Step 1: Wash the blueberries.
Step 2: Pour the desired amount of batter into a bowl. Half a box of batter makes about 8
pancakes.
Step 3: Add water to the batter. Stir until the batter has no lumps. I am not one to measure, if the batter is too thick or doesn’t get to a liquid state, I simply add more water. If the batter is too thin then add some more batter.
Step 4: Add vanilla extract to taste. I add about 2-4 teaspoons.
Step 5: Stir in vanilla.
Step 6: Turn on the stove to about medium heat.
Step 7: Add coconut oil until it is melted completely in the pan.
Step 8: Pour about half a cup of batter into the pan.
Step 9: Sprinkle Blueberries on the batter. (If done this way, every pancake gets the desired amount of blueberries as opposed to stirring them in the batter and the blueberries sinking to the bottom of the bowl.)
Step 10: When there are heat bubbles all over the pancake, flip it. (In the video this is not the case, I flip it early because my sister likes pancakes that are barely fully cooked)
Step 11: Leave pancake for about 30 seconds.
Step 12: Place on a plate. I use a little whipped cream in the video as opposed to syrup because it has less sugar and calories. However, another alternative is sugar-free syrup to keep the dish lighter.
At 3:30 p.m. today in the Beck Center, Transylvania University and the Pioneers men’s basketball team made a Team IMPACT “Draft Day” announcement by introducing the newest member of their team. Bentley Barber, a seven-year-old Lexington student, was “recruited” through Team IMPACT. There to welcome Bentley was Head Coach Brian Lane, both Transy’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the cheer and dance teams. Bentley is the first player to sign with Transy through Team IMPACT.
Photo by Abby Stone
In an opening statement, Coach Lane proudly announced, “We have the opportunity to add someone to our team today that is going to make a huge impact. Everyone has a go-to guy, and as we were looking at Bentley…we just got two times as tough. Not only is he joining a basketball team, he is joining a community. Bentley epitomizes everything Transy stands for.”
Bentley’s favorite thing to do on the court is shoot. When asked about the team, Bentley with a smile on his face responded, “I like them. They’re nice and know how to play ball…but they need to talk more.”
Photo by Abby Stone
Team IMPACT is an organization that connects children battling serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. According to Team IMPACT, “through the program, a child battling illness becomes an official member of a college athletic team, attending practices, games, team dinners and more—where they serve not only as teammates—but as inspiration.
Photo by Abby Stone
The program is not ‘one size fits all,’ it’s tailored to each child’s individual needs, and if you have a child in mind, they do not need to play (or love) sports to be involved in the program.”
We can’t wait to see Bentley at future Transy home games and events!
Crimson Christmas embodies everything that the holiday season is about: family, friends, traditions of all kinds, and giving back to the community. The 28th annual Crimson Christmas was held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Living Arts and Science Center. Through the help of so many dedicated volunteers, the young members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Lexington branch were given a taste of holiday cheer. In the past, the event has been held in Transy’s now demolished campus center gym, but construction this year allowed for a new and exciting space for the festivities. The Living Arts and Science Center, located on North Martin Luther King Boulevard, proved to be the perfect amount of interaction for the energetic audience. Besides exploring the varieties of living creatures and educational exhibits within the space, there were also craft stations and snacks galore. The children made ginger bread houses and ornaments among other holiday memorabilia. Later in the afternoon, Santa Claus and Mrs. Pots arrived all the way from the North Pole to read holiday stories, sing a jolly tune, and, of course, surprise the children with some presents. I myself was lucky enough to be the buddy for three curious children.
The Living Arts and Science Center’s environment kept even the most energetic of the children entertained and the educational aspects allowed for them to explore their interests. Of my three buddies, one wanted to explore all the animal related content, one wanted to get crafty, and one was just along for the ride. There was something for everyone! While seeing the joy on the children’s faces always makes this event worth everything in my eyes, I love seeing the faces of the guardians when they see all the work put into this event. When a child sees Santa and their face lights up, when they are proud of a craft they made, or (in the case of one of my buddies) when they take a cool picture they want to share, the guardians of the child share in that joy. Crimson Christmas is a wonderful way for us from Transy to show the community how much we value them and though we are in the height of finals season, this event helps us to remember to look beyond ourselves and to remember the true meaning of the holiday season.
