirements and restrictions, which continue to be a barrier for many with an OUD. • Risk can be reduced: If you receive opioid therapy or have an acute injury, talk with your physicians about the expected level of pain and optimal strategies for pain control. Safely and securely store your medications and remove unused and unwanted opioids and other medications from your home.

“We have to be honest that in order to truly reverse the overdose epidemic, much more work will need to be done to reduce stigmas and increase access to life-saving drugs,” says Dr. Mukkamala. “There is a way forward, and it requires a cooperative effort from all of us.”

December 2023

Vibration Therapy for Bone Loss Vibration therapy is said to address a number of ills: prevent varicose veins, break up cellulite, rev up the lymph system and reduce knee and leg pain. The big benefit, however, is that it’s possible for vibration therapy to address the problem of bone loss.

Here’s how vibration therapy is thought to work: The machine platform that one sits or stands on vibrates at 30-90 cycles per second, the same rate as muscles in the human body.

The vibrations in essence mimic the body and do what the body isn’t doing anymore — creating bone, in this case.

The studies are numerous and come from all over the globe.

In China, a 24-week study in postmenopausal women show an increase in the bone and mineral density of the hip.

In Belgium, researchers compared vibration therapy with regular resistance training, and the vibration therapy showed that strength increased.

In Florida, a study concluded that whole-body vibrations “improve quality of life, walk, balance and motor capacity in elderly patients.”

Even NASA has gotten into the act with LIV, or Low Intensity Vibration. With astronauts spending long periods of time in space with no real way to exercise, bone loss has been a serious concern. Via various contraptions, NASA has been able to let astronauts work out, but the results haven’t been satisfactory when it comes to bone loss. Enter vibration therapy, and a way for astronauts to maintain bone strength while in space.

I found some of these alleged machines for sale online. This is one item that needs a doctor’s advice, though, as a vibration level that’s too high can be very dangerous.

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.

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The Community News Flash

Delay in Treatment of TIA Is Dangerous DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’ve just hung up the phone after talking to my doctor. He has me scared out of my wits. This morning while reading the newspaper, I couldn’t hold it up. My right arm became weak.

In about five minutes, everything returned to normal. I thought I had better call the doctor to see if this was serious.

The doctor thinks I had a ministroke and wants me to have someone take me to the hospital ASAP. I told him I was fine. He said that doesn’t matter. I thought I would drop you a line for your opinion. I trust your judgment. What should I do? — T.R. ANSWER: I hope you listened to your doctor. You should do exactly what he told you. You have an emergency on your hands. You most likely had a TIA — a transient ischemic attack — a ministroke. Investigation should be taking place as soon as possible — immediately. A part of your brain lost its blood supply for a short time. Even a brief occurrence like the one you describe can cause permanent brain damage. Worse, it is often the foreboding of a complete stroke.

You have to be checked for a blockage in one of your carotid arteries, the large neck arteries that deliver blood to the brain. You have to be examined for a clot in other body locations like the heart. Pieces of those clots can break loose and be carried to a brain artery, where they stop the flow of blood permanently. Atrial fibrillation, a common heartbeat disturbance, is often responsible for such clots.

Numbness, weakness or both of a hand, arm, leg, side of the face or tongue can be a sign of a TIA. Trouble expressing oneself is another sign. So are disturbances of vision. None lasts long, but they are quite significant and serious warnings.

I don’t have important background information on you. I am counting on your good sense to get you to the hospital quickly.

The booklet on stroke, one of our most feared illnesses, covers the topic in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 902W, 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 grandparents never took vitamins and never talked about them. They both lived into their late 90s. Everyone I know takes vitamins, including me. Why? — C.N. ANSWER: Vitamins are nutrients essential to body health and body chemistry. They’re needed only in minute amounts. No vitamin is made by the body except for vitamin D. We must get them from foods. Although the body does make vitamin D, many older people and quite a few younger ones are deficient in this vitamin.

Your grandparents got their vitamins from eating a well-balanced diet. We could do the same.

Vitamin-taking is a new wrinkle in human history. It does assure people that they’re getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins. Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not, but most do not get their daily dose of all vitamins through foods. *** 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 32853-6475. © 2010 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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The Community News Flash

MONEY

How to Score a Financial Touchdown this Football Season

(c) Cunaplus_M.Faba / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) If you’re like many football fans, your love of the game comes at a cost.

