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JUNETEENTH....PG 8

Vol 22, No. 2 • June 2022

WALLACE.......PG 9

News You Can Use

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Neal finds career and family skills mesh on job and at home

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

POSTAL PATRON

Xavier and X’zandria Neal

By Lucy Weber Xavier Neal finds his training as a therapist and his skills as a father work hand-inhand at home and on

the job. Neal and his wife Veronica have two children Xavien, 22, a student at Blue Mountain College who will be a student teacher this fall, and Xzandria, a 13-yearold at Biggersville who plays basketball

and softball. Neal works as a certified mental health specialist with Region IV/Timber Hills Mental Health. Having two children has influenced Neal’s work with youth. “Being a father helps tremendously because there isn’t a book designed to tell anyone how to be a good parent. Through my life experiences and the training I have received, this helps me to better serve the families I am serving. This also helps me to empathize with them on some of the issues that they may have arise as a parent.” The Rienzi resident is a 1998 graduate of Biggersville High School, attended Northeast Community College on a football scholarship and transferred to Mississippi Valley State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in health physical education and recreation and a master’s degree in criminal justice. He also has a second master’s degree in Human Behavior. “Being a certified mental health therapist helps me have insight and understanding which guides and aid me with my own children and in situations that they may encounter whether at school or home,” Neal said. “Some of the same principles and evidence-base material that I incorporate into my practice I also utilize these principals in dealing with daily issues that arise with my children as well.” Neal works with children, primarily ages 6-18, in his career. “I am the therapist at the juvenile detention center and I also direct a program named the TIP (Teen initiative Program). This program is for court-ordered youth. They receive individual and family therapy as well as group therapy. I am on the MCERT See NEAL pg 4

June 2022

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

As kids, we would sometimes play dress up by trying on our parents’ clothes. The garments would swallow us and hang off our bodies because they were too big for a child's small frame. Nevertheless, we shuffled around the house mimicking our parents. After reaching a more mature age, the style and dress of our parents, that we once desired to emulate, no longer appealed to us after we learned that fashion and style revealed a lot about our personality. We quickly learned that our fashion sense reflected personality, character, mood, style and who we were as an individual. People wearing gaudy clothes and bold makeup were generally extroverts and loved partying. I have found that one really can make out what sort of person an individual is by his or her clothing. A person's choice of clothes

Finding Power in a Power Suit can also help them identify with other people and feel like part of a group. One’s clothing choices can also serve as a link to how and where one’s time is spent. I love to hike so I choose loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes when I head to the woods. When playing sports, a player needs and wears protective gear contingent upon the sport being played. Clothes can make one feel powerful. High-quality, welltailored clothing can help one feel more confident and ready to take on challenges at work and in one’s personal life. I have often heard of sharp business attire being called a “power suit.” It is called a power suit for a reason. Research has even shown that wearing formal clothing can change the way someone views and approaches situations. That's why it is apparent that a wardrobe says a lot about a person. What someone wears can inform passersby of a person’s type of employment, as well as their ambitions, emotions, and spending habits. Now that we have taken a

look at how one’s choice of clothes can reflect their personality, let's take a look at some biblical characters and their clothing choices. The story of David is a great place to look at one young man’s apparel choices. In the book of 1 Samuel 17, we find David, the youngest son of Jesse, who was wanted the challenge of fighting Goliath, the giant of the Philistines, for all the Israelites. David’s older brothers were afraid to fight this fearsome mammoth of a man who came out daily, walking back and forth, taunting the Israelites and asking for them to send a warrior to challenge him. A young David volunteered. To defeat this giant of a man, King Saul deemed it necessary for David to wear the right clothes for battle. They tried to equip David with a warrior’s battle attire but the clothes that fit a grown man like Saul didn't fit the young lad, David -- just like the clothes of the parents that were tried on by their children. Our parents' clothes were too big for us when we were children and Saul's clothes were

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.

too big for David; so, he chose to wear the same clothes he wore when he killed the lions and bears while tending to the sheep. His chosen weapons to bring along were a slingshot and five smooth stones from a pool of water. There are times, when we wage battle against our enemies, that we must be outfitted with proper attire designed to fit us. We sometimes must carefully choose our “power suit.” We make these important decisions because the improper attire and weapons used by others could cause us to lose the battles and lose the war. For the Bible clearly states that we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against

principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places..” (Ephesians. 6:12) Therefore, each day that we get dressed let this be a reminder to make sure that the clothes are fitting right as we head out the door to battle the giants in our lives. Remember to speak the Word of God over the giants that we face, and don't forget to pick up the proper weapons no matter the odds or how intimidating the “giant’s” weapon is; for no weapon formed against a child of God shall prosper. Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard!

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Notable Quote Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust

June 2022

The Community News Flash

JUNE BIBLE TRIVIA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

On what mountain did Elijah challenge the priest of Baal? What mountain did Balaam plan to curs Israel from? What mountain did Moses see the Promise Land from? What mountain did Deborah and Barak descend to defeat Sisera? Where did Noah's ark land? Where did Jesus' transfiguration occur? Where did the Samaritans build their temple? Where did Moses see the burning hush? On what mountain did Solomon build the temple? Where did Jesus weep over Jerusalem? What mountain range did the wood for Solomon's temple come from? Where were Saul and Jonathan killed by the Philistines? Where was Moses buried? Where did Jacob and Laban make their covenant? Where did Elijah go when he fled from Jezebel? Where did Aaron die? Where did Abraham take Isaac to be sacrificed? Where did Moses bring water out of the rock? What mountain did David cross on his flight from Absalom? What mountain in Jerusalem is mentioned over 160 times in the Bible?

