The Community News Flash

Natural-born helper credits Corinth for his success in life

By Lucy Weber

Tyrone Dilworth has made a career of helping others. It’s in his DNA. He comes from a family known for their big hearts and caring nature.

His grandparents James and Geneva Spears were well-known in Corinth for their good works throughout the community, providing meals and other necessities to those in need. His mother Elvira Dilworth Irons would offer a meal or a bed to kids and others in their Chicago neighborhood when they needed a safe space. Dilworth today works in Tacoma, Washington, with Catholic Community Services supervising the housing program that serves the homeless. “I work with the homeless, people in all aspects of life.”

“This was all instilled in me by my mother.” Before his current work, Dilworth, a 1988 graduate of Corinth High School, volunteered in the community through his fraternity at the University of North Alabama. Then, in the Marine Corps, Dilworth volunteered in community programs for children, coaching youth football and more. After that, while adding a degree in social worth at Truman College in Chicago, Dilworth helped start a successful program called Youth, Guns, Violence and Drugs, helping at-risk youth. Working in his old neighborhood in Chicago, Dilworth would talk to gang leaders about letting younger members out of the gangs and then finding them jobs.

Dilworth just completed a master’s degree in clinical mental health therapy and clinical rehabilitation counseling. “I made a promise to my mama years ago to finish my master’s,” he said. Although his mother passed on four years ago, he kept that promise.

He plans to open his own counseling clinic to offer

help to all in need. Dilworth said he plans to get certified also in anger management and crisis intervention mediation.

“These degrees and enhancements, along with grief counseling, will help me reach more in the community. At the end of each day, I will help change alternative behaviors. My motto is “Let’s talk about it.”

learning is a life-long

Tyrone

process. “I’m either going to die going to class or coming from class. I dabble in a little bit of everything.”

Growing up in Chicago with a single mom and one brother, Dilworth said as soon as school ended for the summer he would immediately come to Corinth to stay with his grandparents. At age 12, he moved to Corinth.

“If I’m successful, it’s because of Corinth,” he said. “That city made me what I am. I thank God for those five formative years there. I carry everything my football coaches and pastors taught me

Football played an important role in his Corinth school years. “My senior year was the first year that we made it to the playoffs at state. I learned a lot from football.”

Dilworth said he initially went to Tacoma to visit his cousin, Luther Dilworth who had been a member of Corinth’s state championship basketball team. “I came to visit for three days and I ended up staying.”

After working with those in need for so long, Dilworth, married for 20 years with children and grandchildren, added he is always looking for ways he can help individuals with their issues. “I assess everybody. Even if they don’t mention a problem, I can tell. One thing I respect is that everyone has the right to selfdetermination. It’s all about the person.

“Everyone needs hope,” he said.

Editor’s

Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher

POBox 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292

Cell: 662-643-6842

Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

Is there something that you want to achieve in your life?

Do you have a goal that seems unreachable?

What is stopping you from becoming the person you always envisioned? Are your dreams worthy? If your goals are “worthy,” are there people – including yourself – getting between you and your goals?

The Bible is full of examples of people who were looking to be part of something bigger than themselves – something extraordinary and worthy. These people did not allow others to stand in their way when it came to encountering Jesus.

Let us look at the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus approached her, which was unusual because Samaritans and Jews did not socialize. They typically did not like each other. This woman was not well-regarded. She came to the well in the heat

of the day to avoid other people. She had had five husbands and was currently living with a man who was not her husband. Many people during that era would have considered her “tainted.”

When Jesus asked her for water, and initiated a conversation about “living water,” she recognized something special. She recognized an extraordinary person and a new beginning. An opportunity to begin anew – after having had a personal encounter with the long-anticipated Messiah. She got out of her own way and stepped out of the shadow of the opinions of others and left her water jug, excited to begin her life again –this time with a great purpose.

The next person I want to point out had a physical infirmity, as well as other people, who got in his way of being who he was meant to be. I am speaking of the man who laid near the pool of Bethesda.

An angel stirred up the waters of the pool at a certain time of day and he had no one to carry him to the pool so that he could be healed. Jesus came along and asked him, “Do you want to be made well?”

Jesus healed him. All the man had to do was follow directions, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” The man obeyed, and like the woman at the well, he was made whole – physically and spiritually. He found a purpose after his encounter with the extraordinary.

What kind of things are worthy of becoming a goal? Apurpose? According to an article by Burcu Durmusoglu, he said, “While happiness should not be the end goal for our life’s purpose, it can be a

tool to prolong our lives. So how do we cultivate happiness? By practicing acceptance, compassion, gratitude, and sharing moments good and bad with those we love.”

Durmusoglu said practicing acceptance, compassion, gratitude, etc., were devoid of ego – getting us out of ourselves. Getting us out of our own way can help us achieve a worthy purpose, worthy goals.

Finally, there was Zacchaeus. He was not popular. He was a tax collector. Jesus was coming through town. The crowd was huge. He was short and there were too many people in his way. His view was blocked, but he wanted to see Jesus so he climbed a sycamore tree so that he could see better when Jesus passed. When Jesus came to the spot where Zacchaeus was, he looked up and asked the tax collector to come down. He informed him that he was going to Zacchaeus’house.

Zacchaeus came down, but people were talking: “What is this? Jesus is going to the house of a sinner!” Because of this, Zacchaeus told Jesus that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and if he had cheated anybody, he would pay them back

four times the amount.

