Sunday Signal August 16, 2020

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde 2020 ‘BEST OF’ BALLOT INSIDE AUGUST 16, 2020

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SETTING SIGHTS ON TOKYO 2021

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SKINCARE TIPS TO KEEP PORES CLEAR

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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NEWS FEATURES

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Staying active, engaged while dealing with quarantine Hobbies, renovations, other quarantine-at-home ideas California’s national parks should be on your list Saugus High alum sets sights on 2021 Olympic goals

8 Quick, convenient City services available online 9 Managing, thriving with a brain tumor diagnosis

FOOD

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10 Simple recipe hacks for time-saving meals Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Nashville-Style Dressing Neapolitan-Style Milkshake

ENTERTAINMENT

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‘BEST OF’ BALLOT HOME

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GARDENING

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BEAUTY

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SENIOR LIVING

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KIDS & FAMILY

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11 Universal’s doc ‘Red Penguins,’ upcoming DVDs’

14 Keeping those pests outside 15 Buying and setting up bird baths 16 At-home acne mistakes to avoid 17 Exercise caution when mixing drugs 18 Eight ways you can cure cabin fever Guess who?

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 16, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Staying active, engaged while dealing with quarantine

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

S

everal months have passed since the onset of the statewide safer-at-home orders, which have kept residents indoors and away from those outside of one’s family unit or from their favorite outdoor activities. The pandemic has challenged older adults far more than others, however, as they are among the most vulnerable populations to COVID-19.

Health orders continue to recommend that individuals 65 and older, especially those with underlying health conditions, remain indoors as much as possible and limit interactions with people outside of their households. But this can bring about issues with isolation, depression and anxiety if older adults do not stay active and engaged.

“Movement is important. Just staying moving and keeping your mental motivation up, getting outside or in your yard and getting that fresh air on your face helps to keep the morale up, especially when everyone is inside and missing their loved ones,” said Rosemary Competelli, an exercise teacher with Fit For Life, a fitness program designed to help seniors improve their overall health.

These are some ways older adults can safely stay active in and around the Santa Clarita Valley:

Fitness and wellness

A monthslong lockdown can affect both one’s mental and physical health.

A good stretch or aerobics session can be the perfect remedy and can be done in your living room or backyard.

Competelli’s senior aerobics classes, for example, went digital on Youtube due to the pandemic, so that her students are able to continue to exercise.

Students have access to new, weekly videos that include standing cardio senior aerobics and seated classes for individuals who may have a harder time standing. And they’re easily accessible via a link she sends to their emails.

“It’s just a way for the older community to stay moving and really, they’ve become a family,” she said of the participating group. “We some-

Above: The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center at Bella Vida hosts a virtual class with participants in a classroom watching an instructor. PHOTO COURTESY BELLA VIDA SENIOR CENTER Right: Doug Hammer locks in on a volley during pickleball practice in Bouquet Canyon Park. The city offers a number of facilities that offer socially distanced activities, as well as ways to stay cool when the temperature rises.

PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

times tell stories about things that happened during that week, sometimes about the grandkids or accomplishments like, ‘Hey, I’ve gotten to walk farther than I have in a long time. These (classes) can help with arthritis and back pain.”

For class updates and additional information, visit Fit for Life Senior Fitness Program Facebook page.

The Senior Center at Bella Vida has long provided exercise sessions for its visitors and amid the pandemic, offering these courses are perhaps far more important than ever.

But they have moved virtually to help keep older adults safe, according to Executive Director Kevin MacDonald. Through Zoom video chats, instructors offer Zumba, chair pilates and Tai Chi classes.

“Classes can be seen through an iPad, computer or cellphone as they’re all offered in a Zoom format,” he said, adding that if one is not familiar with how to operate the application, “we also have a class that teaches them how to use it and we help them get situated because some people might be intimidated by (the applications).”

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the senior center also offers health and wellness webinars, he added.

For the complete schedule of class-

es and activities at the senior center, visit myscvcoa.org.

Try a new sport

Group exercise classes are fun but for those looking to add a little more competition while practicing physical distancing, pickleball can be a great addition. The sport is known for being social and is particularly popular among older adults as it is often played as doubles and does not necessarily require players to dive and flail around a racket as one may do so in tennis.

Grab a paddle, plastic ball and head out to a nearby park, such as Bouquet Canyon Park, to access a net and court. Residents can also access courts at the Paseo Club, which has recently hosted a tournament and is expected to host its next one outdoors on Sept. 12. “(Pickleball is) a great way to be active but not it’s not high impact It builds a sense of community and a sense of camaraderie for seniors,” Lance O’Keefe, recreation and community services manager with the city of Santa Clarita, said in a previous interview.

Bouquet Canyon Park is located at 28127 Wellston Drive, Santa Clarita.

Stay connected

Besides staying physically active

and partaking in a variety of activities, staying in communication with others is among the most important things older adults can do amid the pandemic, according to MacDonald.

If the pandemic has separated you and your friends from lunchtime at the center, Bella Vida is offering “Table Talk,” which allows residents to dine virtually with others for lunch.

“Before the pandemic, people would come to Bella Vida’s grand ballroom for lunch where the tables would all be setup and they’d sit together. There’s no indoor dining now with the pandemic so this is a chance to have lunch online and chat with people about what they’re going through — kind of like a mini support group for themselves. We can hook you up with a table to have lunch with several seniors,” he said.

To participate in Table Talk, call the senior center at (661) 259-9444 and provide staff with a friend’s name and email to arrange a Zoom lunch with them.

Other popular activities to keep in mind include indoor gardening, learning a new skill or language, taking virtual field trips, walking and dancing and arts and crafts, such as painting or knitting.

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Hobbies, renovations, other quarantine-at-home ideas

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

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s Santa Clarita Valley residents enter month six of the quarantine, it’s as if the pandemic has transported us back to an era where there’s endless time to fill. With many options exhausted, it’s the perfect time to embrace the shift and turn to some old-fashioned crafting.

Picking up an old craft or finding a new one can not only be an easy way to pass the time but can also get those creative wheels spinning, which can have a positive effect on your mood.

In fact, a recent study conducted at Drexel University found that making art, in whatever form, can actually reduce stress hormones.

For Valencia resident Tarren Samuels, picking up a ball of yarn helped to ease her anxieties.

“The more I knit, the easier it is for me to stop worrying about my troubles,” she said. “It’s like with every stitch, I dive deeper into my project and stop feeling so alone.”

Samuels is in her 60s, and health conditions put her in the high-risk population, leaving her with lots of time to fill at home without her usual visitors.

As everyone has a little bit of a different situation, there are a number of hobbies and pastimes you can pick up if you’re willing to be creative..

Fold some origami

While this Japanese craft may seem complicated, with each fold creating an intricate design, the challenge can actually help keep your brain sharp.

This craft may take some time to master, yet is accessible to any skill level, allowing you to progress from paper airplane to paper crane.

The best part is it requires just one piece of material — and a bit of patience.

