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NOVEMBER 25

Vol 21, No. 7 • November 2021

News You Can Use

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Group finds God's glory on muddy off-road trails

Brandon and Kayla Johnson

By Lucy Weber On steep terrains or on muddy trails, Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS

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Brandon and Kayla Johnson find God's beauty when they're taking part in their favorite outdoor hobby - off road trail riding. 38835 The founders of the Muddin 4 Jesus group enjoy their off-roading weekend adventures alone or with other members of their familyfriendly Facebook Group. The Booneville couple discovered

the joys of trail riding, mud and all, in 2016 when they purchased their first fourwheel off-road vehicle. "It's a good way to communicate with God, getting out there to see what He's created," Brandon Johnson said. "In the Bible, it says do all things in honor of God," he said, and that's what this hobby means to the couple who attends Martin Hill Free Will Baptist Church. While off-roading can lend itself to a

party-like atmosphere, the Johnsons say their group, which keeps growing with members from different areas of the country, emphasizes a family atmosphere with no drinking and evenings with devotionals around the campfire after an exhilarating day traveling mountain trails. "There's a lot of mud in the trails," he said. One of the Johnsons' favorite places to go off road is in the 73,000-acre Windrock Park in Oliver Springs, Tenn. They found it when they were searching for trail parks that don't allow alcohol. "We just went to a fall event and they had racing, mud-racing for kids, a haunted trail ride, mountain guided tours, music, all geared toward the whole family," Johnson said. Muddin 4 Jesus offers camaraderie with folks from Northeast Mississippi, Chattanooga, southern Indiana, Nashville and Kentucky, to name a few of the areas that members call home. "We meet up at different events and riding parks," Johnson said, with trips to Mulberry, Ark., and Black Hills, South Dakota, planned. Johnson said the group plans its own events A get-together at Mulberry Mountain in May is the next one on the schedule for Muddin 4 Jesus. The group has sponsors and sells Tshirts at different events to benefit people or families in need. "When we sell T-shirts, that money goes to giving back." Off-road on different trails is a wonderful activity for couples to enjoy together, Johnson said. He grew up riding fourwheelers and broke his back in a fourwheeler accident in 2004. Kayla Johnson had never ridden, but they were looking for a hobby in 2016 to enjoy together. "We were looking at vehicles, and fell in love see MUDDIN.....pg 4

November 2021

The Community News Flash

Editor’s Corner

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

One day as I was walking into the house, I heard my radio station playing the song Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness. Hearing this song playing made my mind go back 30 years into my past and to revisit a troubled time in my past. At the time, I was dealing with some difficult situations on my job and there were days when I didn’t know how I was going to make it through. I have always used music as a tool to help me fix the issue that plagued my life, and this wouldn’t be any different. Needless to say, Optimistic was in heavy rotation back then because it helped me through a difficult period in my life. Fast forward 30 years. I am now at a different point in my spiritual journey. Therefore, I see the things I thought were so bad as part of God’s process to help shape and mold me for his purpose. Many times, we struggle in the pits and cocoon of life like Joseph and the beautiful monarch butterfly. In the life of Joseph, he experienced the dreadful evil of jealousy and was thrown in the pit by his brothers. What his brothers didn’t realize was the pit had a purpose. Later in his life, lust came lurking for Joseph as he ran to escape the clutches of Pharaoh's lustrous wife

Stay Optimistic only later to face the perils of prison. Finally, after going through the process of jealousy, lust, and the perils of imprisonment, he was ushered into a palace life to lead those who meant evil for him. They all meant it for bad because they didn’t know the plans of God. As I continued to reflect on the story of Joseph, I thought about the story of the beautiful monarch butterfly. Once a little boy was playing outdoors and found a caterpillar. He carefully picked it up and took it home to show his mother. He asked his mother if he could keep it, and she said he could if he would take care of it. The little boy got a large jar from his mother and put plants to eat, and a stick to climb on, in the jar. Every day he watched the caterpillar and brought it new plants to eat. One day the caterpillar climbed up the stick and started acting strangely. The boy worriedly called his mother who came and understood that the caterpillar was creating a cocoon. The mother explained to the boy how the caterpillar was going to go through a metamorphosis and become a butterfly. The little boy was thrilled to

hear about the changes his caterpillar would go through. He watched every day, waiting for the butterfly to emerge. One day it happened, a small hole appeared in the cocoon and the butterfly started to struggle to come out. At first the boy was excited, but soon he became concerned. The butterfly was struggling so hard to get out! It looked like it couldn’t break free! It looked desperate! It looked like it was making no progress! The boy was so concerned he decided to help. He ran to get scissors, and then walked back. He snipped the cocoon to make the hole bigger and the butterfly quickly emerged! As the butterfly came out the boy was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge and expand to support the swollen body. It never happened. The butterfly never was able to fly… As the boy tried to figure out what had gone wrong his mother took him to talk to a scientist from a local college. He learned that the butterfly was supposed to struggle. In fact, the butterfly’s struggle to push its way through the tiny

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opening of the cocoon pushes the fluid out of its body and into its wings. Without the struggle, the butterfly would never, ever fly. The boy’s good intentions hurt the butterfly. As you go through life keep in mind that struggling is an important part of any growth experience. In fact, it is the struggle that causes you to develop your ability to fly.

