Sunday Signal July 18, 2021

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JULY 18, 2021

Celebrating Ice Cream Day! Page 4 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

7

TWO LOCALS READY TO REP USA MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

9

BEING AWARE OF DRUG SIDE EFFECTS

13

KEEPING UP WITH FASHION COMEBACKS

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

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J U LY 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 5 6 7

4

Beating the SCV heat with ice cream dreams When it is just too hot to go outside Comfort Keepers celebrates 20th anniversary Two Olympians making their way to Tokyo

FROM THE MAYOR

8

8 Keep your family and home safe during wildfires

SENIOR LIVING

9

9 Addressing drug interaction side effects

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘The White Lotus’ follows staff, vacationers’ misadventures

FOOD 11 1 1 Unforgettable fruity flavors for summer evenings Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie

ENTERTAINMENT 12 12 Berlin coming to The Canyon

FASHION 13 13 2021 fashion trends: Late 90s comeback and more

GARDENING 14 14 Keeping gardens safe in summer heat waves

KIDS & FAMILY

17

1 7 Donna’s Day: Water play can offer some cool summer fun Junior Whirl • How they say that

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Beating the SCV heat with ice cream dreams

By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

J

ust like many celebrate a birthday month, ice cream not only has National Ice Cream Day on July 18, but National Ice Cream Month is July.

A great way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, which was signed as a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, as the third Sunday of every month, is to appreciate how ice cream has evolved.

The once-typical, traditional dessert has had many transformations. From shakes to sundaes, the frozen treat has been molded into different shapes, topped with various candies and has now been incorporated with hundreds of different flavors.

“Some flavors have remained popular over the years,” said Siraj Mirza, manager of Paradis Ice Cream at the Westfield Town Center in Valencia.

“We still sell the usual vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but now we have all these other popular flavors like peanut butter chip and sea salt caramel.”

Mirza and his wife, Zaidi, acquired Paradis in 2018 after he said Zaidi wanted to own and operate an ice cream parlor. “This place is her joy,” he added.

Recent trends in popular culture have set the ice cream bar high, with many ice cream shops offering unique flavor combinations, such as black currant brownie cheesecake or Oreo strawberry buttermilk which can be found on occasion at Paradis.

But of all the flavor combinations and classics, taro-flavored ice cream has become a main seller at Paradis because of its subtle sweetness and favorable parings with vanilla or chocolate.

Taro, which is a root vegetable sometimes referred to as purple yam, has broken into the culinary world and can be found in many desserts, including ice cream.

Although ice cream can satisfy a sweet tooth, ice cream can be a great way to enjoy bitter flavors, such as coffee.

“If you want to make really good ice cream, you have to lower the sugar content,” Mirza said. “If you have the right ingredients and they’re fresh, the flavors in the ingredients will be all you need and the ice cream will speak for itself.”

Mirza said he wants to make sure his customers have variety, so the shop has 50 flavors total, but rotates 16 flavors at a time, with four being dairyfree options. Although, some flavors are so popular, they have to be made every day.

Of the popular flavors, dairy-free options have become a staple in ice cream shops. Mirza said he offers four-to-five flavors made with almond or oat milk so those who cannot or choose to not have dairy can also enjoy some ice cream.

“We’ve always offered daily-free options since opening,” Mirza said. “I like to think we pioneered the dairy-free ice cream. Although they’re popular,

Paradis Ice Cream owner Tehseen Zaidi scoops up some of the 16 flavors available at Paradis Ice Cream in Valencia .

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Ice Cream Specials

• Whole Foods is offering 35% off on ice cream treats through July 20.

• Baskin Robbins is offering a free scoop of any flavor ice cream when you place a DoorDash order of $15 or more, as well as a $0 delivery fee for any orders over $15 in July.

• McConnells is offering 15% off online purchases through July 19.

In the past, many fast-food locations have also offered ice cream deals through their app, so it might be worth checking, if you’re looking for a frozen treat on Sunday.

we have to make them in smaller batches compared to the flavors made with milk.”

Apart from the usual shakes and Frappuccino, Mirza said he likes to stick with the basics when it comes to his ice cream and only offers a few toppings which he said are mainly geared for children since “they like to decorate their ice cream.”

Although some may like the basic flavors and scoops, ice cream has taken a new form, as rolled ice cream has become a big trend in ice cream shops.

Rolled ice cream requires a cold plate, any fla-

vor of ice cream and commonly fruit, chocolate or any other snack which can be mixed in. Once all ingredients are on the cold plate, they are chopped together until well incorporated, then flattened so they can be rolled into spirals. This new trend of ice cream allows people to pick any flavor of ice cream and any mix-ins which are blended together on the spot, and serves as a new way to enjoy ice cream.

Ice cream can, of course, be enjoyed in a milkshake or frappuccino, which can now combine all the different flavors together. Paradis offers set milkshake and frappe combinations, such as a chocolate with cold brew latte chip frappe or a vanilla bean with strawberry milkshake. Because ice cream allows for so many flavor combinations, people are also able to create their own milkshake or Frappuccino by combining any available options.

Ice cream flavors are beginning to move away from sweet and fruity as well, with more savory flavors becoming main stream. Popular flavors are now incorporating spicy components, such as chocolate and jalapeno, or pungent black garlic with cookies and cream.

Depending on the day, these unique flavor combinations can be found at Paradis. Patrons can enjoy a scoop of avocado and lime or basil and lemon flavor combinations that have sweet, tangy and salty flavors all in one.

Today, ice cream can be enjoyed with classic flavors, out-of-the-box flavors, any toppings that can be thought of, with or without dairy, in classic scoops or rolled, there’s an ice cream combination out there for everyone.

“What’s great about selling ice cream is that people are happy when they want ice cream – it’s a happy dessert,” Mirza said. “When you’re happy, ice cream is good. When you’re sad, ice cream is still good.” 

J U LY 18, 2021

When it is just too

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

to go outside

By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

W

ith hot nights and even hotter days, summer can be a struggle between staying cool and maintaining an affordable energy bill.

