Issuu

ReturningtheHighNotes:ASalutetoPamMorrison

Therearevoicesthatentertain,andthentherearevoices thatminister.

PamMorrison’ssopranovoicehasneversimplyfilleda room—ithasfilledhearts.Asthesoaringhighnoteofthe MorrisonSisters,Pamhashelpedcreateharmoniesthat haveblessedchurches,communityprograms,andcountless listenersovertheyears.Hervoicehascarriedjoy,strength, andspiritualencouragementwhereverithasbeenheard.

Today,asshefacesaseasonofillness,wepausenotjust torecognizeherremarkablegift,buttohonorherfaithfulness.AtCommunityNewsFlash,webelieveincelebratingpeoplewhiletheycanfeelthelove. Pam,thisfeatureisourwayofletting youknowthatyourimpacthasnot goneunnoticed.

Foryearsyouhavecarriedthe highnotesforothers.Today,the communityreturnsthosehigh notestoyouintheformof prayers,encouragement,and gratitude.

Thisismorethananinterview.Thisisasalute.

Pam’sloveformusicbegan early.Atjustfiveyearsold,shediscoveredhervoicewhilesingingwith hermother.Hermother,amusicmajor whoearnedherdegreefromTennessee StateUniversity,filledtheirhomewith musicfromgreatcomposerslike BeethovenandBach.Ashermothersang inherfirstsopranovoice,youngPamlistenedcarefullyandfollowedalong.When hermotherwentup,Pamwentup.When hermothercamedown,Pamfollowed.Those

earlymomentshelpedshapebothherearand

Hermotherwasalsotheonewho encouragedPamtosingpublicly.Soon, Pamfoundherselfnotonlysingingbut

Jacqueline,PhyllisandAndrette,byprovidingbackgroundvocals.Thatsupporteventuallyhelpedformthebeautifulharmoniesthat peoplecametoknowthroughtheMorrison

Withinthegroup,Pam’ssopranovoiceplayedavitalrole.As sheexplains,harmonyiswhat makesasongcomplete. Withtenor,alto,andsopranoworkingtogether, eachvoicecontributes somethingessentialto theoverallsound.Pam’s soaringnoteshelpedlift thoseharmoniesto anotherlevel.

Butsinginghas alwaysbeenmore thanperformancefor Pam—ithasbeen

Overtheyears, shehascometo understandthe powerofmusic inpeople’s

Sometimesasongbecomesa companionduringdifficultmoments.Peoplecarrythose melodieswiththem,findingthemselveshummingthemlong afterthemusicstops.ForPam,knowingthathervoicecould bringcomfort,strength,andencouragementtosomeone’s hearthasalwaysbeenoneofthegreatestrewardsofsinging. Herfaithhasalsoplayedacentralroleinhermusical journey.Asshereflectsonlife,shesaystheoldershe becomes,themoresheunderstandshowmusicandfaith strengthenoneanother.Listeningtodifferentstylesof

music—evencountrymusic—canspeaktothesoul,touching painbutalsobringinghealingtotheheart.

Pambelievessingingisagiftthatshouldneverbehidden ortakenforgranted.Sheencouragesyoungpeople,especiallyyoungladiesdiscoveringtheirvoices,nottobeashamed oftheirgift.Music,shesays,canbringjoyandbecomean importantpartoflife.

Herjourneyhasnotbeenwithoutchallenges.Attimesshe hasfeltasthoughhervoicemightbetakenfromher,buther faithremainedstrong.“Thedeviltriedtotakemyvoice twice,”shesays,“butGodsaidno.”Thattestimonyreflects thedeepbeliefshecarriesaboutthepurposebehindhergift.

ToPam,beingknownas“thesopranovoice”isnotabout recognition—itisaboutgratitude.Shebelievestheabilityto singwasgiventoherbyGod,andshetreasuresitassomethingspecial.Ifhervoicecouldtellitsownstory,shesaysit wouldsimplyremindhertotakecareofitbecauseitwill alwaysbeneeded,eveninlateryears.

ForPamandhersisters,musichasalsostrengthenedfamilybonds.Singingtogetherrequirestrust,unity,andharmony—notjustmusically,butemotionallyandspirituallyas well.Thatconnectionhashelpedcarrythemthroughyearsof performancesandministry.

AsPamreflectsonherjourney,onemessagestandsabove allothers:singingisagift,andnooneshouldeverbe ashamedtouseit.

ACommunity’sGratitude

Pam,thankyouforeverynotesunginexcellence. Thankyouforeveryharmonythatliftedspirits.Thank youforeverytimeyourvoicehelpedushersomeoneintoa momentofhope.

Thoughthismaybeaseasonofrest,yoursongcontinues toechothroughoutthiscommunity.Thesamestrengthyou havepouredintoothersisnowsurroundingyou.

FromallofusatCommunityNewsFlash—andfromthe manyheartsyou’vetouched—pleaseknowthatyouare loved,appreciated,andcoveredinprayer.

Themusicremains.Thememoriesremain.Andthehigh notesyouhavegiventheworldwillcontinuetorise.

Pam Morrison

JerryW.Porter

CEO/Publisher POBox1292, Corinth,MS38835-1292

Cell:662-643-6842

Email:read.newsflash@gmail.com

In a recent conversation about children and the way they are raised to listento the instructions of their parents, I foundmyself thinking about the waychildren receive information.It made me reflect onmy ownupbringingandhow the guidance of parentscan shape the direction ofa child’slife.

I grew up ina familyof four siblings, and Iam the youngest of the group. Beingthe youngest meant I had the opportunity to watch my older siblings and learn from the way they respondedto the instructions and advice that our parents gave us. Looking back now, I realize that one of the most important

Don’tForgettoReadtheEmail

things children can learn is how to follow the leadof their parents.

