Vol 15, No. 9 • January 2016
Why Better Understanding Yourself Can Help You Set Goals
News You Can Use
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Young People Reaching for the Stars and Succeeding
Family Ideals Remain Consistent in Changing Times
Colby Crenshaw Excels and Shines in his Chosen Activities… By Angela Rogalski ome children are born competitors and achievers from day-one. They focus on their goals, stay motivated and through faith in God and hard work, achieve success. Aaron JaColby Crenshaw, better known as Colby, is one such young man. In January, Colby was named the ACTC Rotary Student of the Month by the Alcorn Career and Technology Center. Colby is the son of Aaron and Earnestine Crenshaw and is a senior at Biggersville High School. And his mother, Earnestine, couldn't be more proud of him. "I am so proud of Colby," she said. "He loves to be involved in everything. He is an exceptional student and absolutely loves science. That's his favorite subject in school; well, science and math. He's already made up his
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(StatePoint) When many of us think about making goals and keeping them, we think about external items, such as our bank accounts or our waistlines. But some experts believe that it’s best to turn inward when making positive changes. “Your entire body, down to the tiniest part of you, is truly a bundle and expression of energy, expressed through digestion, thinking patterns, metabolism and lifestyle choices,” says Maria É Garre, a teacher and therapist of yoga and Ayurveda. “Understanding your energy type can help you set and maintain your goals.” see GOALS page 4
see CRENSHAW page 4
Colby Crenshaw Photo by Keith Jackson
PREACHER FEATURE A Man With A Vision By Alfreda C. Hill When it comes to the momentus task of carrying out the Word of God, Rev. Willie Frank Howell was set apart from the rest. Rev. Willie Frank Howell was called to the ministry in 1990 and served as pastor of Christian Methodist
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Episcopal Church until his retirement in July 2015. Although retirement was at the top of Rev. Howell's agenda, it was short-lived after accepting the pastorship position at Bruce Chapel CME in Bruce, MS. Rev. Howell has been married to Florestine Marshall since 1965, and together they have five children: Jennifer, Willie, Greg, Selina, and Ryan. Rev. Howell has always had a passion for the youth in his community and abroad. Through the years, he has
worked diligently in the ministry helping local and regional outreach ministries to assist in impacting the communities in which he serves. His outreach ministry has helped to awaken people's faith through communication of God's Word by preaching, proclaiming and teaching the word of God. Working in church youth ministry can be a rewarding experience. Children and teenagers involved with their church and outreach ministries often build friendships Rev. Willie Frank Howell
see HOWELL page 4
(StatePoint) While the concept of family once had quite specific meaning, the face of families in the US today is more diverse and wide-ranging than ever, yet their values and challenges remain the same. Results from the latest census found that the traditional, nuclear, one-momone-dad-with-kids family model is actually the minority now. However, families of all shapes and sizes share similar ethics and face related struggles, whether they are drawn together by biological ties or a deeply rooted friendship. Here, some heads of households share some insights into what defines a family and their concerns: You Define Your Family “Home is where your see FAMILY page 4
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January 2016
The Community News Flash
Editor’s Corner Nobody's Perfect, I'm Only Human!
Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com
Denied what would have been the 21st perfect game in history, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga nearly became the 21st pitcher in Major League history to throw a perfect game. Facing the Cleveland Indians, Galarraga retired the first 26 batters he faced, but his bid for a perfect game was ended one out short when first base umpire, Jim Joyce, incorrectly ruled that Indians batter, Jason Donald, reached first base safely on a ground ball. Galarraga, instead, finished with a one-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory. He faced 28 batters and threw 88 pitches (67 strikes and 21 balls), striking out three. Joyce was tearful and apologetic to Galarraga after the game upon realizing he had made the incorrect call. And it would have been perfectly normal for Armando Galarraga to tear up the locker room and curse the umpire upside down. But he didn't. Galarraga was forgiving and understanding of the mistake. Joyce met with both Galarraga and the media after the game to apologize for his error. Without irony, Galarraga told reporters, "Nobody's perfect, everybody's human. The sportsmanship demonstrated by Galarraga and Joyce earned them both widespread praise for their handling of the incident. Nobody's perfect! What a profound statement. While growing up, I wanted to exude perfection- the perfect son, the perfect friend, the perfect neighbor, the perfect student. Then as I got older, the chimera of perfectionism continued- the perfect son, the perfect friend, the perfect neighbor, the per-
fect employee, the perfect husband, and the perfect father. Whoa! Did it get hard? The more I tried to be perfect, the harder it seemed to obtain.. No margin for error! In my mind, I just wanted everything to be a certain way- perfect! Emotionally, I was on a continual treadmill chasing the elusive feeling of having everything in my life be "right" instead of living my life in a place of self-acceptance When we think of perfectionists, we imagine people who are so obsessed with perfection that they micromanage other people and every situation and they tend to be harsh critics of themselves when they fail to meet their standards. Such a person obviously misses the big picture in life. Being a perfectionist isn't about things being perfect; it's about thinking things need to be perfect and vigilantly pursuing it. Being in the newspaper business for over fourteen years, I have a newfound appreciation for the phrase, "Nobody's perfect!" Shamelessly, I probably use it more often than I should. Although I strive to publish the "perfect" newspaper each month, admittedly, I don't always get it right. I remember several years ago when I failed to proofread the newspaper before it went to the printers because I was tired. It was only after I had made some of my deliveries did I realize the vast amount of mistakes that had been printed. In the rain and without hesitation, I immediately and tirelessly, went back and picked up all of the papers I had just delivered. I corrected the mistakes, had the newspaper reprinted and delivered them again. Did I learn something from this? Of course, I did. Steve Harvey, one of the most respected men in show business, is the man we know as a game show host, television and radio personality, mentor, philanthropist and a great comedian. Quite a résumé, huh? Amazingly, it only took one split second, for all of his accomplishments and accolades to become overshadowed by a mistake. One of my favorite quotes is, "The good we do today, will soon be forgotten tomorrow".
