CNF July 2018

SUMMER CAMP...pg 9

Vol 18, No. 2 •July 2018

SUMMER CAMP...pg 9

News You Can Use

There she is: Booneville's own Asya Branch as Miss Mississippi

for their love and support."

By Lucy Weber Before the state compeShe's already won the hearts of tition began, Branch Mississippians, and now Asya was presented the key Branch wants to wear the to the city by crown of Miss America.

Booneville officials.

The newly crowned Miss "That is such an Mississippi says winhonor. That lets me ning the state title has know my home city not really sunk in yet. "I is supporting me," she feel like I'm living in said. a dream," said the Branch said she's 20-year-old from heard from so many Booneville. friends and wellAfter winwishers from ning Miss Booneville, which Mississippi touches her heart, in the teleand she vised producexpects a lot tion on June of Booneville 23, Branch residents to has been, and be in will continue, Boardwalk Hall to live in in Atlantic City Vicksburg as when the competishe prepares tion begins. for Miss Miss America preAmerica. "I liminary competitions won't get to Asya Branch will be Sept. 5-7 with go to the nationally televised Booneville finals on Sept. 9. Branch sang "One until my homecoming event July 13-15," Moment in Time" at Miss Mississippi, but she said. "I cannot wait to get back home she hasn't decided what she will perform at to see all the people who have supported me. I'm excited to go back and thank them Miss America. Whatever song it is, it has to have meaning for her. "I don't like to sing if it doesn't Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 have a story that's meaningful to me."

By singing "One Moment," POSTAL PATRON Branch said she was telling the judges that this year was see BRANCH pg 4

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Country star shines brightly in good works for troops and community

By Lucy Weber Like a good country song, Darryl Worley loves God, country, family and community.

Worley lets his patriotism wave true. "I come from a military family on both my mom's and my dad's sides. My parents were both patriotic," said the country singer, who now lives in Savannah, Tenn.

"I'm a bone fide patriot. We have a great home land."

Invited by the Army to entertain the military in Kuwait and Afghanistan in 2002, Worley was inspired by that first of many trips to different parts of the world to play for the troops. "I was inspired by seeing the sacrifices they make."

Worley has lost count of the tours he's made to stand in front of thousands of military men and women around the world. "We will go and visit and see WORLEY pg 4

Darryl Worley

McNairy County mini-library boxes will soon bring love of reading close to home is involved in the establishment of

By Lucy Weber the Little Library Box program, a LaShell Moore wants to share the "take a book, return a book" love of reading with children in free exchange. With funding McNairy County, Tenn. from a grant written by "Reading is something many of Moore, the mini library boxes us take for granted," said Moore, will be set up soon in teacher at Selmer Elementary. "As McNairy County. hard as it may be to believe 14 Moore was asked by Beth percent of the U.S. adult populaHamilton, Public Health tion can't read. That's over 30 Educator at the McNairy County million people. Of adults Health Department to write a who are literate, 20 grant for funds from the percent aren't readTennessee Division of ing above a fifthHealth Disparities Office grade level. of Minority Health and Twenty-one perDisparities. cent of the adult "The grant was for population in $5,000, and we were Tennessee is a LaShell Moore awarded the full level one literaamount of cy rate." see MOORE pg 4 $5,000 to purTo encourage reading at home, Moore

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July 2018

The Community News Flash

Editor’s Corner

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher

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

Several years ago, I bought a Japanese Maple Tree while touring a local market. At the time, it was in a much too small pot, so I purchased some potting soil and a larger pot and transplanted it into what would be its new home for a few years. Then I placed it in a shady part of the front yard.

Year after year, I watered, watched, and nurtured that tree as it grew. I found it mattered more and more to me, mainly, I suppose, because I had invested quite a bit of my time and effort and attention into it. And then, as is human nature, I guess I subconsciously began to take it for granted and my attention slowly went elsewhere. So much so, that my neglect caused it to wither and almost die.

I had grown to love that tree, but love, alone, wasn’t enough to keep it alive. I was very neglectful by forgetting

Nurturing Nature to water it. It seemed like only a few days to me, but it must have been much longer during the brutally hot days of last August, because when I next thought to water it, I was distraught to find that the leaves had dried and withered and as you can imagine, it was not a pretty sight. Not only had it almost died, it had outgrown its pot and was root-bound.

Aghast! I made a mad dash to a local garden center to get a new, larger pot and fresh potting soil. After I repotted it, I moved it to the backyard so I could better keep an eye on it and hopefully, nurse it back to good health.

The ordeal with my Japanese Maple made me think about life and how we, too, can outgrow our immediate environment, and how, without paying attention to our own needs, our mental and physical health can suf-

fer. We should be open to spreading our wings when our roots have grown enough to sustain our growth, but we need nurturing along the way, too. If a plant’s growth can become stunted when not being nurtured, then so can our own growth. One can learn a lot from nature, in this case a tree, if one takes the time pay attention.

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Monthly Meditation Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb Psalm 37: 1-2

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July 2018

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The Community News Flash

JULY BIBLE TRIVIA 1. What two long-dead men were with Jesus when a shining cloud covered them?

2. What sign did God set in the clouds to indicate that he would never again flood the world?

3. Did the pillar of cloud in the wilderness lead the Israelites by day or by night?

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4. What prophet saw a little cloud like a man's hand?