Parents spend yearstrying to pour wisdom into their children.They give instructions, guidance, warnings, and encouragement,hopingthat their children will listen and apply those lessons in life. But the truth is, just because a message is sent doesn’t meanit will always be received.

That thought reminds me a lot of the wayemails work.

When someone sends you an email,you have several options.You can open it and read it right away.You canleave it marked asunread and plan toread it later. Or you can simply delete it and send it straight to the trash without giving it a second thought. In many ways, communication between parents andchildren works the same way. When parents speak to their children, it is almost like they are sending them

emails filled with life lessons.The message is sent clearly, but the childstill has to decide what to do with it.They canlisten carefullyand apply the advice.

They can ignore it for the moment andcome back to it later in life. Or they can dismiss it altogether and act as if it never mattered.

Growing up, my siblings and I all received the same “emails” fromour parents. The instructions were the same.The guidance was the same.The expectations were the same. But how eachof us handled those messageswas up to us.

For my part, I tried to listen closelyto the instructions of my dad. Manyof the things he told me years ago still guide me today. His wordsbecame lessons stored in my mind, ready to be pulledup whenever life presented a challenge. Ina way, those lessons became like important files stored safely onmy mental

TheCommunityNewsFlashispublishedmonthlybyPorterPublishing,Inc.,withallrightsreserved–©2001 Reproductionorusewithoutpermissionofeditorialongraphiccontentsinanymannerisprohibitedbylaw. Thisnewspaperisdesignedtoexhibitthepositivebypublishingonlypositiveandupliftingpersonalprofiles. TheannualsubscriptionrateisTwentyfourdollarsandfortyeightcents($26.00).Informationisgathered fromsourcesconsideredtobereliableandaccurate.Thoughtsexpressedinletterstotheeditorandcommentaries arethoseoftheauthorsandnotnecessarilythoseofTheCommunityNewsFlashstaff. EqualOpportunity.Itispolicyofthenewspaper.

1.Toemploypeopleonthebasisoftheirqualificationandwithassuranceofequalopportunityandtreatment regardlessofrace,color,creed,sex,age,sexualorientation,religion,nationaloriginorhandicap.

2.Tonotknowinglyacceptanyadvertisement,whichimpliesandpreferenceslimitationordiscriminationbasedon race,color,creed,sex,age,sexualorientation,religion,nationaloriginorhandicap.

computer.

Because I took the time to readthose “emails,” my mental computer didn’t crash when life became complicated.The wisdom that my parents shared helped me make better decisions, avoid certain pitfalls, andstayon a steady path.

Thatis why I often say this to youngpeople: when your parents are giving you advice,don’t be soquick to delete the message. Don’t send their words straight to the trash folder.

You maynot realize it now, but one day you might need that very message they tried to send.

Sothe next time your parents are talking toyou, take a moment to listen. Openthe email. Readit carefully.

One day, you might discover thatthe message you almost ignored wasexactly the one youneeded most.

Whoo!Whoo! Until next time!All aboard!

HELPUSSHINEALIGHTONTHEGOODINOURCOMMUNITY

Bad NewsTravelsFast… We Print the Good News.

In a world where negative news oftenfills the headlines,The Community News Flash is committed to doing something different.

For more than 24 years, our missionhas been to encourage, inspire,and inform the community bysharing positive stories that uplift people.

We are looking for storiesabout:

• People making a difference

•Acts of kindness inthe community

• Inspiring individualsovercomingchallenges

•Youth doing positive things

• Churches and organizations servingothers

• Community leaders making an impact

If you know someone whose story could inspire others,we would love to hear about it.

Helpus continue sharingthe stories thatbring hope andencouragement toour community.

SubmitYour Story IdeaToday 662-643-6842 read.newsflash@gmail.com The Community News Flash Where Positive News Lives Publisher: JerryW. Porter

“Children,obeyyourpar-

is a function of the person and the environ-

Kurt Lewin

Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.

MARCHBIBLETRIVIA

1.WhatrunawayservantwasthemainsubjectofoneofPaul’sepistles?

2.WhosenttwoofhisservantstofetchPeterfromJoppa?

3.TowhoseservantdidPeterdenyanyknowledgeofJesus?

4.Who,with318ofhisservants,defeatedthecaptorsofSodomandGomorrah?

5.WhowasElisha’sservant?

6.WhatEgyptianofficialhadJosephasaservant?

7.Whowaspermanentlycrippledbecauseaservantwomendroppedhimasaboy?

8.WhocutoffhisearofMalchus,thehighpriest’sservant?

9.WhohadaservantgirlwhoadvisedhimtotgottoElishatobecuredofleprosy?

10.WhatservantwomenwasthemotherofIshmael?

11.WhomdidAbraham’seldestservantfindawifefor?

12.WheredidJesushealacenturion’sservant?

13.WhowasaservanttothePersiankingArtaxexes?

14.WhattwoservantsofPharaohwereinprisonwithJoseph?

15.WhowasLaban’sservantformanyyears?

16.WhoseservantwomantookMosesfromtheriver?

17.Whatjudge’sservantkilledhimathisownrequest?

18.WhattwoservantwomenborechildrentoJacob?

19.WhomadetheIsraelitesintoslaves?

20.Inwhatparablearetheservantsofalandownerbeatenup?

SendinyouranswerstothefollowingBibleTriviaQuestionsandtakeachanceatwinningacomplimentary biblefromtheCommunityNewsFlash.Randomdrawingwillbeheldmonthlyandcontestantcanonlywin twicewithina6monthperiod.

