ROGERS...PG 8
WHITFIELD...PG 9
Vol 21, No. 5 • September 2021
News You Can Use
662-643-6842
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"On The Road With Jerry Porter As He Finds Food For Thought"
Head the Southern Way in Booneville for a delicious meal By Lucy Weber Tasty wings, juicy burgers and a Sunday buffet filled with delicious soul food is on the menu at Southern Way in Booneville. Newlyweds Briana Judon Buchanan, who runs the front of the house, and Tae Buchanan, who oversees his family recipes being cooked up in the back, have been welcoming hungry guests since they opened at 1315 N. College Street in July. Southern Way may be their first restaurant to open but they’ve been planning it for three years. The two have helped out in Tae’s mother’s two Southern Tradition restaurants in Houston and Bruce on weekends and that inspired them. With no Booneville restaurant specializing in wings or offering a good Sunday sit-down-after-church meal, the couple decided it was up to them to provide the tastes folks were looking for. “It is new for us having our own business,” said Tae,who has a background as a grillmaster at several restaurants. He was working for a mortgage company in Tupelo and Briana was a stay-at-home mom before they opened their restaurant. Now, they’re at the restaurant seven days a week. Southern Way is open every day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. “We’re still trying to get the feel of it – which days are the busiest, which are slower. Right now, it’s all day, every day,” Briana said. Both grew up in families where they watched and learned in the kitchen how to serve lots of delicious foods. “My grandmother had us all in the kitchen,” Briana said. “Everybody in my family can cook,” Tae said. “Soul food is a family tradition. We are serving food and recipes I picked up from my mother and grandparents. I’ve picked up tips and tricks along the way.” Favorites on the menu are the honey gold sauce on the wings, smash burgers, and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The Sunday Soul Food Buffet offers a variety of choices that might include fried chicken, dressing, roast, smothered pork chops, turnip greens, okra, Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 lima beans, mac-ncheese, POSTAL PATRON mashed potatoes with Briana Judon and Tae Buchanan,
gravy, corn and banana pudding The two are open to suggestions from customers on menu items. Hungry diners have asked for different types of hamburgers or new tastes in wing sauces and the Buchanans are happy to provide and add them to their menu. Four of their wing sauces so far are based on customers’ suggestions. “Our customer base is very creative in having suggestions,” Tae said. “At the end of the day, we hear people say their meal was so good. That makes it all worthwhile,” Briana said. “It’s satisfying to have people share the word about our food,” Tae said. The restaurant offers special days and promotions on the menu like plate lunches or social media discounts. The restaurant is open for dinein, pick-up and delivery. The phone number is 662-340-1065, and the menu can be found on the Southern Way Facebook page. The Buchanans are enjoying working together and serving their customers. “We have a saying at the entrance to the restaurant: You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out,” Tae said.
"On The Road With Jerry Porter Jerry Hits The Byways and Highways To Find Delectable Dishes On The Road
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September 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
Have you ever had days where you wake up and think, "I just don't have it in me today?" I certainly have and, and it's frustrating when you know you have things to accomplish. You have groceries to shop for, but can't seem to get to the store. Your car needs gas, but you just can't seem to get to the filling station. Kids have practice, but you can’t seem to get the gear in the car. On the morning of August 18th, it happened to me. I woke up and despite everything I tried, I just wasn't able to pray. No matter what I tried, I just couldn't get my prayer wheels to turn. I did everything. I swept, mopped, vacuumed, dusted, cleaned the bathroom, made my bed, got clothes organized for work. I did everything but pray. I even answered a few phone calls that helped some people iron out some issues. That morning, my old friend Joe, who lives in West Point, called to discuss the “Suits You Too” clothing min-
Keeping Your Prayer Wheels Turning istry that launches September 1. This particular day, despite all my mental obstacles, I was determined to get my prayer time in. So when Joe called, I told him my prayer dilemma, and added it was like trying to hand-crank an old Model T car. Those cars had no electric starter, if one was to travel, one must turn the engine manually to start it. And I asked for some advice. He said that trying to force yourself to pray when you are not inspired only makes prayer more unenjoyable and less meaningful. He used a similar analogy to explain my problem. He said I was similar to an old drinking well that required priming before the water would flow. I needed my heart and mind primed before the prayers could begin to flow to the Creator. What can prime our hearts? Inspiration comes from all sources. The birds chirping, the sun, a smile from a friend, the laughter of a child. Any of God's most precious gifts can inspire our heart.They can prime our pumps. We just sometimes have to remember to look at what we see everyday. All I could say that morning was, “Lord please
prime my prayer pump.” Also, it is easy to think that the only time you pray is when you are in need of something. I’ve been guilty of that. And that guilt reminds me that prayer doesn’t have to just be a time where you ask God for help or to see you through a dilemma, it can simply be a time when you rejoice or thank Him. In other words, sometimes it’s easy to associate prayer with problems. That doesn’t have to be the case. Romans 8: 26-27 tells us that the Holy Spirit will search and intercede when your heart, or your prayer pump, seems jammed. It reads, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” I believe the Holy Spirit knows when our hearts and our minds need a little priming. Most importantly, we must remember that our relationship with God experiences highs and lows. Though prayer does take some effort on our part, it is imperative that we not give up. Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard.
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The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.
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Monthly Meditation 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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Notable Quote Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer. — Elisabeth Elliot
September 2021
SEPTEMBER 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
for sponsorship details.