From portable units to home improvement projects, alternative ways are available that will help keep your home as cool as possible and help ease the cost of cooling your home.

Alternative products to keep a space cool

Ceiling fans and regular floor fans are the easiest and cheapest option to cool a house. Since heat rises, ceilings and attics can be the warmest part of a house, so having a ceiling fan will circulate air throughout a room.

Along with smaller fans, whole-house fans can be a better alternative to air conditioning, as they help remove hot air in an attic which can contribute to warmer temperatures in a house, but they require professional installation as an exit point for air to escape is required.

Portable air conditioning units are a good option to cool down a room instead of an entire house or apartment.

“You can take it from room to room,” said Patrick Cosley, general manager of Lowe’s on Bouquet Canyon Road. “It can be a great investment especially when we get those extremely hot nights.”

Swamp coolers are a popular alternative to air conditioning as they use water to cool a room.

However, Cosley said swamp coolers are best used in dry conditions instead of humid ones.

Home improvement projects to maintain airflow

Some home improvement projects can also ensure houses or apartments are maintaining an adequate airflow, or are well insulated.

“People often neglect getting insulation checked out,” Cosley said. “It’s recommended to have a specialist come check the insulation in a house every few years, and it’s not as costly as people might assume.”

It can be a money-saver in the long run to have insulated inspected and replaced as it prevents air from escaping.

It’s also beneficial to change air filters every three months, Cosley said. “People always pick the cheapest ones but it might be better in the long run to buy one that’s a little more expensive because it will keep pollutants out of the house.”

Another project which keeps air from escaping is to either have windows replaced or use weather stripping and calking to keep outside air from creeping inside.

Using an air conditioning unit might not be the best way to maintain a cool temperature in a house or apartment, as it could lead to a high electricity bill, but there are ways to ensure air conditioning

Robert Marfori, a member of the The Dragon Eyes, the local dragon boat team, wears an umbrella hat before his race during the second annual Castaic Lake Dragon Boat Festival. As the temperatures hit triple digits again this past week, many residents sought refuge indoors, away from the heat. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

units are being utilized efficiently to help cut the cost.

How to use air conditioning efficiently, if needed

If the heat becomes too intense, using an air conditioning unit might be needed, but there are efficient ways to use it to ensure energy isn’t being wasted and electricity bills don’t increase unnecessarily.

Servicing an air conditioner annually is just as important as servicing a vehicle, Cosley said. Having it serviced can bring attention to any issues which will lead to units running inefficiently, such as low coolant levels and cleaning out any build up.

“A big issue with summer is that energy demand can be really high which causes the need for a Flex Alert,” said Benjamin Gallagher, media relations adviser at Southern California Edison. “Flex Alerts are a way for people to use their air conditioner, and any other general items that use energy, more efficiently.”

Gallagher said the most efficient way to cool a home is to turn the air conditioner on during the morning and early afternoon and set it to a comfortable temperature, then turn it off during the late afternoon and evening, which is considered the peak time of energy use.

Once your house is cooled, it will stay cool into the evening, he added.

Keeping blinds closed is also another way to keep

houses cool, even after the air conditioner has been turned off. Closing blinds can be a good way to block heat and sunlight and keep the air in a house cool.

“Something people might not realize or think about is how much cooking can heat up a house,” Gallagher said. “We recommend people using a grill outside if they can, since ovens can heat up a house. Even using a microwave can be a better alternative.”

Along with stoves, dryers are another house appliance which can heat up a room quickly, Gallagher said, adding it could be efficient to finish laundry earlier in the day and use a lower heat, or no heat setting, or air-dry clothes if capable.

Deciding to use an air conditioner during the summer can be a battle between comfortability and affordability, but setting a standard for air conditioning use can ease the conflict. The recommended thermostat temperature is 78 degrees, Gallagher said, adding that temperature might be too warm for some. If so, he recommends keeping a houses temperature to your liking and using other appliances, such as fans or smaller, portable air conditioning units to help keep the temperature down.

“Using other things to help keep the house cool can offset the use of an air conditioner,” he said.

“But it’s important to also be mindful of turning those appliances off when you leave a room.” 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Comfort Keepers celebrates 20th anniversary

By Alicia Doyle Signal Staff Writer

C

omfort Keepers In-Home Care celebrates their 20th anniversary of assisting seniors to stay safely in their own homes in Santa Clarita. As a national franchise system and a premier provider of InHome Care, Comfort Keepers is a non-medical service that provides seniors with assistance with activities of daily living. Often times that helping hand is all that is needed to enable seniors to remain safely in their home and to “age in place.”

The goal of Comfort Keepers is to enrich the lives of clients while maintaining their safety, well-being, and comfort as they continue to live independently at home, said Myles McNamara, owner and president of Comfort Keepers of SCV. “We call ourselves comfort keepers — as opposed to caregivers — because our seniors are a proud and independent generation. If you start saying, ‘you need a caregiver,’ it’s really hard emotionally for seniors to accept,” said McNamara, further noting that Comfort Keepers are often referred to as personal attendants or a concierge service.

“Rather than telling mom and dad ‘we’re bringing in someone to babysit you,’ you can say ‘we’re bringing in an assistant to help around the house — you’re still the boss; this will enhance your ability to stay in your home, so you don’t have to be placed in a facility somewhere’,” he said. “Our clients want to stay in their home because they’ve built decades of memories there.”

McNamara noted that with older adults, shortterm memory typically declines before long-term memory if cognitive issues become a challenge.

“So if they’ve been in their house 40 years, they can navigate their surroundings. But if you put them in a facility somewhere, they become disoriented … their deterioration is exponential if they can’t stay in their own home.”

Comfort Keepers aims to provide the ideal solution with an informed process: • We provide a free in-home consultation if home care might be a solution.

• We assess each client prior to beginning service to provide personal recommendations. We consider the client’s unique needs and create a customized “Plan of Care.”

• We present our clients with options to choose the perfect package. The frequency of visits can vary between a few hours a week to 24/7 around-theclock care.

Comfort Keepers will help with daily tasks, including: • Medication reminders • Meal preparation • Transportation (Doctors appointments, errands) • Light housekeeping • Personal hygiene-Bathing, showering, etc.

