The Flagship 11.20.2025

Norfolk kicks off the 2025 holiday seasonwith the GrandIllumination Parade this Saturday, Nov. 22

PressRelease

NORFOLK,Va.—TheDowntownNorfolk Council’sGrandIlluminationParadereturns to Norfolk this Saturday, November 22 at 7pm.Experiencethe magic of theseason as“WINTER’SGLOW”illuminatesDowntown Norfolk with shimmering lights, frosted wonder,and thewarmthofholidaycheer.The Grand Illumination Parade takesplaceeveryyearontheSaturdaybefore Thanksgiving,bringingthousandsofspectatorstogethertobaskinthebeautyofwinter’s radiance

This event is free andopen to thepublic Paradegoersareencouragedtoarriveearly! Therewillnotbeseatsavailableforpurchase at this year’s event, but youcan bring your ownchair.However,pleasestaywithyour belongings as unattended items arenot allowedalong theparaderoute andwillbe removed.

Parade goers will enjoya varietyoffood vendorsalongtherouteorgrababiteatone of Downtown’smanyrestaurants beforeor

after the parade. Portable restrooms will be available alongthe route. Check with one of our volunteers in yellowvests to findthe closestoption.

Parade route

The2-mileparade route begins at the corner of St.Paul’sBlvdand Main Street. It travels along Main Street to GranbyStreet, headingnorth.ItthenturnsontoFreemason Street going west,turns ontoBoushStreet heading south, and finishes on Waterside DrivenearWaterStreet.

Thesynchronizedcountdown,grandillumination of the skyline, and the parade all beginat7pm.Theparadelastsaboutanhour fromthetimethefirstunitreachesyourspot alongtheroute

Watchliveonline

Wanttowatchtheparadebutcantattend in person? No problem! Cozy up on the couch and watch the Grand Illumination

PressRelease

Parade liveonFacebook @DowntownNorfolk. The broadcastwill remain available aftertheeventonFacebookandYouTube Parking info

Residents,visitorsand businesses should expect trafficdelays Saturday, Nov. 22,between 6a.m. and 11 a.m. as well as 3 p.m. through10p.m.and Sunday,Nov.23, between 6a.m.and 1p.m. Norfolk police willprovidetrafficsupportandallowaccess when it is safe to do so.Streetclosureswill impact ingress andegressfromdowntown parkinggarages PaycarefulattentiontopostedNOSTOPPING/NO PARKINGsigns.Posted signage appliestotheentireblock,notjustthelocation wherethe sign is posted.Vehicleswill betowedfromeventzonesforpublicsafety If on-street parkingisnot available,parkinggaragesandlotsareavailablealongwith HamptonRoadsTransit’sTheTidelightrail Parade goers areencouraged to arrive early!Selectparkinggarageswillofferearly

NORFOLK, Va.—Taking transit is ajolly good call if you’re attendingthe39thannualGrandIlluminationParadeinDowntownNorfolkonSaturday,Nov.22

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) onceagain is offering$4 specialroundtrippassesfortheTideLightRailandElizabeth RiverFerrysoparadegoerscanleavetheircarsbehind.Kids17 andunderridefreewithapayingadult.

Tickets areavailable onlineathttp://www.gohrt.com/gi or via QR codes posted at all light rail stations and ferry docks PassesarevalidfortravelonlyonNov.22

Inadditiontoconvenientticketing,lightrailtrainsandferry boatswilloperatemorefrequentlybeforeandaftertheparade whichbeginsat7p.m.

TideLightRailandBusShuttle

Tide light rail will operate on a10-minute frequency from 4p.m.to10p.m., or one hour after theparade,with an extra trainadded after the parade.Light rail servicewill operateon a30-minutefrequencyfrom10p.m.to11:30p.m.,withthelast trains departing Newtown Road Station at 11 p.m. andfrom EVMC/FortNorfolkStationat11:30p.m.