5. What epistle talks about a "cloud of witnesses?"

6. At what critical spot did the pillar of cloud separate the Egyptians from the Israelite?

7. What epistle mentions believers being caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord?

8. According to Jesus, what person will appear coming in glory on the cloud of heaven?

9. In Revelation, what two unfortunate men are raised by God and then taken to heaven in a cloud?

10. On what mountain did God appear in the form of a cloud?

11. What object of the Israelites was notable for having the cloud of God's glory upon it?

12. What king, seeing the cloud in temple, said that God had chosen to live in clouds and dark-

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ness?

13. What portable object did the cloud of God's glory appear over?

14. What epistle compares false teachers to clouds that bring no rain?

15. At what event did a cloud hide Jesus from the apostle's sight?

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16. According to Zephaniah, what special day will be a day of clouds and blackness?

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

June Answers 1. Carmel (1 Kings 18:19) 2. Pisgah ( Numbers 22:24) 3. Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1-4) 4. Tabor (Judges 4:6-15) 5. Ararat (Genesis 8:4) 6. Harmon ( Matthew 17) 7. Gerizim ( John 4:20-21) 8. Horeb ( Exodus 3:1) 9. Moriah ( 2 Chronicles 3:1) 10. The Mount of Olives (Luke 19:41) 11. Lebanon ( Kings 5:6-14) 12. Gilboa ( 1 Samuel 31:1-6) 13. Pisgah ( Deuteronomy 34:5-6) 14. Gilead (Genesis 31:20-49) 15. Horeb ( 1 Kings 19:8) 16. Mount Hor ( Numbers 20:25-29) 17. Moriah ( Genesis 22:2) 18. Horeb ( Exodus 17:6) 19. The Mount of Olives ( 2 Samuel 15:30-32) 20. Zion

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The Community News Flash

MOORE.....from page 1

WORLEY.....from page 1

chase the library boxes and books. The Literacy Libraries will serve as book loan boxes strategically placed communities throughout McNairy County," Moore said.

Children will be able to select from available books as well as writing materials, such as pencils, crayons and paper.

"We wanted to make sure we included writing materials because writing is a huge component of a successful literacy program," she said.

The library boxes will offer books for children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. "The children will have access to books and writing materials 24/7.

That's the beauty of this program - when the libraries are closed and schools aren't open, the children will still have access to high-quality reading books."

The program "inspires a love of reading, builds community and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges," Moore said.

The first Little Library Box was built in 2009 and the movement has grown since then to more than 50,000 libraries in all 50 states and over 70 countries.

"Millions of books are exchanged each year in these little libraries, making reading more accessible to many people," Moore said. "Instead of books collecting dust, they are being read over and over again. If you take a book from the literacy library, you do not have to return that exact book. However, we do recommend it in order to keep the library full of good choices for the whole community."

The library boxes will operate on the honor system to ensure that there are always quality books available, she said.

A target date for installation of the boxes has not yet set. There are some boxes that still need to painted and additional volunteers are needed to paint the

let them know we care. It's surreal to be there. It's awesome."

The first trip led to his No. 1 song "Have You Forgotten?" co-written with Wynn Varble. The song, which topped the Billboard country singles chart for seven weeks, was not just dedicated to those who serve in the military but first responders also, Worley said. "Those deputies, firefighters and police look out for us on the home front."

Visiting with the troops is "definitely a game changer," Worley said. "It brings you closer to a reality that most folks can't grasp. It makes you realize that every moment is precious and that we should be thankful and grateful for all that we enjoy."

Here at home, Worley shows his gratitude for what this country provides him and his family by giving back to his community.

He can trace his commitment to community service to his parents who taught him, "If you can dream it, you can do it.

"My parents were diligent about teaching us to never forget where you came from. You may have a gift, but stay humble," said Worley, who has had albums and songs in the Top 20 and reach the top spot in his musical career. "The inspiration to write songs and my career came from my home.

"I felt compelled to give back to the region," he said.

Worley started the Darryl Worley Foundation to

BRANCH.....from page 1 her chance to shine and "that all my dreams are a heartbeat away."

This year's pageant was her third. She won a preliminary swimsuit this year, as she did in the 2016 competition, when she finished just out of the Top Ten, in 11th with total points.

Not growing up as a pageant girl, the Miss Mississippi competition was a "whole new world" she said. "I told people (after 2016) I was going back to win."

Miss Mississippi is "much than a title," said Branch, who is taking the coming

BOOK SHELF

boxes based on a children's book.

Moore said she sees positive results coming once the boxes are installed throughout the county.

"I believe it's very important to get books in the hands of children as early as possible. Statistics show that children who are introduced to reading early on tend to read earlier and excel in school. And for older children, allowing them the power of choice is very important. When children have input regarding what and how they read, coupled with individualized opportunities to demonstrate their understandingbegins the empowering transfer of the control of learning to the rightful owner. We want to also remind parents that the special time spent reading together helps children learn to love books and strengthens the bond between parent and child," Moore said.

year off from the University of Mississippi where she majors in Integrated Marketing Communication. "It's a game-changer. It (the pageant) has turned me into a wellrounded woman."

Until she leaves for Atlantic City, Branch will stay busy preparing to be the best representative for the State of Mississippi.

Branch said she's looking forward to the whole Miss America experience, meeting the other state representatives "as well as being on the Miss America stage. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

July 2018

help people who have suffered tragedy or have no place else to turn for help. The foundation helps those in Hardin and McNairy counties and the rest of western Tennessee, plus those in northwest Alabama and northeast Mississippi.

Worley is proud of the foundation's work and funding to establish the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center at Hardin Medical Center in Savannah. Worley said it's important that the cancer center is in the local area to provide treatment close to home for those in the surrounding areas of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.

The foundation also established a center in Savannah to help men after rehabilitation re-enter society and find jobs. "We're about to do another one for women in Savannah," he said.

