The Community News Fllash

December 2024

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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. 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 Son…hear 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?

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)

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 and contestant can only win twice within a 6 month period.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

-Mark Twain

Finding Jesus in the Temple

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here is very little written or known definitively about Jesus’ adolescence. The one story in the Gospels which can be dated to this period of his life is the story of Jesus getting lost while he was on a pilgrimage with his family and them finding him discussing with the teachers of the law in the temple. This story is told only in Luke (Luke 2:41-52), and it mentions that he was 12 years old at the time. Several things are noteworthy about this story. The most obvious is that what Jesus said amazed the people listening. The other thing that is noteworthy is that Jesus appears to understand at this point that he has a special relationship with God, that is, that he is a “son of God.” He says to his parents “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49 NIV) It is interesting to ponder what it was like for Jesus to wonder about his relationship with God. Did this knowledge come to him suddenly or only gradually dawn on him? We can’t know this definitively, but the fact that at 12 years old Jesus is quite confident about who his “real father” is tells us something, i.e., that there must have been some awareness of his divine mission from a very young age. Just as Jesus had to come to terms with what his mission here on earth was meant to be, so too do we have to wrestle and come to terms with our mission.

–Christopher Simon

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The Community News Flash

December 2024

5 Important Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor

(c) Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Imags Plus

(StatePoint) Working with a financial advisor can help you reach your short- and long-term financial goals. But it’s all about partnering with the right person, with the right credentials.

There are some important questions you should ask to determine if a potential advisor is the right fit for you, including these five: What are your qualifications?

Did you know that almost anyone can call themselves a “financial planner” regardless of their skills and experience?

Rather than hope for the best, find out if they are a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. This qualification means they have met rigorous educational, experiential and ethical qualifications.

What are your areas of expertise?

Depending on your goals and needs, you may prefer a planner who focuses on a particular area, such as estate planning or investing. Or, if you have uncommon circumstances, such as if you are a veteran or you are the caretaker for someone with special needs, you may want to look for someone with experience helping others in similar situations.

While a CFP® professional is qualified to provide comprehensive financial planning to everyone, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about your planner’s areas of expertise.

Will you act in my best interests?

In the course of financial planning, conflicts of interest can arise, making it important that you work with someone

who will always put your best interests first. Ask your planner if they have a fiduciary duty to you. CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary as part of their certification.

Have you ever been disciplined for unlawful or unethical actions?

For peace of mind, visit cfp.net/verify-a-cfp-professional. Using this tool, you can verify whether a given financial planner currently meets CFP Board’s ongoing certification requirements, as well as discover if the individual has ever been disciplined publicly by CFP Board.

What is your pay structure?

From fixed fees and hourly rates to retainers and commissions, financial planning pay structures vary by planner and firm. Be sure you understand how you will be charged in advance of receiving services and choose a payment structure that fits your needs. For example, if you anticipate needing frequent, ongoing services, paying a retainer may make the most sense. However, if you need one-time advice or short-term counsel, you may prefer to pay a flat fee for the specific service rendered.

Looking for a CFP® professional that’s the perfect match for your needs? Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

From retirement planning to debt management, there are many financial services a qualified planner can provide to help you create a more secure future. Before getting started, make sure to ask the right questions.

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

Matthew 1:22-23 NIV

The Day After Christmas

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hen I was a child I remember getting the Sears “Wish Book” in the mail every year sometime in September. This was a hefty full-color Christmas catalog filled with toys, but also with clothing and all sorts of products to get everyone excited about Christmas. We may complain about Christmas decorations going up before Thanksgiving (or Halloween), but the Sears “Wish Book” literally came out in late Summer or early Fall, so selling Christmas earlier every year is nothing new. And as children we seemed to pine for those gifts for months. As adults we are more interested in spending time with loved ones and having some time off from work. But most of us still approach the holiday season with childlike expectation, which is often followed by something approaching “letdown” the day after Christmas, or at least after the holidays are over and we’re back at work or school. But if we really think about what Christmas celebrates, the days after Christmas should be the ones where we celebrate the joy of what Christmas really means. That is, the days after the original Christmas (the birth of Jesus) were days of nurturing our Saviour, days to enjoy the presence of God’s gift to us, which is Emmanuel, or God with us.

–Christopher Simon

December 2024

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.

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

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

Here are 17 Christmas facts to spread holiday cheer: 1. Christmas Trees - The tradition of decorating Christmas trees dates back to 16th-century Germany. Martin Luther is credited with adding lights to a tree to reflect the stars in the sky.