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The Community News Flash
1. Who built the first altar? 2. What military leader was killed while holding on to the horns of the altar? 3. What book of the Bible mentions a talking altar? 4. Who almost sacrificed his much-loved son on an altar but was stopped by an angel? 5. What king of Judah tore down Jeroboam's altar at Bethel and pounded the stones into dust? 6. Who built an altar and called it "The Lord is my banner"? 7. What kind of stone was, according to the Law, not supposed to be used in making an altar? 8. What was the altar in the tabernacle made of? 9. Which of the 12 tribes caused civil war when they built a magnificient altar on the banks of the Jordan? 10. What judge built an altar and called it "The Lord is peace"? 11. What king of Israel built a Baal altar to please his pagan wife? 12. What judge's parents saw an angel going up to heaven in the flames on the altar? 13. What judge and prophet built an altar to the Lord at Ramah? 14. What king was told to build an altar in a threshing place? 15. What rebellious son of David sought refuge from Solomon by holding on the horns of the altar? 16. Who took bones out of tombs and burned them on an altar to defile it? 17. Who had a vision of the Lord standing beside the altar? 18. What king of Israel changed the religious institutions of the country by building an altar a Bethel? 19. What good king's birth was foretold hundreds of years before the fact by a prophet standing before the altar at Bethel? 20. What happened to Jeroboam's altar when ordered his men to seize a prophet in front of it? 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
August Answers 1. Haggai's (1:12) 2. Isaiah (40:3) 3. Peter (Acts 10:13-15) 4. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:31) 5. Ezekiel (1:24) 6. Rhoda (Acts 12:14) 7. The Lord's servant (Isaiah 42:2)
8. Hebrew (or, in some translations, Aramic) (Acts 26:14) 9. Darius (Daniel 6:20) 10. 2 Peter (2:16)
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The Community News Flash
Why Now is the Time to Schedule That Check-Up or Screening
(StatePoint) If you haven’t visited your physician since the start of the pandemic, medical experts say that the time is now to book check-ups and screenings for the entire family. “The pandemic has had wide-scale negative health consequences beyond COVID19. Many Americans have delayed important routine health services critical to keeping them healthy, including vital pediatric immunizations and preventive cancer
screenings. Prevention is the best cure, so it’s important to get your health back on track today,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., American Medical Association (AMA) president. With school beginning and the cool weather months ahead, the AMA urges Americans to call their physician’s office to learn if they are due for preventive care or screenings.
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September 2021
5 Tech Tools to Make Homework Easier
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(StatePoint) Having the right tech tools can make homework and studying easier. Not only can it reinforce what was learned in the classroom, it can also help your child delve further into the subject. Here are five such tools to consider: • Study hour: While distractions have existed for every generation of students, never have there been so many at their fingertips than today. However, you can help your child carve out uninterrupted, quality study time with an app such as OFFTIME, which allows users to block their phone for pre-programmed chunks of time. • Math tools: If your child is taking higher level math courses, the importance of having an intuitive, menu-driven calculator can’t be overstated. Knowing instinctively how to locate such functions as finding an intersection, or converting between fractions and decimals, can give your child more confidence while completing homework assignments. It can also improve their speed and accuracy during tests. The graphing calculators from Casio allow users to move between menus fluidly for more efficient problem-solving. The brand also offers resources to help familiarize students with their calculator. Its education website features tours, product videos and reference guides, as well as step-bystep guidance through sample functions and activities. To learn more, visit casioeducation.com. • College test prep: Students can substantially
boost their college entrance exam scores using free online tools. In addition to its study tools that complement pre-K-12 coursework in nearly ever subject, the non-profit Khan Academy also offers test-takers personalized SAT preparation with proven results, including tips, strategies and tailored study plans for their individual needs. • Customized music education: For piano students, the practice time afforded in their music class may not be sufficient. Having a keyboard at home, particularly one designed for learners, can help your student truly master the instrument. The LK-S450 Casiotone Keyboard, for example, acts as a personal teacher with its Key Lighting System that guides the player through each piece by illuminating the keys in sequence. Users can practice at their own pace, as the instrument gives musicians the option to slow a song’s tempo or break it down by selecting only the left-hand or right-hand part. Built-in scores and MIDI capability open up a world of possibilities. Plus, with the freedom to change the key of a song or even turn favorite music into a backing track with the “cancel melody” or “cancel accompaniments” functions, practice sessions can be creatively customized by learners. • Reading inspiration: Inspire young readers to develop a love of reading with a Goodreads membership. This free site allows readers to connect with friends on a literary level and to track and review the books they’ve read and would like to read. Delivering personalized book recommendations to its users, it’s an excellent place to discover new authors and expand one’s horizons. As the semester progresses, you can help your student continue to succeed by equipping them with useful tools that help them focus and personalize their education.
September 2021
Too Good to Pass Up If you have a National Parks Golden Age Passport, there have been some changes. The Department of the Interior has created a new program called America the Beautiful. The America the Beautiful Senior Pass will give you free access to federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee or standard amenity fee. Plus you’ll get a discount on some of the expanded amenity fees, usually 50 percent. The Pass still costs $10 and is good for life. (Your old Passport will still be good for your lifetime.) Here are two examples of the discounts: • If you’re in a non-commercial vehicle at a site where they charge by the vehicle (such as a park), up to four people (including yourself) can get in free. • If you’re at a walk-in recreation site, up to four of you will get the discount. For those who are under age 62, there is an annual pass, which now costs $80 for a limited time, typically a year. While a carload of you can still be admitted for free to a park that charges by the vehicle, you won’t get the same fee discounts as the with Senior Pass. Recreation sites vary in the availability of standard and expanded amenities. The expanded amenities are generally activities such as boat launching, camping and swimming. If you’re in a group that’s camping, only you will get the discount. (And it doesn’t apply to gift-shop purchases or concessions.) To learn what amenities are available at various sites and which qualify for the discount, check out www.recreation.gov online or www.nps.gov. To get one of the new Senior Passes, you must apply in person at any federal park or recreation site office. It’s best to bring cash as well as your proof of identity, and you must be a U.S. citizen. 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.