Additionally, Comfort Keepers build friendships

Comfort Keepers has been caring for seniors in their homes for more than 20 years. PHOTO COURTESY COMFORT KEEPERS

and provide emotional support. To keep loved ones company, Comfort Keepers: • Provide companionship • Participate in their favorite activities • Strive to create lasting bonds built on respect and kindness Above all else, “Comfort Keepers In-Home Care strives to be compassionate and respectful in all aspects of our business,” McNamara said. “It is this dedication to the welfare of our clients that enables our award-winning organization to be an industry leader and attract the talented team members that shape Comfort Keepers.”

Comfort Keepers of SCV is strictly non-medical, McNamara reiterated.

“Our comfort keepers do anything and everything that doesn’t take a medical license to do,” he said.

In addition to Comfort Keepers providing assistance with the range of activities of daily living, or anything that takes hands-on care, “we branch off into what we call instrumental activities of daily living,” McNamara continued. “Depending on the cognitive level of our clients, we may help them organize mail, pay bills, take them grocery shopping – anything that encompasses that entire scope of staying in their home independently and safely.”

Many adult children are juggling their busy schedules as they care for their own family and children, while also making sure their aging parents are safe and okay and eating well, taking their medications, or even just a well check to assure they haven’t suffered a slip and fall.

“This is the sandwich generation – a group of

middle-aged adults who care for both their aging parents and their own children,” he said, such as the family that takes their child to soccer practice, but also makes sure their aging loved one is receiving what they need, such as eating healthy meals or traveling to follow-up doctor’s appointments, etc.

Comfort Keepers has trademarked the term, Interactive Caregiving, “because when possible, we try to have our clients participate in their own care,” said McNamara, adding that this involvement helps keep clients active physically as well as mentally.

For instance, “rather than the client sitting on the couch, the Comfort Keeper will ask them to show them their favorite recipe, or how, exactly, they want their towels folded … or stories! Man, do seniors have great stories. Some of our clients tell us about their experiences, WWII, depression era, amazing stories and wisdom. There’s a saying: The best schoolroom in the world, is at the side of a senior!”

Even though Comfort Keepers is non-medical, “all my case managers are nurses, because in addition to implementing our own Plan of Care, we may interface with all aspects of a client’s care” McNamara said. “A client may be on hospice, or receiving home health, and we must be able to seamlessly provide our service alongside them.”

The home assessment includes the safety aspect.

“We go through their entire home to determine where there should be grab bars, or where to remove throw rugs, or where to move tangled extension cords,” McNamara said, noting that seniors, with or without walking devices, can trip on rugs and cords. “With thick grouted tiles, their walker See COMFORT, page 15

J U LY 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Two SCV Olympians making their way to Tokyo

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

hen the U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team enters Ariake Arena in Tokyo to take on their best counterparts from around the world, two of the Americans fighting for the team to win the gold will be Santa Clarita Valley natives.

While David Smith, a veteran for the team and former Saugus High School graduate, will be fighting to seize the gold that had eluded him in the 2012 and 2016 games, Kyle Ensing, a Valencia graduate, is set to compete in his first ever Olympics and be fighting for both the gold and to honor a person who helped him to the arena in the first place: his mom.

The Ensing Family

It was always Jeanne Ensing’s dream to see the family’s name emblazoned on a Team USA uniform. And while Kyle Ensing knows she can’t be there to see it — a year removed from his mother’s passing, said he’ll head to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games knowing that she was the reason he had made it there.

“She was my biggest inspiration through all this,” said Kyle. “She played volleyball in high school and in college, and then kind of got (his brother) Eric into it.”

Valencia natives, Ensing and his brother Eric were always pushed to do their best — whether on a court, field or in a classroom — by their parents.

However, as Ensing’s father puts it, his wife was a primary driving force behind his kids’ careers.

“I credit all of this to their mom because she was the volleyball player and her idea,” said Todd Ensing, Kyle’s father. “She kind of managed them and made sure that they were getting their homework done and getting good grades.

“She was the one that saw the big picture … she was the brains behind it, she was the manager and I was kind of the support behind that,” Kyle Ensing added.

When asked about their parents, the Ensings’ coaches at both college and the high school level fondly remember both the Ensings’ mom and dad — calling them attentive and supportive of their kids’ and teams’ needs.

“Well they were just super involved, great people,” said Valencia Vikings men’s volleyball coach Josh Kornegay, who coached both Kyle and Eric during their high school tenures. “We would have parent meetings, and they were always putting in the time, they asked, ‘Where can we help; what can we do?’”

“I mean, I never did not see them at an event,” said Kornegay. “Either they were both there, or they always had one representing.”

Alan Knipe, the Long Beach State University men’s volleyball coach who also coached the Ensing brothers consecutively, described Todd and

Kyle Ensing, who went to high school in the Santa Clarita Valley, earned a spot on the USA Olympic Volleyball Team. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

How to watch The USA Men’s Indoor Volleyball Team’s first game is against France, July 24 at 5:45 a.m.

NBC is home to the Olympics, so tune into your local NBC station for primetime coverage.

You can also watch the games streaming on NBCOlympics.com, NBC Sports, and Peacock.

Jeanne as the ideal parents.

“When you talk to them, you know regardless of if their kid is starting or not, they want the entire experience for their son, to go through college, be a better person, get his degree, become a better volleyball player,” said Knipe.

After Jeanne passed away last year, Knipe made a point to drive up from Long Beach to attend her funeral at Eternal Valley and support the family that had been a staple in his program for a number of years.

See OLYMPICS, page 16

David Smith, a Saugus High grad, will be competing in his third Olympics in Tokyo this summer for the USA Volleyball Men’s Team. PHOTO COURTESY DAVID SMITH

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Keep your family and home safe during wildfires

By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

T

his summer, Santa Clarita is experiencing one of the driest and most fire-prone seasons on record, with temperatures soaring and vegetation withered and brown on our hillsides. With these dangerous conditions, resident safety is our top priority, so we want everyone to be prepared in the event of a wildfire.