In case you haven't heard, Steve announced the incorrect winner at the Miss Universe pageant. As devastating as it was for the crown to swiftly be removed from Miss Colombia and given to Miss Philippines, it was a good reminder that "Nobody's perfect!" This is just a cautionary tale about how frail life really is and how quickly it can all turn on us. Steve owned the moment by apologizing, "I will take responsibility for this, it was my mistake," he told the crowd. "It is my mistake." Steve's response and his honesty is a great example for us when we make a mistake. When I wake up every morning, I wake up with the intention of doing outstanding work, encouraging people, responding to every need, finding some kind of enrichment for my spirit, and spending time in communion with God, but I don't always get it right. . As I'm sure, Steve Harvey didn't wake up with the intentions of incorrectly announcing Ms. Colombia as Miss Universe or Jim Joyce, making an incorrect call on the baseball field, admitting a mistake can be painful. As humans, we commonly respond in one of two ways. We either dwell on our wrongdoings or ignore them. Neither end of the spectrum is healthy because they prevent us from living our best life possible. I must confess that I end almost every day reflecting on the weaknesses of what I have done, the wrong word spoken or the right word unspoken, the inability to get around to every need, and hurried moments of worship and reflection. Instead of taking pride in a perfect day, I usually express thanks for God's grace that covers my short-
The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.
comings and gives me the opportunity to face another day. Does God expect us to be perfect? Even though Jesus tells us to "Be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect", he also says, "The one of you without sin, let him throw the first stone….!" Nonetheless, in our society, we are so quick to throw stones at someone for making a mistake simply because nothing seems to conform to our notion of perfection. Many times, we spend more time finding flaws in others than we do ourselves. The Word of God tells us to "Aim for perfection." (2 Corinthians 13:11) So how can we aim for perfection, without being perfectionists and without constantly being weighed down with guilt of feelings of inadequacy? When we make mistakes or fall short, simply recognize that we are not perfect but God still loves us unconditionally. Remember in the Bible Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."
(Philippians 4:12) And every time Paul fell short, (as we all do), he nevertheless pressed on. Paul wasn't bogged down by self-induced pressure to maintain a healthy self-image. For Paul, it was about Christ. He aimed high and kept his eye on the prize. We all live with past regret. And our past will always define our past, but it does not need to define our present. When we begin to accept and recognize our weaknesses, we put ourselves in position to begin learning from them. "Nobody's perfect!" We can all learn to grow through our mistakes and imperfections Aim for perfection and stop focusing on being a perfectionist. There's no perfect marriage, no perfect relationship and no perfect people. We all make mistakes. Everybody! Mistakes are not all created equal, and they are not always desirable. However, we must use our mistakes as an opportunity for reflection and correction. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All Aboard.
Monthly Meditation
Notable Quote
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5
Making mistakes is better than faking perfections --Unknown
January 2016
JANUARY BIBLE TRIVIA 1. What was the name of the military commander who sent Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea? 2. What soldier was in charge of David's bodyguard? 3. Where was Paul when a Roman soldier stopped him from being murdered by an angry mob? 4. What cousin of Saul was commander of the king's troops? 5. What Canaanite commander was murdered by Jael? 6. Who was the commander of the Israelites under Moses? 7. Who was the commander of Abimelech's army? 8. Who met the commander of the Lord's army?
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9. What judge from Gilead was called to be a commander against the Ammonites? 10. What irate soldier falsely accused Jeremiah of deserting to the Babylonians and arrested him? 11. What Philistine soldier was slain by a boy carrying a bag of stones? 12. Who was commander of Solomon's army? 13. Who was commander of David's army? 14. What commander led a successful revolt against the ill-fated King Zimri? 15. What army commander was anointed by a prophet and told that he was to stamp out Ahab's dynasty? 16. What Assyrian field commander tried to intimidate King Hezekiah by speaking propaganda to the peo-
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ple of Jerusalem? 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
December Answers 1. Joshua (24:27) 2. I Corinthians (10:4) 3. Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59-60) 4. Jesus (Matthew 21:42) 5. Lazarus (John 11:38-40) 6. Jacob (Genesis 29:10-11) 7. Joshua (10:16-18) 8. Daniel (6:17) 9. Solomon (I Kings 5:17) 10. The Pharisees (Luke 19:40) 11. Jacob (Genesis 35:9, 14) 12. Moses (Exodus 17:6) 13. Jesus (Mark 13:1-2) 14. Joshua (4:4-8) 15. Aaron (Exodus 28:9-12) 16. God (Exodus 24:12) 17. The high priest (Exodus 28:17-20) 18. The pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) 19. The new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20) 20. Pearls (Matthew 7:6)
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CRENSHAW.....from page 1 mind to go into the medical field in some way." Crenshaw said her son had always been competitive, even as a small boy, and enjoyed challenging himself in every way. "He's always been a child to push himself and try to achieve success above and beyond in everything he's ever undertaken," she said. Colby is a second year student in the Health Sciences program at the Alcorn Career and Technology Center and was nominated for this honor by his Health Sciences instructor, Mrs. Tila Johnson. At Biggersville High School, Colby is an active member of the Chorus, FCA, STEM Club, Spanish Club, Beta Club and All A's Team. He is a member of the FFA, where he serves as secretary; FBLA, where he serves as treasurer; Music Club, where he serves as president; SGA where he serves as vice-president; and basketball team where he serves as captain. He received the A&P Award; Science Award and also a Music Award from his school. Colby has been a member of the BHS Band and served as drum major for four years, as well as played the Alto Saxophone. He was also selected as a member of the MSU Honor Band. Colby is also a Mississippi Scholar Student. At the Alcorn Career and Technology Center, he is a member of HOSA and the National Technical Honor Society, where he serves as vice-president. He is also a Career Delegate at the ACTC and repre-
FAMILY...from page 1 story begins, and family is a part of that story. It’s who we are and what we give to others that determines our value within ourselves,” says Melanie Harper, a teacher and divorced mother of two boys. As part of the #RealFamiliesRealValues campaign sponsored by White Cloud Bathroom Tissue, at Walmart. Harper and her two sons were featured in a video where she discussed the challenges and rewards of raising children on her own. The campaign’s goal is to capture and share the things most important about family, and White Cloud is encouraging the full range of American’s families to tell their stories. “I don’t have to try to be a father. I can just be the best mother that I can,” says Harper. “My main concern is that my boys are happy. You’re Normal “Single moms are part of the fabric of
January 2016
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sents the school at public events. Colby's community service includes volunteering through the local Autism Awareness Event; serving as a 2015 JLA (Junior Leadership Alliance) representative; working with the Alcorn County Disaster Drill, the Northeast Mississippi WIN Job Fair, the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Event, and making "new mom bags" with Excel by 5 for the Magnolia Regional Health Center on a monthly basis. He is also CPR and first Aid certified through the American Heart Association and a blood donor through American Red Cross Blood Services. He is a member of the Synagogue MB Church where he serves as an assistant pianist. Currently, Colby works a part time job as a Popeye's Customer Service Representative. After graduation, he plans to attend Northeast Mississippi Community college and major in nursing and music. He also plans to try out for Campus Country and audition for the Northeast Tiger Band. After graduating from NEMCC, he will work to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of North Alabama. While at UNA, his goal is to take part in the Jazz Ensemble Choir, and ultimately Colby looks forward to working in the medical field in some capacity. After that list of accomplishments and activities, the truth of Earnestine Crenshaw's statement about Colby being born competitive and always striving for success is proven. "It's in his nature." life,” says Emma Johnson, the brains behind Wealthy Single Mother, a blog for single moms where they can get advice and connect. “We’re everywhere! In middle class communities, poor rural communities, rich suburbs, and in every part of every city. We are loaded and we are poor. We run companies, own businesses, nurse, teach, farm, stay at home full-time and work in factories.” Johnson stresses that while the typical message out there is that it’s possible to survive as a single parent, you can go beyond that and truly thrive, and many families are doing just that. Luckily, there are new TV shows, books and even home product brands out there like White Cloud that are working to change the discourse and be inclusive to all kinds of families. While the iconic American family may not look the same as it did in the past, the same values of kindness, strength and love remain.