2. Candy Canes - Originally created as a white candy stick in Germany, they were given their iconic red stripes and bent shape to resemble a shepherd's staff in the 1900s.

3. Santa Claus - St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop known for his generosity, inspired the modern Santa Claus. His Dutch nickname "Sinterklaas" evolved into Santa Claus in the United States.

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May as a promotional character for Montgomery Ward.

5. The First Christmas Card - The first commercially printed Christmas card was designed in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole in London.

6. Jingle Bells - Originally written for Thanksgiving, "Jingle Bells" was composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857.

7. Christmas in July - This phrase originated at a girls' camp in North Carolina in the 1930s as a fun summer celebration.

8. Mistletoe Tradition - Kissing under the mistletoe comes from Norse mythology, where it symbolized love and friendship.

9. Christmas Lights - Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, created the first string of Christmas lights in 1882.

10. Poinsettias - Native to Mexico, the red and green poinsettia became a Christmas symbol due to its star-shaped leaves resembling the Star of Bethlehem.

11. Eggnog - This creamy holiday drink originated in medieval England and was brought to America by British settlers.

12. The Twelve Days of Christmas - These begin on Christmas Day and end on January 5th, leading into Epiphany.

13. Stockings - The tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace comes from the tale of St. Nicholas dropping gold coins down a chimney.

14. Christmas Colors - Red represents Jesus' blood, green symbolizes eternal life, and gold stands for royalty and light.

15. White Christmas - Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is the best-selling single of all time.

16. Advent Calendars - Advent calendars date back to the 19th century, initially made by marking doors with chalk to countdown to Christmas.

17. Nutcracker - The Nutcracker became a holiday tradition thanks to Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, first performed in 1892.

Merry Christmas from The Community News Flash

Save money. Live better Open 6am - 11pm

2301 Harper Rd. Corinth, Ms. 38834 662.287.3148 Visit us on Facebook at WalmartCorinth105 or

www.walmart.com

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The Community News Flash

December 2024

The Winds of Change

By Francine Papadimitrakis It’s sunset, and the scene is like a clip from a movie.

The wind is blowing strongly from the north, with gusts powerful enough to knock down a half-full glass of wine. We are parked at the edge of the sea, between trees.The mountains around us are brown—a byproduct of a drought. The sea is crystal clear blue, and the sky is turning shades of orange and red.

My wet bathing suit hangs from a branch of a tree. The wind sways it like a ghost dancing a gentle waltz. Directly behind us is a small church that is filled with hand-painted icons.

Any minute now, I expect a movie director to

shout out “cut’, as he ends the scene. But he never

does; in fact, the scenery becomes more beautiful by the minute. The winds are changing, the gusts becoming a little more gentle. The soft ripples on the sea tell me that perhaps the winds will soon become a breeze.

Such is life; strong gusts turn into gentle breezes.

The thing is, we just need to learn to adjust our sails and let the winds carry us.

The skies are getting darker, and soon the stars will shine above us.

If this is a clip from a movie, I can only wish that the reel of the film will freeze for all eternity. If that is not the case, then this moment will live in my memories as one of the most beautiful scenes of my life.

It is said that we experience happiness as a series of pleasing moments; collect them, remember them, reflect on them, and let them carry you when facing challenges.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 NIV

Thank You, Readers and Supporters!

On behalf of The Community News Flash, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you—our loyal readers, dedicated advertisers, and steadfast supporters. For 24 years, you have been the cornerstone of our mission to inspire, encourage, and uplift our community.

Your unwavering belief in positivity and the power of good news has allowed us to keep publishing stories that matter, fostering hope and unity. Every story we share, every message we print, and every milestone we reach is because of you.

As we move forward, know that we are committed to continuing this journey with you, spreading light and optimism in a world that can always use more.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. Together, we are making a difference!

With gratitude, Jerry W. Porter Publisher, The Community News Flash

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Anxiety

y wife was recently involved in a car crash. Fortunately, she wasn’t badly hurt, but the crash caused both of us some anxiety. I found myself fearful of driving the next day, especially when we went by the crash site (a large and busy intersection). I was also anxious that for the time being we only had one car and since both of us work, I was worried that if our one good car was wrecked we’d be in serious financial trouble, having to rent two cars instead of one and having to replace two cars in the final analysis.

