Sunday Signal July 3, 2022

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JULY 3, 2022

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WHO WANTS ICE CREME?

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

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

PATTI LaBELLE SATURDAY, JULY 9

SATURDAY, JULY 23

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 City of Palmdale and City of Lancaster present

FIREWO FIR EWOR RKS CELEBR CELEB RATION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 6 PM

MUSIC BY THE PLATINUM GROOVE GATES OPEN 4 PM Tickets $5 • Kids 12 & Under Admitted Free Tickets available online beginning August 1. • Limited on-site parking.

www.PalmdaleAmphitheater.com PALMDALE AMPHITHEATER FAMILY OF PARTNERS — THANK YOU!

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J U LY 3, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 5 How California Celebrates the 4th of July 6 National Ice Cream Month in Santa Clarita 7 SCV Summer Family Fun FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9 Be Safe This 4th of July ENTERTAINMENT 10 ‘The Bear’ has the Ingredients for a Hit FOOD 11 Sweet Summer Treats Watermelon Ice Cream Bars Watermelon Gelato FOURTH OF JULY 8 The Best for Your Barbecue 13 The History of Independence Day GARDENING 14 Gates: Water Gardens HEALTH 15 The Truth about Retinol SENIOR LIVING 17 Staying Socially Active May Enhance Mental Fitness HOME 18 Wood Floor Installation Dos and Don’ts PETS 19 Answers to Common Pet Fostering Questions KIDS & FAMILY 20 Donna’s Day: Camp Mail Time Junior Whirl • World Fact PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg

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9 10 11

8 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

How California Celebrates the Fourth of July

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

f you’re looking for a great Fourth of July, look no further than your own Santa Clarita Valley backyard. After a two-year hiatus, the SCV is ready, willing and able to celebrate the Fourth the way it always has with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast in Old Town Newhall, followed by the Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m.

The parade, a nostalgic reminder of everything good in the SCV, includes “floats” full of Scouts, local businesses and a special salute honoring the frontline personnel who served, and continue to serve, the SCV heroically during the COVID pandemic.

After the parade, head home to enjoy a backyard barbecue with friends and family.

End your day with the annual Spirit of America Fireworks Spectacular, which headlines Fourth of July celebrations in the city of Santa Clarita. The fireworks show should begin around 9:20 p.m., lighting up the skies above the Westfield Valencia Town Center.

If you stand on one of the pedestrian bridges around the mall, you’ll see both the city fireworks and the fireworks from Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If celebrating freedom means you are itching to hit the open road, you’ll find California celebrates the Fourth of July in spectacular fashion.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

July 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley 93065 Info bit.ly/3NoOYQt, (805) 522-2977 To celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday, the Ronald Regan Presidential Library is hosting a day full of family-fun activities. This year’s celebration includes patriotic concerts, family entertainment, games, crafts and more.

All outdoor activities are free; admission rates apply to view the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, Air Force One Pavilion and the special exhibit, Secrets of World War II. Reservations are not required for this event.

Face painting, bingo, Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department Concert Band, sports bounce jumper, arts and crafts, photo opportunity with presidential lookalikes, re-enactor performances and food and beverage are available for purchase.

The picnic races/games include sack races, shoe kicking contest, buddy walkers, bucket brigade, water balloon toss, spinner cone race, kid’s candy scramble, knock the cans down carnival game and black hole carnival game and much more.

Richard Nixon Library & Museum

July 3 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda 92886

Students from Santa Clarita Christian School at the 88th Santa Clarita Valley 2019 Fourth of July Parade. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Info www.nixonfoundation.org/events Join the Huntington Beach Concert Band for a spectacular patriotic show from noon to 1 p.m..

This free concert will be held in the magnificent East Room of the Nixon Library.

Entrance to the concert does not include museum admission.

‘A Salute to the Military Families of our Service Heroes’

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom Fireworks Spectacular 2378 Winship Lane, San Diego 92101 Info bigbayboom.com The annual “Big Bay Boom” Fourth of July Fireworks Show is the largest fireworks show on the West Coast. The show is starts at 9 p.m.

Best viewing locations include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North/South Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado Landing, Point Loma homes, Liberty Station, Little Italy, downtown hotels-high rises-condos, boats on the water and Port of Long Beach parks.

On July 4, San Diego’s North Bay will light up with a spectacular fireworks display orchestrated to originally produced music selections. The show can be viewed from Point Loma to Shelter Island to Harbor Island to Liberty Station to Little Italy to the North Embarcadero to Seaport Village and the South Embarcadero to the Coronado Ferry Landing.

The show will consist of about 18 minutes of some of the most technically advanced fireworks produced by one of the best worldwide operators of fireworks displays. The fireworks artists will choreograph the four barge locations of pyrotechnics simultaneously to music broadcast “live” on 101.5 KGB radio.

Park at the San Diego airport at a reduced rate and walk a short distance to view the fireworks.

Street parking is free.

Long Beach Big Bang on the Bay

July 3, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

190 N. Marina Drive, Long Beach 90803 Info boathouseonthebay.com/big-bang Big Bang on the Bay showcases fireworks over the Alamitos Bay Marina. It can be seen from Boathouse on the Bay, Alamitos Bay beaches and the Peninsula area of Long Beach.

Long Beach Free Fireworks

July 4, at 9 p.m.

300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach 90802 Info www.visitlongbeach.com The public is invited to a free Fourth of July fireworks spectacular at the Long Beach waterfront, presented by the city of Long Beach, Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau and Harbor Breeze Cruises.

The night sky will alight with fireworks launched from Queensway Bay. Free viewing locations are available all along the downtown waterfront, including the Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor and Marina Green.

Parking will be available at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and at public lots throughout the area, including at Shoreline Village and adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Morgan Hill Freedom Festival

16500 Condit Road, Morgan Hill 95037 Info morganhillfreedomfest.com The Freedom Festival in this Silicon Valley town, located 10 miles south of San Jose, goes back to 1876, and has longstanding features such as the “Patriotic Sing” at the downtown amphitheater, a fun run, a family-friendly music festival and a cruise and car show. The showstoppers, though, will be the town’s Fourth of July parade and its Fireworks on the Green. 

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J U LY 3, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

In Santa Clarita

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

N

ational Ice Cream Day is celebrated this year on July 17. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. While any time of the year is perfect for ice cream, there is something about hot weather and the joy of holding an ice cream cone in your hand.

The race to finish your cone before it melts and drips down your arm is a fond childhood memory for many.

The Santa Clarita Valley is fortunate to have a wide variety of ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato locations including one of the few Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard stores west of the Mississippi.

For National Ice Cream month, get adventurous and try something new.

