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Vol 26, No. 5 • September 2026

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From Detroit to Mississippi: The Legacy Journey of Jacqueline “Jackee” Riddles Smith Some lives are carefully planned, while others unfold like a remarkable journey filled with unexpected opportunities, challenges, accomplishments, and divine connections. For Jacqueline Riddles Smith, affectionately known as Jackee, her journey has taken her from Detroit, Michigan, to boardrooms and businesses across America—and ultimately back to the Mississippi roots that shaped her family’s legacy. Jackee often describes her life as being “like a Forrest Gump movie.” She believes that through hard work, faith, and perseverance, opportunities simply seemed to appear along the way. But when she looks back over her extraordinary journey, she sees something even greater: the favor of God guiding her every step of the way. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Jackee is the daughter of the late Wilson Riddles, who was born in Dennis Town, Mississippi, in 1918, and Bertha Ledora Riddles, born in Kossuth, Mississippi, in 1917. In 1950, her parents left Mississippi and headed north to Detroit, seeking greater opportunities for their growing family. Although they made Detroit their home, Mississippi never left their hearts. Wilson and Bertha eventually became the parents of eight children, with Jackee being the seventh. Throughout her childhood, the Riddles family returned to Mississippi each year to reconnect with their roots. They helped their parents and grandparents harvest cotton from land owned by the Riddles family in Dennis Town. After the harvest, the family would travel to Corinth to spend time with relatives on Jackee’s mother’s side—the Normans, Shorters, Joneses, Dilworths, Hurds, Gurlys, McPeters, Loricks, Barnetts, and many others. Those annual trips planted seeds that would grow throughout Jackee’s life. She pursued education and excellence with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in business and finance. She also became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a licensed New York Stock Exchange broker. Her professional accomplishments would eventually Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835

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woman to serve as president and CEO of a 60-year-old healthcare and vision insurance corporation. During her 35-year career in corporate America, the organization served hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries and eventually reached more than one million people across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. After retiring from Corporate America in 2010, Jackee was not finished making an impact. She entered business for herself, helping women and minorities build, strengthen, and restructure their businesses. She retired again in 2018, but as life would have it, retirement did not last long. Less than a year later, she was called upon to help a well-known artist organize his personal financial life and learn the principles of generational wealth. Her work with that client quickly opened doors to 11 additional wellknown celebrities in California and Atlanta. Through her professional expertise, Jackee helped them focus on financial goals, personal structure, and building wealth that could extend beyond one generation. After completing that chapter of her professional journey, Jackee retired once again in December 2023. But her final chapter of service is perhaps her most personal. Since 2024, Jackee has focused on preserving her family’s legacy and tracing the history of the places where it all began—Corinth, Kossuth, and Dennis Town, Mississippi. Her mission is rooted in honoring the generations who came before her and preserving the stories and institutions that helped sustain her family and community. Among the places closest to her heart are the historic Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, the historic Black Liberty Cemetery, and the Black History Museum in Corinth. Her goal is not simply to remember history, but to help preserve it, support it, and ensure that future generations understand the shoulders upon which they stand. Jackee is also a devoted wife to Attorney Larry A. Smith and the proud mother of one son. Yet, beyond her impressive titles, degrees, and professional accomplishments is a woman who understands that success is most meaningful when it can be used to bless and uplift others. The journey of Jacqueline “Jackee” Riddles Smith is a story of education, courage, perseverance, and faith. It is the story of a little girl whose family traveled from Detroit back to Mississippi each year to harvest cotton and visit relatives. It is also the story of a woman who would one day lead a major corporation, advise prominent clients, and dedicate her later years to preserving the legacy of those who came Jacqueline Riddles Smith before her. break barriers. Jackee’s story reminds us that sometimes we must travel far from home to discover the full Jackee became the first meaning of where we came from. Her life has taken her through corporate boardrooms, busisee SMITH pg 5 Black person and the first

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

Over the past five years, our communities have experienced something that none of us could have predicted. COVID-19 arrived with bad intentions, disrupting lives, businesses, families, and communities. But even in the midst of the uncertainty, something positive happened. A spirit of confidence began to emerge in people who had once been afraid to step into the arena of business. People began opening doors. Cooks turned their talents into businesses. A bus business opened its doors. Men’s clothing businesses began to serve the community. Caterers answered the call to feed people. New churches opened their doors to serve as places of worship, hope, and encouragement. And these are just a few examples of the many businesses and organizations that have emerged throughout our communities. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons from those difficult days