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

* Primary Election Tuesday, August 2nd * Runoff Election Tuesday, August 23rd * General Election Tuesday, October 4th

May Answers 1. Samson (Judges 15:18-20) 2. Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:10) 3. Solomon (1King 7:23) 4. Hagar (Genesis 16:7-14) 5. Abner (2 Samuel 3:26-27) 6. Ahimaaz and Jonathan (2 Samuel 17:17-21) 7. Moses ( Exodus 2:15-21) 8. Abraham's servant (Genesis 24) 9. David (2 Samuel 23:14-17) 10. Exodus 21:33-34 11. Jeremiah 38:6 12. Jacob (Genesis 29:1-12) 13. The well of Harod (Judges 7:1-7) 14. Isaac (Genesis 26:17-33) 15. Joseph (Genesis 37:22) 16. Rabshakeh (2 Kings 18:31) 17. Samaria (John 4:1-15) 18. Abimelech (Genesis 21:22-32)

The Community News Flash

NEAL.... from page 1 (Mississippi Certified Emergency Response team) where we assess after-hours crises that may arise in the community.” “I choose to work in mental health because I have a desire to help people and a very strong desire to work with youth that may have been experiencing a variety of issues,” he said. Neal said he has always advised his children to make good choices and to speak up and speak out. “I have also instilled in them that respect can take you a long way in life. I was very fortunate to have a father and a stepfather who were there to co- parent and support me. I received advice from both.”

June 2022

4 Tips for Preparing Your Home to Sell in Today’s Market

Xavien Neal

1901 G. South Harper Rd. Corinth, MS. 38834 (662) 594-1250 Open 8am-10 Monday-Sunday

(StatePoint) In the current market, houses are selling fast – meaning there’s typically no need to spend time and money on large home repairs and renovations to get an offer. Instead, homeowners should focus on quick, easy DIY projects to give their space a facelift before listing – here’s how. 1. Enhance Curb Appeal. “The exterior of your home sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside,” says Lindsey Mahoney, DIYer behind Building Bluebird and licensed realtor with Rigali Group at Danberry. “If a buyer pulls up to a house where the outside is in disrepair, it sets off red flags that the home may have hidden issues from neglect.” The simplest way to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to maintain the yard, regardless of the season or weather. Depending on the climate, homeowners should consider cutting the grass, planting flowers and greenery, raking leaves, watering the grass and flowers, or removing snow and ice. If the home’s exterior is in need of a little more TLC, consider adding a pop of color to the front door with a fresh coat of paint, installing unique shutters for visual interest or updating to a new mailbox. Pull it all together with a seasonal wreath or welcome mat. 2. Paint As Needed. Moving into the interior, spruce things up by refreshing walls with new paint. Rather than redoing every room, focus on painting over bright, bold colors with a neutral palette more likely to appeal to the masses. To get started, tape off the room with FrogTape Multi-Surface Painting Tape. The tape is made with PaintBlock Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape. This will prevent bleed and leave the walls with crisp, clean lines that won’t need touchups. 3. Make Minor Repairs. As you’re gearing up to sell, pay close attention to minor things that may need to be updated or repaired. For example, leaky faucets, loose cabinet handles or doors that stick are all minor fixes – but ignoring them could leave potential buyers assuming that there are larger problems within the home. Do a careful walkthrough before listing to look

for any small fixes that need to be made. 4. Declutter and Clean. A messy house is a major turnoff for potential buyers, so prioritize decluttering and cleaning. Start by eliminating as many personal items as possible, including toiletries, kids’ items and personal décor like family photos, fan memorabilia and religious and political objects. It’s also important to spruce up the appearance of beds, couch pillows and counters in the kitchen and bathrooms. “If you have a small closet and your clothes are jammed into it, take out half so it looks like there is room to add more,” Mahoney recommends. “You don’t want your buyer’s first thought to be that they won’t be able to fit their belongings in the bedroom closet.” Once things are organized, each room should receive a deep clean, including wiping surfaces, floors and baseboards, as well as cleaning any appliances, sinks, toilets and showers. As the open house approaches, open doors and windows for fresh air and natural light, leaving the home looking and smelling pleasant for potential buyers. If you prioritize the right projects, preparing to sell is painless. By taking these four simple steps, your home will be in its best shape to hit the market – and maximize your potential profit.

June 2022

Taking Away the Car Keys We had a tragedy in my area: A gentleman with Alzheimer’s drove his car a long distance, got out and walked in the woods, and was found dead by searchers. He’d had Alzheimer’s for quite a while, but no one had kept him from driving. It’s not easy deciding when to take away the keys. Many of us live in areas that aren’t served by public transportation, and most of us don’t live in assisted living places with vans that take us shopping and to activities. Then there’s the not-so-small matter of independence: We seniors don’t want to give up something we’ve done for a long time. Those of us who have a spouse with Alzheimer’s have tough choices to make, and we end up as the “heavy” in the decision. In some cases, the state has a say in whether an Alzheimer’s patient keeps driving. Or a doctor can notify the state. Unfortunately, the more advanced the Alzheimer’s, the more likely the senior is to deny that there’s a problem and continue to drive. You might have to resort to hiding the car keys or removing a part so the car won’t start. If you have a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s, consider whether it’s time for you to take a stand — and the car keys. Look at the Alzheimer’s Association site [www.alz.org] for information and ideas. For an early Alzheimer’s senior who is still driving, GPS mapping systems in the vehicle can make it easier to get from one place to the other. And in the case of the gentleman who was lost in the woods, much time (not to mention his life) could have been saved if there had been a tracking device on his car. 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.