From vanilla to honey lavender, there’s an ice cream flavor for everyone.

One of the most unique ice cream stores in the SCV is Pops Artisanal Creamery. For years residents have dreamed about an ice cream store locating to Main Street in Old Town Newhall. That dream became a reality when Pops opened last year adjacent to the Laemmle Theater.

“It’s one of the reasons we opened in Santa Clarita,” said Damon Pratt, operating general manager of Pops.

“We saw the Laemmle and said, ice cream and movies go hand in hand.”

Pratt’s brother, Marthin Ken,

founded the small chain in San Fernando. It has now expanded to three locations, which include Van Nuys and Newhall.

Ken is a sixth-generation ice cream maker. His roots go back to Belize where his family owned a bodega called the Rainbow Saloon. Their signature flavors such as Kriol Sweet Corn (sugar corn) and Soursop are still made and sold at Pops. Family members in Corozal, Belize, currently run an ice cream shop called Vamps Homemade Ice Cream and their grandfather still makes ice cream in San Francisco.

Pops ice cream uses recipes that go back generations. All the ice cream is made in house in small batches at the Van Nuys location. Pratt said the company plans to make its ice cream in Newhall in the future.

“We combine our family recipes and the diverse Los Angeles culture to create a wide range of flavors,” said Pratt. “Our recipes feature exotic fruits, traditional favorites and local farm-fresh ingredients. We wanted to create something modern and we offer vegan and nondairy flavors. We use coconut crème and oat crème.”

Pratt said guava cheese, inspired by the Porto’s pastry, is one of the most popular flavors at the store.

Pops offers 30 flavors daily of premium homemade ice cream, vegan sorbets and vegan ice cream.

Pratt said he enjoys being a part of a business that creates happiness.

“It is great to be able to share the

Damon Pratt, Pop’s Artisanal Creamery general manager, says the Newhall location was perfect. “We saw the Laemmle and said, ice cream and movies go hand in hand.” PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

flavors we had growing up in Belize in Central America,” he said.

As befitting National Ice Cream Month, Pops will celebrate the oneyear anniversary of its Newhall location at the end of July.

For other options, try any one of the following local ice cream offerings.

Baskin-Robbins 26582 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, 91350 16544 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 91387 19221 Golden Valley Road Canyon Country 91387 23432 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321 Ben & Jerry’s 23630-D Valencia Blvd. Valencia 91355. Locally owned and operated.

C&A Cafe and Creamery 19375 Plum Canyon Road Suite C, Saugus 91350. Family-owned and operated.

Cold Stone Creamery 27071 McBean Parkway Ste 3B, Valencia 91355 18740-A Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, 91351· Dairy Queen 26541 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 91350

From left: Dominik Tapia, Sebastian Bojorquez and Brody Martinez enjoy a cold treat at Pop’s Artisanal Creamery in Newhall.

Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt 27748 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91354

La Michoacana 20655 Soledad Canyon Road No. 43, Canyon Country 91351 La Michoacana Newhall 23762 Newhall Ave. Newhall 91321 La Michoacana Premium de Newhall 23254 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321 La Michoacana Plus Santa Clarita 19351 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 91351 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 28273 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 91355 26865 Sierra Highway, Newhall 91321 OhBella Gelato and Crepe Cafe 18585 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 91351 Paradis Ice Cream Valencia Westfield Valencia Town Center 24201 Valencia Blvd. #3428, Valencia, 91355 Pops Artisanal Creamery 24480 Main St. Suite 130, Old Town Newhall 91321 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 26773 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 91350 Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt 24244 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321 Wafflecomb 26240 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 91350 Yogurtland Valencia 24266 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 91355 

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

SCV Summer Family Fun

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

t’s summer in the Santa Clarita Valley. The kids are out of school and it’s time to make some family memories. Gas prices are crazy and instead of putting miles on the family SUV it might be the summer to stay close to home.

There’s plenty to see and do in the SCV this summer. Summer SCV fun has the usual suspects such as Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor.

Magic Mountain is scheduled to debut a new roller coaster sometime this summer. The ride, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, will be the world’s tallest single-track coaster, which will race at 58 mph, climb a 131-foot tower and plunge down an 87-degree drop along a 3,300-foot track.

Summer is also a great time to visit the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center and explore the variety of activities at Castaic Lake.

However, if your family is looking for new experiences here are a few suggestions:

Gibbon Conservation Center

19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita 91390 Info www.gibboncenter.org; reserva tions required.

If you’ve ever been on Bouquet Canyon near Vasquez Canyon Road in the early morning you may have heard the vocalizations of the gibbons housed at the nearby Gibbon Conservation Center.

In the SCV you can hear the gibbons every morning but it’s a rare experience heard at few other places in the United States.

The Gibbon Center was established in the SCV in 1976 and houses more than two dozen of the rarest group

of endangered apes in the Western Hemisphere. It is the only institution in the world to house and breed all four genera of gibbon.

A family tour of the Gibbon Conservation Center is available on weekends. Tours are held at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No children under age 3 can attend. Cost of the tour: Adults $18, teens and students $15, Seniors $12 and children 3-12 $7.

Weekday private tours for up to six people can be scheduled. The cost is $108.

Weekend private tours for up to eight people are $144.

Gibbons are susceptible to human diseases, so to ensure their safety all visitors must be in good health and wear an approved mask covering both mouth and nose at all times once they exit their vehicles. You will be charged for a mask if you do not bring one.

Newhall Aquarium

24631 Arch St., Newhall 91321 Info newhallaquarium.weebly.com, ​ or call (661) 220 -5512.

The Newhall Aquarium and Learning Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about marine life. It provides a handson learning experience complete with touch tanks that allow children of all ages and adults to interact with and gain a new respect for many different species of marine life.

Outreach programs are available for private events such as birthday parties.

Newhall Aquarium is open weekdays by appointment for group events/outreach programs and on Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for small family/individuals to walk in without an appointment.

‘Celebrate’ at Canyon Country Community Center

18410 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91351 “Celebrate” is a family-friendly event series that celebrates cultures, customs and culinary wonders from around the world. Immerse yourself in a cultural celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Share in the music, dance, food, art and educational experiences from the diverse people we have all around us.

Friday, Aug. 5 Celebrate Caribbean, Jamaica, Bahamas Friday, Sept. 2 Celebrate Mexico

Cars Under the Stars

July 23, 6-10 p.m.

Westfield Valencia Town Center Sears Parking Lot, 24137 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, 91355 Info www.wisheducationfoundation. org/cars-under-the-stars WiSH Education Foundation’s second annual car show fundraiser “Cars Under the Stars” will be held in the Sears parking lot at Westfield Town Center.