To raise money for the foundation, Worley established the Tennessee River Run on Pickwick Lake, and it typically raises more than $100,000 annually.

This year's event is Aug. 10-11. "It's going to be a blast," he said.

There will be the Pickwick Memorial Boat Poker Run and the Concert on the Water. "We're going to have some great music," said Worley, who looks forward to playing each year.

For more information about the fundraiser, visit darrylworley.com on how to be part of this great event.

July 2018

Blue-Light Special Having trouble sleeping? Many of us do as we get older. The solution might be as simple as wearing a certain type of goggles.

Researchers have known for a long time that seniors have trouble sleeping, and they know why: Our eyes change, and during the day we don’t get enough “blue” light, one of the colors in the natural light spectrum.

That blue light affects our circadian rhythms — our natural 24-hour cycle of wakefulness and sleep. If we don’t get enough of it, our sleep suffers.

This is apparently a big problem in nursing homes and medical facilities where the type of lighting is chosen for safety. It doesn’t promote proper sleep patterns, however, and can cause serious sleep disruptions for those who stay there, especially those who are unable to get out in sunlight.

A 2005 study of patients in a longterm facility tested whether exposure to the blue light would increase the length of time the patients would stay asleep. They were checked and found to be asleep 90 percent of the time, as opposed to 67 percent of the time for those who hadn’t had the light treatment.

Over the years, scientists have been experimenting with different types of lighting devices. Until the glasses came along, research was done with specially built light boxes. That meant a patient had to sit in front of it for the prescribed few hours.

I’ve seen photos of these goggles.

They look a lot like regular glasses with a thin bar of blue light across the top that shines down around the eyes.

These goggles aren’t ready just yet.

More testing has to be done. But I suspect the lines will be long when they do come out.

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

Stress Tests Help Detect Heart Disease DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I had an EKG in preparation for surgery.

The doctor said it was abnormal. I was sent for a stress test. I could not do the physical stress test, so I had a chemical one. I was told that the results were OK. No one told me why the EKG was abnormal. I am very concerned. Is it OK just to go on living as I have been, or do I need to do something?

I have searched the Internet for information but can find none. — M.D. ANSWER: A resting EKG is a good test, but it’s not the ultimate heart test.

Things can look strange on a resting EKG. In order to find out if those strange-looking things are significant, the next step is to do a more sophisticated heart test, one that is more sensitive in detecting true changes and more specific in eliminating EKG changes that look odd but don’t truly represent heart disease.

That’s where a stress test comes in.

During a stress test, the person exercises, usually on a treadmill. All during the test, an EKG runs. It shows changes if the stressed heart isn’t getting enough blood when it has to pump harder. You didn’t have the treadmill variety of a stress test; you had one where a drug stressed your heart. The end result is the same.

Your stress test must have removed the suspicion of heart disease that arose from the resting EKG. Do you play cards? Your stress test trumped

your resting EKG. It’s OK for you to go on living just as you have been. If something was wrong, the doctor would be obliged to tell you so.

Stress tests are done to detect coronary artery disease, the illness that brings on heart attacks. The booklet on that subject explains what coronary artery disease is, how it’s detected and how it’s treated. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I was recently diagnosed with the swallowing disorder Zenker’s diverticulum. I am scheduled for surgery.

Can you discuss it and its treatment? I am interested in the recovery process because I am a teacher and use my voice all day. My doctor has chosen surgery that involves going through my mouth. — B.H. ANSWER: A Zenker’s diverticulum is a pouch that bulges from the lower part of the throat. The pouch can cause swallowing problems. Food can get caught in it and remain there. When it finally leaves the pouch, it has a most unpleasant odor.

There are many surgical procedures to remove the pouch and shore up the throat tissue. Scopes are used by some doctors. Recovery is quicker with the scope. After surgery, you will not be allowed to eat or drink for a day or so, longer for the standard operation. The results are almost always excellent.

The voice is not commonly affected. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. © 2009 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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The Community News Flash

HEALTH

Don't Let a Vacation Derail Your Diet

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(StatePoint) Vacation season is here and it’s no surprise that what you eat can have an impact on your weight. In a study from the University of Georgia, 61 percent of the participants gained weight while on vacation, with an average gain of 0.7 pounds. Some even gained up to 7 pounds.

Making healthy choices, even while on vacation, can be as easy as one, two, three when you have the right tools. Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem, shares foods that should be on your watch list and goto list, and how alcohol can fit into your vacation and weight loss plan – yes, you read that right!

Foods on the Watch List • Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter: There’s not a big difference in calories between reduced and fullfat varieties. In fact, full-fat peanut butter is chock full of monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. You can also look for natural peanut butter, which usually has less salt and sugar.

• Multigrain Bread: People who eat whole grains are at lower risk of

certain chronic diseases.

But read labels carefully.

While the term “whole grain” is regulated, “multigrain,” “7-grain,” and “ancient grains” are just marketing terms.

• Granola: Yes, granola can deliver protein and healthy fats, but eat it sparingly. One cup can have up to 600 calories which is the same as a Big Mac. And that’s without milk!

• Sports Drinks: Redflag number one: sugar is high on the ingredients list second only to water. Redflag number two: there are two-and-a-half servings in each bottle, meaning you could be gulping down as much as 52.5 grams of sugar.

• Fast Food Salads: Some fast food salads can have more calories, fat and sodium than burgers because of add-ons like cheese, meat and heavy dressings.

Foods on the Go-To List • Fruits and Veggies: No surprise here! Essential to a healthy diet, pack that cooler with them for a healthful snacking alternative.