FebruaryAnswers

1.Og,kingofBashan(Deuteronomy3:11)

2.Ahab(1Kings21:4)

3.ThechurchofThyatira (Revelations2:22)

4.Peter’s(Mark1:30)

5.Ishbosheth,sonofSaul(2Samuel4:7)

6.Jacob(Genesis47-49)

7.TheSongofSolomon(1:16)

8.Amos(6:4)

9.Aeneas(Acts9:33-34)

10.Thatthesonofmanhadtoforgivesins (Matthew9:1-8)

11.Themarriagebed(Hebrews13:4)

12.Amnon(2Samuel13:5)

13.Joash(2Chronicles24:25)

14.Elijah(1Kings17:19)

15.Michal,wifeofDavid (1Samuel19:11-17)

16.Potiphar’swife(Genesis39:7)

17.Ahaziah(2Kings1:4)

18.TherichwomenofShunem (2Kings4:10)

TheGreatTimingDebate:ShouldIClaimSocialSecurityEarlyorLate?

(StatePoint) Retirees become eligible to claim Social Security benefits at age 62, but the timing of when youclaim candrastically impactyour benefit amount. Still, when toclaim will be entirely dependent on your unique situation.As you approach retirement, it’s important tounderstandthe impactthat timing has on your benefits.

“The timingof when youelect to receive your SocialSecurity benefitswarrants thoughtful consideration,” saidRich Guerrini, head of PNCWealth Management. “This decision can significantly influence not only the totalbenefits you receive, but also the trajectory of your investment income,your taxobligations, and evenyour healthcare premiums.”

HowYour Benefit is Calculated

Your benefits are basedon your top 35 years of earnings, adjusted to account for changes inwages from the year they were earned.The SocialSecurityAdministration then applies a formula tothose figures to arrive at your specific benefit amount at full retirement age (FRA), also referred to asyour primary insurance amount (PIA).

There are three options for when to claim your benefits: claim early, claim at your FRA, or claim at age 70. Each comes with its

own benefits and risks.

Claim at age 62

You can begin claiming your benefitsas early as age 62, but your benefits will be permanently reduced.Still,there are instances when claiming early makes sense:

•You’re inpoor health –The benefit of receiving Social Security early may be worth it, particularlyif you’re unsureif you’ll live beyondyour break-even point;

\\•You’re maximizing benefits with a spouse –Timingyour claim toSocial Securitywith your spouse can help you maximize a long-term benefit,while fulfillingcash flow needs inthe present;

•Youno longer want to work –The lifestyle benefits of not working may outweigha larger future financial benefit from Social Security; or

•Youwant to preserve assets with growth potential –Claiming Social Securityearly may preserve investment or savings accounts.

Claim at your full retirement age

The primary benefit of waitinguntil your FRAis thatyou are then entitled to 100% of your benefits, without possibility of reductionsover time.YourFRAforpurposes of Social Security is based on the year you were born. For those born between 1943-1954,their FRAis66. For those bornbetween1955-1959, there FRA is 66+ 2 months for everyyear after 1954 until 1960. For those born 1960 and later, their FRAis 67.

Delayyour claim toage 70

You can delay claiming your benefits until the maximumage 70, with the primaryadvantage of increasing your benefits for the remainder of your life. Delayinga Social Security claimmay make sense if:

•You have other forms of income –You may realize tax benefits from pulling from sourcessuch as retirement accounts or savings;

•You’re still working –Working beyond your FRAmay allow you to meet lifestyle expenses while increasing your future benefit; or

•You’re concernedabout spousal or

survivor benefits –When you delay claiming your Social Security, your spouse may be entitled to a larger spousal benefit and/or survivor’s benefit as well.

Further, cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA) begin giving your potentialbenefit a boost at age 62 – and that boost will continue tocompound every year you delay making your claim.

Tax and Other Impacts

Generally, your SocialSecurity income will be taxdependent on your “combined income,” whichfactors ingrossincome, nontaxable interest earned, and half of your Social Securityincome. Potential effects on healthcare premiums should also be factored in.

Additionalinsights canbe found by visitingwww.pnc.com.

While the question of when toclaim SocialSecurity benefits will be unique to your individual financialsituation, it’s a decision that warrants careful consideration– and potentially even a professional opinion.

(c) Inside Creative House / iStock via Getty Images Plus

MONEY

HowtoTalktoYourFamilyAboutMoney

(StatePoint)Moneymanagementisnotonlyalogisticalchallengeformanyfamilies,itcan beanemotionalonetoo,especiallywhenitcomestotransferringwealthfromonegeneration tothenext.Open,honestconversationsaboutyourfinancialvaluesandintentionscancut throughsomeofthestress,and helpfamilymembersavoid resentment,confusionandeven legalstrifedowntheline.

“WithAmericanBoomers poisedtotransferanestimated $68-$124trilliondollarstotheir GenX,MillennialandGenZ heirsby2048,thetimetohave theconversationwithyourfamilyaboutmoneyandinheritance isrightnow,”saysHeatherHuntRuddy,divisionalleader,Wealth &InvestmentManagementat WellsFargo.“Itstartswithlettinggoofthenotionthatmoney isatopictoavoid.”

Hunt-Ruddyoffersthesetips tofacilitateproductivecommunicationinyourfamily:

Don’twaittoplan:Don’t postponekeydecisionsabout yourhealth,caregivingand estateuntilthereisacrisis. Pressurecancloudjudgmentand leadtosnapdecisions.Worse still,asuddenillnessoraccident mayleaveyouunabletospeak foryourself.Getyourhousein ordernow–drawingupor

updatinganestateplanandother legaldocuments,selectinga powerofattorney,anddevelopinganadvantageousstrategyfor wealthtransfer–sothatyour wishescanbecarriedoutas intended.