Turn patterns into macramé

You’ve probably seen those hanging plant holders or intricately knotted wall tapestries, but what many don’t know is that it actually isn’t that hard to do, according to Canyon Country resident Hilary Love.

“It’s honestly just a bunch of knots,” Love said, chuckling. “If you can follow a pattern, you can make a macramé wall tapestry.”

Love began her knotting journey about a month ago after seeing online tutorials while scrolling through social media.

“It just looked like such a simple, yet stylish way to decorate my bare walls,” she added. “I grabbed some extra cord, and now I’ve got a whole herb garden hanging in my kitchen, along with a tapestry that covers my entire living room wall. I’ve even considered creating a little side business because it’s just so fun and I’m running out of wall space.”

Plant some herbs

Speaking of herb gardens, creating one is the per-

Instructor Brianna Burton, right, looks on as Erika Perry uses a pin nailer gun to attach a leg to the table pedestal she is making at AR Workshop in Santa Clarita. Fun and affordable craft projects can be a great way to spend time with a loved one and release stress. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

fect project for those who enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients.

That way, you have them within easy reach whenever you want to whip up a new recipe, nor will you have to waste those leftovers that you forgot about.

Whether you’ve got a backyard or not, many herbs actually grow well in small pots by a sunny window, allowing you to start small and let your garden grow, like Saugus resident Christine Mezaki.

“I started with just one basil plant and was hooked,” Mezaki said, adding that oregano, cilantro and parsley plants quickly followed. “Not only does it taste better, but it’s so fun to tend to my little indoor garden.”

Upgrade outdated furniture

Whether it’s an old bookshelf or kitchen chairs, there’s no reason to replace when you can just renew.

“My mom and I have been talking about refinishing our coffee table since I can remember,” 17-yearold Cassie Lyons said. “I can’t believe it took us this long to actually do it because it was so simple and looks like a new piece of furniture.”

Now, Lyons and her mom have taken on the challenge of reupholstering the dining room chairs, which she said has been easier than she expected.

“I feel like we’ll have the whole house redone by the end of quarantine,” Lyons added.

Just like that, you’ll have a fun project to tackle and furniture that’ll actually fit your style, so grab some sandpaper and paint and get to work.

Make your baths fizzy

Step aside Lush, it’s time for you to make your own bath bombs, as even those without any chemistry knowledge can make these fizzy bath treats with the use of baking soda and citric acid.

You can even customize them to be as simple or fancy as you’d like, simply by adding food coloring, Epsom salt or essential oils.

Now, you can relax in your tub as you breathe in some of those essential oils to destress during the most stressful of times, making any bath feel like a spa experience.

For those who don’t know where to start, there’s a number of local craft shops that have reopened and are starting to hold socially distanced workshops, along with the continuation of online programs or take-home DIY programs, including Barn and Charm and AR Workshop, among others.

Barn and Charm is located at 22700 Lyons Ave. in Newhall, while AR Workshop is located at 27916 Seco Canyon Road, Unit 204, in Saugus.

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AU G U S T 16, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

From the mountains to the sea —

California’s national parks should be on your bucket list

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

C

alifornia is home to nine national parks, more than any other state — Alaska is second with eight.

History of National Parks

On March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park “as a public park or pleasuringground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” and placed it under control of the secretary of the interior.

The founding of Yellowstone National Park began a worldwide national park movement. However, the idea of protecting unique wilderness for the benefit of the people was first put into practice, as so many other forwarding thinking actions, in California.

In 1864, conservationists convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias a public trust of California. This marked the first time the U.S. government protected land for public enjoyment, and it laid the foundation for the establishment of the national and state park systems.

In 1916, the National Park Service was created by an Act of Congress that was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson.

The following is a snapshot of the parks. However, it is advised that you visit their websites or call ahead to determine if and when they are open.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands and their ocean environment. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants and archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. It is the most challenging park to reach because it can only be visited by boat.

Must see Anacapa Island With only two miles of trails, but unmatched scenery, Anacapa Island is a must visit. See dramatic overlooks, magnificent coastal views and the last permanent lighthouse built on the West Coast.

Santa Cruz Island The mixed-sand and cobblestone Scorpion Beach is a world-class destination for swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.

Santa Barbara Island A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year, including brown pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots and western gulls. Seals and sea lions can be viewed from Landing Cove and from the Sea Lion Rookery and Elephant Seal Cove overlooks.

Info www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

Death Valley National Park

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and

There is so much to see at California’s national parks from Death Valley’s Mesquite Flat Dunes (left) to the 40-foot high Arch Rock, a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. DEATH VALLEY PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA. CHANNEL ISLANDS PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Summer is probably the worst time to visit because the heat index can reach dangerous levels. Winter, spring and late fall are the best times to visit. First, visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to pay your park fee and get a park map.

Must see Badwater Basin An expansive salt flat with distant desert mountains and a pink sky sunset, Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level.

Artists Drive A one-way, nine-mile drive that passes through eroded, colorful desert hills.

Devils Golf Course An immense area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain into jagged spires.

Zabriskie Point The most famous viewpoint in the park. Overlooking the golden colored badlands of the Furnace Creek formation, the point is most popular at sunrise and sunset.

Info www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Joshua Tree National Park

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California.

Must see Indian Cove Nature Trail One of the best places to enjoy a view of Joshua trees. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.

Arch Rock Trail The 30-foot-tall Arch Rock can be viewed from this short half-mile trail

that features infinite beauty. Climb up inside the arch for great views and perfect pictures.

Cholla Cactus Garden This cacti grove can be seen from a short quarter-mile trail. It is one of the world’s densest concentrations of the lovely but dangerous cholla cactus.

Info www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes and numerous volcanoes. Summer is the best time to visit, snow can limit access.

Must see Warner Valley Numerous hydrothermal features including Boiling Springs Lake, Terminal Geyser and Devils Kitchen.

Mill Creek Falls Trail An excellent hike for families. This moderate 3.2-mile round-trip hike passes through Red Fir forest to the park’s highest waterfall.

Cinder Cone Volcano Hikers are awarded with spectacular views of the park including Lassen Peak, the Fantastic Lava Beds and the colorful Painted Dunes.

Info www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm

Pinnacles National Park

Some 23 million years ago, multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed and slid to form a unique landscape.

Designated as a national park in January, 2013, this is the youngest national park in the state of California. Visit during the winter, spring and fall, summer offers dangerous heat.

See PARKS, page 20

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Saugus High alum sets sights on 2021 Olympic goals

By Noelle Blumel Signal Contributing Writer

N

owadays, it’s pretty hard to know what to expect.

On May 21, the 2020 Summer Olympics were canceled.

Abbey Weitzeil, a two-time Olympic medalist and National Swimmer of the Year winner for Cal was in her Berkeley home, when the announcement was made.

Although disappointing, it wasn’t a complete surprise for the record-setting swimmer from Saugus High.

