SIMMONS...pg 8
YOUNG....pg 9
Vol 16, No. 10 • March 2017
News You Can Use
662-643-6842
Area athlete refuses to let disability obscure success was and still would remain one that centered around a passion for sports. With time, that passion would only grow stronger. Powell’s mother, Tammi Johnson, relates: “Jaylon never skipped a beat. He played little league baseball and basketball...from the very beginning, we have known that basketball was his passion. Now, at age 18, he sleeps with his basketball and fastens the seatbelt around his ball when he's traveling. Sounds crazy? Not to me.” And not to Jaylon. Nor should it to anyone. Jaylon went on to play Junior high football and basketball, and he excelled in both. Basketball remained his passion, and he went on to play at the high school level. It was there at Tishomingo County High School that he came under the guidance of Coach Josh McCalmon: “When I took the job as the high school coach, I wanted to
by B.H. Bonds In 2004, a couple of children were playing at golf. One of them, a six year old boy, walked in front of the other as he was mid-swing. And, at the tender age of six, that boy forever lost vision in his left eye. It is generally at this point in a story, that you expect to hear something like “and his life was changed forever.” But this simply isn’t the case. When you are dealing with young men like Jaylon Powell, you learn that there are people who refuse to allow anything to stand in the way of their passion and future success. Out of the two things that were going on that day, the golf was actually more indicative of Powell’s future than the injury. His life
Jaylon Powell
One would not expect a young man born with maladies like club feet, stiff joints and weak muscles to play defensive back in football or point guard in basketball, but those are just a couple of the unexpected accomplishments that Tracy
Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835
POSTAL PATRON Tracy Skelton
Holden Nickels
By Lucy Weber
est asset a healer can possess, empathy for those who suffer. Skelton was born with Arthrogyrposis, an illness that severely limits joint movement. At one point in his childhood Skelton, a Greenwood native, could not walk at all and spent much of his young life in hospitals. After numerous surgeries and with the aid of braces doctors eventually got Skelton moving, but the psychological toll that the chronic illness took on the youngster was substantial. see SKELTON pg 4
see HOLDEN pg 4
see POWELL pg 4
Skelton has managed in life. Skelton, 19, is a student at Northeast Mississippi Community College where he is beginning his studies to become a doctor, a career that will allow him to help others who face health problems. It is his life experience however, that has already given him the great-
Hard working 8-year-old expects to see name in lights one day
Eight-year-old Holden Nickels is a whirlwind of creative energy. If this third-grader at Corinth Elementary had a resume, it would be a lengthy one listing all his skills and talents. He sings, he plays a variety of instruments, he dances and he writes songs. "There's never a dull moment. We don't know where he gets it from. We're amazed to be a part of this," said his mom Mia Nickels, who along with husband Fred have 5year-old Grayson. "If he sees a dance move, he picks it up. He hears a chord, and he can knock it out on the guitar." Holden plays guitar, and got started at age two "when he came home begging for a guitar," his mother said. His red blues guitar is called Lucille and his first guitar is called Judith. His acoustic guitar that he can plug in is named Cara after his girlfriend, and his banjo is called Billy Banjo, because as Holden says, banjos are named after boys. He also plays drums, steel drums, violin, ukulele and piano. Guitar is the only instrument he's had lessons in. All the others are self-taught. "I want to learn to play bass guitar," he said. When he grows up, Holden plans to be an all-around entertainer. "I love dancing. I sing all the time," he said. "I want to do the same thing as Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson."
Defying the Odds: Tracy Skelton has not let illness hold him down By Galen Holley
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The Community News Flash
Editor’s Corner Don't Be The Missing Piece
Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher
PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com
We've all heard the phrase, "He was conspicuous by his absence." Have you ever thought about what that means? If conspicuous means to stand out or to be clearly visible, how could a fellow be conspicuous by being absent? It seems that the fellow would be inconspicuous, rather than conspicuous, doesn't it? It seems like a Zen riddle. I'm being purposively obtuse. Of course, we all know what is meant by the phrase "conspicuous by absence." It means that the fellow was drawn more to our attention by the unusual fact of his not being there than if he'd been standing right beside us. The unusualness of his being absent, the singularity, the queerness or oddity of his absence was a glaring fact, one that demanded attention. The implication is that this fellow is commonly around so much that he practically blends in, and his presence is so expected that
it almost disappears from our conscious minds. Parents of young children know this phenomenon. Households with youngsters are seldom quiet. Noise and occasionally ear-splitting racket is the norm. It's incessant, ubiquitous, pervasive. It becomes like ambient noise, almost reassuring or soothing. When parents of young children hear silence from the other room, it's a red flag that something might be wrong. This is conspicuous silence. We could call it the conspicuous absence of noise. Even though nothing is apparently happening, savvy parents know that something probably is happening. The French linguistic philosopher Jacques Derrida is hailed as the father of a school of literary criticism called Deconstruction. Derrida is notoriously hard to read and understand, but the basic thrust of this thought is that it's impossible to decipher the ultimate meaning of a piece of writing. For example, Derrida points out that a written piece of literature implies that the author, the speaker, is absent, not physically there to deliver his
words. Any form of writing, including literature, books, etc., is a standin, a form of absence by which an author makes his thoughts known to another. Absence, from a strictly physical or auditory point of view, speaks, Derrida would say, although what it says, perhaps due to the author's lack of skill or the biases and experiences of the reader, may be completely different from what the author intended to say. Conscientious people are called to listen to the silence, to hear in it the volumes of words that are being said, the cries for help, the desperate shouts for attention, perhaps even the pleas for forgiveness. They are called to hear the unspoken words, the silent voices, the quiescence of the spirit. The Eastern meditative traditions, including Buddhism, Sufism and others like it, place a great deal of importance on simply being quiet and listening. It's not a skill that we in the West have developed very well, with our loud, bustling culture. Christianity does contain, however, a strong, seldom-explored apophatic tradition, one rooted more
in silence than in active, vocal prayer. As with our Eastern brothers and sisters, the apophatic Christian tradition centers around silence, contemplation, deep, meditative prayer and in listening for the voice of God. The Christian mystics of antiquity, like St. John of the Cross, St. Bernard of Clarviaux and St. Therese of Liseux attested to the value of listening for the voice of God in silence. Ancient, Christian theologians often asserted that language is insufficient to express the truth of God. Therefore, they said, in the face of the absolute, ineffable mystery, silence revealed more than words. The missing pieces are oftentimes the clues to unlocking the truth. Imagine trying to assemble a puzzle but having no picture on the box by which to work. One would have to work backward, so to speak. One might begin by sifting through all the hundreds of pieces and trying to group together those that were the same color. Then, one would try to imagine some coherent picture amid those like-colored pieces and from that, extrapolate how it might
fit into a bigger picture. The absent pieces would contain the real information. The not-yet of the composition would be the guiding principle. The absences would contain at least as much information about the image as the few pieces one could gather together in the early stages of completion. We need to listen to the silences between people's words and read between the lines. People communicate in so many differentiated ways, not only through language but through nonverbal ques, like body language. The art of listening, or of reading carefully, is something we must cultivate and develop every day. We must first learn to quiet ourselves to truly hear in silence. Derrida, the great bodhisattvas and Sufis and the Christian mystic all tell us something similar, that more is being said in silence than in discourse, that the truth is there to be discovered in quietness and that he who learns to truly listen hears a symphony in silence. Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard!