September 2026

"Unity in the Community" is that sometimes adversity can reveal something within us that we didn't know was there. COVID-19 may have changed the way we lived, but it also awakened the entrepreneurial spirit in many people. Individuals discovered that they had talents, gifts, and abilities that could not only benefit themselves but could also benefit others. At The Community News Flash, we have tried for the past 25 years to serve as a dot connector—connecting people, specialinterest stories, businesses, and organizations throughout the various communities of the Tri-State area. Our goal has always been bigger than simply putting words and pictures on paper. We have wanted to help people discover one another. When one community member succeeds, it creates an opportunity for another person to succeed. When one business opens its doors, it creates another place where our community can

shop, eat, gather, learn, and connect. There is something powerful about the word community. Hidden within the word "community" is the word "unity." In short, unity means coming together as one. That is something we must never lose sight of. We have many talented people in our communities. We have cooks, entrepreneurs, educators, pastors, musicians, tradesmen, business owners, caregivers, artists, and people with gifts that have yet to be discovered. But regardless of our individual talents and accomplishments, we must realize that no one person is more important than another. Unity is the key. The Apostle Paul made this point beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12:21 (KJV): “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee,: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.”

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.

Think about that for a moment. If I place a glass of water on the table because I am thirsty, I need my entire body to work together. My eyes have to see the water. My brain has to send the message. My hand has to reach for the glass. My fingers have to grasp it. My arm has to lift it. My mouth has to receive the water. Each part has a role to play. The same principle applies to our communities. We need one another. The business owner needs the customer. The customer needs the business owner. Churches need communities, and communities need churches. Entrepreneurs need supporters, and supporters need places where they can invest their time and resources.

If we learn to work together rather than compete against one another, we can accomplish far more than any one person could accomplish alone. For 25 years, The Community News Flash has been blessed to help connect the dots. But connecting the dots is not enough. We must also connect the people. Let us continue opening doors, supporting one another, sharing our talents, and celebrating each other's successes. Because when we come together as one, we can do something greater than simply satisfy our individual needs—we can quench the thirst of the entire community. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!

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Monthly Meditation “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

Notable Quote "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” — Henry Ford

September 2026

The Community News Flash

SEPTEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA

Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $1SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.

1. Who plotted to have the entire Hebrew nation completely exterminated? 2. Who committed the first murder? 3. Who acknowledged the innocence of Jesus but allowed him to be crucified anyway? 4. Who made numerous attempts to swindle Jacob, who ultimately prospered? 5. What king was constantly making oaths of love and loyalty to David while frequently trying to kill him? 6. What evil king of Israel was led into even more wickedness by his beautiful and scheming wife? 7. Who ordered the killing of infant boys in Bethlehem? 8. What treacherous son led a revolt against his father, the king of Israel? 9. What ruler, who had already had John the Baptist beheaded, was Jesus made to appear before? 10. What two traitorous army captains murdered their king as a favor to David and were then executed by David for treachery? 11. Who stole idols from her father? 12. What robber was released from prison at the time of the Passover? 13 According to Malachi, what were the people of Judah stealing from God? 14. Which epistles say that the day of the Lord will come like a thief? 15. What disciple stole from the treasury? 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 and contestant can only win twice within a 6 month period.

August Answers 1. Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:5) 2. The rainbow (Genesis 9:13) 3. By day (Exodus 13:21-22) 4. Elijah (1 Kings 18:44) 5. Hebrews 12:1 6. By the Red Sea (Exodus 14:20) 7. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 8. The Son of man (Matthew 24:30) 9. The two witness (Revelation 11:12) 10. Sinai (Exodus 19:9) 11. The tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) 12. Solomon (1 Kings 8:10-11) 13. The ark of the covenant (Leviticus 16:2) 14. Jude (verse 12) 15. The Ascension (Acts 1:9) 16. The day of the Lord (Zephaniah1:15)