“I kind of had an inkling that it was going to get cancelled, just because (the National Collegiate Athletic Association) had been cancelled, and everything was just starting to get cancelled,” Weitzeil said. “I feel like everyone kind of knew that it was gonna happen for a while so it wasn’t like a blatant shock.”

Then on July 17, the International Olympic Committee announced that all the venues were secured for Tokyo games in July 2021.

Then just five days later, Time reported the IOC president as saying the games wouldn’t be possible if COVID-19 rates weren’t improved by next year.

Regardless, Weitzeil will be preparing in the pool for a chance to make the team — whenever the games may be.

“There are tons of things that are happening right now that are unexpected,” Weitzeil said, “so I was not by any means sure that it was going to or not going to happen. So when it was announced, it was a relief to hear honestly.”

Weitzeil earned a pair of medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio; a silver in the 400m free relay and a gold in the 400m medley relay. She was just 19 years old then.

Weitzeil was named female athlete of the year all four years at Saugus high school and a four-time CIF champion whilst setting national records in the 50y and 100y free.

Kevin Nielsen, swim coach at the Canyons Aquatic Club, said that while he didn’t have the privilege of coaching Abbey for an entire season, he would occasionally coach her when she returned home for winter and spring break.

“Canyons Aquatic Club is extremely proud of Abbey and her accomplishments,” Nielsen said.

“Most importantly, we take pride in her willingness to give back to the team and community.”

Michael Bechtoldt, Weitzeil’s coach from 20102012 at Canyons Aquatic club, coached Weitzeil for two seasons, but said the moment he remembers most is in April 2011, when she began to realize a junior national title and the Olympic trial time were within her reach. He also noted her drive.

“Once I told her that, she was highly motivated,” Bechtoldt said. “The best words that would describe her are focused, determined and super

While Abbey Weitzeil achieved international success on the medal stand in the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has additional goals for herself in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL Inset: PHOTO CREDIT KELLEY COX/KLC FOTOS

competitive, like beyond what most kids have. It’s almost like she hates losing more than she likes winning.”

Bechtoldt added he’s seen her grow into a great team player, and looks forward to seeing her on the medal stand individually at the next Olympics.

Weitzeil was named UC Berkeley’s most outstanding swimmer for the 2018-19 season and was finalist for the 2019 Honda Award presented to the top female swimmer in the country — in what ended up being her final full collegiate season.

Unfortunately, her senior swim season at Berkeley was cut short due to COVID-19.

After the season, she was planning to participate in this summer’s olympic trials in hopes of making the 2020 team, but amidst all the sudden changes, she has had to adapt to a new way of training.

“Right now, I’m commuting to different pools, whatever is offered at different times, so I don’t really have a straight-up schedule,” she said. “It’s just getting in the water when I can at different places, so I’m hoping that our pools here can open soon though. I’m lifting in the garage, so just hoping our facilities can open up soon.”

Weitzeil said that aside from trying to find open pools to practice in, the hardest part has been not knowing what is going to happen, and when things are finally going to go back to normal.

“I mean everyone’s been in the same boat for a while. I think everyone handles it pretty different-

ly,” she said. “I’m just trying not to dwell on the fact that I am not training as much as I normally would be, especially at this time of year where I would’ve been hopefully at a training camp right now.”

Outside of the scheduling challenges, Weitzeil also shared how she’s finding opportunities with her time, also. She’s recently picked up some hobbies to keep herself busy, including golf, hikes and more time with her friends.

“I just do something that I don’t normally have the time to do when I’m tired from training,” she said. “Just taking up things small like that and taking advantage of having a full day of open time and not having double (training) days.”

Despite the changes around her, Weitzeil’s mindset has not changed a bit. She’s setting out to accomplish the same goals she’s had in place for 2020 — especially now that she has experience with international competition.

“Obviously, I have the goals which never change: making the team next year, which is not set in stone for anyone; and coming home with another gold medal would be amazing,” she said.

“But one of my goals that I didn’t reach last time was to individually medal in an event, and I think that is easier said than done for sure, but I think just having more experience under my belt that it’s a possibility.”

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 16, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Quick and convenient City services available online

By Mayor Cameron Smyth

A

s residents of Santa Clarita, we know we have the personal strength and support of our community to make it through difficult times. During this coronavirus pandemic, we have been tested in unimaginably challenging ways.

Yet, we continue to work to protect our loved ones and neighbors, while lessening the risk of exposure and slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The sooner this is accomplished, the sooner we can return to normal.

Earlier this year, I wrote about a number of City services that are available online. These services, which include reporting streetlight outages and graffiti, requesting tree trimming, bulky item pickup and disposal, and other assistance, can be quickly and conveniently completed from the

comfort of your own home.

The City’s Resident Service Center is available 24 hours a day through the City’s website and mobile app, and it has been set up to route a resident’s request directly to the staff member and department best equipped to provide service. You can get started with the Resident Service Center by visiting santa-clarita.com/RSC. Online City services have expanded since the first Safer-At-Home order was instituted, allowing residents to complete a great deal of business without needing to drive to City Hall.

Of course, City Hall is also available by appointment for many services, including Building and Safety assistance in the Permit Center.

Companies working on commercial construction projects should still visit the Permit Center at City Hall, but residents can apply for a residential permit online using the City’s eService platform. Information on applying for permits online can be found by visit-

ing santa-clarita.com/PermitCenter.

The Santa Clarita Public Library has also expanded its offerings online and recently introduced contactless services for patrons, including the library locker system and curbside document printing. If you have a library card, you can log into your account online at SantaClaritaLibrary.com to place a hold on materials, which you can then pick up from the Valencia Library or Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library using the new storage lockers.

Every visitor to the Old Town Newhall Library can now print up to 10 pages per day for free as well. Simply visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com/WiFiPrinting to put in your printing request, then head to the library to pick up your documents when they’re ready!

In addition, the City’s Recreation and Community Services Department is continually adding new content to the Virtual Rec Center, which can be visited at santa-clarita.com/Virtual RecCenter. From family-friendly

activities and craft projects you can do at home to workout routines, the Virtual Rec Center will help keep you active and entertained.

These are just some of the many ways the City is working to ensure residents have access to vital services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For an additional list of resources available for businesses and residents impacted by the coronavirus shutdown, please visit the City’s emergency website at SantaClaritaEmergency.com.

When we come together as a community and support one another, we will remain resilient and make it through this difficult and unpredictable situation.

Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H E A LT H

Managing, thriving with a brain tumor diagnosis

A

brain tumor can result in a wide range of physical and emotional changes, but proactively managing your coping strategy can have a significant impact on your treatment program and quality of life.

Manage the physical side effects.

Oftentimes, the side effects associated with a brain tumor and its treatment are as troublesome as the tumor itself.

Be prepared to experience changes throughout your body, such as your skin and nails, hair, weight, digestive system and nerves.

Your medical team can provide recommendations for therapies and at-home remedies that ease your discomfort and reduce the severity of the side effects.

Explore treatment options

For decades, clinicians have sought better treatment options for patients with brain tumors. The current stan

dard of care for patients with brain tumors is surgical removal of the tumor in combination with radiation therapy and at times chemotherapy.

