Sunday Signal June 20, 2021 by Signal

JUNE 20, 2021

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Brought Together by Music Page 5 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

BRINGING THE LAUGHS BACK TO THE SCV

TASTY TARTS & SOME SUMMER DIPS

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT BEAUTY PRODUCTS

J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 5 6 7

J.R.’s returns to bring laughs back to SCV Hubbard family shares musical journal with album Domestic violence in the Santa Clarita Valley California’s beautiful beaches

FROM THE MAYOR

8 Ways to discover art across Santa Clarita

SENIOR LIVING

9 A Second Wind: Baby boomers delay retirement

ENTERTAINMENT 10 1 0 Two stars for ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ 12 Santa Clarita — Get ready for WAR

FOOD 11 11 Summer Snacks that Satisfy Cravings

HEALTH & BEAUTY

13 Why clean, traceable beauty products can be important

AUTOMOTIVE 14 14 Protecting your car from sun damage

GARDENING 15 15 Perennials — Keeping your gardens colorful

HOME 16 16 Make health a priority when remodeling

KIDS & FAMILY

1 7 Donna’s Day: Make a day filled with a rainbow of colors Junior Whirl

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 20, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

J.R.’s returns to bring laughs back to Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

tarting this weekend, live comedy is coming back to the Santa Clarita Valley. Technically, there’s been virtual laughs with Zoom, and even a drive-thru event for the Bella Vida Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. And despite appreciative audiences — the Senior Center event even gave participants cowbells so they could show their appreciation for the jokes without honking — things haven’t quite been the same. However, J.R.’s Comedy Club, which is now being hosted by Mimi’s Cafe on Magic Mountain Parkway, is bringing back the laughs starting this weekend and every Saturday. For the first return, due to a number of factors, including the talent and, likely, a little pent-up demand for comedy due to the quarantine there will be two shows the first night, with the first starting at 7 p.m. Randy Lubas, who’s hosted wellknown names in comedy for years throughout Southern California with J.R.’s, hopes that the interest can sustain the growth and he’ll be able to add a regular Friday show and have two every Saturday. The scene inside the restaurant allows for an intimate setting, and Lubas’ years of working in comedy allow for his SCV location to see some of the biggest names in comedy, and continues to be a space where comedians can hone their craft and locals can enjoy laughs they’d normally have to travel to a Hollywood comedy club to find.

From Pittsburgh to the SCV

Randy Lubas said J.R.’s was launched with help from his wife, Diana, who hosted the show and took the stage a few times, as well, and her brother Emil, who often would help with everything else, from ticket sales to show production. The current SCV venue at Mimi’s harkens back to his early days in comedy in that it provides a closeness that really allows the performer and the audience to connect, he said. “It’s so reminiscent of the rooms I started in back East, little rooms in New York and Pittsburgh, where

Randy Lubas (right) of J.R.’s Comedy Club is welcoming Bobby Collins (left) on Saturday, June 19, and a number of other talented headliners in the coming weeks on Saturdays, at his location inside Mimi’s Café. PHOTO COURTESY RANDY LUBAS

you’re right next to the audience,” Lubas said, Lubas started in small clubs in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, and eventually, when Pittsburgh opened a comedy club, he became one of the house acts/emcees for events. One of his more enjoyable undertakings was the Ventura Comedy Festival, which he hosted for nine years.

‘Talking to the crowd’

Lubas recently finished a series of shows in Las Vegas at a spot known as the Delirious Comedy Club, and the experience reminded him of how much he missed live comedy, he said. You truly learn to appreciate something after it’s been taken from you, he added. “One of the things that I rely on is talking to the crowd and getting to know them by name and, obviously, you can’t do that very well when they’re in their cars,” Lubas said, discussing the challenges of socially distanced and virtual performances. “Obviously, what we crave is the laughter,” Lubas said, “and comedy taking people on a journey through what you say — and then, what you don’t say, and that’s the real beauty of stand-up comedy is, is where you pause and take the silence to allow the audience to tie two thoughts together, and then allow the light bulb

to go off, so that then they explode with the punchline.” Lubas, who’s also taught comedy, describes building that connection and timing with the audience as the really special part of the craft for him, as “where that quiet space in between is just as important as the words,” he said, noting it’s not really something you can replicate yet online. “Whenever you can’t hear the laughter, or really even see the people right and that’s, that was the kind of strange part about trying to do virtual shows, as well,” he noted.

A place to perform

For both the veteran comedians and the burgeoning careers that Lubas has shared the stage with over the years, chances to perform and work on their timing are critical opportunities. Comedian Jeff Frame has toured through the Midwest, South and East Coast after starting with local performances in the SCV, and is looking forward to a return to his old stomping grounds during a July 3 show at J.R.’s. Now that venues and shows are safely opening back up, he’s been eager to perform again. The opportunities for doing so had been few and far between, which, he said, was part of the inspiration for when he had ac-

cepted a recent performance date in Show Low, Arizona, a 9.5-hour drive from SoCal to Navajo County. A return to J.R.’s is not just an opportunity to save on his commute, it’s a return to what he referred to as his “comedy college,” as he jokes that he talked Lubas into letting him emcee the Saturday night shows there from 2012-16. Without that experience — which included his hosting and sharing of the stage with some of his favorite comedians, like Emo Philips and Elayne Boosler — he doesn’t know if he’d be able to perform the hourlong shows he’s now capable of doing. At local spots like Mimi’s, for example, some of the audience might have seen last week’s show, which always pushed Frame to work on new material, he shared. Now, it’s a spot where he can perform some of his latest material, which will be what Bobby Collins plans to do there Saturday, June 19.

If you go

More information on the upcoming shows, including dates, times and headliners, is available at comedyin valencia.com. J.R.’s Comedy Club is being hosted inside Mimi’s Cafe, at 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita. 

