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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

FROM THE MAYOR

4 Stay secure for the holiday shopping season 5 Pin-ups who empower veterans, raise support 6 A few SCV veterans share their calls to service 8 Thanking veterans and honoring hometown heroes

HEALTH 9 9 To Your Good Health: CPAPs and sleep apnea Why are wisdom teeth removed?

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 Are you still looking for some scary shows?

FOOD 11 1 1 It’s all about apples Spice Apple Crumble Cinnamon-Apple Crostata Caramel Apple Wraps

GARDENING 12 12 Save time, money by building a deck during the off season

HOME 13 13 Bring more space into your bathroom

AUTOMOTIVE 14 14 Are you buying illegal LED replacement bulbs?

SENIOR LIVING

KIDS & FAMILY

15 Cutting costs in retirement 1 6 How to identify signs of stress in children Building an emergency kit with disabilities in mind 17 Donna’s Day: Gilded pumpkin vase Junior Whirl Creative coloring

PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19

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Stay secure for the holiday shopping season shopping create unique passwords when making accounts to prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts using the same login information. “It’s also important to use security software on your device and only shop on secure networks,” Williams added. “Hackers often spy on public Wifis and can intercept financial data, so a secure network and added security can help stop that from happening.”

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ith the coronavirus pandemic still at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s guaranteed that Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping will look a bit different this year. Each year, it feels as if Black Friday has encroached more and more on the Thanksgiving holiday, with most stores opening with holiday shopping deals as early as 6 p.m. Thursday. This year however, many of the biggest retail chains have announced they’ll stay closed on the holiday, giving thousands of retail workers the holiday off for the first time in years. Walmart and Target were among the first to announce they would be closed on Thanksgiving Day, with others quickly following suit. Even Westfield Valencia Town Center has decided to close its doors for Thanksgiving, opening 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. Along with this news, many of these retailers have also announced Black Friday deals will begin much earlier than usual, with chains like Home Depot, Best Buy, Macy’s and Target instead opting for monthlong deals, a trend driven at least in part in years past by the rise of online shopping. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed shopping in crowded stores for Black Friday “high risk,” instead suggesting people shop online rather than in person. With shopping continuing to shift online, especially now with the pandemic, a 2020 survey conducted by Credit Card Insider found that 51% of respondents indicated they’d rather shop online than in-store, an increase of 16% compared to last year. Valencia resident Lizzie Gilman admits she’s changed her opinion on online shopping in recent years. “I used to be one of those people who would spend hours in the store holiday shopping for relatives and friends,” Gilman said. “I was never a fan of online shopping because I didn’t know how it worked, but now I’ve got a system down.” Gilman says she’s become a pro at

Remember, credit cards are more secure than debit cards

Online retailers are already preparing for the shopping rush, since it’s almost certain that in-person crowds won’t be what they usually are this holiday season. Financial experts have a few tips for the safest ways to shop. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

finding the best deals online, which makes shopping online that much more beneficial. “I’ll still go out and shop at some of my favorite small businesses, but now my holiday shopping is primarily done online — I can’t tell you how much I’ve saved,” she added. With more online shopping also comes more credit card fraud, with Nathan Grant, senior credit industry analyst at Credit Card Insider, saying this type of fraud specifically has become one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft.

Check your bank statements

A good first line of defense in ensuring your card information hasn’t been stolen is keeping an eye on your online statements, financial analysts agree. “It’s easy to forget to regularly check up on it, and sometimes stuff can fly under the radar that might be a sign that something has been compromised,” Grant said. “You wouldn’t know if you’re not checking it regularly enough.” Financial analyst Peggy Williams agreed, adding, “Keeping tabs on those statements can also help you keep an eye on your spending, making sure you aren’t spending too much on those credit cards.” Due to the pandemic, the three ma-

jor national credit reporting agencies are now giving people free weekly online credit reports through April 2021, which allows you to stay on top of your financial data.

Keep your card information to yourself

“It’s assumed, but never give out your credit card information, unless you’re absolutely certain that it’s a trusted person or website,” Grant said. “The first thing you can do when shopping online is just verify that the website itself is legitimate because there’s so many fraudulent sites that are made to look like they’re a real site.” When shopping online, there are a few things you can look for to make sure a website is secure and legitimate, including: • HTTPS, rather than HTTP, in the website’s URL, as the S stands for secure, meaning the site has secure encryption. • Lock symbol to the left of the address bar also means that site is secure. “Now, there are some sites that might be legit, but they might not just have the secure protections, so you wouldn’t want to enter your information on it if you didn’t see that,” Grant added. Williams also suggests those online

While credit cards are using borrowed credit, debit cards are tied to your actual bank account, with your actual money, Williams and Grant said. “So if there were a case of fraud, it’s not your personal money on the line,” Grant said regarding using credit cards. With fraudulent charges on a debit card, once that money has been removed from your account, that money will be gone until the fraud investigation is resolved, which could take weeks. “Credit cards have built-in protections, and are therefore much more secure than debit cards,” Williams said.

Taking advantage of modern technologies

Mobile and digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google pay, can be even safer than credit cards, Grant and Williams agree. These applications use tokenization to replace your sensitive card data with a string of letters and numbers that are meaningless outside the transaction that produced it. “I think people are a little scared to put information into an app on their phone, but in most cases, that’s going to be much more secure than other places you can enter your direct payment information into,” Grant said. Regardless, the holidays will also bring another opportunity to support all the local businesses who weathered the storm this year, with the city of Santa Clarita continuing to urge residents to shop local. 

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Pin-ups who empower veterans, raise support By Shae Hammond Signal Staff Writer

early 15 year ago, Gina Elise saw a need in her country and a way she might be able to help, so she went into action. Veterans were coming home from service overseas without enough resources, facing an outdated, overmatched Veterans Administration system and, in general, many were not getting the help they needed for a number of different reasons. Although not a veteran herself, for Elise, it was still a very personal concern. “Basically, back in ‘06, there were a lot of stories of our troops coming back from Iraq needing medical care,” Elise said. “And I felt very strongly that I wanted to do something to support and give back to our troops and I wanted to do something creative.” More than a dozen calendars later, Elise is working on her 15th edition, having raised money to support over $70,000 worth of state-of-the-art rehab equipment, visited more than 70 hospitals and garnered congressional recognition, according to the Pin-ups For Vets website. Through Elise’s efforts, which have included help from a couple of Santa Clarita veterans, as well, she’s been able to accomplish her three-part mission: sell the calendars to raise money for wounded veterans; deliver the calendars as gifts to ill or wounded veterans; and to send the calendars to troops serving overseas as a morale boost.