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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.
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Monthly Meditation Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20
Notable Quote To have an open mind doesn't mean you must always have an open mouth. - Author unknown
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1. What Old Testament book speaks of life as a "chasing after the wind"? 2. Where were the disciples when they heard a noise that sounded like a mighty wind filling the house they had gathered in? 3. Who had a dream of seven heads of grain being scorched by a hot east wind? 4. What loathsome creatures did God drive into Egypt with an east wind? 5. What prophet was told to cut off his hair and scatter a third of it in the wind? 6. How long did the wind that parted the Red Sea Blow? 7. According to James, what sort of person is like a wave tossed by the wind? 8. What prophet experienced a furious wind that split the hills and shattered the rocks? 9. Whose children were destroyed when a strong wind struck the house they were banqueting in? 10. According to the book of Job, what directional wind will inevitably strike down the wicked? 11. What epistle compares false teachers to rainless clouds blown about by the wind? 12. According to Psalms, what sort of people are like chaff that the wind blows away? 13. Whom did God address from a whirlwind? 14. According to Jesus, what sort of man sees his house full when the winds beat against it? 15. What was blown out of Egypt by a strong west wind? 16. Who had a dream about a statue that crumbled into dust that was driven away by the wind? 17. What prophet spoke of people who sow a wind and reap a whirlwind? 18. What runaway boarded a ship that the Lord struck with a strong wind? 19. What prophet suffered from a hot east wind after his shade plant was eaten by a worm? 20. Who lost faith and began to flounder when he noticed the strong wind on a lake?
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
February Answers 1. Rizpah (2 Samuel 21:1-10) 2. The witch of Endor (I Samuel 28) 3. Vashti (Esther I_ 4. The daughter of Herodias, known to us from the writings of Josephus as Salome, though her name does not appear in the Bible (Matthew 14:1-11) 5. Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26) 6. Ahaz (2 Kings 18:2) 7. Abigail (I Chronicles 2:16-17) 8. Michal (I Samuel 18:27) 9. Jael (Judges) 10. Adah (Genesis 4:19) 11. Gomer, wife of Hosea (Hosea I) 12. Ahinoam (I Samuel 14:50) 13. Michal (I Samuel 25:44) 14. Chloe (I Corinthians 1:11) 15. Aholibah (Ezekiel 23: 4, 11) 16. Aholibamah (Genesis 36:2,5) 17. Apphia, a Christian of Colossae (Philemon 2) 18. Asenath (Genesis 41:45) 19. Elisheba, wife of Aaron (Exodus 6:23) 20. Asa (I Kings 22:41-42)
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POWELL.....from page 1 immediately get in there and watch some practices before I started practicing them myself. When I saw Jaylon practicing, I started to watch him closely and realized that not only did he have one eye, he had a heart also--a big one. I could tell he wanted to be a good player and wanted to be on a good team, even though they won only two games the year before.” Mc Calmon praises Powell’s dedication and attention to detail. Moreover, he emphasizes the amount of trust that Powell placed in his coach and his teammates, describing a time the Tish. County team found themselves five points under with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter: “Normally, this would be the time you wouldn’t want to hold the ball...however, the New Site team was a team that really got going after they made a few shots. I told Jaylon to hold the ball near half court. The fans started yelling and screaming, wondering why we would be holding the ball, down five, late in the game. But I saw it in Jaylon’s and his team’s face that they knew what was happening...we eventually ran a play and scored, plus a free-throw, to put us down by two...we did the same thing again and found ourselves down by two with one second left. We rant our favorite in-bounds play and tied the
March 2017
The Community News Flash
game at the buzzer. We went on to win the game in overtime against a very good team that had a record, I believe, of 14-1. “As important as trust in coach and team is trust in self,” McCalmon relates, describing another game against the school’s county rivals: “Belmont was having an outstanding year and...their best shooter was Harrison Fancher… He had scored 40 points against us when he was a junior, so we knew how good he was, and how good they were. Jaylon’s assignment was to guard Fancher everywhere he went. If he went to the restroom, Jaylon was to go with him.” Jaylon’s strong defense led to Fancher scoring very little. The teams were tied 72 to 72 with twelve seconds remaining.. McCalmon handed Jaylon “an opportunity to put trust in himself, and put the ball in his hands for the last play of the game. With Fancher guarding Jaylon, and one of the best 3-A teams in the state trying to avoid the biggest upset of the year, Jaylon broke around the screen set for him, rose up, and nailed a 20 foot 2pointer at the buzzer to shock the biggest rivalry game in Tishomingo County…” Jayon’s mother would describe his ability to keep a heavy-scorer at bay and to perform a clinch play against a favored team not only as faith in him-
SKELTON.....from page 1 "When you're a little kid, and you can't run and play and participate in sports like others can, it seems like people are looking at you weirdly and you get left out of many things," said Skelton. An indomitable spirit and the determination not to let his illness compromise his quality of life, along with corrective surgeries and braces called ankle-foot orthosis, or AFOs, eventually allowed Skelton to play sports. Remarkably, the boy who once could not walk played youth league basketball and even tackle football when his family moved to Corinth. At Kossuth Elementary School Skelton found himself literally running with the pack for the first time in his life. His pee-wee coach, Allen Lyles, said that Skelton was a tireless worker, one who never missed practice and poured himself into each play. "He was just a super kid, and he never let his illness stand in his way," said Lyles. "He can swim like a torpedo, play tennis and shoot pool and do so many things well." Skelton said that his mother, Cheryl, and his older sister, Judith, coached him along and kept him involved with tennis and encouraged him to work hard and
self, but as a strong belief in the words of Philipians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is a verse that Johnson made sure to instill in her son. It was these words, she says, that helped him to overcome not only his disability, but the taunting of other children in his early years, and the difficult family issues that would necessitate the family’s move to Biggersville during his high school days: “Jaylon is a friendly, peopleperson. Everyone loves him. He's been through so much with just family and mean kids, but Jaylon knows what I've taught him.” Jaylon went on to receive athletic awards at Biggersville, just as he had done at Tish. County. From there, he went to open try-outs at Blue Mountain College and instantly received a Junior Varsity Scholarship, where he has almost completed two semesters, on his way to obtain a degree in sports medicine. “He has done well, but we are just getting started,” Johnson says. “He will make it to the NBA. His raw talent just hasn't been seen yet.” She is likely right. Powell’s talent continues to grow. And if that childhood eye injury took anything away at all, it must have been Powell’s ability to see and realize anything other than a bright future.
