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.
Willmar High School Cardinal Alumni Club: American Legion, Spicer, 11:30 a.m., open to all alumni and/or friends of WHS from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. There will be a short tribute to the recent deceased members.
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.
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 Cletus Goblirsch, 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.
THISWINTER’S FORECAST:
WhateverMakes
YouComfortable.
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
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.
Withsmarttemperaturemanagementand remote-accessoptions,newtechnologyfrom Carriermakesiteasierthanevertocontrol yourhome sclimate.Carrier senergyefficientsystemscanhelpreduceutilitybills withoutsacrificingcomfort.Formore completecontrolandgreaterpeaceofmind, turntotheexpertsatChappellCentral.
Withsmarttemperaturemanagementand remote-accessoptions,newtechnologyfrom Carriermakesiteasierthanevertocontrol yourhome’sclimate.Carrier’senergyefficientsystemscanhelpreduceutilitybills withoutsacrificingcomfort.Formore completecontrolandgreaterpeaceofmind, turntotheexpertsatChappellCentral.
THISWINTER’S FORECAST: WhateverMakes YouComfortable. Withsmarttemperaturemanagementand remote-accessoptions,newtechnologyfrom Carriermakesiteasierthanevertocontrol yourhome’sclimate.Carrier’senergyefficientsystemscanhelpreduceutilitybills withoutsacrificingcomfort.Formore completecontrolandgreaterpeaceofmind, turntotheexpertsatChappellCentral.
Senior Dance: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m., $3 non-dancers, $8 dancers, both includes lunch; music by Melody Ranch Hands.
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.
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.
With smart temperature management and remote-access options, new technology from Carrier makes it easier than ever to control your home’s climate. Carrier’s energyefficient systems can help reduce utility bills without sacrificing comfort. For more complete control and greater peace of mind, turn to the experts at Chappell Central.
TOFINDTHESYSTEMTHAT’S RIGHTFORYOU,CONTACT CHAPPELLCENTRAL
TO FIND THE SYSTEM THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU, CONTACT CHAPPELL CENTRAL. TODAY’S FORECAST: Whatever Makes You Comfortable.
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Fax
BY PATTI DIAMOND
Shepherd’s pie is a beloved British classic -- easy, thrifty and downright comforting. Traditionally made with lamb, it’s technically known as cottage pie when prepared with beef, but no matter what you call it, it’s the ultimate midweek meal. This version takes the humble classic to new heights with a flavorful twist, blending warm Indian spices, creamy coconut milk and hearty vegetables. Topped with a luscious sweet potato mash and broiled to golden perfection, it’s a fresh, exciting spin on an old favorite.
Step 1: Peel and dice your sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water, then return the sweet potatoes to the pot. While the potatoes are cooking, feel free to move on to preparing the filling (step 3).
Step 2: Make the sweet potato mash. Add butter to the cooked sweet potatoes, then grab your trusty potato masher and get to work. Once they’re mashed, stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth, then set aside. Preheat your oven broiler to its highest setting so it’s ready when you are.
Step 3: Brown the beef. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles as it cooks, about 7 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the veggies. Add onion, carrots, garlic and ginger to the beef. If the skillet looks a little dry, drizzle in a bit of oil. Season the mix with curry powder, cumin, salt and black pepper. Stir and cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the whole thing
smells amazing.
Step 5: Build the curry base. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, making sure both are fully incorporated. Then pour in coconut milk (minus 1/4 cup for sweet potatoes) and add the peas. Stir and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and let it bubble away for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat.
Step 6: Add the sweet potato topping. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the curry in the skillet, spreading it evenly. For a little flair, run a fork over the top to create ridges.
Step 7: Broil to perfection.
Slide the skillet under the broiler and let the top turn golden and lightly crisp, about 8 minutes.
Garnish with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro, serve it up and watch everyone swoon over this delicious twist on comfort food! Enjoy!
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. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next. Stir in the chicken, hot sauce, and ranch dressing and cook until the chicken is heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to combine. Serve topped with the blue cheese, celery leaves, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if you like.
SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS
Dredge each side of the pork chops in the flour mixture, then set aside on a plate. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the pan (work in two batches if needed) and cook for 3 minutes on each side. Remove them to a plate. Add the onions to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden and slightly softened. Remove from the heat. Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce to the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Whisk everything to combine. Add the onions and thyme sprigs, the nestle the pork chops into the broth mixture. Cover and cook over high heat for 1 hour, then reduce to low heat for 2 more hours, until tender.
BY DANA JACKSON
Q: I’m really enjoying the show “Silo” -- so much so that I went back and read the books that the show is based on in between seasons. Who is the actress who plays Juliette? -- K.I.