Being proactive is one of the most important aspects of wildfire safety. Making sure our homes and families are ready for an evacuation is vital to the safety of lives and property.

You can help ensure the safety of your home by starting outside. Regularly maintain your property and remove any dead leaves, dry brush or vegetation in your backyard or within 30 feet of your house. This will help create a defensible barrier between your home and a possible wildfire.

Not only will this help keep your home safe, but it allows our first responders enough space to protect your property.

Preparing inside of your home is also crucial

for wildfire safety. Maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can be critical during a fire or emergency. Remember to keep a smoke detector in each room or zone of your house and replace the batteries twice a year.

During a wildfire, the heat from the flames can actually cause windows to break before the house catches fire. By installing dual-paned windows with an exterior pane of tempered glass, you can help reduce the chance of breakage during a fire and potentially save your home!

Once you have taken the time to assess prevention in and around your home, start creating a Ready! Set! Go! Plan. This procedure will help organize what you need during an evacuation.

Start by having a list of important phone numbers so you can communicate to family members in the event of separation. Assemble an emergency supply kit that you can keep in your car and have a kit near an exit of your home in case of evacuations. Remember to bring insurance papers, prescriptions, important documents and photos in the event of an evacuation.

And finally, have an emergency evacuation plan for your family! Designate a meeting location outside the fire or hazard area and have alternate travel

routes to that location.

During an emergency, please remember to give as much space as possible to our first responders.

Abiding by road closures or mandatory evacuation warnings will help keep you safe and give our firefighters and law enforcement the ability to protect your property.

Also, don’t forget about your furry family members! As you create your Ready! Set! Go! Plan, make sure you are prepared to evacuate your pets, and have their food and other necessary supplies ready to go.

If you would like to learn more about the Ready!

Set! Go! Plan or find more tips about wildfire safety, please go to fire.LACounty.gov/RSG. For emergency updates or to sign up for the City of Santa Clarita’s Nixle Alerts, go to santaclaritaemergency.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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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING

Addressing drug interaction side effects

M

edications are utilized in various ways. Some people take medication to treat issues like headaches or the common cold, while medicine also may be used to treat serious diseases like cancer or heart disease. Each medicine is different, but all share one common trait: the potential to produce side effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that the side effects of medications can range from relatively harmful nuisances like a runny nose to potentially life-threatening issues like an increased risk for heart attack.

When taking prescription medications or even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it’s imperative that people discuss the side effects of such medicines with their physicians.

Such discussions are especially important for people who are already taking other medications, as the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that adverse drug reactions are more likely to affect people who take more than three medicines per day.

People who suspect they’re experiencing side effects from medications should contact their physicians immediately. Physicians may recommend a host of strategies to treat these common side effects.

Constipation The health care experts at Michigan Medicine note that drinking plenty of fluids and exercising can help people overcome constipation. Doctors also may recommend incorporating more bran and whole grains into your diet.

Consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, including apples, beans, broccoli, and prunes, also may help people overcome constipation.

Diarrhea The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that nearly all medicines can cause diarrhea.

Foods like applesauce and rice are unlikely to lead to upset stomach, and these can be consumed when people are experiencing diarrhea.

Avoiding spicy foods and foods

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that are high in fat also can help people overcome diarrhea.

Headaches Michigan Medicine indicates that headaches might appear as the body adjusts to a new medicine. As the body acclimates, headaches might lessen in severity and ultimately disappear.

In the meantime, people can speak to their physicians about the safety of taking additional medicine to treat their headaches.

Loss of appetite The online medical resource Healthline notes that various drugs, including sleeping pills, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and diuretics, have been known to cause loss of appetite.

Eating healthy snacks between meals and choosing protein-rich foods at mealtime may ensure people get enough calories, vitamins and minerals each day, even if they’re not eating as much as they used to.

Nervousness A feeling of nervousness or of being on edge is another potential side effect of certain medications. This may occur as the body adjusts to a new medicine. However, patients may want to discuss lower doses or even alternative medicines with their physicians.

Medications can produce various side effects. If side effects appear, people should contact their physicians to develop a safe, effective plan to address them. (MC) 

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1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

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

‘The White Lotus’ follows staff, vacationers’ misadventures

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The White Lotus’

1/2 (out of four) 

A six-episode series airing Sundays on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.

W

e begin at the end in the six-part HBO Jolene Purdy and Murray Bartlett in series “The White “The White Lotus.”

Lotus,” with a casket being loaded onto a plane. Flash “Chuck and Buck,” “School of Rock” back a week earlier, and we’re introand “The One and Only Ivan.” This duced to the core group of charactime around, however, White takes eatres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com ters in writer-director Mike White’s his aim at easy targets and frames their stories like anthropological dark and ice cold and intermittently p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 studies, keeping us at a distance and intriguing but unfortunately off-putJuly 18-22, 2021 date: Sunday-Thursday, PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB producing only sporadic bursts of ting social satire.

We know one of these people is gothey’re one-note characters with skin- smart and uncomfortable humor. delivery date: Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 12:23:28 PM CASCS_LEM0718-0722.qxp Filmed at the Four Seasons Resort ing home in a box. Problem is, as the deep personalities.

Maui at Wailea in a production bubseries plods forward, it’s a bit difficult This is particularly surprising and ble during the pandemic, “The White to care WHICH of the main players disappointing given White is a unique Lotus” plays like a twisted, landlocked will get the Agatha Christie treatment talent who created and co-starred in extended episode of “The Love Boat,” — not because most of them are self- the underrated HBO series “Enlightas we follow the misadventures of a ish, unlikable narcissists, but because ened” and wrote the screenplays for handful of members of the staff as well as a small group of vacationers whose stories occasionally intertwine.

TM The staff includes the persnickety manager, Armond (Murray Bartlett), who is not particularly good at his job but tries to deflect responsibility for everything that goes wrong, and the 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 overworked and underappreciated spa manager, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), who has amazing massage techniques and some great ideas about health and wellness, and dreams of one day opening her own place.