Vintage look

The calendar’s vintage, nostalgic feel is inspired by one of Elise’s personal connections to veterans, according to her site: “My late Grandpa Lou served in the Army for four years during World War II. I wanted to do something to honor his name. I always loved the romance of those bygone eras — especially the 1940s — and I drew inspiration from the World War II pinup girls, whose photos and paintings boosted morale for our soldiers fighting overseas.” The classically stylized pin-up portraits offer a new kind of outlet for

Above: Jessica Phillips, an Army veteran who served in Iraq after graduating from Hart High, stands next to Santa Clarita’s Veterans Historical Plaza, which bears her name, alongside 1,500 other names of veterans who’ve served in the military. PHOTO BY SHAE HAMMOND / THE SIGNAL Right: Jennifer Marshall, a Navy veteran and actress who also works as a private investigator in Santa Clarita, participated in the calendar to raise money to help veterans and raise awareness for women who are veterans. PHOTO COURTESY PIN-UPS FOR VETERANS

veterans, too, according to Elise and some of the magazine’s participants have really appreciated the opportunity, she explained. With inspiration from the 1940s style and art, Elise has helped women veterans build confidence by giving them makeovers for the calendar. “It’s kind of nice when they get out they can explore these different sides of themselves that may have been on the backburner while they were serving,” Elise said. “A lot of the girls now watch hair tutorials on 1940s hair and makeup, and their closets are full of 1940s-style dresses, and they love getting to be dressed up in order to give back. I like to say we make volunteering glamorous.”

Female empowerment

Longtime Santa Clarita resident Jessica Phillips, who’s among the many local veterans featured inside Santa Clarita’s Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall, appreciated the feeling of giving back, and what she called a “sisterhood” among herself and the other veterans participating. Phillips joined the military after graduating from Hart High School, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005.

When she came back after four years, she noticed that female veterans were often given different considerations, especially at first glance, and the calendar was an empowering experience for her, she said. “Sometimes, people look at you and don’t think that you’re a veteran. If you’re at the VA, they think it’s like a spouse or a boyfriend that you’re there with,” Phillips said. The calendar helped her realize a network of veterans out there just like herself. Phillips’ family also noticed how that realization helped her adjust back to normalcy, after what can be a very traumatic experience, according to her Phillips’ mother, Leah Phillips. “I know the struggles that she went through coming out of the military, and it’s really hard to acclimate when coming back from Iraq,” explained Leah Phillips, mother of Jessica Phillips.”I think that Gina, with this organization, gave her the ability to start feeling better about herself. For me to see so much joy that comes from her giving back, it makes my heart happy.”

Raising awareness

For Jennifer Marshall, a Navy vet-

erans who’s since been active in a number of causes, participated in the calendar to pitch and to help raise awareness about the issues facing veterans, particularly women, who face challenges and experiences that are different from their male counterparts. “Women do not self-identify as veterans as much as men and they are less likely to seek out services regarding economic struggles, food insecurity, homelessness, substance abuse, suicidal ideations, etc.,” said Marshall, who served in the United States Navy for five years, was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. For Jessica Phillips, it was a memorable way to help out, as well. “It’s pretty cool to be a part of the sisterhood with all the other amazing female veterans and Gina,” said Phillips. “I never thought I would have been part of something like that but I’m very blessed for Gina to allow me to be part of the pin ups for vets organization.” To order a calendar from Pin-ups For Veterans, visit: pinupsforvets. mybigcommerce.com 

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V C S

A few SCV veterans share their calls to service

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ach year, Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country, thanking them for their sacrifices. For most Americans, it’s a day to thank their family and friends for those sacrifices, as only roughly 18 million Americans, or about 7% of the population, are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 data. For the veterans themselves, it’s a day to look back on their service, remembering why they chose to serve. The Santa Clarita Valley is home to thousands of veterans, with the more than 1,500 bricks at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall a recognition of those men and women.

Army S/Sgt. Alvin D. Larsen World War II

Dec. 7, 1941, “A day that will live in infamy,” as Roosevelt famously once described it, was the day Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor, killing more than 2,300. But for WWII veteran Alvin D. Larsen, it was simply his 19th birthday. “War was declared on my 19th

birthday, and three months later, I joined the military,” the Saugus resident recalled. A farm boy from Utah, Larsen was following in his brother’s footsteps, who was already stationed in Europe at the time, and soon found himself part of the Army’s 172nd General Hospital unit en route to the South Pacific. Larsen took on the role of medic, then a truck driver, an “ambulance chaser” and later as secretary for Gen. Lewis A. Pick, he said. Larsen spent three years in the South Pacific, traveling from India to Burma to China, as his medical unit oversaw the care of wounded soldiers from all sides, including the infamous Merrill’s Marauders, nicknamed “The Purple Heart Brigade,” battling Japanese forces in Burma. “I helped many, many wounded soldiers,” Larsen said. “There was English and (Scottish soldiers), but they were all soldiers, and we took care of each and every one of them, along with all the Americans.” Soon, Larsen had seen enough blood for his lifetime, and recalls taking on the role of auxiliary truck driver, driving wounded soldiers up the perilously narrow switchbacks of the famous 717-mile Burma Road in the Himalayan Mountains at night. “You climb from 600 feet to about

John Emmanuel Acain, bottom left, while he was deployed in Kosovo. Acain said he considers his decision to enlist the best move he ever made. COURTESY PHOTO

WWII veteran Alvin Larsen with his service medals at his home in Santa Clarita. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

14,000 feet in less than a mile’s traverse in, so it’s a pretty steep road,” Larsen added. “The worst thing was when we met some of the renegade Chinese soldiers, and they pushed one vehicle over the edge. That was terrible.” After Larsen’s unit relocated to China, he had the opportunity to meet Chiang Kai-shek, commander-in-chief of the National Revolutionary Army and leader of China. “I personally had the privilege of having him shake my hand and give us each of a medal,” Larsen said, adding that it was his most precious memory of the war. “That was quite a thrill.” Following his homecoming, Larsen spent three years in the National Guard in Utah before moving to California. Just a month shy of 98 years old, Larsen is now one of the oldest living WWII veterans in the SCV, though he says he doesn’t feel it. With four children, 22 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and more on the way, it’s family that Larsen said he cherishes. “I’ve got a beautiful family,” he added. “They’re all good kids. I’m proud of each and every one of them. … My family is great to comfort me and help me.”

He has four grandsons who’ve followed his footsteps and joined the military. As he reflects on his life and his own service to his country, he simply said he loves life and loves people. “I’m proud that I was able to serve my country,” he said, tearing up, “and most proud that I was able to help heal so many soldiers.” Larsen hopes to live to be a centurion and to see the division in the country dissipate. “I’ve always loved people, and I’d like to get along with people,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anybody that I hate, because they’ve each got their own privilege to live in the way they want to live. … I want people to know that they should still have a love for one another.”