But as the weekend after the accident wore on, I began to realize that I was worried about more than just the cars. It seemed to me that I was experiencing anxiety over our mortality. My wife and I are both in our sixties, and we have both seen our grandparents and two of our parents pass away, and we realize that after the other parents pass, it’s our turn next. Every generation will reach a point when the previous generation has passed and they must face the inevitable passing of their siblings, their friends, and themselves. The religious remedy for the anxiety of facing death is to trust that we will live on—somehow and somewhere. The existential remedy is to realize that our life is a brief span between two infinities, the infinite time before we were born (or conceived) and the infinite time after our death. If these two infinities are essentially the same, why worry about the one (the one to come) but not the other?

–Christopher Simon

December 2024

The Community News Flash

5 Ways to Make Sure Your Business Stands Out Among Competitors

(c) gorodenkoff / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Staying competitive in today’s market can be a challenge. As the business landscape continues to evolve, paying attention to the competition is more important than ever.

Business isn’t run in a vacuum and understanding what’s working — and equally important, what’s not working — for other successful companies is an integral step in staying ahead of the game.

Here are some ways to do that from the experts at PNC Bank: Set a Google Alert One of the easiest things you can do, setting up a Google alert, allows you to immediately be alerted of big news that’s being reported about you, your industry or your major competitors.

Follow Websites and Track SEO Poor user experience on a website can drive 50% of potential customers to competitor businesses. “Track what your major competitors are doing on their websites — taking special note of anything new or innovative — to ensure you stay viable in this area. Start by paying attention to their SEO. Compare

web traffic and look for similarities and differences in your online strategies,” says Marc McAndrew, head of small business, PNC Bank.

Go Through the Customer Experience Consumers have indicated in any number of surveys and forums they would leave a brand they’ve been loyal to after three or fewer bad experiences with customer service. It is worth running through your competitor’s customer experience from time to time to see how smoothly it operates and what they’re doing differently.

Invest in Data Technology There are plenty of automation tools on the market that help track how competitors are doing in various areas. Look for companies that offer things like competitive and social post analysis, social media audits and social listening for the most complete overview.

Track Pricing Technology aside, pricing is one of the most important aspects of a business.

Understand where your company falls by comparing pricing strategies among your competitors. Customers are willing to

pay more for certain things, so understand your customer base and price accordingly for best results.

Just having the above data on-hand isn’t enough to make a difference. Besides assessing your competitors, institute the following as benchmarks for your business to keep customers coming your way: • Provide unparalleled customer service; • Define and build your brand based on the value you provide; • Position yourself — and your business — as experts in the field; • Put a face to your product or service; and • Have a clear and unique voice in the market.

Check out PNC’s Small Business Insights for more topics to explore on managing, running, and growing your business.

Running a successful business requires a strong business model, a willingness to keep a keen eye on the competition, and the ability to adjust as needed to stay one step ahead of the game.

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December 2024

The Community News Flash

Songwriter shares her voice and music that she developed in Corinth church

By Lucy Weber The curtain is rising on J’Lista Pams’ musical career.

“There’s more in me that needs to come out,” said the Rienzi native, who is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in commercial songwriting.

“It’s pushing me to domore, and definitely pushing me to strive to be great.”

Pams grew up singing in St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where her father, Rev. John Pams, is minister. She started playing the piano at about age 5.

Singing and playing music, including the percussion instruments she played from middle school through Northeast Community College, are important parts of her life.“My family on both sides can all sing. We love music,” she said.

In 2022, she added songwriting to her creative skills. She attends New Vision Church in Murfreesboro, her college home, and she collaborated in the writing and recording of a single, “Remember,” that the church produced two years ago.

Last year, Pams started writing another song—music and lyrics—about her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, called “Thankful.” While working on the song, she sent an early sample of it to her friend Daniel Doss, who worked on the church’s single with her. “He told me to write the entire song.”

“God put it on my heart to write ‘Thankful,’ We need to be thankful for the simple things,” Pams said

about the song written in a gospel-Christian style. This past summer she polished and finished the song to record it. “The music came first, and then when I started playing it, I thought this could be really good.”

“Thankful” can be found on all streaming services, and Pams is working hard to spread the word about her first solo effort. She stays busy with this project while attending her college classes to graduate in May. Launching a career in music after college is something that Pams is striving for. “This is something I want to perfect.”