stay positive. A friend of Lyles's gave Skelton a set of lefthanded golf clubs, an accommodation his illness necessitated, and the youngster took to the game as if he had been playing for years, Lyles said. "It was an honor to coach a kid like Tracy and I continue to be inspired by his example," said Lyles. Musical pursuit Because of the physical challenges he faced as a youngster, Skelton had to explore alternative ways to participate in social and extracurricular activities. Early on, he discovered a liking for music. "I used to dress as Elvis at Halloween," said Skelton, laughing. Skelton shared something in common with the king of rock 'n' roll namely, that he cultivated his musical interests in church. "I always enjoyed singing in church and the whole musical culture of worship, so it was natural for me to segue into other forms of musical expression," said Skelton. He joined the junior high band and played percussion instruments. As with anything else in life to which he set his mind, Skelton's drumming in the band led him to get a drum set and soon, after a few Youtube lessons, he had taught himself to play the sitdown drums. Soon he was playing in the school's jazz band. At the West Corinth Church of Christ, Skelton got
HOLDEN..... from page 1 Entertaining people is what "makes me happy and makes me joyful," Holden said. Holden said his dance moves are self-taught after he watches them on video. He sees them and figures out how to recreate them, like Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Other favorite moves are the coffee grinder and head spins, and one he choreographed called the Air Walk. "It looks like you're floating in thin air. It's really cool." Holden said he's only written three or four songs so far but he has plenty of ideas for more. His songs have looked at "love, Christmas, faith and dancing," he said. Part of his inspiration for entertaining people is a former babysitter, Corinth native Maty Noyes. The pop singer who is making a name for herself in Los Angeles and on the charts serves as an inspiration to Holden. In addition to his regular
school work, Holden does what he calls "cord work" under his mother's instruction to earn honor cords on subjects beyond the scope of regular third grade. "I give him assignments once a month, and he gets a cord when he completes it. This month, it's independent study, with a science project and book report," mom Mia said. On most Saturday mornings, Holden can be found at Joe's Diner, clearing tables and entertaining customers. "I asked the owners if I could work. Now I have my own apron," he said. The tips collected by this hard worker are being saved for another guitar or "I can do things for other people." Holden said he is still deciding. Holden keeps busy with all his schoolwork and extracurricular activities while coping with Type 1 diabetes and the two shots of insulin he takes each day. "He does everything he's supposed to do with his diet. He's very health conscious," Mia said.
involved with a program called "Lads To Leaders," which, in addition to offering opportunities for character-building and leadership development, included musical endeavors and competitions. As a participant in Lads To Leaders, Skelton was invited to act as a song leader at a competition at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. He also participated in the State Honor Choir selected by the Mississippi Choral Directors Association. "Music has definitely been therapeutic for me," said Skelton. "Over the years I have preferred music with rich lyrics and meaningful messages." Giving back Life has placed challenges in front of Skelton, but he is grateful even for the hard times because they have made him into the man he is today, he said. Once he becomes a doctor he will be able to help others, just as so many have helped him, Skelton said. "You can never judge a book by its cover," said Skelton. "People almost always mean well, but they can't really appreciate what it's like until they experience the type of judgment you get from something that you have no control over. With a good heart, a strong will and good work ethic those with illnesses and disabilities don't have to let their challenges stop them from doing what they want to do in life."
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The Community News Flash
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HEALTH
7 Ways to Get Fit as a Family
Blogger Caycee Hewitt says new athletic shoes keep the family motivated to move. (c) Kim Graham
(StatePoint) Healthy eating habits and gym routines can be hard to sustain. For parents who juggle busy schedules, it can be particularly challenging to squeeze in the recommended amount of physical activity each day. However, with a little motivation and a dose of creativity, families can resolve to stay active and get fit together -- without stepping foot into the gym. Here are seven ideas to consider: 1. Explore the neighborhood. Take the children on regular strolls around the block. Create your own nature walks by identifying different insects, leaves and animals along the way. Collect pinecones, acorns or other foliage that can be used for fun crafts back at the house. 2. Take advantage of local parks. Visit a local park to discover different walking paths or bike trails. And spend some time on the playground while you’re at it! Equipment, such as monkey bars, climbing walls and balance beams are all fun ways to get moving. 3. Invest in gear without breaking the bank. Athletic clothes and accessories with the latest performance fabrics enhance comfort and safety while working out. What’s more, new gear can be a great way for each family member to show his or her sense of style, which can be just the motivation needed to get moving. Footwear is especially important to replace
often, as worn out athletic shoes can increase risk of injury. To go easy on the wallet, consider shopping at retailers like Rack Room Shoes, which offers everyday value on brands for the entire family. For more information, visit RackRoomShoes.com. 4. Schedule dance parties. Enjoy music and shake off some stress by scheduling regular dance parties after school, during commercial breaks or before bedtime. 5. Make a game out of chores. Make the most of family chores. Shoveling snow, raking leaves and mowing the grass don’t just enhance your home’s curb appeal; they are all are great forms of exercise! 6. Get in a routine. A routine ensures consistency. Set aside time each week for bike rides, tag football and soccer games, all of which can all be done in the neighborhood, backyard or at a favorite park. In bad weather, head to a local trampoline park, climbing gym or indoor soccer field. 7. Make a Matrix. Planning fun activities increases the chance you will keep up the good work. For those who love to check items off a list, a color-coded spreadsheet can be a fun visual reminder to test out new activities. Hang this in a common area, such as the kitchen, to keep track. Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a fitness routine that works for your family and stick with it!