The tax collector encountered the extraordinary and did not let anything – himself, his wealth, his stature, his reputation, or the crowd who clearly disliked him –get in his way. Because of Zacchaeus’sacrifice, Jesus told him that salvation had come to

Zacchaeus’home. The tax collector found salvation and a new purpose, and it all started in identifying what stood in his way and getting rid of it.

So, let us ask the original question again - What is stopping you from becoming the person you always envisioned? Are your dreams worthy? And are there people – including yourself – getting between you and your goal?

Identify if your goals are worthy. If they are not worthy goals, you can be better. You can choose better. Better choices remove obstacles. Removing obstacles can reveal the paths to greatness. Here is to discovering a greater you.Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard!

Monthly Meditation

Notable Quote

“Keep Going. Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”

Roy T. Bennett

Your Business, Church, Civic Group or Organization would like to sponsor the Bible Trivia each month call (662) 643-6842 or email us

sponsorship details.

OCTOBER BIBLE TRIVIA

Who had surgery performed on him while he slept?

Who was killed as he slept in the tent of Jael?

Who slept in the bottom of s ship as it rolled in a storm?

Who suggested to Jezebel's priest that Baal was sleeping on duty?

Who slept at Bethel and dreamed about angels?

Who slept at David's door while he was home on furlough?

Who could not sleep on the night after Haman built a gallows for hanging Mordecai?

Who had troublesome dreams that kept him from sleeping?

Who was visited by an angel of the Lord while sleeping?

Who slept while Jesus prayed in Gethsemane?

Who sneaked into Saul's camp while he was asleep?

Who spoke to Abram while he was in a deep sleep?

Who did not sleep while Daniel was in the lion's den?

Who slept through a haircut?

Who slept during a storm on the Sea of Galilee?

Who fell asleep during Paul's sermon and was later raised from the dead by Paul?

Who was asleep between two soldiers when an angel came to release him?

Who was awaken from a deep sleep by an earthquake that toppled a prison?

According to Jesus, this person was not dead, but only sleeping. Who was it?

Who told Laban he had gone 20 years without a decent sleep?

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

September

1. Haman, minster of Persia (Esther)

2. Cain, who murdered his bother (Genesis)

3. Pontius Pilate (John 18-19)

4. Laban, his father-in-law (Genesis 29-31)

5. Saul (1 Samuel 17-19)

6. Ahab, husband of Jezebel (1 King 16)

7. Herod (Matthew 2:16)

8. Absalom, son of David (2 Samuel 15)

9. Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:10)

10. Recab and Baanah, captains of Ishbosheth (2 Samuel 4)

11. Rachel (Genesis 31:19)

12. Barabbas (John 18:40)

13. The tithes they owed (Malachi 3:8)

14. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10

15. Judas Iscariot John 12:4-6

5 Ways Traditions Help Us Stay Healthy and Happy

(StatePoint) Health experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age.

“As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” says Aparna Abburi, president of Medicare and CareAllies with Cigna, which provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. “Forming new traditions or reigniting old ones can keep us connected to loved ones, ultimately helping us feel more fulfilled, happier and healthier.”

Here are some insights into the importance of traditions to well-being and vitality as we age, along with tips for keeping those connections going in your own circle of family and friends:

Traditions help combat loneliness: According to a 2020 survey by Cigna, 61% of adults reported being lonely – a 7 percentage-point increase from 2018. That feeling was likely exacerbated by the pandemic that followed. Traditions can help to combat feelings of isolation. Consider setting up weekly video calls or trading letters and notes with relatives who live far away. Regular trips to a favorite destination, such as a lake or beach, or celebrating important holidays together every year, can provide meaningful time together.

Traditions pass on family values: Having shared values can help us feel connected to one another. Telling stories from the past or practicing cultural, spiritual and religious traditions are

great ways to pass these values down from one generation to the next.

Traditions can make us feel young again: From cooking and gardening to sports and games, family traditions often evoke old memories and make us feel young again. Sensory memories can be particularly powerful. Whether it’s a cookie bakeoff, ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, or a singalong around the piano, family rituals that include special sights, sounds and aromas are often the ones we think of most fondly.

Traditions strengthen communities: Traditions are not just for families; they can also strengthen ties among friends and communities. Consider getting a group of neighbors together for morning walks or meeting friends for shopping excursions. Make visiting the farmers market, attending free concerts in the park, playing community center bingo and gathering for other recurring local events part of your routine.

For more information about how to stay healthy while aging, visit www.cignamedicare.com.

As you embrace the rituals that matter most to you, remember that traditions don’t need to be rigid or set in stone.

“Just as you might modify a family recipe to suit your dietary needs or switch from weekly phone calls to weekly video calls, don’t be afraid to tweak and expand on older traditions so they’re relevant and interesting today – and for years to come,” says Abburi.

Amaral

Health in Aging

The American Geriatrics Society Foundation has created a new website just for seniors: Health in Aging. Everything on the site has been written by experts in senior health. That’s good to know, because half of us over the age of 65 have at least three chronic medical conditions.

Here are a few highlights:

• The A-to-Z glossary gives easy-tounderstand information on a whole alphabet of health conditions.

• You’ll learn about problems that come with aging, news on the latest information about aging and a link on finding a geriatrics health care professional.

• One of the most important sections is on preventing drug interactions. Drugs work differently on seniors, and it’s not always possible to know exactly how an individual will respond to a drug, because most clinical trials are done on healthy, young adults. We seniors have a different metabolism, less muscle mass, and age-related variables that can change the rate of absorption. Often, we have multiple medical conditions that can change how a drug will work, especially in combination.

• When it comes to exploring the different types of living arrangements open to us when we need help with daily living, the site outlines assisted living, home care, nursing homes and community-based help, such as adult day care.

