The Community News Flash

Bonds of motherhood extend beyond biology for Laticia Barnes

By Lorcan McCormick

The subject of family stirs an urgency and pride in Laticia Barnes; without skipping a beat, she can recite history and details of herself and her family with love and conviction. She is the wife of Charles Barnes, and together they have eight children, one of whom is a foster child, and one grandson, who, as Laticia puts it, “has us wrapped around his finger.” Laticia has been a certified nursing assistant for over 25 years. The child of Barbara Springfield and the late Willie C. Loving Sr., she finds roots in Richardson, Texas, where she graduated from Berkner High School in 1990. She has one sibling, aged 10 years apart. Service and faith have long played a role in her life. “There is something that stuck in my head that our pastor preached about, and that is having faith the size of a mustard seed. If you have that faith, it will go a long way, and that is so true.”

Laticia and her husband are their church youth group leaders, as well as the leaders of the youth choir. Laticia serves her job helping people as a nurse; but perhaps her boldest and most important role in being a provider for the community is as a foster parent. “We got started as foster parents after I saw an article in the paper where there was a desperate need for foster parents because there are thousands of children in the foster care system that are in need of a loving, nurturing, and stable home. We had extra room for a couple kids

in our home, so my husband and I decided to go for it after we discussed it with our family. We had to go through a 9-week class through a private foster agency. We have been foster parents now for 17 years.” Laticia harkens back to the subject of faith as pivotal in their journey.

“Having faith plays a major role in being a foster parent because, without God in our lives, we wouldn't have made it for 17 years. It takes lots of praying.”

In describing the duties of and as a foster parent, she is plain and bold. “In my opinion, being a foster parent is the same as being a parent, ‘cause you bring these kids into your home and try to treat them like your own kid. In some cases, it's a bit different, because some kids feel like you are trying to take the place of their biological parents and will resist the love and care that you are trying to show them. In these situations, you just wait until the child is ready and let them come to you.”

Thirty-five-plus children have been invited into the Barnes’ family home, and all have been approached by them with the equivalent goal of providing a loving and stable ecosystem for the children

to grow and feel nurtured in a safe space. The range of personalities and backgrounds that a foster parent will be confronted with are detailed by her nearly two decades of experience.

“When being a foster parent, you have to remember that these kids come with a lot of behaviors, traumas, and attitudes, and they will not take and act like your own biological children you raised from birth. Some kids are good matches for your home; some are not so good. You have to make sure you choose wisely when you get a phone call about taking one as a placement into your home; always ask questions first about the kids and their background.”

Laticia describes some of the foster children in their care today: “I have one who is 14 and extremely autistic. He is super smart and energetic. He loves to collect coins and four-leaf clovers, and he loves hearing the word of God. He's the comedian in our home because we never know what he is going to say. Then I have one that is 15; he always has a smile on his face, is smart, easy to get along with, and loves being friends with everybody. He is the loudest singer in our youth choir and plays a major part in the church as an usher. Then, I have an 11-year-old who loves to give hugs, is super smart, and loves. I will never forget the day

they brought him to my home at the age of 5, and the first thing he asked me was, ‘Will you be my mommy? I never had a real one before.’Oh, how that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.“ My girls— I have one who is 15 and loves to clean and read. She is the announcement reader at church and also helps in the community.

The 10-year-old is the boss; she's super smart, full of energy, loves math, is intelligent, and loves to play softball. Our 9year-old; she's the only one in our house that hasn't been adopted yet. She's been in our home since January 2022, and she is very loving, smart, loves the Lord, and her hobby is singing.” Laticia's expression of love for her children is voluminous and indefatigable, a portrait of a mother as the greatest cheerleader of their children.

For those considering taking on the potential responsibility of foster parenthood, she is blunt. “If you are considering becoming a foster parent, please make sure you have the heart for it and love for the kids, because foster parenting is not for everyone. It isn't easy, no matter how you look at it. Sometimes you will shed lots of tears and have to make adjustments and sacrifices in your life. So please, before you do it, ask yourself, Could I love these kids? Could I give them what they need? Am I ready to give up all I'm doing to be the best parent I can be? If that is you, then go for it.”

Foster care is handled by Children's Services in individual states; to learn more, if one is interested, please visit your local .gov website to obtain more details about how to contribute.

Walking on the OtherSide of the Road: ACall to Extend Help Beyond Religious Boundaries

religious communities, there exists a strong sense of fellowship and support. Churches often serve as pillars of community assistance, offering aid to those within their congregations during times of hardship. This form of solidarity is commendable, but it begs the question: Should our compassion be limited by the labels of religion?

passion, but rather as a catalyst for it. When we confine our acts of kindness and assistance solely to those who share our religious beliefs, we risk perpetuating division and exclusion, undermining the very essence of Christ's teachings.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught a profound lesson about compassion and empathy, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need regardless of their background or beliefs. Yet, in today's world, the concept of walking on the other side of the road, while embodying compassion, often seems confined within the boundaries of religious affiliation. As Christians, are we truly fulfilling the teachings of Christ if we only extend our help to our Christian brothers and sisters?

It's undeniable that within many

Walking on the other side of the road requires us to transcend the boundaries that divide us and to extend a helping hand to all who are in need, regardless of their faith or lack thereof. Jesus himself exemplified this principle through his interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering healing and comfort to all who sought it, regardless of their religious affiliations.

As Christians, we are called to emulate the love and compassion of Christ, not just towards our fellow believers but towards all humanity. Our faith should not serve as a barrier to com-

Furthermore, by extending our help beyond the confines of our religious community, we have the opportunity to build bridges of understanding and goodwill. In a world that is often plagued by religious intolerance and conflict, our willingness to extend compassion to all, regardless of their faith, can serve as a powerful force for unity and reconciliation.

Of course, this call to extend help beyond religious boundaries does not

negate the importance of supporting our Christian brothers and sisters. Indeed, caring for one another within the body of Christ is a vital aspect of our faith. However, we must recognize that our compassion should not be confined to the walls of our churches but should overflow into the wider world, embracing all who are in need.

In conclusion, walking on the other side of the road as Christians means embodying

the universal principles of love, compassion, and empathy taught by Jesus Christ. It means extending our help and support beyond the boundaries of religious affiliation, reaching out to all who are in need, regardless of their background or beliefs. In doing so, we not only fulfill the teachings of Christ but also contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and compassionate world. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

Suits You Too Recliner Raffle

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.