Don’twaittoshare: Emergenciesarealsonotthebest timetoshareimportantdecisions aboutyourestatewithyourfamily.Begintheconversationintentionallyandcalmly.

Keepitup:Oncetheiceis broken,getintoarhythmof recurringfinancialconversations whereyoudiscussgoal-setting, reviewmilestonesandgoover anyupdatesorchangestoyour plans.It’shelpfultoknowin advancewhattopicsyou’dlike tocoverandwhoyou’dliketo bepresentforeachconversation.

Setthetone:It’simportant thatfinancialconversationsgo beyondjustnumbersonthepage. Bymaintainingacollaborative toneandleadingwithopenendedquestions,youcanfostera multi-sideddialoguethatensures everyone’svoicesareheard,concernsareaired,andvaluesare shared.

Preparethenextgeneration: Manyyoungeradultslackfinancialknow-how.Toempowerthe nextgenerationtomanagethe inheritanceyouleavethem,as wellasnavigatetheirown

finances,considerintroducing themtotheteamthathelpedcreateyourestateplanningstrategy, suchasyourattorney,financial advisorandCPA.It’salsohelpfultorecognizethattheirneeds andpreferencesmaydifferfrom yours.Forexample,younger individualsmaypreferholistic financialadvicedelivereddigitally.Ultimately,you’llwantto ensureyourchildrenorother beneficiarieshavebothbasic financialexperienceandareset upwithateamtheytrust.

Moreinsightsongenerational wealthandotherfinancialtopics canbefoundbyvisitingwellsfargoadvisors.com.

“Tohonorthevalues,hard workandhopesforthefuture thatyourwealthrepresents,don’t givethemattershortshrift. Balancetheartandscienceof preservinggenerationalwealth notonlywithasmartfinancial strategy,butbyinvitingthenext generationintotheconversation earlyandoften,”saysHuntRuddy.

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(c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

SpringIntoAction

By Justice Reid

There is something special about the arrivalof spring.Aftermonths of cold temperatures, bare trees,and quietgardens, the earthbegins to wake up again.The daysgrow a little longer, the sunfeels a little warmer, and those small signs of life begin to appear in our yards and flower beds. For gardeners, springis not just a season—it’s an invitation to springinto action.

Preparing your yard and flower gardenfor spring is one of the most important stepsin having a beautiful and productive growing season.

Just like building a good house requires a strong foundation, a thriving garden begins with good preparation.

The first step is cleaning up your garden beds.

During the winter months, leaves, fallen branches, and other debris often collectin flower beds and around shrubs. Removingthese materials helps prevent pestsandplant diseases from lingering in your gar-

den. It also allows sunlight and fresh air toreachthe soil, which helps wake up the roots of plants thathave been restingduring the colder months.

Next, it’s time to prepare the soil. Good soil is the heart of every successful garden. Loosen the soil in your flower beds and mix incompost, garden soil, or other organic material to give your plants the nutrients they need.

Healthy soilimproves drainage, encourages strong root growth, and provides the food that plants will dependon throughout the growing season.

Another important task is pruningand trimming.

Manyshrubs, roses,and ornamental plants benefit froma good trim in early spring. Removing dead or damaged branches not only improves the appearance of the plant but also encourages new, healthygrowth. Think of it as giving your plants a fresh haircut to start the season.

Springisalso a great time to divide and trans-

plant perennials. Plants such as hostas, daylilies, and irises oftengrow larger each year and can become crowded. Dividing these plants allows themto spread out,grow stronger, and evengives youextra plants to share withneighbors and friends.

Of course, no spring garden preparation would be complete without planning yourflowers.Whether you enjoy bright annuals, colorful perennials, or flowering shrubs, nowis the time to decide where new plants will go.Alittle planning now can create a beautiful display of color that lasts fromearly spring all the wayinto fall.

One thing everygardener knows is thatgardening requires patience.Nature works onits ownschedule. Seeds take time tosprout, plants take time to grow, and flowers bloom in their ownseason. But the reward for that patience is the beauty that eventually appears in the garden.

For many people, gardening is more than just planting flowers.It’s a chance to slow down, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the simple beautyof nature.There is something deeply satisfying about placing a small plant into the soil and watching it grow intosomething beautiful.

So as the temperatures begin to warm and the signs of spring appear,step outside and take a look around your yard.Your garden has been restingall winter, but now it’s ready for a new season of growth. It’stime to grab your gloves, pick upyour rake, and spring into action.

MEDSYNC

Coordinatesallof yourmedications intoone monthlypickup

PLAZAPACKS

Prescriptionsare refilledonceamonth ineasyopenpouches withclearlyprinted instructions

Forquestionsortoenrollinoneofthese services,pleasecallustoday

ByAlisonGray

What is your greatest accomplishment? You might need to take a few minutesto thinkon that question. Do a load of laundryor watcha favorite television show while you ponderon it. Have you done anything in your years on earth thatone would consider to be extraordi-

Greatness

nary? Tough question. I hadthe opportunity to interview a young man that hada list so much that he couldn't even choose one! BryanMcClellan-Brown hasanimpressive resume. Bryanis anallAmerican athlete. With achievements suchaswinning twostate titles in basketball and playing in the state football championship during high school, he is a true champion. His childhoodhome inCorinth, Mississippi was where"B" began setting a foundation for success. "I come froma big family. My uncles and my brother playedsports. My father helpedme play," he explains. "I grew fond of sportsandwatching it on television. I wanted tobe

inthe NBAor NFL, so I chased my dream."As a child,his mother, Mary Brown and father, Ray McClellanwas bothvery supportive as Bryan played andexcelledin sports. During high school, "B" playedboth basketball and football. At thattime, he didn't have a favorite among the twosports, he loved themequally. He was a point guard onthe basketball team anda quarterback on the football team. After graduationin 2002,he chose toattend "Ole Miss" because he was awarded a scholarshipand hadthe opportunity toplay for both teams. Most of the other colleges didn't give him that option. "I also chose Ole Miss because my familycould come watch me play", he said. Even though he found college much tougher thanhigh school, Mr. McClellan-Brown graduated from Ole Miss with a major inSociology.