The Community News Flash

September 2026

From the Field: What Code Inspectors Wish Homeowners Knew (StatePoint) When homeowners doing work on their property consider a cheaper route, for example, hiring a contractor who doesn’t want to pull permits, they may not realize the risk they are taking. But they should know that there is no “undo” button on a disaster. That’s one reason behind the International Code Council (ICC) Building Safety Month, a campaign that reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps communities understand what it takes to create safe, sustainable structures. As part of the campaign, two seasoned building safety professionals are sharing some important basics they wish homeowners knew. Egress Albert Joseph Rocco Jr., the deputy building official in the Building Division for the City of Kissimmee, Florida, says one of the most important safety concepts is the “The Path of Egress.” Codes require bedroom windows to be a specific size so occupants can escape a fire, and so firefighters can get in while wearing their equipment. “Any modification, like adding bars to windows or changing a floor plan, must preserve that clear path to the outside.” Rocco also recommends keeping the area around bedroom windows clutter-free. “In an emergency, time spent removing items from the exit path are valuable seconds that might make the difference.” Decks and Balconies Rocco notes that one often-ignored athome maintenance task is inspecting exterior deck and balcony framing integrity. Deck ledger boards often fail because the connection to the house rots or was never flashed correctly. This is something people don’t think about until it collapses. “If you see the wood deteriorate, if it feels soft or is cracking, have a professional check it out. Basically, if it doesn’t look safe, it’s probably not,” he says. “And pay attention to deck railing to ensure it’s not loose. The last thing you want is for a guest to lean on it during a BBQ and fall through to the ground, however far that is.” Rocco also warns that decks must be used safely. For example, a hot tub filled with water may be heavier than a deck can handle. Homeowners intending to place a hot tub on their deck should check with a licensed professional to verify if additional

support will be needed. Also, it’s not recommended to cook on decks with roofs. “BBQ fires can happen easily if left unattended. If those flames get hot and high enough, your steak won’t be the only thing burnt,” says Rocco. Water Intrusion Slow plumbing leaks are the biggest “snowball” culprits, according to Rocco. A tiny drip can lead to structural rot and toxic mold before a spot on the drywall appears. Another is foundation drainage. If soil settles and slopes toward the house, water will eventually undermine the foundation, leading to costly structural failure. “Beyond structural damage and harmful mold, water intrusion can damage electrical systems, increasing the risk of fire or shock, and it often goes undetected until significant harm has already occurred,” says Ryan Smith, the building official for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Water Heaters Homeowners often overlook sediment flushing for water heaters, warns Rocco. Mineral buildup at the bottom reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to overheat and fail prematurely. Vents Smith reminds homeowners that snow buildup on the side of the house can plug up vents and turn off the furnace. “You have to clear snow around the furnace vents – and if they turn off, that is the first place to check.” Scope Homeowners should never go beyond

the scope of an approved building project. “We don’t know if requirements are met, what materials are used, or if there’s proper ventilation. Going beyond the scope of what’s approved is dangerous,” says Smith.

Products “We’re seeing products being purchased from Amazon sellers that don’t meet minimum code requirements,” says Smith. From luxury sinks to bogus smoke detectors, homeowners should ensure any product they purchase is UL listed and approved for use in their jurisdiction. International Codes ICC’s codes and standards play an important role in creating safe, affordable and sustainable structures. Homeowners can read up on I-Codes and consult with a local professional before starting a project to avoid violations. “When it comes down to it, most people assume that because their home is standing, it is safe. The truth is, electrical systems age, wood rots, and safety devices expire. The most dangerous home is the one where the owner assumes ‘it’s fine because it’s always been that way’,” says Rocco. For more home safety tips, visit ICC’s Building Safety Month at https://www.iccsafe.org.

September 2026

The Community News Flash

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SMITH....from page 1 ness ventures, and circles of influence, but her heart continues to lead her back to the people, places, and history that formed the foundation of her family. She may describe her life as being like a Forrest Gump movie— full of unexpected turns and remarkable encounters—but Jackee knows there is a greater explanation for her journey. She worked hard. She prepared herself. She answered the call

when opportunities came. And through every season, she believes God’s favor was with her. Today, Jacqueline “Jackee” Riddles Smith is continuing to build a legacy—not only for herself but also for her family, her community, and the generations still to come. And in many ways, her greatest work is not behind her. It is being preserved for the future.