MAY BIBLE TRIVIA

1. What woman was capable enough to instruct the brilliant Apollos in theology?

2. Who was probably the carrier of Paul's epistle to the Romans?

3. What pastor was the son of the devout Eunice?

4. Who was with David when Bathsheba and Nathan pleaded with him to designate Solomon as his successor?

5. Who was given by her Egyptian father as a reward to a Hebrew servant?

6. What evil woman lived in the Valley of Sorek?

7. Who was Timothy's devout grandmother?

8. What woman, wife of the wicked king Amon, gave birth to the future godly king Josiah?

9. What courageous woman risked her life to keep her royal nephew alive?

10. What Jewish-Christian woman had lived at Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus?

11. Who called herself Mara, a name meaning "bitter"?

12. Who asked her royal son to surrender his father's concubine to another son?

13. What wealthy woman made her living selling purple dye?

14. What woman had such an influential life that Israel had 40 years of peace?

15. Who was better to her widowed mother-in-law than any seven sons could be?

16. Who bore three sons and two daughters after giving up her first son to serve the Lord at Shiloh?

17. What wife of David had no children because she had criticized her husband's jubilant dancing?

18. Who married David after her stupid husband died out of fear?

19. Who was the last woman to have dinner with King Saul?

20. Who was the first woman to be ashamed of her clothing?

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

April Answers

1. Miriam (Numbers 12)

2. The five daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 26-27)

3. Rehab (Joshua 6:17)

4. The Levite's concubine (Judges 19-20)

5. Delilah (Judges 6:17)

6. The high priest's (Matthew 26:69-71; Mark 14:66-69)

7. Ruth (1:2-5)

8. Miriam, who sang a patriotic song after the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:21)

9. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:13-14)

10. Michal (1 Samuel 18:27)

11. Abishag (1 Kings 1:3, 15)

12. Ahinoam (1 Samuel 14:50; 25:43)

13. Miriam (Numbers 12)

14. Deborah (Judges 4:4)

15. Jochebed (Exodus 6:20)

16. Jochebed, Moses' mother (Exodus 2:8-10

17. Zipporah, Moses' wife (Exodus 2:21)

18. Rehab (Joshua 2:6)

19. Ruth (4:17)

20. Hanna (1 Samuel 1:20-25)

21. Abigail (1 Samuel 25:23-35)

What’s the Fear?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 NIV

Ihad a therapist years ago who would often ask the question, “What’s the fear?” This question usually came up when I was stuck in some situation and paralyzed with doubt about what to do next. We all have things that we know we should do, such as file our taxes or change jobs, or perhaps ask someone for a date. So why do we hesitate to act? When it’s not sheer laziness that keeps us from acting, it’s usually some fear that holds us back. I discovered years ago that the fear of asking someone out on a date was not usually a fear of rejection but rather a fear that she might say yes, and then a whole series of other decisions would have to be made (where and when to go, etc.). It’s understandable why we might fear changing jobs or doing something we’ve never done before; it takes us out of our comfort zone and most of us fear the unknown. On a spiritual level we should consider that life is an adventure and that getting out of our comfort zone is essential to growth. If we truly believe the part of the Lord’s prayer which says “Thy will be done” then we have to be open to new and unexpected experiences. Life at its best is a

adventure and if we can experience the adventure of life with a sense of fearlessness it opens us up for continued

–Christopher Simon

What Every Mom and Soon-to-be-Mom Needs to Know About TheirHeart

(StatePoint) Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not getting the care they need.

According to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy collaborative working to pass policies that make it possible for all expectant parents, infants and toddlers to thrive, the United States is in the midst of a maternal health crisis.

This sentiment is echoed by “Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Following Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which was recently published in “Circulation,” the Association’s flagship peer-reviewed journal.

“Healthcare professionals and the public alike often think of heart disease as a man’s disease. While heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women, fewer than 50% of women identify it as such. This is creating a dangerous situation for women, especially during higher-risk periods of their life, as their symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated,” says Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, one of the statement’s authors. “As adverse pregnancy outcomes become increasingly common, it’s important for women to be aware of their risk for heart disease, the actions they can take

to lower their risk if they experience pregnancy complications, and for birth justice policy interventions to take place that will improve their care during their pregnancy, and throughout their lifetimes.”

Many women face significant barriers in accessing primary care after delivery. Up to 40% of women do not access postpartum care, and only an estimated 18% to 25% of postpartum patients with pregnancy complications or chronic health conditions are seen by a primary care clinician within 6 months of delivery. Women of color, and women in rural areas are disproportionately impacted by barriers to care that could leave them vulnerable to further health complications.

According to NCIT, policy interventions such as expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum in all states, expanded income eligibility for health insurance programs, paid family and medical leave, community-based doulas, and evidence-based home visiting programs can help promote ethnic, racial and socioeconomic birth equity, and help ensure all expectant and new parents have access to insurance, care and the supports needed to thrive.

Also supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy is Go Red for Women, an AHAinitiative empowering women to take charge of their heart health. One way they can do that, according to the initiative, is by understanding their heart disease risks, and coming to their doctors’ appointments prepared to discuss their personal and family health history and other factors that could impact their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Women can also proactively manage their heart disease risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery using the AHA’s Life Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a framework. These include: eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and managing blood pressure.

“Stemming the tide of this maternal health crisis is vital for families, and it starts with bringing light to the tremendous need for better delivery of care to moms and soon-to-be moms with a focus on heart health,” says Dr. Khan.

Any way you slice it, we couldn’t be more proud of this year’s graduating class!

We know you’ll go far, and we wish you much happiness and success. Thanks for being such outstanding students and citizens.

(c) digitalskillet / iStock via Getty Images Plus

No COLA for 2012 Either?

Those in the know are already predicting what will happen with our Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2012. They’re consulting charts and graphics, sharpening their pencils and guesstimating. At this point there’s good and bad news, assuming the experts are correct.

The good: We’ll likely get an increase of 1.1 percent to 1.2 percent, the first increase since 2009.

The bad: All of it likely will be eaten up by increases in Medicare Part B, which is deducted from our Social Security checks before we receive them.

On the other hand, if the Part B increase is larger than the Social Security increase, they won’t take the difference out of our checks.

Supposedly when consumer prices go up, so does our monthly check. A tiny increase apparently means our daily costs haven’t gone up much.