J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Hubbard family shares musical journey with album

The Hubbard family recorded a musical album during the COVID-19 lockdown. The album’s production was a multigenerational effort that shared the family’s story, as well as created an opportunity for them to spend quality time together during quarantine. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

rom percussions to producing, music has always been a major part of the Hubbard family, so it was only appropriate for the seven-member family to create an album during the COVID-19 lockdown. As the county began hunkering down for the COVID-19 lockdown last year, James Hubbard pondered what he would be doing with free time he’ll have now that leisure activities and businesses were closed until further notice. “I saw us inch closer and closer to a lockdown,” James Hubbard said. “So, I was wondering what I was going to be doing with that time since I tend to be someone who doesn’t lock down well, I like to be out and about. I wanted to do something that was going to be a creative use of the time.” James Hubbard ultimately decided the best use of his time would be to create a music album, something he had always wanted to peruse but never had the chance to start. “I thought I wanted to do something musically for a long time. I wanted to do something that would spread to the next generation — my grandkids,” James Hubbard said. James reached out to his oldest grandson, Ethan Hubbard, who had experience with sound mixing and production, and asked if creating a couple songs would be something manageable. Little did James and Ethan Hubbard know, a few songs would expand to 13, and the rest of the family would play key roles in creating the album. “It definitely didn’t feel like it was going to be an album when we first started working on it,” said Ethan Hubbard. “It felt like it was going to be three

or four songs at most.” Once he decided what he wanted to do, James and Ethan Hubbard gathered in his garage to begin recording songs James Hubbard said described his life and faith. Titled “My Life of Music: A Praiseworthy Journey,” he added the album doesn’t belong to just one genre of music, but instead incorporated songs across patriotic, religious and jazz genres. “I did a lot of thinking and creating about what would exemplify my life and my love for music,” James Hubbard said. “My upbringing was surrounded by a lot of different genres like jazz, classical and patriotic music, but most of all hymns.” James and Ethan Hubbard began recording songs for the album which were categorized as patriotic. From there, James Hubbard said the album took a turn into the classical genre, a genre he said he studied extensively throughout college. “I didn’t know these songs before working on this,” Ethan Hubbard said. “But I grew to love them as we were working on this because now, I associate them with my family. Hearing each song after it was completed was so satisfying to me.” As the duo was working on the first few songs, James Hubbard thought about bringing in other members of the family to assist with vocals and instrumentals. He asked his wife, Sandra, son Derrik, daughter-in-law Katie and his two other grandchildren, Camerin and Ashton, to play various roles during the album-making process. “It didn’t start off as a huge project,” said Katie Hubbard. “(James) approached me asking if I would sing a few songs. I thought that it was doable and I’d be able to help. Over time, my role grew bigger and it became something we all got

involved with.” Katie Hubbard added each member of the family had creative input with their role, and it became something the entire family enjoyed. While James and Katie Hubbard focused on vocals, grandsons Cameron and Ashton played instruments, with Cameron playing the clarinet and Ashton on percussions and drums. Derrik Hubbard contributed to the album with the piano and creating his own renditions of the songs. “(Sandra) played the role of the narrator of my life’s story,” James Hubbard said. “She made my simple life story sound like a compelling adventure, which helped put into perspective what I wanted to say in the album.” After four months of planning, and 10 months of executing the project, the next step was to take the album and put it in a digital and tangible form. To do that, the family needed to create an album cover and a marketing plan. “Creating an album is one thing, but marketing it is another,” said Cameron Hubbard. “We had to think about how we were going to release it and what platforms we would be using.” The family created music videos to go along with each song, which can be viewed on their YouTube channel, and had 100 CDs printed to pass out to friends and family. “I can describe how I feel about the experience as just being gratified,” said James Hubbard. “I’m so grateful for the chance to make this album and I take very little credit for it. The pleasure came from being able to make this with my family.” 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 20, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Domestic violence in the Santa Clarita Valley By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

adly, the recent tragic domestic violence-related murder of Michelle Dorsey, a Saugus mother of three, whose estranged husband has confessed to the crime, have reminded everyone of the deadly consequences of a worst-case scenario when it comes to domestic violence. These tragedies often prompt many to consider the question: How can we make it so this type of tragedy never happens again? Advocates note one of the biggest challenges in addressing the problem, though, is the attitudes and reticence that often persist within ourselves — which make conversations about the topic and finding the answer to that question much more difficult to find. “There’s a lot of stigmas that go in with domestic violence,” said Krysta Warfield, an advocate at the Santa Clarita Valley Child and Family Center. “You know: ‘It doesn’t happen here’; it only happens to a certain kind of people’; ‘if you don’t feel safe, file a restraining order’; or ‘if you’re being abused, just leave.’ The situations are often much, much more complex than that, she added. “For instance, it might feel safer for them to be in that relationship than they feel that it is to leave,” she said. “When a victim is telling you that they’re in more danger leaving, you might want to believe them.” The reality of domestic violence is, according to data and local experts, happens everywhere, regardless of a couple’s ethnic, racial or religious background, sexual orientation or zip code. “Domestic violence can happen to all, it is not prejudiced,” said Warfield. “It does not matter what socioeconomic status you are.”

Santa Clarita Valley DV stats

Nationwide, on a typical day before the pandemic began, 20 people per minute were physically abused by their intimate partner, 10 million a year — with only 34% able to receive medical care for their injuries, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Finding Help

For more information about the programs and services offered by the SCV Child and Family Center, visit their website at www.childfamilycenter. org. Those wishing to learn more about local support but wish to do so anonymously, call the local hotline at (661) 2594357 (HELP). There are additional resources listed at BeThe DifferenceSCV.org. But at the beginning of the pandemic, the Santa Clarita Valley, much like the rest of the country, went into quarantine in order to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. And while this resulted in a number of categories of crime seeing lower levels of occurrence, domestic violence continued to show higher rates than in previous years. For instance, between July 1-20 of last year there were 51 reported incidents of assault related to domestic violence, including aggravated assault assault, domestic violence; non-aggravated assault, domestic violence; and offense against the family, domestic violence. Over the same period in 2019, there were 32 such reports, indicating a 59% increase. Countywide, from Jan. 1 to April 30 of 2019, the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department had 863 reports related to domestic violence. Over the same period in 2020, the number was 933, an increase of about 8%.