A recent national survey by Experian found that fans are planning to spend an average of $743 this season on football-related expenses, with 29% of respondents saying they will spend more than $1,000.

Beyond the cost of tickets, tailgates and game-streaming services, some football fans are willing to put their money on the line in more serious ways, too. In fact, 1 in 5 professional football fans would take on more than $5,000 of debt if it meant their team won the Big Game this season.

“Cheering on your favorite team or planning for life’s big moments doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of public education and advocacy at Experian. “Taking a financial timeout to review your finances and budget can help you get the most out of your money.”

Whether you’re a devoted fan or a casual viewer, you can score a financial touchdown during football season and beyond by following these game-changing financial pointers: 1. Pay bills on time. Don’t fumble bill payments. Your bill payment history is an important factor in calculating your credit score. Even one late or missed payment can have a negative impact, whereas making payments on time can bolster your credit score for years to come.

2. Leverage tools. Look into financial products that help your money work for you.

For example, the new Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account & Debit Card embeds Experian Boost to allow you to contribute payments for eligible bills such as utilities, residential rent and telecommunications to your Experian credit file to potentially increase your credit scores.

3. Keep your credit utilization rate low.

Your credit utilization rate is the amount of credit you're currently using divided by the total amount of credit you have available.

Credit scoring models generally interpret a low credit utilization rate as an indication that you’re doing a good job of managing credit and keeping spending in check.

4. Build a budget. A budget is a spending playbook that can help you practice responsible financial habits and live within your means. It needn’t require too much detail.

Simply categorizing spending into a few overall buckets will do the trick.

5. Frequently check your credit.

Monitoring your credit score and credit reports can help you identify changes and course-correct if necessary. It’s recommended to check these regularly, especially before you plan to open new lines of credit or make a big purchase.

For more information, visit experian.com/smartmoney.

Don’t get financially sidelined. By reviewing your credit and budget and by leveraging helpful resources, you can survive the season with your wallet intact.

December 2023

December 2023

The Community News Flash

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What to Look for When You Need a Law Firm

(c) Kerkez / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Attorney Rebecca Coeleman-Phipps and Attorney Camp Pittman 605 Taylor St. Corinth, MS. 38834 (662) 286-9211

(StatePoint) Let’s face it, no person or business gets a thrill out of hiring a law firm. Fortunately, peer-reviewed rankings have simplified the process.

Best Lawyers, which has been tracking trends and innovations in the legal industry for more than four decades, serves as a trusted resource for identifying what it takes to be a preeminent law firm in the United States. Their recently released 14th annual rankings of Best Law Firms, found at bestlawfirms.com, provides keen insight, not only into the most successful law firms, but also the key factors to keep an eye out for when going through the reliably trying task of retaining counsel.

Here is some of Best Lawyers’ advice: 1. Does the firm use the latest technology?

Right now, even the legal profession is abuzz about generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) tools. With its ability to parse information more quickly, gen AI offers the immediate potential to automate routine tasks such as research; summarizing long, complex content; and writing first drafts of simple documents such as NDAs. All of which can save both time and money.

And smart firms are closely watching regulations and any risks that this new technology may bring, all while using it for the benefit of the firm and its clients.

2. What do other legal experts think about the way they do business?

There are better options available than just word of mouth when choosing legal

representation. After all, hiring a law firm isn’t like choosing which novel to download next. Through Best Laywers’ research process, a firm’s performance is assessed by its peers, ultimately helping consumers make better-informed decisions.

Why is this important? At its heart, a robust peer-review process like Best Lawyers’ asks legal professionals to answer this key question: “If you had a legal issue and could not represent yourself, what firm would you hire?” This peer-review method is critical, and offers a straightforward way to help identify the most trusted firms.

3. Does the law firm embrace diversity?

Today’s leading law firms know that to be successful, the makeup of their staff should represent the communities they serve. Inclusion is a necessary element of well-rounded representation because a team with different backgrounds and experiences will bring diverse points of view to solving clients’ unique and complex challenges.

Fortunately, in recent years there has been an uptick in law firm diversity. In 2023, 21.6% of attorneys were members of traditionally underrepresented ethnic groups, according to an American Lawyer survey. That’s up more than 20% from the same survey just three years prior.

As a consumer, consider asking a law firm about its diversity track record. In fact, the best law firms will not only expect the question but welcome it.