For those who haven’t applied for Social Security yet: If you take Social Security before your Normal Retirement Age, you get dinged for the money you make. You are penalized $1 for every $2 you make above $14,160. That goes up to $1 for every $3 above $37,680. Income from pensions, capital gains and annuities is not counted.

Still, if you’re “under age” and still working, yet you want to collect Social Security, do the calculations carefully. Call Social Security at 1800-772-1213 to have it do the calculations as well. This is no time to be wrong. Remember, too, that you’ll pay taxes on Social Security if your income exceeds a certain amount: $25,000 if you’re single, and $32,000 if you file jointly.

The COLA figures for 2012 will be finalized in October. Cross your fingers.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

Stop Muscle Loss Due to Aging

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Can I reverse sarcopenia, or just slow it down? What I would like to know is what can I do for my thighs? How often should I do it? And I’d like something for my stomach. — J.H.

ANSWER: For readers: Sarcopenia is muscle shrinkage that comes with age.

Weightlifting stops the wasting away of muscles and builds them up. Older people are not going to develop the same muscle size that a 20-yearold can, but they can see a marked improvement in their strength and an increase in muscle size through weightlifting.

For your specific thigh problem, the squat is a good exercise. From the standing position, you bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. You don’t have to touch your heels with your buttocks. Lower yourself only to the position I mentioned. Farther than that can hurt the knees.

Start out doing the exercise with no additional weight. Your body weight is enough at first. As you gain experience and strength, you can use additional weight, either a barbell supported behind your neck and on your shoulders, or you can hold on to weights. When you start using weights, exercise three times a week with a full day’s rest between exercise sessions.

For your abdomen, the bicycle maneuver is one of the best exercises. Lie on the floor and raise your legs straight up. Then bend the knees to a

right angle so your lower legs are parallel to the floor. Now start pedaling as though you were riding a bike. Readers interested in starting an exercise program can obtain the booklet on exercise by writing to: Dr. Donohue — No. 1301W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: When you and others tell people to walk for exercise, exactly what does that mean in terms of speed? — L.M.

ANSWER: The ideal walking speed is 3 to 3.5 miles an hour or 1 mile in 17 to 20 minutes. If that’s too fast a pace for you, walk at a speed you can maintain for at least 10 minutes. Every week try to increase the tempo and the time spent walking. The ultimate goal is to walk for 30 minutes every day of the week — if possible.

***

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’m 61, and I don’t take medicines. I feel good. I have been exercising for two years. I would like to increase my activity. What’s considered a safe way to do so? — L.P.

ANSWER: Follow the 10 percent rule. It’s safe to increase exercise by 10 percent each week. Increase means increasing exercise speed, exercise duration, the number of repetitions you lift a weight or the number of pounds you lift. Don’t increase all aspects. Take one at a time. If you jog, increase either the distance or the time by 10 percent. One week make it distance; the next, speed.

***

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Register Your Child For Head Start Now!

Head Start centers in Alcorn, Tippah, and Tishomingo counties are recruiting students for the 2024-2025 school year. We are registering children for Early Head Start and Regular Head Start. If you have a child 8 weeks to 4 years old stop by and register your child at a center in your community from 8:00-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Proof of income for previous 12 months are needed for registration. Visit MAPHead Start Facebook for registration details.

There is poetry in Corinth’s history

By Lucy Weber

Autry Davis holds a deep appreciation for poetry that he wants to share with the community.

“Maybe, in my 30s or 40s, I started paying attention to poetry,” said Davis, who is a classically trained actor. “I’m not a poet, though. I’m more of a philosopher.”

He is the founder of the Crossroad Poetry Project that took poetry into local schools for several years. “I wanted to take poetry into schools as ‘performance poetry.’ Kids don’t hear much poetry. I’d find poems and tweak them a little bit. I tried to give strong meanings, just in the way I read them. I was reading up to 5,000 kids in a school year.”

Occasionally, Davis, who lives in Guys, said he gets invited back to area schools to share his love of poetry. “Teachers will call and ask me to come to their classrooms,” he said.

Davis said he also hears from former students that he read to.

“Kids who graduated will remember I read. The fact they remembers says it right there about the power of poetry.”

In April, his latest project was a presentation on Corinth-born poet Etheridge Knight at the Corinth Public Library. It was entitled “Who is Etheridge Knight and why should I care?” and he presented it the day before what was Knight’s birthday.

“Maybe I’ll come up with another idea next year on his birthday,” Davis said.

Knight, a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a National Book Award nominee, is someone that more local residents should learn about, he said. Knight was born in 1931 and died in 1991. Knight’s family moved from Corinth when he was 12.

Because of an injury, Knight became addicted to morphine and landed in the Indiana state prison system for eight years. He had already started writing, He wrote a collection of verse “Poems from Prison” that gained him renown.

“People in this area should know about him,” Autry said. “We are trying to do that. There should be a mural of him on the side of a building. There is a wall to introduce him in the Corinth Crossroads Museum,” Knight’s poems can speak to readers “through his sincerity, his commitment to what

believed to be true,” Davis said, adding that Knight published four more books of his poetry after leaving prison.

“When I was going into schools frequently about five to seven years ago, I read some of his poems to students. A young lady said he was her cousin and another boy did too. That was an exciting moment for me,” Davis said.

Davis said he is “an idea person.”

One of the ideas he is considering is to write a children’s book about Edward S. Bishop, who was principal at both Scale Street School and Easom High School, in addition to being Corinth’s first and only African American mayor.

“There should be a book so people don’t forget what he did for the community and the schools,” Davis said.

Autry Davis

Holding back

By Frances Papadimitrakis

Why is it that most of us hold back in our lives? We have fine china that we wait to use one or two times per year, on special occasions.

I ask, “isn’t every day we are alive a special occasion?

”We feel love, yet we hold back from showing it or mute the precious words behind our breath. When we hold back and think thoughts like "I have to be sure" or "someday," we must acknowledge that these thoughts come from our mind, the same mind that repeats dysfunctional thoughts and untrue thoughts. The heart, the same one that scientists have discovered neuron cells in, never lies, never holds back, and knows that love and time do not have a timeline. Poets throughout the ages cannot all be wrong. Parents who look into their child’s eyes for the first time can’t be wrong. Lovers who met after a simple glance across the room fifty years later still feel giddy when they smile at each other; that can’t be wrong.