What this means

In light of not only the increased proximity to one another as a result of lockdowns and home isolation, but also that the courts system and county legal bureaucracy was brought to a near standstill in the initial months of the pandemic, filing for court orders or restraining orders has become increasingly difficult. “What’s happening right now is that there is a delay in the court process,” said Warfield. “There’s an opportunity for electronic filing and tax fil-

Mother, Jessica Delazari, right, plays with her daughters Tiffany, 3, left, and Olivia, 7, as they pick up toys at the Single Mothers Outreach in Newhall. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ing, but what’s happening is there’s a backlog. Ultimately, before you could just walk into the court if you felt you were in danger and be able to file for a restraining order that same day … and that’s not typically happening now.” And while the number of domestic violence incidents reported to law enforcement showed an overall increase last year, as abusers and victims were locked away with one another, Warfield added that a truer understanding of the domestic violence issue in both the SCV, as well as the country, is revealed when the previously mentioned numbers are combined with the domestic violence hotline numbers. “Law enforcement calls raised over 50%, but hotline calls dropped drastically,” said Warfield. “So that showed that the domestic violence was happening in the homes, but the access to resources was not available.” Warfield said that calls to the hotline can oftentimes come from a neighbor, a friend or family member who is visiting the home or doing a welfare check. But with no visitors allowed, and the person being trapped inside the same space as their attacker and never leaving the home, safely calling an anonymous hotline be-

comes a near unthinkable feat.

What is available for victims?

Warfield emphasized, however, that despite the process having become more laden with obstacles, services here in the Santa Clarita Valley remain ready to assist those in need. “For the person who doesn’t know if they’re in a domestic violence relationship: If they have if they have to be afraid to disagree, they’re most likely in a domestic violence relationship,” said Warfield. “However, instead of letting an article determine that, or a TV determine that or an outside source, there’s nothing wrong with gaining the education and resources to help determine whether or not for themselves that they’re in a domestic violence relationship.” Standing by to assist are experts that can be reached at the local or national 24-hour domestic violence crisis hotlines, who can provide information about safety, shelter and support. The SCV Child & Family Center also provides 30-day crisis shelters for individuals and their children fleeing domestic violence, crisis intervention, and individual/group counseling and education. “Reach out for help,” she added. “There are resources available.” 

J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

THINGS TO DO

California’s Beautiful Beaches By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ome beaches are for lying on the sand, some beaches are for walking barefoot as the waves softly lap at your ankles, some beaches are for watching waves crash and surfers hang ten, some beaches are for paddle boarding, boogie boarding and frolicking in the surf and some beaches are for admiring from afar, from the top of a bluff, or from the deck of a restaurant. California has 840 miles of coastline. There’s a beach for everyone. All beaches in California are open to the public, with rare exceptions. In most states, including California, all land below the mean high-tide line belongs to the state, and citizens have the right to unrestricted access to that land.

Coronado Beach, Coronado Island

919 Ocean Blvd., Coronado Info coronadovisitorcenter.com/what-to-see/ home-of-the-u-s-a-s-1-beach/ Coronado Beach’s mile and a half of silvered beach is created by a high concentration of mica — a pearly, silver mineral. If it seems as if the beach “shines,” in fact, it does. The beach is popular for swimmers, surfers, boogie boarders, sunbathers and beachcombers. The flat beach is great for skim boarding and walking, Free parking on Ocean Boulevard.

La Jolla Shores, La Jolla

8200 Camino del Oro (between Vallecitos and Lee Lane), La Jolla Newport Beach

The City of Newport Beach is located in the coastal center of Orange County. It offers outstanding fishing, swimming, surfing and aquatic sports activities. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Info www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/shores La Jolla Shores is a soft, sandy beach approximately one mile long bookended by ocean-carved sandstone cliffs to the north and south. In summer, waves at this beach are usually the gentlest of all San Diego beaches. La Jolla Shores is one of nine beaches that has permanent lifeguard stations patrolled by San Diego Lifeguards. Perfect beach for swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers, novice surfers, scuba divers and would-be sailors.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach has the best selection of beaches in Southern California. Some claim that its miles of coast along Pacific Coast Highway might be some of the best in the world. Here are two “must-see” beaches. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach Coast Highway and Wesley Drive, Laguna Beach Info californiabeaches.com/beach/treasure-islandbeach/ Beautiful views, towering cliffs and a secret cove make this beach one of the most romantic beaches in California. It is a great swimming beach adjacent to the Montage Laguna Beach hotel. However, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy this amazing beach. Follow the public access signs past the hotel. Access is down a long, graded concrete ramp on the southwest side of the resort. Park above the beaches (Treasure Island, Goff Cove and Christmas

Cove) that run the length of the hotel.

Newport Beach Municipal Beach, Newport Beach

Balboa Boulevard at Oceanfront and 21st Street, Newport Beach Info visitnewportbeach.com/beaches-and-parks/ newport-municipal-beach A glorious 5-mile expanse of gorgeous, fine, soft sand on Balboa Peninsula awaits south of Huntington Beach on Highway 1. Surfers, swimmers and sunbathers can all find room to bask in the warm Southern California sun. Watch as pelicans and seagulls soar overhead. Skate, bike and board rentals are popular, as well as surfing off the jetty.

Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach

21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach Info parks.ca.gov/?page_id=643 This is one of the five “storied” beaches along the 10-mile Surf City USA coastline and a 2016 Best Beach in the USA. This stretch of coast boasts 121 acres, with 3.5 miles of waterline and 200 fire rings, perfect for nighttime cookouts. The beach doesn’t close until 10 p.m. In daylight hours, surf, swim, sunbathe or fish. Hang out and watch the sun set on this iconic stretch of sand. The scenic Huntington Beach Bike Trail runs the length of Huntington Beach’s 10-mile waterline. 

