Five Moms Win the 'Polenta Challenge' by Bruce Herwig - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JANUARY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 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 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Five Moms Win the 'Polenta Challenge'

By Bruce Herwig, Community Writer
April 1, 2015 at 10:40am. Views: 26

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

GT Modern Dentistry Brings the Smiles
Photo Courtesy of: Elysia Fernandez

By Stella Pierce , Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:34pm. Views: 482

GT, modern dentistry team and Doctor join Mayor Bill Hussey , Jeff Allan councilman ,Doug Wilson, councilman Matt Brown councilman Matthew Hernandez chamber chair, Jason greeley chamber chair Michelle Sabino Mayor pro tem

MLK Day
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 02:06pm. Views: 167

MLK’s legacy is a living reminder that progress takes intention, courage, and compassion. 
Photo: Stone statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing with arms crossed, carved into a large granite block at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, against a clear blue sky.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 0

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Kenneth Jaquez

2026 Riverside County Educators of the Year!
Photo Courtesy of: Riverside County Office of Education

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 124

Site Support Employee of the Year Casey Rogers and Dr Edwin Gomez

Relief for Storm-Impacted Property Owners
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 201

A residence shows visible damage from flooding, mud and debris following severe winter storms that began Dec. 23, which brought heavy rain and debris flows to mountain and high desert communities across San Bernardino County. This week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved recovery-related fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild as response and long-term recovery efforts continue.

Woman-Led Manufacturer Thrives With Workforce Support
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 148

Kathy Bodor, president of Plastics Plus Technology at the 2025 Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards Gala.

MoVal Adds to the City’s Growing List of World-Class Employers
Photo Courtesy of: test

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 127

test

Colton Woman’s Club Presented Community Impact Award
Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Luis S. Gonzalez

By Nick Zupkofska, Community Writer

January 20, 2026 at 12:33pm. Views: 151

Congratulations to Delma Lesdesma, President of Colton Woman's Club (CWC)! Standing next to her, from left to right, are Council Member, Dr. G, and CWC Board Members, Andrea Garcia and Norma Gonzalez. Check out why Delma is smiling brightly for her well-deserved award!

Pet of the Week: Franki
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 555

Franki, a male, two-year-old, brown and blue brindled American Bulldog mix.
Add this loveable sweety to yourt family!

Dignity Health Spreads Holiday Cheer with Inspiring Acts of Service and Donations to Those in Need

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 388

Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, proudly continued its enduring tradition of community service and healing by extending support to thousands of families across California with essential provisions and heartfelt gifts for the holidays

Remembering
Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Scwab

By Ariel Schwab Morris, Community Writer

January 14, 2026 at 03:00pm. Views: 667

Thomas Joseph Schwab, a respected public servant whose leadership helped shape the City of Grand Terrace.

Crime is Dropping in San Bernardino County
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino City Police Department

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

January 7, 2026 at 03:38pm. Views: 514

Photo Caption: Crime in San Bernardino has dropped by 30 percent or more throughout the city. One reason is that there are more officers on the streets. The Police Department’s goal is to have 350 sworn officers. Current full-time staffing is reported at 295 sworn officers and 156 professional staff.

--> -->