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

Hometown values shape the character of a Coast Guard officer: Phillip Gilmore, Jr. said respect and service structure his life

By Galen Holley Community News Flash Petty Officer Second Class Phillip Gilmore, Jr. (E-5)(PO2), loves serving his country and his fellow man, and his calling has taken him to the United States Coast Guard.

Gilmore (Yeoman)(YN2) said that the values he learned growing up in Corinth formed him into the man he is today, and those are the values he hopes to pass along to others.

“It makes me proud to see young men dressed in that uniform being respectful, and I’m honored to be part of their success,” said Gilmore, 36, who serves at the Memphis Military Entrance Processing Station, where he's worked since 2021.

Before that, Gilmore served in a similar role at the Coast Guard Recruiting Office Hampton Roads, in Chesapeake, VA.

Phillip Gilmore, Jr.

Gilmore played a little basketball at Corinth High School, but he felt called to serve his country from an early age.

“I found a home in the military, a place to develop my character and skills and to help develop those in others,” said Gilmore, who lives with his two boys, Jaidyn, 9, and Jaish, 6. Being a single father is quite a challenge, Gilmore said.

“I’m a proud, single father and in raising my boys, I remain dedicated to upholding the Coast Guard Core Values through selfless service and strong military bearing,” said Gilmore. (Gilmore also has another son, three-year old Ezra, who does not live with him.)

After he graduated high school, Gilmore worked for Caterpillar. “I liked the work, and enjoyed my coworkers,” said Gilmore, but he still felt as though he might be on a different path. Before long he was off to Cape Mae, New Jersey for basic training. Cape May is the fifth largest base in the Coast Guard, and the only ascension point for the entire enlisted workforce. The Coast Guard considers the training center the birthplace of the enlisted corps, and the CG’s hometown.

Gilmore spent eight weeks at Cape Mae in basic.

Gilmore’s subsequent education included specialties in search and rescue, maritime law-enforcement, and anti-terrorism, among others. He went on to serve on the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing (2015, Fort Mason North Carolina) on the Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island (2014-15, Fort Mason) and the Coast Guard Cutter Block Island (2014, Fort Mason).

Mason said that perhaps the most rewarding aspect of his work is playing an important part in shaping young lives, a challenge not unlike his role as a father.

“I’m proud of the work that I do, and I’ve trained well for it,” said Gilmore.

“I”ve been fortunate in my personal life to be a father, as well as to be a somewhat fatherly figure to those I serve.”

Look for more "Where Are They Now" features.

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December 2023

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Embracing Dietary Diversity at Your Holiday Table: A Flavorful Feast for All (StatePoint) The holidays, a time for gratitude and celebration, can be particularly challenging for those living with dietary restrictions.

A recent national survey commissioned by Amy’s Kitchen and conducted by Atomik Research showed that more than 32% of households live with someone with a dietary restriction.

Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free or plantbased diet, or feeding someone who does, there’s no need to miss out on the joy of a flavorful holiday feast. With a little guidance, you can not only survive the holiday season but truly savor it without sacrificing holiday classics.

Explore these holiday-inspired recipes that cater to various dietary preferences from the culinary team at Amy’s Kitchen, a brand known for its dedication to inclusivity and accommodating a variety of dietary lifestyles.

Green Bean Casserole For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, traditional green bean casserole can be a nogo. Amy’s Kitchen offers a delightful gluten-free option that is even better than the original.

Ingredients: • 1 medium-sized onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick • Extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 can Amy’s Mushroom Bisque with Porcini • 1 teaspoon cornstarch • 2 cups green beans, frozen • 1 cup wax beans, frozen • 1 cup prepared gluten-free stuffing • 1/2 cup chopped almonds Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Roast onion slices on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt and pepper for 15 minutes at 425 degrees F. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. In a

saucepan over medium heat, whisk Amy’s Mushroom Bisque with Porcini and cornstarch until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Combine green beans, wax beans and mushroom soup mixture in a bowl, season and mix.

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish or cast iron skillet. Top with 1 cup of prepared, glutenfree stuffing, mixed with chopped almonds and roasted onions.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until

bubbling at the edges and the topping is golden.

Lentil Shepard’s Pie with an Amy’s Kitchen Twist Shepherd’s pie is a classic holiday favorite, and this redesigned modern version is vegan and gluten free.