This family-friendly event will include the opportunity to vote for your favorite car, dance to your favorite songs, shop at your favorite vendor booths and eat your favorite foods.

Admission is $5 per person to en-

ter, kids under 5 are free.

Trophies will be awarded to Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice and WiSH Board Members’ Choice.

All proceeds benefit the William S. Hart Union High School District student programs and student wellness.

MB2 Entertainment

21516 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita 91350 Info mb2entertainmentscv.com Recently opened at the site of the former Mountasia, MB2 Entertainment offers something for everyone.

Enjoy mini golf, axe throwing, go karts, an arcade, laser tag, duck pin bowling, bumper boats and more.

Summer Beach Bus

Info santaclaritatransit.com/routesschedules/beach-bus/ Sometimes you just have to get away. Instead of spending your own money on gas, take the Santa Clarita Beach Bus to Santa Monica Pier for the day to catch some waves and rays. Travelers can bring their beach chairs, coolers and surfboards. The buses will run Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4. Fares are $3 each way for children and adults and $1.50 each way for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

There are two routes leaving from various locations across the SCV. Buses leave the SCV between 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and arrive in Santa Monica at about 10 a.m. Buses leave from the Santa Monica Pier to return to the SCV at 4:30 p.m. 

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J U LY 3, 2022

F O U R T H O FJ U LY

T

here’s something about summertime that ushers in an easygoing spirit. The long, hot summer months are often celebrated with backyard barbecues, beach days and spending time with friends and family. It’s a time to fire up the grill, slow down and roll with the punches.

So, when you’re thinking about what to feed your family off the grill, it should be a breeze, and you shouldn’t have to choose between good and good for you. Next time you turn on your grill, consider these tips for creating healthier, flavorful meals you can feel confident serving.

Keep it simple

Skip the complicated recipes that call for a wide variety of ingredients, a multitude of steps and long cook times. Instead, seek out products and dishes that are made with ingredients you recognize and have just a handful of instructions. This will ensure less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

Focus on seasonal, clean ingredients

Get inspired by your local farmer’s market. One of the best parts about summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that can add flavor and nutrients to your plate. Plant-based meat, like the burgers, ground and sausages from Lightlife, are also a healthier swap for traditional animal meat products.

The pea protein-based product line features only simple ingredients, like pea protein, beet powder and red bell pepper, and are non-GMO, gluten-free and soy-free, perfect for use in recipes like this Burger with Grilled Pineapple and Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce.

“I know how hard it can be to create fast and flavorful meals that the entire family will love,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods. “That’s why we’re focused on making delicious food with the cleanest ingredients possible. The fact that they’re all plant-based is just a bonus.”

Don’t forget the sides

Food should be a source of confidence, with everything enjoyed in moderation. To balance your spread of burgers and hot dogs, consider serving fresh asparagus or sweet corn in place of other salty, processed options. Fruits like peaches and pineapple work well on the grill, too, but remember to group produce by similar cooking times.

Aim for a quick and fun cleanup. Perhaps one of

the most overlooked secrets to a stress-free meal is to cut down on cleanup. A backyard barbecue can be one of the easiest messes to maintain as most of the prep is done outside on the grill. Try setting up a buffet line on your deck or patio where your family can build their burgers with customized top-

pings, like cheese, veggies and sauces. Then add a little bit of fun by putting on your favorite music playlist to help make a simple, everyday meal feel even more special.

Visit lightlife.com to discover more plant-based recipes and solutions. (Family Features)

Burger with Grilled Pineapple and Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce

Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 2

and set aside. Wipe down grill to cook burger patties.

2 rings freshly cored pineapple 2 Lightlife Plant-Based Burger patties, thawed

salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup baby arugula 2 sesame seed burger buns, lightly toasted 1/4 cup crispy fried onions 2 tablespoons honey garlic barbecue sauce

Season burger patties with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill 4-5 minutes per side until burgers are evenly browned with internal temperature of 165 F.

Heat grill to medium heat. Grill pineapple slices 4-5 minutes per side until grill-marked and slightly caramelized. Cut slices in half

To assemble, layer handful of baby arugula leaves on toasted bottom buns, top each with burger and two cut slices each of grilled pineapple. Sprinkle on crispy fried onions, drizzle with honey garlic barbecue sauce and place toasted sesame seed bun on top. 

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Be Safe This Fourth of July!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

A

ccording to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 19,000 fires are started by fireworks each year across the United States. This year, California is experiencing one of the worst droughts in history and after a dry winter, much of the brush that grows on our surrounding mountains and hills has become increasingly dry and brittle.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, I want to urge all of our residents to never light fireworks or explosive materials. Not only can this lead to catastrophic damage to our homes and community, but the noise alone can cause anxiety for veterans and lead pets to run away from their homes in fear.

The safety of our residents is and always will be our top priority, whether that is in regards to fires or injuries.

In 2020, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15,600 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries.

Of those injuries, 44% were burns to the eyes, head, face, ears, hands and fingers. Many of these injuries stemmed from the use of firecrackers and sparklers.

What may look to be a fun and danger-free celebration can actually cause irreversible damage to our residents.

While fireworks may look magnificent, the noise can cause fear for many throughout our community. Veterans with combat PTSD are silent victims of fireworks, so please be considerate of your neighbors who have already given so much to our nation.

Additionally, many of our four-legged friends become so scared from the fireworks explosions that they run away from their homes.

July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters due to dogs and cats who were frightened by fireworks. To refrain from untold damage to our veterans and animals, please don’t light fireworks this holiday season.

In Santa Clarita, all fireworks are illegal, this includes the unincorporated areas of Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Tesoro del Valle and Val Verde.

Residents can report illegal fireworks by calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station at (661) 2604000 or by entering it into the City’s Resident Service Center at santa-clarita.com/RSC. Please note that a report will not result in an immediate response. Your reports are crucial to helping our local Sheriff ’s Department identify

Caring.

Compassionate.

Committed.

henrymayo.com/care

hotspots in our community. Santa Clarita residents can also get a $500 reward for reporting illegal fireworks to the Sheriff ’s Station. If you have a life-threatening emergency, you should dial 9-1-1.