A: Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson stars as engineer-turned-sheriff Juliette Nichols in the dystopian drama “Silo,” which recently finished its second season on Apple TV+. It’s based on a series of novels by author Hugh Howey. “Silo” has been renewed for a third season with Ferguson returning. If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s co-starred in several hit films, most notably the recent “Mission: Impossible” sequels with Tom Cruise as well as “Dune: Part One” and “Part Two” with Timothée Chalamet. Ferguson honed her acting skills on a Swedish soap opera as a teen before eventually branching out into American productions. Cruise took note of her performance in the STARZ miniseries
“The White Queen,” resulting in her being cast in “Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation.” Her talent eventually led to her snagging roles opposite Michael Fassbender in “The Snowman,” Hugh Jackman in “The Greatest Showman,” and Chris Hemsworth in “Men in Black: International.” Her future is bright.
Next up for her is the untitled “Peaky Blinders” film with Cillian Murphy and the untitled Katheryn-Bigelow-directed White House thriller with Idris Elba.
***
Q: What ever happened to The Weeknd after his show on HBO was canceled? Is he just going to concentrate on singing now? -- K.K.
A: Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, hasn’t quit acting, but it
BY TONY RIZZO
HOLLYWOOD -- Pre-
pare yourself for “Downton Abbey 3,” which will pay homage to the “end of an era” due to the loss of the Dowager Countess. It has greater significance since the passing of Maggie Smith on Sept. 27, 2024. She was 89. The threequel is due to release in theaters on Sept. 12.
Executive producer Gareth Neame says, “The fact that Dame Maggie herself has now passed away since that time, I do think, has given a real added poignancy to a story that we would have planned anyway. ... We will never see the like of Dame Maggie Smith ever again.”
*** Tom Cruise’s next film after “Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning” (releasing May 23) will be the tentatively titled film “Judy” for fivetime Oscar winner Alejandro González Iñárritu. Iñárritu won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for “Birdman” (2014); another Best Director Oscar for “The Revenant” (2015); and a special Oscar for his virtual reality installation “Flesh and Sand” (2017).
Of course, “Judy’s” plot is shrouded in secrecy, but we’ve learned it follows the most powerful man in the world as he embarks on a frantic mission (there’s that word again) to prove he’s humanity’s savior before the disaster he unleashed destroys the world. Could Cruise’s hero complex be getting worse?
Aiding and abetting him is John Goodman, Jesse Plemons and Riz Ahmed. After Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” sequel was pushed back from October 2026 to
CELEBRITY EXTRA
would be understandable if he got discouraged after his series “The Idol” was canceled by HBO after one season. Prior to this, he had a setback on stage where he had to cut his live concert in Los Angeles short after losing his voice. He says now in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the voice loss was mental, a result of all the stress around filming “The Idol” while also touring. He’s ready to bounce back not only with a new album but with another starring role. His sixth studio album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” will be released on Jan. 26, and a film of the same name will be released on May 16. Billed as a “musically driven psychological thriller,” the film not only stars The Weeknd but also Barry Keoghan (“Saltburn”) and Jenna Ortega (“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”).
***
Q: I thought Bill Maher was going to quit his TV
HOLLYWOOD
show if President Trump was reelected, but it looks like it’s coming back soon. Did he change his mind?
-- M.M.
A: Bill Maher’s weekly HBO talk show “Real Time” returned this January for its 23rd season, but he has no plans to quit. Nina Rosenstein from HBO Programming, Late Night and Specials told Deadline that Maher was “joking around,” and his first love will always be “Real Time.”
Where you won’t find Maher anytime soon is on the road. He’s confirmed that he’s done touring as a stand-up comedian and that, after 40 years, he needs a break from it. However, as far as “Real Time” goes, HBO will have to drag him off for him to quit. Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
October 2027, “Judy” was given its release date.
***
While there’s been a lot of talk about “John Wick 5,” again starring Keanu Reeves, Lionsgate (who produced the “Wick” franchise) doesn’t have it on its upcoming calendar. This may be due to the knee accident Reeves had while shooting Aziz Ansari’s comedy “Good Fortune,” which opens on Oct. 17. Reeves will be seen a few months earlier in “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” on June 6. He also stars in Apple TV+’s “Outcome,” which was produced, written and directed by Jonah Hill (who co-stars as well). The black-comedy film includes Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, soap queen Susan Lucci, David Spade, Laverne Cox and Roy Wood Jr. (No release
date has been announced yet.)
***
It turned out to be a really Happy New Year for Brad Pitt who, after eight years, is finally divorced from Angelina Jolie as of Dec. 30, 2024. In true Jolie fashion, she says she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. Her lawyer claims this is just one part of the long ongoing process that started eight years ago -- and that Jolie is exhausted but relieved this part is over. Jolie filed a claim that Pitt physically abused her, and he accused her of violating “contractual rights” when she sold off their Château Miraval winery without his knowledge! I wonder if the kids are still “The Pitts!” © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