Yes, some occasions are a little more special than others. Yes, love can indeed grow deeper over time. But should we hold back until then? Should

we wait in order to appease the mind? Should we put off a tomorrow that’s never promised? How you answer these questions defines your life. The choice is yours; hold back or don’t hold back. Perhaps life’s great-

est tragedy is this: we have freedom, yet we hold ourselves hostage to old patterns and old thoughts. We may want to love other people without holding back. We may want to feel authentic. We may want to use the fine china every day. We may want to breathe in the beauty around us. We may want to dance in the kitchen with our lover or sing at the top of our lungs. Yet each day, we listen to inner voices— voices that hold us back and keep our lives small.

An Open Secret

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV

There are all kinds of open secrets, things we all know to be true but deny or just don’t talk about in polite company. We all wear masks to hide our true selves and pretend that the way we act in public and in the light of day is the same way we act in private and in the dark. Part of being polite with others is not forcing them to take off their masks in public. A person’s private self may differ markedly from their public self. Not everyone wants to reveal their sexual orientation, for instance, or the fact that they have particular habits or idiosyncrasies. But to live with integrity and to be authentic requires us to align our private selves with our public selves, in other words to not be a completely different person in public from who we are in private. And yet, the decision to reveal to others the details of our private selves— whether that be one’s sexual orientation, or just some idiosyncratic habit—is a personal decision left up to each individual. We pay a price either way. Keeping things hidden is isolating and limits our freedom to be our true selves, whereas revealing to others who we really are risks their disapproval and perhaps even their rejection. Reflect on who you really are, and who you really want to be, and consider aligning your private self with your public one.

–Christopher Simon

Congratulations Class of 2024

Francine Papadimitrakis

Faith and perseverance are the cornerstones of motherhood

By Lorcan McCormick

The vast currents of water and tide reoccur in the imagery of Rochelle Jenkins's telling of her life; in many ways, it appears the way to a weary God is by the same passage as Huckleberry Finn once took. “When I was a little girl in Sunday school, I heard the story of Noah building the Ark and the flood.”

Rochelle recollects, “It was something about that story that stayed with me. I didn’t want to be lost in the flood. My mom prayed all the time; I wanted to know who her God was.” Again, she uses this imagery when describing what her faith means to her. “To me, faith means getting thrown out in the river, not knowing how to swim, so you sink or teach yourself how to swim. In my life, this is how I learned to pray and believe in God, because there was no other help or hope.”

Rochelle Jenkins wears many hats in life: a mother, a recruiter for Northeast Mississippi Community College, a contributor to the Boys & Girls Club, a founder of programs such as YPWW(Young People Willing Workers), and most importantly, a woman

of faith. In all of these paths, she expresses herself and her motivations with conviction; to serve the community is something that comes naturally and urgently to her. In a reflection about the meaning of the B&G Club in her life, she said, “I was a single mom; I worked three jobs to make ends meet for me and my son."

There were many who helped us along the way, and I will never forget it. Had they not contributed, my son definitely would not have been able to do some of the things he did in school, like travel with the Mississippi Lions AllState band on a trip to Australia. My son, Dee, is CEO of the Northeast Mississippi Boys and Girls Club. This is one of the golden opportunities we have to invest in kids just like him. So we support, give, and do whatever is needed to help. I enjoy raising money for the organization. Others can help by giving me a call; I would love to share with them many opportunities to help. Another one of the many things I enjoy is helping students who need second, third, and sometimes fourth chances to go to college. Some of us don’t make it the first time; we make

bad decisions and have to learn, and then we do really well. I am a product of a second chance, so I believe in helping.”

The story of Rochelle Jenkins is one forged in a chain with links to the past of human endeavor, the present of ubiquitous situations, and the future of the human spirit. Many women today face the challenge of being a single parent, and Rochelle's life is a testimony to the pain of that challenge but also the ability to triumph through it. Throughout, she harkens back to her faith as the backbone of how she provided the courage to stand before these challenges.

“My mom died when I was 19, so I had to grow up overnight and become a woman in a household. There were times the lights got cut off, or you ate egg sandwiches for breakfast, dinner, and supper because that was all you had. You sat in the dark until you got paid because there was no one to help you. You slept in a church because you had nowhere to go. You cried and felt sorry for yourself, then you realized that wasn’t doing you any good and nothing was changing, so you

got up and found another job to make ends meet. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, so you learn to live and learn.”

Further still, when asked to offer a story pivotal in chronicling her life, she leaned on faith: “One thought that stays with me since 2007, when I received my ICD pacemaker defibrillator, is that whenever the doctor said I declined, all I knew was that I was in the presence of the Lord, and he said to me, 'you shall live and not die, and fulfill the purpose I have for you.' That has been my inspiration.” In honor of Mother's Day’s approach, a word from Rochelle about the meaning of motherhood in her words.

“Mother’s Day to me means to give life, and the blessing of that child gave life back to you. It’s an amazing gift when you give birth to a child at a time in your life when you are depressed and want to die, and that child is the only thing that gives you a reason to live, and he becomes your sanity and strength from day to day. I am honored to be Dee’s mother.”

Congratulations to the World’s Best Graduates!

You’ve faced no shortage of challenges leading up to this day, and we admire your hard work and perseverance. We know you’ll contribute great things to the world around you, and we wish you continued success and great happiness!

Rochelle Jenkins

Preacher provides assistance to those in need for decades

By Lucy Weber

Rev. Lamar Walker grew up in the church but never thought about becoming a minister.

Then, one day in 1993, he said he felt the call into ministry. “But it wasn’t until 1995 that I accepted my calling. One day the Lord said to me in an audible voice: ‘If you don’t accept it, you’ll regret it.’”

For decades now, he’s never doubted that.

As the long-term associate pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Rienzi, Walker has preached, evangelized, brought non-believers to the Lord and helped so many people who turn to him for assistance.

“I love helping people. I’ve been able to help. They may need their lights turned back on, gas money or a house payment or something else. The Lord has shown me people who can help get those things paid for,” he said. “I get calls every day to help.”

Through his connections in the community, Walker finds ways to offer assistance. “One lady called me crying because her tooth hurt. I sent her to a dentist. Another man with a hernia. I called and found him a doctor and sent the man to him for help.”

Walker tells those in need that they need to believe in the power of the Lord. Just attending church doesn’t mean you believe, he says to them. “You can say it in your mouth that you believe but you’ve got to believe in your mind there is a God, he said. “Anything you ask in God’s name, He will help you but you have to believe in him,”

Walker said. “You need to spend time with the Lord. God is first.”