The Community News Flash

What to Drink When Exercising in the Heat DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am taking my two teenage boys backpacking in the Southwest this August. It will be hot and dry, and I am preparing for those conditions. I need some guidance on what fluids to drink. I was taught that drinking plain water is the best way to stay hydrated. My older son says his class was told not to drink plain water, because it could cause brain damage. What is this all about? — F.W. ANSWER: It’s all about becoming sodium-depleted and having the brain swell as a result. The condition is hyponatremia. It used to be taught that, when exercising in hot weather, people should guzzle water at every opportunity, even when they don’t feel thirsty. That can be dangerous if the exercise lasts for hours and hours and if the only liquid drunk is water. Too much water dilutes body sodium. That, in turn, can cause brain swelling and, in the extreme, death. Up-to-date advice is to let thirst be a rough guide for how much liquid you drink. If people are engaged in prolonged exercise, it is good to include some salt in the program. Half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in a quart of water can keep body sodium levels from dropping. For you and your sons, it would be advisable to salt your food and to eat some salty snacks — another way to ensure body sodium doesn’t bottom out.

Hyponatremia is uncommon. Dehydration is common. For most, drinking water as a replacement fluid in hot weather is fine. It’s not going to lead to a dangerous drop in body sodium. Only those who lose lots of sweat for long periods of time run the risk of hyponatremia by drinking pure water. This is advice that doesn’t apply only to athletes or backpackers. It applies to all those who are out working in hot weather and sweating up a storm. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have hypertension, and I go to the beach often. Can salt in salt water get through the skin as medical patches get through the skin? My doctors have increased my dose of medicine and have added additional medicines without much improvement in my blood pressure. Could the salt water I swim in be keeping my blood pressure high? — G.S. ANSWER: G.S., I know I answered this question before, but you must not have seen it. I’ll do it again. The salt in salt water doesn’t get through your skin. Swimming in salt water doesn’t raise blood pressure. It improves it. All exercise does. If you miss the answer this time, G.S., I have to drop the question. People will think I’m obsessed with it. The booklet on hypertension provides more details on this epidemic illness. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 104W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** 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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June 2022

The Community News Flash

LIVING

5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression

(StatePoint) Interviewing for your dream job? Going on a promising first date? Meeting your girlfriend’s parents? Here’s how to make a great first impression during all the most important moments: 1. Be on time: To arrive at your destination calm, collected and without breaking a sweat, give yourself more than enough time for travel. Take into account such unforeseen circumstances as traffic, road closures and parking snafus. If you’re in an unfamiliar area, consider mapping your route the day before. 2. Prepare for the unexpected: From coffee drips to spaghetti mishaps, unexpected wardrobe malfunctions can happen to anyone and any time. Always be prepared to remove the most common on-the-go stains. Pack a portable stain remover like the OxiClean On the Go Stain Remover Pen. Working like an eraser, it’s designed to tackle tough stains without leaving a residue,

ensuring your outfit looks as fresh as it did when you put it on in the morning. 3. Pay attention to details: Other small details relating to your overall presentation matter. In addition to a portable stain remover, a small to-go kit in your car, bag or desk drawer can include dental floss, nail polish for touchups, an emergency pair of panty hose, lipstick or lip balm, breath mints, hair ties, moisturizer and anything else you need to make on-the-fly adjustments. 4. Dress for the occasion: It’s important to dress right for the occasion, particularly in professional contexts. While

standing out is often a good thing, following the (often unspoken) dress code will help ensure you’re only doing so for the right reasons. 5. Be well-rested: Get a great night’s sleep. Not only will you look your best if you show up well-rested, you’ll also be thinking more clearly, be more engaged, ask more insightful questions and field your own responses more carefully. While you only get one shot at a first impression, there’s no reason to stress. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure you’re on top of your game, come what may.

Top Tips for a Smooth Move (StatePoint) Whether hiring professionals or doing it all on your own, preparation is the most important step in a smooth move. The experts at Duck Brand recommend staying organized with packing lists and labels. Pace yourself by completing one room at a time to prevent yourself from feeling frazzled or frustrated. Be sure to also invest in quality packing materials that help you pack faster while keeping your treasured possessions safe and secure. To find everything you need to plan for your move, including additional packing and unpacking tips, visit duckbrand.com.

While moving is never a walk in the park, some smart strategies

can help ensure things go the way you planned.