Ingredients: • 1 can Amy’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup • 2 cups sprouted lentils, cooked • 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cooked with skin on • 1/2 cup almond milk • 2 teaspoons vegan butter • 1/2 cup leeks, shaved • 1/2 cup Brussels sprouts, shaved • 2 tablespoons olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Warm one can of Amy’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup with sprouted lentils in a saucepan

over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. In a separate pan, mash potatoes with almond milk and vegan butter, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté leeks and Brussels sprouts in olive oil until slightly crispy, seasoning with salt and pepper. Layer soup mixture at the bottom of a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and finish with sautéed leeks and Brussels sprouts. Bake for 5-7 minutes and serve immediately.

Amy’s Kitchen offers a wide array of holiday recipes to help you create a delicious, inclusive and memorable celebration. Find more holiday-inspired dishes and ideas at: amys.com/eatingwell/recipes.

While accommodating dietary restrictions and lifestyles can seem tricky, easy tweaks on classic recipes means you can host your holiday feast without sacrificing taste and tradition.

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

How to Support Early Readers at Home (StatePoint) Recent data indicate that over 60% of fourth graders in the United States are reading below grade level, with performance particularly low due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. The good news? Learning experts say that the trend is reversible. One key factor is to make sure that young children have a strong foundation in early language skills when they begin kindergarten. Here are a few tools and ideas for supporting the literacy journey at home and on-the-go: Make Reading Playful Interactive learning tools can go beyond drills and practice and make learning fun while building confidence and independence. The LeapStart Learning Success Bundle system, for example, features touch-and-talk pages that work on key skills like phonics, vocabulary, counting and problem solving. The attached smart stylus is designed for young kids’ hands and a carrying handle makes on-the-go reading adventures possible. The system comes with an interactive storybook based on the popular animated series, Go! Go! Cory Carson, and an activity book that

introduces early skills like letters, numbers and more. Sold separately is an expansive library of compatible books covering preschool through first grade subjects.

“Tapping to hear words sounded out helps children gain independent reading skills and an understanding of how print works,” says Dr. Clement Chau, vice president of learning at LeapFrog. “Getting kids excited about reading through play helps set the stage for reading success before kids even learn how to spell words.”

When teaching children to read, one technique that teachers like to use is to slide a finger below each word in a sentence as it is read aloud. This helps young children connect spoken words with words on a page. Slide-to-Read ABC Flash Cards are double-sided cards that fit into a screen-free tablet with special sensors so kids can explore letters, words and colorful pictures with the touch of a finger. Kids can even slide their fingers below the printed sentences to hear each word read aloud, just like how a teacher might do it in a classroom.

A strong foundation for reading starts with knowing the letters and letter sounds.

One toy that introduces these essential skills is Mr. Pencil’s Scribble, Write & Read. Using the included stylus, kids can trace dotted lines to write numbers, lowercase letters and uppercase letters. In addition to finding letters to build words, kids can slide Mr. Pencil across the screen to sound out new words, or free-draw anything they can imagine to inspire their creativity.

“By practicing stroke order and hearing

letter sounds aloud, children will begin to map letters to the sounds they represent,” says Chau.

Story Time One other simple way to build reading fundamentals is by making your child a card-carrying member of the library. Most public library systems have dedicated children’s librarians who run programming and events designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages, while developing a lifelong love of reading. In addition to programs such as seasonal reading challenges and story time, some branches also provide free homework help and host events for kids covering everything from STEM topics to music and art. Be sure to check out books with every visit!

Dr. Chau also recommends checking in with your child’s teacher periodically to assess their progress in school and to learn how you can support your child at home.

“A lot of what it takes to prepare your child for future reading success can be supplemented outside the classroom, particularly with recommendations from the teacher,” says Chau.

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH Kids Zone

11

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

What to Do When Turkey Isn't Done

After almost 35 years of cooking, I've had my share of turkey disasters! Here are some secrets to saving your sanity and your dinner: HOW TO DEFROST A TURKEY You'll need at least 24 to 48 hours (about five hours per pound) to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator. If you need to do a quick thaw, place the wrapped, frozen turkey in your kitchen sink or a large container like an ice chest.

Cover the turkey with cold water. Drain and refill the water every half hour because as the bird thaws out, the water will get warmer. Using this method,

the turkey will thaw at the rate of about a half hour for each pound.

