Sunday Signal 101622

Unique Experiences in Los Angeles

It’s October and thoughts of cooler days, warm-colored leaves and pumpkins abound. While there are some great Halloween attrac tions — and we have a couple here — there are also some other, very unique things to do in southern California.

Here are just a few to consider.

Candlelight Concerts in Los Angeles

Enjoy your favorite music in a unique candle light setting. Experience classical, jazz, movie soundtracks and even a haunted evening of Hal loween classics at a variety of venues.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Oct. 27 - Oct. 29

Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90010

Info bit.ly/3M54To4

The program includes Thriller by Michael Jack son, Tubular Bells (The Exorcist theme) by Mike Oldfield, Stranger Things Theme by Survive, This is Halloween from Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman and more.

Haunt O’Ween LA 2022

Now through Oct. 31 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills 91367

Info bit.ly/3ejKsrf

This immersive Halloween experience is located on 200,000 square feet of space covered in 35,000 pumpkins. Kids can trick-or-treat in the Town of Haunt O’Ween, visit the Farm House, venture into the Hidden Hallows or wander through the streets of Ghoul City.

And if that isn’t enough, there will be a danceoff in the spooktacular Beyond the Grave Rave and lots of performances, candy, bounce houses, face painting and games.

Carved at Descanso Gardens

Now through Oct. 31

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011

Info www.descansogardens.org

Hundreds of carved pumpkins will line the Ca mellia Forest and the event will include more activ ities than ever before. As you walk along the milelong pumpkin line, you will also see the pumpkin house and a hay maze. Other guest experiences in clude “black light” experiences, live pumpkin carv ing and a special Dia de los Muertos installation at the amphitheater.

Cinespia’s Bram Stoker Oct. 29 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90014 Info cinespia.org

How about something a little different. Watch scary movies at historic cemeteries and other fa mous locations in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the last Fall showing at Hollywood Forever Cemetery has sold out. However, on Oct. 29, you can watch Bram Stoker’s Dracula at the Los Angeles Theatre. Help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s vampire spectacle.

November Events

Craftoberfest Los Angeles

Nov. 5

1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena 91103

Info craftoberfestlosangeles.com

This event is in November, but when they ad vertise as “The greatest craft beer and Oktober fest event in Los Angles,” you have to take a look. Bratwurst, pretzels and all the craft beer you can drink! More than 50 breweries will be represented including Golden Road, Elysian, Breckenridge, LA Ale Works and Three Weavers.

This is an all-ages event where children under 12 are free. Tickets start at $45 and are on sale now.

Stranger Things: The Experience

Nov. 20, 25 or 27

1345 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello 90640

Info bit.ly/3ViDmDP

Tickets are on sale now for the new Stranger Things immersive experience, but they are going fast. The experiences combines the special effects

of a 3D Universal Studios ride with a telekinetic es cape room.

Join Eleven, Michael, Dustin, Lucas, Max and Will for a special episode starring you.

Standard tickets are $56 for ages 5-17 or $74 for 18+. Some VIP tickets are still available and they range from $89 to $119 per person.

Enjoy

illuminated by candlelight at some of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues. PHOTO COURTESY CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS

Carved at Descanso Gardens. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

PHOTO COURTESY STRANGER THINGS: THE EXPERIENCE

In Search of Waterfalls

few times before you climb Big Tujunga Can yon and see the falls beyond.

According to Hikespeak.com, the trail reaches pools in the creek above the falls. You can walk down the granite to the brink of the waterfall.

Add on to your hike by continuing past the waterfall to the Tom Lucas Trail Camp. This is a good turnaround point.

Parking is free at the trailhead and dogs are welcome.

Solstice Canyon Falls

3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu 90265 Info www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/ solsticecanyon.htm

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Solstice Canyon has several hiking options ranging from easy to strenuous. Either way, when you are hiking to the falls keep your eyes open for acorn woodpeckers, alliga tor lizards or even a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.

The Grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains

12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu 90265 Info www.hikespeak.com/trails/grottohike-malibu/

Simply known as The Grotto, this boul der-hopping waterfall trek is best visited af ter a rainfall. This 3-mile hike is known as a backwards hike, where the uphill part is on your way out. Dogs are permitted along the trail but not to the grotto part. Gloves and good hiking shoes are recommended.