Supporting light rail willbeHRT shuttlebuses, available at Newtown Road and Military Highway stations.The buses willoperatefrom3:30-5:30p.m.withnonstopservicefromthe

discounts.All garages offer cash or credit options.Thecollect-on-entryratesarelisted belowandavailableonline

Saturday,Nov.22

AllDowntown Garages

„ 5a.m.—5p.m. $3Cash/creditonentry „ 5p.m.—Close $5Cash/creditonentry

Sunday,Nov.23

Downtown Garages

„ 5a.m.—3p.m. $5Cash/creditonentry

„ 3p.m.—Close Normalhourlyrates Firsttwohoursarefree MacArthur Center Garages „ Normalhourlyrates „ Firsttwohoursarefree Formoreinformation

twostationstotheCityHallloop.Aftertheparade,thosebuses willdepartfromMacArthurSquarebutonlybacktoNewtown RoadStation.

Ridersoptingforthebusescanusethesamepassaslightrail andferry.Regularbusservicewillbesuspendeddowntowndue totrafficrestrictionsduringtheevent.

ElizabethRiverFerry

Startingat10a.m.,theferrywilloperateonaregular30-minute frequencytoand from Waterside in Norfolkand High Street and North Landing in Portsmouth.Beginning at 4p.m., ferry servicewillincreasetoevery15minutes

After theparade,serviceisplannedevery 10 minutes,with boatsdepartingWatersidedirectlytobothHighStreetorNorth Landing.Passengers will find twolines—one for eachPortsmouthdock.

ThelastboatdepartsWatersideat11:45p.m.

ParkandRideforFree

Free parking is availablefor light rail customers at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station, Ballentine Broad/ Creek Station, and EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station. Catching the ferry?ParkforfreeatanyPortsmouthmunicipallot.

Formoreinformationonparadepasses,hoursofoperation, orparking,pleasevisitwww.gohrt.com.

Virginia-based bank,nonprofit partner to help military families break the paycheckto-paycheck cycle

ByEmmaRoseBrown

Virginian-Pilot Staff writer

The

Lizann Lightfoot raised fivechildren on an enlisted Marine’s salary.She knowsthe financialstressesthatcomewithbeingamilitaryfamily

“Thereweredefinitelymomentswherewe werestruggling,andifIhadknownalittlebit more aboutfinancialterminology andsome of the options and the products outthere, it would’vemade me feel likeIhad more options in some of those very stressfulsituations,”Lightfootsaid

Lightfootisthe Vice President of MarketingatGoVAFoundation,anonprofitprovidingfinancialeducationandliteracyresources tomilitaryfamiliesandveterans.Itsgoalisto help the military community shore up their financialwell-beingfromactivedutythrough retirement.

“Ourfamilydefinitelyexperiencedalotof the common financial challenges that military families face,everything from frequent movesand military spouseunemployment andlivinginhighcostoflivingareas,”Lightfootsaid.“Sothathasmademeverypassionateaboutwantingtoprovideresourcesthat’ll helpmakeadifferenceforourmilitaryfamilies.”

Twoyearsago,GoVAlaunched TheEdge an interactiveonlinedigital education platform designed to give military families “the edge” on their financial education. C&F, a Virginia-based communitybank, partnered with GoVA to provide fifteenqualifiedlow and middle incomemilitary families in VirginiaBeachwithaccesstoTheEdge.

C&F executivevice president Matthew Steilbergsaidthe bank has apassion for the armedforces

“That’s whythe GoVAFoundation’swork wassomethingweknewwehadtosupport, Steilbergsaid in astatement. “In fact, it’s the foundationofour promise —tofocus on the goalsand needs of thosearound us,because whentheysucceed,weallsucceed.”

Inadditiontoprovidingthegrant,C&Fwill hostfourfinancialliteracywebinarsin2026, open to all GoVAmembers.Topics include budgetingandsavingstechniquesfromaC&F expert.

Partnerships likeC&F’s make The Edge free for all military families. GoVA usesa broad definition to include as manymilitary-affiliatedpeopleandveteransaspossible Twoyears in, The Edge has about 8,000 membersworldwide “Weare hearing alot of great member

Lightfoot,VicePresident

success storieswhere people areactually starting to make those small changes and see somedifferences,” Lightfoot said.“Some peoplehaveclosed their budgeting leaks where they foundsubscriptions or unnecessary spending that waseasy for them to closeupand really improve theirhousehold budget.”