Spc. John Emmanuel Acain Army National Guard

It wasn’t long after John Emmanuel Acain immigrated to the United States from the Philippines that he decided to join the military. “Even in the Philippines, my uncles either joined the military or they joined the police, so I already knew what I was going to do, even at a young age,” Acain said. With his family only given conditional papers in the U.S., it only

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pushed him more toward that path. “I come from a family of four and … I didn’t want to be a burden to my mom,” Acain added. “I didn’t want her to worry about me, and I really didn’t know what I was going to do once I finished high school.” So as a sophomore in high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving from 2006 to 2012, and was soon followed by his older brother, who also enlisted in the Guard. Guardsmen serve one drill weekend each month and one annual training period, usually for two weeks in the summer, though they can be deployed at any time. “I was actually deployed with my brother,” Acain said. “We went to Kosovo for a peacekeeping mission in 2009.” It was before that deployment while at Los Angeles International Airport that Acain began receiving thanks from strangers for his service. “At that time, I still felt as though I wasn’t fit for them to thank me because I hadn’t been battle-tested yet, so they say — but that was one thing I will never forget,” he said. That experience quickly became Acain’s greatest memory in the service, as he said he appreciated it even more because he wasn’t born here. The Santa Clarita resident remembers that day fondly, and has never stopped appreciating what the military has done for him. “It was really good for me, and I say that because I got more than what they offered,” he said of joining. “I was able to get my bachelor’s degree because of it, I was able to get a house because of it — so joining the Army was the best decision I ever made.” Following his service, Acain went to Devry University, graduating magna cum laude, and is now the proud owner of a home in Santa Clarita, where he, his wife and three sons live happily. Each Veterans Day, Acain said he really takes pride in honoring and celebrating his veteran status. “I always think in the back of my mind, when I joined … there was

no guarantee you’ll be OK … maybe you’ll still be in one piece physically, but not mentally, or vice-versa,” he added. “I’m very, very fortunate that even though I only did six years, I still have my 10 toes, I still have my 10 fingers, and I appreciate the few that are brave enough to say … ‘I’ll defend this country.’”

Army Col. Paul Raggio

When Santa Clarita resident Paul Raggio was attending Santa Clara University in 1975, he applied for and was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Army. After graduating with a degree in finance, Raggio en- Gen. Hugh Shelton, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, joins Paul Raggio’s parents during a ceremony celebrating Raggio’s promotion to colonel. COURTESY PHOTO listed as an officer and was sent to Germany to serve as a military policeman for three years reer under the Secretary of the Army Each year when Veterans Day rolls before returning to the U.S. and and the Chief of Staff of the Army. around, Raggio, like many other vetserving at Fort Bragg, which became “When I was in, you had to have a erans, finds himself doing a lot of one of his favorite places. few specialties,” Raggio said. “Then reflection. “Early on, even before I was comthe Army will generally take you out “You still have these young kids missioned, I went to jump school, of a troop assignment, put you in a so I became a paratrooper, and then that want to serve our country, to be staff assignment and go back and wanted to serve in units that would in that group of people who are willforth.” be jumping,” Raggio said. “So really, ing to sacrifice and the risk associatRaggio recalls being at the PentaFort Bragg is the only place you can gon on 9/11, a surreal experience he ed with that, is just an awesome feelgo to for that.” ing,” he said. “When I think of these said he’ll never forget. As his military career progressed, “You mentally transition every holidays, I really do think of that, Raggio’s background in finance led time you go into or out of a deployand I’m still so appreciative of young to a couple of tours at the Pentagon, ment area, … so you’re prepared for people who want to serve.” where he first worked as a comptrola lot of this stuff,” he said. “You just ler, overseeing the accounting and Like with Larsen, the divisive disnever imagine coming back to our financial reporting procedures of an course in our country is what Raggio country and experiencing something organization. believes to be the biggest challenge like that, the horror of that.” “My first assignment was at the Raggio retired in 2003, after nearly today, which he believes can be fixed Pentagon in the Defense Intelliby getting back to the basics. 26 years in the service, later using gence Agency, and I ran the defense “We don’t have enough of our the skills to start he learned in the attaché budget, which was about a military to start One True North, a leaders, whether they’re local or $120 million budget,” Raggio said. leadership and business coaching national, projecting how import“It was pretty unique. That required business, with his sister Lisa Raggio. me to do a lot of work on Capitol ant character is in defining the ideEven so, Raggio admits to missing als and values of the United States,” Hill with the intelligence oversight military life to this day. “The camacommittees, both on the House and Raggio added. “It just takes a little raderie that you have, the trust relaSenate side.” flame to start this fire. If you just tionships that you build, the bonds His experience then led to more start to get back to a character-drivthat are created. When you’re in a legislative work, first with a stint as en society, instead of a ‘me’ society, crisis, and you’re working as a team the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of the power and the impact that would Staff ’s legislative liaison, followed by to resolve it, there’s just nothing like have overall is tremendous.”  more legislative work later in his ca- it.”

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F R O M T H E M AY O R

Thanking veterans and honoring hometown heroes By Cameron Smyth Santa Clarita City Mayor

eterans Day is quickly approaching, but one day is not enough to express our appreciation for the servicemen and servicewomen in our country. I am grateful every day for those who choose to put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we have in the United States. Please take some time this week and beyond to honor and thank those who have served and those who continue to serve our great country. Without their tremendous efforts, many of the values and liberties each of us holds dear would not exist. The City of Santa Clarita will recognize the Veterans Day holiday in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. This is a wonderful

opportunity to celebrate the local veterans and currently-serving military members that enrich our community. The ceremony will honor veterans who have passed away, and military members who were killed while serving. It is outstanding to see the love and support members of the Santa Clarita community have towards our servicemen and servicewomen, and I look forward to us coming together, virtually, to show our respect for them. As mentioned, our friends, family and loved ones in the military deserve so much more than just the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day holidays to be commemorated. This is why our Hometown Heroes Banner program is so important. Hometown Heroes was started to honor and recognize military personnel from the Santa Clarita Valley. As you have driven around town, you are likely to have encountered banners showing the names,

faces and ranks of the brave men and women serving our country. In addition to the banners that are displayed for a period of time surrounding each of the three holidays mentioned, the City also has scaled-down images that are featured year-round at City Hall and on the Hometown Heroes website (santa-clarita.com/Heroes). Additionally, a visit to Veterans Historical Plaza will allow you to stroll through the serene space, reflecting upon the engraved names of service members in the bricks installed in the walkway and viewing the Fallen warrior’s monument. The latest installation of Hometown Heroes banners can be seen along a portion of Soledad Canyon Road, Lyons Avenue, Bouquet Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard. Along Golden Valley Road, you will also encounter the SCV Gold Star Military Banners at the Fallen Warrior Memorial Bridge, honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the line

of duty. I encourage you to drive past each and to reflect on the hard work of the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought and those who continue to fight for every American. If you have an active military member from the Santa Clarita Valley that you would like to honor, the City’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program is now accepting submissions to be included in the next installation prior to Memorial Day. The program’s recent pricing change makes it more affordable and easy to recognize a loved one who is serving. For more information on the program, pricing and installation process, please visit santa-clarita.com/Heroes or call (661) 255-4939. Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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H E A LT H