The Community News Flash

September 2026

MONEY

That Payment Request Might Be Fake: What to Look for Before You Send Money

(StatePoint) Digital payments are part of everyday life. Fraud experts warn that scammers are increasingly inserting themselves into these routine digital payment transactions, redirecting money in ways that can be difficult to recover. Many payment scams start with a message that looks real. It may appear to come from a vendor, service provider or someone you are already working with. The message asks you to send a payment or update payment details. Because the request fits into a typical situation, such as paying an invoice or completing a purchase, it can be hard to detect scams. By the time the payment is sent, the money is often gone. "Payment and invoice scams are effective because they often look like routine transactions people are expecting to make. Fraudsters may use compromised accounts, impersonate trusted contacts or create a sense of urgency to redirect funds,” said Joshua Del Valle, executive director of enterprise fraud at PNC Bank. “Taking a moment to independently verify pay-

ment requests and payment instructions can help consumers and businesses avoid a costly mistake." What to Know About Payment and Invoice Scams Messages may appear legitimate: Emails, texts or invoices can closely resemble real communications, including familiar names, logos or ongoing transactions. Sometimes they’re even from real communication channels, like a person’s email, after that communication channel was compromised. Payment details may suddenly change: Requests to “update” wiring instructions or send money to a new account are a common warning sign. Scams often involve fast, irreversible payment methods: Wires, payment apps and gift cards are commonly used because funds can be difficult to recover once sent. Fraud can move across channels: A message may be followed by a phone call or text to reinforce the request and create urgency. The Anatomy of a Scam 1. Contact: You receive a message about a payment, invoice or transaction

2. Trust: The message appears tied to a real service or relationship 3. Urgency: You are asked to act quickly to avoid a delay, penalty or disruption 4. Request: You are directed to send money or change payment details 5. Extraction: Funds are sent to a fraudulent account Five Ways to Protect Yourself 1. Verify payment requests directly. Contact the business or person using the official phone number or website rather than relying on the information provided to you. 2. Pause before sending money. Urgency is a common tactic. Take time to confirm the request. 3. Check payment details carefully. Even small changes in account information or small typos in email addresses can signal a scam. 4. Use payment apps carefully. Treat them like cash. Only send money to people you know and have verified. 5. Be cautious with unusual payment methods. Requests to pay with gift cards or other nontraditional methods are a red flag For more information on best practices to help prevent fraud, visit PNC’s Security and Privacy Center. Scams tied to everyday payments can be easy to miss. Taking a moment to verify requests and confirm details can help protect your money and reduce the risk of sending it to the wrong person or place.

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September 2026

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September 2026

5 Ways to Celebrate National Piano Month (StatePoint) September, which is National Piano Month, is an opportunity to explore a wider range of music, build your skills and discover new ways to express yourself through playing. Here are a few ways to celebrate this month and beyond: Learn a new song: Expand your repertoire by tackling a new song. Delve into the library of music on your keyboard’s learning app or connect to an external device to play along with any favorite tune. Compose an original: If you’re feeling extra creative, sit down to compose an original song. Using your keyboard, you can build out the piano part while experimenting with rhythms, basslines and other sounds to create a fuller arrangement. Jam with friends: Nothing beats making music with other people. A portable keyboard makes it easy to bring the music

along for a jam session with friends, whether you’re gathering at home or taking your setup on the go. Gear up: Gear up with a versatile tool that will keep you motivated to continue growing as a musician. The Casiotone CTS300, for example, helps bring more expression to your music with 61 full-size, touch-responsive keys and a pitch-bend wheel, while 400 Tones and 77 Rhythms offer a variety of sounds and styles to explore. With an ultracompact, lightweight design, built-in carrying handle, optional battery power and connectivity to

the free Casio Music Space app, the CT-S300 makes it easy to practice, learn and play wherever inspiration strikes. Study up: Take the month to brush up on your knowledge of the instrument. Learn about the piano’s history, read about your favorite pianists and keyboardists, and explore how the instrument and its music continue to evolve. No matter your age or where you are on your musical journey, celebrate National Piano Month by exploring new tools, learning new songs and finding new ways to express yourself through music.