LaJolla Shores

Santa Barbara

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 20, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Ways to discover art across Santa Clarita! By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

hether you are enjoying a day at the park, cycling along our trails or walking into City Hall, our residents have a diverse array of art pieces to enjoy across Santa Clarita. New art exhibits are constantly being presented to our residents, and we are so excited to partner with artists, both locally and across the nation, to feature their artwork here in our City. I am excited to announce that the City Council awarded the contract for three new public art pieces at the upcoming Canyon Country Community Center. The art pieces titled “Into the Wind,” “Amongst the Wildflowers” and “Canyon Sunrise” are inspired by Santa Clarita’s natural surroundings and native plant and animal species. This includes the blue Western

Scrub-Jay, blossoming wildflowers and our vast open spaces. Another art piece at the Canyon Country Community Center will be a five by 50-foot-long tile mural wall, which will depict the local landscape and celebrate the history of quilting through the use of tiles. Artist Katy Krantz worked closely with our residents and held several community engagement workshops where residents were encouraged to take nature walks and bring back rocks, leaves, etc., to imprint onto pieces of wet clay. Eventually, each clay tile will be placed together to create a beautiful wall that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. If you are in the Valencia area, feel free to stop by City Hall and check out the current art exhibit, “Color is Your World.” Enter a colorful world of imagination as you walk through the halls and appreciate more than 50 vibrant pieces of original art. This exhibit is in conjunction with the Santa Clarita Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Reading Colors

Your World,” — inviting our residents to explore a world of color around Santa Clarita. Enjoy pieces of artwork ranging from abstract designs to animals to portraits! For those who would like to enjoy art at home, get ready to watch a variety of shows on The MAIN’s Facebook and YouTube sites! Currently, The MAIN is featuring their SOS Theatre Fest and MAINcast interviews until June 25. Enjoy a theatrical performance and an in-depth interview with the director, actors and technical crew who discuss the featured play as this series moves into their last week. Check out the last play of the series, “A Very Covid Christmas Carol,” on Friday, June 25, at 7 p.m. If you are a foodie like me, tune into Food Sessions every first Thursday of the month to watch and learn mouth-watering tips and tricks about cooking and baking from local professionals. Are you creative and like making miniature floats? If so, enter our Second Annual Pee-Wee Parade! To cel-

ebrate the 4th of July, we are holding an online contest for residents who can craft together a miniature parade float! This year’s theme is America Emerging with Patriotic Enthusiasm. Get creative and show off your most patriotic, artistic and fun mini float creation in one of our most memorable parades yet! As we move into the summer months, I urge all of our residents to get outside and explore all of the different art pieces and exhibits across our City. If you find a piece of artwork that you love, make sure to tag us with the hashtag #SantaClaritaArts to be featured on our website! For more information on exhibits or a map with every art piece in Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaArts.com.

Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at bmiranda@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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J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Baby boomers delay retirement One of the solutions being posed is to work longer. Since life expectancy has increased dramatically, it is arhroughout every decade gued, some increase in the retirement baby age would keep the same percentage boomof working life to retirement. This ers have solution, however, could disproportransformed the sotionately impact those with lower cial and economic income jobs, since those with ample landscape of Amerprivate savings would be able to retire ica. early, and those with manual labor Coming of age jobs, since they would find it physiin the 60s and 70s, they effected cally harder to keep working. change as they participated in the Interestingly, baby boomers are Civil Rights Movement, protested working longer. The mathe Viet Nam War and jority of boomers are still furthered women’s rights “The aging of baby in the labor force and the during the second wave oldest among them are of the feminist moveboomers means that remaining in the work ment. These movements within just a couple force longer than those gained momentum their age in previous through the sheer size of decades, older generations. the boomer generation. Why are baby boomers people are projected Sometimes characterized continuing to work past (unflatteringly) as “a pig to outnumber retirement age? There in a python,” the group children for the first are several reasons. They has twisted and shaped need to need to finance American society as it time in U.S. history.” longer lifespans. Conmoved through each de— Census Bureau cerns about money cade. which intensified with We are again facing an the economic collapse important demographic keep many seniors working. turning point. In 2018, the number Also, the work environment is of people older than 64 years old surcognitively challenging and work passed the number of children under is an important component of one’s 5 years old. well-being. Being able to feel proAccording to Jonathan Vespa, a ductive and contribute to society is demographer with the U.S. Census appealing. Bureau, “The aging of baby boomThe workplace is also a source of ers means that within just a couple decades, older people are projected to friends and colleagues which creates outnumber children for the first time a social network that is so important to mental health. These workers are in U.S. history.” By 2030, every baby boomer will be active seniors and are in better health than any generation before them so 65 years or older which means that one out of every five U.S. citizens will they are able to work. A study from the Center for Retirebe of retirement age. According to the ment Research suggests that working U.S. Census Bureau, “As the populalonger will help most people maintion ages, the ratio of older adults to working-age adults will rise. By 2060, tain their overall well-being, if the job suits their needs. This suggests that, there will be just two-and-a-half as stated by Pew researcher Richard working-age adults for every retireFrye, “The relatively high labor force ment-age person.” participation of Boomers may be There is concern that the aging population will place a burden on the beneficial both to them and the wider economy.” shrinking working population and By Mary Petersen Signal Contributing Writer

the government’s ability to fund pensions and programs. This presents a challenge that will require difficult choices.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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J U N E 20, 2021

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

Two stars for ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’

(out of four)