June 2022

The Community News Flash

Self-Care: Working Smarter and Not Harder

Nakesha Fleming, LMSW, PCAT, BC-TMH

I have been enjoying discussing self-care. Even as a therapist, I have learned and reevaluated some areas in that I need to shift my ideas or ideologies surrounding different areas. Remember that self-care is

not a one-time event in a week or month. Self-care is the practice of caring for yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. All areas that include those areas involve self-care. That can be emotional,

socially, financially, environmentally, and/or work. I want to focus today on work. How does one bring self-care into the workspace? Well, I am so glad you asked. We live in a culture that encourages us to work hard. American society encourages everyone to strive to be successful. The "hustle" culture teaches us that there is always more. There is more money to be made, the bigger the title the better, and no days off is the way. This tone pushes people to feel insufficient when they are not going "hard in the paint" or "all gas and no breaks." The truth is a success is not in how hard you can work, but it is in how smart you can work. Most companies or organizations push to make a product as efficient and sufficient as possible. This means they try to make the best product using the least amount of funds, time, and human labor or energy. The more they master the model, the more profit they have. Why

do we as individuals not take on the same mindset? Most of us as individuals work hard in our careers and jobs, and when retirement comes, there is nothing to show for all the labor except for old age. It is

hard to consider yourself in a working environment. We can easily get caught up in tasks. I want to encourage you that self-care in the workspace is just as impor-

tant at home or other places outside the office. Here is a list of some things to try or consider while at work: 1. Make sure to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Whether you work sitting down or your job is physically taxing, get your daily water intake. 2. Set boundaries. Do not feel the need to say yes to every project or task. You know what you are and are not capable of completing. Do not put too much on your plate. Also, do not feel obligated to enter uncomfortable discussions or events with your boss or colleagues. 3. Ask for help. Do not be afraid to ask coworkers or supervisors for help. If you are a business owner, ask another peer for help on how they achieve cer-

tain goals. 4. Use your breaks at work. You are given breaks at work to detox and decompress. Be sure to use them. Do not eat your lunch at your desk. Go out of the office on a lunch break. Sit down and eat with friends, colleagues, or yourself. You will be glad you did. 5. Learn from mistakes. Do not let mistakes bring you down. Each job has its challenges, and each job comes with a learning period. Do not beat yourself up when you make a mistake. Just learn from them. I hope the previous tips are something you can try or expand more. Remember you don't have to work yourself into burnout. You can work smarter not harder.

The Community News Flash

June 2022

Juneteenth to be celebrated in Corinth park on June 18th County. A brief program at noon will recognize the importance of Juneteenth in American history through speakers and prayer. A group of pastors and ministers from the area will be available throughout the day in a prayer tent. All ages are invited to get out on the dance floor to enjoy a variety of dance moves that have been popular through the years, from the cha-cha to the current trends. There will be three separate Mary Dilworth

By Lucy Weber A day packed with entertainment, speakers, prayers, food and more family activities will celebrate Juneteenth in John Street Park on June 18. Sponsored by the Alcorn County Branch of the NAACP, the first of what is expected to be an annual event in Corinth will commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated by enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, after learning they were freed by the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. “We want families to come out so everyone will understand the importance of Juneteenth and why it’s worth celebrating,” said Mary Dilworth, chairman of the event. The event will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include prayers, live entertainment, a DJ, vendors, dance contests and more activities. “This free event will be fun for the whole family,” Mrs. Dilworth said. “We want folks to bring their chairs, tents and blankets and enjoy the

festivities with friends and neighbors. “There’s going to be something for everyone,” Mrs. Dilworth said. “We are also going to spotlight youths in our community. We want our youth to know they are an important part of our community. Miss Teen Alcorn County Audarreuna Moore will be there.” Besides Mrs. Dilworth, the committee for the Juneteenth Celebration includes Milus Copeland, Bridget Foxx, Juanita Butler and William Dilworth, president of NAACP for Alcorn

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dance contests where dancers compete to music ranging from old school to hits of yesteryear to today’s hits. Prizes will be awarded, and everyone is encouraged to participate. There will also be a demonstration of African dances that all are invited to learn. Mrs. Dilworth said there’s a line-up of musical talent throughout the day, plus a DJ will be there also. There will be jumpers for the children to enjoy and so much more for every member of the family to enjoy. Vendors will have a variety of delicious food, like BBQ, tamales, desserts and more, or people are welcome to bring picnics. T-shirts to commemorate the celebration will be available at the event. For those who want to purchase shirts now to wear to the park on June 18 can contact Mrs. Dilworth at 662-603-4229 to order. The cost is $15 or $17 for extralarge sizes.

June 2022

The Community News Flash

No surprise, Wallace enjoys time spent with his daughters By Lucy Weber Demetrius Wallace and his family love surprises. Wallace has a history of surprising his wife Sharice and daughters Demetria, 19, and Kameya, 10. For birthdays, special occasions or just-for-the-fun of it, this husband and father enjoys seeing the smiles and delight on their faces. “It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I have two beautiful girls and a beautiful wife.” This Father’s Day, he may not be surprised if the family surprises him. “My girls will do surprises too.” The best moments for this Corinth family of four are “spending time together,” Wallace said “We play volleyball in the yard. We get in the pool. We watch a good movie, make popcorn or make cookies. We plant gardens. We invite friends over for cookouts.” Wallace, who grew up as the middle of two brothers, enjoys being a dad of girls so much. Demetria, his older daughter, lives at home as she is a student at Northeast Community College. “I don’t want her to leave. I don’t know what I’m going to do when she leaves home,” he said. “Being around her, she’s so full of energy. We’re relatable in what we like to do and we love to talk about everything. Wallace is proud of the 19-year-old’s business savvy. “She has her own eyelash business. I’m proud of her for being business minded and we are teaching her to be a financially responsible adult.” A volleyball player, Demetria volunteers to

We Want You! Fatherhood Initiative Program Would you like to become a better father? We are looking for fathers who would be interested in becoming “Team Parents” by dedicating a minimum number of hours with their children in order to become more involved in their lives. We will attempt to make a positive influence in the life of a father.