The topic for this week’s “Staff Picks” is our staff’s holiday traditions. As our staff at The Rambler soon leaves for Christmas Break, we all would like to thank our readers and wish everyone Happy Holidays! If you have any topic suggestions that you would like to hear from us about, please email us at rambler@transy.edu.
Jennifer Palumbo, Rambler Advisor: Homemade pasta dinner
“Every Christmas we have a house full of people (usually around 20) and have my husband’s Nana’s homemade Palumbo pasta dinner. It takes two days to cook the sauce. His grandma, Nancyetta Palumbo, made it every Christmas, and when she died, he took over the family tradition.”
Taylor Mahlinger, Editor-in-Chief: Hanukkah and Christmas
“Since I am both Jewish and Christian, my family celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas together! One of our Hanukkah traditions is making potato latkes on the first night and opening one small gift, which is usually gelt (chocolate coins) ahead of the eight nights of celebration. Every Christmas Eve, we make breakfast for dinner and watch whatever old Christmas movies are playing on TV!”
Abby Stone, Managing Editor: Comarata Party
“On my mother’s side, I come from a large Italian family that held the maiden name Comarata. For decades now since before I was born, the entire side of the family comes together each year around Christmas time. This reunion is titled the “Comarata Party,” where there around 100 people (somehow I’m related to all of them), and all the food is homemade. We have three different traditions that take place at each party. First, someone from the family dresses up as Santa Claus and passes out presents to the younger kids after they sing Christmas songs. Second, there are pinatas filled with candy for the younger kids to smash open. Third, the entire family sings The Twelve Days of Christmas where each immediate family is responsible for one day of the song. The memories I have formed at each of these parties are ones that will last a lifetime.”
Makayla Dublin, Copy Editor: Matching pajamas
“One of my favorite holiday traditions is wearing matching Christmas pajamas with my family on Christmas morning. My dog is even involved in the tradition!”
Allison Spivey, News Editor: Visit to Schimpff’s
“My favorite Christmas tradition is going to a very small candy shop in Indiana called Schimpff’s. My grandpa and I indulge in red hots, peppermints, gummies, and hot chocolate that are each handmade in front of our eyes. The whole experience is always so magical, like being in Santa’s workshop.”
Gabrielle Crooks, Staff Photographer: New ornament
“One tradition my family has is every year we find a new ornament for our holiday tree which symbolizes something that happened in our year. We have some for the family we lost, the trips we took, or the memories we made.”
Will Hickey, Staff Contributor: Christmas themed Lego set
“So over at the Hickey house we have a tradition of buying a lego Christmas themed set every year, and we now have a massive collection that we set up to decorate the house with every year.”
Nyah Mattison, Staff Contributor: Watching the NORAD Santa Tracker and reading the Christmas Story and the Ten Commandments
“The Aerospace Defense Command hosts a real-time Santa tracker on their website every year that shows live where Santa is delivering gifts and how far away he is from you. Even though no one in my house still believes in Santa Claus, we still have the tracker playing for almost the whole day of Christmas Eve.”
“Every year before exchanging gifts, my family takes turns sitting by the tree and reading the original Christmas story and the Ten Commandments from the Bible. It’s a great way of getting back to the roots of why we celebrate and a reminder of the spirit of the holiday.”
Taylore Latham, Staff Contributor: Disney movies
“My favorite holiday tradition is cozying up by the fire and watching my favorite Disney holiday movies—Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas—while sipping on homemade hot chocolate and eating warm cookies.”