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The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

Even though it was in my past, I was glad to hear the song Optimistic because it reminded me, I should always keep my head to the sky and stay optimistic as God matures me through each process of life so that I can lead others as I spread my wings to soar like a beautiful monarch butterfly. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

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Notable Quote “Low self-confidence isn’t a life sentence. Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered – just like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will change for the better.”– Barrie Davenport

November 2021

NOVEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA

If Your Business, Church, Civic Group or Organization would like to sponsor the Bible Trivia each month call (662) 643-6842 or email us read.newsflash@gmail.com

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The Community News Flash

1. Who was told by God to take his shoes off because he was standing on holy ground? 2. Who told people that he was not worthy to carry the Messiah's sandals? 3. Who told a king that he would not accept a gift of shoelaces? 4. What book mentions the custom of giving a person one's shoe as a sign of transferring property? 5. What nation did God toss his shoes upon? 6. During what historic event were the Hebrews instructed to keep their shoes on and be ready to travel? 7. For what crime could a man have his shoe taken away and his face spit in? 8. What were the best-made shoes in the Bible? 9. Whom did Jesus tell not to carry sandals with them on their journey? 10. What towns' people tricked Joshua by putting on worn-out shoes when they went to meet him? 11. What sea, according to Isaiah, would be dried up by the Lord so that men could walk over it in their shoes? 12. What prophet, once he had taken his shoes office, walked around barefoot for years? 13. According to Ezekiel, what city did God put leather sandals on? 14. Who was told not to take his shoes off after his wife died? 15. Which prophet accused the people of Israel of selling the poor people for a pair of sandals? 16. What book has a devoted lover praising a woman's sandaled feet? 17. Who was told by the commander of the heavenly army to take off his shoes? 18. Who ordered a pair of sandals for his son's feet? 19. Who was told by an angel to put on his clothes and shoes? 20. Who prophesied that soldier's boots would be used as fuel for burning? 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

October Answers 1. They both raised a prophet. 2. Bareskin 3. Wet 4. Enoch, his father, never died; he was taken into heaven. 5. Early in the fall 6. The wages of sin 7. "King Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases" (2 Kings 16:17) 8. Joseph; the pharaoh made a ruler of him 9. Because Noah sat on the deck 10. He had poor comforters. 11. Eve 12. One was high ark; the other is a hierarch. 13. He rocked Goliath to sleep. 14. You can't keep a good man down. 15. They come before the fall. 16. Down in the mouth 17. Noah, who took Ham into the ark. 18. Adam's first day-it had no eve. 19. They raised Cain. 20. God took their Paradise (pair o' dice) away. 21. Eve; she presented him with a little Cain. 22. Joshua, the son of Nun 23. David, who slept with his forefathers. 24. Moses didn't go on the ark. 25. Adam; God removed one of his ribs.

November 2021

The Community News Flash

Simple Tips to Adjust to The Time Change

MUDDIN....from page 1 with the idea. When we got home, we talked about it and went back to get it. "We've now been going since 2016, and every time we still see new things on our rides," Johnson said.

(StatePoint) Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends November 7, and if you are already dreading the adjustment, you are not alone. The physical and mental effects are real, and many people undergo mood shifts, fatigue and stress as their bodies adjust. To “fall back” this fall stress-free, try these techniques: • Adjust slowly: Rather than wait until DST ends to shift your sleep schedule by a full hour all at once, start to adjust incrementally in 10 to 15 minute segments over the course of four to six days. This method will help you sleep more soundly and be less tired. If possible, adjust your meal times accordingly as well. For an easy transition, get the entire household in on the evolving schedule, including children and pets. • Get a great timepiece: The simplicity of having your watch adjust automatically to Johnson shares the group's activities and adventures on the Facebook and Instagram pages Muddin 4 Jesus. He also has a YouTube channel dedicated to the group's off-road, trail-riding times.

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the correct time will help ensure you are awake and where you need to be in the days ahead. To that end, consider updating your timepiece to one that’s Bluetooth-enabled. Those in the Edifice lineup are especially useful for travelers and those who work with people around the world, as they analyze current time and positioning data and reset automatically four times a day to always display the accurate time in your location, as well as locations globally. You might also consider a watch with Multi-Band 6 technol-

ogy. This useful tech feature of many Casio and G-Shock timepieces synchronizes with atomic clocks -- the most accurate form of timekeeping in existence -- by receiving information from radio waves. • Seek sunlight: With the sun setting at an earlier hour, you may find yourself in the dark as your work day ends. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D, which is vital to your health. It also boosts happiness hormones to help beat depression and stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder. If possible, take a walk midday or sit near a window at lunch to ensure you get a daily dose of sun exposure each day. • Create a routine: You can avoid the pitfalls of fatigue that many experience when DST ends by carving out an evening routine that prepares your body for bedtime. Whether it’s a half an hour of screenfree reading, meditation, journaling or enjoying a cup of herbal, caffeine-free tea, such rituals can help signal the body and mind that it’s time for sleep. Likewise, a morning routine -such as performing a set of dynamic stretches, jogging or eating Briana and Tae Buchanan a protein-rich breakfast, can energize you for the day ahead. While time changes are never fun, you can help ease the transition with new habits and innovative tech tools.