After a brief periodof playing arena ball,Bryan made the decision to transition into coaching. Bryan explained "I knew if I didn't make it in the NFLor NBA, I wantedto become a coach." His oldhigh school coach hada great dealof influence in his decision. The example that was set forth byDavid Robins was an exemplary one. CoachRobins was a great role model for the youngmenon histeam.

Currently you may find Coach Bryan at Appalachian state University in Boone, NC. He has been appointed a fulltime position coach as Cornerbacks coach. His

him on! "My job is great because I amable to help mold young men. I can give themdiscipline and love,especiallyfor those whomight not have a father athome," he concludes. "B" also hadprevious coaching positionsat Ole Miss, Delta State University and Rutgers University. He would like to become a Division 1A position coachwithin the next few years. Bryan con-

version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else."The great thing about beingextraordinary is thatyou can make your owndefinition!What it means to be great doesn't necessarily have to be dictated by society.As long as you feelgreat, you are great.So, youhave had enough time, have you come upwith an answer yet?

Bryan McClellan-Brown

10 Doctor-RecommendedTips fora HealthierYou

(StatePoint)TheAmerican MedicalAssociation(AMA)isofferingAmericans10evidence-basedtips forstayinghealthylong-term:

•Gethealthscreenings:Schedule preventivevisits,testsandscreenings soyourphysiciancancatchconditionsbeforetheybecomemoreserious.

•Managestress:Mentalhealthis partofoverallhealth.Techniques suchasmeditation,deepbreathing andyogacanhelpreducestress.Ask forhelpfromamentalhealthprofessionalwhenyouneedit.

•Bephysicallyactive:Startthe yearoffbyprioritizingphysicalactivity.Striveforatleast150minutesof moderate-intensityactivityor75minutesofvigorousintensityactivity eachweek.Ifyouhaveasedentary lifestyleorprimarilysitforlong stretchesatwork,buildinfrequent breakstostretchandmovethroughoutyourday.

•Followahealthydiet:Drink waterinsteadofsugar-sweetenedbeveragesandeatnutritious,whole

foods,includingfruits,vegetables, wholegrains,nutsandseeds,low-fat dairyproductsandleanproteins. Avoidunhealthyultra-processed foods,especiallythosewithhighlevelsofaddedsodium,saturatedfats andsugar.Drinkingsugarybeverages, even100%fruitjuice,isassociated withahighermortalityrisk,accordingtoastudypublishedinJAMA

NetworkOpen.

•Stayhydrated:Drinkplentyof waterorotherbeveragescomposed mostlyofwater,suchasmilkor herbaltea,toavoiddehydrationand tokeepyourbodyfunctioningproperly.Evenmilddehydrationcandrain yourenergyandmakeyoutired. Adultmenshouldgetabout15.5cups offluidsadayandwomenshouldget

11.5cups,accordingtotheNational AcademiesofSciences,Engineering, andMedicine.

•Getplentyofgoodsleep:To maintainyourhealthandemotional well-being,mostadultsneed7to9 hoursofqualitysleep.Resthelps boostimmunityandimprovemental clarity.

•Updatevaccinations: Vaccinationsremainthebestdefense againstfluandotherseriousrespiratoryviruses.Sincesignificantflu activitycanstretchintoMay,it’snot toolatetogetaflushot.TheAMA recommendsvaccinationaslongas thethreatoffluremains.Talkwith yourphysicianorotherhealthcare professionaltodeterminewhichvaccinesarerightforyou.Tocutthrough vaccineconfusionandhaveopen, honestconversationswithyourphysician,firstgototheAMAwebsitefor evidence-basedinformation.Forhelp findingafluvaccineinyourarea, visitGetMyFluShot.org.

•Drinkinmoderation:Ifconsumingalcohol,dosoinmoderationas

definedbytheU.S.Dietary Guidelines:uptoonedrinkperday forwomenandtwodrinksformen, andonlyforadultsoflegaldrinking age.

•Quittobacco,nicotineande-cigarettes:Askyourdoctororhealthcare professionalforresourcesandguidancetohelpquitsmoking,vapingor usingothernicotineproducts.Make yourhomeandcarsmoke-freeto eliminatesecondhandsmokeexposure.

•Followmedicationdirections: Whentakingprescriptions,storethem safelytopreventdiversionormisuse, andproperlydisposeofanyleftover medication.Ifyou’represcribed antibiotics,completethefullcourse topreventantibioticresistance. Formorehealthtipsandresources visitama-assn.org.

“Refocusonthehealthychoices youwanttomake,”saidAMApresidentDr.BobbyMukkamala.“Even tinychangesnowcansnowballinto majorgainsforyourlong-term health.”

(c) Koto / iStock via Getty Images Plus

TipstoMakeKidsSharperatHomeandSmarteratSchool

(StatePoint) Success at school is about morethanjust what takes place in the classroom.Howkids spend their time after the bell ringsalsomatters. Here are four tips to make kids smarter at school bystayingsharper at home:

1. Unlock their musicalcreativity: Music education has strong linkstoacademic achievement. Fortunately,it’s easy to fill your child’s worldwith music. With a compact keyboard, like the CT-S1 fromCasio,theycan expressthemselvesand hone

their skills anywhere and anytime, with no set-up or storage hassles.This particularmodel has a slim, minimalist design that fits inany space easily, and pairs with a smartphone or tabletso your student canplayalong with their favorite songs through the keyboard’s speaker system.Plus, a superior soundqualitywill make playinginspirational and fun; it combinesAiX Sound Source -- aninnovative technology that enables electronic instrumentstoproduce the perfect tones -- with an integrated acoustic sound system.