Her song is winning rave reviews. “Everyone is asking if an album is coming. That’s probably next year since I’m still in school and really busy. We’ll see how this journey goes. This (thankful) is not my last one.”

With a strong faith in the Lord, Pams wants to honor Him through her abilities. “I feel like God has given me a lot of talents and gifts that I don’t want to go to waste.”

The purpose of my songwriting is to put the things I have been through in a song in order to help others who may be in a similar situation.

J’Lista Pams

Guy Sebastian

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” -Victor Borge

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Patterson Memorial Chapel As we celebrate the holiday season, we pause to reflect on the moments that matter most—family, love, and cherished memories. At Patterson Memorial Chapel, we are honored to stand with you during life's most challenging times, offering compassion and care when it's needed most.

The First Laugh

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e often hear about the “last laugh,” as in someone “having the last laugh,” which is usually about revenge or retaliation for some trick played on us, but we don’t hear much about the first laugh. When children laugh for the first time, it is usually because they see something unexpected, such as a funny face or a face that comes out of nowhere, as in the game of peekaboo. The Navaho believe that when children laugh for the first time they have finally entered the physical realm and left the spiritual realm. The person who made the baby laugh is expected to provide a meal for the family and there is a special ceremony to celebrate the baby’s entry into the family and the physical realm. Laughter indicates that one is engaged with others; you have to pay attention to people to understand their humor and you can often tell when people aren’t listening (or understanding) when they don’t laugh at your jokes. In bilingual settings, you’ll often see that those who don’t understand the second language will not “get the jokes” or the double meanings necessary to understand certain types of humor. Which brings us to the point of all this: human connection.

When we laugh with others we are celebrating the shared meaning of our stories and our jokes. It’s important to do this, and if you find that you aren’t laughing with the people you love, try to figure out why.

–Christopher Simon

May your Christmas be filled with peace, comfort, and the warmth of those you hold dear. As we step into a new year, we wish you hope, healing, and abundant blessings.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your loved ones.

Warm regards, Patterson Memorial Chapel "Where compassion and care come together."

December 2024

The Community News Flash

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Love of nursing and caring for others leads to a busy life

By Lucy Weber Laura Walker enjoys her career in nursing so much that she works a second job as a travel nurse.

“I have a passion for patient care,” the McNairy County native said. “I love what I do.”

The mother said working two nursing jobs, one at a skilled long-term care facility in Jackson, Tenn., and the other with a travel nursing company based in Memphis, leaves her only a few days off a month, but she’s happy keeping busy. “I like working at a fast pace.”

Her full-time job, involving 12-hour days, is at AHC Forest Grove in Jackson, where she works in the memory care unit as an LPN. “I love memory care. It’s all about the approach with the patients.

I’ve been in for so long.”

Walker has been a travel nurse since 2015 and works with Consolidated Medical. “I’ll pick up additional days on my off days in Oxford, Memphis, and other places,” she said.

Walker said she was drawn to the idea of traveling for nursing duty because of its uniqueness. “I just like to travel and meet new people. I’m not living inside the box. I like to venture out.”

Through travel nursing, she said she’s worked all around Mississippi and around the Nashville area.

Walker knows her desire to take care of those in

need comes from a higher power. “This career path is a call by God. I have to stay prayerful. I know God chose me at the age of 19.”

She took a certified nursing assistant course and realized she had a passion for nursing. Through continuing education, she became a licensed practical nurse and knows she wants to continue to increase her nursing knowledge.

“I will eventually go back to become an RN (registered nurse).” While the idea of working in memory care with people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s may get some folks down, Walker said she enjoys interacting with the patients and hearing their stories.“ I’m an up front person,” she said. “You have to have compassion for those you work with and take time with each one,” Walker said. “Faith has always been a big part of my life,” and through her nursing and nurturing skills, her faith shines through.

Although she leads an extremely busy life in her job as a nurse, Walker said she wants to expand her career opportunities while continuing to work in health care. “I am going back to school in real estate.”

Laura Walker

Suits You Too Mobile

"We've gone Mobile"

We Want You! Fatherhood Initiative Program Would you like to become a better father?

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

Certified Fatherhood/Male Involement Trainer Since 2001 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

To set up Workshops/Seminars Call or Email Jerry Porter at: 662-643-6842 or read.newflash@gmail.com

December 2024

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH Kids Zone

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The Community News Flash

December 2024

Kick off the Holidays With a Festive Cookie Recipe Exchange (StatePoint) When we think about the holidays, a lot of the special moments we remember most fondly from years past involve sharing food with loved ones — from festive cookie exchanges to the scents and smells of family-favorite dishes and desserts, to warm beverages on cold nights.