September 2026

The Community News Flash

Head the Southern Way in Booneville for a delicious meal “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.” By Lucy Weber Favorites on the menu are the honey gold sauce on the Tasty wings, juicy burgers and a Sunday buffet filled wings, smash burgers, and the Philly cheesesteak sandwith delicious soul food is on the menu at wich. The Sunday Soul Food Buffet offers a variety of Southern Way in Booneville. choices that might include fried chicken, dressing, roast, Newlyweds Briana Judon Buchanan, who smothered pork chops, turnip greens, okra, lima beans, runs the front of the house, and Tae Buchanan, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and who oversees his family recipes being cooked banana pudding up in the back, have been The two are open to suggestions from customers on welcoming hungry guests menu items. Hungry diners have asked for different since they opened at types of hamburgers or new tastes in wing 1315 N. College Street sauces and the Buchanans are happy to proin July. Southern Way vide and add them to their menu. Four of may be their first their wing sauces so far are based on restaurant to open but customers’ suggestions. “Our customer they’ve been base is very creative in having suggesplanning it for tions,” Tae said. three years. “At the end of the day, we hear The two people say their meal was so good. have helped That makes it all worthwhile,” Briana out in Tae’s said. mother’s “It’s satisfying to have people two share the Southern word about Tradition our food,” restaurants in Tae said. Houston and The Bruce on weekrestaurant ends and that offers special inspired them. days and proWith no motions on the Booneville menu like plate restaurant spelunches or social cializing in media discounts. wings or offering The restaurant a good Sunday sitis open for dine-in, down-after-church pick-up and delivmeal, the couple ery. The phone number Briana Judon and Tae Buchanan decided it was up to is 662-340-1065, and them to provide the the menu can be found tastes folks were looking for. on the Southern Way “It is new for us having our own business,” said Facebook page. Tae,who has a background as a grillmaster at several Suits You Too: More Than Just Clothing The Buchanans are enjoyrestaurants. He was working for a mortgage company in ing working together and Tupelo and Briana was a stay-at-home mom before they Suits You Too Men’s Clothing Ministry is here to help men step into life’s serving their customers. opened their restaurant. important moments with confidence and dignity. “We have a saying at the Now, they’re at the restaurant seven days a week. entrance to the restaurant: Southern Way is open every day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Whether it’s a job interview, wedding, funeral, or special occasion, we provide You will be blessed when “We’re still trying to get the feel of it – which days are the attire you need for a fresh start. We don’t just offer clothing—we offer a you come in and blessed the busiest, which are slower. Right now, it’s all day, every hand up. when you go out,” Tae said. day,” Briana said. Both grew up in families where they watched and For more information, contact Jerry W. Porter at (662) 643-6842 or visit 712 S. learned in the kitchen how to serve lots of delicious foods. Tate St., Corinth, MS 38834.

The Community News Flash

September 2026

How to Protect Your Small Business and Your Family’s Income (StatePoint) For many small business owners, contractors, and freelancers, owning a business is a rewarding step toward independence that offers flexibility, control, and opportunity to build towards their dreams. However, their business finances and personal finances can sometimes become closely connected. New research from Simply Business shows that among microbusinesses with five or fewer employees, 87% of owners continue to rely on personal funds to sustain operations. This underscores a simple reality: When you work for yourself, protecting your business often means protecting your personal finances, savings, and family’s day-to-day stability. “The smartest business decisions are not just about risk management. They are about peace of mind,” says Jeff Wright, vice president of Insurance Product at Simply Business. “By keeping your business funds safe, you protect the personal livelihood you and your family rely on.” Here are practical ways small business owners can transform uncertainty into a foundation for confident growth: Believe in your worth. True pricing confidence is about fully owning the value of your work. Choose a structure that reflects your value: use hourly rates for smaller tasks, project-based fees or retainers for steady work, and value-based pricing for the real-world impact you deliver. Protect your revenue by using clear pricing, building in a buffer for unexpected costs, and setting expectations upfront about what is—and isn’t—included in the project. Build a short-term buffer. With nearly half of surveyed owners reporting to have gone without income for at least a month, many business owners strain their personal finances early on to stay afloat. Aim to keep one to three months of both essential business and household expenses in reserve; even a modest cushion allows you to confidently manage late payments, canceled projects, or seasonal slowdown. Match coverage to your work. Insurance helps protect your business from unexpected expenses. General liability insurance can help cover costs tied to third-party bodily injury or property damage, while a business owner’s policy typically combines general liability with commercial property coverage and sometimes

also business interruption coverage to help replace lost income after a covered event. Evaluate your specific trade risks and buy policies that address them to close the gaps in your safety net without paying for unnecessary extras. Shop for coverage before you need it. Proactive shopping allows you to compare the value of different policies rather than making a rushed decision under pressure. Not sure where to start? “I leaned on peers and mentors who were already where I wanted to be,” says Gianni Spradley, founder of Fifteen East Media Group. “They helped me see the blind spots I hadn’t considered and even educated me on specific types of policies to help safeguard my company and its trajectory.” You can also use a digital insurance platform like Simply Business to look for the right coverage, compare tailored quotes from top providers, choose the best fit, and even buy your policy in a few minutes. Leverage external capital. While investing in your own ideas is essential, true safety means looking toward smart capitalization to fuel your venture. “There’s value in investing in yourself,” says Karen McDougald, founder of Tangaza Bath & Body Studio, “but I wish I’d known more about small business loans and grants.” In fact, the Simply Business survey found that small business owners rank access to external capital as the most valuable factor for securing long-term growth. By taking practical, proactive steps to secure your working cash, savings, and family finances, you can safeguard your business and ensure it continues to thrive.