2. Get themactive:Physical activity is good for the brain, improving memory and problemsolving skills. Unfortunately, only 21% of U.S. kidsand teens ages 6 to 17meet the guideline of 60 minutesof physical activityevery day, according tothe Physical ActivityAlliance. Participating in competitive sports is a great way tobuild leadership andteamwork

skills while stayingactive. If that’s not your kid’s thing, no worries.Family bike rides, weekend nature hikes,and evenyoga and dance classes are all great waysto get themmoving -- and have themgain the many physical and cognitive benefits of exercise.

3. Simplify tough subjects with the right tools: Math is often the toughest subjectin a student’s course load.The right tools though can fosterbetterengagement withthe material, simplify homeworkroutines,and better prepareyour student for class each day. It all starts witha learning companion like the fx9750GIII graphing calculator from Casio. Unlike many graphing calculatorswith a complex interface that can make learning math even tougher than it needs to be, this model features a NaturalTextbookDisplay and intuitive icon menu that are incredibly easy to use. In addition

SuitsYouToo RaffleWinner

to features like graph plotting, probability distribution,vector arithmetic and spreadsheets, the fx-9750GIII iscapable of programming inCASIO Basic and MicroPython,so thatbeyond standard math homework, your student can also use their calculator to sharpen otherSTEM skills.

4. Prioritize a regular schedule: Sticking toa regular schedule can foster higher-quality sleep, improving alertnessand mental clarity during class time and throughout the day.Enforce a bedtime thatallows your childto get the recommended9-12hours of sleepif they are 6-12years old and 8-10 hours if theyare 13-18. Academic achievement begins athome. Byproviding your child with tools thatboost creativity and learning, and by encouraging habits that support their health and well-being,you can help them thrive in all their endeavors, inside andoutside the classroom.

NEWSFLASHKidsZone

ways to infuse a dish with flavor. What does "marinade"or"marinate"mean?Amarinade is a seasoned liquid mixture that adds flavor and in some caseshelps tenderize tough cuts of meat. Some marinades arehomemade mixtures. Other times they are bottleddressingsor sauces.

Marinate also means to steep the foodin a marinade. If the meat is a tender cut, marinate it for a short time, no more than30 minutes, or you'll have a mushy, soft entree! For tougher cuts of meat, marinade for 8 to 12hours in the refrigerator.

Whenever you decide touse a marinade on meats, place it in a

re-sealable bagon a plate inthe refrigerator. Ifyour recipe calls for basting the meatwitha marinade as it cooks, reserve some of the marinade that has NOTbeen in contact with the raw meat to use as a basting sauce. Otherwise, you are contaminatingcooked meatwith raw meat juices -- a food-safetyNO-NO.Never use the same bastingbrush onraw meatand cooked meat.

To prevent cross-contamination,try applying the marinade witha spray bottle or a bottle witha squirt top.

The same contamination can happen when the plate that held the rawmeat is usedfor transporting the cookedmeat.Also avoid using the fork or turner that touched the raw meat toturnor checkthe cooked meat. It'sbest to use a different kitchen utensil each time, or rinse it with warm soapywater between uses.

This recipe for Multi-Purpose Basting sauce is delicious on chicken, fish, pork, beef and vegetables. It's inexpensive to make andenhances the flavor of grilled meats and vegetables.

MULTI-PURPOSE BASTINGSAUCE

3/4 cup wine vinegar

3tablespoons cooking oil

3 tablespoonsfinely chopped greenpeppers

1 tablespoonsalt (optional)

1 can (6ounce) frozen pineapple juice concentrate

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 1/2teaspoons soy sauce (optional)

Combine all ingredients and simmer for 15minutes or until mixture thickens slightly. Cool and seal any remainingmarinade in anair-tight container, and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. Before grilling, allow marinated meat to sit out atroom temperature for 30 minutes.Cook the meaton mediumcoals or heat. Baste on each side the last 15 minutesof cooking. If you use thissauce as a marinade, turnthe meatfrequently to prevent burning, as the sugar content is high and browns (and burns) easily. Makes about 25(41/2 ounce) portions.

(StatePoint)Evertakeatriptothegrocery storeandfeeloverwhelmedbyallthechoices available?Savetimeandmoneybyoptingfor productsalreadytestedbyotherconsumers.

ProductoftheYearUSA,thenation’s largestconsumer-votedawardsprogramdedicatedtorecognizingproductinnovation,has announcedthewinnersofthe2026Productof theYearAwards.Winnerswereselectedbased ontheopinionsof40,000Americanshoppers throughanindependentnationalstudyconductedbyKantar,aleadingglobalresearch firm.

Sothenexttimeyou’reatthesupermarket, beonthelook-outforthisyear’swinners, whichincludethegrocerystoreessentialslistedbelow.Youcaneasilyfindthesecrowdpleasingfoodsandbeverageswhenshopping in-storeandonlinebysimplylookingfor ProductoftheYear’sredsealofapproval.

Breakfast:EggoProteinWafflesand Pancakes

EggoProteinWafflesarecrispyontheoutsideandfluffyontheinside,whileEggo ProteinPancakesaregolden,fluffyanddelicious.Bothcomeinmultipleflavorsandoffer awholesome,tastywaytofuelmorningswith 20%oftherecommendeddailyvalueofproteinineveryserving.