Ashleigh King, Staff Contributor: Charlie Brown Christmas special
“So my family watches the Charlie Brown Christmas special every year! The music is beautiful and we love to just reminisce throughout the entire show. It’s become one of my favorite parts of the holidays. My family also competes in a spades tournament with our extended family. It’s a battle royale-style, so the competition lasts for hours! We love to compare card playing styles and finally decide who is the best card player in the family. Eventually, I will claim the title!”
The end of the semester is often a stressful time for Transy students, and it can be easy to forget the people around campus who make finals season a little bit better. Senior Meredith Moir decided to start a fundraiser for Janae Heard and Yenfer Gamez a month ago, both of who work in the campus coffee shop, Gratz Perk, and are always there to greet customers. Moir said that Heard and Gamez inspired her to start this fundraiser, “because of their hard work and dedication that they exemplify each and every day.” She continued, “After finding out that Gratz Perk would now be open on Saturdays, I soon realized that this required them to be working six to seven days. They both have families at home so I know it is probably extremely hard to be away from them so much. I felt like it was our duty as a community to give back to them because they do so much for us students and in general the entire Transylvania community.”
Moir sees them as a special part of the Transy community and said that they always brighten her day. “The best part of my day is when I go to Gratz Perk to get my morning coffee. No matter what mood I am in both Janae and Yenfer have a warm smile on their faces and always ask each person how they are doing. Most of us have formed a relationship with them and are able to have great conversations about anything! They are always willing to help out and will go above and beyond to make sure that everyone is happy and satisfied. Gratz Perk would not be the same without Janae and Yenfer. We are so lucky to have them as a part of our community.”
The fundraising to give both Janae and Yenfer the ultimate Christmas gift began a month ago, and Moir soon found that lots of other students also felt that the women were an important part of the Transy community. “Everyone has been so helpful and excited to do this for them. When I first reached out about how I wanted to give back to them, I received so many messages from students asking how they could donate and if I was going to be on campus so that they could meet me and talk about it! I have people reaching out to me asking if we have met our goal! It just goes to show how important and tight our community is because each and every person wants to help and uplift the people who are there for us every day. This is truly what makes Transylvania so amazing” said Moir.
Moir decided that she would reveal the surprise to Heard and Gamez on Friday, December 6, the last day of classes. Watch the heartwarming video below taken by senior Sloan Cromwell to see their reactions!
Congratulations, we’ve finally hit the most stressful time in the semester. Whether you have your stress handled or you’re freaking out, we have some fun advice to help keep you somewhat sane.
The Library
The Transy library is a great resource, especially during finals week. They provide a quiet space to study, with the entire library transitioning into a quiet zone during finals week, beginning this Friday, in addition to extending their hours. The library also provides snacks throughout the week that are sponsored by the Library, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Student Government Association, for students to grab as they study. Also, be on the lookout Tuesday for North Lime donuts and coffee provided by Student Wellbeing!
Graphic courtesy of Taylen Henry, SAB.
Stress Fest
Another great way students can de-stress on campus is with the Student Activities Board! They try to help Transy students manage their stress by hosting Stress Fest, which began Wednesday with the DIY slime activity and will conclude Tuesday with a hot cocoa and tea bar!
We spoke to some students around campus about how they de-stress during finals week. Junior Olivia Forester said that she is now on the bandwagon of using Tiktok and is now creating her own content to post. She has also encouraged some of her friends to join TikTok. When she started off, she mentioned that she brought followers on a site like http://tokupgrade.com/ to boost her profile, but now she enjoys posting for fun regardless of how many likes her videos get. Creating content for Olivia is a fun way to relieve the stress of her finals. Other students replied that they like to take walks, go to the gym, take naps, and look at Baby Yoda memes. Sophomore Will Hickey, one of our staff contributors, suggested: “Lo-fi hip hop music in the background” which is definitely relaxing. Check out this lo-fi playlist we put together for studying and relaxing.
We also spoke to our resident nurse, Carol Palmer about how to stay healthy during finals week. She suggested getting rest at night and studying during the day (outside when possible), avoiding caffeine after 4 p.m. and taking time for “a quick workout even if it is 10 minutes.”