That’s why McCormick is dishing up these cooking tips for creating special moments: • Incorporate seasonal herbs, spices and seasonings like sage, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg into your cooking and baking to provide long-lasting fresh flavors, vibrant colors and appetizing aromas.

• Use ready-to-make dry recipe mixes, such as turkey or brown gravy, to easily create perfectly blended flavors for sauces that elevate your holiday meals.

• Rely on extracts like pure vanilla and peppermint to enhance the flavors and aromas of holiday treats.

This holiday season, the McCormick brand is also going on a virtual quest for the best holiday cookie recipe through the McCormick Cookie Quest contest.

If you have a winning cookie recipe, consider joining in the fun. Official Rules and entry instructions can be found by visiting: mccormick.com/cookie-quest-

terms-and-conditions. [NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 11/19/24; ends 12/8/24.

Sponsor: McCormick & Company.]

In the spirit of the virtual cookie recipe exchange, McCormick is partnering with famed bakery Milk Bar and its rule-breaking, award-winning founder and CEO, Christina Tosi, to create and share Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookies. On Dec. 4, which is National Cookie Day, select Milk Bar locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. will give away these scrumptious cookies to the first 100 customers, while supplies last.

The limited-time cookie will also be on sale at select

locations starting on National Cookie Day through December 31. And as part of the collaboration, McCormick and Milk Bar are also sharing the recipe, so you can make these delectable cookies at home!

Ingredients: • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 1 large egg • 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 2 cups white chocolate chips • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons McCormick Candy Cane Sugar, divided • 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two halfsheet pans with no-stick cooking spray or line with parchment or silicone baking mats. Mix butter and sugars in large bowl with heavy spatula for about 2 minutes until well blended. Add egg and extracts, stirring until combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Fall just t r o f com got an e! d a r g up

2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of the Candy Cane Sugar and mini pretzels, mixing until evenly blended.

3. Place remaining 1/4 cup Candy Cane Sugar in medium bowl. Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup or 2 3/4ounce cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Toss dough balls in Candy Cane Sugar to coat and place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared baking pans.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.

Tip: Can’t get your hands on McCormick Candy Cane Sugar? Increase McCormick Peppermint Extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons, stir in 2 tablespoons of red colored sugar along with the chocolate chips, then use 1/4 cup red colored sugar to roll cookies before baking.

“The holiday season is all about sharing. That’s why we’re so excited to share one of our favorite holiday cookie recipes and encourage creative bakers all around the country to do the same,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president of Marketing, North American Consumer at McCormick.

December 2024

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 2024

The Community News Flash

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Be a Tailgating Legend This Football Season (StatePoint) It’s tailgating season and whether you’re gathering in your backyard or in the stadium parking lot, you know that some of the best times happen in the hours leading up to the game, especially when there are tasty bites in the mix.

Helping you elevate your favorite tailgating recipes and cook up your best memories of the football season is Michael Duarte, the digital creator and food influencer behind FoodWithBearHands and a MVP on the Bear Mountain BBQ team.

Both recipes he’s sharing incorporate Bear Mountain BBQ’s 100% natural hardwood pellets, which work with any grill or smoker to craft a real smoke flavor that will amplify any meal.

The first recipe is for Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers, and Duarte warns this legendary game day recipe is one your friends and family will remember you for.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour Servings: 10 Ingredients: • 10 jalapeños • 1 pound ribeye, sliced thin • 10 slices of bacon • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 green bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped • 4 slices of mozzarella • 4 slices of provolone • 1 ounce Worcestershire sauce • 3 tablespoons BBQ rub • Salt and pepper • Bear Mountain BBQ Chophouse Blend Pellets Instructions: 1. Slice your jalapeños length-wise and remove the seeds, set aside.

2. Sauté onion and bell peppers in a skillet on medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.

3. When caramelized, remove the veggies and add in the thinly sliced ribeye. Pro tip: To get thinner slices, freeze ribeye for 1 hour to firm.

4. Sear on medium to high heat and add the veggies back in, plus 4 slices of mozzarella and 4 slices of provolone until the cheese is melted.