Becausemilitaryfamiliesfaceuniquechallengestosecuringfinancialhealth,traditional advice doesn’talwaysapply.For example,a 30-yearmortgagemaynotbesuitableforthe average service member who movesevery 2-4years

TheEdge wasdesigned withthosemilitary-specific challenges in mind. The platform hosts video courses,shorteducational articles and personalized financial health assessments to help military members learn aboutfinancialresources

Theplatform usesartificial intelligence to provide individualized recommendations basedontheir specificneeds andfinancial goals.Lightfoot compared the dashboard withNetflixorAmazon, whereusers see choicesbasedontheirowninterests

One popular featureofThe Edge is the “money personality”assessment, which makesrecommendationsbasedontheuser’s money,personalityandlearningstyle

away that feels approachable, user-friendly, withverysmallincrementsofinformation.”

Shesaidthevideosandarticles,whichtake justafew minutes to view,are designed to makeinformationmoreaccessible.

“It’ssomethingthattheusercandoconsistentlyand regularly while growingintheir confidence and feeling financially empowered.”

The Edge collects littledata from its users anddoesnothostadvertisements

“Wewanted to be in aneutral position to be offering avarietyofoptions —we’renot pushingauserintojustoneparticularfinancialchoiceorfunnel,”Lightfootsaid.

In light of the recent government shutdown,Lightfoot says that thereare small changesthatmilitaryfamiliescanmakenow to help strengthen their financial health for thelongterm.Cuttingbackon$25ofspendingperweek,goingouttoeatonefewertime permonth,consolidating acredit card,can helpbuildupanemergencyfundforplanned movesorfortimesofeconomicuncertainty

Formoreinformation

Formoreparade information, visithttps:// www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/ grand-illumination-parade-2025 .For additional information, including street closures andparkingmaps,visitwww.norfolk.gov/ raceandparade.TextNFKPARADEtoreceive GrandIlluminationParadealertsandupdates Parade from Page 1

“Browsingthroughalibraryofhundredsof financialresourcesisextremelyintimidating and no one canabsorb all of that,”Lightfoot said.“GoVAhasreallyharnessedatechnology thatcanwalktheuserthroughthatprocessin

“All of those smallthings canreally set them up forsuccess andgivethem astrong financialfuturesothattheywon’tconstantly bestrugglinganddrowningintheirfinancial choices,”Lightfootadded.

Thereare many ways to learn about budgeting and finances online.But Lightfoot says those resources often overlook the connection between what’s happening in a person’s financiallife andhow thatimpacts theirphysicalandmentalwellbeing Outofthe20leadingindicatorsofveteran suicide,fourofthoseindicatorsarefinancial.

“Whenweseepeopleinfinancialdistress, it isn’tjusta matter of their bank account balanceortheircreditscore,butit’saffecting theirliteralhealth,theirabilitytosleep,their abilitytointeractwiththeirfamilyandmaintain healthyrelationships,” Lightfoot said. “Wewant to be abletoimprovethe overall health andwellbeingand empowerment of themilitary community by building up their financialconfidence.”

Lightfoot says one of the ways to address financialstressisthrougheducationwiththe supportofbankslikeC&F

“We’reable to lowerthat financial stress duringthe12monthgrantperiod,”Lightfoot said.“There’salot of things that can help to reduce auser’s financialstress,and that’s therealtangible communityimpactwe’re seeing.”

To sign up for The Edge, visit GoVA’s website: https://govafoundation.org/register-for-the-edge/ Lizann

PressRelease

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va The holiday season is kicking off at Owl Creek Landing home to the Nautilus Lookout Tower and longest stainless-steel slide in the country. Fromguidedbirdwalksandmindfulstrolls to carolers and photos with Santa, visitors can enjoy a full schedule of festive outdoor eventsthisyear,dayandnight:

Bird Walk

„ Saturdays, November 1 - 29 | 10 - 11 a.m

Join a guided birding adventure along Owl Creek and witness the migration season in action. From songbirds and wading herons to ospreys and bald eagles, discover the diverse wildlife that call Owl Creek home thistimeofyear Learnhowthepark’sbrackish waters connect to Rudee Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a thriving ecosystemforalltoexplore.