To your good health —

CPAPs and sleep apnea, deodorants and aluminum By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Writer

Dear Dr. Roach How are sleep apnea, sighing and heart failure related? Recently, I was told that I have severe sleep apnea and that I must use a CPAP machine. I have noticed that during the day I frequently take a spontaneous deep breath. Is that sleep apnea while awake? I have coronary heart disease and have three stents. Will the CPAP machine help me in any way? — A.P. Answer It’s complicated. By far, the most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This happens in people who are overweight, or in people whose neck anatomy predisposes them to the condition. During sleep, the upper airway collapses, preventing proper inspiration. This can be noticed by a sleep partner as choking, gasping or just not breathing for a prolonged time. The person eventually will wake up enough, due to lack of oxygen, to

be able to take in a good breath, but will then fall back asleep. The process may happen hundreds of times a night, with the person often unaware. Sleepiness during the day (from never sleeping properly at night) and snoring are the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which uses high pressure to keep the airway open, is the most common initial treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. In severe sleep apnea, the oxygen level in the blood can be so low for so long that the heart and lungs can be damaged, eventually leading to a type of heart failure of the right side of the heart. However, the situation is even more complex. People who have other kinds of heart failure, such as from repeated heart attacks, can develop the less common form of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea. Although this also may be treated by CPAP, it is critical to treat the underlying heart failure as well. Your doctor can tell

you whether you have central or obstructive sleep apnea. Spontaneous deep breaths, sighs, are a part of normal human physiology. Sighs have several purposes, but the most important is to help keep the lungs properly expanded. Sighs might be more common in people with heart failure, but I do not know of any correlation with sleep apnea. Dear Dr. Roach Are deodorants containing aluminum safe to use? The brands that do not contain aluminum are much less effective. I am concerned about absorbing the aluminum from the deodorant and its effect on the brain. — D.M. Answer That’s a myth. The amount of aluminum in antiperspirants is negligible. Deodorants that aren’t also antiperspirants don’t contain aluminum. The aluminum mechanically blocks the sweat glands in the armpit, and 99.99%

of it is not absorbed into the body. Long-term studies of people taking aluminum-based antacid (which is also poorly absorbed) have shown no increased risk of dementia. The body has several ways of removing the small amounts of aluminum we absorb, mostly via the kidneys. Aluminum toxicity IS a potential problem for people with kidney disease on dialysis, but the small amounts of aluminum in antiperspirants is too small to worry about even in those cases. There is absolutely no reason to be concerned about the health effects of aluminum on the brain. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu.  © 2020 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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any people have had their wisdom teeth removed. When people discuss wisdom tooth extraction with their healthcare professionals, it’s not uncommon for them to wonder why all four teeth must be removed, especially if only one tooth or even none of the teeth are causing any pain or are infected at the time of surgery. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the location of wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth make it difficult for people to keep them free from plaque and food. Wisdom teeth also may trap harmful bacteria that can contribute to gum disease, decay and infection. By removing all four wisdom teeth, surgeons can greatly reduce this risk. But some may wonder why a less proactive approach is not recommended.

For example, those who are less than enthusiastic about having their wisdom teeth removed may wonder why they cannot simply wait to see if the teeth do not cause any problems once they grow in, and then just keep them if no issues arise. While that’s within patients’ rights, extraction is often recommended when people are young because, at this stage in a person’s life, the wisdom teeth are not completely formed. That means the surrounding bone is softer and the risk of damaging nerves or other nearby structures is smaller than it would be if the extraction is delayed until the wisdom teeth have fully formed. By having all four wisdom teeth removed before adulthood, people are greatly reducing their risk of both surgical complications and consequences that can adversely affect their overall health. 

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1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

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

If you’re still looking for two good scary shows long regarded his son-in-law Jonathan — as an original dipstick — but is Jonathan the one that committed the murder? You’ll find out over the course of six quick episodes filled with empty yet satisfying entertainment calories.

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Undoing’

 (out of four)

A six-part series on HBO and HBO Max.

icole Kidman collapses in spectacular fashion in the HBO limited series “The Undoing.” Her Grace Fraser collapses emotionally, she collapses financially, and at one point she collapses in Central Park when she is overwhelmed by events in her life — but even when Kidman literally takes the fall, she does so with a grace befitting her character’s name, wearing a stylishly coordinated ensemble, her luxurious red curls flowing about as if she’s a princess from another time, or maybe a star in a Tori Amos video from the early 2000s. Even when “The Undoing” stretches credibility to the near breaking point and drips with lurid melodrama, it’s one visually arresting series, with beautifully framed shots (often showcasing the life of one-percenters in Manhattan), and Kidman and Hugh Grant proving they’ve still got that movie star magic we first saw in each of them some three decades ago. This series might as well have been called “Undoing the Big Little Lies that Started Little Fires Everywhere,” as it follows the formula of adapting a recently penned and popular page-turning murder mystery for a premium cable limited series set mostly in wealthy enclaves and starring A-list actors playing characters who are frantically juggling very complicated lives when things are turned upside down by crimes and misdemeanors — sometimes even MURDER, that’s right I said MURDER. Based on the novel “You Should Have Known” by Jean Hanff Korelitz, written by the prolific and skilled veteran David E. Kelley (whose credits include “Big Little Lies”) and directed by the gifted Susanne Bier (the terrific miniseries “The Night Manager,” the Netflix horror smash “Bird Box”), “The Undoing” is set in a Manhattan community where the parents live in seven-figure duplexes, send their children to obscenely expensive private schools, listen only to classical music and hold a fundraiser high atop the glass tower that is One State Street Plaza. They all talk as if they think they’re in a Woody Allen film from the 1970s — but they often come across as superficial, cynical, cold and judgmental. You wouldn’t want to spend time with them in real life, but they’re fun to watch from your living room. Kidman’s Grace is a pricey therapist and her husband Jonathan (Hugh Grant) is a highly regarded oncologist who has a dry biscuit of British quip for every occasion but also has a wonderful bedside manner with his child patients and still cares so much about his work after all these years that