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November 2021

Think Carefully Before Moving Many seniors are changing their lives and moving to be near their children and grandchildren. Is it always a good idea? I received a heartbreaking letter from a woman who did move. I’ll call her Rose. Rose was happy where she was, surrounded by friends in a town where she’d lived for many years, in a house that had been built by her husband for their family, active in the community. Rose’s son and his family lived three states away, but they visited a few times a year, and she traveled to their house for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. It was when her son and his wife were expecting another child that things changed. They wanted her to move closer to them so she could be more a part of the lives of her grandchildren, and Rose loved the idea. They promised to help her find a new house near them, and they did. They even helped her move. “I sold a larger home and had to buy a smaller one because the area is very expensive,” writes Rose. “That was fine because I’m near my grandchildren. But truthfully, this isn’t home. Home is the place I left.” Now, a year later, Rose’s son has received an offer he can’t refuse: A significant promotion. The problem is that the job is in another state. Now Rose is faced with a dilemma: Does she move again and follow her son and grandchildren to a new place? This is a question that has no easy answers. Don’t get caught in this situation. In our highly mobile society, it’s common to move for a better job. Explore all the possibilities before you agree to uproot and move to be near your children. Being a grandparent is only part of the whole you. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

The Community News Flash

A Stress Test Without the Stress DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor insists I have a “no exercise” nuclear stress test. What is the procedure? Could it harm my heart? I think I might get halfway through the test and need to have it stopped. Are there less-intrusive tests that would suffice? I am 82. Please give me a second opinion. — D.G. ANSWER:Your doctor wants you to have a pharmacologic stress test, a nosweat stress test. An ordinary stress test is done with the patient on a treadmill. Every three minutes, the speed of the treadmill and its incline increase. At first the person walks at an ordinary clip on a flat surface. After some time, that person is walking, then jogging, then running on a surface that becomes steeper and steeper. The idea is to “stress” the heart. During the test, an EKG is constantly running. If the heart muscle isn’t getting enough blood to support the increased work, changes occur on the EKG and the test is stopped. Your test will be quite different. You don’t move a muscle. You are given an injection of medicine that stresses your heart in ways completely different from exercise. During the test you don’t do a thing. You scarcely know that anything is happening. You don’t become short of breath, sweaty or tired. The nuclear part of the test is the taking of pictures of your heart after an injection of a small dose of radioactive material is given. The pictures show if

there is any blockage in heart arteries, and if so, where the blockage is. Pictures are taken at the end of the test and four hours later, when the heart has returned to its resting state. This test doesn’t put you in danger. If anything bad develops — and it rarely does — the test can be terminated immediately. There are no less-intrusive tests that can substitute for it. This isn’t considered an invasive procedure. Relax. You’ll do fine. The coronary (heart) artery disease booklet describes how this condition is diagnosed and treated. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Canada. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: About a month ago, while doing sit-ups, I felt something pop in the area around my bellybutton, and I saw a little bulge there. It’s soft and doesn’t hurt. Is this a hernia? — R.B. ANSWER: It could be an umbilical hernia. The umbilicus is the navel or bellybutton, whatever you want to call it. It’s the place where the umbilical cord attached to the fetus. For some, it’s a weak spot in the abdominal wall. A hernia is a protrusion of organs or tissues through such a weak spot. You should have a doctor examine this for a definite call. If it is a hernia, it probably would have developed whether you were doing sit-ups or doing anything else that increases pressure within the abdominal cavity. The sit-ups didn’t create the weak spot. It’s been there from birth. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. © 2007 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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November 2021

The Community News Flash

WELLNESS

5 Ways Technology Can Motivate You to Stay Active in Fall

(StatePoint) With the days growing shorter and the weather getting cooler, it’s easy to fall into a rut during the fall season. Here’s how the latest technology can support your efforts to keep your mind and body active in the months ahead. • Create a daily routine: Wearable tech can help motivate you to create a daily routine and get out the door every day, even if it’s just for a short walk around the neighborhood. For example, when G-Shock watches are connected via Bluetooth to companion apps, you can monitor and track such data as step count logs, calories burned and exercise intensity levels. These durable watches also feature daily, weekly and monthly activity achievement graphs, which can help you monitor your progress over time and push yourself a bit further. • Get better sleep: Better sleep means more energy during the day to fuel your active lifestyle. A range of apps can help you get to sleep faster, however Slumber is one that features an enormous sleep library of meditations, soothing stories, music and soundscapes, all of which are designed to quiet the mind and guide you to sleep. • Go on an adventure: The right outdoor watch can be your companion on adventures big and small. Packed with technological features to help navigate any adventure, Casio’s PRO TREK PRTB70-5 is great for hiking, climbing, trekking and even fishing. Quad sensor technology detects compass bearing,

barometric pressure, altitude and temperature readings, plus an accelerometer can log daily steps counts. By connecting via Bluetooth to the PRO TREK Connected app, you can obtain useful information such as route log and calories burned. Your watch can even help you catch your dinner. Its Fish-In-Time feature displays catch probability throughout the day, while the fishing timer’s alarm automatically counts down to the next ideal catch period. • Improve mobility: Sore muscles can sideline you from staying active, however, with new tech, you can give yourself a high-quality massage that helps you regain mobility and get back to it faster. The Bluetooth enabled Hypervolt massager, for example, syncs with an app to guide you through custom recovery programs. • Track nature: New apps are inspiring people of all ages to become amateur naturalists. A joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, iNaturalist helps you identify plants and animals around you, record and share your observations, and connect with others doing the same. The data collected helps scientists working to protect the environment. By leveraging new technology, you can help keep your body and mind active engaged in the months ahead for a happy and healthy fall season.

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November 2021

The Community News Flash

Mississippi Mudders - Having Fun in the Mud & Helping Families In Need

Back row: Ashley Brown, Nick Brown Micheal Clark, Jordan Copland Front row: Guy Brown, Azarella Bearden Domanick Layman

Rachel Long and Steven Barnett

By Angela Rogalski Steven Barrett and Rachael Long are the founding members of Mississippi Mudders, a 4wheeler and side-by-side riding group in North Mississippi that does much more than just have fun. Although, they do that as well. Based in Booneville, Miss., Mississippi Mudders hits trails and mud rides all over the area, many times doing it to raise money for families in need. "All of our main members, people who have

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been around since the group was founded about a year ago, are mainly located in Northeast Miss.," Barrett Said. "Places like Guntown, Corinth, Booneville, and just all over Northeast Miss. We ride 4-wheelers and side-by-sides on trails and in the mud and we do it for fun and to meet other people who enjoy it, but when the opportunity arises, we also try and help people or families in need. And recently, we've helped two different families: the Walker family and a little girl who was in a side-by-side accident in Dumas, Miss.