Gratitude Walk

„ Sundays, November 2 - 29 | 10 - 11 a.m

Slow down and reconnect with nature on a peaceful,guidedGratitudeWalk.Thisreflectivetrailexperienceinvitesgueststoground themselves give thanks, and embrace the calmbeautyoftheseason.

Elf Explorer Pass

„ Daily, November 22 - January 4

GrabyourElfExplorerPassandembarkon a whimsical scavenger hunt through Owl Creek Landing! Families can search for six hidden holiday lawn ornaments, scenic photoopps anduncoverafewelf-approved surprisesalongtheway.Exploreduringthe dayorjoinatnightforamagicalforestexperience

Selfies with Santa „ Saturdays & Sundays, November 29December 24 | 11 a.m. - Noon Skip the mall crowds and snap your own festive selfies with Santa in the great outdoors! Families can share wish lists, capturememories,andenjoyamerrymorningsurroundedbynature.

Santa’s Elf Storytime

„ Fridays November 28 - December 26 | 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Gather the kids for storytime with one of Santa’s visiting elves! Guests will enjoy seasonaltales,sing-alongs,andholidaycheer that’ssuretobefunforthewholefamily

Holiday Caroling Hour

„ Saturday, December 13 | 6 - 7 p.m. End the season on a high note with an evening of caroling beneath the lights of

the Nautilus Tower, featuring members of Harbor Lights and Touch of Jade show choirs from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, VA Sing along to holiday favorites,strollthroughtheglowingtowerpaths, and enjoy the cozy magic of this one-night celebration.

To celebrate the spirit of the season, Owl CreekLandingalsooffering20%offalltickets, annual passes and full priced gift certificates through the end of the year Use code HOLIDAY20atticketcheckoutandtreatany natureloversinyourlifetotheperfectgift.

For more information about seasonal events or to purchase tickets, visit www. owlcreeklanding.com.

About Owl Creek Landing: This outdoor haven in Virginia Beach, Va., introduces visitors to native trees and wildlife in a unique and accessible setting anchored by the Nautilus Lookout Tower. Modeled after similar designs in Europe, the ADA complianttoweristhefirstofitskindinthe

USA. The

allowsvisitorstoeasilyascendtothetopvia a seven-foot

circular path or a pair of interiorstaircasesthatculminateatanopenairobservationdeckat 65feethigh.Immersedinacoastalforest,

and

PressRelease

HAMPTON ROADS, Va As people across Hampton Roads join the country in making plans to kick off Thanksgiving on the night before the holiday, popularly known as Thanksgiving Eve or “Drinksgiving”,DriveSafeHamptonRoadsandtheU.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)reminddriversthatBuzzedDriving Is Drunk Driving Drinking and driving is a deadly choice; drivers should always commit to sober driving or make plans for asaferide Drunk driving has tragically become a defining aspect of Thanksgiving Eve with somepeopleturningitintoanightofdrinkinganddriving AccordingtoNHTSA,from 2019 to 2023 (6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. Thanksgiving morning), 149 drunk drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes on that night. Of those drivers, 107 were male and 34 were female. Drivers 21-24 were the age group most likely to be alcohol-impaired in fatal crashes on that same night, followed by drivers aged 25-34 (37%). In 2023 alone, therewere30drunkdriversinvolvedinfatal traffic crashes on Thanksgiving Eve, with 17 of the drivers being males Fortunately, HamptonRoadsdidnotcontributetothese national fatality numbers, however, there were crashes and potentially life changing injuriesthatdidoccur