However, patients in most cases must wait 2-3 weeks for the surgical incision from tumor removal to heal before beginning radiation treatment.

An FDA-cleared option for patients with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors and recurrent brain tumors, GammaTile Therapy, involves placing small tiles embedded with radiation into the tumor cavity immediately after surgically removing the brain tumor.

This allows radiation to be delivered directly to the remaining tumor cells with no treatment delay. The unique design of the treatment tiles keeps the radiation source from directly touching healthy brain tissue while delivering a controlled treatment dose to the tumor cells, limiting the side effects typically associat-

ed with radiation.

Once the radiation dose is delivered, the collagen tile is absorbed naturally by the body over time.

Because the therapy is implanted at the end of surgery, patients require no additional trips to the hospital or clinic for radiation therapy.

healthy ways to acknowledge and process those feelings can help you feel better prepared to cope with your diagnosis. Dedicate time each day to relaxation, meditation or another activity like reading or yoga that can help you free your mind.

Treating a brain tumor is a personal journey and there are many variables that can affect the path you choose.

Dedicate yourself to researching everything you can about your particular diagnosis, treatment options, what to expect and the pros and cons of each decision. That knowledge can restore a sense of power in a situation where so many things may feel beyond your control.

Voicing your concerns to loved ones and talking openly with your medical team can have a profound impact on your ability to navigate your diagnosis and treatment.

Freely asking questions and ensuring you have a strong understanding about what to expect can ease your mind, and openly discussing your thoughts and needs with those around you ensures they are in a better position to offer the support you need.

Arm yourself with information Practice good communication

Nurture your emotional health A brain tumor diagnosis is loaded with plenty of strong emotional responses, and you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed. Finding

Learn more about your treatment options for brain tumors at Gamma Tile.com. (Family Features)

For your safety: •

Frequent handwashing.

•

All employees and any visitors have their temperatures taken daily.

•

Emergency Department patients are screened before entering the building.

Suspected contagious patients are immediately isolated.

•

All elective surgery patients are tested for COVID-19 days before their surgeries.

•

All employees and visitors wear masks.

•

Social distancing in all waiting areas.

•

Extra cleaning of all rooms and surfaces.

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AU G U S T 16, 2020

FOOD

Simple recipe hacks for time-saving meals

W

ith many families spending more time than usual at home, scratch cooking trends are popular among home chefs. From homemade sourdough to elaborate multi-course dinners, the kitchen has become a place for creativity for many.

However, since summer brings all sorts of fun and outdoor activities, busy families may be looking for ways to spend less time in the kitchen without compromising on quality or flavor. Try to work smarter, not harder, and let your local grocery store do some of the heavy lifting.

Starting with pre-packaged salads, casseroles, fresh-baked breads or prepared items from the deli case, like a rotisserie chicken, opens an array of possibilities for quick family meals.

For example, Signature Cafe and Signature Select, available exclusively at Albertsons and Safeway stores, can be your go-to for meal solutions, and you can find these products at a value compared to many leading national brands without giving up the quality you crave. With products available across the entire store, you can find easy-to-implement recipe hacks the whole family can enjoy.

Serving up a tasty and comforting dinner can be as easy as mixing together fresh ingredients like premade macaroni and cheese, rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli and topping your dish with cracker crumbs in this Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese. You’ll have food on the table in less than 30 minutes and more time to spend with family and friends.

With the resources available at your neighborhood store, you can build restaurant-quality Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Nashville-Style Dressing at home by visiting the deli department for fried chicken and swinging by the bakery for a loaf of European-style bread. Crunchy fried chicken, cool lettuce, crisp pickles and spicy dressing including a handful of pantry staples make for the perfect flavor and texture combination.

End the day with a Neapolitan-Style Milkshake as classic flavors come together with vanilla bean ice cream, fudge striped shortbread cookies, strawberry preserves and whole milk.

This ice cream treat is an indulgence that blends in a flash.

Visit albertsons.com/exclusivebrands to shop for grocery delivery or pickup at your local store. (Family Features)

Chicken and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Servings: 4 Nonstick cooking spray 2 packages (12 ounces each) Signature Cafe Classic Macaroni and Cheese 1 cup frozen broccoli 2 Signature Cafe Whole Roasted Chicken Breasts (about 1 cup), skin removed and diced into 1/2-inch cubes 1/2 cup cracker crumbs Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat 6-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add macaroni and cheese, broccoli and chicken, stirring to combine until well incorporated. Top with cracker crumbs.

Bake 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Nashville-Style Dressing

Servings: 2

Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise: 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/2 1/2

cup mayonnaise teaspoon cayenne pepper teaspoon paprika teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper

Spicy Chicken Sandwich: 1/2 cup Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise, plus additional (optional) 4 slices Signature Select Artisan French or Italian Bread 2 pieces hand-breaded Signature Cafe Fried Chicken Breast, cut into slices 1 cup lettuce mix 8 sweet or dill pickle chips

Neapolitan-Style Milkshake Servings: 2-4 4 scoops (1/2 cup each) Signature Select Vanilla or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 6 Signature Select Fudge Striped Shortbread Cookies 4 tablespoons Signature Select Strawberry Preserves

To make Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise: In bowl, combine mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

To make Spicy Chicken Sandwiches: Spread Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise onto bread slices.

Arrange sliced chicken on half the bread slices and place lettuce and pickle chips on other half.

Dress with additional Nashville-Style Spicy Mayonnaise, if desired. Fold sandwiches together, spear with toothpick and slice diagonally.

1 1/2 cups whole milk, plus additional (optional) In blender, process ice cream, cookies, strawberry preserves and whole milk.

If desired, add milk to achieve desired thickness.

Serve in chilled glasses.

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Universal’s doc ‘Red Penguins,’ up next in DVDs

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Red Penguins’

(out of four) Universal Pictures documentary. Rated PG-13 (for violence/bloody images, sexual material/nudity, some strong language and a drug reference). Running time: 80 minutes. Available on demand.

J

ust a few months ago a lot of folks (including yours truly) were all jazzed up about a fictional adaptation of the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King” to the point where we were writing up pieces about our dream casts to play the cast of trashy characters.

Forget “Tiger King.” I’m over “Tiger King.” I want to see a big-screen, star-studded adaptation of “Red Penguins.”

You want to talk about a wild and crazy movie, based on true events, brimming with larger-thanlife characters and made-for-the-movies storylines?

“Red Penguins” has it all. It’s a period-piece, unlikely underdog sports story crossed with a dark comedy that meets an international farce with a sudden dose of mob violence and institutionalized corruption.

Even if we never get the David O. Russell or Oliver Stone or Adam McKay adaptation, we’re gifted with Gabe Polsky’s insanely entertaining, WTF-worthy, endlessly fascinating documentary.