Hopewell has been Walker’s home church since he married his wife Ruby 45 years ago. In addition to Hopewell, he pastored Mt Pleasant Church in Kossuth, at the same time for 15 years. This was while he working a full-time job too.

Suits You Too Mobile

Staying busy is one of Walker’s strengths as a pastor. He visits patients in hospitals in the area, as well as in Memphis, Birmingham or Jackson, Miss. He talks with parents and their children, who have been troubled by drug use. He serves as a counselor at Northeast Community College and has served on numerous community boards, like the United Way.

The father of two and grandfather of two meets on a regular basis with the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department and the Corinth Police Department to pray with the deputies and employees there before starting their days, serving as their unofficial chaplain.

“I do evangelize a lot,” he said. “I fill in at many different churches. I like preaching. It is my calling.”

Walker is quick to recite from memory Psalm 24, which he uses to help people understand why their belief in God is essential to their lives. “It talks of the King of Glory, that says a lot. By studying this Psalm, you will know the Lord is King. This helps them when they ready and study.”

“Alot don’t understand what ministry is about. Each morning, I get texts from people. They want me to pray for them. They ask me about the Bible,” Walker said. “They trust me.”

The Lord has opened many doors for Walker and his ministry. “I try to do what’s pleasing to Him. He’s shown me a lot of things. I’ve been with President Obama, President Biden and President George Walker Bush.”

Wishing This Year’s Graduates Great Happiness & Success

Hats off to the students whose hard work and dedication have led them to this milestone achievement. May the classroom and life lessons you’ve learned from your peers, parents and teachers here guide you toward continued success as you take the next step.

We’re proud of your accomplishments, and we wish you all the best!

Rev. Dr. Lamar Walker

An Inside Job

Stemming the Effects of Early Childhood Homelessness

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

We often try to change our lives by changing external things, perhaps trying out a new wardrobe or style of dress, getting a new car or moving from one place to another. We soon realize that these external changes are momentary distractions and that if we really want to change it has to be internal. Real change comes from within, when someone makes a conscious decision to think and act differently. Someone who is feeling and acting impatiently and wants to develop the virtue of patience has to change from within, thinking and acting in a way that inculcates the virtue of patience. The external things in our lives, our possessions and our jobs, for instance, can become tyrannical masters, requiring more and more of our time and energy to keep them up. People who live with very modest possessions are often far happier and more serene than those living in palatial estates. The more we have the more we have to worry about. Consider whether your possessions and your positions (i.e., your job) are serving you or whether you are serving them. Are you held captive by your things.? The good news is that you can keep your things, and your job, as there is no need to give them up in order to change. The change comes from within. –Christopher Simon

We Want You!

Fatherhood Initiative Program

We are looking for fathers who would be interested in becoming “Team Parents” by dedicating a minimum number of hours with their children in order to become more involved in their lives. We will attempt to make a positive influence in the life of a father.

(StatePoint) Between birth and age 3, a child’s brain makes 1 million neural connections per second. Tragically, an increasing number of infants and toddlers go through this crucial developmental period without a home – an experience with long-term consequences to their health, development and future.

Anew report released by the non-profit SchoolHouse Connection represents the most comprehensive look to date at homelessness among infants and toddlers, and provides recommendations for state and federal action to address the issue. SchoolHouse Connection is a member of the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy movement committed to ensuring that every child prenatal to 3 and their families have what they need to thrive.

This report analyzes federal and other available data to estimate how many infants and toddlers experienced homelessness in 2021, both nationally and in each state; the percentage of these infants and toddlers enrolled in age-eligible early childhood development programs during the 2021-2022 program year; and the extent to which state policies remove barriers to programs and services for families experiencing homelessness.

The report estimates that nationwide, nearly 365,000 infants and toddlers experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 program year, and alarmingly, only 11% of these children were enrolled in early childhood development programs, with enrollment rates varying significantly by state. In some states, that figure was as low as 3.5%.

“Early childhood development programs offer support for infants, toddlers and families who are homeless ranging from essential supplies like diapers and hygiene products, to services that counter the impact of homelessness on child development,” says Erin Patterson, director of Education Initiatives of SchoolHouse Connection. “These programs also facilitate vital connections to housing solutions. We must ensure that every expectant parent, infant and toddler experiencing homelessness receives access to these essential services.”

Unfortunately, many barriers persist to connecting families with programming, including simply recognizing who is in need. Lack of shelter, fear of having children removed from parental custody, and restrictive eligibility criteria for housing programs mean that most families experiencing homelessness stay in places that are not easily identified, such as in cars, motels or with other people, making this crisis largely a hidden one.

Melicia C. Whitt-Glover, Ph.D. executive director, Council on Black Health, a member of

the NCIT, says “By giving practitioners and policymakers an unprecedented look at a hidden crisis, it’s our hope they will take action that will protect children during the most crucial developmental period of their life.”

While all states have the opportunity through Child Care Development Fund provisions and other initiatives to provide expanded programming access, few take full advantage of the flexibilities offered:

• Only 26 states waive copayments for families experiencing homelessness;

• Only nine states offer work requirement exemptions to parents experiencing homelessness;

• Only 18 states provide automatic or streamlined eligibility for children experiencing homelessness to access child care programs.

The report concludes with a ray of hope and a call to action, offering specific policy recommendations at the national, state and local levels to stem the effects of early childhood homelessness, including:

• Increasing support for early childhood programs.

• Making children experiencing homelessness categorically eligible and prioritized for child care services.

• Increasing safe, affordable housing options and removing barriers to homeless and housing assistance.

• Implementing policies that will prevent families from experiencing homelessness in the first place.

To read the full report and more on the policy solutions, visit schoolhouseconnection.org.

“There’s a clear, well-documented connection between housing and health. Infants’and toddlers’brains are rapidly developing, making them especially vulnerable to the negative consequences of homelessness,” says Dr. Sheri Johnson, director of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and principal investigator for County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. “We can solve this. Evidence shows that programs such as Early Head Start, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit help ensure parents have what they need to care for their families.”

NEWS FLASH Kids Zone

Open in Case of Emergency

dessert components. That's the beauty of a box cake mix.

When I recently received a spur-of-themoment dinner invitation, I politely asked if my hostess wanted me to bring along a dessert. She was grateful for the offer and said that anything I wanted to bring would be great.