OLD C SUMMERTIME E As for the guests, what a colorful Thu: 7:20 PM Sun: 1:50 4:30 7:20; Mon to Thu: bunch of blithering, privileged dolts 1:50 4:30 BO BURNHAM: INSIDE — most of whom are so obnoxious Thu: 7:30 PM SUMMER OF SOUL C you’d want to move away from their ENORMOUS: THE GORGE table if you were stuck next to them at 4:10 PM STORY the restaurant.

I CARRY YOU WITH ME E Wed: 7:30 PM Let’s start with the Mossbachers.

1:20 7:10 Connie Britton is Nicole, a tech/ PIG E lifestyle guru who runs some kind 1:00 3:15 5:30 7:45 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS C of Goop-type enterprise, and Steve ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT 1:10 4:20 Zahn is her hapless husband, Mark, ANTHONY BOURDAIN E who is in a tizzy because he’s about to IN THE HEIGHTS C 1:30 4:20 7:10 find out if he has testicular cancer.

7:00 PM Sydney Sweeney is their college SPACE JAM: A NEW ABOUT ENDLESSNESS I sophomore daughter, Olivia, who LEGACY B Mon: 7:30 PM says wildly inappropriate things just 1:40 4:30 7:30 to get a rise out of her parents; BritCHARIOTS OF FIRE I BLACK WIDOW C tany O’Grady is Olivia’s best friend, 1:00 4:00 7:00 Tue: 7:00 PM Paula, who sets her sights on an isFOR 7/18/20217/22/2021 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM lander who works as a busboy at the

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restaurant; and Fred Hechinger is Olivia’s younger brother, Quinn, a brooding lad who is bullied by his sister and horrified by his father’s attempts to bond with him.

Also on the trip are newlyweds Shane (Jake Lacy) and Rachel (Alexandra Daddario), who are so mismatched it’s a wonder they ever dated, let alone got married, and the annoyingly strange Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), who wanders around the resort looking for the perfect place and time to scatter her mother’s ashes.

“The White Lotus” is also scattered, as we follow subplots involving the disappearance of Paula’s bag, which contains a haul of drugs; Tanya befriending spa manager Belinda and making promises about providing the seed money for Belinda to start her own business; trust fund brat Shane telling his wife she should stop trying to become a journalist because they don’t need the money, and oh yeah, some truly tasteless material involving an offscreen character dying of AIDS some years ago — something a main character in this story has just learned in the most contrived way imaginable.

Granted, there are times when the bleak humor is smart, and this is a very well-acted show, but too many of the characters never rise above caricature. Jennifer Coolidge has always been the kind of actor who swings for the fences, and while there’s something to be admired about that kind of bravery, in this case she plays Tanya as someone who is not just daffy and self-centered, but clearly in need of serious help. Jake Lacy’s Shane is such a dimwit bro we want to yell for Rachel to wake up and run for her life.

As for the Mossbachers, the mother and father are comically inept parents, while their daughter Olivia and her friend Paula aren’t just Mean Girls, they’re borderline sociopaths with almost zero empathy. Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda is the most likable and human character, but her story arc is far too predictable and often gets lost in the dark hijinks of the nightmare guests and the idiot hotel manager. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

J U LY 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Unforgettable fruity flavors for summer evenings

F

resh fruit is finally in season. When the sun is out and kids are hitting the pool, it’s also time to indulge in some sweet fruit flavors. Watermelon, berries, bananas and more can all be found near perfect ripeness at grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the warm summer months.

On a hot day, there is almost nothing better than trying something new that sounds delicious.

Throw your apron on, prepare your kitchen and get baking.

If you’re craving something sweet with no ideas where to start, try this sweet Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit. It’s tangy and rich, and allows you to escape to the summer oasis of your dreams, at least for a few minutes.

It has the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake mixed with a hint of tart lemon juice. Topped with raspberries, mint and oranges, the burst of fresh fruit enhances the cheesecake flavor. It’s the perfect sweet treat for summer for people of all ages with its bright colors and varying flavors.

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter then press into a springform pan.

Beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, three eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract then pour it on top of the graham cracker mixture.

Bake for 50-55 minutes before cooling completely in the fridge and adding fruit and mint leaves.

FOOD

The outcome is a fluffy cheesecake with a small hint of lemon topped with your favorite fresh fruits. It’s a delightful, sweet and satisfying recipe your family can make again and again to enjoy during those warm summer months.

Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary. net.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit Servings: 6-8 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 eggs 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 orange, peeled and separated 8 raspberries 3 mint leaves, for garnish Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.

Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.

Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled.

Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

(Delish.com) 

Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie is perfect for a summer party

Y

ou’re having a part this summer and you’re trying to figure out a nice, cold summer drink sans alcohol. Try this delightful Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie.

It’s made with frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries and frozen mango for a healthier alternative to sugar-filled birthday cake.

Topped with fluffy, fun whipped cream and mini sprinkles, it still provides a sweet, festive treat. Plus, this smoothie can be made in a matter of

minutes using only one kitchen appliance for easy clean up.

To make it, blend frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, frozen mango, milk and yogurt until well combined.

Pour the mixture into four smoothie glasses and garnish each with whipped cream and sprinkles to add some extra color.

It’s that easy to make and even better to enjoy while watching your kid make wonderful memories with friends and family.

Fruity Sprinkles Smoothie Servings: 4 1 cup frozen blueberries 2 cups frozen strawberries 1 cup frozen mango 1 1/2 cups milk 1 carton (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt

whipped cream

sprinkles In blender, blend blueberries, strawberries, mango, milk and yogurt until combined.

Pour smoothie into four glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles. (Delish.com) 

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J U LY 18, 2021

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

Berlin is coming to The Canyon Santa Clarita

S

ince the band’s formation, Terri Nunn and Berlin have received a total of twelve gold and platinum album awards and Nunn’s unyielding influence has earned her the #11 spot on VH1.com’s “100 Greatest Women in Rock.”

Berlin will forever be recognized as the American progenitor of electro-pop artistry with sensually appealing lyrics. Few bands emerging from the era of Berlin have achieved as far-reaching and

long-lasting an impact and, rarely, such a timeless array of musical grooves. The Los Angeles-based band made its first national impression with the provocative single “Sex (I’m A …)” from the platinum-selling debut EP Pleasure Victim in 1982.