Certified Fatherhood/Male Involement Trainer Since 2001 To set up Workshops/Seminars Call or Email Jerry Porter at: 662-643-6842 or read.newflash@gmail.com

Demetrius Wallace

teach young girls the sport and she’s also taught her own STEM club for 4-H, the proud papa said. “She’s a natural leader. With the nine-year gap between his girls, Wallace said he is happy to share those dad-daughter experiences over again with his 10-year-old. “Kameya is a mix of both my wife and me. She’s so much fun and into the simple things in life. She does gymnastics, running and basketball, and I want her to stick with that if she wants to. She’s more of the outdoor type – she doesn’t mind picking up frogs.” “Kameya is happy as a

homebody,” the dedicated dad said. “I encourage her to go out and we shoot baskets.” Wallace said some of his best fatherly advice is something he likes to tell Kameya when they’re shooting baskets: “If you want to be good at anything, you have to practice and work hard.” Another bit of advice he gives to his older daughter as she prepares to go into the world: “When you make a decision in life, you need to know why you made it and stick with it.” “I thank God for both of them,” Wallace said. “They tug on my heart.”

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The Community News Flash

June 2022

New Program Aims to Address Black Youth Drowning Crisis (StatePoint) While summer fun often includes visits to the beach, lake or pool, not every child is offered the same opportunities to learn to swim or gain confidence in the water. In fact, Black children in the United States are nearly six times more likely to die from drowning than white kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advocates say that this unfortunate truth is directly related to decades of segregation and exclusion from public pools and beaches. A national program, “Making Waves” from Outdoor Afro, is working to change that legacy by making the water safer for Black children, aiming to impact 100,000 Black youth and their caregivers over the next 10 years. “Making Waves” is a partnership with Outdoor Afro, the nation’s foremost notfor-profit organization celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature and KEEN, the global footwear brand on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all. Participating Kids and their caregivers may sign up

for scholarships for swimming lessons, known as Swimmerships, on Outdoor Afro’s website beginning this summer. Each Swimmership provides a new swimmer with a full swim course of 8-10 lessons. Swim lessons take place at local YMCAs and select community pools. To learn more or to sign up for a

Swimmership, visit outdoorafro.com. Supporting the Movement Individuals can sponsor a swimmer on Outdoor Afro’s website. $10 = a lesson, $100 = a Swimmership and $1,000 funds a full class of 10 new swimmers. Additionally, they can support the growing movement through a new collec-

tion of KEEN x Outdoor Afro limited edition sandals. The collection, released in support of the program, is designed to raise awareness of this issue while raising funds for Swimmerships. The collection features artwork from Outdoor Afro volunteer leader, Leandra Taylor. Taylor has been an inspiration, teacher and friend to kids hungry to learn about the outdoor experience. Her art is incorporated into silhouettes for the whole family, including the Newport H2 for men, the Astoria West for women and the Newport H2 and Stingrays for kids. “The statistics speak for themselves,” says Erik Burbank, vice president of The KEEN Effect, the team that leads the brand’s social justice efforts. “We’re proud to be supporting Outdoor Afro in this movement, and to help it continue to build momentum.” The statistics are alarming, but there is hope. Giving kids confidence in and around the water will save lives, reduce water-related injuries in every community, and help forge strong connections to the outdoors.

June 2022

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH

Kids Zone

June 2022

The Community News Flash

A Cool Salad for Hot Summer Days BLACK BEAN SALAD

Calypso is probably best known as a type of Caribbean folk song. It's inspired by a combination of musical styles and languages common to Trinidad. Calypso music is rhythmically smooth, and the words are often colorful and sharply critical in a witty way. This recipe for Calypso Black Bean and Corn Salad draws inspiration from the Caribbean, the easy spirit of the Islands and the music heard there. The salad takes only a few minutes to assemble, and it can be served either cold or at room temperature. Best of all, most of the ingredients can be found in the pantry or the freezer. This festive salad instantly

became one of my all-time favorites when I was challenged by chef Bobby Flay on his Food Network show "Throwdown With Bobby Flay." I decided to serve the Calypso Black Bean and Corn Salad as a side dish with my fiery Jerk Chicken. The wonderful thing about this

combination of black beans, corn and spices is that it perfectly compliments the smokiness of barbequed meats. It's unique and colorful, and it tastes better the longer it sits in the pepperinfused citrus marinade. The judges loved my dishes, and I was declared the winner of the

challenge. While it was wonderful to claim a culinary victory over chef Flay, the real winners were the guests at the barbeque. They got to eat some of the best dishes in Texas! Try this delicious salad, and you'll feel like a winner, too! CALYPSO CORN AND

1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn kernels, thawed 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 small fresh jalape–o chili, seeded and minced 1/2 cup firmly packed chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Combine the corn, beans, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and chill one hour or overnight to combine flavors. Serves 4 to 6.