I went home thinking I had the basic ingredients to put together a quick dessert, but I found the cupboard was bare. I'd just given a dinner party and, evidently, I'd forgotten to re-stock my go-to

You can open up a box of cake mix and turn it into almost anything. By making a few changes to the basic recipe, I've used the same box cake mix to make everything from a quick crust for a fruit dessert to a pan of brownies. I've even used recipes from the back of the box when I was at a lost for inspiration.

This recipe for Quick Chocolate Carmel Cake is a great "open in case of emergency" dessert. Now that I've used my last box of cake mix, I need to go to the store and re-stock my pantry!

QUICK CHOCOLATE CARMELCAKE

1 box German chocolate cake mix (extra-moist

cake-mix box

1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk

1 jar (16 to 17 ounce) caramel, butterscotch or fudge topping

1 container (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 bag (8 ounce) toffee chips or bits

1. Heat oven to 350 F (325 F for dark or nonstick pan). Bake cake as directed on box for 13-by9-inch pan.

refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.

3. Spread whipped topping over top of cake. Sprinkle with toffee chips. Store covered in refrigerator.

TIPS: The cake may stick to the wooden spoon handle while you're using it to make the holes, so occasionally wipe off the handle.

type, or with pudding) Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on

2. Poke top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with handle of wooden spoon. Drizzle milk evenly over top of cake; let stand until milk has been absorbed into cake. Drizzle with caramel topping. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and

The caramel topping will be easier to drizzle if it has been kept at room temperature. If refrigerated, remove the lid and microwave on High about 15 seconds.

Instead of the toffee chips or bits, coarsely chop 5 bars (1.4 oz each) chocolate-covered English toffee candy, and sprinkle on top of the cake.

• Make children’s pills easier to swallow by crushing them and putting them in a bit of jelly or applesauce. Make sure, especially if it’s a prescription medicine, that it can be crushed. — U.L. in Minnesota

• To keep kids from running into a closed sliding-glass door, cut out a small picture of something that’s brightly colored, “laminate” it by taping it across both sides and then tape it to the door at children’s eye level.

— E.R. in New York

• Painting season is in full swing at my house, and here are my two favorite painting tips: One is to lightly soap the windows (glass only) and let it dry. Any paint splatters will land on the soap, which can be easily wiped away when the paint is dry. The other is to give locks, hinges and doorknobs a light coat of petroleum jelly. It works the same way, and when polished away, it leaves a nice shine to hardware.

• Here’s a great spring facial: Split an avocado, mash half of it and use it as a mask. Let sit for up to five minutes, then rinse away with warm water.

• Cleaning windows? Use a nylon net scrubbie from the kitchen to remove bugs from screens. It also works really well to scrub bugs off the car grille or windshield.

• Here’s a great tip you can use when parallel parking in front of a storefront. Check the reflection to see if it looks like there’s room when backing in or pulling forward. — O.W. in California

By Samantha Weaver

• It was American novelist and editor Edgar Watson Howe who made the following sage observation: “Americans detest all lies except lies spoken in public or printed lies.”

• Those who study such things say that ancient Egyptians had bowling alleys.

• In 1980 a woman named Rosie Ruiz appeared to have won the Boston Marathon in the fastest time ever recorded for a woman in that race. However, after a number of suspicions surfaced (including a strange lack of fatigue at the end of the long race), it was found that she hadn’t actually run the entire race and was stripped of her medal. The tale doesn’t end there, though. Once word got out about her fraud, people came forward with information regarding her recent running of the New York Marathon. It seems that Ms. Ruiz started the race and then took the subway to a spot 2 miles from the finish line. And in a further note, she didn’t come to a good end: Two years later she was arrested for embezzling $60,000 from her employer, and she was later arrested again for allegedly trying to sell two kilos of cocaine to a Miami police officer.

• If you’re afraid of lightning, you might want to skip over this next tidbit: At any given time around the world, there are 1,800 thunderstorms taking place.

• You may have heard that the air that leaves your body when you sneeze can reach speeds of up to 115 mph, but you may not know that ordinary exhalations travel at about 15 mph.

***

Thought for the Day: “When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of putting it into practice.” — Otto von Bismarck

Celebrating Family and Flavor, One Recipe at a Time

(StatePoint) No matter where you live or where you’re from, food is typically at the center of every family gathering. And, oftentimes, the dishes served come from recipes passed down for generations. To celebrate family, flavor, food and their new pellet blend collection, Bear Mountain Premium BBQ Woods is hosting the “Family Full of Flavor” contest, along with Merry Graham, an award-winning celebrity home chef and grandmother, and Jennifer Plemmons, a southern influencer and grilling mom. Families can submit their favorite recipes that are baked, or prepared on the grill, in the categories of appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts.

“Whether it’s a formal gathering or a casual picnic, good food enjoyed with loved ones helps us celebrate traditions and make memories,” says Graham. “We’re excited to try so many beloved family recipes with this contest and share them with others.”

Graham, Plemmons and the Bear Mountain team will review all recipes submitted between March 25 and April 19 and select three finalists. From April 22-30, anyone can visit BearMountainBBQ.com and vote for their favorite recipe once daily. Throughout the voting period, Graham and Plemmons will try out recipes and post them on their social media channels. The winner, announced May 1, will receive an all-expenses paid family reunion in the amount of a $5,000 gift card to Walmart. The two runners-up will receive a year’s supply of Bear Mountain pellets. To kick things off, Graham offers her recipe for Smoky Parmesan Panko Chicken Thighs, a budget-friendly meal for a crowd, and a tribute to her own cherished summer family barbecues.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 10 chicken thighs, bone-in

1 cup Italian salad dressing or seasoned buttermilk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard or honey mustard

1 1/2 cup panko crumbs

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bear Mountain Smoky Apple Whiskey BBQ Pellets

Packaged salad or homemade coleslaw for platter (optional)

Instructions:

Trim chicken of excess fat and scraggly skin. Leave enough to wrap the entire thigh.

Place thighs into a large mixing bowl. Pour Italian dressing over the chicken and toss a few times. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight at most.

Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic and coriander.

After marination, drain the dressing, wrap the loose skin tightly around the entire chicken thigh. It’s not necessary to rinse the chicken or pat it dry. Roll the chicken in flour mixture, and place on a baker’s rack to dry.

In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and mustard until smooth. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko crumbs, parmesan and black pepper.