Rather than light your own fireworks, I invite all of our residents to come to the City of Santa Clarita’s Fireworks Show at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Professionals will light up the night sky and allow everyone to sit back in their chairs and enjoy a safe, family-friendly show. The event will begin at 9:15 p.m. For more information about firework safety and resources, please visit santa-clarita.com/ Fireworks. I wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.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 LY 3, 2022

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

‘The Bear’ has the Ingredients for a Satisfying, Restaurant-Based Hit

a rising Michelin star who escaped his crazy, working-class family in Chicago, fled to Manhattan and worked ‘The Bear’ at one of the best restaurants in the 1/2 (out of four) world — but has now returned home An eight-episode series available after his beloved older brother MiThursday on Hulu. chael committed suicide and left him hen we think of TV in charge of the family’s semi-legendcooking shows, the ary and charmingly ramshackle joint, titles that spring to The Original Beef of Chicagoland. mind are the realityWe know Carmy’s got a lot on his competition series such as “Top mind and is dealing with myriad deChef ” and “Hell’s Kitchen” and mons, because the first time we see “Cupcake Wars,” as opposed to him in the premiere episode, he’s on mostly forgotten dramatic and/or the Clark Street Bridge above the Chiatres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com comedic efforts, e.g., Starz’ “Sweetcago River, unlocking a cage containbitter” and AMC’s “Feed the Beast.” p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” ing an actual bear. (Spoiler alert! It’s a Now we finally have a series with PHOTO COURTESY IMDB dream sequence.) From that startling date: Sunday-Thursday, all the necessary ingredientsJuly on the3-7, 2022 moment, showrunners and directors menu to Tuesday, make for aJune long-running, worked or is currently employed in delivery date: Christopher Storer (who created the 28, 2022 at 10:38:09 AM CASCS_LEM0703-0707.qxp satisfying, immensely entertaining, the restaurant business. series) and Joanna Calo plunge us into decidedly Chicago-centric, restaurantIf Jeremy Allen White’s geniusthe chaotic world of the restaurant, based hit: FX/Hulu’s “The Bear,” a smart but troubled Lip from “Shamewhich has a Billy Goat-style illuminatdarkly funny, frenetic and intense less” had decided to disown the Galla- ed menu behind the counter (next to gem that will make you very hungry gher family, change his name and bea Blackhawks jersey), a mishmash of and most likely will ring the bell of come a chef, he wouldn’t be dissimilar crooked framed photos on the wall, authenticity for anyone who has ever to White’s Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, some old-school arcade games and a cramped kitchen with a tiny nook of an office. (Full disclosure: My sister TM was the series’ property master.)

“I’m still trying to figure this place out, see how Michael was doing everything, and I want to get you your money,” Carmy says to an unseen credi22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 tor on the phone, as we see a medley of unpaid bills and past-due notices, indicating The Original Beef of ChiTHOR: LOVE AND THUNDER C Thu: 4:00 7:10 cagoland is in danger of going under if “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds Thor on a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer, Gorr the God Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods. Enlisting the aid of several powerful friends, Thor embarks upon a harrowing cosmic Carmy doesn’t make some fast moves adventure to stop the God Butcher’s quest for vengeance. and some big changes, like, yesterday.

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU B 1:00 3:10 5:20 7:30 We’re quickly introduced to the core A young Gru joins forces with his new Minion friends to take on the supervillain supergroup The Vicious 6. players who will populate the crowded THE BLACK PHONE E 1:15 4:30 7:20 kitchen and toggle back and forth beA shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little tween working together as a cohesive use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, he discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. unit and wanting to kill each other, ofELVIS C 1:00 4:00 7:00 ten within the span of the same shift: “Elvis” is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama about the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker • Ayo Edebiri’s Sydney is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef LIGHTYEAR B 1:20 4:25 7:30 who finds herself back at square A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox. one after her catering company failed. She’s a great admirer of CarJURASSIC WORLD DOMINION C 1:10 4:00 7:00 Dinosaurs now live - and hunt - alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, my’s work. His brusque manner? once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on Earth.

Not so much.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK C 1:05 4:10 7:15 • Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie is the After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is pushing the envelope as a manager of the restaurant and a volcourageous test pilot. atile hothead who was best friends TAMPOPO I Wed: 7:00 PM with Michael and thinks nothing The tale of an enigmatic band of ramen ronin who guide the widow of a noodle shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe, Tampopo serves up a savory broth of culinary adventure seasoned with offbeat comedy sketches and the erotic exploits of a should change. To say Richie and gastronome gangster.

Carmy are constantly clashing is like FOR 7/3/20227/7/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM saying Michael and Fredo Corleone

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer



W

NEWHALL

Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV!

had their differences.

• Lionel Boyce’s Marcus is a genial baker who is inspired by Carmy to strive for greatness, while Liza Colon-Zayas’ Tina is a veteran line cook who is highly skeptical of this young upstart Sydney.

The outstanding supporting ensemble also includes the invaluable Abby Elliott as Carmy’s sister Natalie, the classic middle child who has spent most of her adult life trying to keep the frayed family together, and real-life chef Matty Matheson in a hilarious turn as a perpetually upbeat all-around fix-it guy.

With most episodes clocking in at around 30 minutes, save for the 20-minute, one-shot penultimate episode and the 47-minute Season One finale, “The Bear” moves at an almost exhausting pace. Carmy insists that everyone call each other “Chef ” as a sign of respect, and the dialogue is peppered with restaurant-authentic terminology (“Behind!” “Corner!”) and rituals, e.g., the Brigade System (which dictates a certain, clearly defined hierarchy in the kitchen) and the “Family Meal” tradition in which the staff gathers around the table during an off-peak period and shares dishes and stories. (These scenes provide relief from the constant clashes among so many big personalities and make for some of the more touching moments on the series.)

White can hit hardcore dramatic beats with a Sean Penn-like ferocity, but he’s also adept at handling self-deprecating comedy. At first, Moss-Bachrach’s Richie comes across as a one-note, irritating jerk, but in later episodes the actor is given the chance to show Richie’s heart and vulnerability, and he does outstanding work. Edebiri might not yet be a household name, but she’s a star in the making, and her Sydney is arguably the most empathetic and likable character in and out of the kitchen.

Every day at The Original Beef of Chicagoland brings a new development, a new setback, a new series of challenges for Carmy and his crew.

We’re rooting for them to keep the lights on and to keep those sammiches coming. That’s the Chicago way. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Sweet Summer Treats that Beat the Heat

W

hether your family’s ideal summer day consists of swimming, hiking, biking or simply enjoying the sunshine, all that time in the heat calls for a sweet way to cool off. It’s hard to beat a homemade treat loaded with favorite summertime flavors that’s as cold and creamy as it is sweet and delicious.

For a lighter, better-for-you solution, this Watermelon Gelato has about half the fat and fewer calories than traditional ice cream but with equally mouthwatering flavor.

When a summer weekend offers opportunities for morning kitchen lessons with the kiddos, they can help measure ingredients for Watermelon Ice Cream Bars and watch the magic happen as you mix up a watermelon curd, homemade crust and whipped cream. Once your creation freezes completely throughout the day, turn out and cut into bars for a cold afternoon treat following all that fun in the sun.