‘Come Play’ Mini-review

1/2  “The Undoing” stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. PHOTO CREDITS IMDB

when he returns home after losing one, he collapses weeping into his wife’s arms. Grace and Jonathan have a son, Henry (Noah Jupe, the talented young actor from “A Quiet Place” and “Ford v Ferrari”), who has an adorable mop of curly hair, plays the violin and loves spending time with his parents. He’s the perfect kid! Or is he … The filmmakers do a stellar job of introducing us to the Fraser family and their daily routines and bringing in some key supporting characters — including the great Donald Sutherland as Grace’s stern and powerful and wealthy father, Franklin — when the aforementioned MURDER occurs. When the mother of one of Henry’s classmates is found brutally bludgeoned to death in her art studio, the lives of Grace, Jonathan and Henry quickly unravel. In episode after episode, Grace learns shocking truths about Jonathan and finds her life spinning out of control as the media swarms in, her husband disappears, a prime suspect is identified and she’s continually pestered by the lead detective (Edgar Ramirez) who is either telling her things she didn’t know about her life or asking disturbing questions, making it seem like SHE could be involved in this bloody mess. “The Undoing” is bathed in rich, autumnal colors as we quickly get to the trial portion of the proceedings, which of course feature all sorts of goings-on you’d never see in real life. But who cares, as we’re firmly in guilty-pleasure courtroom thriller territory by now! Matilda De Angelis makes a splash as Elena, a younger mother at the school who takes an odd and sudden liking to Grace, and seems to delight in making her uncomfortable, as when she reintroduces herself to Grace in the locker room of a health club and stands fully naked in front of Grace, casually running a finger along her torso. Is she trying to seduce Grace? Is she crazy? What’s her deal? Oh, the things we’ll find out, sometimes in flashback. I also got a kick out of Donald Sutherland’s performance as crusty old Franklin, who always sounds as if he’s onstage doing Shakespeare, even when spouting ridiculous lines, e.g., at the aforementioned fundraiser when he says, “I bid on the silent auction, I’m apt to win one of Henry Ford’s original dipsticks.” That’s also how Franklin has

Focus Features presents a film written and directed by Jacob Chase. Rated PG-13 (for terror, frightening images and some language). Running time: 96 minutes.

monster trapped in the digital realm reaches out to an autistic boy through the kid’s voice app. This wonderfully twisted horror film features tension-mounting buildup, some genuinely effective sudden scare moments and a denouement that’s satisfying, moving — and a little crazy.

DVD Alert ‘Spontaneous’ Comedy fantasy, R, 101 m., 2020 As Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer) embark on a sweet teen romance, something is making their classmates explode, randomly. The metaphorical splatter movie is funny, smart and insightful — and legitimately profound. I kid you not. Four stars. ‘A Rainy Day in New York’ Comedy, PG-13, 93 m., 2020 Curiously dated cultural references to the likes of Charlie Parker and “Gigi” fly this way and that in the 50th movie from Woody Allen, starring Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning as a couple planning a romantic visit to Manhattan but separated by fate. It plays like a glossy, semiclever retread of his earlier and better work. Two stars. ‘Fatima’ Historical drama, PG-13, 113 m., 2020 Sister Lucia (Sonia Braga) recalls being a young girl in 1917 Portugal and being visited by the Virgin Mary but facing skepticism from her mother (Lucia Moniz) and priest in a beautiful, moving and nuanced faith-based film. Rating: Three stars.  Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

All About Apples A N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

pple orchards, apple picking and apple desserts all scream fall. Glowing with bright yellows and reds, apples are juicy and more than ready to be used in your favorite fall recipes. If you’re looking for something sweet and full of texture that can turn your taste buds upside down, look no further. Here you will find a scrumptious Spiced Apple

Spiced Apple Crumble

Crumble that will not only become a family favorite but a holiday must-have. Kids and adults love the deliciously sweet apple chunks filling the bottom of the pan along with the crumble topping. Top this killer sweet treat with vanilla ice cream for a sensational, melty, oozing-with-goodness dessert no one can forget. Want to try something different? Check out the Cinnamon-Apple Crostata. You’ll have a hard time waiting to sink your teeth in to its flaky crust. Its a dessert that is delicious and easy to make. Find more recipes for the fall season and holiday fun at Culinary.net. (Family Features) •

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

ta ta C in n a m o n C ro s Apple Crumb

C ar am el W ra p

Cinnamon-Apple Crostata Heat oven to 450°. In medium bowl mix together 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir in peeled and sliced apples until well combined. Place flattened pie crust on an ungreased cookie or pizza sheet. Spoon apple mixture onto the center of the crust, spreading the mixture to about 2 inches from the edge of the crust.

Servings: 6-8

Filling:

6 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cubed 1 tablespoon white flour 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 lemons, juice only

Topping:

1 cup quick oats 1 cup white flour 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/8 teaspoon salt vanilla ice cream (optional)

Fold crust over mixture, pleating along the way.

Filling

Sprinkle sugar over crust and apple mixture.

1/2 cup sugar 4 tsp. cornstarch 2 tsp. cinnamon 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (4-5 medium sized) 1 tsp. sugar (for sprinkling) 2 tbs. chopped pecans

Brush edges of crust with water. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is a golden brown. Sprinkle pecans over apple mixture. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.

Caramel Apple Wraps

Preheat oven to 350 F. To make filling: In medium bowl, add apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice. Toss to evenly coat. Spread evenly in 8-by-8-inch baking dish. To make topping: In medium bowl, add oats, flour, brown sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter and salt. Fork mixture to create crumbles. Pour crumble topping over apple mixture. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Pie Pastry (we used Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts)

•

3 large apples, any kind 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, or almond butter 8-10 fajita-sized tortillas caramel sundae syrup Wash and dice apples. In medium bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Add diced apples to sugar mixture. Toss apples to coat. In small bowl, stir together yogurt and peanut butter until smooth. Layout tortillas and spread 2 tablespoons yogurt mixture on each. Spoon small amount of apple mixture at one end of each tortilla. Start from end with apples and roll tortillas.

Drizzle with caramel syrup. Recipe adapted from Milk Means More. •

•

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

GARDENING

Save time, money by building a deck during the off-season

ith temperatures cooling and leaves changing from golden yellow to deep auburn, there’s no denying that it’s the season of all things cozy and comfy. And as you begin to hunker down and bundle up indoors, the thought of embarking on a deck building project might not be top of mind. While home improvement retailers position transitional months as “off-season” for outdoor projects, industry insiders know there are advantages to beginning deck construction once temperate weather days arrive. From scoring a deal on building materials to booking the most in-demand builder, here are three ways you can build your dream deck under budget and in record time this off-season. In addition to cost savings, the construction will be less disruptive to your current landscaping as many plants go dormant.