Lionsgate presents a film directed by Patrick Hughes and written by Tom O’Connor. Rated R

ull disclosure: I laughed out loud three or maybe even four times at the violent slapstick humor in “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” the exceedingly loud sequel to the equally bombastic and rather dreadful medium-sized action/comedy hit from 2017. The star power trio of Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek and Ryan Reynolds have a few funny exchanges, and there are a couple of physical shtick routines so over the top it’s as if they dusted off the Monty Python playbook for a modern-day action film — but there are far more misfires than direct comedic/dramatic hits in this

blood-drenched, explosion-riddled, live-action cartoon of a film. Jackson returns as Darius Kincaid, a notorious hitman with hundreds of kills, and Reynolds is Michael Bryce, a former elite bodyguard trying to get in touch with his sensitive side. Even though Bryce saved Kincaid’s life the first time around, Kincaid can’t stand to be in the same country, let alone the same room, with Bryce — but when Kincaid is kidnapped and is about to be executed by some Really Bad Guys, Kincaid’s wife, Sonia (Hayek), finds Bryce and says he’s the only one who can help her rescue her beloved man. One big problem: Bryce has just “graduated” from therapy and is on sabbatical from using guns or initiating any kind of violence. Reynolds is an established master of self-deprecating, quick-witted humor, and he takes it to the next level here as Bryce is a bundle of open vulnerability, much to the disgust of the roughand-tumble Kincaid, who drops

f-bombs this way and that and tells Bryce to man up and get on board with the mission. Seems there’s political chaos and turmoil in Europe, with recent rulings so incensing the Greek mob kingpin/megalomaniac Aristotle Papadopolous (Antonio Banderas) that Aristotle has masterminded an exceedingly complex scheme that will blow up the grid and in effect destroy the entire European continent, because that’s what mob kingpin/ megalomaniacs do in tired-ass action movies such as this one. Frank Grillo is one of my favorite go-to onscreen tough guys, but he looks as if he wandered in from a very different movie as Bobby O’Neill, an Interpol agent who hates being stationed in Europe and wants only to go home to Boston. Against Bobby’s better judgment — he constantly refers to Bryce and the Kincaids as “idiots” — he enlists their help in taking down Aristotle. They’ll

go undercover and make a buy of the obligatory Magic Computer Thingee Device That Holds the Key to Everything, and in exchange Bobby won’t put them away for the various and sundry crimes they’ve committed. Something like that. Director Patrick Hughes (whose credits include “The Expendables 3” and the original “The Hitman’s Bodyguard”) is extremely fond of elaborate and violent shootouts and chase sequences, played as much for comedic effect as action thrills. There are callbacks to gags from the original movie, but the problem is, those jokes weren’t all that funny in the first place. Morgan Freeman has a strange, extended cameo as a legend in a certain discipline, which leads to some weird albeit darkly funny revelations about Bryce’s childhood. Meanwhile, Sonia, who is supposedly a world-class con artist capable of pulling off elaborate and sophisSee Movies, page 12

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J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Summer Snacks

that satisfy cravings

oad trips, outdoor adventures and relaxing by the pool are some of summer’s most popular activities, and all can be more enjoyable by adding favorite snacks to the mix. Next time you bask in the summer sun, bring along some tasty pecan snacks that allow you stay on track with wellness goals without sacrificing those snack-time delights. Whether you enjoy their natural sweetness straight from the bag or add them to your go-to recipes, pecans are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber of tree nuts, an option that’s perfect for snacking. In fact, each ounce of pecans includes 3 grams of plantbased protein and 3 grams of fiber to go with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Curb your snack cravings with a savory option like Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip with veggies and crackers, or if something sweeter tempts your taste buds, dive into a tangy treat with these Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts. Visit AmericanPecan.com for more snacking tips and recipes. (Family Features)

Mini Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts

Buffalo-Pecan Pimento Cheese Dip

Servings: 24 Servings: 30 1 cup raw pecan pieces 1/2 pound (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated 1 jar (4 ounces) sliced pimentos 2 tablespoons red hot sauce 2 tablespoons mayo 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper 1 tablespoon chives, freshly chopped veggies, for serving crackers, for serving Preheat oven to 350 F. On baking sheet, spread pecans and roast 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant, tossing once halfway through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. In bowl, combine cheddar cheese, pimentos with juice, hot sauce, mayo, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add 3/4 of pecan pieces and mix until combined. Place dip in serving bowl and top with remaining pecan pieces and freshly chopped chives. Serve with veggies and crackers. 

Mini Pecan Crusts

Nonstick cooking spray 2 cups pecan pieces 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar

Lemon Filling

1/2 cup lemon curd 1/2 cup blueberries, raspberries or combination powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) To make mini pecan crusts: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray. In food processor, blend pecan pieces, butter and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough. Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture in each muffin tin. Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup. Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan. To assemble crusts Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each mini pecan crust. Top with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. 

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J U N E 20, 2021

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

Santa Clarita – get ready for WAR

he evolution of WAR began in 1969 … and WAR has been evolving ever since. The band’s global popularity is a tribute to the timelessness of its music and message.Perhaps nothing epitomizes this truth greater than the fact that WAR has twice been honored by

MOVIES

Continued from page 10

ticated schemes but is bat-bleep crazy to the point where her temper fits often endanger the lives of everyone around her, yearns to become a mother, even though she will most certainly be one of the

its hometown of Los Angeles, over 20 years apart, for its music making positive contributions to the betterment of the community. To date, WAR has yielded a motherload of chart gold and platinum, with a whopping 17 Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum awards.

Monster hit songs include “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “The Cisco Kid,” “Spill the Wine,” and more! See them live in concert at The Canyon Santa Clarita June 26. 

absolute worst mothers in the history of moms. Sonia takes a motherly interest in Bryce, who clearly has mommy issues, which leads to some oddball moments, e.g., one minute Sonia is cradling Bryce like a baby, the next she’s feeding him lithium and telling him it’s a painkiller. With Croatia doubling

as Italy, “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” has some admittedly gorgeous locales, and the stars do their best to sell the material as a bloody good time — but a big, dumb, goofy summer escapist movie shouldn’t be this exhausting and tedious. 