What we generally do is raise as much money as we can and then give the proceeds to Mississippi Trail Riders in Iuka and they donate it along with their fundraising efforts to families in need." Barrett said when they first started it was just a couple of buddies getting together to ride and then posting their pictures and videos on Facebook. "That way we could all keep track of what we did and where we rode each time," he explained. "It was a way of getting together and getting our families together too. Eventually, it just grew into what it is today, where we get together and try and help people as we enjoy our riding. We even have a few members from South Mississippi, Tennessee

and Arkansas." Barrett said they try and get together for rides at least every other weekend, but sometimes other responsibilities hinder that schedule. "For example, I drive a truck over-the-road for my job, so sometimes I can't do the every other weekend ride," he added. "But we do try." Mississippi Mudders' Facebook page has around 1,100 members, so the group is definitely flourishing. And with the holiday season approaching, Barrett said that they plan on doing an event for the Angel Tree program in Tupelo, Miss. "We're going to try and get together and do something for the Angel Tree Christmas program," he added. "And that money will go straight to the Angel Tree program in Tupelo to buy gifts for families in need during the holidays." Barrett said there is always a reason for why they ride, whether it's to have fun or to help a family. "With that in mind, we also sell our T-shirts online at www.mississippimuddersmerch.com on our website," he added, "along with other items. We sell our hats too, but only in person at our events." For more information, visit the Mississippi Mudders Facebook page:

The Community News Flash

Foundation works to help veterans with mental health issues in family member's memory

Joey McNutt

By Lucy Weber Veterans in Northeast Mississippi canfind someone to listen and to help when they're in need at Hinderless22: RonnieMcNutt Foundation. The McNutt family created the non-profitfoundation in February after Army veteran Ronnie McNutt committed suicide whilelivestreaming on Facebook on Aug. 31, 2020. The foundation wants to makes sure veterans facing any type of issues, from PTSD to anxiety/depression tothoughts of suicide, find an understanding ear to listen, understand and then help them through whatever they are facing, said Joey McNutt, Ronnie'sbrother, who carries a phone with him 24/7 to respond to veterans. "We decided there needs to be more awareness of veteran suicides. What better way is there to honor him (Ronnie)." The latest national data says that 22 veterans commit suicide each day, but McNutt said that number is likely much higher. "We don't want any service members or their families to suffer in silence," said McNutt, who served 23

years in the military and made two combat deployments to Iraq before being medically discharged in 2020. "We decided there needs to be more awareness" of the myriad of mental health and wellness issues veterans suffer. "We want to end veterans' suicides. Our phone lines are always open, 662279-6938." The calls don't have to be related to suicidal thoughts but can be about any concerns or issues that a veteran or a family member worried about their veteran may have. The goal of this outreach is to bring veterans together with like-minded people to help. "We will sit and talk with them for however long it takes," McNutt said. "It's not a weakness to reach out. Soldiers never hesitate in combat to reach out to help, and this is no different." McNutt views the foundation's work as his personal mission. "It made me realize that something must be done to help these veterans. We are working to get the message out that we're here to help, even if they just want

to talk. We can be here for that first contact." The foundation's work is helping the McNutt family heal by caring for veterans like Ronnie would want. "He was a really caring person. He was always helping others in the church and the community. He would stand up for people who couldn't stand up for themselves. He believed that every person deserved respect." The non-profit sells merchandise to raise money to help veterans and to sponsor a memorial scholarship at Tishomingo County High School, where Ronnie graduated. Merchandise includes shirts and beard grooming products made exclusively for the foundation by Steele Magnolia Beard Co. The Ronnie McNutt Foundation in January will be the charity beneficiary of the Smoky Mountain Bearded Villains fourth annual beard growing contest. Ronnie McNutt was a member of the North Mississippi Bearded Villains. To learn more about the work of the foundation, visit www.hinderless22.org or its Facebook page.

November 2021

The Community News Flash

Group rides the trails and raises the money to benefit those in need

Cole Mobley and Jimmy Studdard

By Lucy Weber A Facebook Group that started out as an association of off-roading enthusiasts who love being outdoors and riding their sideby-sides and four-wheelers has grown into a fund-raising machine helping those in need. Mississippi Trail Riders has raised about $30,000 to $40,000 in numerous events since holding their first benefit event in January 2021. "All of our profits go directly into a bank account designed to help everyone we can. We sell our own line of merchandise, which helps us raise funds. We have live DJing, do raffles, have trail rides, car shows, help from off-road parks, discounts for members, and other types of racing events to draw in crowds to our benefits," group administrator Jimmy Studdard said. "Most of the time people reach out to us (for help) and we decide what's

the best thing we can do to help them out," he said, adding that the first event resulted from the death of a moderator on the Facebook private group page last December. "It was then that I decided to do a benefit for his family to help with expenses during their time of need. I had some friends help out with the planning and setting up of the benefit. It was a hit and we raised over $10,000 for the family. At that benefit my friends and I decided to