• Nuts, Seeds and Popcorn: Healthy fats like nuts and seeds make great

snacks and crunchy salad toppers. Walnuts may be best when it comes to cutting inflammation and cholesterol. Just watch your portions – a little goes a long way. And, plain airpopped popcorn is a good alternative to chips, delivering fiber, vitamins and minerals. Also, one cup contains only around 30 calories.

• Protein: Think eggs, chicken, lean steak, edamame, quinoa or protein shakes. Begin your day with protein and you’ll be off to a good start.

• Healthy Sandwiches: Ditch white bread and rolls for whole grains and sandwiches with veggies and hummus instead of cheese.

Room for Alcohol?

Participants of the University of Georgia study doubled their alcohol consumption during vacations, which contributed to weight gain. However, you don’t need to say no to alcohol altogether, just keep a few things in mind. Watch the added sugar of mixers and flavored liquors and choose light beers. Also, stick to drier wines, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, and opt for liquors like gin, vodka, rum, tequila, scotch and bourbon. And finally, remember to drink in moderation. One drink per day for women and two for men is best while on vacation.

For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s website, The Leaf.

Remember, vacation doesn’t need to hinder your weight loss efforts. Good choices can keep you on the weight loss track – on vacation and all year round!

July 2018

July 2018

The Community News Flash

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CAREERS

How to Build Better Relationships to Advance Your Career (StatePoint) Looking to get ahead in your career? Whether your goal is to raise your own level of performance, enhance customer engagement, or become a more effective leader, it all starts with bringing out the best in your co-workers, and in yourself, too.

One of the primary keys to success is learning to identify the fundamental characteristics of your co-workers, and developing strategies to work with each type of boss, co-worker or client you come across, says Kim Christfort, national managing director of Deloitte’s US Greenhouse Experience and co-author of the new book, “Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Co-written with Suzanne Vickberg, lead researcher of Business Chemistry at the Deloitte Greenhouse Experience, “Business Chemistry” identifies the four most common types of people you will work with in your career:

(c) Jacob Lund/stock.Adobe.com

• “Pioneers” who value possibilities and spark energy and imagination.

They’re creative thinkers who believe big risks can bring great things.

• “Drivers” who value challenge and generate momentum. They’re direct in their approach to people and problems.

• “Guardians” who value stability and bring rigor and order. They’re deliberate decision makers apt to stick with status quo.

• “Integrators” who value connection and draw teams together. They’re attuned to nuance, seeing shades of grey rather than black and white.

The Community News Flash would like to congratulate you on winning the Ms. Mississippi pageant and wish you the best in winning the Ms America pageant.

Once you identify the traits that make your co-workers and team tick, you can use this knowledge to become a more effective leader or team player, stress Deloitte’s Christfort and Vickberg. It’s all about learning how to best interact with each of the four major “Business Chemistry” types to help generate the best results and raise your level of performance -- and your value to your employer.

Here are several ways to apply that knowledge and become more effective at your job: • Recognize the key differences in how people work, so you can build empathy and stronger relationships with them -- and flex your own style accordingly.

• Learn which kinds of working conditions and interactions can motivate your team, and which kinds may kill their potential. Then you can manage situations to help your team thrive.

• Tap into the diversity of your co-

workers by determining whose needs are being met and whose aren’t, and then revamp your team’s normal processes so that everyone can perform at his or her best.

“Among members of a team, there will often be key differences in working styles and in what each individual needs to thrive,” says Christfort. “An effective leader and co-worker can manage and motivate different types of people by learning what kinds of interactions and working conditions enhance everyone’s performance.”

For more tips and insights on how Business Chemistry can help you – and your team – perform at your best, visit deloitte.com/us/practicalmagic.

By spending some time learning what drives your co-workers, bosses and employees, you can discover how to create a more productive team atmosphere that allows everyone to thrive and succeed, including yourself.

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July 2018

The Community News Flash

Iuka is once again home sweet home during Reunion weekend

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For questions or to enroll in one of these services, please call us today Mary Britten , Sabrina Mitchell, Cathy Pritchard, Joe Henley

By Lucy Weber Welcome back home to Iuka.

The weekend of July 20-22 is the celebration of Iuka Homecoming, a gathering of farflung former residents who reconnect with family and friends every two years. This is the 22nd Homecoming since it began in 1976.

"People will bring their kids and grandkids to show them where they grew up," said Mary Britten, one of the organizers of this year's event, which has the theme Click a Glass and Celebrate the Memories.

"We average about 150-200, including family members. We have no idea what to expect (in crowd size) till they show up," she said. "You never know who's going to show up. That makes it exciting."

The weekend begins with a Friday night meet-and-greet and a dance. Saturday is an all-day event with games and activities for children and adults, a basketball tournament and another dance that night. There is plenty of time throughout the day for folks just to sit and catch up with one another. The two oldest at the Homecoming will be named grand marshals.

"We want to make everyone feel welcome and at home," she said.

Everyone will gather Sunday at 11 a.m. for a service led by Rev, Isaac Patterson at Jones Chapel. The Homecoming honors

those who have passed away since the last one in 2016 during the service. Britten said that unfortunately this year there are about 25 names on the list. "That's the biggest list we've had.

"Many of the older members who kept the Homecoming going have passed away," she said.

Homecoming visitors come from close by and far away, drawing from Michigan, Chicago, Texas and New York. The Homecoming has also generated its own mini-reunions among participants who live close together in other states, Britten said.

"There's a group of former residents in Ohio.

They stay in touch with each other and so do some who live in Michigan City, Indiana."