5. Add mixture to your jalapeño slices, wrap with bacon and top with your favorite BBQ rub.

6. Place on wire rack and into your smoker at 375 degrees F for 1 hour.

Christmas Fruit Drops

by Healthy Exchanges Remove when your bacon is nice and crispy and enjoy your game day appetizer!

For the ultimate snack to go along with a cold beer, try this recipe for Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Hot Pockets.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes Servings: 6-8 Ingredients: • 1 box of Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets • 1 pack of bacon • Honey • 1 jalapeño – sliced • Derek Wolf | Big Bad BBQ Ale Spiceology • Bear Mountain BBQ Chef's Choice Blend Pellets Instructions: 1. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees F with Bear Mountain BBQ Chef’s Choice pellets.

2. Wrap each frozen Hot Pocket in a slice of thin bacon and place on a wire rack.

3. Drizzle honey over the Hot Pockets and place jalapeño slices on top.

4. Dust your Hot Pockets with Derek Wolf | Big Bad BBQ Ale - Spiceology or other BBQ rub.

5. Smoke for 45 minutes or until bacon is nice and crispy.

6. When done, top with more honey and enjoy!

For elevated game time grub, put Bear Mountain BBQ on your team roster this season. Both blends Duarte used are available exclusively at Walmart. To learn more about what real smoke flavor can do for your grilling game, and for more game day recipes, from chili to pizza, visit bearmountainbbq.com.

“Whether you’re all about college ball or you’re an NFL mega fan, kicking off each game with amazing barbecue is always easy with the right ingredients in play,” says Bear Mountain BBQ’s Levi Strayer.

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 2024

The Community News Flash

MONEY

CAREERS

How to Dodge Fraudsters When You’re in Financial Distress

(c) zamrznutitonovi / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Although fraudsters will prey on anyone, many tactics specifically target those facing financial hardship in the wake of a natural disaster.

To help you avoid becoming a victim when you’re most vulnerable, Freddie Mac is providing these tips and insights: Watch Out for Common Disaster-Related Scams As the intensity of severe weather events increases, understanding common disaster-related scams can help you avoid them. These include: High-Interest Loans for Repairs: In this scam, someone may offer to loan you money for home repairs, often at a high interest rate, while you wait for your insurance money. In return, they ask for a post-dated check, your auto title or your tax refund. Although this may provide short-term relief, it’s an example of predatory lending because the high interest rates could end up costing you more in the long term. Read any contract before signing it, and make sure you understand the total cost of the loan, including its terms and fees.

Repair Contractor Prepayment: In this scam, your home repair contractor may ask you to sign a “direction to pay form” that allows your insurance company to pay the contractor directly, even before the repair work is completed.

This can leave you vulnerable to incomplete or poor quality work. To avoid this scam, read your contract carefully and do not authorize the full payment amount until you are satisfied with the final product.

Requests for Financial Information: In this scam, a person claiming to be a government employee or disaster relief professional may request financial information, saying they need it to help you recover from a crisis. Protect

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yourself by never giving anyone your personally identifiable information by phone, email, text or in person without confirming their identity.

For example, ask for identification and independently call the entity the person claims to work for.

If You’re Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage, Beware of Fraudsters If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage after a natural disaster or due to other circumstances and you are facing foreclosure, be on the lookout for two common types of fraud.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud: In such a scheme, someone may falsely promise to be able to save your home from foreclosure. The fraudster will commonly: • Require you to sign the title to your home over to them.

• Ask you to sign unfamiliar documents.

• Ask you to share personal information.

• Charge you rent to stay in your home.

• Offer to pay your delinquent mortgage by purchasing your home.

• Promise that you can repurchase your home when your financial situation improves.

Fraudsters orchestrating these schemes pose as professionals and promise to stop foreclosure, often at a high price. However, they don’t deliver on their promises. As a result, you could lose the title to your home and be at risk of foreclosure.

Loan Modification Scams: Loan modification scams may operate similarly to foreclosure rescue fraud. In these scams, fraudsters collect an upfront fee and promise to work with your loan servicer on your behalf. They claim that they can obtain a loan modification that reduces your payments.

If someone other than your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) offers you mortgage assistance,?don’t provide your information.

If you are struggling with your mortgage payment, contact your lender, a certified HUD housing counselor or a housing finance agency.

These trustworthy resources can present you with real options to help avoid foreclosure.

Learn more fraud prevention tips by visiting myhome.freddiemac.com.

Unfortunately, fraudsters have made it their business to prey on pain. With the right knowledge, you can help ensure that no one takes advantage of you when you’re down on your luck.