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The Community News Flash
Can Vitamins Prevent Macular Degeneration? DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In the last years of his life, my dad suffered from macular degeneration, and it made his life difficult. No one else in my family has had it. I hear vitamins can prevent it. If that is so, which ones, and how much? — D.G. ANSWER: Age-related macular degeneration happens later in life, usually well after 50. Family history and genes have a hand in its development, but having had one parent with it does not doom a person to coming down with it too. Smoking and a highfat diet increase the risk of it. Eating lots of green, leafy vegetables and having fish twice a week appear to prevent it. When the doctor looks into your eyes with a scope, he or she can tell you if there are signs that you might face macular degeneration in the future. Yellow deposits in the retina are warning signs that it could crop up. Those deposits are called drusens. The macula is a small, circular area of the retina that contains visual cells necessary for reading and fine work. “Degeneration” means that those cells begin to wither and die. Advanced macular degeneration affects sight needed for central vision, but off-tothe-side vision remains. The vitamin-mineral treatment you ask about doesn’t prevent macular degeneration nor does it prevent the progression of mild macular changes. It can slow the worsening of moderate or severe macular degeneration. The daily regimen is 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of
copper. This isn’t something that people should start taking on their own; it’s something that should come recommended by their doctor. These doses of vitamins and minerals are higher than the recommended daily allowance calls for. The booklet on macular degeneration goes into greater depth in discussing both the wet and dry forms of this illness. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 701W, 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: How effective is niacin at reducing cholesterol? What are its side effects? I can’t take statins. — F.W. ANSWER: In small doses, niacin is a B vitamin. In large doses, niacin lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), raises HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and brings down triglycerides — fats that contribute to artery plugging. It’s a good medicine, especially for people like you, who can’t tolerate statins. Niacin can cause flushing, itching and headache, especially when a person first starts it. Such symptoms are most common with crystalline niacin, the kind that’s rapidly absorbed. With controlled-release niacin, the kind that’s slowly absorbed, those reactions are less frequent, but controlledrelease niacin can damage the liver and raise blood sugar and uric acid. Uric acid is the stuff that triggers gout. A third form of niacin, intermediaterelease niacin, has fewer side effects but is more expensive and requires a prescription. A brand name for the intermediate-release variety is Niaspan. *** 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
Patterson Memorial Chapel 125 South Franklin Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-286-2200 Office
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2101 E. Proper St. Corinth, MS 38834
(662)286-3331 Jennie Whitfield, NHA President/Sec
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
MONEY
Tips to Manage and Improve Your Personal Finances
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(StatePoint) If you’re like many Americans, having a better understanding of money management is a priority for you right now. In fact, nearly 75% of Americans hope to improve their financial literacy in 2021, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll for World Finance. The same survey also found that 50% of Americans need advice on how to budget properly. “While money matters can seem overwhelming at first, there is a simple formula for successful personal finances: know your credit score, create a manageable budget and build your savings,” says Chad Prashad, president and CEO of World Acceptance Corporation, the parent company of World Finance, a personal finance company. To help you get started, World Finance, which helps over one million customers each year improve their financial situations, is offering the following tips and insights: 1. Know your credit score: Many banks and lenders will let you review your credit score for free on a regular basis. If your credit score has room for improvement, a simple way to build it is through a credit building loan. This is a small loan designed to be easy to pay back, helping you establish positive credit through the lender. When taking out a loan, always be sure to use a reputable lender that reports to credit bureaus so that repaying your loan positively impacts your score. 2. Make, and stick to, a monthly budg-
et: There is no one-size-fits-all way to make a budget so find a method that works best for you. A few systems to try include envelope budgeting (dividing expenditures into physical or digital envelopes representing different spending categories), zero-based budgeting (earmarking every last penny of your income to a useful purpose) and the 50/30/20 Rule (allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt reduction). 3. Start saving: While building a savings account can be daunting, it’s important to allocate one in your budget. Doing so will mean you have an emergency fund to keep you afloat when the unexpected happens in life. According to the OnePoll/World Finance survey, nearly 30% of Americans do not feel that they have the safety net or resources available to cover a financial setback greater than $400. If you find yourself in a situation where your savings won’t cover what you need, a personal installment loan with equal monthly payments designed to fit into your budget could be a good solution. Find a lender that will work with you to understand the complete picture of your finances, such as World Finance. To learn more, visit loansbyworld.com. “Every so often, it’s a good idea to take inventory of your financial wellness,” says Prashad. “Use the opportunity to understand your credit score, employ budgeting tactics and create a savings fund.