GOALS......from page 1 Garre says the first step toward understanding your life in a more connected way is to appreciate the qualities and functions of the elements and how they relate to body and mind. She recommends a simple energy quiz from Gaia, a streaming-media provider, offering guidance on living a more conscious life, found at www.gaia.com/quiz2016. The quiz is based on ancient Eastern teaching to help people discover which of the five basic elements— space, air, fire, water and earth—is most influential in them. With those teachings in mind, Garre offers a bit of information about each of the elements and their energetic qualities: • Space: Space represents freedom and healing. It is clear, subtle and vast. In our bodies it represents the space between our joints, organs, cranium, cavities and so forth. It is also the space between thoughts and cycles. Space brings mental freedom and possibility, but an overly spacey mind will easily forget and be up in the clouds. • Air: All that moves in the body, from nerve impulses to the movement of eyes, lungs and digestive track, is air. Air also represents the movements of thoughts, ideas and inspiration. In the mind the air element brings creativity and ideas, but in
HOWELL...from page 1 and find support through youth ministries Rev. Howell said that he believes that it makes no difference where or how you came up, its where you decide to go once you reach the consciousness of your behavior and decisions. Rev. Howell shared his childhood experiences and said that he did not always make the best decisions when he was a youth. But with God in his life, it changed the direction he was going and that resulted in him turning his life around and equipping him with the desire to not only change his life, but to reach other people to spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
excess, can have us thinking too much. • Fire: All of our metabolic, enzymatic reactions and transformative processes in the body represent the fire element. In the mind, this fire mediates our ability to learn, comprehend and analyze. It is our passion for life. The fire of intelligence is rewarding, but too much can make us critical, impatient and irritable. • Water: The water element brings moisture to the whole body, allows for smooth movement and circulation of nutrients. It offers softness, compassion and immunity. In the body, it is the lubrication of the joints, digestive track, and sinuses. Water holds emotion and hence we cry when we are emotional. Too much water element in the mind can make us overly emotional. • Earth: Earth is the element we hold in the skin, muscles, bones, hair, teeth and nails. It is solid and firm and thus gives us density, stability, fortitude and strength. Earth helps the mind relax and be calm and steady. Excess of earth in the mind can leave us heavy, stuck or depressed. More content, including streaming videos and blog posts, about conscientious living can be found at www.Gaia.com and www.MariaGarre.com. “As you embark on new goals, start by looking at the basic elemental types to help you understand yourself,” says Garre. The best advice Rev. Howell offers the youth today is to accept Christ into their lives, stay in school and get a good education. He shared that wisdom will teach others how to use their education to help others accomplish their goals. James 3:17 states, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy". This scripture is the noblest and truest definition of wisdom, because it recognizes the true greatness of man and is capable of universal application. We should all aspire to be what God would have us to be. The key is listening to God for direction.
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January 2016
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HEALTH
Tips to Avoid Overeating Dance Movements Boost Balance Remember dance class when we were kids? Not the social dances or square dance, but the free movement to music? Swiss researchers used those same types of movements with seniors. Specifically, they wanted to know whether frail elderly people who already had balance problems would benefit from Dalcroze Eurhythmics classes. They assembled 134 seniors age 65 and older to participate for six months in clinical trials, while a control group kept on with their usual activities. Classes included just walking to music, then progressing to footwork and upper-body movements. Sometimes they included an object such as a ball. Researchers called this multitasking, and believed it would serve to improve balance functions. At the end of the six months, the Dalcroze participants had better balance and walking functions, and only half the risk of a fall. Length of walking gait was more even. When the control group began classes six months later, they also developed the same balance skills as the first group by the time the classes were over. Six months later the first group was shown to have retained their skills and ability. At this point, researchers don’t seem certain about why it works. Perhaps it has to do with the music and needing to stay in rhythm, which forces us to make certain movements at certain intervals. One scientist called it a “motor-cognitive connection.” That same person recommends ballroom dance for seniors because of the combination of the movement and music. If you’d like to see some of the movements, go to www.dalcroze. org.au and click Eurythmics. Then click Video where it shows excerpts of children. For more examples, go to YouTube.com and put this in the search box: Dalcroze eurhythmics 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.
(c) The Perfect Portion Cookbook
(StatePoint) For many people, the biggest hurdle in their quest to eat sensibly isn’t a question of what they should eat, but how much? If overeating is an issue you face, consider the following tips: • Stay hydrated. Thirst is often confused for hunger. Stay hydrated so that when true hunger strikes, you will know what your body needs. • Snack. It may sound counterintuitive to eat more meals. But staying fueled throughout the day will prevent you from feeling ravenous and over-eating later. • Rest. Lack of sleep can leave you hungry. Get proper rest each night. • Make more room. It sounds simple but the more calories you burn, the more food your body requires. If you like large meals, consider “working up an appetite,” first. Even if you follow the tips above, you may have trouble relying on your intuition when it comes to doling out properly sized portions. A new cookbook may prove useful with that challenge. “The Perfect Portion Cookbook,” offers 150 comfort food recipes that have undergone healthful makeovers. Each is easily divided into 100-calorie portions whether measured by a cup, piece or slice. Readers can enjoy 100-, 200-, 300- or 400 calorie servings of their favorite comfort foods. The book also offers tips for making meal
plans, smart snacking and burning calories. “Understanding realistic portion sizes and the calories within them is the first step,” says Anson Williams, “Happy Days,” TV star and director who has teamed with cookbook author Bob Warden and nutritionist Mona Dolgov to create the book. “Without worry or guilt, we can all eat perfect portions of the foods we love and never overeat.” The trio is offering this delicious recipe for Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese (recommended portion size: 300 calories = 1 cup): Ingredients: 16 ounces elbow macaroni 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 12-ounce can fat-free evaporated milk 3/4 teaspoon salt 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Directions: • Boil the macaroni according to package directions. Drain, but do not rinse. In a stockpot over medium-high heat, whisk the cornstarch into the chicken broth, until dissolved. Bring up to a simmer, and let cook for two minutes. Whisk the evaporated milk and salt into the thickened chicken broth, and bring back up to a simmer. Remove sauce from heat, and stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, until melted and creamy. Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, and stir to combine before serving. For more recipes, tips and information about the book which is available on QVC and elsewhere, visit theperfectportion.com. With a few tricks and tips, you can land on the perfect portion sizes that will leave you feeling energized and satiated after meals.
