Being heart-smart in the kitchen is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world and people with diabetes are especially at risk—more than 65 percent (two out of three die from heart disease and stroke.

One simple way to help reduce risk of these conditions is using a cooking oil that’s low in saturated fat and free of trans fat and cholesterol, such as canola oil.

Grill Pan Chicken with Fiery Mango-Ginger Salsa

The call from the podium was “the Rev. James Simms,” the response from the congregation was “heavenly sent.” It appears that is how the congregation feels about their pastor, that he is heavenly sent. On Nov. 14 more than 200 attended the 35th pastoral anniversary of Rev. Dr. James E. Simms of St. Paul Baptist Church at The Grand Hall at the Priory on the North Side.

WE ARE FAMILY—Austin Simms, Malik Couch, Eboni Simms Talley, Ray Talley, Rachael Couch, Mimi Washington and Rev. James Simms.

Reverend Hubert Hutcherson, pastor of Shiloh Community Baptist Church, served as master of ceremonies. Reverend Hutcherson said Rev. Simms has always stayed the same and he (Hutcherson) has listened and learned from him. “I thank him for the many years of mentoring. He even lets me win at golf from time to time.”

DEC. 30—East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty, will host a Taizé Service at 7 p.m. This hour-long service includes sung prayers, simple and beautiful music, a time of silence, spoken and silent prayers, and opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. All are welcome. There will be fellowship following the service. For more information, call 412-441-3800.

RODMAN STREET MORTGAGE BURNING CEREMONY—Reverend Delano Paige called for the mortgage to be presented. On Nov. 29 Deacon Kenneth Fair gave the prayer of thanksgiving. Presentation of the mortgage was by Trustee Shelia Ford. Deacon Leroy Yuille and Trustee Lee B. Nicklos received the mortgage loan which read “$1.8 million PAID IN FULL. The new mortgage balance is $0.00.”  Reverend Kerry Stith lit the mortgage flame and Rev Delano Paige led in the litany.

How many times have you thrown a party and did all the work? It’s time to enjoy your own party.

There are ways you can put the party on auto-pilot. If the throw down is scheduled for your house, do as much pre-planning as possible. Plan your menu early and when you see items on sale buy, store or freeze.

Make the party fun or different by adding a theme. You can go for potluck and let each person bring something but that tends to be just what it sounds like, hopefully you will end up with some lucky pots. When more than one person brings deviled eggs and one tastes better than the other, that can be a problem.