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
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Getting Smart About Your Credit Score (StatePoint) Good credit opens doors. Not only can it help you secure an affordable loan, but it is also often needed for access to open everyday accounts, such as for your utility services and cell phone. It can help you land a job, boost your chances of securing an apartment, and even improve your dating prospects, according to research. Whether your credit is “good” is determined by your credit history, which looks at your payment patterns over time and your credit score, which rates your credit risk at a moment in time. But it’s more complicated than that, and if you’re like many Americans, you may be confused by some of the details. According to a recent Freddie Mac survey of homeowners and renters, one in three Americans isn’t aware that credit score elements such as the length of credit usage or having joint credit and loan accounts are reported to credit bureaus. Additionally, more than half of homeowners and renters aren’t aware that being behind on housing payment can result in an impaired credit rating, and nearly 60% don’t know or realize it can impact their ability to get a loan in the future. To get a handle on your credit, consider these tips: 1. Pay on time. The best thing you can do to build, maintain or improve your credit is pay bills on time. The types of accounts considered for credit payment history include: • Credit cards • Retail accounts, such as credit cards from department stores • Installment loans, such as car loans, on which you make regular payments • Mortgage loans • Student loans • Finance company accounts, such as car dealer in-house lenders 2. Watch your credit card balance. If you allow your credit cards to reach high, unpaid balances, or if you only pay the minimum due, credit cards can cost you hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars in interest and can impair your credit. 3. Review your credit report annually. You’re entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report each year from each major credit bureau via annualcreditreport.com. You can also keep an eye on your credit score through free apps such as Credit Karma,
October is Pastor Appreciation Month (c) vladans / iStock via Getty Images Plus
NerdWallet, WalletHub or others. Be aware, however, the scores shown in these apps are not the same as FICO scores used by most lenders and creditors to make lending or credit decisions. Still, they’re useful for reviewing the financial activities affecting your credit. 4. Get savvy. Education has power. Learn more about managing credit by checking out Freddie Mac’s free suite of financial education resources, CreditSmart. Over the past two decades, more than 5 million consumers have benefitted from these tools and now this program can be customized by users. “Financial education is personal. Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, our newly released curriculum empowers you to customize your experience and learn at your own pace,” says Cindy Waldron, vice president, Single-Family Housing Insights and Solutions at Freddie Mac. To access these resources, which are available online or on mobile devices, visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com. The impact of good credit on your life can’t be overstated. Use free resources to learn more about how it works. Then, stay on top of your credit by actively monitoring it and working to improve it.
Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.” 1 Thess 5:1213 (NLT)
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. How do you celebrate your pastor? How do you show pastor that you care? Looking for ways to show appreciation for your pastor? We're here to help! Here at the Community News Flash we believe in the significant role that pastors play in the local church and community; therefore, we gladly celebrate and promote Pastor Appreciation Month. We would like to allow your church or organization the opportunity to uplift and encourage your pastor by placing a special ad honoring your pastor during Pastor Appreciation Month. For advertising information, please call 662-643-6842 or emailing read.newsflash@gmail.com. All advertising information should be submitted by Friday, September 24, 2021.
In the Den with Doug Join us the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm to listen to the preached word. He who has ears to hear, let him hear -- Matthew 11:15
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
Rogers reaches those in need for therapy on horseback
Diana Rogers
By Lucy Weber Diana Rogers’ ministry uses things she loves. “I love horses and I love helping kids,” said the founder of REACH Therapeutic Riding Center in Burnsville. Through REACH, which stands for Rescued Equines Assisting Challenged Humans, Rogers uses her training in therapeutic riding to brings smiles and skills to children and adults, who may face obstacles or disabilities in their everyday lives. “I try and help people reach their goals with horse activities. This is my ministry.” The non-profit is affiliated with New Hope Horse Rescue Inc., which was founded by her husband Ricky 11 years ago. The riding center, in operation for nine years, uses the rescue horses, which have overcome their own difficulties, to connect with riders with autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, Downs syndrome, PTSD, ADHD, fear of horses or other issues. “We offer our services for anyone who wants to be around horses or for therapy, said Rogers, who is certified as a therapist and is associated with PATH Inc. (Professional Association of Therapy Horsemanship). “Every little stride is a big thing for people with challenges. It’s a blessing to be able to watch this happen,” she said, sharing an example of a 12-year-old with CP, which causes core issues, who now at 16 can sit up straight
on a horse because he achieved core strength. “Some therapists recommend what they want their patients to work on and give me specific goals to work toward, Rogers said. Through her training, Rogers said she can quickly determine what a new rider’s needs are and how she and the horse can help them reach those goals. “Usually I can tell pretty quickly. Parents can usually see a difference in their children quickly.” Horses are a great source for helping those with physical challenges, Rogers said, and therapeutic riding is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the world. “It is so helpful to so many people,” she said. “A therapist like me can work on skills like balance, focus, movement of arts and legs,” Rogers said. Not all horses are meant to be used in therapy but the rescue has provided some “extraordinary” animals that do well with the children, she said. The horses learn quickly not to be spooked by wheelchairs, ramps and crutches. “These horses touch something in these riders. You can have a horse that a regular rider can’t ride, but the horse will settle down with these kids like you wouldn’t believe,
Nell Havers
Rogers said. “The horses are so happy to do these. The horses will see these kids coming up in their wheelchairs and they will come out of the field to greet them. One of our horses, Hick, didn’t like his face being touched but he would lower his head down into these kids’ laps.” Some of REACH’s riders come to Rogers through word of mouth or from recommendations from the medical community. Clients come from across North Mississippi and some from Tennessee. Anyone interested in lessons through REACH can contact Rogers at 662-297-1342.