Book building professionals when they’re available

Since spring and summer are the busiest times of year for contractors and building professionals, you’ll have a better chance of booking the most in-demand deck builder in your community during transitional months. With summer projects wrapped up, workloads are naturally lighter. As a result, deck contractors have more flexibility in their schedules and can see a project through from start to finish much quicker than when they’re juggling multiple builds. They’ll also have a better chance of securing necessary building permits on a quick turnaround. With fewer permit applications in the queue for local government officials’ review, there should be fewer delays in the permitting process.

Take advantage of seasonal savings to stretch your dollar Contractors and decking brands

alike offer homeowners plenty of incentives to take advantage of during transitional seasons. For example, building professionals may offer reduced rates to fill gaps in their schedules. Home improvement and decking brands, like most retailers, offer competitively priced products around the holiday season to reduce inventory and make room for new products. Taking advantage of these savings opportunities can substantially lower upfront costs associated with building a deck. The best part? Now you can splurge on stylish accessories like railing post caps or LED lights … and still stay within budget.

Preserve your beautiful lawn and then spring into projects

Deck construction can take a toll on landscaping, particularly during prime building season. In the spring, lawns tend to hold more moisture as the ground beneath begins to thaw. As a result, the ground can become increasingly soggy and is primed to muddy up shoes and retain unsightly footprints. What’s more, grass and flowers are just beginning to re-

emerge after winter. With increased foot traffic from builders coming and going, there’s also the risk of accidentally damaging budding flora. Rather than disrupt spring and summer’s bloom, schedule deck construction when your yard is already gearing up for its annual hibernation. Since many plants go dormant as the air cools, it’s one of the best times to build a deck without significantly impacting landscaping. By the time warm weather rolls back around, you’ll be ready to tackle landscaping projects surrounding your beautiful new deck. To create an outdoor space you can start enjoying now, consider building materials that will help extend your deck’s open-air season. For example, bamboo composite deck boards and light-gauge steel frames are durable and generally low maintenance. “When composite decking is coupled with steel framing, it forms a durable deck system that’s wellequipped to host year-round and designed to last decades longer than lumber,” said Toby Bostwick, vice president of product and brand, Fortress Building Products. “Composite deck boards provide benefits like slip- and moisture-resistance to not only keep deck systems looking great year-round, but also make them safer to enjoy during any season.” If you’re feeling inspired to “deck out” your backyard and savor more days spent outdoors, take note of the time and money-saving ways to tackle deck construction during the off-season. (BPT) 

Annette Davis

REALTOR® Lic#01055118

(310) 795-6701

annettedavis@firstteam.com annettedavis.firstteam.com MOUNTAIN AND VINEYARD VIEWS surround this beautiful home located in Agua Dulce, Spanish for “Sweet Water”. This A-Frame home features a remodeled kitchen with high end finishes, stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous granite counters with large center island. Other features include updated bathrooms, warm wood and vinyl plank floors, and sand-blasted oak wood beams, to give the home a cozy cabin feel. Gaze at the majestic views from the private deck off of the second-level master bedroom. Enjoy year-round living with central air and heating. A workshop shed is out back for storage, home projects or hobby enthusiasts. Not included in the square footage is a detached bonus room measuring approximately 19’ x 10’ with 2 entries, upgraded electrical and equipped with cable and gas, and is perfect for guests, kids and pets. This turn-key home offers a quiet lifestyle, yet is centrally located Northeast of Santa Clarita with easy access to the 405, 5, 210 and 14 freeways. Priced to sell! Hurry this home won’t last! Call for Open House dates, easy to show.

$550,000 34718 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce 91390

N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

How to bring more space into your bathrooms

oday’s designers, architects and builders are creating modern bathrooms that are practical, luxurious, comfortable and accommodating. They know homeowners and homebuyers desire — even demand — these features regardless of the bathroom’s size or layout. Therein lies the challenge: How to create a feeling of spaciousness and openness without sacrificing valuable floor space, obstructing traffic flow or forfeiting storage space. Despite these impediments, building professionals can meet these bath-design challenges and even exceed them with an option like Johnson Pocket Door Frame Kits. Pocket doors can be installed in virtually any room but are particularly well suited for use in bathrooms, where space is often at a premium. The typical hinged door requires up to 14 square feet of floor space to swing open. A pocket door,

conversely, slides into the wall, leaving the space in front of and on either side of the doorway open and available. Pocket doors are commonly installed at the entrances to bathrooms and can also be used to conceal linen closets and washers and dryers when the bathroom serves double duty as a laundry room. There’s also a growing bathroom remodeling trend of enclosing the toilet alcove to create a toilet “room” within the bathroom. However, space restrictions seldom allow for the installation of a swinging door, so remodelers often install pocket doors. Pocket door frames also allow for items to be mounted on the pocket wall. For instance, when used with Johnson’s 151558PL Pocket Wall Reinforcement Clip Set and 5/8-inch thick plywood, the 1500SC Pocket Door Frame with all-steel split studs can support wall-mounted fixtures

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNSON HARDWARE

such as towel bars, shelves, framed mirrors or artwork. The pocket door frame kit comes equipped with soft-

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close hardware that allows doors up to 200 pounds to be opened and closed by the touch of a fingertip for less risk of pinched fingers and slammed doors. The frame also comes with self-tapping screws that work for both drywall and finish trim, and the smooth-rolling pocket door hardware and track exceed ANSI standards, meaning they can successfully complete 100,000 opening and closing cycles. Another potentially unexpected benefit of using pocket doors in bathrooms is the free space gained can be used to install larger vanity cabinets, freestanding shelving units, bigger bathtubs and other fixtures that may have been squeezed out in order to accommodate swinging doors. To find more ways to bring more space to your bathrooms, visit johnsonhardware.com or call (800) 8375664. (Family Features) 

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

AUTOMOTIVE

Are you buying illegal LED replacement bulbs?

afety should be paramount on roads — not only for drivers, but for cyclists and pedestrians. One of the easiest ways to make sure everyone stays safe on the road is to have well-functioning headlights. Headlights define what drivers can see, so anything that limits their vision increases the risk of accidents for everyone on the road. However, one of the most common issues with headlights today is when they project uncontrolled light, also known as glare. If you’ve ever driven a car, you’ve likely been subject to this glare from oncoming traffic at one point or another — it’s blinding, it’s a safety hazard and it’s often because of illegal LED low-beam replacement bulbs. How bad is this glare, really? Think of moments when you’ve driven past cars that kept their high beam lights on, even though you were in their field of vision. Those high beams flooded the road with uncontrolled

illumination and made it near impossible to keep your eyes focused ahead of you. Using incorrectly designed and low-cost LED low-beam replacement bulbs as headlights in your car can create similar scenarios. Some of the 40,000 annual traffic fatalities in the United States could potentially be averted by cracking