Chances are that whoever shows up will recognize someone. "They'll know somebody," Britten said. "This keeps us all connected."

Britten knows what it's like to come back to Iuka to visit and see family and friends.

She moved away 40 years ago and then returned 10 years ago. She expects her daughter, who now lives in Florida, to come to Iuka for the Homecoming, even though she lived in the town. "She would come and stay with my mother in the summer. She actually knows more about the town and people than I do," Britten said.

Are you targeting a specific audience, but not having any luck?

Advertise in the Community News Flash & let us assist you in reaching your customers.Call 662-643-6842 for more information.

July 2018

The Community News Flash

9

Captured Moments

Easom Community Center Summer Camp: " We Need A Hero" Children gather each day for each day from 9am - 1pm for fun, laughter and learning. Everybody needs a hero and children from Pre-K to 5th grade are surrounded by teens volunteers and site instructors with a wealth of knowledge to share. Additional the program provides leadership skills and volunteer opportunities for children age 13-16 to help them meet school requirements.

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Inaiya Alexander Jayeon Hill & Jahadius Walker Ann Walker & Zachary Patterson James Walker

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Ashaiya Hoyle & Jacycee Luster Brianna Holloway Blakelon Mayes Adline Coker & Jakhylee Shumpert

9. Samuel Norman, Malachi Neal & Malcolm Neal 10. Courney Rutherford, Montrez Gibson, & Zion Southward 11. Mikayah Hurd

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July 2018

The Community News Flash

Tips to Prevent Summer Brain Drain

Is What You Learned in History Class Wrong?

Should Columbus continue to be hailed as a hero? (c) ArTo/stock.Adobe.com (c) taraskobryn/stock.Adobe.com

(StatePoint) Studies show that summer brain drain can be a formidable force, setting kids’ progress back over the long break from the classroom. But you can help kids avoid losing their academic mojo.

Here’s how.

• Take a Hike: Not all learning has to happen indoors or while sitting still. Take a family nature walk and ask kids to pay special attention to the plant and animal species you encounter on your journey, as well as any special rock formations or other geological features you see, taking notes and photographs as you go. Once back home, do some research about the most interesting things that you saw.

• Make Music: Music education is important for budding minds, and learning music at home in summer can be easy and affordable. Stock your household with a portable keyboard designed for students in mind. For example, the CT-X700 boasts a highquality sound system, as

well as features that are perfect for student musicians, like a six-track recorder, a library of 100 built-in songs, and the Step-Up Lesson system, which allows students to learn the songs with the display showing proper fingering and notation.

Its USB-MIDI port connects to any Mac, PC, Android or iOS device with no drivers or installation needed. The included music rest is designed to support tablets, and the built-in smartphone shelf holds your device as you use the keyboard with favorite music apps.

• Read Outdoors: Summer is the perfect opportunity for students to delve deep into what interests them most.

Make a day of it. First stop: the library or bookstore, where kids can find reading materials dealing with their favorite topics. Then, pack a picnic lunch and find a shady spot in a local park or your own backyard, to read outdoors. At the end of the day, everyone can dis-

cuss what he or she read.

• Math Fun: Make math more fun with a free, all-in-one webbased mathematics resource like Classpad.net, that allows users to draw geometry figures freehand and input calculations as they would on real scratch paper. Geared for K-12+ mathematics students, the app is designed to be equally usable by keyboard/mouse and touchscreen-based platforms, so that students can keep up their math skills wherever their summer adventures take them.

• Take a Vacation: Going somewhere new and interesting? In advance of your trip, have kids spend some time learning about the history and culture of your destination. If you’re going abroad, they can even learn some basics of a foreign language.

To keep minds active all summer long, be sure to combine learning and fun.

(StatePoint) If you think your history lessons in school were completely factual, you may be mistaken.

“Much of what you know about history may be limited or even wrong,” says Marc Wilson, author of “Kidnapped by Columbus,” a new historical novel. “All too often, legends, poems and myths are emphasized in favor of more complex truths.

History is usually written by the victors, not the victims.”

What that in mind, here are four historical facts that may surprise you.

Columbus a Kidnapper “In 1492, Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue,” says the famous poem that most Americans know. But Columbus never landed on or even saw North America, and when he sailed in the Caribbean and along the coast of Central and South America, he kidnapped natives to act as guides in his search for gold and the Garden of Eden.

At the end of his first voyage, he kidnapped six natives from the island of Hispaniola and took the “Indians” to Spain to prove that he’d reached India. Native Americans have been mislabeled as “Indians” ever since.

“While many around the world hail Columbus as a hero, even honoring him with a U.S. federal holiday and naming cities after him, his actions led to the exploitation and deaths of millions of people. He was a great sailor and explorer, but he traded in slaves and brought devastating diseases to the New World. He opened the door for Cortez to conquer the Aztec Empire, and for Pizarro to conquer the Inca Empire,” Wilson adds.

Washington’s Cherry Tree As the myth goes, young George

Washington couldn’t tell a lie and confessed to his father that he damaged his cherry tree.

However, one of his biographers, Mason Locke Weems, had no such problems with the truth and invented this whopper in the fifth edition of his Washington biography, entitled “The Life of Washington” in 1806.

And Washington never wore wooden dentures, either. He had different dentures made from gold, ivory and even lead.

Napoleon: Not Short Napoleon wasn’t actually short. At the end of his life he was measured at 5 feet 2 inches -- which sounds short until you learn this was in French inches, which are longer than British inches. In today’s inches, the fiery tyrant actually stood around 5 feet, 7 inches, which was slightly taller than the average European man of his day. He also employed tall soldiers in his personal guard, which made him seem shorter by comparison.

