The Willis H. Lott Learning Resources Center (LRC) at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus has partnered with the Mississippi Humanities Council to host a family literacy program. The weekly programs will be held on the second floor of LRC each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., from Jan. 28 to March 10.

Over 50 people looking to improve their health and wellness are participating in the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA’s Y Fit Challenge. The program, which runs for eight weeks, kicked off this Saturday and aims to help participants make lifestyle changes to make them successful in their fitness and weight loss goals.

Yes, it is the time of the year for gumbo, jambalaya, and all of those great, hearty recipe we are famous for in south Mississippi. No, its not very cold, we hardly need the extra calories, but it sure is satisfying to serve a big bowl of steaming gumbo to friends and family. But, I have to be honest with you, my most favorite comfort food isn’t gumbo, its pasta.  

Everyone loves a good gumbo this time of the year, jambalaya, or a big stew, like the famous French beef bourguignon (ala Julia Child or Anthony Bourdain), but one of my favorites is a simple dish of collard greens. Collard greens? Really? Yes, when done right, collards are hearty, simple to make and delicious. 

I hope that this year you will endeavor to eat right, stay away from fast food, processed food, and buy and consume local produce and meats as best you can.

Are you looking for a Sunday Excursion? Then you must visit the temple Wat Buddhametta Mahabaremme, located just south of I-10 at 6300 Martin Bluff Road in Gautier. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. the worshipers and monks of the temple serve a buffet like no other, which can be taken out or enjoyed on the magnificent grounds of the temple.