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down on the sale of these dangerous LED low-beam replacement bulbs, but here’s where it gets tricky — LED replacement bulbs are being sold for both low-beam and high-beam applications in the U.S., even though they are illegal. An estimated 60,000 LED lowbeam replacement bulbs are sold online weekly, and nearly two million consumers have installed these illegal bulbs in their cars within the past year. That’s two million chances to be on the wrong side of a bad glare. To make matters more complicated, consumers can purchase these often poorly-designed bulbs easily online under the false impression that they are perfectly legal and in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s regulations. They simply have no idea of the danger that they’re inadvertently causing. When drivers go to install these replacement bulbs, they’re typically putting them in vehicles with either

reflector-based or projector-based headlight assemblies. These are designed for traditional lights, like HID or halogen bulbs, which emit very different light patterns compared to an LED bulb. Unfortunately, the difference in beam pattern isn’t accounted for in the designs of illegal LEDs, which are often hastily crafted to subpar standards. Because of this, there tends to be a mismatch between the LED replacement bulb and the vehicle’s reflector- this is what creates that dangerous glare. For now, there is no regulation in the U.S. that allows manufacturers to design LED low-beam replacement bulbs that pair correctly with vehicles’ reflectors. When the regulations change and provide legal guidance on the design and performance of these bulbs, you will be able to purchase them confidently from industry leaders that offer safe and reliable products. Until then, your best option is to stick with the technology that your vehicle was designed to use. In other words, use the technology that your reflectors were originally designed for, such as HID or halogen. The DOT has made it easy to identify safe, legal bulbs — just look for the mark on the bulb that indicates they are DOT-approved. You too can do your part to keep our roads safe by purchasing safe and compliant replacement bulbs from an authorized dealer, and by proactively replacing your bulbs in pairs to avoid burn-outs. To learn more about headlightreplacing best practices, visit https:// www.sylvania-automotive.com/ customer-education/faq/index.jsp. (BPT) 

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

SENIORLIVING

Cutting costs in retirement

he average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests. Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction. Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible. • Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month. • Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce outof-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original Medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. • Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale

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Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.

back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes. • Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out. • Purchase less expensive life insurance. According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs. • Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please. As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses. (MC) 

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

How to identify signs of stress in children

he global pandemic sparked by the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 caught many people off guard. Life changed seemingly overnight, causing a host of unforeseen consequences that people were still confronting months later. The pandemic has proven stressful for many people, and the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions notes that should not come as a surprise. According to the CDC, fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming. Public health actions, such as the social distancing measures, can increase anxiety and stress. That’s even true among children, millions of whom have been separated from their friends and forbidden from participating in extracurricular activities. The U.S. National Library of Med-

icine notes that children may not recognize that they are stressed. That makes it imperative that parents learn to recognize the warning signs that stress is affecting children. USNLM says increased stress can manifest itself physically and emotionally.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of stress can mimic symptoms of other conditions, so parents should not jump to any conclusions before consulting their children’s pediatricians. In addition, the CDC says not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. However, there are some physical indicators that may be warning signs that a child is stressed. • Decreased appetite or other changes in eating habits • Unexplained headaches or body pain

• New or recurrent bedwetting • Nightmares • Sleep disturbances • Upset stomach or vague stomach pain The CDC also notes that children may confront stress by using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

Behavioral symptoms

According to the CDC, children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. So the ways in which adults are responding to the pandemic could be affecting their children’s behavior. Some of the behavioral symptoms to look for include: • Excessive worry or sadness • An inability to relax • New or recurring fears, such as fear of the dark, fear of being alone and/ or fear of strangers

• Clinging behaviors, such as an unwillingness to let their parents out of sight • Anger, crying or whining • Inability to control emotions • Aggressive or stubborn behavior • Going back to behaviors present at a younger age • Avoidance of things enjoyed in the past, including family or school activities • Irritability or acting out, especially among teens • Difficulties with attention and concentration Many people, including children, have had to deal with heightened stress levels during the pandemic. Parents who recognize signs of stress in their children should consult their kids’ pediatricians immediately. (MC) 

Building an emergency kit with disability in mind

reating a supply kit is part of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. Kits should include basic survival items but also things specific to your needs. Kits can have equipment to help with communication, things that reduce stress and more. If you have a disability or health condition, your planning may be more complex. Consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living while building your kit:

Basic supplies

• At least a three-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food • Manual can opener • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio • Extra batteries • Cell phone with chargers and backup battery • First-aid kit • Whistle or other help signal • Matches in waterproof container • Dust mask for contaminated air • Two cloth face coverings for each person at least 2 years old • Sleeping bag or blanket • Complete change of clothing • Personal hygiene items • Prescription and over-the-counter medicines • Eyeglasses or contacts • Garbage bags • Duct tape • Local maps • Pen and paper

• Cash • Documentation • Important documents (electronic or copies) such as insurance cards • List of all medications, dosages and allergies • List of assistive technology or other equipment, including brand, model, instructions and where the equipment came from • Contact information for health providers, caregivers and relatives

Vision, hearing and speech items

• Braille or large-print labels for supplies • Weather radio with text, shaking and flashing alerts • Extra hearing aid batteries • Communication equipment • Backup communication options such as laminated cards or pictograms

Mobility considerations

• Information on size and weight of wheelchair

• Extra batteries for equipment • Lightweight manual wheelchair if usual chair is powered • Spare low-tech mobility devices such as a cane or walker • Portable air pump and tire patch kit • Work gloves • Extra seat cushions and other medical items • Sensory Sensitivities • Handheld electronic devices with movies and games saved locally • Spare chargers and batteries • Sheets and twine, small popup tent or other privacy devices • Sensory dampeners such as headphones, weighted vests, sunglasses and nose plugs • Comfort items like snacks, clothing and aromas

Service animal supplies

• A three-day supply of food and water • Medications • Animal first-aid kit • Proof of vaccinations and registration • A picture of you and your animal together to prove ownership • Collar or harness with ID and rabies tags • Microchip information • Leash • Crate or carrier • Sanitation items • Familiar items like toys and bedding Visit ACL.gov/emergencypreparedness for more tools and information. (Family Features) 

N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Gilded pumpkin vase for the Thanksgiving table 2. On a newspaper-covered surface outside, an adult should spray the exterior of the pumpkin and the cut-off top portion and stem with gold metallic spray paint available at craft and hardware stores. Let dry.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

alloween is over, but those uncarved orange pumpkins and heirloom gourds on your porch or mantel can have a new purpose and life for a fresh decor look right now — as well as serve as a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Coat them with an artistic gold shine, then hollow them with kids’ assistance for a natural vase. If you don’t have any pumpkins, they are still abundant and cheap this month at farms, garden centers and in the produce section of grocery stores. A medium-size pumpkin is ideal for a centerpiece, but you might think about gilding mini pumpkins, too. Transform them into alluring votive candleholders to add a seasonal sparkle on your table or buffet between the turkey, cranberries and pies. Here are three simple steps for making a gilded pumpkin floral arrangement.