Patterson Memorial Chapel 125 South Franklin Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-286-2200 Office
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January 2016
A VIEW FROM THE ARBOR
January in the Garden
By Bitsy Davis Alcorn County Master Gardener News Flash columnist
Avid gardeners are able to see beyond the cold, sleeping garden and can envision the miracle waiting beneath the winter blanket of snow and ice. There is the promise of spring in seeds waiting to sprout, in branches with tightly closed buds, and in bulbs whose shoots are poised to reach for the sun. In the depths of winter, it is possible to have a preview of spring by forcing branches of spring flowering shrubs into bloom indoors. Clip branches of quince, spirea, or forsythia and bring them inside. Place the stems in a vase of water in a moderately heated room. Change the water every few days and re-cut stems weekly. Within four to six weeks, you will have blooms and a touch of spring. The bare branches of oakleaf hydrangea make an attractive display indoors, as buds break dormancy and the bright green, fuzzy leaves unfurl. Even though January doesn't require much active gardening, there are still a few tasks to consider. • Keep outdoor plants watered. When a prolonged freeze is expected, bushes and outside containers should be watered thoroughly. Once the soil is frozen, plants must rely on moisture that they have
already absorbed. • After a snowfall, gently shake snow from the branches of evergreens to prevent damage from the weight of the snow. • Continue planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. • Monitor houseplants for pests such as spider mites and mealy bugs and spray tops and bottoms of leaves with an insecticidal soap that includes a miticide at the first sign of trouble. Indoor plants require more frequent watering during the winter and many will benefit from having the foliage misted. Garden Journal January is named for the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, representing a reflection on the past and a glance to the future. Winter months offer us time to reflect on last year's garden and a chance to begin planning for changes and additions that we hope to make to our gardens in the coming year. If you are not already keeping a garden journal, January is a good time to begin. A notebook of your observations throughout the year will prove invaluable in making future garden plans. Entries in your journal might include notes about the successes and failures you had in last year's garden, a list of tasks which need completing, ideas relating to projects you are planning, and a collection of tips and ideas from other gardeners. Sketches and notes of plants and garden designs you admire in other gardens will be helpful for later reference. Record dates of the first rose bloom and the first jonquil. Document what you planted and when, weather conditions such as frost and freeze dates, and even wildlife
visitors. Include photographs of your garden at different times of the year. A garden journal will be a source of reference and inspiration and will remind you of happy hours spent in your garden. Survey your Garden January is a great time to take a good look at the basic structure of your garden. With foliage pared to a minimum, it is easy to see the outlines of beds and to assess whether you have enough evergreen shrubs, trees, and groundcovers to give your garden structure and winter interest. Even though the garden has very few winter blooms, it should still have a pleasing look. This can be achieved through the placement of evergreens and the addition of plants with interesting bark, berries, and branches. Garden features such as arbors and sundials help to add interest, as does the addition of containers holding winter hardy plants such as pansies, ivy, dust, miller, mondo grass, and small boxwoods or hollies. Dracaena Dracaena is an easy to grow tropical houseplant that is readily available in garden centers. The 40 species of dracaena vary in size and form and often have pink, red, white, or yellow color patterns on the leaves. They prefer a warm location with bright but indirect sunlight and need to be in a pot that drains well. Let the soil dry to a depth of ½ inch between waterings and fertilize two times a month in the spring and summer with a water soluble fertilizer. It is best to use filtered or spring water, as the plants don't like fluoride that is in tap water. Begin making plans for your spring garden and watch for those surprisingly early blooms that might be triggered by a warm snap.
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January 2016
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FINANCE
Millennials: Tips on How to Invest for a Brighter Financial Future (StatePoint) The majority of Americans say retirement investing is a priority, but more than half consider Social Security a top-three source for funding retirement, and 40 percent of millennials expect Social Security (along with 401(k)s and pensions) to fund their golden years, according to Capital One Investing’s Financial Freedom Survey. “With the future of Social Security uncertain, all Americans, and millennials in particular, should be proactively planning for their financial futures,” said Yvette Butler, president of Capital One Investing, a full-service brokerage. “There are consequences to sitting on the sidelines, most importantly a smaller nest egg in the long-term.” Capital One Investing found 93 percent of millennials say that distrust of the markets, lack of knowledge, little understanding of pricing and costs, and general complexities make them feel less confident about investing. “Now more than ever, the onus is on the individual investor to plan for a financially stable future,” said Butler. “The industry needs to offer millennial investors educational tools and transparent products that will support them as they do so.” With that in mind, Butler offers several ideas that may help younger investors establish a straightforward financial plan they can stick to.
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• Start early: The earlier you start planning and investing, the better. Once you have an emergency fund saved, you may want to consistently contribute to a diversified retirement account to try to maximize your long-term gains. Even small amounts invested today can add up over time. Tools like the ShareBuilder Investment Plan enable you to invest a set dollar amount and buy fractional shares of stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. • Go online: An online investing account is easy to
Adult Training Classes Through the cooperation of the Career and Technical Education Department, the Alcorn Career and Technology Center is organizing adult evening classes for the Spring 2016 semester. These classes are being conducted to provide training for persons so they may become gainfully employed and to retrain and upgrade those already employed. Provided sufficient interest is shown, the follow non-credit courses will be offered: Microsoft Office Applications (CEU) Introduction to Sewing Basic Welding Combination Welding Basic Photography Lawn/Garden Equipment Repair Photo Shop Medical Terminology Introduction to Computers (CEU) Basic Machine Shop CNC Programming Basic Carpentry and Woodworking
open and doesn’t require a lot of cash to get started, and online investing and mobile apps give you increased on-the-go flexibility. Low-cost portfolio building tools that take into account your investment horizon and risk tolerance can also help develop a strategy that works for you. • Get educated: From stocks and bonds to mutual funds, ETFs, IRAs and 401(k)s, there are a lot of strategies and vehicles out there, and it may seem overwhelming at first. In fact, according to Capital One Investing’s survey, more than half of investors of all ages say their lack of knowledge and experience in investing hinders them from feeling confident about taking action. You may eliminate this barrier by exploring free financial resources and educational tools that can help you sort out the facts and learn about tried and true investing principles. • Ask for help: A trusted professional can offer unbiased advice, and may help you develop an investing strategy you can follow and adjust, while instilling confidence about your future. When it comes to establishing a financial plan, stay motivated by determining clear goals, and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back as you reach various milestones. Remember, the work you do today should pay off for years to come.