Granola:ALDI-ExclusiveSimplyNature GranolaBites

AvailableinStrawberryorChocolateChip, thesebitesaregreatforbreakfast,amidday boost,oraconvenienton-the-gotreat.With lowcalories,non-GMOingredients,and gluten-freecertification,theyprovideahealthy andsatisfyingoptiontoenjoyanytime.

HealthyBeverage:ClearlyCanadian Originals

Theoriginalflavoredsparklingwaterhas

launchedanewSunsetOrangeflavorbursting withfreshclementineandzestycitrusnotes, withatouchofsweetnessandacrisprefreshingfinish.CraftedwithpureCanadianspring waterwithnaturallyoccurringhydratingminerals,itsnaturallybigflavorreliesonsimple ingredients.

Hydration:JumexHydrolit+Advance Thishigh-performancehydrationdrinkis designedtofuelyourbodyandmind,deliveringfiveessentialionsforoptimalelectrolyte balance,naturalcaffeineforsustainedenergy, andcholinetoboostfocusandmentalclarity. Whetheryou’retraining,recovering,oronthe go,Hydrolit+Advancegoesbeyondthebasics tokeepyouperformingatyourpeak.

KitchenEssentials:ReynoldsKitchens ParchmentCookingBags ParchmentCookingBagsofferaninnovativewaytoprepareflavorfulmealsinjust threesteps.Placethebagonasheetpanand fillwithyouringredients,folditclosed,and bake.Theparchmentbagslockinmoistureand flavor,makingiteasytocreatedelicious,family-sizedmealswithminimalcleanup.Perfect forbusyweeknights,theybringease,tasteand satisfactiontoyourkitchen.

MealIngredient:KnorrFlavorBases

KnorrPremiumFlavorBaseisyoursecret torich,authentictasteineverydish.Crafted byprofessionalchefswithreal,qualityingredients,eachjarmakesupto52cupsofflavorfulstockperfectforsoups,marinadesand roastedvegetables.

PlantBased:OrganicValleyOatBeverage

Thisnewplant-basedbeverageblendsethicallysourced,sustainablygrownorganicoats, water,andsaltwithorganicMCToil-richtextureandfrothiness.Freefromgumsandseed oils,it’salsonon-dairyandlactose-free—perfectforlattes,smoothies,bakingandmore!

ProteinSnack:TysonChickenBitesCups

Delivering35gramsofproteinperserving,thesechickenbitescanbeenjoyedasan appetizerorsnackwithyourfavoritedips.

Rice:Ben’sOriginalSingle-ServeRice Cups

Theseconvenientsingle-servingricecups offeraquick,easywaytoenjoyperfectricein theperfectsizeforon-the-gomeals,aquick snackoraconvenientsideforbusydaysand containnoartificialflavorsorcolorsfromartificialsources.

Byrelyingontherecommendationsof thousandsofconsumers,youcanloadyour grocerycartwiththeself-assuranceofasavvy shopper. HowtoNavigatetheGrocery

WheretoTurntoforHelpin NavigatingFinancialChallenges

(StatePoint)Managingyour financescanbechallenging,especiallywhenyou’renotsurewhere toturnforhelp.

DarleneGoins,headof PhilanthropyandCommunity ImpactatWellsFargo,shares practicaltipsandlesser-known resourcesfortakingthenextstep forwardatvariousstagesinyour financiallife.

What’shappening:Youneed guidanceandfundingtolaunch yoursmallbusiness.

Whatyoucandonow: Securingcapitalcanbeespecially challengingifyoudon’tqualify foratraditionalbankloan.A CommunityDevelopment FinancialInstitution(CDFI)can help.Thesespecializedlenders providefinancingtosmallbusinesses,organizationsandindividuals,andaresuitedtohelpingnew businessideasgetofftheground. CDFIsoffersuchoptionsasterm loans,linesofcredit,creditcards andrealestatefinancing.Many alsoprovideconsulting,coaching, education,connectionsandfinancialplanningatlowornocost.

CertifiedbytheU.S.Treasury, CDFIsraiselow-costcapital throughgrantsandlow-interest fundsprovidedbythegovernment andbankslikeWellsFargo.The morethan1,000CDFIsnation-

widecollectivelymanageover $436billion.WellsFargohasa long-standingcommitmentofsupportingCDFIsthroughphilanthropicgrantsandinvestmentsthat helpextendcapitaltobusinesses nationwide.CDFImatchingservicesavailablethroughtheSmall BusinessResourceNavigatorare madepossiblebyadonationfrom WellsFargotoCommunity ReinvestmentFund,USA.

What’shappening:You receivednoticeofarentincrease.

Whatyoucandonow:Don’t assumeyouhavetoacceptarent increase.Ifyou’rearesponsible tenantwithasolidrentalhistory, youmayhavemorenegotiating powerthanyouthink.Thebest timetostarttheconversationis onetotwomonthsbeforeyour leaserenewal.Comepreparedwith researchoncomparablerental rates,alistofyourstrengthsasa tenant,andaclearask—suchas alowermonthlyrate,alonger leaseoraddedamenities.A respectful,well-preparedconversationcouldleadtotangiblesavings.

TheWellsFargoFoundation providesgrantfundingtoorganizationsthatcanhelp.Forexample, SaverLifeoffersfreefinancial toolsandresources,including scriptsfornegotiatingrent.

What’shappening:Youand yourfamilyarefacingfinancial pressuresrelatedtoadisability.

Whatyoucandonow: Considerleveragingatax-advantagedsavingsprogram,likean ABLEaccount,tohelpcoverqualifiedexpensessuchaseducation, healthcare,transportationand more.

Availabletoanyoneinthe UnitedStates,theseaccountsoffer awayforpeoplewithdisabilities andtheirfamiliestosavewithout potentiallyimpactingtheireligibilityforpublicbenefits.