Roll the floured chicken thighs into the egg mixture then press into the panko mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the coated chicken thighs on a baker’s rack to set.

Fill the hopper with Bear Mountain Smoky Apple Whisky BBQ Pellets. Set the grill or smoker to 400 degrees F.

Place chicken on the grill’s upper rack for indirect heat, and smoke for 50-60 minutes or for optimal tenderness, until the internal temperature reaches 175-185 degrees F. If desired, open the flame broiler for direct cooking and rotate during the last 10 minutes.

Take off the grill or smoker and rest for 10 minutes. Spread coleslaw on a serving platter and top with chicken, fresh herbs and lemon slices. Consider serving with biscuits, garlic mashed potatoes, peas, green beans or asparagus.

For contest instructions and rules, and to learn more about Bear Mountain BBQ’s new pellet blend collection, which includes Smoky Apple Whiskey, Maple Bourbon Pecan, Chef’s Choice, Chophouse Blend and Butcher’s Blend, and is available exclusively at Walmart, visit BearMountainBBQ.com. Flavor and family go hand in hand. Celebrate your family’s traditions with your favorite dishes.

American Cheese Meatloaf

If you ask the average person to list his favorite comfort foods, chances are that meatloaf would be on that list. Here is a wonderful new version to try. I predict that it will become a new favorite in your family.

16 ounces extra-lean ground turkey or beef

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dried fine breadcrumbs

1 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reducedfat tomato soup

1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

3 (3/4-ounce) slices reducedfat American cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butterflavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine meat, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper and 1/3 cup tomato soup. Mix well to combine. Pat mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.

2. Stir mustard, parsley flakes and black pepper into remaining tomato soup. Spread soup mixture evenly over partially baked meatloaf. Evenly arrange cheese slices over top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until meatloaf is cooked through and cheese is melted. Place loaf pan on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 servings. Freezes well.

• Each serving equals: 200 calories, 8g fat, 17g protein, 15g carb., 484mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Starch.

Spring Garden Sauté

With its bright colors and flavors, this warm dish of spring vegetables tastes even better than it looks.

2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

8 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed

1 tablespoon margarine or butter

1 pound radishes, each cut into quarters

Salt and pepper

4 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Fill large bowl with ice water; set aside. To saucepot, add asparagus and snap peas; cook 4 minutes. Drain vegetables; cool in bowl of ice water. Drain vegetables well.

2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat margarine on medium until melted. Add radishes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; cook 10 minutes or until tender-crisp. Transfer to bowl; keep warm. To same skillet, add asparagus, snap peas, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; cook 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in 2 tablespoons chives. Transfer to serving bowl; arrange radishes around edge. Sprinkle with remaining chives. Makes 10 sidedish servings.

TIP: Asparagus and snap peas can be cooked through step 1 up to one day ahead. Place in plastic storage bag and refrigerate until ready to use.

• Each serving: About 45 calories, 2g total fat, 185mg sodium, 5g total carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 3g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

1. ASTRONOMY: The star called Rigel is part of which constellation?

2. MYTHOLOGY: What did the god Frey represent in Norse mythology?

3. CHEMISTRY: What gas has the chemical symbol of CH4?

4. MOVIES: Who directed “The Magnificent Ambersons” and “Touch of Evil”?

5. HISTORY: Who was the first English king to hold the title “Prince of Wales”?

6. INVENTIONS: What was the name of the first submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who drew the famous image of Uncle Sam proclaiming, “I Want You”?

8. GEOGRAPHY: To what island group in the Caribbean does St. Croix belong?

9. LITERATURE: Which writer’s autobiography is called “Black Boy”?

10. POLITICS: Who was Adlai Stevenson’s vice-presidential running mate in 1956?

Answers

1. Orion

2. Frey is the Norse god of fertility

3. Methane

4. Orson Welles

5. Edward II

6. U.S.S. Holland

7. James Montgomery Flagg

8. U.S. Virgin Islands

9. Richard Wright

10. Estes Kefauver

1. Name the last baseball team before LSU in 2008-10 to win three consecutive SEC tournaments.

2. In 2009, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim set a major-league record for most hitters in one season having at least 50 RBIs. How many were there?

3. Who was the first player in NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl selection at two positions in the same season?

4. In 2011, David Lighty became the third Ohio State men’s basketball player to tally 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists for his career. Name the first two to do it?

5. In 2009-10, Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, at 20, became the thirdyoungest NHL player to hit the 50goal mark for a season. Who were the two younger players?

6. Who won the first gold medal in the Olympic men’s speed skating team pursuit in 2006?

7. Name the last European golfer before Lee Westwood in 2010 to be No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Answers

1. Alabama, 1995-97.

2. Eleven players.

3. Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson, in 2009.

4. Jim Jackson (1989-92) and Evan Turner (2007-10).

5. Wayne Gretzky and Jimmy Carson, both 19 years old.

6. Italy.

7. Nick Faldo, in 1994.

Merry Graham via StatePoint

BUSINESS

5 Women Leaders Share TheirBest Advice With The Next Generation

(StatePoint) Setting and reaching goals is never easy, and if you’re a woman, you will likely face additional challenges on the path to achieving your dreams.

To foster the success of future female leaders, five Wells Fargo honorees of American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking” are sharing their best advice with the next generation of female leaders:

1. Stick it out. Tracy Kerrins is Wells Fargo’s head of technology, a position equivalent to chief information officer. One of the only women at a large American bank with this role, Kerrins knows that roadblocks are a part of the journey that you should anticipate and plan for.

“Stick to your goals, even when obstacles emerge, and rely on those who are truly invested in your success,” she says.

This focus on preparedness keeps Kerrins on her toes in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Recently, she and her team implemented a number of personalization technology solutions that are improving the banking experience, including beefing up fraud detection and delivering a virtual assistant to customers.

2. Stay curious. Transforming the banking industry is fundamental to Kristy Fercho’s role at Wells Fargo as head of diverse segments, representation, and inclusion. Her motto amounts to “The 3 B’s,” which include, “Be excellent at your job. Be

curious. And most importantly: Be your authentic self.”

This attitude is valued at a time when Wells Fargo continues to commit to its diversity, equity and inclusion programs both inside the company and in communities where they operate.