If you plan to celebrate include a plan for a sober ride home Never drive while impaired,anddonotletafrienddriveifthey have been drinking or using drugs There is neveranexcusetodriveundertheinfluence Arrange a sober ride home. Use Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ 757 Sober Ride by visiting www.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride

Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for ThanksgivingEvefrom5pmWednesday,November26 through3amThursday,November27,2025 PoweredbyLyft,individuals21andolder celebrating with alcohol, legal or illegal drugs may take advantage of this ride, up to $15,byfollowingthesesteps:

„ DownloadtheLyftapptoyourcellphone

„ Gotowww.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride

togetthe757SoberRidepromocode

„ DSHR’sThanksgivingEve757SoberRide programpromocodewillbepostedat5PM onNovember26

„ Enter the 757 Sober Ride promo code in theapp’s“Payment”tab(underthe“AddLyft Pass”option).

„ Receiveasoberridehome upto$15.

The code will only work if used during the above-stated times for rides originating from or having a destination within HamptonRoads Validwhilesupplieslast.Subject toLyft’sTermsofService

Celebrate responsibly by choosing 757 Sober Ride or designating a driver before drinking Remember,” Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and impaired driving crashes and the injuries and deaths associated with them are 100% preventable!

“These tragic events highlight the urgent need for everyone to plan with safety in mind,” said Brian Hennessy, Chair, Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ Impaired Driving Prevention Committee Hennessy went on to say, “When you get on the road you are pledging to use safe driving practices tokeepeveryonesafe Thenightcommonly referred to as “Drinksgiving” is no exception. Plan ahead of time for a sober designated driver or take advantage of the 757 Sober Ride program before you leave the house These simple things help keep everyone on the road safe and ensure they have a memorable Thanksgiving holiday season.

DSHR asks the media not to post the program promo code online, but to link to the Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ website (www.drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride).

Supporters of the 2025 757 Sober Ride program are Drive Safe Hampton Roads, Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, and funded in-part by a grant from the Virginia DepartmentofMotorVehicles About Drive Safe Hampton Roads: Drive SafeHamptonRoads(DSHR)isanon-profit regional coalition whose mission is to improve roadway safety and reduce death andinjuryfromvehiclecrashesusinginitiatives that include educational programs, informationsharing,andpartnershipswith publicandprivatesectororganizations.For over 37 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads

has been dedicated to preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the region’s roadways DSHRistheoldest,continuoustraffic

safety coalition in the Commonwealth. For more information: www.drivesafehr.org or call(757)498-2562.

Inspired Holiday Entertaining

FamilyFeatures

Source: Kitchen Aid

The holiday season is a time for creating meals and memories that last a lifetime, but it’s also one of the busiesttimesoftheyear Intheblurofcommitments,crowded schedulesandendlessprep,thetensionbetweenadesire tocreatemagicalmealsandwantingtoactuallyenjoythem isreal.

Therightcookwarecanhelpshiftthatbalance.Inspired by the calming essence of the outdoors, the KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series brings a breath of fresh air into thekitchen,blendingexpressivedesignwithperformance that simplifies the season. From durable stockpots to versatilenonstickpans,thesetoolselevatebothprepand presentation.

Inthemiddleoftheholidaybustle,theyprovideasense of calm and control, helping you plan ahead, cut stress and truly savor the moments that matter most Because the best holiday moments aren’t just about what’s on the table-they’reaboutthejoyyoufeelwhenyou’reapartof them,fromthequietsatisfactionofchopping,stirringand creatingtotheconnectionthatcomeswhenyousharethe resultswiththoseyoulove Including12pieces,theHard-AnodizedCeramicInductionNonstickCookwareSetbringstheemotivepowerof natureintothekitchen,elevatingyourcookingwithdeep forest-green hues and elegant bronze handles Ideal for stove-to-oven-to-table cooking, the high-performance ceramic nonstick cookware is eight times harder than traditionalaluminumandfeaturesthick,forgedbasesfor fast,evenheating Shatter-resistantglasslidssealinheat, lockinflavorandalloweasymonitoring

Whenyou’llbespendingmanyspecialeveningsaround thetableduringtheholidayseason,theseinvaluabletools canhelpstreamlinethecookingprocesswhetheryouneed a dish that can be made in advance and frozen for easy entertaining like this Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with White Wine and Herb Butter Sauce or one that lets you focusonthefunandcelebrationsevenwithguestsintown suchasButternutSquashMacandCheesewithBacon.