A follow-up of sorts to Polsky’s brilliant 2014 “Red Army,” which told the story of the Soviet Union national hockey team’s dominance from the 1950s to the 1990s, “Red Penguins” has a strikingly different (and pitch-perfect) tone, as Polsky expertly unwinds the truth-is-stranger-than-fiction story of what happened to the high-level hockey team after the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

In short: It crumbled in a heap. The government-run arena in Moscow fell into filthy disrepair, with barely functioning bathrooms. (However, a seedy strip club continued to operate in the basement of the arena, I kid you not.) As some Russian stars fled to the NHL, fans lost interest in the once-hallowed game, and games were played in front of sparse, uninterested crowds.

Enter a group of North American investors, led by the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL club and including actor and hockey superfan Michael J. Fox, who purchased 50% of the team, provided an influx of much-needed cash and sent a young and brash marketing whiz named Steve Warshaw to Russia to literally rebrand the team (they become the Red Penguins, complete with goofy, American-style mascot) and pump energy into old-school hockey.

For a time, Warshaw becomes a source of great amusement and even something of a folk hero, thanks to his innovative marketing techniques, which include bringing the aforementioned basement strippers upstairs to the arena to dance be-

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

tween game periods, hosting “free beer nights,” which attracted hordes of teenage fans, actual dancing bears serving drinks and big prize giveaways. Why, you could even get your company’s logo on the team’s jerseys or helmets for a fee!

(Imagine if they tried to do that today in American sports. Oh wait.)

“We are the only arena that has clean bathrooms and free toilet paper,” says Warshaw in an early 1990s interview. “[Fans are] issued two meters of toilet paper as they enter the bathroom. This is so they don’t steal the rolls.”

A hero for the times, indeed.

Eventually, though, Warshaw was told by a person in a position of authority he might want to go back home, what with the $6,500 bounty on his head courtesy of the Russian mafia after he refused their offer to come work for them.

Like I said: THIS IS A MOVIE. Polsky masterfully weaves in archival footage with present-day interviews with Warshaw (who now works for Madison Square Garden and has as much hyperkinetic energy as he did in 1993); legendary Russian defenseman-turned-coach Viktor Tikhonov, who is always smiling and laughing and yet exudes a persona akin to a villain in a Liam Neeson film; longtime Red Army (and then Red Penguins) GM Valery Gushin, who allegedly skimmed more than $1 million in profits from the operation in a single year; former Penguins owners Howard Baldwin and Tom Ruta, and even a Russian army higher-up who scoffs when asked why the military didn’t intercede when the Russian mafia stuck its blood-soaked hands in every facet of the team’s operations. “I never had any problem with the criminals,” he says. “If they paid on time,

then the arrangement worked.”

With the revitalized franchise packing the arena and raking in the cash, the Russian mob, or “businessmen,” as they refer to themselves, brazenly moved in and exerted their authority. “Red Penguins” starts to look like a nonfiction version of a Scorsese movie as we see the butchered remains of a number of figures who were perceived to have crossed the mob, from one of the most well-known TV personalities in the country to a team photographer who inadvertently captured the images of some mob bosses in the background of a picture. Madness.

Meanwhile, there was chaos in the streets just outside the arena, to the point that when a lucky fan won a $30,000 Jeep, he immediately negotiated a cash payment of $10,000 in lieu of the vehicle because he knew he’d be carjacked the moment he drove out of the arena.

To paraphrase one of Warshaw’s marketing slogans, it was the Wild, Wild East — and thanks to this superb film from director Polsky, we now have the definitive record of one of the craziest chapters in the history of ice hockey.

Upon further review, maybe Hollywood should leave well enough alone. It would be awfully difficult for any work of fiction to outdo the truth.

DVD Alert ‘Sometimes Always Never’ (2018) Comedy drama, PG-13, 91 m.

The search by a British tailor (Bill Nighy) for his missing son has him on the road with his youngest (Sam Riley) and reading a lot into his online Scrabble games. This subtly effective character piece is sure to leave you smiling. Rating: Three stars.

‘The High Note’ (2020) Music romance, PG-13, 107 m.

Tracee Ellis Ross plays a globally famous and fictional diva in an old-fashioned Hollywood story about dreamers and stars and the trappings of fame. This a thoroughly entertaining, sunnier take on “A Star Is Born.” Rating: Three and a half stars.

‘End of Sentence’ (2019) Drama, not rated, 96 m.

Fresh out of prison, a car thief (Logan Lerman) agrees to go with his father (John Hawkes) to Ireland to scatter his mother’s ashes. We’ve seen this sort of story before, but thanks to the stars’ palpable chemistry, this is a lovely little gem. Rating: Three stars.

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

l a u n n A h t 19

AU G U S T 16, 2020

“Best of” 2020 Ballot

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1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 16, 2020

HOME

Keeping those pests outside

W

hat might seem like one little pest sighting can be a much more extensive invasion than you realize. For starters, a single roach can lay up to 50 eggs at one time!

However, you can get a better handle on the situation with these five simple home improvements and preparation tips.

Start outdoors

Standing water can quickly become a mosquito breeding ground, particularly if your yard has any areas where water is prone to collect. If you do have standing water, you may need to aerate your lawn.

Not only will this improve soil drainage, it has the added benefit of helping grass grow. While you are outside, take the opportunity to clear gutters of leaves and other debris and ensure drains are similarly unobstructed.

C

arpet can add warmth and texture to a room and also provide a little bit of soundproofing.

Underfoot, carpeting can be more comfortable than other types of flooring, even though it may require more upkeep. Carpet comes in various forms, but here are the main material components.

Nylon This is one of the most durable and stain-resistant carpet fibers available and a popular choice among many homeowners.

Polyester Carpeting can be made from polyester, which is fashioned to feel and look luxurious.

Olefin Olefin is made from polypropylene or polyethylene. It is prized for its strength, resistance to staining and colorfastness. It is often suited well to loop pile or high, dense cut piles.

Wool Wool is durable, albeit less resistant to soiling than some other materials. However, because it is an all-natural material, it is prized by people who want natural beauty. (MC)

Seal cracks

Reduce opportunities for bugs to enter your home by eliminating cracks around doorways and windows. Install door seals, apply weatherstripping and caulk gaps.

This is a home improvement with multiple benefits. Beyond pest control, you’ll also be improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Install and repair screens

Fresh air is amazing, however, not when it is accompanied by bugs.

Make sure your windows and doors have screens so you can enjoy that pleasant cross-breeze without the pestilence. Inspect existing screens carefully for holes and tears and repair and replace as-needed.

Organize your kitchen

An organized kitchen will ultimately be less inviting to bugs. Assess your food storage solutions to determine whether items are properly sealed.

If containers have cracks or have warped lids, it’s time to replace them.

Likewise, be sure your trashcan features a securely fitting lid. While you are at it, sweep, wipe down surfaces and start with a clean slate.

Blast bugs

No matter what measures you take; the reality is that some bugs will still find their way inside. Be prepared to combat insect invasions by keeping an effective bug killer spray on hand that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.