J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Why clean, traceable beauty products can be important

he products you put on your body matter as much as the ones you put in your body. That’s why so many cosmetic labels now include buzzwords like “clean,” “natural” or “organic.” Unless you’re a clean beauty connoisseur, it’s hard to know why terms like “clean” or “traceable” are important when choosing the best brands and products for you. That’s why some companies are taking steps to spell out what these terms mean for their products. ArtistryTM, the skincare and makeup brand sold by Amway, shares why clean beauty is essential and what to look for when choosing products.

What does clean mean?

“Clean” can mean different things for different products. Are certain ingredients clean? What about certain manufacturing practices? For beauty, clean generally means that a product is safe and has a trans-

parent ingredient label. “Traceable” means that the company can trace the ingredients back to the source. That’s important because the bloodstream can absorb skincare products and cosmetics, leading to potentially dangerous health risks. Products applied to your skin should be beneficial for you and for the world around you.

What to put on the ‘No’ list

When searching for clean makeup and skincare, a good place to start is choosing items that match your skincare standards. One strategy companies use is to develop a “No” list to help identify unnecessary and harmful ingredients versus those that are safe, effective, compliant with regulations and reviewed by a toxicologist. Trusted brands will be detailed and transparent about their ingredients. You should not have to look too hard to find the information.

Ingredients for the ‘Yes’ list

Clean beauty products avoid toxic

and dangerous ingredients. They also prioritize the best ingredients, both naturally derived and synthetic, to create safe, effective formulas. Just like the definition of “clean,” that can mean different things for different brands. For some it means using powerful botanicals rich in plant nutrients. It’s also a good idea to think about where your products are coming from and how they’re made. That traceability is one of the best assurances you can get for clean and safe beauty products.

Registered products

Clean beauty standards can still be up for interpretation — so let the buyer beware. It’s always a good idea to seek out third-party validation for brand statements and claims. If you want to ensure that these products are not tested on animals, you’ll want them to be registered with vegansociety.com. To qualify for registration, products

must meet specific criteria assessed by a team from The Vegan Society that double-checks for any potential inclusion of animal ingredients.

Setting clean beauty goals

Look for brands that evolve with the beauty industry and continuously monitor the latest science, regulations and public concerns about clean beauty. Some product makers are working to improve product formulations and further increase environmental stewardship, including expanding the number of traceable ingredients. Spurred by the goal to improve products for consumers while being conscious of environmental impact, the Artistry team created detailed Artistry Clean Guidelines for future product launches. The guidelines call for vegan formulas, pure and safe ingredients, traceability for key botanical ingredients and better manufacturing processes, among other requirements. (BPT) 

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J U N E 20, 2021

AUTOMOTIVE

How to protect your car from sun damage

eople know to protect their skin and eyes from the sun. Sun exposure can be dangerous for the body, but the sun’s rays also can damage automobiles. Leaving a vehicle exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time increases the risk of damage to its interior and exterior. It’s important that car and truck owners recognize this so they can mitigate the potential problems sun and heat may cause. Testing conducted at the State Farm Vehicle Research Facility found interior vehicle air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 F. Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight have been recorded at temperatures in excess of 195 F. The automotive repair service Fix Auto says the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the vehicle’s paint to peel and fade over time. UV rays break down the molecules in the paint and make it appear dull. The company

recycle USED OIL

ing up car windows a little. • Use a windshield protector. Reflect sunlight away and keep the vehicle cool with a windshield sun protector that unfolds and slides into place. • Use a wax. A layer of wax can offer another layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. • Wash the car frequently. Washing and hand-drying the vehicle helps to remove dirt and other debris which can cause micro-scratches in the paint. Red paint is particularly susceptible to fading over time. Red paint molecules deteriorate faster in the sun than other colors.

says red paint is particularly susceptible because red paint molecules deteriorate faster in the sun than other paint colors. To prevent potential sun-related damage, take these precautions.

Santa Clarita

• Avoid direct sunlight. Park in the shade as much as possible. • Crack a window. If it is safe to do so, lower interior air temperature and equalize air pressure by open-

• Install seat covers. Seat covers can protect leather and fabric upholstery. A leather conditioner can help prevent cracks and tears from sunlight and heat. These easy steps are simple preventative measures that protect vehicles against sun damage. (MC) 

RECYCLES!

Certified Used Motor Oil Collection Centers The City of Santa Clarita has more than 20 state-certified locations, which recycle used motor oil and filters for FREE. Find a center near you and make the clean choice by taking your oil and filters for FREE and proper disposal. AAMCO Transmissions 25845 Railroad Ave. (661) 259-3013

Firestone Complete Auto Care 23100 Lyons Ave. (661) 799-9798

Mario the Mechanic 27266 Camp Plenty Rd. (661) 252-2740

O’Reilly Auto Parts 23323 Lyons Ave. (661) 222-7367

Auto Nation Chevrolet 23649 Valencia Blvd. (661) 877-4076

G & M Auto Repair 27260 Camp Plenty Road (661) 251-6736

Mini of Valencia 24135 Creekside Rd. (661) 286-2600

Parkway Cadillac Buick GMC 24055 Creekside Rd. (661) 253-4441

AutoZone 24820 Orchard Village Rd. (661) 222-9053

Halsey’s Auto Service 27565 Sierra Highway (661) 251-2327

Mountain View Tire 23440 Lyons Ave. (877) 872-0132

Parkway Hyundai 24050 Creekside Rd. (661) 731-4524

AutoZone 19327 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 299-5384

Hello Nissan Valencia 24111 Creekside Road (661) 255-2020

Napa Auto Parts 20541 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 252-8011