Mills Auto Sales, Inc.
DEPENDABLE CARS • AFFORDABLE PRICES 1403 HWY 72 WEST • P.O. BOX 493 • CORINTH, MS 38835
Please visit the Alcorn Career and Technology Center's Website at http://actc.alcorn.k12.ms.us/ for class costs and start dates or call (662) 286-7727.
662-286-0223 Mark Mills
8
January 2016
The Community News Flash
Happy New Year!!! The New Year is here and we active in the planning process. It all have experienced a is ultimately your responsibility mountain of challenges to be in charge of the decilast year, but neverthesions that impact your life less now we have an and your financial situation. opportunity in this New Taking control of those things Year to make some you can control is an imporamazing things tant first step to controlhappen. God ling your financial has graciously future. blessed us all One area that to see another many people outside year giving us the investment another opporindustry struggle tunity to start with is the jargon this year off and terminology with a new investors use. If outlook on God, you want to turn family and life. In your financial situaaddition this is a tion around its great time to reevalimportant to stay By: Alfreda C. Hill uate your finances focused on your for the New Year. goals and what you are trying to Part of putting a financial plan accomplish. Take the time to in place means knowing what's learn about handling finances; right for you and how much or seek assistance from professionhow little planning you need. In als to broaden your financial addition its very important to be understanding of investing and
the terminology used so that you can comprehend and understand the jargon in the financial industry. Understanding how to manage your finances is a job in itself if you never have been familiar with proper financial management. Getting the proper training and understanding is invaluable in helping you become successful to understanding your worth and vision. Get to know yourself and what you want. This may lead to incorporating goals that are sometimes non-financial in nature to help you focus and set the foundation you need to be grounded. The approach you take to empowering yourself through education and training can help you be a better investor and help you secure a more stable financial future. Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding".
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January 2016
The Community News Flash
9
MONEY
Your Smartphone Can Help You Achieve Your Financial Resolutions
(c) Getty Images
(StatePoint) Sixty-four percent of American adults have a smartphone, according to Pew Research Center, and that number is growing. Savvy smartphone users are doing a lot more with their devices than selfies. At the forefront of a smartphone’s benefits is on-the-go money management, which personal finance experts say can be a key tool to helping you achieve your New Year resolutions. “Technology advances are giving banks an opportunity to further enhance their customers’ ability to manage their money,” says Brett Pitts, Head of Digital for Wells Fargo Virtual Channels. Want to get a better handle on your money in 2016? Pitts offers some tips for making your smartphone your own personal banker: • Go mobile: You may have used your phone to log into your account via your bank’s website. Check your bank’s mobile application offerings and download its mobile app instead. Using an app designed for device read-
ability will make transactions easier and more efficient. When downloading an app to your smartphone, make sure you’re using a trusted source. Make sure you download directly from your phone’s app store or your bank’s website. • Review functionality: Mobile applications are always evolving and improving. Review your bank’s app functionality periodically to ensure you’re up-to-date. For example, Wells Fargo just added several new features to its already robust mobile banking suite. Once enabled, customers can view balance information with its FastLook swipe feature, as well as be notified of transactions via opt-in push notifications (without having to log in with a username and password). • Manage your money on-the-go: Use your bank’s free money management services like online bill pay, mobile check deposit and mobile funds transfer. Get peace of mind before heading out for holiday shopping. Before purchas-
es, use your phone to check account balances and make transfers as needed in order to avoid overdraft fees. • Add automatic account alerts: Preset limits for transactions and purchases, so you can be immediately notified when those limits have been exceeded. This will help you track your spending and prevent you from breaking your budget. You may also wish to sign up for other notifications, such as when your card is declined, your balance drops below a certain threshold or a direct deposit posts to your account. • Get reminded: Make late fees a thing of the past. Set up calendar reminders for credit card payments, mortgages and other bill due dates. Your bank’s app may also have a built-in reminder feature to help you streamline payments. • Keep contact details up-to-date: Make sure your bank knows how to reach you. For example, some banks notify customers of possible suspicious card transactions through text messages -- which allow customers to reply quickly to confirm whether the transaction is legitimate or not. More banking tech tips and resources can be found at wellsfargo.com/mobile. Thanks to new userfriendly technologies, being responsible with your money is easier than ever. Be smart with your smartphone and use it to help meet your 2016 financial goals.
10
The Community News Flash
January 2016
LIVING
3 Reasons to Shop at Small Businesses
It’s not too late to start thinking about Valentines Day. (c) Sepy - Fotolia.com
(StatePoint) Big box retailers may offer certain conveniences, but shopping at a small business near you can be more satisfying -- from the personal service received to the unique items you may find, not to mention that shopping on Main Street benefits the local economy. Here are some retail trends and other things to consider as you shop at your favorite small businesses. The Local Economy By supporting small businesses, you are supporting local job creation. In fact, small firms accounted for over three-fifths of the new jobs created between 1993 and mid2013, according to government statistics. Spending your shopping budget locally strengthens Main Street and can help your community’s economy thrive. New Technologies A common stereotype of mom and pop stores are that they are antiquated and overpriced, but many small businesses are adopting new technologies to streamline their operations;
which can be an important consideration for shoppers in a hurry or on a budget. New Android based point of sale terminals, such as the ergonomically designed VR7000 and V-R7100 from Casio have widescreen LCD touch panels, and an intuitive, high-resolution interface for faster sales and fewer transactional snafus. For example, these terminals come equipped with a battery to protect memory data in the event of a power failure, and offer efficient store operations by eliminating common hardware problems experienced with PC based hardware. These information terminals can transform retail man-
agement and offer small businesses a chance to compete against their big box counterparts. Exclusive Items From the gift shop with handmade crafts made by neighborhood artisans, to the bookshop selling the works of local authors, shopping at small businesses means encountering items on sale that you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re redecorating your home or revamping your wardrobe, going local can help you get inspired. The next time you’re on a shopping spree, consider making a point of supporting your small, local businesses.
Shop Downtown for your special someone.