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take the page to the next level, helping people in times of need by running the page as a nonprofit organization," Studdard said. The private Facebook page, Mississippi Trail Riders, has more than 8,000 members active in the off-road community. There is a public page that shares photos and news about upcoming events called MississippiTrail Riders. The group's next upcoming event will be to raise funds for Toys 4 Tots at the BMB Off-Road park in Fulton in December. For enthusiasts like Studdard, trail riding is an escape from everyday life, or as he calls it "seat therapy." Haley Yarbrough and Cole Mobley help plan trail rides and benefits along with Studdard. Yarbrough said the January benefit was what got her heavily involved with Mississippi Trail Riders. "We all wanted to come together for the family because he was a very active member of our Facebook group and an allaround good-hearted man and person to be around," she said. "We had over 400 peo-

Haley Yarbrough, Wendy Cottingham , Angel Hicks and Erica Young

ple show up and show support to that family. After that weekend we (Jimmy, Cole, and myself) decided that is somethings we truly wanted to do. We enjoyed seeing how happy that little bit of money raised helped that one family in need. Now we have talked about doing a suicide awareness ride every January in honor of our friend," Yarbrough said. The most recent benefit the group put on was for a local family in Iuka that was involved in a collision that was fatal to the youngest son of the family. "That benefit was completely different than what

Brandy Holt and Lee Landis

we are used to. Instead of a ride we wanted to do something that helped the family and involved the entire community in Iuka. We ended up doing a car/atv, truck/jeep, and motorcycle show to help raise money for the Walker family. We raised a little over $7,000 for that family. I'm happy we could do what we did," Yarbrough said. The group is always eager to help if possible. "We can't help everyone, but we are going to try our best to do what we can," Mobley said. Yarbrough encourages anyone who wants to be part of Mississippi Trail Riders to join the Facebook page. "We are just a group

Braxton Brown

of friends and family that enjoys riding. It's just a big community that just so happens has the same hobby as the next person. We laugh, we cry, we hoop, and we holler. It's just something we do for fun." There is no specific type of vehicle for those who want to go off-roading with the group. "Side by sides, fourwheelers jeeps, trucks, golf carts, you never know what you might see. Trail riding consist of getting together with a bunch of friends and famil) and just finding a place to ride, whether it is paved or dirt," Mobley said. "Trail riding is my way of unwinding from the week or the day to day stress at work and it's just a way to have fun with a bunch of friends that I consider family." "There are so many 'offroad vehicles that we can't just narrow it down," Yarbrough said. "There is Honda, Polaris, Can-am, John Deer, and CF Moto. Then you have all your 4x4 vehicles, like trucks and Jeeps. It involves getting a group of friends together one day and just hitting the woods for a little while and seeing where the trail takes you." "You could end up stuck and having to get pulled out, you could end up trying to climb a hill that you shouldn't be climbing. There is a lot to it," she added. "Trail riding is a hobby for just about anyone. We get to have the wind in our hair and not have a care in the world for a little while."

The Community News Flash

November 2021

Tips to Encourage Your Child to Adopt Healthy Eating Habits

(StatePoint) While there is a lot of guidance available about what to feed children, until now, there has been little guidance about how to feed them. New recommendations offer parents and caregivers practical tips for encouraging healthy eating habits vital to growth, development and health. “Childhood is a critical period for developing lifelong eating habits, and home is one of the first places where these habits emerge,” says Megan Lott, MPH, RD, deputy director of Healthy Eating Research (HER). “As a registered dietitian and parent myself, I know that reluctance to try new foods and other picky eating habits are common in childhood.”

In an effort to make mealtimes easier for families, HER, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) based at Duke University, recently convened a panel that reviewed scientific research to develop recommendations for how to feed children ages 2-8. They found that structuring the home to provide healthy choices and supporting children’s independence in trying and learning to like new foods are more effective than pressuring children to eat. They also found that the single most effective strategy to get kids to eat healthy food is through repeated exposure. Here’s a snapshot of the panel’s top tips: • Promote independence: Giving kids some control at mealtime helps them learn to like healthful foods. Avoid pressuring kids to finish everything on their plate. Instead, help them learn to identify when they’re hungry or full. • Get them involved: Get kids involved in meal selection and preparation. Even very young children can help wash fruits and vegetables. • Make mealtime fun: Give foods fun names, share family recipes and food traditions, and talk about your favorite dishes. • Avoid food rewards: Bribing with sweet treats is tempting, but non-food rewards are more effective in the long run. You can also use praise, like “Good job trying the beans!” to convey love and encourage trying healthy food. • Create a positive environment: Provide an environment that lends itself to healthy habits. Keep a bowl of fruit on the counter and chopped vegetables in the fridge. Portion healthy

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snacks into individual-serving size containers and leave them at kids’ eye level and within reach. Offer vegetables as an appetizer to give kids the opportunity to eat healthy foods when hungry and without other competing food. Limit the number of unhealthy snacks in the house. • Try, try again: Toddlers and preschoolers commonly go through a phase of fearing new foods, however, most kids grow out of this. Try to be patient. It often takes time for kids to develop new, healthy eating habits. Repeated exposure matters. In fact, kids may need to try something 10-15 times before knowing if they like it or not, and this can happen over weeks or months and through different preparations. To avoid food waste, start small. For a new food, consider offering just a few bites. • Be a role model: Kids often look around them for cues about what to eat, and they look up to you! Let them see you make healthy choices, for your sake and theirs. For more tips that encourage healthy eating habits, visit HealthyEatingResearch.org and follow #HealthyTipsHealthyKids on Instagram. “The recommendations were designed to give parents, caregivers and the providers who work with children reliable?information about what we know works,” says Lott. “However, our national policies must do a better job of supporting the health and well-being of children and families, prioritizing equity, and making healthy food available to and affordable for everyone.”