March 2017
March 2017
The Community News Flash
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Getting Back to Basics: The Lost Art of Writing Things Down (StatePoint) In this digital age, you may go days without using a pen and paper, but there are many reasons to skip the devices and stick to writing things down. From staying organized to planning your week to tracking career growth, here are a few things to take note of when it comes to taking notes. • Taking notes in longhand can help you retain more information, suggests a study from Princeton and UCLA, as taking notes makes you more likely to process the information and reframe it in your own words. Not only that, your notepad is likely to contain fewer distractions than your laptop, tablet or phone. • Look professional and stay organized at your next interview or meeting. Taking notes will make you look engaged and interested in what is happening, and a professional planner and/or notebook are must-have work-
place accessories. Brands like ATA-GLANCE offer professional, yet stylish planners, matching desk pads, notepads and wall calendars in a variety of styles and formats. Visit MyAtAGlanceStory.com for
organizational inspiration. • Making comments in your notebook or planner helps you become the publisher of your story, capturing your life’s moments along the way. These are tools that help you look back
on events in a tangible way. • Rid yourself of the ever-present stress that comes with a busy life. Seeing everything written down will give you a sense of control. You will feel confident in knowing you have it all set, and keeping a record of your tasks in one location gives you an easy, organized way to get a grasp on your days. • Using a planner to track your schedule can actually help you find missing time. You will have a better grasp on what is coming up and may even see a break that leaves you time to schedule dinner with a friend, try that new recipe you’ve been craving, or time to search for that special birthday present you need for the party this weekend. • Increase productivity by maximizing the 24 hours that you have. Seeing everything on paper will help you plan and prioritize. Having “scheduled downtime”
can help you to know when to go full steam ahead and when to take a break and unwind for a bit. • Tracking in one place can also help prevent committing to things you can’t do. Wall calendars for the house are a great tracking tool for multiple schedules, helping day-to-day tasks run smoothly. • Whether you’re planning a wedding or a work conference, a planner is among the most important assets you can use to aid your efforts, helping you keep track of all the details, large and small. Find a favorite pen and a favorite planner, and get back to basics. It may have been a little while since you relied on paper, but you may find that writing things down helps you keep better track of all of life’s little details and makes you the publisher of your own story.
Remember to spring forward on March 12th!
D a y l i g h t S a v i n g s Ti m e
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The Community News Flash
Smiling and Styling: Booneville youth incorporates food, fashion, and family into her formula for success
Ay'Lonna Simmons
By Galen Holley BOONEVILLE - From the fashion catwalk to the gourmet kitchen, with a few nifty dance steps in between, Ay'Lonna Simmons is making each day count as she looks to the future. Simmons is a sixth-grader at Booneville Middle School. She devotes herself earnestly to her
studies, but her commitment to excellence reaches beyond the classroom, according to those who know her best. In the busy whirlwind of her daily schedule, Simmons finds time to volunteer for nonprofits and to help those in need. "I really want to get out there and experience life," said Simmons. "After all, you only live once." Early mornings, should one be lucky enough to find oneself at the breakfast table of Simmons and her mother, Tenisha Perkins, the menu might include some delectable delights. "Omelets are among my favorite things to make," said Simmons. She folds the light, fluffy eggs over diced ham, green pepper, onion, spinach, and cheese. Simmons sharpened her culinary skills at a camp in Virginia, under the tutelage of her aunt. For the evening meal, Simmons might serve her carefully crafted confections, such as meatloaf or even "dragon roll" sushi, which she rolls herself. In the heart of her day, Simmons focuses on getting her education. Math is her favorite subject, and anything from ratios to algebra is right up her alley, she said. Math teacher Rhonda Downs said Simmons's classroom performance is exceptional, but it is her charisma and personality that draw people to her. "What I think
of first is her bubbly and energetic personality," said Downs. "She is a very serious student. She works hard, every day. She makes class fun. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Ay'Lonna. I am certain it will be great." After school, it's time for Simmons to get her groove on and tighten up her dance routines. As a member of Sparkle-N-Strut Studios in Booneville, Simmons studies Hip-Hop, Pom and Jazz dance styles. That knack for performing and for being comfortable in the spotlight has served Simmons well in her other artistic endeavors, including modeling and fashion designing. Last fall she helped with "Catwalk For A Cure," a fashion-driven event, held in Corinth, that benefited the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Models of every age, race and size participated. "We had dress-wear, fall coats and all sorts of attire," said Simmons. "I love modeling and helping with events like these. I was grateful to help." Living on the cutting edge of style and social interaction is perfectly normal for Simmons, according to family friend Desiree Falkner. "Ay'Lonna is a trendsetter. She's a talented artist and a motivated and gifted performer," said Falkner. "She's dedicated to her
work, whatever it may be. Ay'Lonna has a positive attitude and outlook wherever she goes. She conducts herself with maturity and shows respect for others." When her week is done and the Sabbath comes, Simmons still strives for excellence. She joins her voice to the symphony of others praising God at Faith Harvest Church in Booneville, and, sometimes, at Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church. "I love to sing, 'For Your Glory'" said Simmons. Simmons's rootedness in faith, justice and compassion are a great comfort to her, said her mother, Tenisha Perkins. "I admire her strength, her determination, especially coming from a one-parent home," said Perkins, who works as a mental health provider at North Mississippi Regional Center in Oxford. "She works so hard, and she loves people. I admire her." Simmons has plenty of future ahead of her, and she's taking life as it comes, one day at a time. She's not overly eager to grow up, she said, but she's not trying to hold back time, either. "Never give up, and always have faith," said Simmons. "Always go for what you want to do in life."