PREPARING THE BIRD FOR COOKING Remove the giblet package (neck, livers, heart and gizzards) from inside the cavity of the bird AND check the neck cavity.

Some manufacturers place the giblet package in the neck cavity and others place it inside the cavity closest to the legs.

Most turkeys come with the legs already trussed (crossed and secured with a metal or plastic bracket). If you're not going to stuff your bird, there's no need to truss the legs. Trussing an unstuffed bird hinders the hot oven air from circulating inside and around the legs. This means that the dark meat will take longer to cook and the breast meat

will cook faster and probably dry out before the legs ever get completely done.

THE TURKEY ISN'T DONE Don't rely on the "popup" timer in the turkey, as it usually means that the breast is over-cooked and the dark meat isn't done. If the dark meat isn't done, remove the wings and

breast meat from the rest of the turkey, in one piece, if possible. Cover the breast and wing portion with foil and set it aside. Put the drumsticks and thigh portion of the turkey back into the oven to continue cooking until done. You can reassemble the whole turkey and garnish it, or just cut it into serving portions and

arrange it on a platter STUFFING SAVERS If the stuffing/dressing is too wet, spread it out in a thin layer on a sheet pan so that it will dry quickly.

Place it back into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

If it's too dry, add more pan drippings or chicken broth to the mixture. If you don't have anymore drippings or broth, you can combine a chicken bouillon cube (if you have one), along with a teaspoon of poultry seasoning, three tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of water. Cook the mixture in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes or until it comes to a boil. Stir to combine and then add it, a little at a time, to the dressing until it's moist.

SOUPY MASHED POTATOES You can add unseasoned

dry bread crumbs to soupy mashed potatoes to absorb any excess liquid.

GRAVY RESCUE TIPS If the gravy is lumpy, pour it through a strainer into a new pan and bring it to a simmer, stirring gently.

If it's too thin, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with a tablespoon of flour. Bring the gravy up to a boil and whisk in the butter mixture to thicken your gravy. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth, pan drippings or a little water and butter to thin it out.

Hopefully, these tips will rescue you from any holiday disasters, but remember, it's about gathering together to give thanks with the people you love -not the perfect meal! Have a blessed holiday!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Luke 2:11

December 2023

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• With many airlines these days, you can print your boarding pass online.

Security lines are long, and it pays to save every moment you can.

• Make a spray of equal parts liquid fabric softener and water. Mist the air daily to relieve static buildup during the fall and winter, when the air is very dry.

• Before cleaning, run hot water in the bath or shower. The steam from the hot water loosens the dirt, making it easier to clean. Or, bring your cleaning sponge and some baking soda in the shower with you. No chemicals, and you could even use the baking soda to soften the skin on your elbows and feet.

• “Spray plastic wrap with non-flavored cooking spray before using it to cover cakes or cupcakes. The frosting won’t stick to the wrap.” — R.M. in Florida • To get streaks off of freshly cleaned windows, give them a final swipe with plain newspaper (not magazine inserts or glossy pages).

• “Baking cookies to mail? Save potato-chip cans (the tall ones in which chips come stacked). They protect cookies from breaking.” — G.D. in Wisconsin 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 19th-century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who made the following sage observation: “If we were not all so interested in ourselves, life would be so uninteresting that none of us would be able to endure it.”

• Emmy-nominated actress Debbie Reynolds was fired by Warner Brothers after her first movie.

• Sharks inspire a great deal of fear in most people. However, the keepers of statistics claim that you are much more likely to be killed by a bee than you are to be killed by a shark — 50 times more likely, in fact.

• Growers of coffee beans say that the coffee blossom smells like jasmine.

• When a seal goes to sleep, whether in the sea or on land, it stops breathing. Every 15 minutes or so it will wake up to take a breath, then it will go back to sleep.

• When it comes to irrigated crops in the United States, you might be surprised to learn that the plant that covers the most acreage isn’t corn, wheat or soybeans; it’s grass. Think about that the next time you’re watering your lawn.

• There’s an interesting story behind the name of the Caribbean island of Curacao. It seems that explorer Amerigo Vespucci had several sailors on his ship who were very seriously ill with scurvy, so he dropped them off on the island, assuming they would die. However, the abandoned sailors feasted on fresh fruit, thereby ingesting the vitamin C that cured the disease and saved their lives. The word “curacao” means “cure” in Portuguese.