While sweet and tasty, these desserts also provide a bite of hydration with the power of watermelon, which is 92% water for a delicious way to rehydrate.

Find more sweet summer recipe ideas at Watermelon.org. (Family Features)

Watermelon Ice Cream Bars Servings: 8

Watermelon Curd 3/4 2 1/2 1 3 1/2

cup watermelon juice tablespoons lime juice cup honey pinch salt eggs, lightly beaten cup butter (1 stick), cut into small cubes

Crust

Watermelon Ice Cream Bars

butter; pulse until mixture resembles wet sand.

Line 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper then press graham cracker mixture into bottom of pan in even layer. Bake crust about 10 minutes, or until just beginning to brown. Allow crust to cool completely.

Watermelon Gelato

Whipped Cream

Servings: 8 2 cups pureed watermelon 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup fat-free half-and-half 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup whipping cream

To make watermelon curd In medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine watermelon juice, lime juice, honey and salt. Stir to combine then add eggs.

In blender, blend watermelon, sugar, cornstarch, half-and-half, lemon juice and whipping cream until smooth.

8 graham crackers, crushed 2 tablespoons honey 1 pinch salt 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

basil leaves, for garnish 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Place pan over medium heat and cook, adding cubed butter to pan and stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats back of wooden spoon.

Immediately remove from heat and carefully pour through fine mesh sieve. Cool completely in refrigerator.

To make crust Preheat oven to 350 F. In food processor, pulse graham crackers until rough crumbs form. Add honey, salt and melted

Using ice cream maker, process gelato according to manufacturer’s instructions.

To make whipped cream: When crust and curd are completely cooled, in large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently push cream to one side of bowl and pour in watermelon curd. Using spatula, gently fold cream and watermelon curd together until no streaks are visible.

Pour creamy watermelon mixture over graham cracker crust. Freeze dessert completely, 4-6 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, loosen sides with small spatula or butter knife. Turn out onto cutting board and use large spatula to flip so graham cracker crust is on bottom. Cut into eight bars and top each with basil leaf. 

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J U LY 3, 2022

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

Stay The Night — The Motels at The Canyon

I

n 1971, a young Martha Davis joined The Warfield Foxes, a band from Berkeley California. In 1975 they moved to Los Angeles and changed the band name to The Motels.

The new name was inspired on the way to the band’s first show at Barney’s Beanery. Guitarist Dean Chamberlain noted the motor inns as they drove down Santa Monica Boulevard and suggested “What about The Motels?”

The Motels scored big with hits including “Only

the Lonely,” “Suddenly Last Summer,” “Total Control, “Mission of Mercy, “Shame” and “Danger” netting two gold albums. MTV videos did not kill this radio star with lead singer and songwriter Martha Davis winning Best Performance in a Music Video at the American Music Awards for her performance in the “Only the Lonely” video.

The new lineup includes guitarist Clint Walsh, drummer Eric Gardner, bassist Nic Johns and as of 2011, original member Marty Jourard. With an

80’s revival now in full swing, The Motels are back on the road pleasing their legions of fans.

You can see The Motels live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on September 9. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeetsthe soul.com.

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

F O U R T H O FJ U LY

The History of America’s Independence Day

F

ew summertime holidays elicit as much excitement as the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States.

Each year, family, friends and revelers anticipate the arrival of the holiday so they can host barbecues, enjoy the sun, listen to their favorite summertime tunes, and commemorate the freedoms afforded by the monumental events that led to the holiday’s establishment.

Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1941, but July 4th has stood as the birth of American independence for much longer. July 4th marks a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.

According to PBS, the colonies were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. “Taxation without representation” became a battle cry and was one of several grievances colonists had

T

“Taxation without representation.” with Great Britain.

Conflict between the colonies had been going on for at least a year before the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in June of 1776, says Military.com.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from England. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is an historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer of the declaration writing committee charged with putting the colonies’ sentiments into words.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was one of the first people to present a

Why is Independence Day celebrated on July 4th?

he Continental Congress declared its independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. If that date raises an eyebrow, it should. Independence Day in the United States has long been celebrated on July 4th, which would seem to be two days late. But upon closer examination, it seems Americans are not really celebrating their independence two days later than they should be.

According to the National Constitution Center, the Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring its independence from Great Britain on July 2. However, a document still needed to be drafted to explain the decision to the general public.

Such a document was already in the works, but it took two days for the men of Congress to agree on a final version. The resulting document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was sent to John Dunlap, an Irish printer who served under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, who

Join the signers of America’s founding documents You can add your name to either the Declaration of Indepence or the Constitution. Visit www.archives. gov/founding-docs/ join-the-signers.

Sign your name and download the image.  subsequently printed roughly 200 broadsides.

Still, the Declaration of Independence was not read to the public until July 8, 1776, when Colonel John Nixon did so in Philadelphia on what is now known as Independence Square.

It was nearly a month later, on August 2, 1776, when most members of the Continental Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. (MC) 

This 2003 photograph of the reverse of the Declaration shows the identifying inscription written at the bottom edge so it could be read without unrolling the parchment. COURTESY THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

resolution for American independence, and his commentary was the impetus for the formal Declaration of Independence. A total of 86 changes were made to Jefferson’s original draft until the final version was adopted.

The signing of the document helped to solidify independence, and eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America.

A total of 56 delegates signed the document. Although John Hancock’s signature is the largest, it did not hold more weight than the other signatures. Rather, rumor has it, Hancock

signed it so large so that the “fat, old King could read it without his spectacles.” However, the National Archives says it was also customary that, since Hancock was the president of the Continental Congress, he be the first person to sign the document centered below the text.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776. The first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square on July 8, 1776. (MC) 

How was it made?

Creating the Parchment Declaration

On July 19, once all 13 colonies had signified their approval of the Declaration of Independence, Congress ordered that it be “fairly engrossed on parchment.” (To “engross” is to write in a large, clear hand.

Timothy Matlack, an assistant to the Secretary of the Congress, was most likely the penman.

Signing the Declaration

On August 2, the journal of the Continental Congress records that “The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed.”

John Hancock, president of the Congress, signed first. The delegates then signed by state from north to south. Some signed after August 2. A few refused. George Washington was away with his troops. Ultimately, 56 delegates signed the Declaration. (National Archives) 

Timothy Matlack was a Philadelphia brewer whose fiery patriotism earned him a prominent position in the Revolutionary Period. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

As a master penman, he is believed to have hand-lettered the parchment Declaration. COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF BOSTON FINE ARTS COLLECTION

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J U LY 3, 2022

GARDENING

Water Gardens Add Charm and Coolness

By Jane Gates Signal Contributing Writer

W

ater gardening has become very popular all over the country. The romantic image of an oasis in the desert has always held a mag­ical quality. Though we may be more correctly considered chap­arral rather than desert, the magic retains its allure.