For example, both Zevo Ant, Roach and Fly Insect Killer Spray and Zevo Crawling Insect Killer employ BioSelective Technology to blast bugs. The active essential oils in these sprays target nerve receptors vital to insects, not people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product.

For safer, more comfortable living spaces, prioritize home improvement projects that fight insect invasions.

(StatePoint)

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

A guide to buying and setting up a bird bath

W

arm weather means more opportunities to spend time outdoors while at home.

Whether your favorite form of outdoor recreation includes sitting on the patio reading or digging in the garden, there’s a good chance that you will be sharing the space with local wildlife.

Optimizing opportunities to view and interact with backyard wildlife can make the great outdoors even more enjoyable.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology indicates that there are around 2,059 bird species on the continent of North America. Red-winged blackbirds, yellow-rumped warblers, American robins, and chipping sparrows are among the most commonly seen birds in North America.

Making a backyard hospitable to birds can increase the chances for sightings and hearing their sweet songs. Installing a bird bath can be a step in the right direction.

Bird baths can make yards more

attractive to birds. Birds require a supply of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing. By setting up a bath, homeowners can attract not only seed-loving birds, but those that don’t eat seeds and wouldn’t normally congregate around feeders, indicates All About Birds. Experts surmise that birds may bathe to maintain their feathers.

Not all bird baths are constructed in the same fashion. Many bird baths sold in stores are better suited for decoration than for serving as functional baths.

There are four general types of bird baths, • standing pedestal • hanging bath • deck-mounted and • ground-level.

In general, the lower a bird bath is to the ground, the more likely birds are to use it.

Most natural sources of water birds use are on or near the ground. Therefore, ground-level bird baths may be

Although pedestal style bird baths are attractive, baths closer to the ground tend to attract more birds.

the best investments.

It is important to keep the water in a bird bath shallow (around two inches of water or less). This enables birds

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GARDENING

to splash around safely and wade in.

Birds do not want to slide around, so a material that is coated and slippery, like glazed ceramic or glass, may not be too popular.

Rough stone or a bird bath modified with pea gravel or rocks can give birds steady footing.

Place the bird bath in the shade if possible to ensure the water is cool and fresh. Locate it by a tree so the birds can hop up to a branch and preen afterwards. All About Birds also says that a bird bath is more attractive if it has a dripping or moving water feature, as this is often irresistible to birds.

Another way to ensure the bath will be used is to keep it clean and maintained. Change the water every day or two. Rinse off the bath to remove droppings, bugs and other debris.

Once birds learn there is a comfortable bath nearby, they may be more apt to visit a yard and may even become frequent guests. (MC)

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1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 16, 2020

BEAUTY

At-home acne mistakes you should try to avoid

S

pending more time at home has shifted the way we solve our problems. More than ever, people are turning to online platforms and social media, like YouTube and Instagram LIVE, as primary resources for mastering new skills and finding solutions.

However, some problems are more complicated than a quick fix howto video, especially when it comes to treating acne.

If you have started to break out or noticed your acne has worsened over the past few months, there is a good chance that heightened stress levels are a factor.

“Stress increases hormone levels to prepare our bodies for that environment. The same hormones can impact the skin, leading to an increase in oil production which causes breakouts,” explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York

City. It also could be from wearing a face mask, says Dr. Zeichner.

“We know that wearing a face mask has several negative impacts on the skin. Direct friction can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even promote acne breakouts.”

With breakouts accelerating and in-office visits on pause, a DIY approach to treating acne has surged, with people testing solutions at home.

“There’s a downside to experimenting with too many products because more often than not it leads to skin irritation. This can cause more harm than good in treating acne,” says Dr. Zeichner.

“If you develop skin irritation while using multiple products, it may not be easy to figure out which product is the culprit. Plus, you won’t know if one product is blocking penetration or breaking down the other one.”

To un-do the DIY damage, Dr. Zeichner shares the best tips to clearer skin:

Keep it simple If you notice breakouts and irritation including flakiness, inflammation, redness or burning, it’s likely you’re over doing it with your skincare routine. Pare down the number of products you’re using to eliminate the cause of the irritation.

Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. A cleanser, an Rx product if your dermatologist deems appropriate and a moisturizer is a simple and effective regimen.

Also, remember to always wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

Consistency is key Once you’ve simplified your routine, be sure to stick with it for 6-8 weeks to allow time for the products to work.

Consider a prescription product If you’re suffering with acne over an extended period of time and over the counter products aren’t getting the job done, you may need a prescription option from your dermatologist.

One product I often prescribe is ALTRENO® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%.

As a topical retinoid it increases collagen production and regulates skin cell turnover to help with the prevention and treatment of acne.

This medication is an effective option for many patients to treat acne, which can result in long-lasting marks or even permanent scars on the face if left untreated.

As an added bonus, ALTRENO is available via delivery through national in-store or online pharmacies. ALTRENO may cause irritation or other side effects. To learn more visit www. altreno.com.

Listen to the experts If you can’t get an in-person appointment right now, you’ll find many board-certified dermatologists are sharing helpful tips, tricks and product recommendations daily on social media and through virtual appointments. Tutorials and peer forums are useful, but if you aren’t seeing the results you want, reach out to an expert-they’ll find a way to connect with you. (BPT)

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AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

SENIORLIVING

Use caution before you start mixing drugs

B

illions of people across the globe take medications each day. Certain medications can help people with potentially debilitating or even deadly conditions live normal lives, while others can help people overcome relatively minor issues like muscle aches or seasonal allergies.

The American Heart Association notes that mixing drugs can produce unexpected side effects. This can make it dangerous for people already on prescription medications to use over-the-counter drugs for issues like headache or seasonal allergies.

Understanding the potential interactions between their prescriptions and common prescription and over-thecounter medications can help people stay safe.

Antihistamines Antihistamines are widely used to alleviate symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. The AHA notes that, when taken along with blood pressure medication, antihistamines can contribute to an accelerated heart rate and cause blood pressure to spike.

The AHA also cautions people taking sedatives, tranquilizers or prescriptions to treat high blood pressure or depression to consult their physicians before taking antihistamines.

Bronchodilators Bronchodilators relax and open the airways in the lungs and are used to treat various lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. These drugs make it easier to breathe and are available via prescriptions.

But patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and/or diabetes should discuss the potential interactions between bronchodilators and other medications they may be taking with their physicians.

Cordarone According to Drugs. com, Cordarone is used to treat potentially deadly abnormal heartbeats.

Cordarone can cause severe problems that affect the lungs, thyroid or liver, and can be dangerous when com-

bined with other drugs. For example, the AHA notes that patients who take more than 20 milligrams of Zocor, a drug used to lower “bad” cholesterol and potentially to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and other conditions, while also taking Cordarone are at risk of developing rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition marked by the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure or death. The AHA also says that Cordarone can inhibit or reduce the effects of the blood thinner Coumadin.

Nicotine replacement products People taking prescriptions for depression or asthma should consult their physicians before taking any nicotine replacement products.