November 2021

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH

Kids Zone

November 2021

The Community News Flash

Asparagus Is Perfect for Recipes Nothing says spring is here like a beautiful bunch of crisp asparagus. While asparagus is available yearround, it's much better when purchased locally. Asparagus is easy to select and prepare, and comes in a variety of vibrant colors including green, violet, purple and white. It also grows wild and is commercially available fresh, frozen and canned. The stalks range in size from colossal to small. Various types and colors of asparagus can be used without any noticeable difference in the taste, so mix and match colors and sizes for visual interest.

Asparagus should be crisp and firm, not limp or wrinkled, with tightly closed tips. Dull colors and ridges in the stems are an indication of a lack of freshness. The stalks should not be limp or dry at the cut and of uniform thickness. If you're planning to use the asparagus on the same day, rinse it under cool water and pat the stalks dry with a paper towel. Smaller stalks can be broken or cut at the point where the stem naturally snaps. Peeling the end of thicker stalks with a paring knife or a vegetable peeler removes any woody stems and can be done up to 2 hours before cooking. Place the prepared asparagus in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to stay crisp until ready to cook. Fresh asparagus should

never be washed or soaked before storing. If the asparagus is bound with a rubber band, remove it, as it will pinch and bruise the stalks. Asparagus can be stored for up to two days if the stalks are trimmed and placed upright in a jar with about an inch of water in the bottom. Cover the asparagus with a plastic bag and store the

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spears in the refrigerator. Asparagus cooks in minutes and can be prepared steamed or boiled in the microwave or oven. It tastes delicious hot or cold, and it also freezes well if blanched first in hot water. Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse. One-half cup of cooked asparagus contains significant amounts of folic

acid, vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene. It's also a heart-healthy food, and a natural diuretic. This versatile vegetable works well as a room-temperature appetizer, blended into a soup, as a flavorful side dish, the main ingredient in a colorful salad or as part of a main course like my recipe for Lemon Chicken with Asparagus. Preparing asparagus is a delicious and nutritious way to celebrate spring. LEMON CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS 4 chicken breasts, about 3 pounds, washed and fat trimmed and removed 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 pound asparagus, stalks trimmed and cut into 1

inch pieces 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup chicken stock 3 cups cooked rice In a large non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Season the chicken pieces with the salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Place the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the pieces skin-side up, and cook until golden brown and done, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red bell pepper. Add the asparagus and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the zest and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Serve immediately over hot rice.

November 2021

The Community News Flash

By Samantha Weaver

• “If you have small children, you might want to keep a red washcloth in your first-aid kit. Sometimes the sight of blood can upset a child out of proportion with the injury. If you use a red washcloth, blood won’t show and you can spend your time calming the hurt, not the emotion.” — School Nurse in Arizona • “To keep cats away from plants in the veggie garden, lay out strips of tin foil. You can tack them into the soil with pins or even sharp sticks. This will also keep birds away from lowgrowing plants, but the birds have to be able to see the tin foil. It’s no good if they are buried under the foliage.” — U.L. in Texas • “If you are a disabled person who is flying, ask if you are able to use the executive lounge for a layover. Many airlines will allow this, even if you are not a member. It has worked for my mother, who is legally blind. She is able to stay out of the way and listen to a little TV, and the customer-service agent who is attending the lounge can let her know where to go and when.” — C.L. in Massachusetts • “We divide Halloween candy up into portions when we arrive home from trick-or-treating. The first portion is for the child to have on Halloween, the second is kept out for small treats until Thanksgiving, and another portion is frozen to share with family on Thanksgiving Day. It helps them to part with it if they know when to anticipate its return!” — Y.L.D. in Nevada • Looking for an easy way to store flower bulbs? Add them to a leg of panty hose, tie each one off separately and hang them in a cool, dark place. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

• You might be surprised to learn that the highest reward ever offered for the capture of Henry McCarty — the infamous outlaw better known as Billy the Kid — was $500. • It was famed Irish author George Bernard Shaw who made the following sage observation: “A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” • The multinational telecommunications company Motorola was actually founded in 1928, though its original name was Galvin Manufacturing Company. • From the Before They Were Famous file: comedian Jerry Seinfeld was a telemarketer, selling light bulbs by phone; actress Demi Moore was employed by a debt-collection agency; rocker David Lee Roth worked as an orderly in a hospital; and singer Madonna worked at Dunkin’Donuts. • You may know that on Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviet Union earned the distinction of putting the first humanmade object into space with the launch of the satellite Sputnik 1. You may not know, though, that in Russian, the word “sputnik” means “fellow traveler.” • You’ve almost certainly heard the song “For Once in My Life” — the version recorded by Canadian singer Michael Buble has been all over the airwaves in recent years. You might not be aware of the song’s long history, though. Since it was written in 1967 by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden, it’s been recorded by such musical luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. In fact, with more than 200 versions, it’s one of the mostrecorded songs of all time. • I don’t know who studies such things, but those who do say that over the course of a lifetime, you’ll probably spend about three years in the restroom. ***

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November 2021

The Community News Flash

Do You Live in One of America’s Clumsiest Cities?

Tech care company Asurion releases the “Clumsiest Cities in America” Index.