September 2021
The Community News Flash
Whitfield is missing, not keeping, her bees
new hive, so Whitfield is already planning By Lucy Weber on ways to keep away For now, Lynda the raccoons, possiWhitfield will enjoy bly an electric watching the fuzzy bumfence or a differblebees flit around her ent type of hive plants, not the smaller, thinthat may prevent ner honey bees. animals raiding The hobbyist beethe hives. keeper recently lost Eventually, her hives and all Whitfield wants her honeybees. to get her gar"My beehives got den certified as attacked and a pollinator killed by angry habitat to supraccoons, " she port pollinators. said "I cried and Bees, butterflies, cried and cried." birds and other beneMany beekeepficial insects are losers talk to their ing their habitat. They bees and carry on visit flowers to drink the ancient tradinectar or feed on tion of "telling the pollen and transport it from plant to Bees". It is plant. The majority of all flowering believed that this plants need help with pollination, tradition dates back to including many of the crops that proCeltic times. vide the food we eat. Pollinators also Beekeepers would help sustain our ecosystem by helping "tell" the bees of major plants reproduce and provide food life events such as and habitat for wildlife. deaths and so forth. She People who spray chemicals misses sitting with her Lynd Whitfield on gardens or crops to keep bees and listening to the awayinsects can cause real probhum of the hives. lems for bees and beekeepers because the Two years ago Whitfield attended a class on beekeeping because of her interest in pol- spray drifts. Bees exposed to chemicals die with their tongues out. Bees can roam up to linator gardens. She ordered two "nucs" two to five miles from their hives searching which is an active hive that already has a for pollen."I'm lucky because there are Queen that is laying brood to get started. " woods behind me,and my neighbors don't I'm not in it so much for selling honey," she spray. said. Alcorn County has a good number of beeHer first year she left most of the honey keepers. Some are hobbyist and some do it for the bees in her two hives. " This year it and sell the honey. Currently Alcorn County was looking like there would be a good crop Beekeeping Club is inactive, but Whitfield and it tasted good." says that members hope to get the club back Then disaster struck. Whitfield went out together again at a future date. Other local of town, leaving two healthy hives behind. areas like Itawamba County and Savannah, Arriving back home, she discovered her Tenneesse have active clubs. hives and frames of brood and honey on the "Bees are fascinating to watch. I've seen ground. On the hive bodies were the footthem fly in and stop to clean each other prints of raccoons, indicating that they had before they enter the hive. They have their destroyed the hives to get the honey. I am own society, there are bees that forage, nurse sure the bees "got their licks in," she said, bees, drones and the all important Queen. It's when a honeybee stings they die. The bees like a little democracy. Everyone has their were gone, they had left the vicinity. designated job." It is late in the season to try and start a
Official opening September 1st.
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
Amazing Grace can be found with fresh flowers and beautiful gifts
Gayle Bryant and Minnie Stewart
By Lucy Weber Shoppers looking for a custom wreath, a wedding gift or something special to brighten the day
can find the perfect item at Amazing Grace Flowers and Gifts in Bolivar, Tenn. Located at 115 W. Jackson St.,
the small business is a labor of love for owners Minnie Stewart and Gale Bryant, who have a long history with the shop they opened almost two years ago. "We worked for a lady called Rosemary Turner at Bill’s Flower Shop in Bolivar over a period of 30 years," Mrs. Bryant said. "Ms. Rosemary died in 2017. Her son decided in 2019 to sell the shop to a young couple. Even though Minnie and I were at retirement age we weren’t ready to go home. "I said to Minnie I’m opening up a shop, 'You staying or going?' She said 'I’m going with you.'" The two decided to open the shop themselves but were initially stumped over what to call their new business. Mrs. Bryant said folks told them to name the store, which is a full-service florist and a gift shop, after themselves so everyone would know who it belonged to. However, they decided using a name like that didn't feel quite
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right. Instead, the name of the shop is divinely inspired. "One night the Lord woke me up and said name it Amazing Grace. That will give me the glory instead of you." Mrs. Bryant said. "He’s always right. I'm so thankful I set my pride aside. People seem to love the name." The two women say they make sure their work reflects the store's amazing grace. "We strive to show God's love when they enter the doors. People say the atmosphere feels calm and peaceful," said Mrs. Bryant, adding that comes through the Lord.. Amazing Grace Flowers and Gifts opened in October of 2019. The shop sells fresh and silk flowers, and gifts and jewelry. The owners also design one-of-akind wreaths for holidays, special occasions or for making a front door look pretty. The store is open Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. During those times, Stewart and Bryant welcome folks who may just want to look around and have a chat. ""We both enjoy people, talking to them and hearing them talk about themselves. We don’t mind if you just come to visit. We like being a small business that gives us time with people and not rush around crazy." The store also has a special section for non-shoppers. "We keep a section where the husbands can sit and not bother their wives when they shop," Mrs. Bryant said. The two long-time friends appreciate that they work in tandem easily with each other at a time when they could be enjoying retirement. "It’s nice to work with a friend who is always there for you," Mrs. Bryant said. "We have that peace and love and no stress. It’s not always bad to get older and start over."
September 2021
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The Community News Flash
NEWS FLASH
Kids Zone
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
Tomatoes Are Ripe for Flavorful Dishes My favorite summer snack is a handful of cherry tomatoes, picked straight from the vine, sprinkled with a little salt. Eating tomatoes was almost unheard of in the early 1800s because they were thought to be poisonous or strictly for ornamental uses. We have Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson of Salem, N.J., to thank for singlehandily proving to Colonial Americans that tomatoes were safe to eat. In 1808, Colonel Johnson brought tomato seeds home from Europe. He not only began growing and eating
tomatoes, he offered a prize for the largest tomato grown in the area. Despite all of Colonel Johnson's efforts, tomatoes were still thought to be poisonous and not safe for human consumption. Finally, he came up with the perfect way to prove that tomatoes were safe to eat. On Sept. 26, 1820, Colonel Johnson stood on the steps of the Salem courthouse, and in front of a crowd of 2,000, ate an entire basket of tomatoes. Many people in the crowd thought he was committing suicide. Johnson predicted, "The time will come when this delicious scarlet apple ... will form the foundation of a great garden industry and will be enjoyed as an edible food."