Jackie Robinson: Not First Jackie Robinson was not the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues. While he was the first in the modern era, breaking into the National League in 1947, way back in 1884, Moses Fleetwood Walker played for the Toledo Blue Stockings as catcher. The team was part of the American Association, one of three major leagues of its day. Baseball maintained segregation for many decades after this and Robinson became the first player to end this segregation in April, 1947.

So, how can those interested in history go about arriving at the truth? From, historical novels to primary source materials, reading beyond the textbook can give you a more complete and accurate history.

July 2018

11

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH

Kids Zone

12

July 2018

The Community News Flash

A Cool Salad for Hot Summer Days My father was born and raised in Winston-Salem, N.C., the perfect place to find a delicious pulled-pork barbeque sandwich.

The Piedmont triad area where he grew up is famous for its pork barbeque and highly seasoned, vinegar-based sauces. Pigs are plentiful in that area of the South, so barbeques featuring the whole pig -- split open and roasted over a hardwood charcoal fire, or using just the pork shoulder -- are popular. After the meat is cooked, it's "pulled" off the bone by hand, sliced, shredded or chopped into pieces, mixed with barbeque sauce and served on a bun.

Pork shoulders are the front leg of the pig and are fairly inexpensive cuts of meat. The shoulder includes two cuts: the Boston butt,

which is a rectangular roast from the upper part of the front leg, and the picnic shoulder. The Boston butt is the cut of choice for pulledpork sandwiches.

Select a Boston butt that has a white-fat cap and is marbled with fat throughout the meat. The fat and the collagen (the connective tissue) "baste" the meat as it melts away. The collagen also turns into simple sugars that make this typically tougher cut of meat moist, tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks.

Pulled-pork barbeque sandwiches were used to entice potential voters to attend political rallies. These flavorful sandwiches definitely have my vote. This crockpot recipe for pulled pork is perfect for anyone who can't barbeque the traditional way. Serve the pulled pork with a scoop of coleslaw on the sandwich or on the side, along with some baked beans, corn on the cob and sweet,

lemon-flavored iced tea, and you'll have the makings of a Southernstyle barbeque no matter where you live!

Barbequed Pulled-Pork Sandwiches This recipe is a great way to

tenderize an inexpensive cut of meat and conserve energy by using the crockpot. The salsa infuses the meat with flavor while it cooks, and the barbeque sauce is the perfect finish. You'll have enough pulled pork to feed a crowd, or you can freeze any leftovers for another fabulous meal!

5 pounds boneless pork butt, cut into 2-inch chunks 2 large onions, sliced 1 jar (16 ounces) Pace Chunky Salsa or Pace Pineapple Mango Chipotle Salsa 1 1/2 cups water 1 bottle (16 ounces) barbecue sauce 1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar 2 tablespoons prepared mustard 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 24 hamburger buns 1. Place half the onions in the crockpot. Add the meat and then

the rest of the onions. Pour the salsa and the water over and the pork and the onions.

2. Turn the crockpot to the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours or on the LOW setting for 7 to 9 hours or until the pork is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.

3. Remove the pork and onions from the crockpot and discard any of the remaining liquid and accumulated fat. Let the meat cool slightly. Shred the pork, using two forks. Mix together the barbeque sauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar and salt until wellcombined.

4. Mix the shredded pork and onions with the barbeque sauce.

Return the barbequed pork to the crockpot and cook on HIGH for another hour. Serve about 1/2 cup shredded pork in each roll. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serves 24.

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July 2018

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• Colorful sponges make great soap dishes — especially in the kids’ bathroom. As a bonus, you can use it for cleaning and throw it in the wash.

• “If you don’t keep a lot of food in your refrigerator, fill up empty space with gallons of water. You can never have too much cool water to drink, and less space to cool means less energy used.” — M.R.T. in Virginia • “In preparing for moving day, make things easier on yourself. Use a different color to mark boxes for each room of the new place. And label them on all sides. This way, it’s easy to deliver boxes to the right rooms, and you can see the label no matter how they are stacked in the room.” — J.W. in Colorado • “Spray several drops of perfume or essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue and toss it into the bag inside your diaper pail. It will keep it smelling fresher longer.” — V.H. in California • “When I mix up a batch of dressing from oil, vinegar and spices, I have a secret trick that helps to get my dressing well-mixed and smooth — an ice cube. I add one just before shaking, and it makes all the difference. Shake, shake, shake, then remove whatever is left of the cube.” — I.K. in Texas • Go Green Tip: Chemicals used during dry cleaning can be toxic. Air out garments that have been dry cleaned for at least an hour — outside the house.

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 American astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon, who made the following declaration: “I believe that every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.”

• If you’re like the average American, you will spend approximately 8,760 hours of your life — that’s one full year — just watching commercials on TV. • Talk about bad luck: A 26-year-old man was walking down a street in the town of Windhoek, Namibia, when he was struck by lightning. As if that weren’t bad enough, the bolt of lightning caused him to fall into the street, where he was struck by a car. The poor man didn’t survive, though it’s not clear which stroke of bad luck dealt the fatal blow.

• You may be surprised to learn that the first Caesar salad was actually created in Tijuana, Mexico.

• Every seed you find inside an apple has a genetically different makeup from every other seed inside the same apple.

• According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word that has the largest number of different meanings is “set” — it takes 26 pages to detail them all.

• According to the record-keepers at Guinness, Robert Ardito holds the world record for the most punches thrown in one minute: 702.