• Guidelines for making our wishes known are written in easy-to-understand language with all the legal terms explained for advance directives (living wills, durable power of attorney for health care and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), end-of-life care, guardianship and informed consent.

Health in Aging (HealthinAging. org) is worth exploring and saving for future reference.

Reminder: Have you had your flu shot yet? Ask your doctor if you should have one, and the pneumonia shot as well.

Shaky Hands Not Due to Nervousness

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you please provide information on essential tremor? Thanks. — D.C.

ANSWER: When people unfamiliar with essential tremor see a person with it, they immediately assume that the person is quite nervous. The shaky hands are a giveaway. It’s not “nerves” that are causing the shakiness; it’s essential tremor. A glitch in one of the brain’s movement-control centers has occurred. Katharine Hepburn suffered from essential tremor. Not only did her hands shake, but so did her head and her voice.

Essential tremor is a common condition. Its other name is familial tremor, indicating that it runs in families. Most affected people can find other relatives who have it.

Trembling hands make it near impossible to bring a spoonful of soup to the mouth. Handwriting often degenerates into a scrawl. Buttoning a shirt or coat becomes a herculean task.

Alcohol abolishes the tremor for a short time. Alcohol can’t be used as a treatment. Other medicines, like propranolol (Inderal) and primidone (Mysoline), offer effective control. For seriously disabling tremors, deepbrain stimulation can put an end to them.

People can help control shaking hands by holding their elbows firmly against the body when using their hands for a fine task.

The foundation is a reliable source of information and can keep you up to date on new treatments.

***

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Many years ago, we moved to a small community next to the ocean. We have eaten large quantities of fish ever since. I have developed a parasite called pinworms, which I believe came from partly uncooked fish. I used to see them when they exited from my colon (backside). They are fewer now that I take Oregano Leaf Oil. Can they cause other ailments or infiltrate other organs? How does one get rid of them once and for all? — J.D.

ANSWER: Pinworms are an extremely common infection, especially in children. During the night, the female pinworm crawls out of the rectum to lay eggs on the nearby skin. She is tiny, 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. You must have good eyes to see these worms. A magnifying glass is a big help. Pinworms rarely make their way to other organs. Some speculate that they might be a cause of appendicitis. Eggs on the skin cause intense itching. Your doctor is best equipped to make the diagnosis. Doctors have the instruments to clearly see the worm or its eggs. Mebendazole (Vermox), albendazole (Albenza) and pyrantel pamoate (Pin-X) have a good track record of getting rid of pinworms. They are not found in fish.

Undercooked freshwater fish can harbor the fish tapeworm, which grows to a length of 39 feet. It produces few, if any, symptoms. Prolonged infection with it can lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency. For diagnosis, a stool specimen should be sent to a lab experienced in identifying the eggs and the worm segments. Praziquantel (Biltricide) is the treatment.

***

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible.

e-mail

Everyone with essential tremor needs to make the acquaintance of the International Essential Tremor Foundation at 888-387-3667 (toll-free) or online at www.essentialtremor.org.

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.

What to Do if Your Mortgage Application is Denied

recurring monthly debts, such as car payments, student loans and credit card loans. By lowering or paying down monthly debts, you can build a positive credit history and lower your debt-to-income ratio. Not sure where to start?

Tackle your debt with the highest interest rate first.

(StatePoint) If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Thirteen percent of all purchase mortgage applications -- a total of nearly 650,000 -were denied in 2020, according to federal government data.

Before quickly reapplying for a loan, it’s important to first understand the reasons your loan was denied. The lender is required to disclose that information to you within 30 days of its decision. You can also call your lender for further explanation. Having this knowledge will help you work toward building your eligibility for a mortgage. In some instances, the situation involves a quick fix, such as providing missing or incomplete documentation. However, if the reasons cited for your application denial involve down payment cost, a low credit score, an adverse credit history or a high debt-toincome ratio, here are six steps you can take toward recovery:

1. Consult a Housing Counselor. Consider speaking to a community-based credit counselor or a HUDcertified housing counselor. They can help you create a plan to increase your savings, decrease your debt, improve your credit, access down payment assistance or take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs.

2. Improve Your Credit. In a 2022 Freddie Mac survey of consumers denied a mortgage application in the past four years, three in five cited debt or credit issues as reasons given for their initial denial. If this describes you, take time to improve your credit profile before applying for another loan. Good credit demonstrates responsible money management and gives you more purchasing power, opening doors to better loan terms and products. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to access Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart suite of free financial education resources that can help you understand the fundamentals of credit and prepare you for homeownership.

3. Pay Down Debt. In the application process, lenders will look at your

4. Obtain Gift Funds. If you’re short on money for your down payment, you may be able to use gift funds from a family member to decrease the amount you need to borrow.

5. Find a Co-Signer. A co-signer applies for the loan with you, agreeing to take responsibility for the loan should you default. The co-signer’s credit, income and debts will be evaluated to make sure they can assume payments if necessary. In addition to ensuring your co-signer has good credit, you should make sure they are aware of this responsibility and have sufficient income to cover the payment.

6. Look for a LowerCost Home. Remember, you should only borrow an amount you feel comfortable repaying. You may need to look for a lowercost home than you’re financially prepared to purchase and maintain.

For more information and additional resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

If your home loan application is denied, don’t panic. There are ways to build your eligibility so that next time, your mortgage application is more likely to be approved.

Project Attention Center

Addressing the Burdens of American Nurses

1-2 years and 13% plan to retire in 1-5 years.