Jumpstart Your Financial Advising Career While You’re Still in College

(c) Drazen Zigic / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Are you a college student interested in a career as a financial planner? You might think you need to wait until you graduate to get started, but there are steps you can take as an undergraduate to jumpstart your career.

A good place to start is by becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Here’s what to know: CFP® certification has a two-part education requirement: To become a CFP® professional, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and complete coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. The good news is that you can work toward both at the same time. Your college may offer a financial planning curriculum registered with CFP Board, allowing you to fulfill this requirement by earning your degree. If your school does not offer this curriculum, you can complete the coursework through a stand-alone program registered with CFP Board. There are more than 300 Board Registered Programs to choose from, both online and in person, giving you the flexibility to find a program that meets your needs.

Coursework prepares you for your future career: The coursework to become a CFP® professional gives you an advantage as a financial planner, covering essential topics that you’ll use daily, like tax plan-

ning and risk management. A capstone course ties it all together, showcasing your ability to create comprehensive financial plans for your future clients.

Support is available: CFP Board offers tools including mentorship opportunities, exam preparation resources and an online forum to connect with other candidates, all to support you on your certification journey. These resources will be especially valuable as you balance your other academic commitments.

You can apply to scholarships: Juggling college tuition on top of additional educational expenses may sound daunting.

Fortunately, scholarships are available to help offset the costs for eligible students.

Much of this financial aid is specifically geared toward candidates from underrepresented populations, including women and people of color. And once you obtain certification, you’ll be well-positioned to recoup your investment by earning a competitive salary.

To learn more about the CFP® certification journey, visit www.cfp.net.

Embarking on a financial planning career is not a dream you need to defer. In fact, come graduation day, you could already be well on your way to making it happen.

December 2024

The Community News Flash

16

How to Keep Kids’ Minds Active During the Holiday Break

(c) Olga Yefimova / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Even a short vacation from school can cause learning loss and leave kids feeling behind when they return to the classroom. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep minds active during the holiday break, some of which will reinforce the concepts they are learning in school. Here are a few of them: Vacation Reading: Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or sticking close to home, curling up with a book is a great way to spend some of the inevitable down time. At the start of the break, hit up the library so everyone in the family will have plenty to read on subjects of interest to them. You might also consider giving at least one title to each gift recipient on your list this year to emphasize the idea that books can be treasured objects.

Online Math Tools: Casio’s suite of engaging education resources can help ensure students keep up their skills during the holidays. Those with the fx-9750GIII graphing calculator or (other easy-to-use models with hundreds of functions) will find plenty to challenge them when they check out Casio’s expansive resource library of activities, Python programs and more, all of which are available for free online. From calculating slopes and finding derivatives to evaluating inferences and predications

based on data, the resource includes exercises for every area of mathematical focus, including calculus, geometry and statistics.

Historical Day Trip: Take a day trip to a historic site to bring the past to life.

Whether you visit a battlefield, the home of a notable figure, or a historically preserved city center, your trip will provoke discussion and keep minds engaged. If taking a scheduled tour is not possible due to limited holiday hours, do a bit of research on the site beforehand to give your family more context about what they will be seeing. This will make the trip more enjoyable and engaging.

Exercise: Staying active is not just good for physical health, it’s also good for the mind and soul. With no P.E. class on the schedule however, kids may be missing out on their daily dose of exercise. Be sure to go on a walk or bike ride each day or get out in the yard for some touch football or frisbee. If the weather is frightful, visit a yoga studio or even stay home and do an exercise class on YouTube.

This holiday season, balancing educational and healthy activities with fun and relaxation can help ensure your students return to school focused, engaged and ready to start a brand new semester.

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Join Us in May to help us Celebrate 25 Years of Positivity!

The Community News Flash is turning 25 this May! For a quarter of a century, we’ve been dedicated to encouraging, inspiring, and informing our readers with uplifting stories and messages.

We need YOU to make this milestone unforgettable!

Whether you’ve been a loyal reader, a contributor, or just love seeing good news in your community, we invite you to join us in celebrating this amazing journey.

How You Can Get Involved: •Share your favorite memories or stories about the Community News Flash.

•Advertise your business in our special anniversary edition.

•Attend our upcoming celebration event (details to follow!).

Let’s celebrate 25 years of making a positive impact together!

Contact us today to learn how you can participate: Phone: (662) 643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to the next 25 years!