The Federal Drug Administration notes that doctors may want to change dosages of patients’ current medications before recommending they take any nicotine replacement products.

The FDA also advises people to speak with their physicians before trying these products if they have diabetes, heart disease, asthma or stomach ulcers; have had a recent heart attack; have high blood pressure but do not take any medication for it; or have a history of irregular heartbeat.

Drug interactions can complicate treatment of various conditions. People currently on medication are urged to speak with their physicians before taking any new medicines, including over-the-counter drugs. (MC)

DO YOU HEAR RINGING? It’s Probably

TINNITUS. • Tinnitus affects about 17% of the population • In severe cases, tinnitus may cause headaches, tiredness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability and depression.

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1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 16, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Eight ways your family can cure cabin fever

I

t’s not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you’re in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun together.

Make sure to choose activities that are age-appropriate and that follow your current local guidelines for social distancing.

Here are just a few things to try.

by, young children will have a blast being in the car during the washing process. Turn up their favorite songs while you sit back and watch the suds and water do their work. Or you could involve the kids in washing the family car in your driveway.

Go on a scavenger hunt

Whether you’re walking or driving through the neighborhood, play “I Spy” or hunt for specific items — like a red car, a blue house, a large dog — or search for signs, rainbows or teddy bears in neighbors’ windows (a trend sweeping the nation while people are staying home).

Get out in nature

Visit nearby parks or scenic areas for fresh air and exercise. Choose locations that aren’t crowded, so social distancing isn’t difficult. Bring toys for the kids, like balls, kites, hula hoops, scooters or bikes.

Make the most of your yard

You’d be amazed how much kids can appreciate their own yard, with just a little help.

Play tourist

kids take a turn narrating the “sights” as you drive.

Plan a celebratory parade

Have a friend or family member with a birthday, anniversary or grad-

uation to celebrate? Plan a drive-by parade with a few other family groups in cars, complete with signs, streamers and balloons. Honk, wave and sing as you slowly pass their home.

Enjoy a treat with the family

Take a tour to find the best shake, burger or kids meal toy.

For example, Sonic Wacky Pack Kids Meals come with a fun toy for kids. Through Aug. 31, kids age 3 and older will receive a Red Button & Friends Disc-Launching Spoon exclusively at Sonic with their meal.

Check out SonicWackyPack.com for free, downloadable activity packs that include coloring sheets, puzzles and games to entertain the kids while stuck at home.

Make washing the car an event If there’s a touchless car wash near-

I am an athlete born in California on September 3, 1986. Many may not know I had two open heart surgeries before the age of one. But that didn’t stop me from going on to be one of the most successful professional snowboarders of all time. I have earned more X-Game gold medals than any other competitor.

Answer: Shaun White

Pretend your car is a tour bus. Let Mom or Dad play tour guide first, modeling what to say (serious and/ or funny). Drive by picturesque or unusual locations and make up the “tour” as you go along. Then let your

• Create an obstacle course using large cardboard boxes, hula hoops, cones or other items from your garage.

• Make bubbles with 1 part dish soap to 3 parts water, adding a little sugar (1-2 teaspoons). Stir the mixture gently. Use pipe cleaners or cut out the bottom of plastic water bottles to create wands.

• Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch and other games, plus pictures and hopeful messages for neighbors walking by.

• Find veggies or flowers your kids want to grow and involve them in gardening projects.

• Dig through your garage for neglected toys and games. When did your kids last play badminton or croquet? Or make your own games, like jump rope, cornhole or horseshoes, using household items. Search online for tips on crafting homemade games.

Take a trip down memory lane

Scour your memory and ask grandparents about outdoor games from when you (or they) were children.

Have grandparents explain how to play their games via phone or FaceTime. Then, video kids playing the games for the whole family to share!

Spending time together, outside or in, creates special memories your kids will treasure as they grow up — making all your efforts worthwhile.

(BPT)

AU G U S T 16, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Weave your nature finds and yarn on a stick loom

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

M

y friend Bonnie is a professional weaver. I know she’s a pro, not only because it says so on her labels, but when I watched her weaving at her traditional Swedish loom, I was taken by her focus and the talent and patience her artistry requires.

I admire her commitment because I’m more of a “start and finish a project in one afternoon” kind of personality. As a kid, I had a simple, small metal toy loom and made oodles of potholders with colorful cotton loops.

At summer camp, I graduated to constructing my own loom out of sturdy sticks and twine, and wove yarn and nature finds.

Weaving on a stick nature loom is a craft I still enjoy with kids. First, there’s the hunt in the woods, or rooting through a backyard woodpile for three or four perfect sticks. Then we gather items to weave into the loom, such as a feather, leaf or vine.

It’s an artful way for kids to weave their own story of an outdoor summer adventure. Who knows, perhaps the craft will inspire your child to become a professional weaver someday, like Bonnie.

Here’s the stuff you need for a rectangular 12-inch shaped loom: • 4 straight sticks, measuring 14 inches or longer, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter. To cut sticks, score with scissors, then snap off excess and trim any pointy ends with pruning shears. My favorites have some moss growing here and there.

• Twine or yarn.

• Yarn for weaving and/ or nature finds that are suitable for weaving in and out of the loom, such as feathers, leaves, stems of lavender, etc.

Here’s the fun: Construct the loom Arrange sticks overlapping at each corner by an inch or more. Tie sticks together at each corner tightly with the twine or yarn. Twist around two or three times.

Create the warp Tie the yarn with a square knot at one corner. Bring yarn directly to other side. Wrap around the stick twice, then criss-cross to opposite sides evenly from top to bottom leaving a 1/2-inch space between, and keeping the yarn tight as you go. Ask a friend to hold the “frame” for you as you wind. Tie off a knot at the end.

Weave Weave yarn and or nature finds in and out of the strings. When done, tie a string hanger to the top around a loom stick and display in a window or on your front door.

Note For a triangular-shaped loom, tie three sticks at ends.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on

Lillian Ostrom and daughter Emma, 9, weave together on a nature loom.

public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday. com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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2 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

PARKS

Continued from page 6

Must see California Condors California Condors are the park’s signature bird. However, there are 200 other birds, including turkey vultures, hawks, golden eagles and peregrine falcons.

Moses Spring Trail This milearound, out-and-back hike takes visitors up 377 feet of elevation to Bear Gulch Reservoir. Sky-high volcanic structures line the trail, which includes some easy-to-navigate caves.

Talus Caves Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave. Flashlights or headlamps are required. Bear Gulch Cave is home to a large colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats.

Info www.nps.gov/pinn/index. htm

Redwood National and State Parks

Home to the tallest trees on Earth.

The parks also protect vast prairies,

AU G U S T 16, 2020

oak woodlands, wild riverways and nearly 40-miles of rugged coastline.