“The Metro” and “No More Words” were also chart toppers, but it was the unforgettable, intimate, and strikingly beautiful love song “Take My Breath Away” that took the band to another level.

The ballad’s defining role in the Tom Cruise film

Top Gun helped solidify Berlin’s everlasting place in American pop culture. The song was a #1 international hit and received both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for “Best Original Song” in 1986.

You can see Berlin live in concert August 27 at The Canyon Santa Clarita. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com, or call (888) 645-5006. 

J U LY 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

FA S H I O N

2021 fashion trends: Late 90s comeback and more

K

eeping up on the latest fashion trends often means having a foot firmly planted in the past. Experts say fashion is cyclical, which means there’s a good chance that if you hold on to items long enough, they’ll become popular once again.

New York-based celebrity stylist Samantha Brown says it’s common for trends to follow a 20year cycle for reappearance. That means that the looks that were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s are now poised for a comeback.

In addition to Y2K-esque influences, current fashion trends are focused on easy-to-wear items that will continue to help people be comfortable during Zoom meetings, but also ensure they look put together when they venture outside into a post-pandemic world. Here’s a look at some of what’s trending.

Ripped jeans Distressed jeans have now paved the way for big 1990s rips in lighter-washed denims, which have made a return in a big way.

Browse your local Forever 21 or Hollister and all the cool kids are now donning what their parents wore while attending college decades ago. And while you’re updating your jeans, be sure to pick high-waisted, wider-legged “Mom” jeans, as they’re

another effortless and laid back style to make a resurgence. They’re equally at home paired with heels or Vans, Adidas or Converse sneakers.

Cropped cardigans and tops Showing midriff is back in a big way. Stores are stocked in cropped tops that are just as cute with lounge-worthy sweatpants as high-waisted jeans.

more popular than skinny options.

Chokers Chokers were one of the quintessential accessories of the 1990s. Tight around the neck, these necklaces can be made from stretchy fabrics, leather cords or even beads. They’re at home at a music festival or a night out on the town.

Patchwork prints Patchwork offers a more delicate take on the flannel of early 1990s grunge attire.

Style experts say it provides a romantic touch, but is still casual and edgy.

Sporty and hip-hop trends Sporty Spice and Gwen Stefani could often be seen in sports bras and athletic pants, and that look is returning. Athletic-inspired hoodies, brands, track pants, and footwear are casual and comfortable. Overalls are

Sweatpants Perhaps fueled by a year of spending time indoors learning virtually and working from home, sweatpants and leggings emerged as go-to staples for daily dressing and were dubbed “couch clothing.” When heading out now, trade in muted gray or black for candy-colored joggers.

Bulky footwear If you are a guy or gal who never left home without your trusty Doc Martens in the past, dust off those boots and other clunky shoes for the ultimate comeback. Top Trends Guide says 1990s shoes, such as square toe heels, combat boots, platforms, and thick-soled sneakers, are trendy once again.

Fashion trends will look familiar this year, as many looks trace their roots to the late 1990s and early 2000s. (MC) 

1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

GARDENING

Keeping gardens safe in summer heat waves

S

ummer is a season to relax and enjoy the warm weather.

Basking in the summer sun is a great way to relax, but only when the temperatures are safe.

Summer heat waves can compromise the health of human beings as well as their pets. Gardening enthusiasts also may need to go the extra mile to keep their plants and gardens from wilting under harsh summer sun.

Extreme heat stress can be very harmful to plants. The online gardening resource Gardening Know How notes that some plants can withstand summer heat waves better than others.

For example, succulents conserve water in their leaves, helping them to withstand heat waves when the dog days of summer arrive.

But succulents are unique, and many plants will require a little extra help to withstand a heat wave.

Take a proactive approach with mulch

Gardeners need not wait until the

heat arrives to protect their plants from searing summer heat. The sustainable living experts at Eartheasy recommend utilizing light-colored mulch during heat waves. Such mulch will reflect the sunlight and help to maintain cooler surface soil conditions.

Eartheasy even notes that grass clippings, once they’ve turned from green to light brown, can make for the perfect mulch to protect plants from the heat. Clippings also are free, making them a cost-effective solution.

Let your plants pitch in

Water wisely

The horticultural experts at Yates Gardening note that water only helps plants withstand heat waves if it’s applied effectively. If water is only applied in short bursts and not long enough so it can penetrate all the way to the root zone, roots will then stay near the surface.

In such instances, roots will dry out during a heat wave and plants won’t

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When watering during a heat wave, do so by hand rather than through a sprinkler. Hand watering allows gardeners to direct all of the water onto the plants that need it most during a heat wave.

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make it through the season. Timing also is essential when watering.

Eartheasy recommends watering in the morning to avoid heat scald and also ensure as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

When planting new plants, it’s important that gardeners recognize it takes time for these plants to establish their roots so they’re strong enough to withstand heat waves. In the meantime, strategic planting can help them make it through their first heat waves unscathed.

Eartheasy notes that planting by taller, more established plants can provide new plants with shade that can help them survive heat waves.

Just make sure new plants can still get the sun they need to thrive.

Heat waves are inevitable and potentially harmful to gardens. Gardeners can help their plants beat the heat in various ways. (MC) 

J U LY 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

COMFORT

Continued from page 6

wheels can get snagged. So we assess all these things and then adapt to their situations. We have a trained eye that may see things others may miss.”

Comfort Keepers also provide respite for their clients’ family caregivers.

“Sometimes there are family caregivers that need a break because they can’t be there 24-7, so they’ll hire Comfort Keepers for respite care; they’ll come in a few times a week for four or more hours per visit,” McNamara explained. “That way, the family caregiver can go out and get their hair done, play a round of golf, get together with friends…and catch their breath to get the respite they need.”

A lot of folks don’t know if home care is right, or if they should have started earlier.