3. Line the inside of the pumpkin with foil or plastic wrap. Place a chunk of damp florist foam trimmed to fit snuggly in the hollowed-out portion. Kids may poke trimmed stems of flowers, leaves and twigs into the foam, one at a time, until the arrangement is complete. Set on an attractive waterproof plate. 1. On a newspaper-covered surface, an adult should cut off the top with stem of a medium-size, firm and smooth pumpkin, creating an opening that is 4-5 inches in diameter. Save the top portion. Kids can dig in and scoop out the pulp and seeds with their hands and a spoon. Wash the outside with a damp cloth. Let dry.

4. For an added touch, poke a florist pick or trimmed skewer into the center of the saved top and stem of the pumpkin. Poke the opposite end into the side of the rim.

tea light. An adult should always be present when burning candles. Note Acrylic paint in a metallic gold shade also works if you prefer not to use spray paint, although it takes longer to dry and may require an additional coat. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the 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.

5. Add water to the foam as necessary to keep flowers fresh. Bonus Idea For golden pumpkin votive candleholders for your table, set a tea light and its metal casing or glass tea light jar inside the carved out cavity, or use a battery-operated

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

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N O V E M B E R 8, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

A Delusional Epidemic There is a massive problem in America, which is a delusional epidemic by the Trump “cult” that the Republicans are advocating. It seems that no one is calling this out for what it is. Donald Trump being the leader of this group, also the senators, congressmen/ women and regular citizens of this damaging “cult” of delusion is playing havoc with our democracy. This narcissistic “cult” is getting more dangerous every day, and Trump, who is mega-narcissistic, has cultivated this group. Fear sets in when you are a narcissist and the truth and facts are not in one’s M.O. and who blindly believes the likes of Trump, who has distorted and wicked ways. These people of this damaging “cult” are not living in reality, and by doing so they have become narcissists, and hopefully will come down from the clouds of delusion. These unrealistic people have to separate themselves from their delusional thoughts, and let Trump go to the swamp of his making and fight the alligators instead of fighting our country and the American people. These pitiful delusional people don’t believe in wearing a mask or social distancing, and they don’t believe in science. These people should go into a detox program and put their efforts into coming back to reality and bring America back to normalcy. God bless all Americans who are realistic. Lois Eisenberg Santa Clarita

Couldn’t Have Said it Better Re: Carolyn Hill, letters, Oct. 9, “Not a Friend, a President.” I could not express my feelings about the president better than you did. You gave all the reasons I will vote for him. I will pass your letter on. Kay Vestal Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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

Hey, Get Over Yourself Already By David Hegg

ore ethical ink has been used in discussions concerning pride than perhaps any other element of individual character and integrity. And even so, we are usually at a loss to define it. The problem is sometimes pride is a good and acceptable thing. Aren’t we supposed to be proud of our children? Isn’t it right to be proud of our country and what it stands for? And don’t we often champion the “pride of ownership” as something akin to taking good care of our stuff? The solution is simply to understand that pride is really an umbrella term for a variety of self-appraisals, some of which are healthy. But under that label also lurks the destructive set of self-assessments that are poisonous simply because they are so far away from reality. These the ancients referred to as hubris. Hubris is an ancient Greek term that originally signified a hurtful act by the powerful against the weak. In ancient Athens, there were actually laws against hubristic acts. Over time, the term came to describe the attitude of the strong more than the act, and eventually became synonymous with the belief on the part of the strong that whatever they did was acceptable simply because of their superiority. It was an over-inflated sense of their own importance, a hyper-realistic belief that they occupied the highest level of human intelligence and accomplishment, regardless of what anyone else thought. Today hubris describes the bad kind of pride. It is the type of over-confidence that has lost its grip on reality, and presents itself as superior, and entitled. It is this sense of entitlement that is the surest sign of hubris in our day. More and more we are becoming a people who are proud of our pride, overtly overconfident and hilariously hubristic! After all, we’re great and deserve great things, great respect, and great rewards. We’re wonderful; just ask us. But despite the hubris fest we mutually support in our day, there exists down deep in our souls the recognition that hubris is an ugly thing. We are sure it is ugly when we see it in others; not so much when someone sees it in us. But just the same, history continues to shout that this type of pride isn’t pretty, and in fact, is poisonous. The old saying “pride goeth before a fall” is really a compacted summary of Proverbs 16:18: Pride (hubris) goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. We all know that the best leaders, as well as the best friends, are those whose humility is authentic, evident, and consistent. History is full of examples. And so it is always a good thing when our hubris is beaten down, its edges radically shaved, and the flower of humility is caused to grow in our hearts and minds.

On Christmas a few years ago, I received two gifts that had just this impact. The first was a telescope, which I have wanted for some time. But with the telescope came a gift I was unprepared for. Looking at some stars, and the planet Venus, was a powerful reminder of just how vast our universe is, and correspondingly, how small I am. In a small world, I’m super important. But in God’s universe, which He has intimately superintended since the beginning of time, I am forced to admit my insignificance. And there is freedom in that admission, a freedom that comes from realizing my great dependence upon the One who rules over all. But another of my gifts brought an even deeper sense of reality to me. I came home one day to find a box on my front porch. Addressed to me, the note said only that the gift was from Santa and was not to be opened until Christmas. On Christmas morning I opened the package to find a the latest, greatest iPad, the gift from a still anonymous friend. It was such an unexpected, undreamed-of surprise that I immediately felt as though there must have been some mistake. I had absolutely no sense of entitlement! But my name was on the box, and there was no way around it: Someone who preferred anonymity cared so much for me that they gave me an exquisite gift! To be the object of such love and care and friendship brought an immediate feeling of unworthiness. It was a lesson in the beauty of being humbled by circumstances beyond my control. That’s what deep, unconditional love does for the soul. And humility in the face of love’s reality is certainly among the greatest emotions. And so, as we start the long hello to Christmas in this topsy turvy year, I can’t help but reflect on the fact that we Americans need a dose of humility. We need to get over ourselves, think outside ourselves and stop making everything about us. Go outside and gaze at the stars. Feel small, and marvel at the magnificence God’s creation. Then, think about the Creator who is still holding everything together so that we puny humans can have another chance to make today and tomorrow something better than a monument to ourselves. We certainly were not entitled to the unconditional love of God, but He granted it through the humility of His Son. And that ought to humble us, and keep us mindful that we’re living in His universe as we seek to live honestly and compassionately with one another. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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