In the dry heat of our summers, a little running water can sooth the soul and lower the temperature psycholog­ically. Water can be introduced from a tiny source or a large focal point. It can be in the form of a fountain, a pool, a waterfall or a pond.

All shapes and sizes

Fountains can be as simple as little table structures for the patio. Or, you can build a natural looking fountain in your garden with local rocks so it appears to be a natural upshot of ground water, blending in with the environment.

You can chose from a large selection of preformed fountains in all sizes, shapes and colors at specialty or home stores. Or a fountain can be constructed on site as a major fea­ture in the landscape.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are often incorporat­ed into the design of many pools . ‘Pondless’ waterfalls have become especially popular. The idea is to build a waterfall that spills into a recy­cling area filled with rock or another medium that makes issues with pond, fish and mosqui­to maintenance mute.

Waterfalls can be built of rock to look natur­al, or may be built with a variety of other materials to look artistic, contemporary, humorous or reflect

any other style. Most important is that these waterfalls are designed to blend with the style of the surrounding garden and home.

Mosquitos

There are a number of issues to keep in mind if you are consider­ing a water feature. In the heat and dry of our climate, the heavier the water flow, the greater the evaporation. Your water feature will need to be topped up regular­ly.

If you do not have fish, you will have to consider ways of thwarting the mosquito population. If there are no living critters in your water world, then you can use chlorine, bleach or water conditioners at pool supply retailers.

If your focus is on water plants, consider using mosquito dunks. They work biologically and will not hurt your plants. Maintaining a population of fish should keep the mosquito popula­tion under control consuming the mosquito eggs and hatchlings as a natural dinner treat.

I don’t rec­ommend koi for a pond smaller than 1,000 gallons. For smaller ponds there are lots of colors and forms of goldfish available as well as the usual orange color. Try comets for reds and whites and Shibunkins for fancy patterns, multiple colors and longer fins and tails.

Maintenance

Water gardens can be a source of fascination.

But they are a lot of work — especially ponds. New ponds actually take the least work, but after a year or two, when they reach a good balance, it will require much of your time to keep that balance.

If you want waterlilies, for example, you need to make sure your pond gets at least six hours of sun.

This same sun that will make most water plants

grow best, will also encourage the long stringy algae that may clog up your pond and equipment. Raising koi or larger numbers of goldfish makes a biological filter a must, and that will need regular cleaning.

Stick to fountains unless you are willing to do the time-consuming maintenance.

Plants

Aquatic plants create their own special effects.

Bog plants, for example need to keep at least their toes wet (the bottoms of the pots in water) and usually tolerate water right up to their necks (sub­ merged just over the top of the pot).

Of the plants that dive in over their heads, the water lily is prob­ably the best known. The regal Lotus is worthy of growing in any water garden. Both plants will grow larger and flower better in very big containers — the bigger the better. They need at least 6 hours of sun here. When happy, they put on breath-taking displays of both flower and foliage and offer a vast array of colors.

Then there are the floating water plants. These do not have to be planted at all, but form colonies on the surface of the water. These plants help aerate the water during the day and provide shade for fish. They add practicality and beauty and can sometimes be used in smaller water features like fountains.

Water gardening is fascinating for adults and children alike, but beware, it can easily grow into an addiction! Be realistic about how much money, energy and time you have to put into your water gar­den, and then choose your favorite form!

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

H E A LT H

Dermatologist: The Truth about Retinol

R

etinol is often praised as a holy grail of a skincare ingredient, but there’s a lot of confusion about the best ways to use retinol for maximum effectiveness without irritation.

“Retinol is a prized skincare ingredient because it is well studied to treat several skin conditions,” said dermatologist Dr. Chris Tomassian. “Because it works by increasing cell turnover, it has the ability to improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation as well as help treat and prevent acne. Due to its ability to increase collagen and elastin production, it also helps with fine lines and wrinkles and can improve scarring.

“Luckily, you don’t need a prescription for retinol that actually works, nor do you have to break the bank. Retinol is available in a variety of drugstore products, but it can be confusing to decide the most effective options and best practices for use,” he said.

Tomassian wants to help by sharing his expertise and answering the top questions he hears from patients so everyone has the facts.

Should retinol be the first or last layer?

It can depend on your skin’s unique needs, but it’s typical to apply retinol first and then layer a moisturizer on afterward. If your skin is dryer, consider

applying the moisturizer first and then the retinol product. You can also sandwich your retinol product between two layers of moisturizer.

A little or a lot — what’s the right amount?

Too much can be irritating and too little won’t be effective. Try perfectly pre-measured doses like RoC RETINOL CORREXION Night Serum Capsules available at Target. Made with a high concentration of pure RoC Retinol and Antioxidants, this clinically-proven serum is sealed tight in a 100% biodegradable capsule for optimal freshness and potency.

Are one-day results a reality?

Results can vary by product and usage. For RoC’s Retinol Night Serum Capsules, in one night, 97% of users had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles. In four weeks, 100% continued to show significant reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, 100% had visibly firmer skin, and 100% had more supple, hydrated skin.

Morning, noon or night?

This is dependent on the retinol you’re using.

Some forms of retinol, like tretinoin, are not UV stable which means they are inactivated by the sun.

To be safe, dermatologists recommend using them at night before bed. This allows the product

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to work on the delicate skin on your face while you are sleeping and be most effective when you’re out of the daylight.

Should you take a summer break?

Retinol may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop it during summer months or other periods you’ll be spending more time outdoors. Just be sure to apply SPF 30 or higher, and you may want to keep sunglasses and a hat handy for extra protection if needed. “The hype is real about retinol, but to get the maximum benefits you need to use the right amount in the right way,” Tomassian said.

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

SENIORLIVING

Staying Socially Active May Enrich Mental Fitness

W

Where Will Your Hearing Aid

hen you think about exercise, you likely think about the physical health benefits of working out. Many people exercise regularly to lose or maintain weight, improve muscle tone and strength or increase flexibility.

For seniors, physical activity can help them stay mobile and, as a result, stay independent for longer. However, the benefits of exercise go beyond the physical and can potentially enrich your social life and mental state.

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Staying social as you age

Loneliness is a common problem for seniors and can have serious consequences on their overall well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a quarter of adults over 65 are socially isolated. Older adults are more likely to live alone and lose friends and family as they age.

The CDC also reports that social isolation in adults 50 or older has been associated with higher risks of dementia, depression, anxiety and other health problems.

While these facts may be grim, there are many ways to combat loneliness, including group exercise.

Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal in her book The Joy of Movement, explains that endorphins (the feelgood hormone) released during exercise also help us bond with others. If you’ve ever played team sports or regularly attended yoga or other group fitness classes, you’ve probably felt a camaraderie with those around you.

Programs like SilverSneakers by Tivity Health offer many types of group activities that make a difference in the lives of seniors. The company’s 2021 Annual Member Survey revealed that 88% of members said that the program improved their quality of life and 52% made new and valuable friendships by participating.

To further improve seniors’ social engagement, the program has partnered with Stitch, the world’s largest social community helping older adults create enriching social connections.

The platform is now available to SilverSneakers members in partici-

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Movement and activity can also improve your mood and prevent mental health and mood disorders. The SilverSneakers Annual member survey found that depression among participants is 64% less prevalent than the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services national benchmark.

Mental enrichment comes in many different forms, such as doing crossword puzzles or sudoku or learning a new hobby or activity. You can work out your muscles and your brain by taking up a new exercise class, such as trying Tai Chi, water aerobics or a dance class.

The virtual learning platform offers mental enrichment activities specifically designed for seniors with a wide range of online classes through a video platform optimized for ease of use, user engagement and social connection. Whether you want to learn how to meditate, try a new recipe or understand the latest smart home technology, you have plenty of live interactive group class options to choose from.

To find out if you’re one of the 18 million seniors nationwide eligible for SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com. To learn more about SilverSneakers and other programs available to members, visit Tools.SilverSneakers. com. (BPT) 

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J U LY 3, 2022

HOME

Wood Floor Installation Dos and Don’ts

J

aw-dropping features can sell a home in a heartbeat. A penthouse apartment with floor-toceiling windows and a panoramic view of a city skyline likely won’t prove a hard sell, nor will a home with an infinity pool overlooking a landscape of rolling hills. As awe-inspiring as such features can be, some more subtle components, such as authentic hardwood floors, also can do much to make a home more appealing to prospective buyers.

Hardwood flooring is a sought-after commodity. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors. In fact, NAR figures indicate that 28% of buyers between the ages of 35 and 54 consider hardwood floors “very important” when looking for a home.

Homeowners who are considering selling their homes, or those who simply want to upgrade their existing flooring, may want to consider installing hardwood flooring. Though

it’s a project best left to professionals, hardwood flooring can be installed by skilled DIYers. Homeowners may want to keep these dos and don’ts in mind.

DO hire a professional if you have limited or no flooring experience.

Hardwood flooring installation is not generally a project for novice DIYers.

These projects may present some common challenges, but no two homes are the same. So unless they have prior experience installing floors in multiple rooms or homes, homeowners may save themselves time, trouble and a significant amount of money hiring a

professional to do the job.

DON’T ignore the subfloor. New hardwoods won’t erase the problem of subfloors in poor condition. According to the home renovation experts at BobVila.com, squeaky floors could be an indication that the subfloor has begun to warp or twist.

Subfloors should be somewhat level before new hardwoods are installed, so inspect and address subfloor issues before installing new flooring.

DO expose wood flooring to the elements in your home prior to installation. The home improvement

resource BuildDirect recommends acclimating hardwoods to the space where they will be installed. Skipping this important step could result in gaps during the winter and cupping over the summer.

DON’T skimp on tools. A DIY hardwood flooring installation might be less expensive than hiring a professional, but homeowners should resist any temptation to increase those savings further by purchasing less costly tools or fewer tools than is necessary to complete the job. BuildDirect notes that DIYers will need at least a miter saw, table saw, cleat-nailer or stapler, finish nailer, compressor, jamb saw, chalk line, nail set and tape measurer when installing hardwood floors.

Wood floors can be awe-inspiring.

Some homeowners can install such flooring on their own, and the project can be much easier if they learn as much about installation as possible prior to beginning the project.

(MC) 

J U LY 3, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

PETS

Answers to Common Pet Fostering Questions

#1 IN SALES 2019, 2020 & 2021 WE GET RESULTS THAT WILL MOVE YOU REALTY ONE GROUP SUCCESS

A

nimal shelters serve as temporary way stations for animals that are between homes. The purpose of shelters is to offer food and safe surroundings for surrendered or lost pets until they can be reunited with owners or be adopted by new families.

The ASPCA says around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters every year, with a nearly even split between dogs and cats. While shelter pet numbers are on the decline since 2011, many shelters simply cannot house too many animals. In many instances, shelters rely on pet foster families.

What is pet fostering?

Fostering a companion animal is an agreement by an individual to care for a needy pet in his or her private residence until the animal is placed in a permanent new home. Many times shelters will ask foster parents to house puppies to provide early socialization and training to acclimate these young animals to living in homes.

Who pays for fostering costs?

The question of financing foster care depends on the organization one works with. Most shelters or rescue organizations will cover at least some of the costs of supplies and medical care.

However, this is not always the case. It is important for potential foster parents to understand the commitment fostering requires before signing up.

What are some benefits?

While there are many benefits to the pet, including a less stressful, qui-

et environment, people get something out of fostering, too. Foster families can provide love and affection to an animal that needs it. It can be rewarding to do something selfless, and teaches compassion to everyone in the household.

Since having a pet is a large responsibility, pet fostering also serves as an introductory lesson for anyone considering becoming a permanent pet parent. When fostering a pet, everyone in the household gets to see the day-to-day tasks that pet ownership requires.

How long is the fostering term?

The ASPCA says that time commitments for fostering can vary. Sometimes it may be a matter of weeks or it could be months, depending on the foster program and the pet’s situation.

What are some expectations?

A foster program will explain their specific expectations. These may include training the pets to void outdoors or in a litter box. Foster parents may be expected to teach a dog to rest in his crate or basic commands.

Who can I reach out to?

The animal care resource Great Pet Care says municipal shelters, nonprofit shelters and nonprofit animal rescue groups typically have fostering programs. Rescue groups tend to have more time and resources to provide temporary pet parents with more compatible animal matches.

Fostering a pet can be a rewarding and worthwhile experience for pets and people. (MC) 

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J U LY 3, 2022

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Camp Mail Call for Your Summer Campers

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

A

yellowed 4-cent postcard surfaced from the bottom of an old shoebox stashed in our attic. A classic in time, it was sent before ZIP codes and eons before cellphones and snappy e-mail.

The relic wasn’t written by some great-grandparent, but by my “boomer” husband to his parents when he was off to camp for the first time at Round Lake in northern Minnesota at the age of 10.

I’m sure his parents were waiting patiently for news of the week.

Was he healthy, happy, making new friends, missing his parents — but not too much? — all those concerns we have when our kids are away from home for the first time.