September 2026

The Community News Flash

NEWS FLASH Kids Zone

The Community News Flash

September 2026

4 Ways to Elevate Football Season With Better-for-You Game-Day Bites (StatePoint) Football season brings family and friends together, making it the perfect time to serve crowd-pleasing snacks that are both delicious and nourishing. To help take the stress out of hosting, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers simple tips for creating a satisfying spread that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the action. 1. Upgrade the classics The goal isn’t to take game-day favorites off the menu, it’s to build on classics with satisfying, balanced upgrades that add more nutrition to the lineup. Think nachos loaded with beans and fresh salsa, grilled sliders with colorful slaw, creamy dips with both chips and veggies, and proteinpacked snacks like hard-cooked eggs and nuts. 2. Mix up flavors and textures Offering a variety of flavors and textures can make even a simple appetizer spread more exciting. Try including a combination of creamy, crunchy, savory and spicy bites, so there’s something to appeal to every guest. You can also vary how foods are served by mixing dips, skewers, and other handheld appetizers. 3. Bring out food in stages Instead of putting everything on the table at once, stagger appetizers throughout the event.

Start with a few easy snacks you’ve already prepped when everyone arrives, introduce another option around kickoff, and save something special for halftime. Serving food in stages helps keep the spread feeling fresh and gives guests something new to look forward to as the game continues. 4. Keep game-day prep simple To make entertaining easier without sacrificing nutrition or flavor, keep versatile, ready-to-use ingredients on hand that can quickly become appetizers, snacks or additions to a larger spread.

One easy way to put that advice into action is with Cobb Salad Skewers made with Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, they’re a simple handheld bite that delivers the familiar flavors of a Cobb salad in an easy-to-serve game-day snack. Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs provide 6 grams of protein per egg and come ready to eat, making them a convenient addition to your game-day spread. Plus, they contain more than double the Vitamin B12 and 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, so they’re a nutritious option to keep you energized from kickoff to the final whistle. Ingredients: 12 Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs, halved 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped into bitesized pieces 2 large chicken breasts 2 small garden cucumbers, sliced into 1/2-inch slices 6-8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, rinsed and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil, for topping

Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste 8-inch bamboo skewers Directions: 1. Prepare the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. 2. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet/grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (165 degrees F). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into 1/2-inch cubes. 3. Prepare the remaining ingredients: Slice the cucumbers, cube the cheese, chop the bacon, halve the eggs, and rinse and chop the lettuce. 4. Assemble the skewers: Thread the ingredients onto the bamboo skewers in desired order. 5. Dress the skewers: Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Or, level up by pairing the skewers with blue cheese or ranch dressing. For more nutrition information and game-day recipe ideas, visit https://www.egglandsbest.com/. This football season, don’t fumble your gameday spread. With a few hosting tricks and ingredient swaps in your playbook, you can serve up delicious and nutritious snacks that your crowd will go wild for.

Comfort meets timeless style… at a price you’ll love!

September 2026

The Community News Flash

Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure As You Age

(StatePoint) As you age, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll eventually develop high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In fact, according to one study, about 60% of people get hypertension by the time they reach age 60. Fortunately, high blood pressure is highly treatable and manageable through a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication. Unfortunately, it often appears without symptoms, putting people at risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and death, without them even knowing it. “High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer,” said Dr. Jennifer Ziemianin, chief medical officer for HealthSpring. “But we’re not going to be quiet about it. We want older adults to know about the risks and take action to manage hypertension.” The first step is to get your blood pressure checked. The American Heart Association recommends adults get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure is an upper reading of 130 or above or a lower reading of 80 or above. If your blood pressure is high, you should check it regularly using an automatic, upper arm cuff-style monitor. These monitors are widely available, affordable and easy to use. You can ask your doctor for tips if needed. Although hypertension generally can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed through a variety of measures, Ziemianin said, including the following: Exercise. Moderate activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can lower high blood pressure. Always