TheNationalAssociationof StateTreasurersisbuildingawarenessaboutABLEaccounts throughtheABLEtodayprogram. ABLEtodaypartnerswithstate treasurerstoprovideplancomparisons,bestpracticesandstrategies tohelpfamiliesmaximizesavings.

What’shappening:Youworry you’remissingoutoneligibletax creditsanddeductionsbecause youcan’taffordaprofessionaltax preparer.

Whatyoucandonow:Take advantageoffree,IRS-certified taxpreparationservicestoensure you’reclaimingeverybenefit you’reeligiblefor.Theseservices areofferedthroughtrustedcommunity-basedorganizationssupportedbyProsperityNow.

ThrougharecentWellsFargo Foundationgrant,$200,000was deployedto15organizations across12U.S.marketsandwill helpqualifiedexpertsprepareover 20,000taxreturnsatnocost, returninganestimated$25million tohouseholds,accordingtoparticipatingnonprofits.Manyofthese organizationsalsoofferyear-round financialcoachingandhelpnavigatingpublicbenefits.

Whetheryou’renegotiating rentorfilingtaxes,leanonavailableresourcessoyoucandoso withgreaterconfidenceandmore support.

RentalScamsAreCommon. AvoidThemWithTheseTips

(StatePoint)Areyoucurrentlylookingtorentahomeorapartment?Then youneedtoprotectyourselffrom rentalfraud.

Rentalscamsarecommon.The FederalTradeCommissionreported over10,000casesin2023alone. Fortunately,theyareavoidable.Byfollowingahandfulofpractical,common-sensesteps,youcanprotectyourselfandavoidcostlymistakes.

1.Alwaysseetheapartmentbefore renting.Fraudstersareknowntopost phonyadsusingrealpicturesofpropertiestheydon’tactuallyown.They willpushyoutorenttheunit,andto sendyourpersonalinformationto them,withoutseeingtheapartment first.Visitingaunitisnotonlyaway toavoidthisscam--italsohasthebenefitofhelpingyouensuretheapartmentfitswhatyouarelookingfor.If youaremovingtoanewcityandcan’t visitinperson,askiftheproperty managerwilltakeyouonavideotour oftheunit.

2.Don’tpayrentorasecurity deposituntilyouhavesignedalease. Applicationfeesarecommonly requestedbeforesigningaleaseagreement,butthesecuritydepositorfirst monthofrentarenotrequiredbefore signing.Beespeciallycarefulifa prospectivepropertymanagerasksyou towiretransfermoney.There’snevera goodreasontowiremoneytopayan applicationfee,securitydepositorfirst

month’srent.Andwhenyouwire money,it’sthesameassendingcash: youhavenowaytogetitback.

3.Ifthepriceseemstoogoodtobe true,itmightbe.Iftheunitislistedfor substantiallylessthanothercomparableunitsinthearea,thatcouldbea signthatthelistingispartofarental scam.

4.Makesureyousignacomplete lease.Donotrentanapartmentwithoutsigningalease.Whenyougeta copyofthelease,makesuretoreadit carefullyandconfirmkeydetails.The agreementshouldalwaysincludethese terms:

•Applicablefees

•Monthlyrentcost

•Maintenancecosts

Ifyouhavequestionsorconcerns aboutthelanguageinthelease,ask.

5.Donotgiveapropertymanager extensivepersonalinformationuntil youwanttomoveforward.Aproperty manageraskingforpersonalinformationbeforeyou’veseenaunitor beforeyou’vestatedthatyouwould liketorenttheunitisoftenasignofa scammerlookingtostealyouridentity. Thatsaid,providingpersonalinformation,includingyoursocialsecurity number,shouldberequiredbeforeyou arereadytomoveaheadwithrenting theunit.

6.Watchoutforlistingswithgrammaticalandspellingerrors.Ifthe rentallistinghasalotoferrors,this mightbearedflag.Mostproperty managerswilltakethetimetoproofreadthelistingbeforetheypublishit online.

Forclearguidanceandtoolstohelp youstayonestepaheadofscammers, accessFreddieMac’sMyHome resourcesaboutfraudpreventionat https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/k eyword/fraud-prevention.

Thesearchtofindaplacetolive canbestressful,especiallyifyoudon’t knowwhattoexpect.Understanding therentalprocesscanhelpyouavoid fraudandfindsomethingthatfitsyour budgetandlifestyle.

(c)PeopleImages/iStockviaGettyImagesPlus

(c)AndreyPopov / iStock via Getty Images Plus

AndStillWeRise

OnFebruary28th,theAlcornCounty Branchof the NAACPhosteditsAnnualBlackHistory Program entitled“AndStill We Rise” atSt.MarkMBChurch.Theevening was more than aprogram—it was apowerfulmoment in time to reflect,remember,andembrace the past.

The sanctuarywasfilled with aspiritof reverence and pride asthecommunity gathered to honor the strength, resilience, and rich heritageofAfricanAmericans. Through moving tributes andliving characters,history came alive before our eyes.These “moving tribes” walkedus through generationsof struggle, faith, courage, andtriumph—reminding us thatourstoryis not only one of survival, but of perseverance and purpose.

Each presentationrecountedthe strong and vibranthistory that has shaped our communities and our nation.Fromthe painof oppression to the power of progress, the messagewasclear: though challengeshavecome, we are stillstanding—and we arestillrising.

“And StillWe Rise”wasnot just a theme; it was a declaration.Adeclarationthatwehonor thosewhocame before us, weacknowledge the journey, and we continue to move forward with dignity,unity, and hope.

Itwasa beautifulevening of reflection, education, andcelebration—one that willechoinhearts longafterthe final wordswere spoken.