Word quickly spread that Colonel Johnson had suffered no ill effects from this stunt. Soon, tomatoes became widely accepted as part of American cuisine. Today, Americans consume on average more than 80 pounds of tomatoes each year. Scientifically, tomatoes are classified as a fruit, but since they don't contain the sweet flavor of most fruits
and are typically used in savory dishes, they're legally classified as a vegetable. Tomatoes are low in calories and a good source of vitamins C, A and K. They're also a very good source of molybdenum, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, chromium and vitamin B1. In addition, tomatoes contain lycopene, which has
antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. I love using tomatoes as the "dish" for salads like this delicious shrimp salad. When you scoop out the tomato pulp, place it in a plastic bag and use it in tomato soup or pasta sauce. The tomato pulp with keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. TOMATOES STUFFED WITH SEAFOOD SALAD 1 pound peeled, cooked shrimp (21 to 25 per pound; thawed if frozen), tails removed, chopped; or 1 pound imitation crab meat, chopped 1 stalk celery, finely diced 1/4 cup minced fresh basil 10 Kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
(optional) 1/2 small purple onion, minced 2 tablespoons reducedfat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon sugar 4 large ripe tomatoes, cored In a small bowl, combine the shrimp or crab, celery, basil, olives, onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper and sugar together until well-combined. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, carefully hollow out the inside of each tomato, reserving the tomato pulp. Fill each tomato with a 1/2 cup of the seafood salad. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
September 2021
The Community News Flash
By Samantha Weaver
• Antiperspirant stains getting you down? These stains — especially once set in — can be notoriously hard to remove. Try sponging the area with diluted ammonia; use a half-cup of water with a tablespoon of ammonia. Let the area set for 15 minutes and launder with a bleach-free detergent. Always check for stain removal before drying, as the heat of a dryer will just make it harder to remove. • Never store out-of-season clothes in the attic, as humidity and high temperatures can take their toll on even the best-stored fabrics. Store them in an out-of-the-way place inside the house. • “With four daughters, the spending on back-to-school clothing was getting out of hand. Finally, we sat our girls down and laid out a budget for them — and they are in charge of how to spend it. We showed them how to look for sales, how to pool funds by going in together on higher-priced items that they really wanted and reminded them to hold on to some of the money for things they might want after school starts. Each girl got her own prepaid VISA card to shop with, and I have to say they did really well. It was easy for them to beg for extra items when it was their parents paying, but they kept careful track of how much they had to spend — and saw how quickly it goes.” — The C. Family in Washington • Keep recipes clean while cooking or baking by slipping the card or page into the tines of a fork. Set the fork in a tall glass and you are in business. • “If you have slippery stairs going into the house, try mixing a little fine sand into an exterior paint. The sand will give you a bit of traction, and it’s unnoticeable if you get a paint that matches your exterior.” — F.E. in Idaho 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 there are no distilleries in the town of Bourbon, Kentucky. • Bausch & Lomb, a company best known for its eye-care products, was originally known as Vulcanite Optical Instrument Company. • Celine Dion and Gladys Knight both made their public singing debuts when they were only 5 years old. • Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of the seventh, and final, installment in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” It’s now become the fastest-selling book in history, with 11 million copies being purchased in the first 24 hours alone. The series has been so successful that the author, J.K. Rowling, is the first person to become a billionaire by writing books. According to Forbes, she is the second richest female entertainer in the world (after Oprah Winfrey, of course), and the magazine also ranked her as the 48th most powerful celebrity for 2007. With all her fame and money, it’s interesting to note that Rowling was once fired for writing on the job. • It was libertarian author and lecturer James Bovard who, in 1994, made the following sage observation: “Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.” • Those who study first families of the United States say that first lady Pat Nixon ironed her own dresses, first lady Rosalynn Carter mended the family’s clothes, and President Harry Truman washed his own undergarments. • The last state to officially abolish slavery was Mississippi — and it wasn’t until 1995 that it happened. *** Thought for the Day: “Beauty is all very well at first sight; but who ever looks at it when it has been in the house for three days?” — William Shakespeare
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
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Looking to Retire Early? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First Monte Carlo Crusted Rib Steaks
by Healthy Exchanges (c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus
(StatePoint) The pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. As a result of all the upheaval, many people are reassessing their priorities and thinking about early retirement. According to Pew Research, 28 million baby boomers retired in 2020 and a recent study found 39% plan to retire by 65, while 18% said they plan to retire by age 59. Before taking that step, here are four questions to ask yourself. 1. Can I afford to stop working? Look at your retirement savings, your life expectancy, your projected income and annual expenditures in retirement. You’ll want to consider unforeseen circumstances down the line that could be costly, such as the need to reside in a nursing home. Use the free retirement calculator and resources available at fidelity.com to help you make a realistic determination as to whether you can afford to retire now, or whether you need to keep earning your full-time salary for a few more years. 2. Do I need life insurance after retirement? There is no one-size-fitsall answer here. However, those carrying debt into retirement, such as mortgages and personal loans, should consider a life insurance plan. Today, many baby boomers are financially supporting children and grandchildren and have significant debt. According to the National Council on Aging, the median consumer debt for households headed by someone aged 65 or older is 4.5 times higher now than in 1989. Paying off a mortgage is one of the most common reasons to purchase a life insurance policy. Doing so can help ensure your family is able to enjoy the home they love without the burden of outstanding payments.
“You would do anything to ensure your family has a bright future and having insurance is a simple and affordable way to protect them,” says Louis Colaizzo, senior vice president of Erie Family Life. “Life insurance can help loved ones maintain the standard of living they are accustomed to.” So, how much would you need to leave behind? Calculate your needs with the life insurance calculator available at erieinsurance.com/lifeinsurance or contact an independent Erie Insurance agent to discuss options. 3. How will I get health insurance? The current Medicare eligibility age for most people is 65, so if you plan retire before then, you’ll need to find another way to get health insurance. Even after you’re covered by Medicare, health care expenses can add up, especially if you’re on a fixed retirement income. Some insurance companies, including Erie Insurance, offer Medicare supplemental insurance to help pay the portion of expenses not covered by Medicare. 4. How will I spend my time? Retirement can come with ample newfound free time you may not be accustomed to. While that can sound amazing to those working full-time, the transition can be jarring. Whether it’s volunteering, taking up new creative hobbies or traveling, planning now for how you will spend your time is a good idea to stave off boredom. As you consider when to stop working, first ask yourself these four questions so you can take the appropriate steps to help ensure your retirement reality matches your retirement dreams.