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March 2017
The Community News Flash
Outstanding McNairy High senior always on the go with school, job and community activities By Lucy Weber Jordan Young is looking forward to his high school graduation on May 18, but until then he's got plenty of activities to fill his packed schedule. School work, an afterschool job, church, and a lengthy list of extracurricular and community activities in Selmer, Tenn., keep this McNairy Central High School senior on the move. When he finds the time, he also likes to play basketball with his friends. "It all keeps me busy," said Jordan. He's also still deciding whether he will attend Tennessee State University or the University of Chattanooga, but he definitely knows what he wants to study. "I want to study entrepreneurship and minor in marketing, said Jordan, who has already received a Student Excel award in marketing for the highest grade in the class. Jordan's long-term goal does not limit himself to a specific job in the future, although he wants to provide comfortably for his family and serve the community. He has much larger aspirations. "Before I leave this world, I want to change and impact lives. People have been there for me." Jordan, the son of Janetta Wynn, is already doing his part to impact his community. He's a faithful member of Cypress Creek First Baptist Church, where his stepfather Clifford Wynn is the pastor. At school, he is president of the DECA Club and preparing for the state competition after finishing sec-
Jordan Young
ond overall and third in writing and first in speech at the regional contest. At the request of his school principal, Jordan is involved in Sodabriety, which helped bring four new water fountains into his school to replace soda machines. "We encourage people to drink more water and more people are." After school, he has been working at Sonic restaurant since September. "I work five days a week," he said. "I've got a full load with work and school. To play hard, you've got to work hard." In the community,
Jordan is just as busy. He's a member of the NAACP youth group and the local chapter of Top Teens, a group he was involved with in Nashville before he moved to Selmer two years ago. "We do a lot of outreach. We go to surrounding counties and cities. We do food drives, visit nursing homes and work for the March of Dimes and St. Jude Children's Hospital. "It's important to help people, and I love to do it. I love to see the smiles on people's faces," he said. "The Bible says to help others."
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The Community News Flash
Snakes alive, Hall is setting up a career in breeding ball pythons
Lakota Hall
By Lucy Weber Lakota Hall envisions a future filled with snakes. It's no nightmare. Instead, Hall's dream is to make a career out of raising, breeding and selling ball pythons. "I've always been interested in reptiles," the 17year-old Alcorn resident said. "My cousin and I were into collecting snakes. What we would do after playing with them with release them back into the wild." In this current business plan Hall intends to breed ball pythons to achieve the soughtafter patterns and colorations of super pastels and deep purples. Prices for
ball pythons can range from $20 to $1,700 depending on their markings and colors. "Each ball python has its own pattern. I want to create my own distinctive patterns and color through breeding." Hall has four ball pythons but doesn't expect to be able to
breed them until sometime in the next two years. Females need to be 1,200 grams and males 700 grams for breeding. The female can lay up to 10 eggs at one time and can breed one to two times a year. Hall has done meticulous research into the care and breeding of the snakes and is getting advice from a friend in Senatobia who owns one of the biggest snake breeding facilities in north Mississippi. Hall needs to be licensed to sell the snakes and is working toward that now. There is a market of people looking to buy ball pythons. Hall said the best ways to sell the snakes are online or at Memphis Repticon, a reptile expo. "Ball pythons make great pets. They are actually very docile and kind of lazy. They're not slimey. If you spend time with them, they'll get used to you and they'll wrap around your arms and not just curl into a ball. They'll associate you with feeding them." "You don't have to be brave to handle them but you can't underestimate them. Most snakes are misunderstood," Hall said. "They're not all violent. You can't judge a snake by its looks."
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The Community News Flash
Five Morning Tips to Prepare for the Day
5 Things to Know if Someone You Love is Addicted to Painkillers
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(StatePoint) Are most of your mornings spent running out the door with breakfast inhand, and applying your makeup on-the-go? It’s easy to snooze, and rush all the way to work – but building a routine that gives you a calm and efficient morning can make you feel more prepared to take on your day. If you haven’t nailed it yet, don’t fret. To celebrate the similarities and differences of women’s routines, the team at Carefree is offering some tips to make mornings easier. 1. Rise and shine. Do you hit the snooze button one too many times? Avoid being late again. Place your alarm out of reach so that in order to turn it off, you have to get out of bed. If you use your phone to wake up, consider setting your alarm tone to a song that annoys you -- you’ll be happy to get out of bed to make it stop! You may not have time for a full workout in the morning, but moving a bit upon getting out of bed can get the blood flowing, help wake you up and give you a metabolism boost. Start the day with a few stretches and body weight exercises, such as lunges and planks. 2. Perk up. Perk up with a morning ritual that activates your mind. Enjoy your cup of coffee or green tea alongside a brain teaser, Sodoku or crossword puzzle. Or spend the time writing a journal entry, scanning the morning headlines, or reading a chapter of a book. Taking a few moments to warm up the mind can encourage greater productivity all day long. 3. Eliminate bed head. You can shave substantial minutes off your morning routine by doing your hair the night before. After washing and conditioning your locks, leave hair up in buns or clips while sleeping. In the morning, undo the up-do and use a little spray before heading out the door. 4. Makeup magic. When there’s no time for a full morning makeover, stick to the basics. Start with a moisturizer with SPF so you can protect your skin and keep it hydrated. Use under eye concealer to easily eliminate any signs of fatigue. If you do need to abbreviate the full eye makeup routine, don’t omit a quick coat of mascara, which can help you look wider-eyed and more awake with a few seconds of effort. Lastly, give lips shine and protect them from chapping with a lip balm that preferably contains SPF. 5. Be Free to Be You. Feminine care is one routine element that links all women. It’s a part of life, and as we all know – it’s not always predictable. “Liner Up!” every morning with Carefree Acti-Fresh liners, which are soft, thin and absorbent enough to go unnoticed, helping you feel confident as you go throughout your day. It is easy to incorporate them into your daily regimen by storing them in your underwear drawer—you will never forget to give yourself a layer of protection again.
