Greeting Readers,  “Joy To The World.” To every heart that dares to hope, to every soul that longs for peace, to everyone who shares God’s love joy to you and all of the world. Wishing each of you a blessed, a prosperous and a safe 2016. Happy New Year and may God bless.

During the Christmas season there were many outstanding things that happened to honor Christ’s birth from all walks of life. There were programs, plays, parades, family gatherings and dinners, worship services, band concerts, musicals and more. I had the opportunity to attend several and was blessed by each of them. Mt. Wade M. B. Church Women Senior Mission Group, pastored by Rev. Phillip R. Hamilton Sr., blessed the audience with a wonderful “Show and Tell” program in their fellowship hall. This wonderful program was presented by the ladies and the men of the church. A delicious dinner was served for everyone’s enjoyment. This was a fun event.

I also had the opportunity to attend the “Sounds of the Season” featuring the Loyd Star Hornets bands with my family. These bands are under the direction of Mr. Bo Boutwell. This concert started with the color guards doing a beautiful performance to the song, “Do you want to build a snowman” composed by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson Lopez. There were three traditional Christmas songs presented by the sixth-grade band followed by three traditional Christmas songs from the seventh-grade band. Michael and Trelva Harvey’s daughter and Kirby and Carolyn Humphries’s granddaughter Myla K. Harvey plays the french horn in the seventh-grade band. The high school band closed this concert out with four traditional Christmas songs. Everyone performed beautifully, and the music was great. This super/superior high school band has won many great recognitions recently under the leadership of Mr. Bo Boutwell. There were lots of family members, friends and supporters there to enjoy this wonderful concert. We are very proud of the high school band’s recent accomplishments. We extend special thanks to all of you and to Mr. Bo Boutwell for representing Loyd Star well in this concert and in competitions on the local, state and other levels.

Eva H. Harris School Alumni will kick-off this New Year with a meeting at the public library on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. There is also a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the library at 6. All alumni, faculty and staff members are asked to be present. Thanks to each of you for your loyal and dedicated support in 2016.

Brookhaven Colored School and Alexander High School Reunion is approaching fast so that all alumni, faculty and staff members can come together to renew friendships and to fellowship one with another. This reunion will be held July 22-24 in Brookhaven. The theme will be Christmas in July, Black and Gold Stands Forever, (so don’t put your Christmas decorations back up too high this year). They will be honoring the classes of the 60s this year, (all classes from 1960 through 1969). The Class of 1965 and the Class of 1966 will be recognized and honored for their 50th golden year anniversaries. The 40th year classes will also be recognized. The fee for this year reunion is the same $75 per person. If you would like to pay by installments monthly, you may do so. If you have any ads, pictures or ideals, please send them in now or make sure the community receive them. Also, if you have any pictures or any other memories of Fannie L. Mullins School will you please send them in as well. Don’t forget that there will be a king and queen during the reunion. Two new officers has been elected to the committee: Alvin Hawkins treasurer and the assistant is Melba Fairman. For more information please contact the chairperson Phyllis Sterling Watkins, secretary Sherry Dixon Merchant, Alvin Hawkins, Melba Fairman or anyone else on the committee.

Sincere and heartfelt sympathy is extended to all family members and friends who are going through the death of a loved one or a friend at this time. May God Almighty shine his everlasting glory, mercy, understanding and his comfort on each of you.

Special love and prayers are extended to all sick-and-shut-ins around the various communities. May you continue to find peace, comfort and mercy in the hands of Jesus Christ.

If you have any Loyd Star Area News to Report, please call Carolyn Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.