“We had hoped that as the pandemic eased, nurses would have better balance, mental health and working conditions, but we are not there and as a result, nurses are leaving the profession in droves,” says John A. Martins, president and chief executive officer, Cross Country Healthcare. “The time to fix these mounting problems is now.”

To that end, Cross Country is deploying several strategies to transform the nursing profession. These include an ongoing examination of pay rates and retention practices; identifying new pathways for education, licensing, and talent development; focusing on flexibility and growth opportunities; and investments toward innovation to strengthen the nursing workforce.

(StatePoint) According to a new survey, American nurses are overwhelmed by job demands, a long-brewing situation only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the majority of nurses continue to be dedicated to the care of patients, many are considering leaving the profession at a time when staff shortages are part of the problem. But there’s hope, according to industry experts, who say that understanding these challenges can lead to meaningful and necessary reforms.

The 2022 national survey, “The Future of Nursing: AProfession in Crisis,” of nurses and student nurses, was conducted by Cross Country, a market-leading tech-enabled workforce solutions platform and advisory firm, in partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Overall, the study revealed that nurses remain passionate about patient care, with 66% citing helping people through meaningful work as a main driver for staying in the field. Nevertheless, ongoing challenges have created undue burdens for nurses, with pay rates/compensation (86%), staff shortages (53%), stress (39%) and burnout (35%) cited as top career dissatisfiers.

This frustration has put the industry in crisis: 28% of nurses indicated their desire to leave the profession has increased dramatically since the pandemic, while those who said their desire to stay has dropped from 24% in 2021 to 4% in 2022. This translates to a real potential loss of talent in hospitals, physicians’offices, long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings. Of those surveyed, 23% plan to look for a new career in

The company continues to invest heavily in technology and digital transformation to support these strategies. Among these initiatives is a new website dedicated to nursing candidates. Found at crosscountry.com, the site aims to help health care professionals find and engage with potential job opportunities more effectively.

Identifying new pathways for nursing education is also a critical steppingstone towards reforming the profession and addressing healthcare provider shortages. That’s why the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers accredited programs at all levels to prepare and train students, including various tracks for a BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), PhD and DNPfocused on Caring Science. Also offered are a BSNDNPprogram with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration and post-graduate dermatology and telehealth certificate courses, as well as other concentrations that intersect innovation and technology.

“Nursing is the greatest profession in the world. The experience you will get is priceless,” said one of the survey respondents. “Make sure you’re getting into nursing for the right reasons because I love coming to work and look forward to caring for patients every day. No two patients are alike, so every day in nursing is like a new experience and adventure. And you make the difference.”

To learn more about the challenges facing the nursing industry, visit crosscountry.com/the-future-of-nursing, where the complete study results, can be found.

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Booneville farmerand teacherfollows dedicated footsteps of family

By Lucy Weber

John Allen’s love of farming grew out of driving a tractor.

Even though he comes from at least four generations of farmers on both his mother’s and his father’s sides, getting on that tractor sealed the deal for Allen when he was young. “When I was growing up, I would do anything to ride and/or drive a tractor. I spent many hours on my dad’s, and mom’s, lap driving the tractor while bush hogging, raking, and baling hay.”

These days he drives his own tractor on Allen Farms in Booneville where he raises squash, zucchini, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, sweet corn, purple hull peas, green beans, and fall decorations such as pumpkins and decorative gourds. “The farm that my wife Kayla, daughters (Sutton, 2, and Eliza, 1), and I live on now isn’t where I was raised but was my grandparents’farm that they bought in the late 1950s.”

Allen Farms began in 2016 after Allen had been growing vegetables for a few years. The crop has expanded from six acres of produce in 2019, to 45 acres in production last year and up to 60 acres this year.

Allen sells most of his produce straight from the farm although he does sell at the Grow at the Depot farmers market in Booneville when possible. Currently, the farm is filling purple hull pea orders and then will sell pumpkins, hay bales, corn stalks and possibly mums for the fall. During this pumpkin season starting Sept.18, hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Over the past years, Allen said a lot of people want to buy locally grown food. “I think it helps the consumer feel better when they can ask the individual person that grew that food about how it was grown or anything they might want to know. I’m always happy to answer any questions they might have.”

Allen farms because he loves it. “Even though it takes time starting in January, or the year before, with planning and all of the work and money put into a crop, getting that final product into the hands of a customer and seeing them smile, that makes it worth it,” he said.

“Getting to take our oldest daughter, Sutton, who is nearly 3 years old, on a tractor

while planting pumpkins, and doing other things around the farm is awesome. Seeing her face light up when she gets to ride or go check crops makes my day.”

“Knowing how much I enjoyed doing all of those things as a kid gives me happiness being able to do that same thing for my children. Someone asked her what she wanted to be and she said ‘Farm girl.’That makes me happy.”

Farming gets in your blood, he said. At age 5, Allen and his family moved off the farm into Booneville because of his father’s job at Northeast Community College. “Although we lived in town, we still had the farm, and even though Dad sold the cattle, there were still lots of things to be done around the farm to keep it from growing up. At the same time, I also helped my grandparents on their farm where we now live.”

In high school, Allen joined FFA(Future Farmers of America) where his supervised agricultural experience was about a 5-acre Bermuda hay field that he cut, raked, and baled for the next five years. “I learned how to work, budget, communicate, run a business, and all kinds of information about the haying business.”