(StatePoint) Clumsiness is a trait many can relate to. Unfortunately, even the slightest misstep can be disastrous for your phone, whether it’s cracking your screen or destroying delicate components in water. The Clumsiest Cities in America Index, a new report from tech care company Asurion, reveals that coast-to-coast, people have spilled energy drinks on their phones, dropped devices in toilets or cracked their screens on the sidewalk. The company and its subsidiary, tech repair retailer uBreakiFix by Asurion, dove into customer data and localized other statistics to take a closer look at cities where trips and slips happen most. “Look, accidents happen, even to the most cautious phone owners,” says Dave Barbuto, CEO of uBreakiFix by Asurion. “There’s no reason to be embarrassed by how, or how frequently, you’ve broken your phone.” Not only do the new findings show you’re not alone in clumsiness, they provide hints about what could be making you more accident-prone with your tech: Measuring Clumsy To identify clumsiness, Asurion crunched a year’s worth of data, turning first to metropolitan areas ranked highest for per-capita Asurion protection plan phone breakage claims and phone repairs at its network of stores. They then identified the frontlines of misfortune and clumsiness, ranking cities

with the most personal injury lawyers and orthopedic surgeons per-capita. Keeping in mind that some prefer to suffer in silence, they mixed in additional data surrounding the frequency of online searches for phrases like “I think I sprained my ankle” or “how do I get water out of my phone.” A Closer Look Over half of the Clumsiest Cities are located in southern states, with New Orleans topping the list. On the flip side, San Francisco is home to some of the most “graceful” residents in America. It came as no surprise to the data crunchers that a city known for its tech innovation is the very best when it comes to calculated footsteps and handling phones with care. So why are some cities more prone to break tech? Here are Asurion’s top theories: • Weather: Water and electronics just don’t mix, which is probably why cities with more than 100 days of rain annually, like Raleigh, New Orleans and Grand Rapids make the top 10. Unless your tech has an itty-bitty umbrella, stash it until the sun comes out. • Perspiration: The top 10 clumsiest cities are about 10% more hot and humid than the average city in the study. Could slippery hands mean shattered devices? • Football Revelry: It’s all fun and games until someone’s screen is smashed. And speaking of smashed, over half of the top 10 clumsiest cities are home to

Southeastern Conference football teams and their legendary tailgating, 40% are traditional spring break cities, and some 60% have legalized marijuana to some extent. When Accidents Happen Regardless of your city’s ranking, having a protection plan makes it easy to file a claim. With Asurion protection plans through one of the leading wireless carriers, you can easily file a claim to receive options like same-day device replacement or cracked screen repair delivered to your door, or visit a local uBreakiFix by Asurion store for on-site cracked screen repair. For those without a

protection plan uBreakiFix by Asurion stores also offer same-day repair in select locations and free device diagnostics for all tech issues, including water damage. In select locations, you can even book a professional repair technician to meet you at home or any convenient location, with most repairs completed in as little as two hours. For more information, visit uBreakiFix.com. While accidents happen often and easily, the good news is that device repairs are easy, convenient and make your tech as good as new.

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Medley by Healthy Exchanges

Brussels Beer Waffle Want to make them think you’re really spicing up your breakfast? Try this waffle recipe for a change of pace! 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon table salt 1/2 cup non-alcoholic beer 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cooking oil 1 egg, or equivalent in egg substitue 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Add beer, oil and egg. Mix well to combine using a wire whisk. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let set for 15 minutes. Spread 1/4 cup batter on waffle iron. Watch carefully while baking, as waffles brown quickly. Serve at once. Serves 4. • Each serving equals: 146 calories, 6g fat, 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, 91mg sodium, 12mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fat; Carb Choices: 1. Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 for more information about its “common folk” healthy recipes.

A hearty one-skillet dinner made with apples, carrots and red potatoes. COOK TIME: 25 minutes TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes MAKES: 4 main-dish servings 8 ounces reduced-fat turkey kielbasa, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices 12 ounces red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks 2 cups shredded carrots (about half 10-ounce bag) 1 bag (16 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained 2 Golden Delicious apples, unpeeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1. Heat nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add kielbasa and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. 2. Add potatoes, carrots, sauerkraut, apples and 1/3 cup water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 18 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. • Each serving: 230 calories, 11g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 5g total fat (2g saturated), 9g fiber, 35mg cholesterol, 935 mg sodium. For hundreds of triple-tested Good Housekeeping recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping .com/recipefinder/.

1. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Cape Verde islands? 2. ANATOMY: Where is the sacrum in the human body? 3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Pitcairn Island is a dependent territory of which country? 4. LANGUAGE: What is meant by the term “fifth column”? 5. HISTORY: In what year did the two unions, American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, merge into the more powerful AFL-CIO? 6. MILITARY: What is the code of the Japanese samurai? 7. GAMES: What kind of game is “Millipede”? 8. FOOD & DRINK: In cooking, what is arrowroot used for? 9. MUSIC: What were the first names of the Allman Brothers? 10. THEATER: Who wrote the play “The Iceman Cometh”? Answers 1. Off the coast of West Africa 2. At the base of the spine 3. United Kingdom 4. Enemy sympathizers who might give aid to an invader 5. 1955 6. Bushido 7. Arcade video game 8. A thickening agent 9. Duane and Gregg 10. Eugene O’Neill

1. Entering 2007, name the last team to rally and win the World Series after losing the first two games at home. 2. Before the 2007 season, who was the last Cy Young Award-winning starting pitcher to actually win more games the season after he won the award? 3. True or false: Howard Schnellenberger had a winning record as head coach of the University of Louisville football team (1985-1994). 4. Name the four NBA players to lead the league in rebounding and blocked shots in the same season. 5. In 2007, Joel Quenneville became the fifth person in NHL history to play and coach in 750 games each. Name two of the other four to do it. 6. When was the last time a U.S. woman won Olympic gold in springboard diving? 7. How old has the oldest winner been in a Champions Tour (senior PGA golfers) event? Answers 1. The NY Yankees in 1996. 2. Randy Johnson was 21-6 in 2001 for Arizona and captured the Cy Young Award. The next season, he was 24-5 and won the Cy Young Award again. 3. False. He was 54-56-2 at Louisville. 4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ben Wallace. Note that blocked shots were not kept as an official NBA stat until the 1973-74 season. 5. Jacques Lemaire, Bob Pulford, Milt Schmidt and Brian Sutter. 6. Jennifer Chandler in 1976. 7. Mike Fetchick was 63 when he won the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International.

