Five Moms Win the 'Polenta Challenge' by Bruce Herwig - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ SEPTEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
View Events
Submit Events

Five Moms Win the 'Polenta Challenge'

By Bruce Herwig, Community Writer
April 1, 2015 at 10:40am. Views: 111

Sixty women of Trinity Evangelical Free Church recently were given a “Polenta Challenge” by Certified Financial Planner professional Dave Maupin, who asked the women to try various ways to try the dish, cornmeal boiled into a porridge, and eaten directly or baked, fried or grilled. Maupin, a Redlands resident and president of Maupin Financial Advisors, spoke to the women about Biblical perspectives of financial stewardship and a frugal lifestyle: eliminating debt, smart ways to purchase a vehicle, tithing, and planning low-cost meals. TMOMs (Trinity Mother’s of Munchkins) is offered by Women’s Ministries at Trinity Church, and is designed specifically for expectant mothers and mothers of newborns to 5-year-olds. Donna Stark, who helps coordinate TMOMs, said, “We have some terrific and practical speakers at our TMOMs meetings and Dave is always a favorite. Who doesn’t need a little shaking up in the area of our spending habits? And the Polenta Challenge has been a fun way of reminding us of a very practical way where we can save: creative cooking!” Maupin pointed out “that a 2 pound bag of polenta costs less than $2 and makes 18 servings: main courses, side dishes or even desserts!” Because so many young families come to Dave for advice on budgeting, he has become aware of the number of times a week they eat out...not just once a month, like when Dave was a growing up. I remember my mother would make casseroles on the weekends that we ate during the week. I used the ‘Polenta Challenge’ to encourage mothers to realize how planning ahead can create interesting, inexpensive and nutritious meals.” Five Trinity mothers took the challenge, each vying for $250 Scholarship into a college 529 savings plan. Wendy McKinny, one of the contestants, said, "I’ve never really cooked with Polenta before. I made a savory muffin with sun dried tomatoes and it turned out great!” Maupin was so overwhelmed with the effort by each of the contestants that he granted the scholarship to all five participating women. He noted, “Invested wisely, this could turn into $1,000 to $2,000 by the time the child reaches age 18.”

Related Articles

Barney Barnett to Share Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove
Photo Courtesy of: Highgrove News

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 16

Barnett has served as the publisher of the Highgrove Happenings newspaper since 1994.Barnett will hold a free event, titled “Early Historic Pictures of Highgrove,” will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Norton Younglove Community Center, 459 Center Street in Highgrove.

Inland Empire Called on to Play Part in Hunger Action Month
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 73

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the communities FARSB serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 13.8% in Riverside County to a high of 15.6% in San Bernardino County.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Annaleya Flores
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 54

GTHS Senior and student-athlete Annaleya Flores is making her mark on the field and in the classroom while helping lead the Lady Titans during their inaugural GTHS Girls Flag Football season.

Assemblymember Ramos Launches County's Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Photo Courtesy of: Office of Assemblymember James Ramos

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

September 2, 2026 at 10:55pm. Views: 75

California Assemblymember James Ramos is the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, the official launch of the 2026 Christmas fundraising campaign. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Event Center in Highland, California.

From Dishwasher to Restaurateur: Mike Miller Brings 52 Years of Experience to Timber Ridge
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller- Publisher, Community Writer

August 28, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 1402

Mike Miller & Lori Miller, Restaurateurs of Timber Ridge Steakhouse, the newsest restaurant on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino located in the familiar spot previously occupied by Claim Jumper, and for those of us "older folks", Bobby McGees. You can find Mike & Lori at 1905 Commercenter E San Bernardino CA, 92408

It's Time to Get SOARING!
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 963

Fall 2026 Soaring Activity Guide is hitting the mail this week, and it’s chock-full of all the exciting things the City has planned throughout the Fall.

Stay Cool This Summer at a MoVal Cool Center
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 800

When temperatures climb to 97 degrees and above, heat-sensitive residents may seek refuge at the City of Moreno Valley's designated cool centers.

Moreno Valley Receives CMTA Investment Policy Certification
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By WIlliam Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 843

he City of Moreno Valley has received the California Municipal Treasurers Association’s Investment Policy Certification, recognizing the City’s commitment to responsible and transparent management of public funds.

FARSB Makes the Advocacy High Honor Roll for 4th Year in a Row

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1037

Targeted Crime Suppression – Operation Consequences: 5 arrests, 10 firearms seized
Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 1071

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county.

Ayala Park Celebrates New Improvements

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 908

Bloomington residents gathered at Ayala Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new improvements designed to enhance accessibility, safety and comfort for children and families.

City Council Appoints Kimberly Huerta Youth Commissioner
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González)

By Dr.G  (Dr Luis S González), Community Writer

August 26, 2026 at 01:40pm. Views: 926

Kimberly Huerta, Youth Commissioner and Chair of Colton Youth Council and Dr.G, Council Member and Advisor to the program.

--> -->