Allen shares his love and lessons on farming to students at Booneville High School where he teaches agriculture classes, animal science and plant science to students in grades 9-12. He also serves as the FFAadvisor. Like in farming, Allen’s family has a history of being in education. His mother, father, sister, uncle and grandparents also taught. Allen’s father, his uncle and his grandfather Merrill Cartwright were also Ag teachers and farmers.

“Teaching Ag and farming goes together pretty well except there’s not a whole lot of rest,” Allen said. “When you’re farming, you constantly learn new things whether you try to or not.

I always try to learn. I can bring that knowledge to the class and also help give advice to students.” The farm life may not be for everyone, Allen said, but his family embraces it.

“Farming gets in your blood and in my opinion, it will not come out. Farming appeals to me because I not only like to see things grow, see hard work pay off, etc., but there’s also a love of the land and passion to do what we do to help feed people.”

John Allen

Meet the Mayor: Top Walnut Official Makes a Difference in Community

the Mayor

Whether it’s in a big city or a small town, being mayor is a prestigious honor. Along with the glory comes plenty of hard work. Part-time or full-time, mayors do so much more than show up to board meetings once or twice a month and cut ribbons at business openings.

It takes a special person to step up and lead their community. Amayor will field phone calls at all hours, deal with town emergencies and always work to improve the overall quality of life of the community they and their voters love to live in.

The Community News Flash is proud to introduce you to area mayors in the series Meet the Mayor.

By Lucy Weber

Vicki Skinner was never interested in politics but she has always cared about her hometown of Walnut. That's how she ended up winning election for mayor for the first time in 2009.

"Politics were never a thought," said Skinner, who is now in her fourth term following her most recent election in 2021. "I just wanted to make a difference in our community. I want to see Walnut grow and give the kids in our community to be able to stay home and work if possible."

She plans to run again in 2025, "the Lord willing," she said.

As a full-time mayor, Skinner and the five-member Board of Aldermen meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. to

make decisions improving the lives of the approximately 800 residents in town.

are great in Walnut. If there is a need, the community comes together and that need is going to be met," the proud

her election as mayor, she worked at Dover

school bus for the School District

her parents' lumSkinner's prioriinclude a new water well for the

road that will run north of the new Jack's Restaurant and become the entrance to the town's new ballpark. "This will make the area north of Jack's an awesome location for a new shopping center and the possibility of a new motel," Skinner said. The other grant will be used for the new ballpark, and dirt work has already start soon.

Walnut, in northern Tippah County, sits three miles from the Tennessee line. The bulk of the town's revenue comes from the natural gas, water and sewer services the town provides.

mayor said. "There is no other place that I would like to live. I want to continue to make Walnut a great place to live and to raise a family.

"I have lived in Walnut all my life. What's great about it is being a small community and being able to raise your kids in a small town versus a large city. We have a great school system."

Skinner raised her three children in town. Prior to

industrial park and finding funding for a new ballpark. Accomplishments include the Kidz Town playground, the reworking of downtown, water and sewer grants plus a Safe Routes to School grant, new business locating in industrial park, a drainage project downtown and Mi Pueblo starting soon.

Work will start soon on two large grants Walnut has recently received. One is an ARC grant for a frontage

Walnut has 20 city employees, a mix of parttime and full time while the Walnut Police Department has four full time employees and six to eight parttime officers. The all-volunteer department has 28 firefighters.

Aative of Walnut, Skinner raised her three children in town. Prior to her election as mayor, she worked at Dover Elevator, drove a school bus for the North Tippah School District and worked in her parents' lumberyard.

How to Trick or Treat Safely

Mayor Vicki Skinner

Is YourWallet Recession-Proof?

(StatePoint) As inflation continues to put a strain on budgets, talk of an upcoming recession has Americans worried about their finances. Prices on everyday items continue to rise and consumers are trying to find ways to make their dollar stretch further while safeguarding their money against the potential challenges a recession may bring. The future may be difficult to predict, but preparing now can help consumers protect their financial health during a recession.

Arecent Experian survey found that two in three U.S. adults are concerned about a recession occurring in the United States. Consumers are most worried about the affordability of routine expenses, with 73% concerned that the price of everyday items like gas, groceries and rent will continue to rise to a level they can’t afford. Meanwhile, 55% harbor supply chain concerns and 38% are stressed about the affordability of big, planned purchases such as a home or a car.

As recession worries grow, more Americans are sizing up their finances to see where they stand. Only 48% are confident that they can financially handle a recession, and two in five believe that they’ll need to rely on credit to cover essential and unexpected expenses over the next three months. In fact, 27% have already increased their credit card debt within the past three months. This trend is accompanied by additional anxieties: two in three survey respondents are concerned to some degree that their credit

score will negatively affect their ability to access credit in the next three months.

Being proactive is key to weathering financial storms, yet less than half of consumers have prepared for a recession when it comes to their finances and credit. Those who have are finding different ways to do so: 49% have cut non-essential expenses like entertainment and vacations, 45% have created a budget and 40% have paid down debt.

While these are effective actions, there are other steps consumers can take to understand their credit history and safeguard their credit.

Consumers should check their credit report and credit score regularly to know exactly where they stand in the event that they need to apply for credit, or simply to be better informed as they prepare to pay down their debt ahead of an economic decline. They can get a free credit report and credit score from Experian (Spanish-language credit reports are also available) as well as access to free financial tools, an auto insurance shopping service and credit card marketplace.

Those who need help increasing their credit score can sign up for Experian Boost. This free feature enables consumers to add their monthly payments for cell phone bills, utility bills, rent and video streaming services to their credit history to potentially increase their FICO Score instantly. To learn more, visit experian.com/boost.