We here ate The Rambler wish everyone luck with their finals. Remember to stay hydrated, try to sleep when possible, and take a break every now and then. We are almost there!
If you’re shopping for a live Christmas tree this year, you may have to search harder than in the past. Over the last five years Christmas tree shortages have been reported in many parts of the U.S.
One factor is that growers sold off land and planted fewer trees during and after the 2008 recession. In the lifespan of Christmas trees, the decade from 2008 to the present is roughly a single generation of plantings. However, in my research on the human dimensions of farming and food systems, I also see other factors at play.
Christmas trees take 6 to 12 years to mature, and consumer preferences often change more quickly than farmers can adjust. Climate change is altering temperature and rainfall patterns, which severely affects growers’ ability to produce high-quality trees and the varieties that customers seek. And like the overall U.S. population, Christmas tree growers and shoppers are aging.
Collectively, these trends don’t bode well for Christmas tree lovers, the growers or the industry. However, there are opportunities for younger farmers to enter this market, either full- or part-time. If new and beginning growers live in an area with appropriate environmental conditions, Christmas trees are a high-quality complementary crop that farmers can use to diversify their operations and provide off-season income.
Workers deliver the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to the U.S. Capitol Building, Nov. 26, 2018, from Willamette National Forest in Oregon.AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Evolving consumer preferences
As of 2017, there were about 15,000 Christmas tree farms across the U.S. Most are around 23 acres in size, and nearly half of them gross less than US$25,000 annually. A great number of Christmas tree ventures are part of larger farm operations, and many growers hold off-the-farm jobs.
Our team recently sent a survey to 1,500 randomly selected Indiana residents to see how consumer behavior could affect the state’s tree farmers. Christmas tree shoppers told us that they predominantly seek short-needle trees, such as firs and spruces (38%), followed by medium-needle varieties like Scotch pines (24%).
Over 42% of respondents purchased their tree from a Christmas tree farm, while nearly 32% bought them from a tree lot or other small business, and approximately 20% got their tree from large chain or retail stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. A national consumer survey conducted by the National Christmas Tree Association found that shoppers equally purchased trees from Christmas tree farms (28%) and large chain retailers (28%), followed closely by retail lots (23%).
According to the association’s data, from 2004-2017 the number of real Christmas trees sold stayed relatively steady, while the number of artificial trees sold more than doubled. Real tree growers have lost market share to increasingly popular artificial trees, and may have trouble seriously competing for the foreseeable future, due to climate change and an aging population.
Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Oregon harvests trees by helicopter.
Weather woes
Climate change is directly and indirectly affecting Christmas tree growers across the U.S. Droughts in 2012 and 2014 and spring floods in 2019 have taken a toll on plantings, particularly young saplings. A farmer in southern Indiana recently told me that 2019 was the wettest spring and the driest summer and fall he could recall over the past 29 years.
These extreme conditions decrease sapling success rate, which contribute to tree shortages when the planted stock would have matured for harvesting. In addition, higher average summer and winter temperatures are increasing tree mortality by worsening disease and pest pressures, making trees less resilient.
In a 2018 survey that our program distributed to 95 Indiana Christmas tree growers, 60% of respondents said that environmental conditions were challenging their operations. Among the growers, over 70% highlighted droughts as a major challenge. More than 50% of respondents reported having problems with disease, insect pressure, and heat waves. About 30% indicated that consumers were searching for trees that were difficult or impossible for them to grow, such as Fraser firs, which are native to higher-elevation areas of the southern Appalachian mountains.
Christmas tree production is concentrated in cooler regions of the U.S.USDA/NASS
Aging farmers and shoppers
U.S. farmers are getting older, and Christmas tree growers are no exception. Across the farming industry, the average farmer’s age rose from 56.3 in 2012 to 57.5 in 2017.
In our survey of Indiana Christmas tree growers, we found that their average age was 64 and that 62% of farm operations did not have a transition plan in place. Additionally, 28% of growers intended to stop planting trees in the next five years. These results suggest that many new Christmas tree farmers will need to enter the business just to maintain current production levels.