January 2016
The Community News Flash
NEWS FLASH
11
Kids Zone
January 2016
The Community News Flash
12
PERSONAL FINANCE
Helpful Hints to Make Your Money Resolutions Stick
Photographee.eu - Fotolia.com
(StatePoint) If your 2016 resolution is to spend less and save more, you’re not alone. A quarter of US consumers are making money-saving resolutions, according to Nielsen surveys. While everyone sets out with the best of intentions, the truth is that only eight percent of us are successful at achieving our New Year’s goals, according to research published in the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology. With a little preparation you can be the exception to the rule. • Prioritize goals: While you may think
that saving money, getting promoted at work and earning a significant pay increase sound like great aspirations, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Instead of making a long list of possible resolutions, determine one or two top priorities so you can fully devote yourself to those goals. • Make Measurable, Attainable Resolutions: Once you’ve set your moneysaving goals, determine how you’ll measure success. For example, if you are saving for your dream vacation, determine how much to set aside for the trip and how much to save each month to reach that goal. Then, set short- and long-term milestones to help you stay motivated. • Save for a rainy day: Putting away a small amount every week for emergencies can add up to big savings in the long run. • Replace household items: Even though your refrigerator or fixtures may be working fine, they may be using more energy or water than they should. To save on water bills choose a quality faucet with a lower flow rate. For example, the new Kaden high-arc pulldown kitchen faucet
from Moen offers a low flow rate with a sleek design that’s easy on the wallet. It’s long-lasting, too, which also saves money in the long run, as it’s offered in Moen’s exclusive Spot Resist Stainless finish, which helps resist fingerprints and water spots to maintain the brilliance of the fixture. • Repurpose your stuff: One way to save is by repurposing what you already own. Use the New Year as a time to clean out closets, empty storage units and breathe new life into items by refinishing furniture or updating existing pieces of clothing. You can even sell clothes you don’t wear as often through your own shop on websites like eBay or Poshmark. • Heat up your savings: If you rely on oil to heat your home, contact your energy provider to determine whether you can prepay to lock into lower rates. This way, you won’t have to worry about rising prices when the temperatures go down. Setting achievable goals and planning ahead can help you stick with your resolution to save money.
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Northeast MS Community Services, Inc. • 801 Hatchie Street • Booneville, MS 38829
January 2016
13
The Community News Flash
A Year-Round College-Planning Calendar for Parents and Prospective Students By Nathaniel Sillin Preparing your kids for college isn't just about the money you've put aside for tuition, room and board. It's about making deadlines, making the right choices and making sure your teen has the proper life and money skills to make college a success. Consider a college-planning calendar you and your university-bound student can follow. Here are some seasonal activities to consider adding to yours: Winter No matter how you've prepared financially for your teen's college education, kick off the year with a visit to a qualified financial and tax professional. You might also consider paying for a separate advisory session for your teen so they know how to handle money before they leave for college. January is also a good month to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA (https://fafsa.ed.gov), as it's best to fill out the form right after Jan.1 to avoid missing out on available federal and state (https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm) aid going into your teen's freshman year. That first FAFSA filing will give you an idea of what your Effective Family Contribution (EFC) (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/collegeaid) will be.
Consult trusted friends and family members for their advice on affording college and strategies to secure grants and scholarships. Resources like FinAid.org and Edvisors.com are good resources for ways to afford college, but it also helps to have face-to-face expertise. Start evaluating potential schools with your teen. The U.S. Department of Education's College Affordability and Transparency Center (http://collegecost.ed.gov) features a range of calculators and resources to help you narrow down school choices with the chance for your teen to secure the most scholarships and grants – money that doesn't have to be paid back. Spring Springtime is a good season to start talking about summer jobs and internships (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summerjob) that will make for a more attractive college application. Internship application periods may be yearround with many deadlines happening in the gall. If you are expecting your teen to contribute some part of their earnings or savings for future college costs, it's worthwhile to review earning, spending, budgeting, tax and savings fundamentals they'll need to manage money in school. Also, if your teen hasn't been exposed to banking on a regular basis, it's time. Work with them to compare fees and services on various checking and savings accounts and consider whether it might be wise for you to bank with the same institution to
allow for easier transfer of necessary funds from your account to theirs. Also encourage them to find an organized way of keeping track of their finances on paper, on computer or online (https://www.mint.com). Summer Summer is a time for fun, but it's also a good time to research potential schools and scholarship programs and even take a quick campus tour. The U.S. Department of Education's scholarship site (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships) offers basic guidance in finding such money and local companies and organizations – including places where your teen can work or intern – may offer local awards. If your teen is heading into their senior year, the fall is going to be busy. Get admissions test dates and college admissions deadlines down on your calendar as soon as possible. Also budget for college application fees as well as fees for admissions prep tests and the main SAT or ACT tests (more on that below) which may cost well in excess of $50 based on which test – or tests – your teen needs to take. Fall Fall is the season for college admissions tests, but for students with extra time before graduation, it's also the season for test prep (http://www.usnews.com/education/bestcolleges/test-prep). Higher-scoring students on such achievement tests generally are in a better position
for admissions or certain types of financial aid. High-school sophomores take the PSAT as a primary qualification for National Merit Scholarships, but it also gives an early indication of how students may do during their junior year on their ACT or SAT test, whichever they are encouraged to take. Get your student to check directly with the colleges of their choice to see which tests they require. Finally, the closer your teen gets to freshman year, the more specific the dates on the calendar
become. For college-bound seniors, fall is the time for narrowing down college choices after visits, interviews or auditions so applications can be sent. Once acceptance letters arrive, it's time for parents and teens to evaluate financial aid packages. Bottom line: Creating a college-planning calendar can help you and your teen target desired schools, learn about money management and break down funding obstacles. Set it up as early as possible.
Legacy Of Love
Track Your Spending If you have a computer and really don’t know where all your money goes, your life can be easier if you invest in personal-finance budget software. Nearly all of the finance programs have reports that you can customize and generate. Want to know how much you’re spending for groceries? Or how much miscellaneous cash went to coffee in the morning? The program will tell you. Your bank statement will include the debit-card amounts, which you’ll need to add in, but not the cash you spend. You’ll need to enter that as well. Be cautious about the features of any software you buy. There is one brand-name software that will accumulate all of your information in one place. The ads say it can combine your bank accounts with your credit cards and investment accounts — by going into those accounts and extracting the information for you. Another software will make your payments for you automatically. Beware. While it’s a given that they’ve gone all-out to provide security for their servers, not all servers are equal. Do you really want
GRAYSON FUNERAL SERVICE The Staff at Grayson's want to Thank you for your continued patronage and wish you Love, Peace, Health and Prosperity in 2016. Happy New Year!