“Inflation and recession fears are putting pressure on consumer’s finances, but proactively planning for the worst can help consumers make it through potential challenges. Many consumers are already taking great steps to prepare, like creating a budget and paying down their debt, and we encourage them to utilize other available resources and tools to help,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Register Your Child For Head Start Now!

Head Start centers in Alcorn, Tippah, and Tishomingo counties are recruiting students for the 2022-2023 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. Birth certificate, 121 form, and proof of 2021 family income are needed for registration.

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Getting children to eat a healthy dinner often takes a little extra planning. You might try combining healthy ingredients in interesting ways. This recipe for Black Bean and Broccoli-Stuffed Potatoes is vegetarian dish that has all of the flavors of a nacho or a taco. The addition of broccoli makes it a nutritious and easy-to-prepare meal. You also might try using colorful and interesting dinnerware or place mats.

Involving your child in the meal preparation is another way to ensure that they'll eat dinner. It's also the perfect time to make memories and instill healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

ARecipe forKid-Friendly Meals

BLACK BEAN AND BROCCOLI-STUFFED POTATOES

4 large russet baking potatoes, scrubbed

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (8 ounce) box, frozen broccoli florets, thawed

1 1/2 cups mild or medium prepared salsa

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

1. Prick potatoes with a fork 4 to 5 times per side. Microwave for 5 minutes, turn over, microwave an additional 4 min-

utes. Remove from microwave and cover with a clean dishtowel to allow potatoes to continue to steam. This provides for fluffier potatoes.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, combine black beans, broccoli florets, salsa and 1/2 tablespoon chili powder, salt and black pepper in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving one corner folded back to allow

any steam to vent. Cook on high for 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Place potatoes on a large plate. Cut top of the potatoes lengthwise with a knife. With a towel, push ends of the potatoes together to split open. Fluff the cooked potatoes with a fork.

4. In another small bowl, combine olive oil, juice, the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt and

black pepper. Drizzle olive oil mixture over the potatoes and stir gently to combine. Spoon the black bean mixture over the top. Top with the shredded cheddar.

5. Microwave the potatoes on high until the cheese is bubbling, about 1 to 2 minutes. Top with a dollop of sour cream or additional salsa, if desired. Serve immediately. Series 4.

Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children's author, culinary historian and the author of seven cookbooks. Her new cookbook is "The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook." Her website is www.divapro.com. To see howto videos, recipes and much, much more, Like Angela Shelf Medearis, The Kitchen Diva! on Facebook and go to Hulu.com. Recipes may not be reprinted without permission from Angela Shelf Medearis.

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo provided by Diva Productions, Inc. for Vitacost.com

• Use self-stick notes to organize your errands. Use a note for each location, with instructions or shopping lists on each. Then put the notes in order: e.g., drop kids off at Grandma’s, shoe store, hardware store, grocery store, home, etc. You will be less likely to forget a stop, and you can make the best use of your time and gas!

• Two tips for sewing on buttons: First, for pants buttons, use unwaxed dental floss. It’s incredibly strong and can take a lot of abuse. Second, slip a pin between the button and the fabric before sewing on. When you’re finished, remove the pin. The button now has some room behind it, and it will last longer.

By Samantha Weaver

• It was Canadian American educator Laurence J. Peter who made the following sage observation: “You can always tell a real friend: When you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.”

• In Murfreesboro, Tenn., it is illegal to keep indoor furniture outdoors.

• Mike Edwards, one of the founding members of the British band Electric Light Orchestra, met with an untimely death decades after he left the group. In 2010, as Edwards was driving in the rural southwest of England, a farmer lost control of a 1,300-pound bale of hay. This wheel-shaped bale rolled down a hill and over a hedge, and just happened to smash into the van that Edwards was driving.

Affordable self storage

•

“This is a tip for us singletons. I love whipped topping on my hot chocolate, but it doesn’t always last in my fridge. I buy a tub of it, and spoon mug-size dollops on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. When the sheet is full, I freeze them. They can be peeled off easily and slipped in a container or plastic bag. When I make my hot chocolate, I plop in one straight from the freezer. It takes only minutes to soften and melt. And it’s delicious!” — F.D. in Michigan

• “If you cut the entire top and one of the top corners off a cereal box, then tape the bottom closed, it’s almost the same as the magazine holders they sell in stores. I covered mine with fancy paper. I keep it in my kitchen for cooking magazines.” — R.R. in Indiana

• Gifts that school-age kids can make: Bookmarks! Cut strips of cardstock into bookmark lengths. Have your child decorate one side and write a nice message on the other. Laminate if possible. A great gift from your child.

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.

• The humble honeybee is the official insect of 17 states.

• Those who study such things say that there is a 1 million to 1 chance that, within the next century, an asteroid will crash into the Earth and destroy most life on the planet.

• In 2008 a company called Defense Devices, based in Jackson, Tenn., introduced a new item: a stun gun disguised as a tube of lipstick. The same company offers a ring that will shoot pepper spray.

• You might be surprised to learn that the giant bullfrogs of South Africa have sometimes been known to attack lions.

• Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it has the longest name: It’s officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation.

• The tuatara is a lizard that can be found in New Zealand. Its claim to fame? It has a third eye, on the top of its head.

***

Thought for the Day: “The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.”

— Alfred Hitchcock

on

and that the food has been independently tested by a third party. Similarly, many products are listed as vegan, kosher and halal, but smart consumers know to look for those that are veganverified and Etimad Halal or Kosher certified.