Buyers are also aging. In our consumer survey, shoppers buying either real or artificial trees were in their mid-50s on average, while those who did not purchase trees were 64 on average. Written comments suggested that people were less likely to put up a tree when fewer people, particularly children, were in the house and the work fell to one or two individuals.
Planting for the future
For Christmas tree farms to survive, shoppers will need to be more flexible. They may have to settle for a Scotch pine instead of a Fraser fir, or for buying a harvested tree rather than cutting their own. This is particularly true for buyers who wait until late in the season or want a tree variety that cannot be grown in their local environment.
Who will grow the next generation of trees? The good news is that for potential growers, competition is sparse and demand is stable. Aspiring Christmas tree farmers should consider working with aging local growers who are seeking to slow down or transition out of the industry. Farmers in other sectors, such as fruit and vegetable producers selling locally, might consider Christmas trees as a way to bolster off-season income.
The allure of a fresh-cut tree is unlikely to fade, so Christmas tree farming could be a gratifying venture for growers who are patient enough to plant now for customers in 2027.
The topic for this week’s “Staff Picks” is our staff’s favorite activities to do in winter/in the snow. If you have any topic suggestions that you would like to hear from us about, please email us at rambler@transy.edu.
Taylor Mahlinger, Editor-in-Chief: Sledding
“Whenever it snows, my friends and I search for the biggest hill in the city and go sledding for hours until we can’t feel our toes. Then, we come home and make a steaming cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows.”
Abby Stone, Managing Editor: Ice skating
“It has been a tradition in my family to go ice skating for hours at least once every year in the downtown square of Cincinnati. There is always music playing and the giant Christmas tree that overlinks the skating rink paints a beautiful array of colors on the ice. Afterward, it is always a hilarious feeling to have your ‘land-legs’ come back.”
Makayla Dublin, Copy Editor: Make a snowman
“My favorite thing to do in the snow is to make a snowman. It is always fun trying to find different ways to adorn your snowy friend.”
Aaron Bell, Sports Editor: Skiing
“For me, the best part of Winter is when the ski slopes open. Nothing takes your mind off things like sailing down a hill with your friends knowing you will not be able to stand up straight the next morning after taxing your muscles for hours. Oh, and replenishing the calories with hot chocolate in the lodge is also an enjoyable experience.”
Shawna Morton, Back-end Editor: Skiing
“I really enjoy skiing. The feeling of hitting the slopes is so freeing that you don’t mind the cold anymore. However, there aren’t many places to ski in Kentucky.”
Diaka Savane, Staff Contributor: Hike at Red River Gorge
“I like to go hiking at Red River Gorge because the cold keeps you from sweating excessively but of course, the views are amazing and it’s a way to stay active!”
Gabrielle Crooks, Staff Photographer: Run!
“My favorite thing to do in the snow is to run in it. It sounds simple but there is so much more resistance and a challenge that it makes an amazing workout and an oh so satisfying crunch!”
Will Hickey, Staff Contributor: Game of possible hypothermia
“My favorite thing to do in the wintertime is to grab a group of friends while wearing shorts and short sleeves, then go outside and see who lasts the longest. The best time to do this is when it snowed heavy/is snowing heavy and in the morning because the game could last a while.”
“During the winter holidays, one of my favorite things to do in Lexington is visiting the Kentucky Horse Park to see their Southern Lights drive-through exhibit. Admission is $15 per car and it runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m until the end of December. It’s always a fun and magical time for anyone of any age, and you can support local vendors by visiting the indoor craft fair (closed December 24th-31st). It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and pick up some last-minute gifts!”
The topic for this week’s “Staff Picks” is our staff’s favorite Thanksgiving dish(es). If you have any topic suggestions that you would like to hear from us about, please email us at rambler@transy.edu.
Taylor Mahlinger, Editor-in-Chief: The Gravy
“The gravy is my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner because you can pour it over everything on the plate. Stuffing? Yes. Green bean casserole? Yes. My mom makes it from scratch every year and it’s the perfect balance of savory and everything good.