662.286.6327 to have every single transaction you make available to potential thieves? Equally important, do you really want to give up that much control of your money? If you come across a deal that you shouldn’t pass up, knowing that you still have two more weeks to pay the utility bill, what are you going to do when the computer automatically spends your money on that utility bill? Caveat: If you plan to use an Internet-connected computer for your finances, don’t download any personal-finance software from the Internet. You don’t know what’s in it. Instead, pick a name brand that comes in a box at the store. And when you enter your information into the program, don’t put your account number or even the real name of your bank. Best bet: Use an old computer for all your financial information — and don’t hook it up to the Internet. Test some of the free basic-software programs to see which you like best. What you want is a simple program that will categorize your spending, reconcile your accounts (including retirement or investment) and possibly allow you to print out checks. David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. © 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.
January 2016
The Community News Flash
14
By Samantha Weaver
• Here’s another great clothespin tip: “Clothespin plus dish towel equals baby bib (or Uncle Frank bib, in some cases).” — T.R. in Missouri • “To hand-wash clothes, fill a washer with water and add detergent. Add clothes that you need to hand-wash, and let run in machine 1 minute or less (longer if soiled). Then take the clothes out and place in a clean bucket or hip pan to rinse out. Hang or lay flat to dry. You can use the wash water to do the next load of normal wash.” — E.B. in Mississippi • “Put on and dampen a pair of rubber gloves, then run your hands over your upholstery to pick up excess pet hair. This works really well on the backs of our couches, which is where our cats love to sleep.” — W.L. in New Mexico • If you need to make large ice cubes, try using an egg carton as an ice-cube tray. You can make a whole dozen and put them in a gallon-size plastic baggie. They’re great for punch in large bowls, adding to iced tea in the pitcher and for packing coolers, since they melt slower than regular ice cubes. • Hang a suncatcher with dental floss. You probably have some around the house, and it’s pretty strong. • “If the soles of your shoes are too new, they can be slippery. I find that I can rough up the soles of my shoes with an emery board or a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper. I don’t want to slip, and the rougher surface helps on some of my nicer dress shoes that don’t get a lot of wear.” — C.L. in Pennsylvania 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 prolific British author G.K. Chesterton who gave the following sage bit of advice: “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.” • When Richard Nixon first ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives (which he won in 1946), he funded his campaign largely with money he won playing poker while serving as a lieutenant commander in the Navy during World War II. • From 1863 until 1945, the city of Vicksburg, Miss., didn’t celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. This is because during the Civil War, the Confederate city was surrendered to Union forces on that day, an event that was considered to be one of the turning points of the war. • It was once thought that when snakes went through their version of hibernation they rejuvenated themselves, and therefore that serpents lived forever. • There’s talk everywhere these days about the growing problem posed by the fact that people in the U.S. are becoming more and more overweight. Interestingly, when the International Journal of Obesity was first published, in 1993, it was 509 pages long; the 2006 edition totaled 2,322 pages. Coincidence? • It was one Dr. Spencer Silver, a chemist, who invented the adhesive used today in Post-it notes, but he had no luck promoting his invention. Six years later, one of his colleagues, Art Fry, came up with a use for it that stuck (so to speak). While sitting in church one day, Fry’s attention wandered from the sermon to the scraps of paper he used to mark his place in the hymnal, which kept falling out. Connecting his annoying problem and his friend’s invention, the Post-it was born. *** Thought for the Day: “Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
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January 2016
The Community News Flash
15
Making Resolutions or Setting Goals
J. Moffett Walker, Retired Counselor & Author Are you a New Year's resolution person? If so, did you make one in 2015? One more question. If you made one, are you pleased with the outcome? I believe in setting goals. When I set goals for myself, I choose a goal or goals that I can accomplish if I put forth the necessary efforts. I do not choose goals like, I will win the Powerball or I will win the five thousand dollar a week Publishing Clearinghouse prize. Those are not goals I can accomplish from my efforts. Those examples are based more on luck. One of the goals I set last year, 2015, was to participate in writing contests. I could have participated in more, but I did okay. I was notified several months ago that one of my essays would be included in the Women's Memoir 2015 anthology. Tales of Our Lives, the anthology, "is a rich collection of inspiring stories that act as windows into real women's lives shared experiences." The anthology will be released on
January 8, 2016. My essay, "Living in a Danger Zone," tells the story about my life (husband's too) at Jackson College (Jackson State University) in 1961. On January 1, 2016, I was notified by Matilda Butler, Editor, that Tales of Our Lives has already been awarded an award, the New England Book Festival Award. Moreover, on December 1, 2015, the Mississippi Arts Commission notified me that I was awarded a mini-grant to help me support my writings. The $500.00 grant has been used to purchase professional services including a brochure, a banner and a website. These two highlights of my 2015 writing career have helped to encouraged me to continue writing and publishing. However, whether you make a New Year's resolution of set goals, the important point is to accomplish what you want/need. Best Wishes to all for a 2016 New Year. P S.....A sentence in the December article should have read: "One significant reminder, all drivers are to remain alcohol free."
Overnight Savory French Toast
S’more Cake Brownies Enjoy a couple of these yummy holiday chocolate treats without guilt. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Sugar substitute to equal 3/4 cup sugar, suitable for baking 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup fat-free yogurt 1/3 cup fat-free mayonnaise 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup water 1 cup miniature marshmallows 6 tablespoons purchased graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with butterflavored cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar substitute, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, vanilla extract and water. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture. Mix gently just to combine. 3. Spread batter evenly into prepared cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Evenly sprinkle marshmallows over top of partially baked brownies. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and chocolate chips. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over top. 4. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place cake pan on a wire rack and let set for at least 10 minutes. Cut into 16 brownies. Makes 8 (2 each) servings. • Each serving equals: 170 calories, 2g fat, 4g protein, 34g carb., 352mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fat
This savory, feeds-eight French toast — a cost-effective, cheesecrusted combo of baked bread, eggs and Gruyère — rests overnight so you can sleep in. 6 large eggs 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper 1/4 cup snipped chives, plus extra for garnish 1 loaf (9 ounces) French bread (preferably day-old), cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded 1. Grease shallow 1 1/2-quart ceramic baking dish. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until wellblended. Stir in chives. 2. Arrange half of bread in bottom of prepared baking dish, overlapping slices to fit. Pour half of egg mixture over bread and sprinkle with two-thirds of cheese. Cover with remaining bread, overlapping slices. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread; gently press down to help bread absorb egg mixture. Sprinkle with remaining one-third of cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until puffed and golden and tip of knife inserted in center comes out clean, covering top during last 15 minutes if browning too quickly. Let stand 10 minutes to set custard before serving. Sprinkle with snipped chives. Serves 8. TIP: Look for discounted day-old French bread in your market or bakery. • Each serving: About 355 calories, 20g total fat (11g saturated), 214mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 20g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 22g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.
