Smoke Signals and other news
Byhalia Garden Club will be hosting an educational program at the Ruth B. French Library, 161 Highway 309 South, Byhalia, on Thursday, Jan. 18, beginning at 4 p.m. Come by and enjoy light refreshments. At 4:15 p.m., the program will feature Buddy Martin, Beekeeper and owner of Zoo Bee Honey Co., who will speak on the importance of bees and their role as pollinators for many of the foods we need and enjoy. He will explain the jobs of various bees, how far they will go for pollen, how they find pollen sources, and more. This program is free and open to both children and adults.
So many people are so very sick with bronchitis, pneumonia, stomach viruses, and Covid-19. I am beginning to see more people wearing masks in public. I can’t say I really blame them--prayer for healing for everyone struggling with sickness.
Coming soon to the Byhalia downtown area is El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant at the corner of Church Street and Highway 309. They have been working for many months, bringing new life to the building. There seems to be a lot of excitement about this new restaurant.
To my readers and those who encourage me to keep writing this column, your encouragement and phone calls letting me know that my words have touched or benefitted you are greatly appreciated. It is often difficult to decide what to write about each week. I did not intend this column to be about my struggles or adventures. You are more than welcome to contact me by any of the methods listed below to share what is going on in your world that you would like shared.
Homelessness seems to be becoming more commonplace in this area. As a child, I can only remember one man who I knew to be homeless. I remember passing by a rugged shelter (more like a cave) where he stayed on the side of what is now Highway 178 on the way to Olive Branch, and my family told me that was his home. I could not understand that concept. We were by no means wealthy, but we had shelter and food that my family worked hard to have. I have met several people, both male and female, over the last few years who have nothing but the clothes they are wearing and maybe a small backpack. Some get into this situation by making bad decisions. Drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, or just not wanting to work can be other factors. Some do not want long-term help, while others welcome it. I know more than one person who has broken into neighbor’s sheds to sleep or stay out of the weather for a while. Others have resorted to stealing anything available or the socommon act of stealing catalytic converters to sell. I certainly don’t have a solution. I help when and where I can, but I prefer to help those who can try to earn that help.
A sweet, much younger neighbor (no name to be mentioned) has been helping me clean, sort, declutter, and let go of things that are hard to toss for the last couple of weeks. She has been fascinated by some of the “gadgets” in the kitchen. There are many items, mostly from Tupperware or Pampered Chef, but a few from Goodwill and just ones I have had for years. I mentioned a “Tupperware Party.” She stopped what she was doing, “What’s a Tupperware Party?” She was fascinated with the explanation. Are there no inhome Tupperware Parties anymore? Have all those types of parties gone online? I admit I have been rather busy the last few years with caregiver duties and life in general, and the few things of that type I have ordered have been online, but I didn’t realize that was the norm.
Have you missed your Reed’s ad in the South Reporter? I did, and several have asked, so I found your answer. Reeds has opted to no longer send out their ad in this manner. If you count on that ad and want it to be sent out with the paper again, let Reeds know.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901-246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.