Pep Boys 20600 Golden Triangle Rd. (661) 251-8004

AutoZone 23046 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 284-5680

Jiffy Lube 20703 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 251-6836

Oil Stop, Inc. 23500 Valencia Blvd. (661) 288-2500

R & S Automotive 24773 Valley St. (661) 254-4589

The Dip Stick 23755 Newhall Ave. Unit A (661) 259-7822

Jiffy Lube 18533 Via Princessa (661) 299-2208

O’Reilly Auto Parts 26850 Sierra Hwy. (661) 299-9270

Valencia Auto Care Center 24233 Creekside Rd. (661) 255-3448

To find the nearest location to recycle your used motor oil and filters or other household hazardous waste materials, call

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J U N E 20, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Perennials — Keeping your gardens colorful

erennials can add color and vibrancy to any garden. One of the more desirable components of perennials is that they come back year after year, meaning homeowners do not have to invest in a gardenful of new flowers every year. That can add up to considerable savings. Perennials often form the foundation of beautiful gardens. Annuals only grow for one season, produce seeds and then die. However, perennials die back to the ground every autumn and their roots survive the winter. So the plants reemerge in the spring, according to The Farmer’s Almanac. Some perennials are short-lived, meaning they will come back a few consecutive years; others will last for decades. Though planted perennials require less maintenance than annuals, they are not completely maintenance-free. Certain care is needed to help perennials thrive, and that starts with the soil. In fact, soil is the single most important factor for growing healthy plants. Penn State Extension says most perennials grow ideally in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic matter can improve soil texture and water-holding ability. When including perennials in the garden, make

Perennials die back to the ground every autumn and their roots survive the winter. The plants reemerge in the spring.

sure you wait for the right time to plant them. The ideal time is during the spring or fall. Perennials come as container-grown perennials, which already have been established in the soil. Bare-root perennials are just roots that are often packed in peat moss. In order to plant bare-root perennials, soak the roots in water for several minutes before gently planting in the ground, indicates

GARDENING

the how-to resource Tip Bulletin. Perennials should be watered deeply, especially during the first growing season. However, the soil should never be overly dry or wet. Most perennials do not need to be fertilized heavily. A single application in the spring typically is all that’s needed. Care along the way can include deadheading spent flowers so that plants can use their energy on seed production and reblooming. Perennials should be divided when they grow large, every three to four years when the plants are not in bloom. Perennials produce fewer flowers or may look sickly when the time has passed to divide them. Early spring often is a good time to divide perennials, advises The Farmer’s Almanac. A thick layer of mulch can help perennials to overwinter successfully. Perennials planted in containers will need to be transplanted into the garden before it gets cold because most containers cannot thoroughly insulate perennial roots. Apart from these strategies, perennials pretty much take care of themselves. As long as sunlight requirements match plant needs, the perennials should thrive. (MC) 

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J U N E 20, 2021

HOME

Make health a priority when remodeling

hen you tackle a remodeling project, there are many unknowns, including what types of materials you might uncover. Hazardous materials must be addressed, and possibly removed, if exposed during a remodeling project. There are also some materials that should be removed to create a healthier home environment. Whether materials “must be” or “should be” removed depends on several factors. It is always wise to consult with trained professionals, such as members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, when you encounter hazardous materials. The removal of all hazardous materials is the preferred approach, but budget is often a hindrance. Thoroughly exploring your options may reveal more affordable mitigation.

Demolition

Most common residential hazard-

ous materials are not hazardous if they remain in a dormant or undisturbed location. Typically, they become hazardous during the demolition phase when they are ground, cut, bumped, scraped or disturbed in some way, causing the materials to become airborne and inhaled. Examples of common hazardous materials include: • Lead-based paint, which can be found on anything that is painted or varnished. • Lead water lines, which are primarily hazardous after water sits in

the lines for some time prior to consumption, although contamination still occurs during normal flow rates. • Asbestos, which was once commonly used in a wide range of materials such as pipe or duct insulation; flooring tiles or sheet goods; ceiling tiles and plaster; wall and attic insulation; and plaster used as a binder. • Silica, which is exceptionally dangerous during saw cutting processes where dust is created. • Dust, which can be hazardous to some individuals who are sensitive or have breathing-related issues.

Installation

Once the existing hazardous materials are appropriately addressed, new materials will be placed in your home to replace or enhance the project. Products to look for when you’re remodeling with health in mind include: • Low volatile organic compounds, which limit the amount of off-gassing of the materials used in the manu-

facturing process. Typically, these are paints, stains, varnishes, carpeting and vinyl products. • Renewable products, which can be replenished quickly. • Heat recovery ventilation systems that exchange the thermal qualities of the interior air with fresh air brought into the home. • Air purification systems, which may involve ozone, pleated filters, high-micron filters, electrostatic filters or UV light systems, among others. • Dehumidification systems designed to keep the relative humidity levels in a safe range to prevent mold growth. • Exhaust fans in baths, kitchens, lower levels and workshops, installed to discharge smells, smoke, fumes and humidity. • Radon systems designed to exhaust radon gases to the exterior. Find more advice to navigate a health-conscious home remodel at remodelingdoneright.com. (Family Features) 

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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

Make a day filled with rainbow of colors Rainbow art

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

ed, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. A rainbow of colors that delight kids when they appear like magic, streaming across the sky after a shower. Since young kids love anything to do with rainbows, why not spend a rainbow-filled afternoon with them doing activities bursting with color? Here are a few simple-to-do ideas that playfully and artfully teach the basic spectrum and the hues in between.

Rainbow discoveries

Rainbows aren’t just in the sky. On a sunny day, pour some water in a clear glass, then tilt it sideways and move it slowly along the edge of the kitchen counter until you catch rays of sun shining through the water. A beautiful ribbon of rainbow colors will appear

Rainbows teach children colors. PHOTO CREDIT DONNA ERICKSON

on a white floor or on a white sheet of paper placed on the floor.

Rainbow wear

Choose clothes to wear from head

to toe representing the colors of the rainbow. Name them, sing a song about them and then draw a self-portrait in living color.