Peach Melba Breakfast Muffins Here is a quick and easy breakfast. 2 tablespoons raspberry spreadable fruit 1/2 cup (1 medium) peeled and sliced fresh peach 1 English muffin, split and toasted In a microwave-safe bowl, combine spreadable fruit and sliced peaches. Cover with waxed paper and cook on HIGH (100 percent power) for 60 seconds. Let set for 1 minute. Evenly spread mixture over toasted muffins. Serves 2. • Each serving equals: 121 calories, 1g fat, 2g protein, 26g carb., 140mg sodium, 34mg calcium, 1g fiber. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Fruit. Carb Choices: 2. 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. © 200
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PREP: 10 minutes COOK: About 12 minutes YIELDS: 6 main-dish servings 4 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 1 tablespoon coarse salt (kosher) 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon hot paprika 3 bone-in beef rib steaks, 1 1/4 inches thick (1 pound each) 1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling over medium-high heat. 2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine pepper, salt, garlic powder, brown sugar and paprika. On waxed paper, sprinkle spice mixture over steaks, patting to coat both sides. Let stand 5 minutes. 3. Place steaks on hot grill rack; cook 1 minute on each side to sear. Cover grill and cook 10 to 12 minutes longer for medium-rare or until desired doneness, turning over once. 4. Transfer steaks to platter; let stand 10 minutes. Slice steaks on cutting board to serve. • Each serving: About 275 calories, 29g protein, 4g carbohydrates, 15g total fat (6g saturated), 86mg cholesterol, 1,045mg sodium. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes.
1. TELEVISION: What was the setting of the TV sitcom “Wings”? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where are the summer Olympics going to be held in 2012? 3. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Roman goddess of wisdom? 4. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the Yucatan Channel? 5. THEATER: Who wrote the Pulitzer prize-winning play “The Time of Your Life”? 6. TOYS: What famous toy did George Lerner invent in 1952? 7. MEASUREMENTS: An olympiad emcompasses how many years? 8. MUSIC: What baseball player is mentioned in the Simon & Garfunkel song “Mrs. Robinson”? 9. MEDICAL: A lack of Vitamin B12 results in what illness? 10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Who once said, “Without fools the rest of us could not succeed”? Answers 1. Nantucket, Mass. 2. London 3. Minerva 4. Between Mexico and Cuba 5. William Saroyan 6. Mr. Potato Head 7. Four years 8. Joe DiMaggio 9. Pernicious anemia 10. Mark Twain
1. Who was the last Cubs player before Juan Pierre in 2006 with more than 55 stolen bases in a season? 2. Name the last time before 2006 that the Detroit Tigers reached the playoffs. 3. How many losing seasons did Joe Gibbs have during his first run as head coach of the Washington Redskins (1981-1992)? 4. Name the last men’s college basketball Final Four before 2007 that did not have two teams from one conference. 5. When was the last time before 2007 that both teams in the Stanley Cup Finals were seeking their first championship? 6. Who has won the most U.S. track titles in an individual event? 7. Between 1970 and 2000, three foreign-born male golfers won the U.S. Open a total of four times. Name two of them. Answers 1. Frank Chance had 57 stolen bases in 1906. Pierre had 58 in 2006. 2. In 1987, Detroit lost in the A.L. Championship Series to Minnesota. 3. One — he was 7-9 in 1988. 4. It was 1998, when Kentucky (the eventual champion), Utah, Stanford and North Carolina were in the Final Four. 5. It was 1999 (Dallas versus Buffalo). 6. Racewalker Henry Laskau won 10 titles (1948-1957). 7. Tony Jacklin (England) in 1970, David Graham (Australia) in 1981 and Ernie Els (South Africa) in 1994 and 1997.
September 2021
The Community News Flash
15
BUSINESS
Tips for Surviving the First 5 Years of Small Business Ownership
(StatePoint) What motivates entrepreneurs to become self-employed? How do they measure success? What’s their cutoff for profitability and self-reflection on status? A new survey examining these very questions provides important insights to small business owners and those looking to start their entrepreneurial journey. “The Tipping Point: Making the Jump to Self-Made” report from global small business platform Xero surveyed 1,200 small business owners nationwide and, among respondents, 58% gave themselves five years or less to make it or break it with newer businesses giving themselves an even shorter timespan on average. Here are some of the survey’s key findings, along with tips for surviving your first five years of small business ownership: 1. Define what success looks like: When they made the move to branch out on their own, 48% of small business owners defined success as achieving profitability, and 34% defined it as making more money than they were previously. Fast forward to the present with their businesses up and running and 28% of business owners cite creating a legacy as their success measure. Having tangible and intangible benchmarks of achievement can help you stay focused. 2. Know your “why”: According to the survey, one of the strongest motivators for starting a small business is the belief that it provides greater flexibility and control when you’re your own boss (45%). Passion/purpose in work (28%) and financial reasons (15%) were also strong motivators. Running a business can be tremendously satisfying when you understand
what your “tipping point” was for taking a leap of faith and venturing out on your own. 3. Be flexible: Twenty-nine percent of small business owners say the pandemic has increased their desire to run a business, particularly among younger business owners (43% of Gen Z vs. 18% of Boomers) and women (34% of women vs. 24% of men). But what do those businesses that thrived in the COVID-19 era have in common? “The majority of newer businesses have been set up on technology platforms and digitally enabled since their inception,” says Ben Richmond, US country manager for Xero. “They’re ready for and in many cases even expecting disruption, so they’ve established afoundation that’s open to pivots.” 4. Be realistic: While most business owners say they started their business for increased flexibility and control, being the boss doesn’t equate to less stress. In fact, that’s the biggest misconception about starting a business (47%). Another top misconception is that starting a business will be more fun than working for someone else (25%). Understanding the realities of entrepreneurship can help you avoid surprises, and ensure comfort in the role as it changes. 5. Lean on digital tools: When you’re a small business owner, it can often seem like there are never enough hours in the day. Using software that streamlines the nitty-gritty can free your time so it’s better spent on the big picture. For example, the cloud-based accounting software platform Xero gives small business owners and their advisors access to real-time financial data on any device. Its 2.45 million subscribers are leveraging its array of tools that simplify tasks like paying bills, payroll, claiming expenses and sending invoices. To view the full report and for more information, visit xero.com. “It’s certainly been an unusual year for business, but entrepreneurs are generally feeling positive about the economic outlook in the months ahead. For enterprises still in the make-it-or-break-it period, that’s especially good news,” says Richmond.