If those seasonal recipes call for stirring whipping or mixing the KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series TiltHead Stand Mixer is up to the task with 10 speeds, a tilthead design to easily add ingredients and more than 10 differentavailableattachments Blurringthelinebetween appliance and art through its unique color, finish and walnut wood bowl, it gives makers unmatched potential forcreativeexpression. Findmorerecipesandtoolstobringculinaryinspiration tolifeduringtheholidaysatkitchenaid.com.

HomemadePumpkinRavioliwithWhiteWine andHerbButterSauce

Recipe courtesy of Marge Perry and David Bonom

Servings: 4 Ravioli:

„ 1can(15ounces)pumpkinpuree

„ 1largeegg,lightlybeaten

„ ⅓cupgratedPecorinoRomanocheese plus additionalforserving(optional)

„ 2tablespoonsplaindriedbreadcrumbs

„ 2teaspoonssugar

„ ¼teaspoonsalt

„ 1pinchgroundnutmeg

„ 48rounddumplingwrappers

„ water

Sauce:

„ 6tablespoonscoldunsaltedbutter,divided

„ ⅓cupchoppedshallots

„ ⅔cupdrywhitewine

„ 3tablespoonsheavycream

„ 2tablespoonschoppedfreshsage

„ 1tablespoonchoppedfreshchives

„ ¼teaspoonsalt

Tomakeravioli:Linefinemeshsievewithdampened cheesecloth.Addpumpkinpureeandstrain1hour Transfertobowlandstirinegg,cheese,breadcrumbs,sugar,salt andnutmeg

Arrange six dumpling wrappers on work surface in singlelayer.Place1tablespoonpumpkinmixtureincenter of each and brush edges with water Place second wrapperoverfilling,carefullypushingoutanyairbubblesthen pressingedgestoseal.

Transferraviolitobakingsheetcoveredwithparchment paper.Placesheetofplasticwrapoverravioli Repeatwith remainingwrappersandfilling

In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot over medium heat, bring salted water toagentlesimmer Tomakesauce:InKitchenAidEvergreenDesignSeries 3-QuartCeramicSaucepanovermedium-highheat,melt 1 tablespoon butter Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally 1 minute Add wine, bring to boil and cook until mixtureresembleswetsand,8-9minutes

Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in remaining butter and heavy cream until melted. Stir in sage, chives andsalt;keepwarm,stirringoccasionally

To cook ravioli, add half to simmering water and cook, stirringgentlyonceortwice,3minutes.Removewithslotted spoon and divide between two plates Add remaining ravioli to pot and repeat dividing between remaining plates Spoonsauceoverravioliandservewithadditional gratedcheese ifdesired.

ButternutSquashMac&CheesewithBacon

„ 8ounceselbowmacaroni

„ 6slicescenter-cutbacon

„ 1onion,chopped

„ 5cupsbutternutsquash,cubed

„ 3½cupschickenbroth,divided

„ ¾cuplow-fatmilk

„ 1teaspoondrymustard

„ 1pinchnutmeg

„ 1pinchsalt,plusadditional,totaste divided „ 1pinchpepper,plusadditional,totaste,divided „ 1cupParmesancheese,grated

„ 1cupsharpcheddarcheese,shredded,divided „ choppedparsley(optional)

In KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot, cook macaroni noodles according to packageinstructions Setaside

InKitchenAidEvergreenDesignSeries5-QuartCeramic SautePan,cookbaconuntilcrisp Chopandsetaside

In same pan, add chopped onion and cook over low heat,stirringoccasionally,untilpiecesaresoftandlightly caramelized. Addbutternutsquashcubestoonionsalongwith2cups chicken broth. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and cookuntilsquashissoftandmostliquidisreduced. Poursquashandonionsintobowlandaddmilk remainingchickenbroth,drymustard,nutmegandpinchofsalt and pepper Using KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, puree mixture until smooth and creamy. Pour pureed sauce into saute pan. Over low heat, add Parmesancheeseand¾cupsharpcheddarcheesealittle atatime,stirringconstantly Addnoodlesandstirwell. Addsaltandpepper,totaste Topwithchoppedbacon, remainingcheeseandchoppedparsley,ifdesired.