• Here’s a disturbing fact for all the arachnophobes reading this: There are more than 34,000 different species of spider. *** Thought for the Day: “So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly rise and make them miserable.” — Aldous Huxley

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

14

‘Tis the Season for Scams: 5 Ways to Protect You and Your Family

(c) Tero Vesalainen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(Statepoint) In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message, and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from T-Mobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season?

The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an

incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile customers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking protections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 alone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it is flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device. Customers who want even more protection can download the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their TMobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which automatically blocks any calls that match the database of scam calls. Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas.

To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into your accounts. Another protection is a password manager, giving you the ability to securely store passwords across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also provides an autofill password function and a new password generator.

To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at t-mobile.com/news.

While cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh scams by staying vigilant and incorporating these best practices into your life this holiday season.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Sunshine State Simmered Steaks Here in Iowa, sunny days are becoming a scarce commodity. But, I promise, if you put this delicious main dish on the menu, it will make a gloomy day seem much brighter!

You may doubt me when you start stirring orange marmalade into the sauce, but trust me, it all works out perfectly in the end.

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 (4-ounce) lean minute or cube steaks 1 cup unsweetened orange juice 1 cup (two 2.5-ounce jars) sliced mushrooms, drained 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium ketchup 2 tablespoons orange marmalade spreadable fruit 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1. Place flour in a shallow dish and coat steaks on both sides in flour.

Reserve any leftover flour. Evenly arrange coated steaks in a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray and brown for about 3 minutes on each side.

2. In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, mushrooms, ketchup, spreadable fruit, onion flakes, parsley flakes and any remaining flour.

Spoon sauce mixture evenly over steaks. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until steaks are tender. When serving, evenly spoon sauce mixture over top of steaks.

Serves 4. Freezes well.

• Each serving: About 218 calories, 6g fat, 23g protein, 18g carb., 359mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Meat, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Vegetable

The original Chicken Tetrazzini was named in honor of the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. This recipe is just about the best way to use up Thanksgiving turkey leftovers.

4 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 1/4 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream 1 small onion, chopped 10 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and cut into quarters 8 ounces linguine, cooked as label directs 12 ounces (about 3 cups) cooked turkey, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. In 2-quart saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 3 minutes. With wire whisk, whisk in broth, wine, thyme and nutmeg until smooth. Heat to boiling, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking frequently, 5 minutes. Stir in cream; set sauce aside.

2. In 10-inch skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes longer.

3. In 2 to 2 1/2-quart shallow casserole, combine cooked linguine, mushroom mixture and turkey. Stir in sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Makes 6 main-dish servings.

• Each serving: About 458 calories, 21g total fat (11g saturated), 204g cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 37g carbs, 30g protein.

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

1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novels “Northanger Abbey” and “Emma”?

2. MATH: What is the equivalent of the Roman numeral DXVI? 3. ANATOMY: What is the colored part of the eye called?

4. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of food is fusilli?

5. MEASUREMENTS: How many acres are in 1 square mile?

6. PRESIDENTS: Which U.S. president created the Purple Heart medal?

7. GOVERNMENT: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

8. HISTORY: What did American patriot Paul Revere do for a living?

9. SCIENCE: What is the alloy steel mostly made of?

10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the largest country in South America in land size?

Answers 1. Jane Austen 2. 516 3. Iris 4. A type of pasta 5. 640 6. George Washington 7. 13th Amendment 8. He was a silversmith 9. Iron and carbon 10. Brazil

1. How many times has Torii Hunter hit .300 or better for a season during his 14-year major-league career?

2. Name the three catchers who have won the American League Most Valuable Player Award since 1976.

3. Name the last fullback to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

4. Who was the last Butler player before Gordon Hayward to play in the NBA? 5. Two NHL goalies have recorded three consecutive 40-win seasons.

Name them.

6. When was the last time before the 2010 men’s soccer World Cup that the two finalists from the previous World Cup were eliminated in the first round?

7. Name the person who holds the mark for most boxing world title fights refereed (172 in 34 years).

Answers 1. None, despite a .305 average in the postseason.

2. Thurman Munson (1976), Ivan Rodriguez (1999) and Joe Mauer (2009).

3. Larry Csonka, in 1987.

4. Ralph O’Brien, in 1953.

5. San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov (2007-10) and New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur (2005-08).