(StatePoint) Fifty-two people die every day from opioid overdoses nationwide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 12 million U.S. residents used prescription painkillers non-medically in the past year. Unfortunately, even a small dosage can depress respiratory function, and these drugs can be especially dangerous when combined with other common substances like alcohol and sleeping pills. What’s more, prescription drug abuse can be addictive, and even lead to heroin use. If you love someone who may be addicted to prescription painkillers, here are five things the National Safety Council says you should know. 1. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. Addiction, like heart disease or diabetes, leads to increasingly poor health, and can be fatal if it’s not effectively treated and managed. People who suffer from addiction still have self-worth and should be treated with dignity. Unfortunately, shame and discrimination prevent many individuals from seeking treatment. Recovery can be achieved in many different ways and all recovery efforts should be celebrated. 2. Medication Helps. Opioid and heroin addiction cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, which medication can help repair. There are three major medications typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and participation in social support programs: Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. Buprenorphine and methadone diminish the effects of withdrawal and cravings restoring brain chemistry. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and heroin. Buprenorphine and naltrexone can be administered by health care providers. Methadone is delivered in specialized clinics. 3. Traditional treatments aren’t always effective. Recovery is a lifelong journey. Unfortunately, some traditional treatments focus
on quicker fixes like attempting it alone or by going cold turkey, which ultimately can be detrimental. Indeed, rates of relapse for people who have gone through in-patient treatment programs are up to 56 percent within the first year following discharge. However, medications, can offer longer-term solutions, and are often less expensive than in-patient treatment. If traditional substance abuse programs haven’t worked, consider medication. 4. Support is critical. A failed cycle of detox and inpatient therapy, then relapse, can leave a person feeling hopeless. This is why support is critical. Doctors and treatment counselors are important, but even more so is a well-informed support group of family and friends. “Addiction is not a broken arm that can be fixed. It’s like being on a permanent diet with a piece of candy staring at you every day,” says Avi Israel, a survivor advocate who lost his son after battling a prescription drug addiction. He advises friends and family of patients to, “Know the signs of addiction. Don’t judge. Throw tough love out the window. Love. But love with structure.” 5. Understanding addiction is crucial. Both patients and their friends and family should understand that addiction is a disease, and know what is needed to manage it. “My son had Crohn’s disease, and I knew everything about that. I wish I had known as much about addiction,” says Israel. There are more options than traditional 30day-treatment programs and 12-step programs. In addition to medication, there are support programs like SMART recovery, which provide attendees with tools based on the latest scientific research, as well as a worldwide community with self-empowering, science-based support groups. A road of recovery is paved by many people – not just those in recovery. With the right support systems in place, a successful and sober life is possible.
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The Community News Flash
NEWS FLASH
Kids Zone
March 2017
The Community News Flash
PERSONAL FINANCE
Practical Money Matters
13
Refinancing Your Debt Could Be a Good Idea If…
By Nathaniel Sillin This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation. Have you ever considered how lenders compare applicants? Typically, the lowest rate goes to those who have the highest like-
lihood of repaying the loan on time. A lot of data goes into determining that probability, including the person's credit, income and outstanding debt. As these factors improve, your terms on new loans might improve as well. You could also refinance debts you took on earlier in life to take advantage of the changes. As a result, you might be able to decrease your interest rate, lower your monthly payment and save a lot of money. Refinancing, which is often done by taking out a new loan to pay off existing debt, can be surprisingly simple. In some cases, you can submit all the information online, and the entire process will only take a few days. However, refinancing more complex debts, such as a mortgage, can take considerably longer. While refinancing doesn't
always make sense, it's worth considering if you're in one of the following situations. Interest rates dropped. Some loans' interest rates depend on a benchmark interest rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Even if your financial profile stays the same, when the benchmark rate rises or falls, your interest rate on a new loan could rise or fall as well. You want to change the terms of your loan. Because you're taking out a new loan to pay off existing debt, you might have the opportunity to change the terms of the loan. For example, you could have a variablerate student loan whose interest rate rises or falls with a benchmark. You might be able to refinance with a fixed-rate student loan and have certainty that your monthly payments won't change in the future.
If you have a lower interest rate after refinancing and have the same amount, or less, time to repay the loan, you can save money over the lifetime of the loan. You want to lower your monthly payments. Say you have a 30-year mortgage that you've been paying off for five years. If you refinance with another 30-year mortgage, you have an extra five years to pay off approximately the same amount of money. As a result, your monthly payments could be lower, but be sure to take into consideration the fact that you will likely wind up paying more in interest. Your loan has a cosigner. Perhaps you asked someone to cosign your auto loan to improve your chances of getting approved or getting a lower interest rate. If you're eligible for refinancing on your own, you
might be able to release your cosigner and take full responsibility for the new loan. Proceed carefully because applying for refinancing could hurt your credit. Applying for refinancing often results in a hard inquiry, when a potential lender reviews your credit. Generally, a single hard inquiry won't have a large negative impact on credit, but multiple hard inquiries might. When you're refinancing a mortgage, auto loan or student loans you can still shop around and try to find the best rate without worrying about your credit too much. As long as the hard inquiries happen within a 14- to 45-day period (depending on the credit-scoring model) the creditscoring model will consider them a single inquiry. Consider the fees and find your break-even point before refinancing. Depending on the
Low Interest Rates Not Always a Bargain With mortgage interest rates remaining low, people who buy a home this spring may be lulled into accepting the rates they’re offered, certain that whatever they get is a good deal compared to previous years. Without looking closely at all the details, however, additional factors can come into play that make a low interest rate not much of a bargain after all. Go Banking Rates (www.gobankingrates.com) offers four things to watch for when signing up for a new mortgage. Length of the loan: While 30-year fixed rate mortgages have been the most popular for years, new options allow some consumers to stretch their mortgage out for 40 years or even 50 years. At first glance, this extra 10 to 20 years brings the monthly payment down and may allow consumers to move up into properties they never would have been able to consider. However, the length of the loan means that much more interest will be paid over the life of the loan. Private Mortgage Insurance: Consumers who purchase a home with
type of debt and the lender, there could be costs associated with refinancing debt. For example, some loans have an origination fee, either a flat fee or a percentage of the loan amount, which could be significant. The break-even point is how long it'll take you to recoup the costs associated with refinancing. For example, it could cost you $3,000 to refinance your mortgage, but you'll save $150 each month. You'll break even after 20 months because that's when you'll have saved $3,000 in monthly payments. If you plan on selling the home before the break-even point, it likely doesn't make sense to refinance. Use the same sort of calculations to weigh the pros and cons of refinancing other types of debts. When it looks like refinancing could be beneficial, shop around to try and find the terms that best fit your needs.
less than a full 20 percent down have to purchase private mortgage insurance, which is insurance for the lender in case of default. Not only is PMI expensive (1/2 percent to 1 percent of the total loan), but the cost, when added to monthly expenses, could keep a consumer from qualifying for a home in a particular price bracket. PMI is supposed to be cancelled when the home reaches an 80 percent loanto-value ratio. In truth, PMI is very difficult to get rid of, as lenders will change the requirements. Overvalued property: Municipalities don’t change their tax assessments every year, so a property may still be listed at a higher rate, even though property values have dropped. Appeals to the property tax board should be done quickly, if there’s any doubt about whether the assessment is current. Refunds often are limited to only the prior year. Refinancing: Even if refinancing at a lower rate, there might not be any real savings. The reason is that the old loan is being retired and a new loan generated — with all the typical costs of a brand-new home mortgage. Be sure to find out in advance what each of the fees and closing costs will be. David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com. © 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.