talk with your doctor before starting an exercise plan. If you belong to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have access to a fitness program at no extra cost to you. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Having a higher body mass index is a risk factor for hypertension. That’s why it’s important to eat a balanced diet, including vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy and oils. Cut down on salt. As you get older, the body becomes more sensitive to salt. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of salt in your diet by choosing low-sodium seasonings when preparing meals. Drink less alcohol. Even moderate alcohol use can increase your blood pressure. The American Health Associations recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Quit smoking or don’t start. Smoking increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. It’s never too late to quit. If you have a Medicare plan, you have access to counseling services to help you quit. Additionally, a Medicare Part D plan may cover medications to help you stop smoking. Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood pressure. Medicare and MA plans cover counseling services, including telehealth in some cases, to help you cope with stress. Talk to your doctor about medication. There are several medications available to help lower your blood pressure. You may need to try several types or combinations before you find a plan that works for you. Once you find the right plan, always take your medication as prescribed. If cost is an issue, an MA plan with drug coverage, or a standalone drug plan, helps pay for most blood pressure medications. For more information about Medicare and MA benefits that can help you lower your blood pressure, visit https://www.healthspring.com.

September 2026

The Community News Flash

September 2026

HEALTH

MONEY

Financial Experts Say This One Number Can Protect Your Family

Tiffany and her husband were building a life raising their daughter and special-needs son in Arizona when they called in to “The Ramsey Show,” where Dave Ramsey and his team give personal finance advice. Tiffany’s husband had a generous life insurance policy through his employer, so it seemed like they were covered. But were they? Tiffany began to question that after a family member got cancer and had to quit their job—which meant their life insurance policy disappeared. Tiffany was right to wonder. What she was just beginning to realize was that her family would not be okay financially if her husband lost or quit his job and then died. Without his income and without that life insurance, there would be nothing to cover any mortgage payments, bills, childcare or future college plans. Tiffany and her family are not alone. Close to half

of America is underinsured. How Much Life Insurance Do You Actually Need? There’s a very specific number for how much life insurance you should have. Financial expert Dave Ramsey uses a simple formula of 10-12 times your annual income to determine how much your life insurance policy should be worth—and the policy should always be your own. When Tiffany called in, that’s the answer she got. A policy worth that is the difference between Tiffany being able to grieve and Tiffany having to sell the house while she does. Why 10-12x Works The goal isn’t to give your family a windfall— life insurance is an income replacement strategy. With a payout worth 10 times your income, your family can invest the death benefit, live off the growth, and never touch the principal.

Here’s how the math works: Let’s say Tiffany’s husband earns $80,000 a year. Multiply that by 10 and you’ve got $800,000. Invested in a good growth stock mutual fund averaging a 10% return (roughly the historical S&P 500 average), the family will have $80,000 a year to live on—her husband’s full salary. If $800,000 sounds like a lot of money, it is. You want your family to have the space to miss you, not scrambling to cover bills. And that’s what the right policy buys: not just money, but time. Time to grieve without a financial deadline. Time for the kids to stay in their schools, their sports, their lives. How to Find Your Number Do a quick check for your own family. Take your income and multiply it by 10. This is your base number, but you may need to lean toward 12 times your salary if your kids are still young, you have significant debt, or you want to help pay for future college costs. Once you’ve done this math, you have your number. To find out how a policy for that number will fit into your budget, use a quote tool like the one at ramseysolutions.com/lifein surance. You’ll always want term life over permanent life insurance—it offers the same coverage with significantly lower premiums. Whatever your number is, protecting your family is worth doing right.

What Patients Should Know About Expanded Access Programs

(StatePoint) Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) – sometimes referred to as “compassionate use” – can be a possible path to treatment for some people living with a serious or lifethreatening illness. The American Lung Association with support from Savara, Inc., has launched a campaign to raise awareness about EAPs and chronic lung disease. Here’s what they want you to know: What are EAPs and who qualifies for them? EAPs offer access to investigational medical products like drugs or medical devices, when standard treatment options are no longer effective and you cannot participate in a clinical trial, either because you do not qualify or there is not one available to you. In order to be considered for an EAP, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. You must have a lifethreatening or serious illness. Additionally, your licensed physician must also believe the benefits of