6. It had never occurred before 2010.

7. Richard Steele.

December 2023

The Community News Flash

BUSINESS

15

MONEY

5 Weight Loss Tips For Busy Parents How to Overcome Job Hunt Nutrisystem plans allow Burnout in Today’s Tough Market you to add a variety of fruits

(c) Jovanmandic / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) As the job search continues for unemployed Americans, a new national survey reveals a massive case of job hunt burnout.

The Insight Global survey, conducted among recently unemployed American adults actively seeking employment, found that a competitive job market, a lack of applicable jobs, low self-confidence and an inability to interview well are all contributing factors in job candidates’ lack of success in securing employment.

Fifty-five percent of respondents have been searching for a new job for so long that they are completely burnt out, and many are willing to take drastic measures to save and make money in the meantime: More than 2 in 5 would live at home with their parents; the same amount would rather create an Etsy business or thrift flip than send out another blast of resumes, and of Gen Z respondents, 44% admit they would rather get a sugar daddy or sugar mommy than apply to more jobs.

“It’s no wonder that so many unemployed Americans are feeling unmotivated – between several years of a volatile job market, headcount

reductions, budget cuts, hiring freezes and a total overhaul of the way companies are running their businesses, it can feel downright impossible to get back on track,” says Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, a leading national staffing company.

To beat job hunting burnout and get back in the game, Bean recommends the following tips: • Rethink Remote: Of millennials surveyed, 21% feel they’re still unemployed because they will only apply to remote job opportunities. To greatly expand your options, be open to hybrid and on-site work opportunities.

• Stand Out: Over a quarter of those seeking full-time work feel that there are no jobs available for their skill set or there is too much competition for available jobs. To stand out in the crowd, get creative.

Whether it’s creating an interactive resume, dropping by the office for a quick hello, or just not stopping until you hear back, doing whatever it takes to get your foot in the door improves your chances of success.

• Find Small Wins: Job hunting can be exhausting and disheartening. Find things you can accomplish that help you feel produc-

tive and remind you what it feels like to win again. It could be getting in shape, completing a 5K, journaling for a month, or making five new daily connections on LinkedIn. • Don’t Write Anything Off: Interestingly, 26% of men surveyed said they are still unemployed because the jobs they hear back from are beneath them.

Leave preconceived notions like this at the door. Many companies offer opportunities for promotions and upskilling, so look past the specific outlined role and imagine future possibilities with that organization.

• Reach for Resources: When trying to get back in the workforce, don’t go at it alone. Companies like Insight Global can help you shape up your resume, brush up on interview skills, boost your confidence and connect you with companies and opportunities that fit the bill.

Leverage events like the Be The Light tour, Insight Global’s free-to-attend mobile career center in select cities around the country. Accepting help from professionals will put you in a better position for landing a job. To learn more, and for additional tips and resources, visit insightglobal.com.

“While searching for employment that fulfills your professional goals can feel overwhelming, changing the narrative and thinking about the market in new ways can connect you with additional opportunities and position you to succeed,” says Bean.

(StatePoint) For parents, juggling the demands of work and home life can no doubt take a toll on physical health. In fact, a Cornell University study of 50 working moms and dads found that more than half turned to unhealthy eating options – pizza, chocolate and fast food, because they were too busy to start a new healthy eating plan.

With the weather changing and kids back in school, there is no better time to focus on your health. Here are five tips to fall back into a healthier routine and conquer your weight loss goals: Eat enough protein.

Protein is the key to feeling full and satisfied, especially when you’re trying to lose a few pounds. That’s why finding a high-protein plan like Nutrisystem is so important.

Nutrisystem is easy to follow, and offers a variety of protein-rich meals and snacks that taste great and are made in minutes – a great choice for the busy mom or dad on the go.

With up to 30 grams of protein, Nutrisystem’s Hearty Inspirations meals will control your appetite for up to five hours. With menu items like Sesame Beef & Broccoli

and Bourbon-Style Chicken, you’re going to enjoy what you’re eating and lose weight.

Get moving with fun, 15minute workouts. As a busy parent, finding time to exercise may not be top of mind.

Committing to just 15 minutes daily will do wonders for your health and help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. Look for new and exciting workouts to try, such as Pilates, dance and boxing, so that you don’t get tired of doing the same exercises.