(StatePoint) The supplement industry is booming, with more than four in five Americans taking vitamins or supplements, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association. Despite their popularity, the FDA doesn’t test the effectiveness, safety or quality of supplements or their ingredients.

To help you navigate this largely unregulated industry, NovaFerrum, a leading manufacturer of iron supplements for children and adults whose products have been clinically proven safe, effective and well tolerated, offers the following primer:

• Good sourcing. Where it comes from is almost as important as what’s in it. Manufacturers can cut corners by working with lower-quality global suppliers or operating in places that require little oversight. Look for products sourced and manufactured in the United States, such as NovaFerrum.

• Proper dosage. There is wide variation in the amount of active ingredients in each supplement. Some iron supplements, for example, contain only slightly more iron than a glass of tap water. Make sure you get what you’re paying for. On the other hand, taking too high a dosage can be dangerous. Know the Tolerable Upper Intake Level or UL(the maximum amount you can ingest without negative side effects) of each supplement you take.

• Truthful product claims. Don’t be fooled by product claims not backed by third parties. The “certified glutenfree” symbol on food packaging means stringent steps were followed to prevent gluten cross-contamination

• The right ingredients. While organic is a good thing when you buy vegetables, when it comes to products that require a shelf-life, this might not be the best approach. Some popular “all-natural” supplements have been recalled due to bacterial contamination. Without some level of preservative, harmful bacteria can grow in liquid supplements and make users seriously ill.

• Trustworthy brands. The supplement industry has experienced a number of lawsuits and recalls for issues related to ineffectiveness and adverse reactions. Do your homework.

• Science-backed products. Don’t trust your family’s health to a formula cooked up in a kitchen sink. Seek scientifically proven solutions based on years of pharmaceutical and health care experience and recommended by licensed medical professionals. Choose only supplements that have voluntarily undergone full-scale, multi-year clinical trials to prove that they’re safe, effective and well-tolerated.

• Easy ingestion. Look for infant and children’s products that actually taste good enough that they’ll take them. The pediatric drops and chewable tablets from NovaFerrum, for example, come in flavors like chocolate and raspberry grape. Also, when it comes to iron supplements, stick with formulations that reduce ironrelated gastrointestinal side effects often experienced by people of all ages.

• Doctor-approved solutions. What you put into your body impacts your health in myriad ways, so choosing a supplement is essentially making a medical decision. Don’t rely on slick advertising. Always get your doctor’s counsel.

For more information on NovaFerrum, its iron supplements or its clinical trial, visit novaferrum.com.

Spinach Apple Toss

You might not think that spinach and apples go together — but one bite of this ultra-easy salad and you’ll quickly change your mind!

8 cups fresh spinach leaves, stems removed and discarded

1 cup cored, unpeeled and sliced Red Delicious apples

1/4 cup bacon bits

1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise

1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice

In a large bowl, combine spinach, apples and bacon bits. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and apple juice. Add dressing mixture to spinach mixture. Mix gently to coat. Serve at once. Makes 4 (1 1/2 cup) servings.

• Each serving equals: 114 calories, 2g fat, 4g protein, 20g carb., 555mg sodium, 2gm fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Meat.

Walnut Triangles

Mothers wanted a quicker way to make treats for their kids. Baking a bar in a pan, then cutting it into individual servings, was a lot easier than rolling, cutting, and baking multiple batches of cookies.

1 cup (plus 2 tablespoons) allpurpose flour

5 tablespoons margarine or butter, cold

1 1/2 cups (packed) light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 large eggs

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease

9- by 9-inch metal baking pan. Line pan with foil; grease foil.

2. Into medium bowl, measure 1 cup flour. With pastry blender or 2 knives used scissor-fashion, cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Firmly press crumbs onto bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Remove pan from oven.

3. Meanwhile, in another medium bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix brown sugar, vanilla, salt, baking soda, eggs and remaining 2 tablespoons flour until blended. With spoon, stir in walnuts and coconut.

4. Spread walnut filling over warm crust. Bake 20 minutes or until filling is set and knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack until filling is firm to the touch.

5. When cool, invert onto wire rack and remove foil. Invert again immediately onto cutting board. Cut into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 4 squares. Cut each square into 2 triangles. Store triangles in tightly covered container up to 1 week.

• Each serving: About 105 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated), 13mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, 1g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested reci pes, visit our website at www.good housekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

1. MONEY: Who was the first president to appear on a U.S. coin?

2. GEOGRAPHY: What three states border on the state of Louisiana?

3. MUSIC: Which rock star had a hit song with “Papa Don’t Preach”?

4. GAMES: The properties in the U.S. version of “Monopoly” are based on streets in which city?

5. TELEVISION: On what sketch comedy show did Jim Carrey make a name for himself in the 1990s?

6. LANGUAGE: What does the word “torpid” mean?

7. MOVIES: Who were the three actors in “Three Men and a Little Lady”?

8. BIBLE: What kind of wood was Noah’s ark made of?

9. PHOBIAS: What fear is represented in the condition called “glossophobia”?

10. ENTERTAINERS: Who was Paul McCartney’s first wife?

Answers

1. Abraham Lincoln

2. Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

3. Madonna

4. Atlantic City, N.J.

5. “In Living Color”

6. Sluggish

7. Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson

8. Gopher wood (cypress)

9. Fear of public speaking 10. Linda Eastman

1. In 2011, St. Louis’ David Freese became the sixth player to win MVP awards in the league championship series and World Series in the same year. Name three of the first five.