June 2022

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• Go Green Tip: Take a bicycle ride. Get a basket for your bike or carry a backpack and utilize shops close to home. If you live too far to bike, make sure you combine errands. Plot destinations to minimize driving time. • “I keep a small tub next to the kitchen sink. I catch water in it when rinsing veggies and then use that water in the garden. Nothing is wasted.” — I.L. in Mississippi • “My fave kitchen utensil is a pizza cutter. You can use it to cut sandwiches as well as pizza. You also can use it when you are chopping veggies, like peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc. Cut them into strips and then run the pizza cutter over them to dice. I find new uses for it all the time.” — E.G. in Oregon • “My daughters love stuffed animals, but they don’t play with them all the time and keep them up on a shelf (they aren’t ready to let go just yet). We throw them in the clothes dryer every so often to shake the dust off of them, and we can do a lot at a time.” — T. in New York • For a fun outdoor art activity, try painting with shaving cream. Fill several cups with a dollop of shaving cream and add a drop or two of food coloring to each. Stir and enjoy. It’s easy and cheap, plus it cleans up with a garden hose. • “My husband bought a very large cooler at a garage sale at a great price. Unfortunately, it was quite musty inside. We cleaned the insides with vinegar and then stuffed it full of crinkled-up newspaper. After two days of changing the paper, it smells brand new inside. What a deal!” — D.D.H. in South Carolina 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 Clay Ewing, president of a community bank in Indiana, who recently made the following sage observation: “Banking should not be exciting. If banking is exciting, there is something wrong with it.” • James Arness, star of the iconic American TV series “Gunsmoke,” was more than six and a half feet tall — so tall, in fact, that the makers of the show frequently had him stand in a hole during his scenes so he wouldn’t tower over his co-stars. • The form-fitting synthetic fabric commonly known as spandex was so named because it’s an anagram of “expands.” • When you think of a dog herding cattle or sheep, the image in your mind is probably a border collie, a breed well-known for its herding capabilities. You might be surprised to learn that Dalmations, too, were once used to herd livestock. In fact, that’s why they’ve become an icon of firefighters everywhere. Back when fire engines were actually wagons drawn by teams of horses, Dalmations accompanied the firefighters to the scene of a disaster in order to herd the horses to a safe place until the blaze was brought under control. • Recorders of crime statistics say that the top three cities in the United States in terms of cars being stolen are Modesto, Calif.; Las Vegas; and San Diego. • If, like many Americans these days, you’re carrying around some extra weight, here’s an added incentive to lose those love handles: For every 50 pounds your car loses from its payload, you’ll get about a 1 percent improvement in gas mileage. Of course, you could just clean out any junk that’s been cluttering up the trunk instead. *** Thought for the Day: “Like cars in amusement parks, our direction is often determined through collisions.” — Yahia Lababidi

Affordable self storage Store your stuff with us.

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June 2022

The Community News Flash

Take These 6 Steps to Get Your Health Back on Track Trattoria-Style Shrimp Fettuccine

(StatePoint) Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have been postponing routine care. With more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, medical experts are urging patients to return to routine health care and get caught up on delayed or foregone preventive health screenings. “While we know that prevention is the best medicine, the pandemic has caused many Americans to delay important routine health services vital to keeping themselves and their families healthy, particularly critical immunizations and preventive cancer screenings. We urge everyone to get up to date on their routine health care needs,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). According to the AMA, you and your family should take these six steps to get your health back on track: 1. Get screened: Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, 3.9 million breast cancer, 3.8 million colorectal cancer and 1.6 million prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your health care provider. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious. 2. Don’t wait: An estimated 41% of adults with one or more chronic health conditions reported delaying or forgoing health care since the pandemic started. Additionally, one in three of those adults reported that doing so worsened one or more of their health conditions or limited their abilities to work or perform other daily activities. Whether you have a chronic health condition or not, don’t wait until something is wrong before seeing a doctor. If something does feel off, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. 3. Consider telehealth: If you’re uncom-

fortable or unable to go in person to your physician’s practice, check on telehealth options, which have greatly increased over the past two years. 4. Visit your pediatrician: During the pandemic, pediatric immunizations decreased. As public health measures are rolled back, people gather in groups, and traveling resumes, non-COVID-19 infections that decreased during the pandemic are likely to increase again. Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential to helping ensure children stay healthy and protected from serious diseases. If your child is due for a check-up, schedule one immediately. 5. Get vaccinated: Adolescents and adult immunizations also sharply declined during the pandemic and an estimated 26 million recommended vaccinations were missed in 2020 as compared to 2019. Get up to date on vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone who’s eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster doses, should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org. 6. Don’t neglect mental health: While mental health screenings via digital health tools are up, routine care for mental health is down. Approximately 52% of adults with mental health conditions delayed or forewent care since the pandemic began. Given the adverse effects the events of the past two years have had on mental health, such as increasing anxiety, depression and loneliness, it’s especially important to prioritize this aspect of your health now. For more resources, visit ama-assn.org. “We encourage everyone to contact their trusted medical professional to schedule their annual physical and other vital care to help prevent serious health repercussions that could potentially last long past the pandemic,” says Dr. Harmon.

Snicker Bars After trying this recipe you’ll have wished you had found it sooner. Be sure to post it to the refrigerator; you’ll want to enjoy it all summer long. 1/4 cup Peter Pan or Skippy reduced-fat peanut butter 3/4 cup (3 ounces) Grape Nuts 1 cup Cool Whip Lite 1 (4-serving) package Jell-O sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix 2 cups Wells’ Blue Bunny sugar-free and fat-free vanilla ice cream or any sugar-free and fat-free ice cream, slightly thawed In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, Grape Nuts, Cool Whip Lite and dry pudding mix. Add ice cream. Mix well to combine. Pour mixture into a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and freeze. Cut into 8 servings. • Each serving equals: 156 calories, 4g fat, 5g protein, 25g carbs, 233mg sodium, 63mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; Carb Choices: 1 1/2. Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 to signup 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.