Can’t-beet side dish for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a food-centric holiday. Certain dishes areexpectedtobeonthetablecomeThanksgiving,includ-

ing roasted turkey potatoes and pies However, holiday hosts have a little leeway with side dishes Beets are a versatilefallfood,andtheseplantsthriveincooltemperatures Beetsarenutrient-richandcanbeflavorfulontheir ownorwhenpairedwiththerightingredients Theirdeep, reddish-purplehuealsocanlookfestiveonaholidaytable ThisrecipeforLemon-RosemaryBeetsmakesarefreshing addition to a Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy this recipe, courtesyof“CookingLightDinner’sReady!”(OxmoorHouse) bytheeditorsofCookingLight.

Lemon-RosemaryBeets

Yield: 7 servings

„ 2poundsbeets(about6),peeledandcutintowedges „ 2tablespoonsfreshlemonjuice

„ 2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

„ 2tablespoonshoney

„ 1tablespooncidervinegar

„ ¾teaspoonkoshersalt

„ ½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

„ 2rosemarysprigs

„ ½teaspoongratedlemonrind

Place the first 8 ingredients in a 4-quart electric slow cooker Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beets are tender. Remove and discard rosemary sprigs; stir in lemonrind.

Noneedtoskipthebread,these gluten-freerollselevateholidaymeals

A light and airy roll can enhance any meal. However, many people have to skip the traditional rolls come the holidays or during other times of the year because of food allergies and intolerances Those who avoid gluten because they have celiac disease or for other reasons can rest easy knowing there is a delicious option that can be whippedupinnotimeatall.

These Easy Yeast Rolls from “It Just Happens to be Gluten-Free” (Do Life Inspired Publishing) by Jen Fiore areawelcomeadditiontoanytable

EasyYeastRolls

Makes 12

„ 2½cupsGluten-FreeAll-PurposeFlourblend(see recipebelow)

„ 2teaspoonssalt

„ 2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil

„ 1largeegg

„ 1cupwarmwater

„ 2tablespoonscanesugar

„ 2¼teaspoonsfastactingyeast

„ 1eggwhite(about1tablespoon)

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together yeast, water and sugar Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.

2.Inaseparatebowl,mixtogetherflourandsalt.

3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry mixture along with theeggandoil.Mixtogetherforoneminute

4. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes

5. Divide the dough evenly among the 12 spots in the muffin pan. Smooth the top and sides with a tiny bit of water on a small spatula for a nicely shaped, even-lookingroll.

6.Lightlybrushthetopofthedoughwiththeeggwhite 7.Bakeat400Ffor20minutesuntilthetopsaregolden brown.

All-PurposeFlourBlend(Bread)

„ 1⅛cupstapiocaflour

„ 1⅛cupspotatostarch

„ 1cupfinebrownriceflour

„ 1cupfinewhitericeflour

„ 3teaspoonsxanthangum

Inalargemixingbowl,mixverywellwithawhiskuntil all the ingredients are well blended. Store in an airtight container

LEMON ROSEMARY BEETS

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va.—Do youget prescription drugs through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program? Youmay have new copaymentsstartingJan.1,2026

The National DefenseAuthorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 established TRICARE prescriptiondrugcosts.Thecostswillbein effectthroughDec.31,2027

“Mostbeneficiarieswillpay$1to$9more per copayment for covereddrugs they get throughTRICAREPharmacyHomeDelivery and TRICARE retailnetwork pharmacies,” said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr Teisha Robertson, chief of thePharmacy Benefit Integration Branch at the Defense HealthAgency.“Thecostofgenericformularydrugsatretailnetworkpharmacieswill staythesame.”