2. Alan Ashby caught three no-hitters during his 17-year major-league career. Name two of the pitchers.

3. Name the last football team other than Oklahoma or Texas to win the Big 12 Conference championship game.

4. Which two players have won the most NBA All-Star Game MVP awards?

5. True or false: The New Jersey Devils have never been swept in a playoff series.

6. When was the last time before 2012 (Andy Murray) that a British tennis player won the gold medal in men’s Olympic singles?

7. Fred Couples set a record in 2012 as the oldest golfer (52) to hold the overnight lead at the Masters. Who had held the record?

Answers

1. Willie Stargell (1979), Darrell Porter (‘82), Orel Hershiser (‘88), Livan Hernandez (‘97) and Cole Hamels (2008).

2. Ken Forsch (1979), Nolan Ryan (‘81) and Mike Scott (‘86), all with Houston.

3. Kansas State, in 2003.

4. Kobe Bryant and Bob Pettit, with four each.

5. True.

6. It was 1908.

7. Lee Trevino did it in 1989 at the age of 49.

Pandemic Make You More Concerned About Finances? You’re Not Alone

How Mentoring Can Help Women-Led Businesses Thrive

reasons I saw a need for this program,” says Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo.

For Terriekka Cardenas, a sixth grade teacher, engineer and owner of Perceptive Engineering, having this support is what helped her embrace the title of CEO. “That was the first moment for me that I didn’t box myself in,” she says.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of people’s lives and, as it turns out, it also impacted their feelings about financial security and life insurance. In a national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance:

• Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said the pandemic made them more concerned about their financial security than they were before.

• Sixty-one percent said the pandemic made them more concerned about how their family would be taken care of financially if they became seriously ill or worse and could no longer provide for them.

• Half (49%) said the pandemic made them question whether they had the right type and amount of life insurance as part of their overall plan for financial security, and a quarter (25%) contacted their insurance agent about it.

If you’re among those who want to make sure your family is taken care of in the event something unexpected happens to you, but you aren’t sure where to start, here are three questions to ask your insurance agent:

1. How do I know whether I need life insurance? If you have family members or loved ones who depend on your income, it is a good idea to have life insurance to ensure they will be taken care of. The mortgage on your house, your child’s college tuition, car loans, and funds for your final expenses are just a few things that can be paid for with money from your life insurance policy. Even if no one depends on your income, it still

may make sense to get a life insurance policy to cover your final expenses and debts — including student loans.

2. How do I figure out how much life insurance to get? There are several factors to consider, including the needs of the people you want to protect and how long they will need financial support. Consider your income, or if you aren’t employed outside the home, what it would cost if those left behind would have to pay for services you currently provide, such as childcare or home maintenance.

3. Which is better, term life insurance or whole life? It depends on where you are. Term life insurance protects you for a specific amount of time. An example would be while you are still paying off a mortgage or paying off your child’s college tuition. Whole life insurance accumulates cash value and allows for your loved ones to be covered throughout your lifetime.

Something else to take into account as you’re considering purchasing life insurance is the value it provides, even if you never actually need to use it. “One of the best reasons to get life insurance is that it sets your mind at ease to know that your loved ones will be taken care of,” said Louis Colaizzo, senior vice president of Erie Family Life, Erie Insurance. “In fact, 44% of those who responded to our survey said the pandemic made them appreciate the peace of mind they get from having life insurance even more now than they did before.”

(StatePoint) The financial disparities between male and female entrepreneurs are farreaching. Women-led businesses receive lower valuations, less capital and fewer conventional small business loans than those led by men. Women entrepreneurs also pay themselves less than men and often take the brunt of balancing their family’s needs while growing their business. In spite of these challenges, women-led businesses of all types are thriving across the United States, thanks in part to initiatives offering tactical support and networking opportunities.

Take it from Racquel Garcia, whose substance abuse recovery and life coaching business HardBeauty had substantial outside funding but needed guidance in becoming an efficient and sustainable operation. She applied to join the Milestone Circles program offered by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and funded by Wells Fargo Foundation.

As part of Wells Fargo’s Connect to More program, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center places women entrepreneurs from across the country into “circles” that

receive virtual and in-person peer and professional coaching over 12 weeks, plus the support of a growing network of fellow business leaders. As of June 2022, the program has graduated more than 540 entrepreneurs in 47 states, with an aim of graduating another 1,000 women over the next 12 months.

Built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the goal is to create space for women to step away from business pressures, identify goals and support each other’s growth.

With the assistance of her program “sisters,” Garcia built two revenue streams that were less grant-dependent, growing her income by $200,000 in 12 weeks. But the impact of this support went beyond the business. For Garcia, who is one of the only women of color in her small Colorado town, the program was a rare opportunity to share her dreams with other women she would not have crossed paths with otherwise.

“Many women entrepreneurs suffer from imposter syndrome. This confidence gap and the systemic financial barriers and pressures faced by women entrepreneurs are just some of the

Others, such as Ruby Taylor, who graduated from the first Milestone Circle in 2021, haven’t stopped meeting with their peers after the initial 12 weeks. In 2020, Taylor created a card game, LEGACY!, to teach people how to close the racial wealth gap and have fun doing it. Being able to craft a mission statement while enrolled inspired her to amplify her vision and found Financial Joy School, which coaches Black families on building generational wealth.

“My circle is a tight-knit group that continuously supports each other when we get stuck. We’re just a telephone call away when we feel discouraged,” she said.

While founding and growing a business comes with risks, support from peers and mentors can make all the difference, say program organizers. “When you’re able to show up authentically and say what you need help with -- the real things, the hard things -and people can come around and provide support in an environment free of competition or judgment, that’s really game-changing,” says Flores.