“We create a plan of care that’s very flexible,” said McNamara, re-emphasizing that these plans address non-medical services only. For in-

stance, “if we come in and the client needs wound care, or medication coordination, we are not licensed to do that, but we can coordinate a solution.”

Many times people confuse Home Care with Home Health. Home Care is what Comfort Keepers does, while Home Health is prescribed by your physician and a licensed nurse will come to the home to do medical related issues, said McNamara. For example, a Home Health nurse is needed to dose and fill a med-tray of medications prescribed by a doctor, then Comfort Keepers can follow the instructions and remind clients when it’s time to take them from the med-tray.

Medication reminders are a huge part of a Comfort Keepers’ job, because “a large percentage of seniors

who end up in the hospital or return after discharge is mismanagement of their medications – they’re not taking them on time, or they’re not throwing away old medications that have a negative interaction with updated medications,” explained McNamara, adding that “if they don’t take their medication, they spiral and end up back in the hospital.”

McNamara added that Home Care is a licensed industry, and are assigned a Home Care Organization (HCO) number. It insures proper training, Worker’s Comp and other payroll and labor laws, and liability insurance. There are companies that are operating “off the radar” and undercut the prices of a properly licensed HCO. Always ask for a license

number, just like you would with a contractor.

“Santa Clarita is the smallest large city in America and a tight-woven community, and I’ve loved providing care to our seniors for the last 20 years,” McNamara said. “I’ve always felt that if you give to the community, the community will give back!”

McNamara and Comfort Keepers has consistently supported the various nonprofits in Santa Clarita.

He’s very involved with the SCV Senior Center, having served as their foundation board president before it was dissolved, but supports it still.

McNamara also serves on the Foundation Board of Directors at Henry Mayo Hospital, as well as the Board of Directors for The Valley Industrial Association.

Comfort Keepers is located at 23900 Lyons Avenue in Santa Clarita. For more information, call (661) 2874200; or visit www.comfortkeepers. com. 

1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 18, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

OLYMPICS

Continued from page 7

“Having the Ensing family within our program and our family was just one of the all-time great experiences for me as a head coach,” said Knipe.

“Jeanne and Todd did such a good job raising their boys.”

Hometown Heroes

David Smith and Kyle Ensing have a few things in common, including that they’re both from the Santa Clarita Valley, both are now Olympic Volleyball players and both did not consider volleyball their primary sport until their teen years.

“When I was in high school, soccer was my primary sport,” said Smith, who played for Saugus between 19992003. “Volleyball was kind of my offseason sport right after soccer so I didn’t have to go to PE.” “I was just playing basketball and football so there wasn’t really any volleyball when I was starting high school,” said Ensing, then saying that

he watched as his brother Eric went to Long Beach State to compete in volleyball at a collegiate level. “That’s when I kind of realized, ‘Oh, volleyball can get me into college and I can take it as far as I want to.”

Smith said he realized he could play volleyball and receive his major in civil engineering at the same time, and after winding up at the University of California, Irvine, his path was set before him.

Ensing would go on to be named the 2014 All Santa Clarita Valley Player of the Year and Daily News All-Area Player of the Year. He would lead the Vikings to the CIF-Southern Section finals as a senior and the year after would make the 2015 Boys’ Youth National Team.

Ensing, after completing high school, would go on with his brother to win NCAA national titles, be named to a handful of All-American teams and compete in volleyball championships across the globe.

Eventually, he and Smith both would establish themselves as profes-

Todd Ensing, center, and his sons, Kyle, left and Eric all became closer as a family through their many hours of games, practices and volleyball-related activity. Now Kyle Ensing is headed to the Olympics, which was always a dream of his mother, Jeanne. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

sional volleyball players in Europe before setting their eyes on making and competing with the 2021 Tokyo U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.

Road to the Olympics

Kyle’s older brother Eric said he was proud of his brother for making the team, noting that it was not easy for him, or any other of the athletes to get there.

“It’s amazing just for him to have reached the level that he’s gotten to,” said Eric, adding that he watched as his brother continued to progress from high school to college to playing in the European leagues. “I’m just happy I got to play with him at Long Beach … and hopefully, he’ll get to show it off.”

In the way only an older brother can joke, Eric then added, “Unfortunately, he’s behind pretty much the best player in the world.” Matt Anderson, the team’s starting 6-foot, 10-inch opposite hitter, is widely regarded as the best at his position in the world.

After being on the U.S. Team that placed fifth in London and got the bronze in Rio, Smith now looks to even loftier goals due to those around him.

“I definitely give ourselves a (solid) shot, I think we should be able to come home with a medal,” said Smith.

“It’s going to be a difficult tourna-

ment, but I think we’re ready.”

Just before departing for Tokyo — where they’ll stay in the Olympic Village, be subject to COVID-19 testing and health protocols and represent their country on the floor — Ensing said his team, even if they wanted to would not be able to come along with him to see him play. However, one thing he learned after joining the team did remind him of home.

As the team practiced and battled together on their tournament trips and in the run-up to the Olympics, the two said they learned that one another were from the same place, based on identifying each other’s area codes.

“We started a WhatsApp group and I noticed that one of the new numbers started with a ‘661’ and I was like, ‘Wait a minute,’” said Smith. “I found out it was Kyle and asked him where he was from and I found out he went to Valencia.”

“It was really cool because there are two guys representing the Santa Clarita Valley on an Olympic team,” said Ensing.

“There’s a lot of good young guys, and obviously Kyle is the perfect example of that,” said Smith, later adding, “I think it’s going to be an incredible tournament.” 

J U LY 18, 2021

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

Water play can offer some cool summer fun play follow the leader by jumping through it.

For extra fun, an adult can play music from a porch or deck for a variation on “musical chairs.” When the music stops, whoever is under the sprinkler at the time is out.

It’s a water world. Letting kids make friends with water indoors and out gives them a chance to explore, learn and play. It also helps them gain a sense of control and confidence around water that will later prepare them for dips in big pools, lakes, rivers and oceans.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

K

ids can splash it, squirt it, sprinkle it, stir it, pour it or spray it. In fact, practically the only thing kids can’t do with water is break it! That’s why playing with water is so much fun, especially when the temperatures soar and the whole family needs to cool down.