1. ARCHITECTURE: What did ancient Roman aqueducts carry? 2. COMPUTERS: What does DPI measure? 3. GEOGRAPHY: Where does the Albemarle Sound lie? 4. MOVIES: Which well-known film director had planned as a teenager to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood? 5. GOVERNMENT: When was the Federal Communications Commission established? 6. LITERATURE: In poetry, what is an enjambment? 7. MUSIC: Which jazz musician and composer recorded “Giant Steps” in 1960? 8. FOOD & DRINK: What is another common name for corn? 9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who is considered the founder of the birth-control movement in the United States? 10. SCIENCE: What is the disease beriberi caused by? Answers 1. Water 2. Dots Per Inch, which measures resolution in printing 3. Between North Carolina and the Outer Banks 4. Martin Scorsese 5. 1934 6. One line of poetry runs into another without any end punctuation 7. John Coltrane 8. Maize 9. Margaret Sanger 10. Thiamine deficiency
1. When was the last time before 2009 that the World Series went at least six games? 2. Who is the all-time leader in career home runs for the New York Mets? 3. When was the last time before 2009 that three road teams won in the same weekend in the NFL playoffs? 4. Name the last time before 2010 that Baylor’s men’s basketball team won an NCAA Tournament game. 5. The New York Rangers made a trade with the New York Islanders in 2010. When was the last time before then that the two teams traded with each other? 6. Who won the first Olympic gold medal in men’s snowboarding half pipe? 7. In 2010, Stuart Appleby became the fifth PGA Tour player to shoot a round of 59. Name two of the other four to do it. Answers 1. It was 2003, when Florida defeated the New York Yankees in six games. 2. Darryl Strawberry, with 252 homers. Mike Piazza is second, with 220. 3. It was 1971 (Baltimore, Miami and Dallas all won as road teams). 4. It was 1950. 5. It occurred in 1972. 6. Gian Simmen of Switzerland, in 1998. 7. Al Geiberger (1977), Chip Beck (1991), David Duval (1999) and Paul Goydos (2010).
Historic Hotels Perfect for Holiday Celebrations If you're traveling to Los Angeles, need the perfect hotel for out-of-town guests or just want to enjoy a delicious meal, the Hyatt RH Andaz in West Hollywood and the Hyatt Century Plaza in Beverly Hills offer a unique blend of plush accommodations, fascinating history and the epitome of fine dining. The former Hyatt House reopened in 2009 as the Andaz West Hollywood. Andaz means "personal style" in Hindi, and the 14-story Andaz West Hollywood with 257 perfectly designed rooms, a fantastic ballroom and scenic rooftop pool make this hotel a beautiful place to rest, play or to enjoy a splendid meal. Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault is the creative genius who oversees the RH Restaurant in the Andaz Hotel. The "RH" is a reference to the hotel's 1960s and '70s rock 'n' roll past and the Riot House nickname given it by the famous bands that frequented
January 2016
The Community News Flash
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the hotel. Chef Archambault was born in Texas and received his classic culinary training in Paris. The 100-seat RH restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week. On weekends, Chef Archambault is known for serving one of the best breakfast/brunch menus in the city. The young chef's innovative combination of Southwestern American and French cuisine makes dining at the RH a unique experience. I gave the chef four stars after the lavish meal I enjoyed during my visit to the Andaz. The Hyatt Century Plaza is another beautiful hotel with a historic past. It's also the site of the fantastic Breeze restaurant under the inspired direction of Chef Manfred Lassahn. President Ronald Reagan stayed at the hotel so often that it was nicknamed "The Western White House." During the holidays, Chef Lassahan masterfully presents President Reagan's favorite dessert, Bread Pudding with Vanilla Brandy Sauce. After sampling this fabulous dish, I suggested he offer it on the bountiful breakfast buffet menu as well as with dinner! If you're fortunate enough to live in the Los Angeles area or have the opportunity to stay at the Hyatt's Andaz or Century Plaza Hotels, make sure you dine at the RH or Breeze Restaurants. I guarantee it will be a historic visit! BREAD PUDDING WITH VANILLA BRANDY SAUCE 1 quart whole milk
1 quart heavy whipping cream 1 fresh vanilla bean, split 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 16 whole eggs 1 day-old baguette or 4 large cinnamon-raisin Danish -- preferably a day old 1 large 4-day-old croissant 1 cup golden raisins Bread Pudding 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and prepare baking dish with non-stick baking spray. 2. Place milk, whipping cream, vanilla bean cut in half lengthwise and half the amount of sugar, nutmeg and salt into a saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat. 3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk remaining sugar and eggs together until light ribbon consistency. Slowly pour hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until smooth and creamy. Remove the split vanilla bean. Using the back of a paring knife, scrape the inside of the vanilla bean halves and return the seeds to the sauce. 4. Slice the baguette and croissant crosswise into half-inch slices. If using cinnamon-raisin Danish in place of baguette, slice them diagonally across. 5. Place a first layer of the sliced croissant into 9by-12-by-2 1/2-inch bake proof ceramic baking dish (a
disposable aluminum pan may be substituted), overlapping slightly end on end. Sprinkle half of the raisins over the croissants and place the sliced baguette or cinnamon-raisin Danish, overlapping in the same manner as the croissants. 6. Pour custard mixture into the pan, filling approximately halfway over the bread. Let contents soak for 3 to 5 minutes to absorb the custard mixture. Using fingertips, lightly press the bread to absorb more of the custard. Pour remaining custard into the pan, filling almost to the top, and sprinkle remaining raisins over top. 7. Bread pudding is baked in a water bath: Place baking dish in a roasting pan large enough to hold it; pour enough hot water into roasting pan to reach 1 inch on all sides of the baking dish. Place water bath with bread pudding onto middle rack of oven, and lightly cover with aluminum foul to prevent burning.
Remove foil after first hour of baking. 8. Bake at 350 F until custard is set and top is golden and puffed slightly in the center for approximately two hours. Let cool for at least 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with sauce. Serves 10 to 12. Vanilla Brandy Sauce 1 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon Brandy-flavored extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon white corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla In a saucepan, whisk all ingredients. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Serve warm over bread pudding! Recipe courtesy of Super Chef Manfred Lassahn.