How Women Entrepreneurs Can Plan for Success
(c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus
(StatePoint) The nearly 13 million small businesses owned by women nationwide are essential to the U.S. economy. Accounting for 42% of U.S. small businesses, they employ nearly 9.4 million people and generate $1.9 trillion in revenue annually. Healthy and growing women-owned businesses are vital to an inclusive economic recovery, yet women entrepreneurs face distinct challenges, including fewer resources and less access to professional networks, on top of having a greater share of caregiving duties. “For many small businesses, having access to trusted experts in areas like marketing, business planning, technology and legal can be a critical turning point for getting back to growth,” says Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. Right now, the company is deploying over $55 million from its Open for Business Fund to 93 nonprofits across the country to provide more women and diverse entrepreneurs with resources. According to Flores, these tips and resources can help entrepreneurs pivot from surviving to thriving as they recover from the pandemic and look to the future: Mentorship Connecting with mentors is a powerful way for women business owners to share best practices and learn from each other but it’s often hard to know where to find them or initiate those relationships. A new program between Wells Fargo and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center called Connect to More is giving women entrepreneurs complimentary support through its signature Milestone Mapping Coaching Circle. Born from the challenges of COVID-19, participants get hands-on help
setting and reaching business goals from a network of peer mentors and industry experts. “As a non-profit committed to access and equity in entrepreneurship, we are grateful to partner with Wells Fargo to help women business owners accelerate their personal and professional growth as leaders and gain support as they solve big problems that make their families and communities stronger,” says Nicola Corzine, executive director, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. Networking Networking is more than a buzzword. It can help open doors to growth. Check the local chamber of commerce or consider joining a well-known organization like the National Association of Women Business Owners. Knowledge Knowledge is power. Visit Wells Fargo’s Women-Owned Business Resources page for free tools to support critical business decisions. Also, female entrepreneurs should check out some of these women-specific podcasts to pick up new strategies from savvy leaders: • Being Boss digs into the mindsets and tactics that can help women business owners make money doing what they love. • She Leads features respected female leaders from all industries who let listeners know what it takes to rise to the top. • The Center offers a playlist of workshops and classes for women-identifying entrepreneurs. • Women at Work, hosted by Harvard Business Review editorial staff, features conversations about where women are and how they can move forward. Strategy Having a concrete business plan is essential to running a successful business. During the pandemic, many small businesses had to create more online offerings, change relationships with supply chains or reduce hiring. Now’s the time to review which of these adaptions can be built upon in the future. Running a business is never easy. But new resources and support can help women entrepreneurs overcome the distinct challenges they face and plan for growth as the economy picks up.
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September 2021
The Community News Flash
Top Tips for Homeowners to Prep Financially for Natural Disasters
(c) designer491 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
(StatePoint) Climate change is making natural disasters more extreme, from extending the duration of disaster seasons to increasing the intensity of fires, storms and floods. Indeed, the U.S. Geological Survey notes that with increasing global surface temperatures, the intensity of storms will likely increase. The agency also predicts coastal flooding to double in the coming decades. Health and safety are first priorities after a disaster, but financial resilience is critical too. If you’re a homeowner -- or a prospective homeowner -- here’s how you can get prepared: • Compile documents: Assemble important financial documents. Store paper copies of all files in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe, or in a bank safe deposit box. Consider making digital copies for easy accessibility. Store these in a password-protected format on a removable flash or external hard drive, in your fireproof and waterproof box or safe, in a bank safe deposit box, or with a
secure cloud-based service. • Understand your insurance coverage: Having adequate insurance will ensure protection in times of need. The extent of your coverage will depend on where you live and what types of disasters your location may be at risk for. Review your policy annually and make changes or additions as needed. • Update documents: Regularly revisit and update documents, particularly if you have significant changes in your life, such as marriage, death or the birth of a child. • Start saving: If you’re able, start saving today. Having an emergency budget allows you to react quickly if you’re affected by a disaster. Plus, households that have an emergency savings account tend to fare better overall. • Go electronic: If you depend on regular benefits such as Social Security, consider switching to electronic benefits to protect yourself should mail service be disrupted during a disaster. • Know the plans: Stay
up-to-date with the emergency plans in your community, children’s schools and place of work. Make a communications plan for your own household and share it with all the members of your family. • Seek disaster relief: If your home has been impacted by a natural disaster, contact your loan servicer right away. Your loan servicer may be able to extend a full range of relief options, including: suspending foreclosures by providing forbearance on your mortgage payments for up to 12 months, waiving assessments of penalties or late fees, and not reporting delinquencies to the nation’s credit bureaus. About one month before the end of your forbearance period, contact your mortgage company to determine the most appropriate option for re-establishing your mortgage payments. • Become a savvy homeowner: Familiarize yourself with how to prepare your home for natural disasters and extreme weather, as well as where to find resources to help recover if disaster strikes. Freddie Mac’s My Home website has a comprehensive suite of tools and resources about homeownership, including details on support options if you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, at myhome.freddiemac.com/g etting-help. Natural disasters can strike at any time and with little warning. However, proper preparation can help you weather the storm.