• In Pennsylvania, a man was stunned when he returned home one day to find a deer taking a bubble bath.

It seems that the unfortunate animal had stumbled into the house and in its frenzy to find a way out again, ended up in the bathroom, where its antics accidentally turned on the water and knocked over a bottle of bubble bath. *** Thought for the Day: “Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts.” — Madame de Stael

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July 2018

The Community News Flash

14

Significant Spring & Summer Holidays

J. Moffett Walker, Retired Counselor & Author

Another important holiday we must celebrate. July 4th. In May we celebrated Mother's Day. AND WE HONORED THOSE HEROES WHO MAHE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM. That day we call Memorial Day. And, many of us had our American flags hanging high on Flag Day, June 14th. We certainly cannot forget Father's Day on June 17th.

Now let's us take a look at why we celebrate the Fourth of July. When I was in elementary school in Hinds County Public school system, my teachers taught me to observe the 4rh because it represents the time America became independent from its mother country, England. Therefore, in a way we are also recognizing

our fore fathers.

Many people came from England to the new world called colonies. But those colonies were and extension of England. But something happened. Therefore, those living in the colonies realized that life, thought, and interests were different from those in England.

So there was a need to become independent because England wanted total control.

Thanks to John Adams, Samuel Adams and Ben Franklin all the colonies united and challenged England. That brought about a new nation, the United States of America.

Thanks for their insight for establishing America.

We must recognize them however, everything that they did may not have been justice for all like they sought. To begin, the Indians were on this soil first, the new comers took control of this land. And later they began purchasing Africans for their slaves.

Slavery lasted about 366 years.

Starting slavery, in a way, is ironical because they did to other what they did not want done to them, being controlled.

But that is all in the past.

We all must be grateful to be an American in the land of the free and the brave. So let's celebrate July 4th!

Seat Belts Saves Lives. Remember to Buckle Up!

All-American BBQ Chicken

Velkommen Pie Looking for the perfect dessert for your Fourth of July picnic? Well, look no further! This pie is only sinful in taste, as it will let even the diabetics at your picnic enjoy dessert.

1 (6-ounce) Keebler chocolate pie crust 2 cups (2 medium) bananas, sliced 1 (4-serving) package Jello-O sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix 2/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Powder 1 1/4 cups water 1/4 cup Peter Pan or Skippy reduced-fat chunky peanut butter 3/4 cup Cool Whip Lite* 1/4 cup (1 ounce) chopped dryroasted peanuts 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips Place diced bananas in pie crust. In a medium bowl, combine dry pudding mix and dry milk powder. Add water and peanut butter. Mix well using a wire whisk. Blend in 1/4 cup Cool Whip Lite. Pour mixture evenly over bananas. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes.

Evenly spread remaining 1/2 cup Cool Whip Lite over pudding mixture. Sprinkle peanuts and chocolate chips evenly over top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.

Cut into 8 servings.

HINT: To prevent bananas from turning brown, mix with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or sprinkle with Fruit Fresh.

• Each serving equals: 263 calories, 11g fat, 6g protein, 35g carbs, 271mg sodium, 82mg calcium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Fruit; Carb Choices: 2.

Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 to sign-up for our FREE monthly newsletter. All you pay is the shipping and handling.

This is the only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss.

Try our sweet and spicy sauce on pork spareribs too.

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce 1 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup light molasses 1/4 cup Worcestershire 1/3 cup packed brown suggar 3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) 2 (3 1/2 pounds each) chickens, each cut into quarters, skin removed if you like 1. In 10-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire, brown sugar and ground red pepper; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, 45 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. If not using sauce right away, cover and refrigerate to use within 2 weeks.

2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups sauce to serve with grilled chicken. Place chicken quarters on grill over medium heat; cook 20 to 25 minutes, turning chicken once. Generously brush chicken with some of the remaining barbecue sauce; cook 20 minutes longer, turning pieces often and brushing with sauce frequently until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with tip of knife. Serve with reserved sauce.

Serves 8.

• Each serving with skin: About 500 calories, 42g protein, 34g carbohydrate, 23g total fat (6g saturated), 158mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium.

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

“The greatest inspiration you can derive is from your inner self and from a heart that knows you are on the right path”.

-- Unknown

1. ASTRONOMY: The adjective “Jovian” is used in reference to which of the planets in our solar system?

2. TELEVISION: Who is the voice of Moe the bartender on “The Simpsons”?

3. MOVIES: Who plays the human mother of Spock in the 2009 movie version of “Star Trek”?

4. MYTHOLOGY: In Greek mythology, who rules the underworld?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which U.S. president died of pneumonia only 32 days after taking office?

6. LITERATURE: When was the novel “Goodbye, Columbus” by Phillip Roth published?

7. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of food is a peanut (which isn’t really a nut)?

8. EARTH SCIENCE: How much of the Earth’s surface is covered by the oceans?

9. LANGUAGE: What is another name for a lexicon?

10. MATH: How many different symbols are used in Roman numerals?

Answers 1. Jupiter 2. Hank Azaria 3. Winona Ryder 4. Hades 5. William Henry Harrison 6. 1959 7. A legume 8. 71 percent 9. Dictionary 10. Seven

1. How many consecutive majorleague seasons did pitcher Mike Mussina have at least 10 wins?

2. Who was the last National League player to hit a grand slam in a World Series?

3. Name the first NFL player to play in Super Bowls in three decades.

4. In the 12-year history of the Pac10 men’s basketball conference tournament, three teams have won it more than once. Name them.