Classic and quite simple to prepare, this shrimp and pasta dish can be served on its own thanks to the bag of fresh spinach that gets incorporated at the last minute. 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium (6- to 8-ounce) onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 bottle (8-ounce) clam juice Salt 1 pound shelled and deveined large shrimp, with tail part of shell left on if you like 1 bag (5- to 6-ounce) baby spinach 1/3 cup (loosely packed) fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Add pasta and cook as label directs. 2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium until hot. Add onion and garlic, and cook 10 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring often. Add wine; increase heat to medium-high and cook 1 minute. Stir in clam juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling. Stir in shrimp, and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque throughout. 3. Drain pasta and add to skillet with spinach and parsley; toss to coat. Serves 6. • Each serving: About 350 calories, 7g total fat (1g saturated), 115mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 46g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, 24g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipe finder/.

1. MOVIES: What sport was featured in the 2006 movie “Glory Road”? 2. PSYCHOLOGY: What kind of abnormal fear is experienced in the condition known as hemophobia? 3. MUSIC: Which well-known Christmas carol includes the syllables “fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la”? 4. GEOGRAPHY: Which two countries surround the Dead Sea? 5. ANIMALS: How many muscles does a cat have in each ear? 6. MEDICINE: Who was the pioneering doctor who was first to successfully use a partially artificial heart in a human being? 7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: In what year did U.S. Sen. John Glenn make an unsuccessful bid for the presidency? 8. CARS: Which car manufacturer had a hit with the 1955 Thunderbird? 9. GAMES: What color is the $5 bill in the classic game of Monopoly? 10. FOOD AND DRINK: What are the chief ingredients in quick Russian dressing? Answers 1. Basketball 2. Fear of blood 3. “Deck the Halls” 4. Israel and Jordan 5. 32 muscles that control the outer ear 6. Dr. Michael DeBakey, left ventricular bypass pump in 1966 7. 1984 8. Ford 9. Pink 10. Mayonnaise and ketchup

1. Bobby Cox (Atlanta, 1990) and Tony La Russa (St. Louis, 1996) were the two longest-serving current National League managers entering the 2009 season. Who was No. 3? 2. Name the last time a pitcher had more than 15 complete games in a single season. 3. Between the 1997 and 2007 seasons, how many wild-card NFL playoff teams reached the Super Bowl? 4. How many times has a seed lower than third won the Big 12 tournament title in men’s basketball? 5. When was the last time before 2008-09 that the Boston Bruins had the best record in the NHL’s Eastern Conference? 6. While D.C. United has won four Major League Soccer titles, three other teams have won two titles each. Name two of them. 7. How many rounds did boxer Sugar Ray Leonard go in his Madison Square Garden debut? Answers 1. Colorado’s Clint Hurdle, who took over the Rockies in 2002. 2. Roger Clemens had 18 for Boston in 1987. 3. Five — Denver (1997), Tennessee (’99), Baltimore (’00), Pittsburgh (’05) and New York Giants (’07). 4. It has never happened in 13 years of the tournament. 5. It was the 2001-02 season. 6. Houston, Los Angeles and San Jose. 7. He went 12 rounds in 1991 in losing a unanimous decision to Terry Norris.

June 2022

The Community News Flash

COMMUNITY

How Support Systems Are Failing New Research Sheds Light on How People Are Taking Civic Action Millions of American Children

Illustration by Ash Trowel/Burness

(StatePoint) At a time when the economic impacts of COVID-19 are making it hard for many families to afford healthy food and safe housing, and ever-changing work and school schedules are making their logistics hard to juggle, a new report finds that inequities in the system are further exacerbating these issues for millions of American children. The report from Generations United, a nonprofit that strengthens practices and policies to benefit all generations, finds that 2.6 million American children are living in “grandfamilies.” While grandfamilies -homes where children are raised by relatives or close family friends -- have more stability, higher levels of permanency and greater safety than traditional foster care, it’s much harder for these children and caregivers to access basic services and support in areas such as housing, education, and health care due to bureaucratic barriers. For example, if a grandfamily caregiver doesn’t have a legal relationship to a child, something as simple as enrolling the child in school or taking them to the doctor can be difficult

or impossible; and in some states, caregivers not related by blood or marriage can’t apply on a child’s behalf for benefits such as Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Often formed out of trauma, including parental death, incarceration and deportation, grandfamilies come from all geographic locations, socio-economic levels, races and ethnicities. However, Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native children are the most likely to be in grandfamilies, and therefore, are the most likely to be impacted by these inequities. “When children can’t remain with their parents, they do best with people who know and love them,” says Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. “However, we cannot ask grandparents and other relatives to take on the responsibility of raising children without helping them meet children’s basic needs in return. We must do more to ensure grandfamilies have access to the basic support they need to help the children they raise thrive.” Butts says that there are

many ways that policymakers and decision-makers can support grandfamilies, including: • Supporting quality kinship navigator programs, which offer information, referral and follow-up services to grandparents and other relatives raising children, linking them to essential benefits and services. • Promoting financial equity for grandfamilies by creating a kinship caregiver tax credit, improving access to foster-care maintenance payments and TANF. (Families within the foster care system can receive, on average, $511 per month in financial assistance for one child, compared with an average of just $249 for those outside the system.) • Changing workplace policies to recognize the needs of grandfamily caregivers and improving their access to respite care, child care, and counseling. For more report findings, visit gu.org. To learn more about kinship navigator programs and other services available if you are a grandfamily caregiver yourself, visit grandfamilies.org. “It’s time to rethink our communal systems of care to include the unique needs of grandfamilies,” says Butts. “Meanwhile, if the impacts of COVID-19 or other events have caused you or someone you know to step in to care for a relative or friend’s child, reach out for support. There are people ready to help you get the services and support your family needs.”