You start from the Circle X Ranch Visitor Center, which is tucked in the canyons above Malibu.

Waterfalls are said to have a sort of magic about them.

There is the beauty of the water cascading over jagged rocks that may, or may not, be safe to climb.

Many are hidden away but you can usually hear the rush of the water as you get closer. The anticipation of seeing its beauty builds until you final ly find it.

Believe it or not, there are several waterfalls in and around the Los Angeles area. So, as the weather gets cooler and offers the opportunity for hikes in search of the water — do go chasing waterfalls.

Paradise Falls

928 West Avenida De Los Ar boles, Thousand Oaks 91360 Info outdoorsocal.com/ posts/wildwood-regionalpark

This 40-foot waterfall is located in Wildwood Region

al Park. The trails in the park are mostly flat with a difficul ty of easy to moderate.

Parking is free and located right next to the Mesa Trail head. Follow the Mesa Trail for less than a mile to the Teepee Trail that branches off to the left. Once you crest the hill, you see the giant teepee that serves as a resting spot.

From the teepee, follow the Moonridge Trail down 300 feet into a ravine. A series of switchbacks will lead you to the falls.

Trail Canyon Falls

19600 North Trail Canyon Road, Angeles National For est, Tujunga 91042 Info www.hikespeak.com/ trails/trail-canyon-falls

The two-mile hike that takes about 2 hours 15 min utes will lead you to the 30foot Trail Canyon Falls.

The trail will take you past cabins. It crosses a stream a

It’s a gentle hike to the waterfall and when you arrive you will find the ruins of the Rob erts Ranch house. The ranch house was built in the 1960s and unfortunately destroyed by 1982 wildfires. According to National Park Service, the ranch house was designed by ar chitect Paul Review Williams in 1952. Wil liams may be best known for his building that many see as they begin or end their travels through the Los Angeles Airport. He de signed the iconic Theme Building.

Enjoy your surrounds at the Roberts Ranch house. Here you may find natural gems in cluding exotic plants, pools and a hidden stat ue of the Virgin Mary.

Heart Rock Falls

250 CA-138, Crestline 92325 Info https://bit.ly/3TnDnVr

This fall is located a bit further out in the San Bernardino National Forest. But if you’re looking for a short, moderately challenging hike to a heart-shaped rock formation next to a 20-foot waterfall — this is it.

The hike will take about 40 minutes to complete. The Camp Seeley Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that is open year-round and dog friendly. However, dogs must leashed.

The trail follows the Camp Seeley Creek and at one point you will need to cross the creek. The biggest complaint from reviewers? — Bugs.

Heart Rock Falls is named for this heart shaped rock formation located next to the falls. PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF CRESTLINE.

Paradise Falls is located in Thousand Oaks and offers a 40-foot waterfall in Wildwood National Park. PHOTO COURTESY OUTDOORSOCAL.COM

FAMILY

FUN AGAIN BIRTHDAY P A RT I ESB I R T H D AY P R T E S

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Now that social gatherings have re turned to family calendars there are many opportunities to make family birthday celebrations fun and unique in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Kid’s Parties

Children’s birthday parties are fairly easy to plan. Options include commercial venues such as the traditional Chuck E. Cheese, ice skating at The Cube, mini golf and other activities at MB2 Enter tainment, Scooter’s Jungle and more.

For a fun and active party try Top Out Climbing where kids can expend their excess energy climb ing rock walls and more.

Traditional party themes including unicorns, mermaids, princess, super heroes, “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” are still popular options. Trending party themes in 2022 include colorful decor from the Disney animated film “Encanto,” space-themed parties and outdoor movie nights.

Birthday eats in 2022 include serving individual ly packaged birthday treats in bento box style con tainers and birthday cake in a jar.

Teens and Adults

Expand your concept of what a birthday par ty can be for teens and adults. Tweens, teens and adults are the perfect audience for an “Escape Room” birthday experience. Kits are available on line for children as young as age 5 to create an “Es cape Room” at home. Commercial escape rooms can be booked for older teens and adults.

Around the World Party

Take your guests on a journey with an aroundthe-world-themed party. Each room of your house should be focused on a different destination, which allows your friends and family to experience mul tiple cuisines and drinks all at once. Take them to France with Champagne and a cheese spread filled with brie and Roquefort, followed by a trip to Japan filled with sake and sushi. Mexico can feature tacos and tequila.