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The Community News Flash
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By Samantha Weaver
• “It can be tricky to add new keys to a key ring, especially if you don’t have much of a fingernail. I have found a foolproof way to get the key started. Just use a staple remover. It works wonders!” — T.R. in Indiana • If you have small scratches in your wood furniture, try this old trick: Rub a walnut over dings to cover them up. Or find a matching brown crayon, rub it lightly into the scratch, and finish with a hair dryer held 10 inches away for about 10-15 seconds. It melts the wax of the crayon, and then you can buff it with a soft rag. Any excess is swept away, and the color remains. • Got small kids? If your little one keeps rolling out of his bed, here’s a tip: Use a pool noodle tucked under the fitted sheet, lengthwise along the edge of the bed. It’s just enough of a bumper to send a sleeping child back to the center of the mattress. • “If you have mismatched picture frames that you’d like to use, try spray-painting them all the same color. I had several that were different colors and a little bit beat up, but I wanted to use them in one big group. I painted them all glossy black, and they look great!” — W.F. in Arkansas • Hanging shoe racks are a wonderful organizational tool — especially the ones made of plastic that have see-through pockets. You can use them on the back of your bathroom door for small towels and toiletries, or how about on the back of baby’s door as a diaper organizer? My favorite use is on the back of my garage door to hold all the cleaning bottles and solutions with other supplies. They are nice and high, and out of reach of little hands. 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 British author Oscar Wilde who made the following sage observation: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” • Those who study such things say that if you drink 100 cups of coffee in a row, it’s likely to kill you. • You might have heard that George Washington’s dentures were made of wood, but in fact, they were made of hippopotamus ivory. • In 1900, a prairie dog colony was found in Texas. That’s not surprising — prairie dogs are fairly common out West — but this colony was unique. Researchers say it was the largest colony ever discovered, providing a home to 400 million prairie dogs and stretching over 25,000 square miles. • If you’ve read “Alice in Wonderland” or seen any of the numerous adaptations of it, you probably know about the Mad Hatter. But did you ever wonder why he was mad? It seems that haberdashers (those who make hats) at one time used mercury to cure the felt they needed for the hats. Long-term exposure to mercury causes madness, hence the phrase “mad as a hatter.” • Martin Van Buren was the first president to be born a citizen of the United States. • To earn a world record, a woman named Sonya Thomas ate 65 hardboiled eggs in 6 minutes, 40 seconds. • The female long-tailed shrew gives birth to exactly one litter of pups in her lifetime — and promptly dies. • Our modern word “salary” comes from the Latin “salarium,” or “salt money.” Salarium was the monthly wages given to Roman soldiers in ancient times — paid in salt. *** Thought for the Day: “Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.” — Jose Maria de Eça de Queiroz
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March 2017
The Community News Flash
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A Song That Changed My Life
J. Moffett Walker, Retired Counselor & Author Recently, I heard a gospel song that meant so much to me. It was wonderful to learn that my husband, Tommy, liked the same song too. For me, ''Amazing Grace'' is the hymnal I have requested to be played during my last entrance and exit at my home church. However, when I heard '' God's Grace'' by Reverend Luther Barnes, it touched my heart. THE LYRICS ARE SO MEANINGFUL! Actually, lyrics and the melody are written to work together to send the message to the listeners. God's Grace does that for me. And I am learning to sing and play that song. I challenge others to listen to ''God's Grace.'' The first line asks a question. "How did I make it all these years?" That line is followed by, ''How did I make it this far?'" Besides the questions, the
artist gave the answer. "It was God's grace, his amazing grace." The lyrics include a confession. "I remember the times when I strayed away, even though I knew the word, still I wouldn't obey…God's mercy …grace…brought me the way." The song talks about what others may have said. "…I wouldn't make it …I wouldn't be here today." But that stanza ended with how he made it with tears in his eyes. The artist did not forget to say, And, I thank you. Thank you, Jesus." Those lyrics are so true for me and I believe many others. Many of us have made it through challenging times such as: family concerns, church happenings, sicknesses, relationship situations, financial difficulties and others. No one needs to just take my word for granted. Listen to the song. Use you computer. Ask to hear "God's Grace" by Rev. Luther Barnes or listen to 95.5 FM radio station.
Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream
Smothered Onion Chicken Breast Take a pound of chicken breast — what do you get? An ultra-comforting dish that’s good enough for company. 16 ounces skinned and boned uncooked chicken breast, cut into 4 pieces 1 1/2 cups chopped onion 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reducedfat cream of chicken soup 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butterflavored cooking spray. 2. In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, lightly brown chicken pieces for 5 minutes on each side. Evenly arrange chicken in prepared baking dish. 3. In same skillet, saute onion for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken soup and parsley flakes. Lower heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Evenly spoon soup mixture over chicken pieces. 4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender. When serving, evenly spoon sauce mixture over chicken pieces. Freezes well. Makes 4 servings. • Each serving equals: 196 calories, 4g fat, 28g protein, 12g carb., 351mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Other Carb.