5. Name the last time before 2009 that the previous season’s Stanley Cup champion made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

6. Between 1976 and 1982, the U.S. won tennis’ Fed Cup each year. What country stopped the run in 1983?

7. Golfer Gary Player won nine major titles during his PGA career.

Which of the four majors did he win the most?

Answers 1. He did it for 17 consecutive seasons.

2. Atlanta’s Lonnie Smith did it against Toronto in 1992.

3. Gene Upshaw of the Raiders played in Super Bowl II (1968), Super Bowl XI (1977) and Super Bowl XV (1981).

4. Arizona has won it four times, UCLA three and Oregon twice.

5. The Colorado Avalanche in 2002.

6. Czechoslovakia.

7. He won three Masters (1961, ’74 and ’78) and three British Opens (’59, ’68 and ’74).

July 2018

The Community News Flash

15

How to Prepare for an Active Shooter Incident in Your Community

Active shooter trainings help prepare communities for worst-case scenarios. (c) Aleksandr Matveev/stock.Adobe.com

(StatePoint) Active shooter incidents are rare. You are 700 times more likely to die in a car crash, for example, than from an active shooter event, according to the National Safety Council. However, these terrifying events are on the rise. Experts say that being prepared can save lives.

“Sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring a community together – a hurricane, a flood or an active shooter. How much better would it be to be prepared in advance and mitigate that tragedy?” says Dan Martin, a retired police officer in New Lenox, Ill., and leader of the New Lenox Safe Communities coalition. “Each time I lead an active shooter course I see lightbulbs go on in people’s heads that they can make a difference.”

Because most active shooter incidents are over in a couple of minutes -often before first-responders can arrive on the scene -- Martin says it’s crucial for private citizens to turn

their panic into effective action and know what steps they can take to improve their chances of survival.

“Preparing for an active shooter emergency starts with situational awareness.

Know what is going on around you all the time, trust your instincts and devise a plan,” he says.

To prepare, everyone can take the following steps: • Learn emergency notification systems and distinctive alarms used in places you frequent.

• Identify two possible escape routes wherever you are.

• Find places to hide. are necessary to improve one’s odds of During an active shooter event, don’t survival. Training can be led by any comspend important moments panicking. munity leader who can effectively speak in Public safety experts say that you should front of groups and follow detailed course materials. To learn more about partnering be ready to do one of the following: with NSC to bring active shooter training • Run: Always the first choice; get out to your community, visit nsc.org/trainacand take others with you. tiveshooter.

• Hide: Find a place to hide; act quickActive shooter incidents are terrifying ly, turn off lights, lock and block doors, and often result in multiple fatalities very silence cell phones quickly. While no one wants to dwell on • Fight: The last resort; improvise such devastating, worst-case scenarios, weapons and work alone or with others to being prepared can save lives. Take steps disarm the shooter. to learn how to make your community Community leaders can improve safety in their public spaces, such as concert ven- safer. ues, shopping malls, houses of worship and other places Advertising does not have to where people gather, by be a hair raising experience. offering residents free active shooter training from the National Safety Council. The The Community News Council’s “Surviving an Flash can help you make Active Shooter Event” is a the customer connections. two-hour training that covers how active shooter situations Call 662-643-6842 for unfold, how to be situationaladvertising prices. ly aware and what actions

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2676 SOUTH HARPER RD CORINTH, MS 38834 (662)696-3000

The Community News Flash

16

LIVING

Is that 'Junk' in Your Attic or Basement Worth a Fortune?

(c) Delphotostock / stock.Adobe.com

(StatePoint) From baseball cards and sports equipment to postcards and toys, is that “junk” in your attic or basement dusty treasure or just dusty? We’ve all heard of families getting rich from the sale of rare memorabilia. So how can you tell if your stuff is valuable and how can you sell it, if it is?

“The general rule is that the older the item, the more valuable it is. 1980 is not old.

1960 is kind of old. 1910 is old,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that has helped many families identify and sell valuable items.

In one instance, Crisafulli determined that a family’s baseball bat that spent decades beside their front door to protect from intruders, was actually used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig -- and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for them for more than $430,000.

He is offering these tips to help determine if your items are valuable: Baseball Cards Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be extremely pricey. Do they have sharp corners, no creases and retain original gloss? Do they depict star players and Hall of Famers?

A Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner or Mickey Mantle will sell for more than nonstars.

With particularly old cards from the 1880s and early 1900s, look for tobacco and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal or American Caramel.

Unopened packs from almost any era can be valuable.

Memorabilia & Equipment Look for old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. This doesn’t mean ads torn

from magazines, but those used as store displays and for other purposes. Tin signs are highly collectible from the 1900s into the 1960s, but low-quality reproductions aren’t.

Pre-1950s catcher’s masks, baseball gloves and bats can be valuable, especially those endorsed by star players. Condition is important but used equipment can be valuable.

When you go to sell sports items, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports pieces, and maintains lists of bidders specializing in this area so it can get top dollar for these items. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Postcards Postcards of your vacation destinations likely are worthless. But those depicting famous people, such as movie star cards and vintage baseball postcards, can be valuable.

Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs. No matter the type, the older, the better, and the more famous, the better.

Old Halloween or Christmas postcards from the early 1900s can be expensive. The same goes for many intricate “hold-to-light” postcards, where portions of scenes light up when held to strong light.

Toys Look for famous characters, such as early Walt Disney items, superheroes, Star Wars, etc. The most prized toys are those in original condition with no broken pieces and paint intact. And if you have original boxes, you might strike gold!

So, while you’re cleaning that attic, basement or garage, don’t rush to purge. Before throwing out old “junk,” determine if it’s valuable!

July 2018