Afewthingsaffectyourcosts,asnotedin theTRICAREPharmacyProgramOverview Fact Sheet (onlineathttps://www.tricare mil/PharmacyOverview).

1.Yourbeneficiarycategory:

„ Activeduty service members: You’ll paynothing for covereddrugs from military pharmacies,homedelivery,and retail networkpharmacies

„ Survivors of ADSMsand medically retiredservicemembersandtheirfamily members:Yourcopaymentswon’tchangein 2026.GotoPharmacyCosts(onlineathttps:// tricare.mil/pharmacycosts)tolearnmore.

„ All other beneficiaries: Most copaymentswillincreasein2026

2.Yourdrug’scategory TRICARE groups prescriptiondrugs into fourcategories:

„ Genericformularydrugs

„ Brand-nameformularydrugs

„ Non-formularydrugs

„ Non-covereddrugs

Thereare afew thingsyou shouldknow aboutdrugcategories:

„ Generic formulary drugsare the least expensive. Thisisfollowed by brand-name formularydrugsandnon-formularydrugs.

„ Youcan get anon-formulary drug atthe formulary costifyour provider establishes medicalnecessityandthemedicalnecessity authorizationrequestisapproved.

„ Ifyoufillaprescriptionforanon-covered drug,you’llpaythefullcostofthedrug Notsurewhichcategoryyourdrugisin?You cansearchtheTRICAREFormulary(onlineat https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/ open-enrollment/tricare/fst/#/) to check. (Keepinmindthatthesearchtoolwon’tshow nextyear’scopaymentsuntilJan.1.)

3.Thetypeofpharmacyyouuse Whereyougetyourprescriptionalsoaffects yourcosts

TRICARE pharmacy costs (2026- 2027)

Seethenewcopayments(inbold) below.

Militarypharmacies(uptoa90-day supply)

„ You’ll paynothing.(Callthe pharmacyto confirmtheycarryyourdrug.)

Homedelivery(uptoa90-daysupply)

„ Generic formulary drugs will increase from$13to$14

„ Brand-name formulary drugs will increasefrom$38to$44

„ Non-formulary drugs will increase from $76to$85

Retailnetworkpharmacies(uptoa 30-daysupply)

„ Genericformularydrugswillstillbe$16.

„ Brand-name formulary drugs will increasefrom$43to$48

„ Non-formulary drugs will increase from $76to$85

Non-networkpharmacies(Uptoa 30-daysupply)

Your TRICARE healthplan determines your non-network pharmacy costs in the U.S. andU.S.territories.(Note: Go to Pharmacy Coststofind cost-sharesfor overseas pharmacies.)

Do youhaveaTRICARE Prime plan? If so,yournon-networkpharmacy costs will staythesame.WithaTRICAREPrimeplan: „ Youmustmeet your point-of-service deductibleforcovereddrugs

„ You’ll paya50% cost-sharefor covered drugsafteryoumeetthisdeductible

Do youhaveanother TRICARE plan? You’ll payacopayment or cost-shareafter youmeet your annual deductible.These costsare:

„ Genericandbrand-nameformularydrugs will cost $48 (upfrom$43) or 20% of the totalcost,whicheverismore.

„ Non-formularydrugs will cost $85 (up from $76) or 20% of the total cost, whicheverismore.

Keep in mindthat if youuse anon-networkpharmacy,you’llhavetopayfullprice foryour drug up front. Then youcan filea claimforreimbursement.Reimbursements aresubject to applicable deductibles,costshares,andcopayments

Do youhavequestions aboutcopayment changes? Call the TRICARE Pharmacy contractor,ExpressScripts,at877-363-1303 Wanttolearnmoreaboutyourpharmacy benefit?GotoTRICAREPharmacyonlineat https://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy

Youcan also preview TRICARE health plan costsfor 2026 online at https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/ Article/4328806/learn-your-2026-tricarehealth-plan-costs

Would youlikethe latestTRICARE news sent to youbyemail? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to getbenefitupdates, news, andmore.