Must see Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway Drive this 10-mile road that cuts through the heart of an old-growth forest in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Herds of Roosevelt elk are easy to spot in the woods. Stop and take a hike at one of the many trailheads along the route, including Big Tree Wayside (see the Big Tree measuring 304 feet tall and 21 feet in diameter) and “Ah-Pah.” Fern Canyon on James Irvine Trail Enter prehistoric wilderness on this 9-mile round-trip hike. The densely verdant forest served as the backdrop for a number of scenes in Jurassic Park 2. See spectacular redwoods and a 50-foot-deep canyon dripping with ferns.

Big Tree Loop Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Start at park headquarters for this easy, but incredibly scenic loop, as it passes through some of the park’s

most scenic groves and also has a nice variety of different environments, with both upland and lowland redwoods.

Info www.nps.gov/redw/index. htm

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Dramatic landscapes with huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees. There are bears here.

Don’t leave food in your car.

Must see General Sherman Tree Just under 275 foot tall, this landmark in Sequoia National Park is among the world’s largest trees.

Tunnel Log Drive Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest and drive through Tunnel Log, a passageway through a tree estimated to be at least 2,000 years old. The tree fell across the road from natural causes in 1937 and was cut through to make a visitor attraction in the summer of 1938.

Roaring River Falls Just off of

Highway 180, a very short thirdof-a-mile walk from the Cedar Grove Area off of Generals Highway, lets you quickly access the falls via a paved, tree-covered path.

Info www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Yosemite National Park

A shrine to the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

Must see Yosemite Falls At 2,424 feet, it is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth largest in the world.

Half Dome Yosemite’s most popular rock formation is a granite crest that rises more than 4,737 feet above the valley floor.

Tunnel View Journey along State Route 41 for a breathtaking snapshot of Yosemite Valley and several of its attractions, El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls.

Info www.nps.gov/yose/index. htm

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AU G U S T 16, 2020

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

CROSSWORD TIME

2 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

AU G U S T 16, 2020

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Reader’s Blood Pressure Elevates This letter is in response to Phyllis McKenna’s letter of Aug. 4 referring to Gary Horton’s column of July 22.

I had cut Horton’s column out of the paper to respond to his one-sided — as usual — lambasting and mislabeling of what President Donald Trump and the GOP are trying to do to keep our country from going way left toward socialism.

Not a word from Horton in regard to Democratic leaders in the warlike states and cities and all of the other points that Ms. McKenna pointed out.

After a day had passed I was about to write to The Signal.

I decided, “Oh, what the heck. Horton is Horton,” and I didn’t write it. Sure sorry about that.

So this letter is gratefully thanking Ms. McKenna for doing what I should have done: Exposing the master spinner of facts.

And to Mr. Horton: I will continue to read your columns as I want to know what both sides are saying, even though they sometimes raise my blood pressure.

Ron Singerman Valencia

Hope for Better Days Ahead My husband and I are parents of a very young daughter.

It is without question that we are more than concerned with the state of affairs in our country. It is not just the circumstances of the political hate but the mess our school system is in, especially here in California. It is shameful that California rates in the 40s out of the 50 states.

Another major concern is the lack of law and order in the country. The endless news cycles that give us the blow-byblow reality are as violent as anything Hollywood can dish out. The senseless murders, shootings, dangerous anarchy with the cowardly leadership in the cities and states, while our once-civil streets are taken over, is nearly unbelievable.

This morning’s news report told of one more weekend in Chicago with the usual multiple shootings and deaths, including a 9-year old boy. I think that is straw on the pile that drove me to write this letter.

We saw Rep. Mike Garcia’s recent town hall meeting and were happy to see that he was so positive and has been so active in his new position. It is important to my family that he has been appointed to the STEM committee that affects education as well as co-authoring the Justice Act that is meant to have a positive effect on policing and crime.

Mr. Garcia’s actions so far give us hope that there are better days ahead for all of us.

Megan Hayward Stevenson Ranch Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Generosity, Thankfulness

By David Hegg

F

or most of society, hearing a clergyman announce that he intends to speak about generosity drives them to guard their wallets. Not without good reason, many think of the church as only interested in their money.

But trying to solve and shape that discussion can wait for another day.

My interest here is on the other side of the coin.

I want to explore why it is that most of us find it hard to accept generosity with simple sincerity.

Let’s start at the shallow end of the generosity pool with the topic of compliments. Why do we find it so hard to accept a compliment simply, and without trying to fend it off? Have you ever noticed that when someone offers a compliment, the receiver more often than not tries to undo it? If someone likes our clothing, we respond by telling that it was really on sale. Or if someone compliments our singing or playing or speaking, we try to downplay it. Why do we find it so hard to simply say, “Thank you?”

Have you ever received an unexpected gift?

If you’re like me you immediately begin thinking about giving something in return. I call it the “Christmas Card Shuffle.” You know, after you send out all your cards, you get one from someone not on your list and you feel obligated to send them one as well.

This whole idea that it is hard to be on the receiving end of generosity was recently brought home to me. My wife and I were graciously gifted a vacation stay in Oregon by some friends who own a cabin there. They offered us a few weeks for free and we took them up on the offer.

When we arrived, we found that the “cabin” was actually a lovely three-bedroom home, with all the amenities, beautifully situated in a fantastic resort village. We were shocked and amazed, and thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

But it was more than that. We immediately started thinking about how we could repay their kindness. We considered all kinds of ways to express our thanks, and somehow show them that we weren’t freeloaders.

It hit me just how hard it is to receive love with no strings attached in this world where everything seems to come with strings. It is even harder to accept what we don’t think we deserve.

After all, the only ones in our society who get things for nothing are the criminals and the

governmentally dependent, and we don’t want to be seen in that light.

Now, just know that we did express our thanks to our friends in a tangible way. After all, gratitude is an essential societal value.

But, even as we put together a nice package of sincere thankfulness, I reflected on the simple joy of being on the receiving end of great generosity.

We’ve all been shaped by the ideas that you get what you pay for, you have to pull your own strings, and there is no such thing as a free lunch. While all of these are true in some way, together they help drain away an important concept in our society. That concept is the ability to simply and sincerely accept love and the packages in which our benefactors wrap it.

In the realm of theology we have the same problem. God’s generosity is understood as his grace, which comes to us though we don’t deserve it. God’s grace can’t be earned, purchased, or merited. That’s what grace is: undeserved kindness in the place of deserved judgment.

And yet we look a gracious God in the face and say, “Wait, let me dig in my pockets and find a way to buy your love. Or let me earn it by my righteousness.” It must seem pretty silly, even quite sad, to God as he watches us try to leverage his love with our works when all the while he offers it for free.

True generosity is an extension of love. It isn’t a loan, or the first step in quid pro quo. Those who are sincerely generous find great joy in giving as an extension of their own character.

It brings them joy to do so, and while our first reaction is to make excuses, or contemplate a payback, the better response is honest gratitude for their undeserved gift.

So, the next time someone compliments you, try just saying “thanks.” And the next time someone who loves you showers their generosity on you, just revel in it. You can think of ways to be generous in your gratitude later, since grace is never meant to be repaid and its magnificence is diminished when we try to do so, whether it comes from our friends, or from our God. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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