Well, here’s what he wrote: “Dear Mom and Dad,

I wasn’t going to write, but they made me write it or I couldn’t eat dinner. Camp is really fun. We won volleyball and water polo today and now tied for second place. Well, now that I got this written, I can go eat.

Love, Dean” While we like to receive any word from our kids while they’re away at sleepover camp, it’s the campers who also like to hear their name at “mail call.”

Here are some tips:

scores of games missed while away, or send a favorite comic strip from the paper.

• Tuck in addressed envelopes, stamps and a pen to encourage your child to write home.

• If your child’s camp will print out your e-mailed letters, try not to overload the system. There is a fine line between keeping in touch and letting your child feel independent and “away” from his typical “at home” routine.

• Write and send a note or two to your child’s camp via U.S. mail a few days before he leaves home.

Your child will be thrilled to hear from you the first day of camp.

Keep the letters coming. They’ll no doubt end up in a scrapbook (or shoebox) your child will treasure in years to come.

TIP A camp experience in the outdoors can positively impact a child.

Consider sending a kid to camp by providing scholarship funds for someone who might not otherwise have resources. Contact a camp of your choice or your local YMCA directly to find out how you can sponsor a camper.

• If your child is a baseball fan, remember to send clippings of box

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

Summer camp is just around the corner.

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.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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J U LY 3, 2022

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Opinion

J U LY 3, 2022

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

Biden’s Terrific Job? Lois, Lois, Lois (Eisenberg), I think you need to be careful who you call a “mark” as you did in your letter Tuesday, June 21. It seems to me that it has come back to bite you pretty hard.

President Joe Biden has all of your ilk as “marks,” because if you will stop Trump Hating for just long enough, you will be able to see what a wonderful job Mr. Biden has done.

He has successfully gotten us out of Afghanistan with only a few of our soldiers getting killed. (By the way, I just heard what a wonderful job they are doing of processing those Afghans into our country! As of this morning, 80% of them have NOT even been processed yet!) Meanwhile, his policies have allowed tens of thousands of illegal aliens to come into our country and has done nothing to stop it.

Mr. Biden alone, by his actions, has caused prices on gasoline to rise over $2.20 per gallon since his inauguration. And on June 20, he said it could be a good thing, part of the plan to force us into electric cars. “We have a chance to make a fundamental turn toward renewable energy, electric vehicles, and not just electric vehicles but across the board,” Biden told the crowd of reporters.

His policies have allowed the Russians to destroy Ukraine by not acting fast enough when Russia was building up troops at the border. He let Vladimir Putin threaten us when we should have been standing up to him.

All of his liberal policies (and those who follow him) have allowed crime to run rampant. Police are quitting because they are getting shot, people on probation are getting guns and killing more people. No one is being held accountable unless they are conservative. Where are all the headlines of trials for the liberals who burned federal buildings in Oregon? There are none!

Lois, were you happy to see everyone getting check after check from the government? Money the government doesn’t have.

We are trillions of dollars in debt and liberal minds just want to keep giving more away. College loans paid off, for some; guaranteed income, for some; reparations for having ancestors who were slaves (in California, yet). By the way, I’m white and my ancestors were slaves!

So I would ask you again, Lois: Who is the “mark” here?

Ronald Perry Canyon Country Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

Two Competing Moral Visions

I

t certainly has been quite a week.

Unless you’ve been without cell coverage or WiFi, you’ve joined the rest of us in a front-row seat on the disparate reactions to the SCOTUS opinion on abortion. It is apparent there are two views on the subject and what is most interesting to me as an ethicist is that both groups claim the moral high ground.

Here’s what I mean. As individuals we all believe we are moral. That is, we all believe that, for the most part, we are ethical, moral beings.

Regardless of how we may phrase them, we all instinctively ask ourselves moral questions. Am I an ethical person? Do I make moral choices?

Am I an ethical shopper, neighbor, citizen? Are my beliefs those that will result in actions that contribute to the betterment of my family, my neighborhood, my world?

It appears to me that both sides of the abortion debate claim to promote the higher good. Both are shouting that their view is essential to the welfare of our country and its citizenry. Neither claim to be immoral, unethical, or dangerous even though, sadly, some on both sides accuse their opponents of being all that and more.

How can that be? How can competing truth claims both be morally correct? The answer is found in the fact that each side has its own moral vision, its own standard by which morality and ethical behavior are measured.

On one side you have the moral vision that sees abortion as a women’s rights issue, with a woman’s rights over her body trumping the rights of the baby. In fact, they refuse to see the human life in the womb as a baby. Rather, it is a non-viable tissue mass at best, and an unwanted invader in the woman’s body at worst. Their moral high ground is found on the mountaintop of a woman’s sovereignty over her own body.

Such sovereignty makes the unwanted human life inside the womb expendable.

On the other side you have the moral vision that sees all human life as equal, without some hierarchy that assigns more worth to adult female life and well-being than to the human life in the womb. For this group, their moral high ground is based on the irrefutable history of mankind, which testifies that the taking of non-criminal human life is immoral.

It is also true that both sides argue for individual responsibility. Those favoring abortion

argue that a woman must have sole responsibility for what she does with her body. But those opposing abortion argue individual responsibility as well, only they see it differently. They assert that women should take responsibility for having participated in the kind of sexual activity that results in the creation of human life.

As you might guess, I stand with those whose moral vision is based on human history, and on the clear teaching of the Bible, that all life is created by God and therefore, to be nurtured, honored and preserved. I also believe it is the area of individual responsibility that needs to be considered more carefully.

Recently, I consigned some of my retirement funds to a financial advisor. And with each new investment vehicle he said the same thing. “All investments come with risk. The goal is to minimize that risk.”

The fact is, all of life poses some kind of risk.

We enter each situation cognizant of the risks, and understand that, if we don’t want the risk, we don’t get into the car, attend a mass gathering, or neglect proper nutrition, exercise and visits to the doctor.

But imagine a person who loves to gamble going to Vegas with a pile of money. He knows the risk. He knows he might win, but he might lose. Imagine then, after he has lost most of his currency, he suddenly demands that someone else take the loss and that the house restore his money. If you’re his friend you might suggest that he stop gambling if he can’t handle losing. Or maybe he should become better at gambling to minimize the risk. But in any event, his demand not only puts the burden of his loss on someone who is not a party to that loss, but also demonstrates his own selfish, immature behavior.

It is certain the abortion issue will be with us for many years and just as certain that each group will continue to claim the moral high ground.

What is needed is a close examination of the presuppositions of each side to see if those bedrock commitments are themselves moral and ethical.

I don’t believe they are. It is very dangerous to call evil good, especially when you go further and declare evil as not only good but also essential.

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

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