A juicy seasoned sirloin tip roast is the centerpiece of this delicious meal. With a side of roasted potatoes, it’s sure to be a family favorite. 4 cloves garlic 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and Pepper 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, halved (or quartered if large) 1 whole (2- to 2 1/2-pound) tri-tip (sirloin tip) roast, well-trimmed 1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1. Preheat oven to 475 F. With side of knife, gently smash 3 cloves garlic; discard peel. Into small bowl, crush remaining clove garlic with press. Cut 1 rosemary sprig into 1-inch pieces; set aside. Remove leaves from other sprig; discard stem. Finely chop leaves and add to bowl with crushed garlic along with 1 teaspoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; set aside. 2. In 18- by 12-inch jelly-roll pan, combine potatoes, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, smashed garlic, snipped rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well mixed. Spread in even layer, making space in center of pan for beef. Place beef in center of pan, fat side down; rub with reserved garlic-rosemary mixture. 3. Roast 20 minutes or until beef browns. Reset oven control to 350 F. Roast 8-10 minutes or until temperature on meat thermometer reaches 130 F; transfer to cutting board. Cover loosely; let stand 10 minutes. Transfer potatoes to platter. 4. Meanwhile, whisk cream, horseradish, mustard, vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well-blended. Slice meat thinly; serve with potatoes and horseradish cream. Serves 6. • Each serving: About 360 calories, 19g total fat (7g saturated), 84mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 16g total carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 32g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.
1. GEOGRAPHY: What country lies northwest of Colombia? 2. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of food is fusilli? 3. POLITICS: How many popular votes separated Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election? 4. LITERATURE: What 19th-century novel starts with the line, “There was no possibility of taking a walk that day”? 5. TELEVISION: On “Bonanza,” what was the name of the character played by Michael Landon? 6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What was the popular name of the Scottish outlaw Robert MacGregor? 7. MEDICINE: What is the function of the chemical substance called heparin? 8. PERSONALITIES: Who is the chef on the “Barefoot Contessa” cooking show? 9. BUSINESS: Which merchant used the five-and-dime-store concept to create one of the largest retail chains in the world? 10. GAMES: What is the standard weight of a shot put used by men in competition? Answers 1. Panama 2. Pasta 3. Just more than 100,000 4. “Jane Eyre,” by Charlotte Bronte 5. Little Joe 6. Rob Roy 7. Prevents blood clotting 8. Ina Garten 9. F.W. Woolworth 10. 16 pounds
1. Who was the last major-leaguer before Texas’s Nelson Cruz (2011, 2012 versus Toronto) to have two career eight-RBI games against the same team? 2. Who replaced Tony La Russa as manager of the Chicago White Sox in 1986? 3. In 2011, Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson set a record for most consecutive games with at least one TD pass (38). Who had held the mark? 4. Between 1984 and 2012, name the team that won only one NBA title during that span. 5. In the 10-year span between the 1972-73 and 1981-82 seasons, a Montreal Canadiens goalie led the NHL in goals-against average how many times? 6. How many times has Michigan State played in the men’s Division I soccer championship? 7. Name the winning jockey in three of the four Kentucky Derbies held between 2007 and 2010. Answers 1. Dave Kingman (1976, 1978), versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. 2. Jim Fregosi. 3. Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell (36 games). 4. Dallas, in 2011. 5. Seven times. 6. Four times. The Spartans lost in 1964 and ‘65, and were co-champs in ‘67 and ‘68. 7. Calvin Borel won in 2007 and 2009-10.
Wine vs. Grape Juice Research has long supported the recommendation of one glass (5 ounces) of red wine for heart health, but many non-alcohol drinkers want to know if grape juice offers the same health benefits? The answer is yes, if it's 100 percent purple grape juice. "You get similar benefits, but red wine would provide those health benefits at a bit higher level," shares Susan Mills-Gray, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. When grapes are fermented, the process creates/liberates tannins,
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The Community News Flash
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which are the beneficial compounds found in red wine. Tannins act as antioxidants in suppressing production of the peptide responsible for hardening arteries. Grapes and red wine also share the health benefits from resveratrol, an antioxidant found in the skin of red and purple grapes. Resveratrol promotes healthier blood vessels, which leads to better blood flow and overall improved heart health. Resveratrol has been found to block immature fat cells from developing and functioning, which can prevent/reduce body fat. Resveratrol is also found in blueberries, cranberries, peanuts and peanut butter. Most grape juice is made from the Concord grape. The Concord grape is far from ordinary. This little purple fruit (and its cousin the white Niagara grape) packs quite a nutrition punch to help fuel healthy, vibrant lifestyles. Concord grapes have natural plant nutrients called polyphenols, including many of the same ones found in red wine. Not only do polyphenols give Concord grapes their vibrant color, these plant nutri-
ents also act as antioxidants and deliver benefits to help promote overall health. What's more, research suggests
that Concord grapes make one hearthealthy juice. Most 100 percent grape juice is made with whole Concord grapes -- skin, seeds and all -- and contains no added sugar, color or flavor. Getting enough fruits and vegetables each day is important for overall health. In particular, most people fall short on getting enough vibrantly colored, blue and purple fruits and vegetables, which only account for
about 3 percent of total fruit and vegetable intake. That's not great news, because a diet rich in a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables ensures the broadest range of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant nutrients. Dark-skinned blue and purple fruits, like the Concord grape and grape juice, provide plant nutrients not found in many other colors of fruits and vegetables. In fact, according to a national survey, consuming blue and purple fruits and vegetables is associated with healthier eating patterns in children and adults, and overall better health in adults. Drinking the right amount of 100 percent juice made with Concord grapes can be a smart way to add purple fruit to the diet and to liven up your day. But it's important to remember that many purple grape juices aren't made with Concord grapes, which means they may not have the same amount of plant nutrients, and therefore have less natural polyphenol power. Check the label to make sure that the grape juice that you're buying is 100 percent grapes. "The typical rule of thumb is that
if you don't drink alcohol, you shouldn't start, so 100 percent purple grape juice is certainly a good option," adds Mills-Gray. Juice also contains slightly less calories than wine -- juice has 4 calories per gram, wine has 7 calories per gram. So, enjoy the benefits of the juice of the vine without the alcohol and drink 100 percent grape juice! GRAPE JUICE SMOOTHIE Here's an especially heart-healthy drink. Not only is it low in fat, but red grapes contain the same phytochemicals found in red wine that protect against heart disease. To freeze grapes for this recipe or for a great frozen snack, place the individual grapes on a tray and place them in a freezer. When frozen, pour the grapes into a re-sealable bag and store in the freezer. 1/2 cup grape juice, chilled 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt 1 cup frozen, seedless red grapes In a blender, combine grape juice, yogurt and grapes and blend until mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into 1 tall glass.