the investigational treatment outweigh the risks. Niki, who has been living with a rare chronic lung disease called autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) for over 20 years, pursued an EAP with the help of her physician. “I don’t have as many options for treatment at this point,” she said. Expanded Access Programs vs. Clinical Trials Both EAPs and clinical trials offer experimental treatment and both require certain steps to qualify, but they are not the same. Clinical trials are designed to answer research questions and provide data. EAPs are intended to provide potential treatment options to patients when standard therapies aren’t working and a clinical trial isn’t an option. While clinical trials have strict eligibility criteria and enrollment limits, expanded access may be available to patients who do not qualify for a trial or who cannot access one. In Niki’s case, she

states, “My physician knew about the clinical trial for this investigational treatment, but I didn’t qualify. When it was offered for expanded access, I knew I wanted to see if I qualified.” Talking With Your Healthcare Provider is Important Your licensed physician can help you determine if there is an expanded access treatment available and if it is right for you. They can also help you request approval for it, which requires coordination between them, the treatment manufacturer, an Institutional Review Board and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “I worked closely with my healthcare team to take the steps needed to see if I could receive the treatment. They knew my medical background and helped with the paperwork necessary to apply, so that was very helpful,” says Niki. For more information about EAPs, visit Lung.org/EAP.

The Community News Flash

America’s First-Time Home Buyers Feel Ready. The Facts Say Otherwise

(StatePoint) A new homebuying quiz reveals a stark disconnect: most aspiring first-time buyers believe they’re ready to buy a home, but fundamental knowledge gaps suggest otherwise. Consider a typical would-be buyer. She’s saved for years, tracks listings daily, knows her preferred neighborhoods, and has consumed endless checklists and videos about buying a home. She feels prepared. Then she takes a 12-question homebuying quiz and gets only three answers right. Her experience is far from unique. A recent Wells Fargo survey conducted by Ipsos found that nearly 70% of prospective first-time homebuyers believe they understand the process. Yet roughly three-quarters couldn’t correctly answer even half the questions. Out of more than 2,000 respondents, only one answered all 12 correctly. The results point to a troubling confidence gap where mistakes can be especially costly. Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment that shapes a household’s future for decades. Overestimating knowledge increases the risk of delays, higher costs, and unnecessary financial strain. The quiz was conducted March 5–13, 2026, testing foundational concepts affecting affordability and competitiveness, such as when to apply for a mortgage, how closing costs work, down payment strategies, and structuring offers. The findings suggest many first-time buyers lack understanding of the most consequential steps. Only 25% knew the correct timing to apply for a mortgage, an error that can derail transactions before the home search begins. Nearly 90% misunderstood closing costs, leaving buyers vulnerable to large, last-minute expenses that could reach tens of thousands of dollars. More than 75% believed a larger down payment is always better, overlooking strategies that could preserve savings or improve finan-

cial flexibility. Even more striking, 88% were unclear about the very first steps in the process. Four in five would make serious offer mistakes, including revealing their maximum pre-approval amount to sellers—instantly weakening their negotiating position. For many respondents, realizing they had the process backward—house first, financing later—served as a wake-up call. “These results should be a wake-up call for everyone in the industry,” said Rulon Washington, Customer Growth Segments executive at Wells Fargo Home Lending. “We’re seeing confident, motivated buyers entering one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives with critical blind spots.” Where buyers get information may explain the disconnect. Most relied on friends, family, real estate websites, and search engines. Only about one-third consulted lenders or financial professionals, the experts best positioned to provide personalized guidance. Younger buyers were especially likely to turn to social media influencers, viral videos and AI tools, while older buyers leaned on banks and advisors. The risk isn’t curiosity, it’s oversimplification. Short-form content often strips away crucial nuance, glossing over differences in credit profiles, debt levels, local markets, and long-term trade-offs. These gaps have real consequences, and the cost isn’t just measured in dollars, it's measured in financial stress, missed opportunities and dreams deferred. Misunderstanding closing costs can cause deals to collapse. Poor timing on mortgage applications can push buyers out of competitive markets. Misjudging down-payment strategies can drain emergency savings or lock borrowers into avoidable costs for the life of a loan. Small mistakes can compound into years of preventable financial stress. There is, however, a bright spot. Nearly two-thirds of quiz-takers said the experience made them feel more informed or more aware of what they need to learn. Many said it prompted them to slow down, seek professional guidance, or reset expectations—short-term pauses preventing long-term regret. The Wells Fargo Home Lending Quiz is available online. Visit the Wells Fargo Mortgage Learning and Education Center to learn more. As the 2026 homebuying season accelerates, the takeaway is clear: confidence alone isn't enough. Knowledge—and knowing your blind spots—may be the most valuable down payment of all.

September 2026