Sunday Women’s A.A: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Big Book AA: Peace Lutheran Church, door 5, New London, 6 p.m.
Monday Hand & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, noon
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
TOPS: Assembly of God Church Encore, 3821 Abbott Drive, 6:15 p.m., 320-796-2280
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Caregivers Support Group: Park View Village
Assisted Living, Olivia, 5 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Wednesday
Coffee and conversation: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Hand, Knee & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9:30
a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Group Respite: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer, 10 a.m. Contact 866-787-9802 to register.
Rotary: The Oaks, noon
Cribbage corner cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Whist: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. entertainment by Terry Shaw, 3 p.m. meeting.
Women’s A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 6:45 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Thursday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Mexican Train: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9
a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Dementia Support Group: Park View Village Assisted Living, Olivia, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon
LSS Caregiver: Willmar Community Center, 10 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Park View Village Assisted Living, Olivia, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Friday Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 11 a.m.
Whist: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Senior Dance: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m., $3 non-dancers, $8 dancers, both includes lunch; music by Jerry’s Band.
Farkle Fridays: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Recovery Church: 516 4th Ave SW, New London, 7 p.m. Child care provided.
Saturday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 10 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Open meeting A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
This calendar will run each week in the Sunday Reminder and as space permits in the West Central Tribune e-edition, Monday through Saturday. To have your event included please email news@wctrib.com or mail it to Kit Grode, West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201. Include all information and the name and phone number of the person submitting it. You will be called to confirm the information.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
The week promises a calmer aspect. Although there might be some lingering effects from a recent job problem, things should continue to ease up. Also expect a change in a home-based situation.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) If you feel uneasy about a colleague’s suggestion, it might be that your wise inner Taurean guide is alerting you to a potential problem. Stepping away could turn out to be the right thing to do.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
A family get-together opens up new opportunities for renewing ties. It can be especially effective in dealing with disagreements that should have been resolved but never fully were.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might be surprised at the response you get to a recent decision. You might be even more surprised by the reasons behind it. In any event, you’ll learn something important.
LEO (July 23 to August 22)
Your aspects favor resolving any tensions left over from a recent incident. You might want to consider having a “clear the
air” talk as soon as you can. A call can lead to a change of plans.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Avoid repeating yourself. If your first few efforts fail to connect, maybe it’s because you haven’t found the right way to get your message across. Try changing your approach.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good intentions plus a strong resolve to succeed can take you where you want to go. Don’t give up just because someone suggests you might be pursuing an impossible cause.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An unexpected setback can be a blessing in disguise. Use it to recheck your facts and how you’ve presented them. Meanwhile, look for ways to expand your contacts.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You should finally be seeing a positive change in a recent personal situation. However, an on-thejob matter might need more attention than you realized. Stay with it!
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While you should be close to completing an important matter, you still need to maintain your focus. Things will ease up in time for weekend fun with family and friends.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A certain matter might take an unexpected turn. Don’t simply accept it; ask for an explanation. What you learn might be helpful in shifting the situation around to your benefit.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Projecting a positive attitude helps restore calm, even when you’re confronting some pretty stormy situations. Stay the course! The outcome will be well worth your efforts.
BORN THIS WEEK: While you enjoy tradition and stability, you also appreciate the good things that change can bring. You know how to achieve a great balance within this area of your life.
© 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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Rich in flavor, light on the wallet: Meet mujadara
BY PATTI DIAMOND
Are you ready for a culinary journey to the Middle East? Buckle up, buttercup, and bring your taste buds, because today, we’re making Mujadara (moo-zhaDAH-rah), a simple, satisfying dish of lentils, rice and caramelized onions that prove frugal can also be fabulous.
Mujadara has been enjoyed across Lebanon, Jordan and Syria for centuries, and for good reason. It’s hearty, flavorful and budget-friendly.
Traditionally known as a “poor man’s meal,” don’t let the name fool you -as with most “peasant food,” this dish is so comforting and delicious, it’ll make you feel like royalty. Think of it as the Middle Eastern equivalent of mac and cheese: cozy, familiar and always a hit.
At its core, Mujadara is a lesson in culinary alchemy. A handful of pantry staples -- lentils, rice, onions and spices -transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts.
The secret? Those deeply caramelized onions. They add a richness that takes this humble dish to the next level.
For this version, I’ve opted for brown rice over white to boost the nutritional value, though white basmati works too.
Just check the recipe notes for adjustments.
The lentils provide protein, the rice offers fiber, and the onions bring an irresistible depth of flavor and sweetness that ties it all together.