3. Uplift others. For Ellen Patterson, general counsel for Wells Fargo, her own success is a reflection of the diligence and hard work of the team of over 1,200 attorneys and legal professionals she leads. She views every experience as an opportunity to learn from others and to teach others, regardless of seniority, and she values coming together as a team to put forth the strongest work product. That’s why she advises: “Be great at what you’re doing, and actively look for ways to be helpful to those around you. That applies in the early days and later on as well.”

4. Solve problems. Given her educational background, it’s no surprise that Tanya Sanders, head of Wells Fargo’s auto division, has confidence that solutions to most problems are

just waiting to be discovered. Not only is she a banker looking to simplify the process for consumers to obtain auto loans and vehicles, she’s also a mechanical engineer who believes, “There is incredible power in forging new and inclusive solutions.” She advises future leaders to “Find ways to collaborate with professional and community colleagues to develop solutions that expand economic and social benefits for everyone.”

5. Communicate effectively. Kara McShane, head of Wells Fargo’s commercial real estate division, believes strong communications are a critical component of business acumen. Her advice is to, “Learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in order to be effective. Be direct but diplomatic. How you say it is as important as what you say.”

Whether you’re in school, recently graduated or in the middle of your career, applying the triedand-true lessons of successful women leaders can help you meet challenges head on and make a bigger impact.

Act locally during Global VolunteerMonth

(StatePoint) April is Global Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate volunteers and inspire volunteerism in communities large and small.

Volunteerism is on the decline, according to research from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau. And what’s more, Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, shared that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. During Global Volunteer Month, advocates are trying to change that perception at the local level.

“Volunteers are crucial to solving pressing challenges, creating vibrant communities and strengthening our social fabric,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Every person has something to share or give.”

To boost volunteer engagement during Global Volunteer Month, Points of Light is sharing the following ways you and your family can make a positive impact in your neighborhood or town:

Spread the word: Use the Global Volunteer Month toolkit, along with the hashtag #GlobalVolunteerMonth to thank volunteers. Be sure to tag a volunteer whose impact you appreciate.

Take the pledge: To show your commitment to volunteering, take Points of Light’s pledge. Then, discover ways to get involved that support your favorite cause and availability using Points of Light Engage, a database featuring hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities worldwide, including some in your area. Remember that volunteering doesn’t have to be through a formal organization. Lending a helping hand to a friend, family member or neighbor counts, too. In fact, 70% of volunteer work is carried out locally and informally, without the involvement of any

organization, according to the UN. Expand your impact: Learn about the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that outlines the many forms of civic engagement. These actions include listening and learning, using one’s voice, social entrepreneurship, volunteering, public, national or military service, using one’s purchasing power to express values, working, voting and donating.

Get inspired: Points of Light recognizes ordinary people doing extraordinary things to strengthen communities and solve persistent problems with its Daily Point of Light Award. Know an outstanding volunteer in your community? Nominate them as a Daily Point of Light by visiting pointsoflight.org/ dailypointoflight, or to inspire others, share these stories of recent honorees:

Daily Point of Light Award honoree T’Kiyah Threatt is a 21-year-old from Uniontown, Alabama, a town of just over 2,000 residents. She dove into service as a high school junior when she started working with C.H.O.I.C.E., an organization that ensures young people get needed resources. Three years ago, she became the first president of the Youth Advisory Council and began leading mentoring efforts, going above and beyond to find funds for a scholarship for a deserving mentee. Even after moving away for college, Threatt returns to work with her own mentee while recruiting community partners and soliciting funding for programs.

Daily Point of Light Award honoree Teresa Gerald of Ridgeland, Mississippi, channels her passion for literacy into volunteer work through Friends of the Ridgeland Library, where she has held the elected position of president since 2014, contributing thousands of volunteer hours. Twice a year, Gerald manages, promotes and works the Friends of the Ridgeland Library Book Sale. When the library’s funding was cut by $110,000 in fiscal year 2021- 2022, her fundraising efforts with Every Library Institute raised $112,000 in emergency funds. No matter the scale, Points of Light recognizes the spirit of volunteerism as a driving force of change around the world.

“We’re celebrating volunteers around the world all month long, as well as calling on people to take action. Throughout April, lend your time, talent and passion to a cause you care about and invite others to join you, creating a ripple effect of change,” said Sirangelo.

How to Erase Negative Self-Talk and Feel Better

(StatePoint) It’s been four years since the collective trauma of the pandemic created widespread grief, anxiety and isolation, but the psychological wounds of this period have not fully healed.

The American Psychological Association reports continued elevated rates of anxiety and depression among Americans, and mental health experts say that negative self-talk plays a large role in these conditions and other psychological issues. The good news? Individuals can work on subtracting a harmful inner monologue from the equation.

“Simple tools can help people break the cycle of negative self-talk and find some inner peace,” says Elizabeth Scott, PhD, a wellness coach, health educator and author of “8 Keys to Stress Management.”

That’s why Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen) is supporting the Erase SelfNegativity Initiative in partnership with key mental health and wellness experts, including Dr. Scott, and with guidance from America’s largest grassroots mental health organization, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

As part of the initiative, Dr. Scott and NAMI have created a guided exercise to help individuals begin their journey toward erasing the disempowering influence that negative self-talk has on their lives. The exercises include writing down the negative beliefs one holds about themself and then destroying or erasing the writing, a practice that has been found by research to be helpful in minimizing those beliefs.

“Simply externalizing these negative thoughts empowers us to rewrite our narrative and opens the door to giving ourselves more grace,” says Dr. Scott.

Dr. Scott stresses that similar to maintaining physical health, consistency is key with mental health. This is why every April 10 will be recognized as National Erase SelfNegativity Day and the initiative will use the 10th of each month, as a day to start or revisit the writing exercise and reflect on personal progress.

Here’s what’s needed to get started: 1. Aquiet, restful location, 2. Adesire to create change

3. Paper

4. AFriXion erasable pen, which offers more than just the ability to write and erase completely; but also symbolizes the power individuals have to change things and write more positivity into their story.

The Erase Self-Negativity Worksheet can be found by visiting eraseselfnegativity.com. For additional resources to understand how common, and treatable mental health issues can be, visit nami.org.

“While we can’t control the negative messages we might receive from the outside world, we can work on what we tell ourselves. With just a few minutes of quiet time, we can harness the transformative power of writing in a way that will challenge the damaging assumptions we hold about ourselves and foster more self-compassion,” says Dr. Scott.

(c) PeopleImages / iStock via Getty Images Plus