On the left side of a large sheet of construction paper, spoon puddles of poster paint in the sequence of rainbow colors, one above the other. Leave a small space in between. Using a standard household squeegee, spread the paint in an arc with one swift movement to instantly form a rainbow. Once kids try this off-kilter technique, they’ll likely add more paint and drag their new painting tool in different directions, making rainbow paths and valleys all over the paper. Hang the rainbow art on the wall, wrap up a birthday present with it or use for a place mat, a colorful addition to summertime snacking. Wash your squeegee in soapy water after use. You might decide to add one to your family art-supply box.

Rainbow dreams

Use your kids’ rainbow art to inspire a bedtime story about an adventure “over the rainbow.” Ask them to describe what they would like to find at the end of the rainbow. 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.

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1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

J U N E 20, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

J U N E 20, 2021

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

Putting Veterans First Rep. Mike Garcia is 100% behind our veterans. As a Navy veteran himself, he understands the importance of these men and women who have served and currently serve today. Recently, he introduced H.R. 2650, a bill that proposes a legislation that would give military families’ spouses with valid professional licenses in one state, reciprocity in another state where their spouse is stationed on military orders. He also introduced the PAWS Act, where veterans receive a therapy dog of their own and choose the freedom to adopt the therapy dog after they are finished serving. We need to be able to put our veterans first. They are our true American heroes. Alyssa Theodore Agua Dulce

A Double Helping of Dumb Regardless of how you slice it, the response to COVID-19 at the state level in Democrat-run places like California, New York and Michigan was politically motivated, economically ruinous, nakedly authoritarian and effectively murderous. Meanwhile, in the span of mere months, Democrats tore off their “Question Authority” bumper stickers and exchanged them for “Trust Science” — by which they mean do what the bureaucrats say. It’s was, to put it bluntly, a double helping of dumb. Rob Kerchner Santa Clarita

Garcia Questions Mount Art Lucas (letters, June 17) claims Rep. Mike Garcia is an independent thinker. I see him differently. He has voted against the rules of our democracy many times since he has been office. You can check out his voting record and see for yourselves. Recently he voted against June 19 becoming a federal holiday, but it has passed. He voted against the establishment of an independent bipartisan commission to find out the root cause of the storming of our Capitol and why we were not prepared and how this can be prevented in the future. He voted against the electoral votes being ratified. I will try and visit his next towns hall meeting, if and when he has one, with my list of questions. Thank you. Gerrie Currie Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

A Starter List: Just Do It, Dad By David Hegg

ears ago, Nike came out with their iconic slogan urging the increasingly obese populace of our fair country to get off the couch and start exercising. To make it possible to do so, to just start some form of movement, they exhorted us all to “just do it.” Just start. Just try. Just face the fact that you’re going to get tired, stiff and feel some pain. Get over it and just do it! Given that I’ve raised three children who are now adults making good contributions to society, and given that I’ve been promoted to the lofty rank of grandfather, I want to rip off Nike and exhort all you dads out there to “just do it.” Just step up, forget about being your kid’s homey, stop being afraid they’re going to hate you at some point – spoiler alert: they will! – and get after doing what dads are supposed to do. Here’s a starter list. First, the most important thing you can do for your kids is love their mother. That’s right. Your respect for you wife sets the model for how they will understand marriage and family and a host of other relationships they well have in life. From you they will learn – either the right way or the wrong way – how to deal well with conflict, how to forgive, how to live sacrificially for the good of others, and a host of character traits necessary to live successful, purposeful and helpful lives. Just do it. Second, realize that growing up under your love and care is the most important opportunity they have to understand how the world works, and what it takes to be a person who will make this world better rather than worse. You have the privilege of being their teacher, their mentor, their life coach. Through your life and your teaching, they will learn how to live a meaningful, successful life, unless you are careless, selfish and immoral in your own life, in which case they will learn how to ruin their lives, too. So, Dad, think right, live right, and lead them in the right path. Just do it. Third, put your kids in situations where they have to learn the value of foundational personal character traits. There is no substitute for integrity, so model it yourself and insist on it from them. Teach and model the reality that working hard is a virtue without which there will be no success in life. Show them the foundational value in being honest no matter what. Teach them about friends

and friendship, about the necessity of loyalty and the toxicity of gossip and misplaced anger. Put them in situations where they must practice discernment and be ready to sharpen this most necessary skill through correction and instruction. And force them to persevere rather than quit when the going gets hard. Dad, just do it. Your kinds will thank you in the years to come, and so will the society that surrounds them. Lastly, instill in them a respect for those in authority. Start with the recognition that the only answer to the question “why is there something rather than nothing” is ultimately found in the existence of an almighty, all-knowing, personal, loving, and forgiving God who has created all things and has revealed how life is to be lived in this chaotic world. Teach your kids that we’re all accountable to God, and to the positions of authority around us. Teach your kids that, because God exists, life has meaning and purpose, and that satisfaction will never be found through selfishness or the myth that they can create their own reality. Teach them that basic right and wrong are not up to them, but flow down through human history as every generation recognizes the natural laws that our Creator has infused into every moment of time. Dad, don’t let your kids grow up thinking they came from a primordial ooze, that life actually has no purpose aside from happiness, and that if things get too rough and unhappiness too thick, they can always just pull their own plug. Rather, live out the reality that each of your children is a unique creation, endowed with value because they were wonderfully designed by the Almighty. Dad, you’re your kids’ super toy, their greatest hero, and the most influential teacher they’ll ever have. That is, unless you abdicate that privileged position in favor of your own selfish desires. So, in that case, don’t do it. Instead, join the rest of us who are rooting for you, and counting on you to step up in love, integrity and good ol’ fashioned perseverance and parent your kids as though our future depends on it, because it does. I speak for grandparents everywhere when I tell you, be the father your kids deserve and your country is counting on. Happy Fathers Day! Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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