Mujadara is best served with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce, a scattering of fresh herbs and, if you like a bit of heat, a spoonful of your favorite spicy sauce. You can enjoy it hot, warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent makeahead meal.
Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)
Yield: 4 generous servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 cups water
1 cup brown basmati rice, rinsed and drained
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced green onions, divided
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, divided Plain yogurt, for serving (or tahini sauce for a vegan option)
In a large saucepan, combine garlic, bay leaves, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and black pepper with water. Bring to boiling over mediumhigh heat. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add lentils and stir. Return to a simmer, cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender (about 20-23 minutes). Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply
caramelized and crisp at the edges (about 20-30 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with remaining salt. When the lentils and rice are done, drain excess water if needed, remove bay leaves and mash garlic cloves against the pot’s side. Add 3/4 of the green onions and cilantro, fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving dish, top with caramelized onions and garnish with remaining green onions and herbs. Serve with yogurt or tahini sauce.
Diva Tips - Rice Swap: If you use white basmati rice, cook the lentils first for 10 minutes before adding the rice to ensure both cook evenly. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meatless meal or just want to expand your global recipe repertoire, Mujadara is a must-try. Simple, satisfying and steeped in tradition, it’s proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated -- or expensive.
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@ divasonadime.com. © 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
2 Cups
1/2
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, yogurt, oil and lemon zest; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raspberries. Fill greased or paperlined muffin cups three-fourths full. For topping, combine sugar and flour. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle about 1 tablespoon over each muffin. Bake at 400° for 18-20 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Mujadara proves lentils, rice and caramelized onions are a match made in culinary heaven.
BY TONY RIZZO HOLLYWOOD
— Brad Pitt, 61, is currently wrapping the American sports action/drama film “F1,” which he’s also producing with Jerry Bruckheimer. It co-stars Oscar winner Javier Bardem. Next, Pitt is jumping right into the actionadventure film “Heart of the Beast,” about a former Army Special Forces soldier and his retired dog who battle for survival after a plane crash deep in the Alaskan wilderness. It’s being produced by Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle (“La La Land”) and co-stars Oscar winner J.K. Simmons.
Simmons, 70, hasn’t slowed down a bit after completing 114 films. His 115th film will be “The Accountant 2,” opposite Ben Affleck, which is due on April 25. His 116th will be “The Prince” with Nicolas Cage, Giancarlo Esposito, Andy Garcia and Simon Rex,
but there’s no release date yet. His 117th will be the historical political drama “Reykjavik,” costarring Jeff Daniels, and his 118th will be the aforementioned “Heart of the Beast.”
Simmons won his Oscar for “Whiplash” (2014), co-starring “Top Gun: Maverick’s” Miles Teller, and was also nominated for his performance as William Frawley (of “I Love Lucy” fame) in “Being the Ricardos” (2021). Lest we forget Simmons’ recent performances in the “Spider-Man” trilogy, in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and as Santa Clause in “Red One” (2024), which featured action stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans and Lucy Liu. And of course, he’s still the spokesman for Farmer’s Insurance.
***
Timothee Chalamet is riding high after winning the Screen Actors
HOLLYWOOD
Guild Best Actor award for “A Complete Unknown,” which did poorly at the box office by only earning $110 million against a $70 million cost. Next, he stars with Gwyneth Paltrow; Tyler, the Creator; Penn Jillette; “Shark Tank’s” Kevin O’Leary; and “The Nanny’s” Fran Drescher in the sports drama “Marty Supreme” (due on Christmas Day).
***
Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of superstar and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, has full-frontalnude scenes in season three of “The White Lotus.” Will this start a trend for male frontal nudity as a prerequisite for actors during their casting calls? This could set a whole new standard for actors to, uh, measure up to the roles they are auditioning for!
*** Barbara Broccoli won’t be picking the next
James Bond after all. In fact, she’s sold the 007 franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. After 60 years of producing Bond films with her father, Cubby Broccoli, who died of heart failure in 1996 at 87, she sold the rights -- no doubt for a pretty penny. This means that an American company now owns the rights to a British superspy series. Word is that they plan to go younger and make 007 somewhere in the 30- to 40-year-old range.
Sorry, Henry Cavill, at 41, you’ve missed it by a year. But this speaks well for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the perennial frontrunner for some time, who is only 34. Barbara has always maintained that she’d carry on the family tradition in her father’s memory. So much for “My Bond is my word!”
© 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Oscar winner J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”)