You can also get the family involved. Go on an evening walk together or take all the boredom out of exercise and have a dance competition!

Stock your fridge with healthy, seasonal options.

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy in-season fruits and vegetables. During the cooler months, you’ll find mouthwatering produce like apples, squash, salad greens, broccoli and Brussels sprouts that will satisfy your tastebuds. If you like trying new things, consider beets. Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium, beets make a great vegetable to add to your grocery list.

and vegetables to your day, and offer hundreds of recipes, including some seasonal favorites, on its lifestyle blog, The Leaf.

Plan your menu for the week. You’re busy, so opt for easy, convenient options.

That’s where planning your weekly menu using healthy and simple ingredients comes in. Make sure to include variety so you don’t risk getting bored. If you find yourself saying, “I had this last week.

I don’t feel like having that again,” you may find yourself ordering takeout.

Another option is to look for a service that will deliver nutritionally-balanced, portion-controlled meals to your door. Nutrisystem offers delicious, easy to prepare options that you can be confident will not only taste good, but help you lose weight.

Prioritize yourself. Being a busy parent can be exciting, but it could also mean having difficulty prioritizing yourself. Write yourself encouraging daily reminders and hang them around your home and workplace. Set aside time to read a book before bed. Do yoga for 15 minutes in your living room to unwind.

Finding something new you love – be it meditation, crafting or listening to a podcast – can motivate you to stay committed to yourself.

For more great weight loss tips, healthy recipes and more, check out https://leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Utilizing these simple tips will help you balance your busy work and home life and guide you on your successful weight loss journey. If you slip up, don’t harp on your mistake instead, forgive yourself and start again.

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December 2023

The Community News Flash

BUSINESS

Women Business Owners are Optimistic and Confident

(c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Women and men who own small and mid-sized businesses are typically more aligned than they are different in their viewpoints about the economy. Now – more than ever – this is especially true as it relates to their optimism about running their businesses, according to PNC’s latest Economic Outlook Survey.

Survey results show that 69% of women and 73% of men are highly optimistic about their business prospects. But women appear to have the edge when it comes to confidence – 69% say they are confident about running their businesses compared to 57% of men. This trend is consistent with last year’s survey responses. In 2022, 8 in 10 women business owners reported feeling very confident in their business success and nearly half credited their confidence to their own hard work and drive.

“It stands to reason that those sentiments, together with a few key resources – professional networks, improved access to credit and the agility to navigate the economic landscape – all contribute to a level of confidence that is driving continued optimism this year,” says Beth Marcello, director of PNC Women’s Business Development.

Engaging in Networks According to the survey, women-owned businesses are more likely to be engaged with the Small Business Administration, chambers of commerce and other professional groups. In fact, 83% of women business owners participate in business development organizations compared to 64% of men.

“Women often credit the benefits of a strong network to winning new business and finding new and better ways of doing

business, and we’re supporting that network-building through our relationships with organizations such as global nonprofit Coralus and the Women Presidents Organization,” says Marcello.

Decisions for the Economic Landscape The optimism of women business owners comes through in the survey in specific areas of their enterprises, as 64% expect to see an increase in demand, 65% anticipate an increase in sales, and 56% predict an increase in profits in the next six months.

While 57% also have plans to moderately increase prices.

“These are just a few indicators of how women are thinking as they make business decisions heading into 2024,” Marcello says. “While some of their optimism may be tested by continued high inflation and a potential recession, there is strong evidence that they are prepared.”

Seeking Credit When PNC began surveying women business owners in 2014, men were more likely to seek credit in the near term. The 2022 survey showed for the first time, women overtaking men when considering a new loan or line of credit to support business growth. This trend continued in 2023, with 26% of women saying they are likely to seek a near-term business loan or line of credit compared to 23% of men.

“While this data could simply reflect changes in the way women are conducting business, it’s evidence that fewer women are intimidated by the traditional process of gaining access to credit for their businesses,” Marcello says. “This is really encouraging.”

Dedicated efforts to make more resources available to women entrepreneurs are paying off, says Marcello. At PNC, for example, women can lean on the expertise of 5,000 PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocates who have a passion for working with women financial decision makers.

Through Coralus, entrepreneurs have access to a global support network and a no-interest loan program.

“Providing support to entrepreneurs and making access to credit more attainable are important steps toward their ongoing success as well as economic growth overall” says Marcello.