(StatePoint) New research is offering insights into how the world can recover and rebuild from the pandemic, along with how individuals and organizations can address issues they care about in their communities. “Civic Life Today: The State of Global Civic Engagement,” which was commissioned by Points of Light and designed and executed by INFLUENCE|SG, studied attitudes around civic engagement in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil. “We believe that the most powerful force is the individual who has realized their power to make change happen. However, everyone can be more impactful when working together,” says Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating peoplepowered change. “This report is intended to reveal ways to act effectively -- making it easier for individuals to find these opportunities and organizations to create them.” The report also supports Points of Light’s Civic Circle, a framework that helps people understand that there are many ways to do good. The nine activities outlined by the Civic Circle are: listening and learning, using one’s voice, social entrepreneurship, volunteering, public, national or

military service, using one’s purchasing power to express values, working, voting, and donating. Whether you’re a business leader hoping to mobilize your employees, a nonprofit or NGO leader looking to connect individuals to your cause, or an individual wanting to support your community, the Civic Circle and these key report takeaways can help you get started: • Pandemic effects are universal: The same social issues and personal costs have been shared by people everywhere. At the country level, healthcare, education, and the environment/ climate demand attention. On a personal level, the health of others in the community is where the most impact has been felt, followed by individuals’ financial and mental health. • Issues leading civic engagement: Education, the environment, and healthcare were the top issues respondents wanted their countries to support, with healthcare ranked the leading issue in the United States. • How people prefer to take action: The most common Civic Circle actions taken by respondents were using one’s voice (influencing one’s network through social media, advocacy, or other form of expression), listening and learning (learning about a cause or social issue), and

volunteering (intentionally helping someone else). However, perceived barriers to civic engagement linger -two of the top three reasons people cited for a lack of social issue involvement were financial in nature, reflecting the perception that being civically involved means donating money. • Virtual volunteering is here to stay: Volunteerism has not only remained important, it’s on the rise, with 54% of global respondents saying, “I plan to volunteer more than I did before the pandemic.” Of those, the vast majority intend to do so primarily via virtual opportunities. • Calls for corporate involvement: Individuals see companies as having an obligation to get involved. Indeed, a majority of respondents said they expect companies to address social challenges. At the same time, respondents are measuring a given company’s sincerity by the way it treats its employees. To watch a webinar recently hosted by Points of light with INFLUENCE|SG to discuss the research findings in more detail and to download the report, visit pointsoflight.org/civicengagement-research. “At a time when the whole world is facing a common challenge, we’re excited to see people take action. According to this report, 80% of Americans took at least one civic action in a 30-day period, up from 52% in May 2020. That statistic itself is amazing,” says Paquin. “If we hope to move forward together, it’s this positive energy that we must capture.”

June 2022

The Community News Flash

Unique Ways to Celebrate Summer Holidays (StatePoint) Summer holidays often revolve around being together, but whether your family and friends are near or far, there are plenty of fun and unique ways to celebrate these holidays in-person or virtually. Here’s a little history on a few annual summer occasions, and ideas for amping up the festivities. Host a Memorial Day Celebration of Life. While Memorial Day weekend is often the unofficial start to summer filled with camping trips, beach parties and barbecues, it’s important to remember that we commemorate this day to honor the legacy of those who have served and lost their lives in the U.S. Military. You can embrace the bond with your family by having a traditional backyard party or picnic in remembrance of those close to you who have served. Honor them by serving their favorite foods, playing their favorite games, or even writing your favorite memories down on a piece of paper and sharing them with the group. Honor Juneteenth by Showing Your Appreciation for Black Culture. Juneteenth takes place on June 19 and commemorates the emancipation of thousands of slaves who were not aware of their freedom until that date in 1865. On this date, Union General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. And in 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. Many honor Juneteenth with educational and family

gatherings, supporting Black-owned businesses, and by visiting museums and exhibits dedicated to Black culture. You can also send a personalized message of love and inspiration. And& who better to deliver your message than Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys? Her completely customizable SmashUp video greeting is specifically designed to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. Create a Custom Dad-Approved Experience this Father’s Day. What better way to show your appreciation for the father figure in your life than by creating a day all about him? Think about his favorite hobbies and design an

itinerary sure to receive the Dad seal of approval. Whether it’s a fishing trip, creating your own backyard mini-golf course, or going on a brewery tour in search of the best local IPA, it’s sure to be a Father’s Day he’ll remember. If you can’t be with Dad, sending a personalized video or ecard is a great way to show you care. These greetings are made just for him, and you can even add a gift card to one of his favorite stores. Get Crafty for Fourth of July. Fourth of July is the peak of summer and commemorates the Continental Congress formally accepting the Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776. Often enjoyed with food, fireworks, and parades, it’s a bash that’s anticipated all summer long. Get into the patriotic mood by creating some original décor or USA-themed foods for your cookout or fireworks watch party. Try your hand at designing items like patriotic napkin rings, American Flag-inspired desserts, painting outdoor items such as flowerpots red, white, and blue, or even making your own sparklers and lanterns to hand out to guests when they arrive. Then, after guests have settled into the festivities, add an extra layer of fun by using filter-like Selfie SmashUps to turn yourself and guests into Uncle Sam. Each summer holiday is an opportunity to bring people together to make new memories. By thinking outside the box, you can truly make a splash this summer.

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