You don’t have to live near a lake, community pool or ocean to let your kids explore the wonders of the wet.

Here are some ideas for both entertaining and educational water fun at home using a wading pool or sprinkler.

sponge for dipping, squeezing and sprinkling water on arms and legs.

• Wading pools are like outdoor tubs, so it’s fine for kids to bring favorite bath toys into the pool. Don’t miss out on sharing some great water experiments with your kids and their friends by taking along items found in the kitchen, too. Bring a clean

• Plastic containers or measuring cups are perfect to show kids the concepts of volume, quantity and measurement. Let them explore how water “changes shape” by pouring from one container into another. They can use a plastic funnel for the filling and

the spilling.

Plastic squeegee or pump spray bottles from dish detergent or window cleaner — emptied and cleaned, of course — make great outdoor water squirters.

• For older kids, some landlubber games can become water games with the help of the sprinkler. Kids can

Note For safety’s sake, adult supervision is the rule when kids play in and with water.

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 LY 18, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

J U LY 18, 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

Understanding the Agenda Running for reelection in 2012, then-President Barack Obama stated at a rally in Roanoke, Virginia, what was the mantra of the Democratic Party at the time regarding the creation of a successful economy: “If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.”

For many Democrats in 2012 and during the course of the Obama presidency, that somebody else was the not-so-invisible hand of the government, ready to pick winners and losers in the economy; be it working to regulate the oil shale revolution out of existence that would have made America energy-independent, filing one federal lawsuit after another against the coal industry that is the life blood of many Midwestern states, and pouring money down the drain on the Solyndras of the world and other government pet projects that would only work on the drawing boards of Washington, D.C., regulators.

Still, the emphasis was a begrudging acceptance of private sector success. “You built a factory out there? Good for you….” (Elizabeth Warren, August 2011), a backhanded compliment toward the free market, with the standard, tax-and-spend, “spread the wealth around.”

No more.

In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was elected to Congress, the first person to win her first election to Congress from New York as an out-in-the-open socialist since 1914.

It was a long drought, but it ended in a torrential flood, as the missives and policy proposals that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has taken can attest. It is said that you can recognize a person by the company he or she keeps, and as a member of Congress few people are more important company to keep than your senior counsel and policy advisor.

Enter Dan Riffle, a veteran Capitol Hill staffer and attorney who served Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and coined the term, “Every billionaire is a policy failure.” You have to respect his honesty. He has hoisted the banner to the top of his Twitter page. The modern Democratic Party is no longer about taxing and spending. It’s about telling Americans who want to succeed in our free market economy that there is a ceiling. Do you want to start a successful business that can cure diseases and make a lot of money in the process? You don’t need that money. Do you want to work on ending the obesity crisis and have your company listed on the stock market? You don’t need that company. Do you want to have quality health care and keep your own doctor if you want to? You don’t need that doctor.

Respect the honesty and understand the agenda. Get out to vote.

Vlad Ghenciu Porter Ranch Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: 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

On Humility and Change

By David Hegg

R

ecently, as a result of the examination of some of our politicians’ lives, the subject of redemption has become part of the national conversation. It usually goes like this: “Did you hear about what he did?”

“Yes, I did, but that was 20 years ago, and he has changed, found faith, and is a different person now. Surely you believe in redemption, don’t you?”

When redemption becomes a topic, we clergy think we have something to say. After all, redemption is our thing. That’s what we preach and teach and declare to be necessary in every life.

The problem is that redemption isn’t the nice, little, clear-cut experience so many make it out to be today. In fact, one of the hardest things I encounter in pastoral ministry is trying to determine the reality of redemption.

How do we know for sure that someone has been “brought back” out of decadence into virtue? What can we say authenticates true life-change, especially in areas of morality and ethics? By what measurements do we conclude that a liar is no longer lying, a philanderer is now faithful, and a serial flip-flopper has become a courageous, consistent and uncompromising leader?

When we turn to the topic of ethical systems, we find ourselves walking in the fields of knowledge that have long dealt with the questions of reality and hypocrisy. And almost universally we find that the necessary prerequisite to true redemption is a little thing called repentance.

In the Bible, the word “repentance” translates the Greek word that means literally to “change the mind.” But to the ancients, this word was much more than a mere decision to think differently. It was a life decision to turn away from previous ways of thinking and living in order to pursue the way of virtue and righteousness. And just what was the cause of this change? It was the opening of the eyes of the heart to see the disastrous consequences of the present course of life.

Jesus told a story that vividly illustrates the point. A young man, no longer content to

work for his father, demanded and got his inheritance. He took off to a far country and spent it all on decadent living. Starving, and finding himself needing to work with the pigs in order to live, the young man is said to have “come to his senses.” He woke up. He suddenly saw the reality of his choices, his selfishness, his foolishness. Then he went further and realized that he was responsible for those choices, and was in fact, as bad as they were. His decisions were just the fruit of who he actually was. He determined to do two things: change his life direction, and also return to repair what his arrogance and wickedness had broken.

In the story, the reality of his repentance is seen in that he admitted both that he had acted wickedly, and that he no longer deserved to be viewed as a son. He simply wanted to return and be in the father’s household, even as a slave. His repentance was primarily seen in his humility. And as the story ends, the father recognizes that his son has truly been changed and accepts him back with full forgiveness and reconciliation. That is redemption.

So, how do we measure those who claim to be new people, with new and improved lives?

First, have they “come to their senses” or did they get caught? Have they taken full responsibility for their actions as well as their polluted hearts? Have they demonstrated over time a new way of living, wrapped in humility?

Before anyone can claim the label of redemption, there must be true repentance wrapped in an attitude of complete humility. And my theology recognizes that such a change of heart and mind is impossible apart from divine assistance. So, maybe the greatest sign of redemption is humility before God rising out of the recognition that even on our best day we’ll never live up to our highest standards, let alone his. And that’s why God set into motion the greatest redemption project ever when he sent his son to do for us what we could never do alone. Redemption is something we all need, and only God can fully accomplish.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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