November 2021

The Community News Flash

Tips to Get Out of Sticky Situations in the Great Outdoors

(StatePoint) When it comes to outdoor adventures, you never know what unexpected issues will arise. While you’re unlikely to pack a full toolbox, extra shoes or equipment due to space limitations, tape can offer quick fixes in a variety of situations, and is a musthave item to keep with your outdoor gear. But don’t just throw any roll into your knapsack, be sure to choose one that meets the needs of any environment. Here are some quick, effective tape tips to keep you safe from sticky situations in the great outdoors. 1. Mending Ripped Rain Gear or Torn Tents. It’s important to ensure you’re protected from the elements. The quickest way to maintain comfort in your rain gear or tent is to make certain you’re weatherproofed and ready for any change in climate. Mend ripped rain gear or a tear in a tent with a strong repair tape, built to adhere in both wet and dry conditions and formulated to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -70 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Fast Fix for Fishing and Hiking Poles. Not all

adventures take place on land, so being prepared in all areas of wilderness is key. Fishing poles (and hiking poles for that matter) are built to withstand quick shifts in weight and slight bends, but when they splinter, you need to act fast. Opt for strong waterproof tape with holding power when you need it most, such as TRex tapes. They can stick to a variety of surfaces in all weather conditions for a repair you can rely on, even when you’re miles away from land. T-Rex Waterproof tape can even save the day if your small boat faces minor damage like a tiny leak or crack. 3. Boot Basics. Sturdy, reliable footwear is essential for any outdoor activity. If the sole separates from the base of the boot or tears, it can be dangerous for your foot to be exposed to the elements. Carrying messy, tacky glue in your pack is inconvenient and a spill hazard, but using duct tape as a wrapping can provide a fast, efficient and less-mess remedy to get you back up and moving in a pinch. A strong barrier wrapped around the top and sole of your boot will offer the protection you

need to finish your outing. Additionally, it can help protect from bugs, ticks or poisonous plants when hiking. Wrap the tape around the top of your boots to ensure your pantleg and boot have a seamless safety guard for your trek. 4. Don’t Get Stuck in the Mud. There’s nothing like splashing around in the mud with an ATV, but sometimes it’s hard to tell how deep or tough a puddle will be to get through. Luckily, with the right tools you don’t have to stay stuck in the mud. Highperformance duct tape, like T-Rex Brute Force, can help you in a wide range of sticky situations. The “World’s Strongest Duct Tape,” according to the Guinness World Records, is built to hold more than 700 pounds of weight with just one loop of tape. Pull your vehicle, tow your bike or create a lift for your gear with this aggressive, double-thick adhesive cloth tape with a durable, waterproof backing. Outdoor exploration doesn’t have to be stressful. For peace of mind, pack the right gear so you can get to the most important part of your adventure: enjoying yourself!

November 2021

The Community News Flash

COMMUNITY

Uplifting Troops All Around the Globe

USO Photos

(StatePoint) The everevolving mission of the U.S. military means service members are often on the move. As demonstrated by recent events in Afghanistan, Haiti and in the wake of Hurricane Ida, dedicated service members put their lives on the line whenever and wherever they are deployed at home or abroad. Being activated for relief efforts in a time of desperate need or being stationed in remote locations far away from home can be difficult. Troops sometimes find themselves needing support services provided by the United Service Organizations (USO). To boost morale for American service members all around the globe, the USO is meeting them where they are. “The heart of our mission is to ensure service members stay strong through connecting them to the things they love and fight for,” says Christopher Plamp, senior vice president of operations, programs, and entertainment at the USO. “When the pandemic prevented us from serving in person as we have done for over our 80year history, we innovated new ways to virtually fos-

ter the spirit of connectedness. As we look forward to a post-pandemic future, we are proud to continue strengthening the military – no matter the time or place.” Here are a few ways the USO brings vital morale and essential services directly to the nation’s military in far-reaching corners of the world: • For military units stationed in distant locations where there is no USO presence, USO2GO packages bridge the gap. USO2GO kits ensure service members have some of the small comforts of home, such as electronic gaming, sports equipment, board games, movies and personal care items. In 2020, USO2GO was heavily utilized to support quarantine sites for service members at military installations around the world. • Service members can be called at a moment’s notice to leave their families and homes to respond to emergency situations – all amidst a global pandemic. As troops work to save lives in moments of crisis, Mobile USO vehicles provide vital resources, support and comfort. These units also help serve the National Guard in times of

natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornados and more. Equipped with food preparation areas, Wi-Fi, TVs, relaxation areas, gaming stations and outdoor activities, these USO centers on wheels are a welcoming haven for military members in hard-to-reach areas. • Virtual and in-person entertainment reconnects service members to experiences and memories of home. Since April 2020, USO Military Virtual Programming (MVP) entertainment programs have hosted 135 sessions with more than 170 entertainers. MVP events reached 49 countries, including 22 ships at sea and 52 U.S. states and territories. Attendees engaged with celebrities via live Q&A sessions, performances, one-on-one calls and more than 140 live “look-ins” at military locations. • The USO Care Package Program provides service members with two different types of care packages: Snack Packs and Toiletry Packs. These care packages give busy troops a needed boost. In November 2020, the 3 millionth care package since 9/11 was delivered to a service member stationed in East Africa. Want to express your gratitude to military members in a substantial way? Consider helping the USO give more than thanks by visiting USO.org/MoreThanThanks and joining the conversation using #MoreThanThanks on social media.