Abby Stone, Managing Editor: Homemade Italian Bread and Mashed Potatoes
“I always look forward to my mom’s made-from-scratch Italian bread around the holidays. It is a tradition that started with my grandmother, and it is the perfect pairing to your Thanksgiving meal.”
“In my opinion, it is not a Thanksgiving meal without the classic side dish of mashed potatoes. Pair it with some gravy, and you are in heaven. I probably eat more of that each holiday than should be recommended.”
Makayla Dublin, Copy Editor: Green Bean Haystacks
“Green bean haystacks: This is my favorite dish at Thanksgiving. It is a bunch of bundles of green beans tied together with a little bacon and baked in the oven in a delicious sauce.”
“My favorite Thanksgiving dish is sweet potato casserole with the pecans on top.” (Also, check out Shawna’s recipe for a dairy-free corn pudding for your Thanksgiving!)
Gabrielle Crooks, Staff Photographer: Pumpkin Pie
“My favorite dish for the holidays would have to be pumpkin pie! I love all things pumpkin flavored (call me basic it’s fine), and my mom makes the best pumpkin pie! It is the exact taste of fall for me and reminds me of times with my family.”
Taylore Latham, Staff Contributor: Corn Pudding
“Corn pudding! It’s a very specific corn pudding recipe that’s been in my family for a very long time and it’s always the first dish that’s gone at Thanksgiving.”
Will Hickey, Staff Contributor: Chicken and Dumplings
“There is no better meal during Thanksgiving because of how perfect a dish this is. The dish is warm little dough balls with chicken for your protein all mixed in some gravy that hits harder than the Southern love my mom cooks them with.”
Nyah Mattison, Staff Contributor: Baked Mac n’ Cheese
“I’m a big fan of baked macaroni and cheese and Thanksgiving is the perfect time for it. My family Thanksgiving typically features at least two different versions of this classic dish, and it’s always something I look forward to seeing on the table every year.”
Ruben Joseph, Staff Contributor: Stuffing
“My all-time favorite Thanksgiving meal is Stuffing. I absolutely love stuffing because it is probably one of the only foods that taste like the Holiday in which it represents. The warm spices and flavors remind me of the Fall and there’s just nothing like it.”
Volleyball
The Transylvania volleyball team’s season came to an end last Saturday against Emory in the NCAA tournament second round. The team finishes with a (28-5) overall record and (8-0) HCAC conference record. Senior Hannah Talkers and Junior Ellie Stigger have been named AVCA All-Americans, the first Transylvania volleyballers to achieve this honor. With the amount of success the volleyball team has accomplished this year the season has been deemed by the Transylvania Sports website as the “most successful campaign for the Pioneers in their 18-year program history.”
Women’s Basketball
The Transy’s women team took on Berea in the first away game of the season. The team emerged victorious with a final score of (65-57). They shot an uncharacteristically low percentage from the three-point line but recovered by outscoring Berea in the paint by ten points. The trio of guards Ashton Woodard, Shelby Boyle, and Zenoviah Walker led the way in scoring. The women took on Wittenberg this past Saturday, and won (59-56).They are set to begin their Thanksgiving tournament, the Pat Deacon Classic, this coming Friday.
Men’s Basketball
The men took their first game against Emory & Henry handily with a score of (97-71). However, they lost a heartbreaker to rival Centre (57-58) in which the go-ahead basket for Centre was scored leaving just 0.5 seconds on the clock. Transylvania was up by five with 1:25 left to play. They will next take on Earlham December 4 at home in the first division game of the season. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Triathlon
This is just the second year Transylvania has fielded a Women’s Triathlon team.The team competed in the Women’s National Collegiate Triathlon Championship to bring their season to a close. Freshman Grayson Bray impressed by finishing ninth in the division III race. She posted a time of 1:17:05 in the contest. Head coach Sean McNulty expressed his satisfaction with the season.