A variation of this theme is an American Cele bration party that features cuisine from across the United States. Serve Boston clam chowder, cedar plank BBQ salmon, etouffee, lobster rolls, cowboy beans, fried green tomatoes, fried cheese curds, hush puppies, laulau, loco moco, scrapple or any of the hundreds of regional dishes found in the U.S.

Pair your meal items with regional craft brews and wine. There’s no limit to how many destina tions you can squeeze into one unforgettable night.

S’mores Party

Who needs birthday cake when you can have s’mores? Turn your backyard into a festive camp ing-themed party with tents, a firepit and hotdogs roasted over an open flame. String lights and use camping lanterns to enhance the camping theme.

When the coals die down start making s’mores. For your “s’mores bar” include different flavored graham crackers and a variety of marshmallows. Visit online shops that offer all flavors of marsh mallows, including pumpkin spice, for a unique take on the classic marshmallow, chocolate bar and graham cracker treat.

Include milk chocolate, dark chocolate and Re ese’s peanut butter cup candy bars. Just about any kind of candy bar can be “smushed” into a s’mores including Three Musketeers, Milky Way and Snick ers bars. Try a Symphony bar with toffee chips, as well.

Rent a Peerspace Location

Tired of hosting parties at home? Rent a Peer space location in the SCV, or nearby, to give your party a unique and new vibe. In the SCV you can choose from several properties including a de signer- done Southern Living gorgeous traditional style lakefront home in Valencia, a pool deck oasis with city views in Stevenson Ranch, a Newhall gem with a backyard that feels like you’ve traveled to the French countryside, several homes with large pools and other locations.

If you are throwing a huge bash, you can also rent The Canyon at Valencia Town Center.

Charcuterie Party

Charcuterie is traditionally a board filled with various kinds of cold meats and cheeses. Ham, sa lami, pate and sausage paired with a variety of soft and hard cheeses, whatever strikes your fancy and your budget.

The fabulous thing about serving charcuterie is that there are no rules. You can keep it as simple as you like, or dress it up with fresh or dried fruits, a variety of artisan breads and crackers, olives and spreads like honey, preserves or jams. Include a selection of fresh salad ingredients for a makeit-yourself salad bar and … viola! You have a fun birthday dinner that can offer a range of tasty expe riences for all palates.

For dessert offer up a take on “dessert char cuterie” with a selection of festively decorated cup cakes, cookies, candy, chocolate covered strawber ries, chocolate covered pretzels, cake pops, caramel corn and candied pecans or walnuts.

Locations

Chuck E. Cheese

25955 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch 91381 bit.ly/3RQNsZD

The Cube 27745 Smyth Dr, Valencia 91355 www.thecubesantaclarita.com/

MB2 Entertainment 21516 Golden Triangle Rd., Santa Clarita 91350 mb2entertainmentscv.com

Scooter’s Jungle

28230 Constellation Rd, Valencia 91355 scootersjungle.com/valencia

Peerspace

www.peerspace.com/venues/santa-clarita-ca/event-venue

The Canyon

24201 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita 91355 wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyonsanta-clarita/

For adults, add in wine tasting flights or spirits. ‘The Amazing Race’ Party

Gather friends and family for a party based on the popular reality competition show “The Amaz ing Race.” Have everyone draw a team partner out of a hat, or allow guests to create their own teams of two. Give guests a two-hour time limit to com plete a series of tasks and bring back proof of their accomplishments.

A few examples could include: Take a selfie in front of Santa Clarita City Hall, buy a fast-food item in Canyon Country and bring it and the re ceipt back with you, take a photo of your favorite Western star’s tile on the Western Walk of Fame in Newhall, have a stranger take a photo of the team in front of any public art sculpture or mural in the SCV.

Meet back at the part location for food, cake and beverages. Compare your photos and award prizes for fastest finisher, last finisher, most unique loca tion, etc.

Finding California’s

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

It’s no secret that California is one of the best destinations to visit for world-class sports. From its mesmerizing water games and long-distance marathons to champion ship-winning collegiate and professional sports teams, California truly has it all.

California is also home to some unusual sports and unique venues.

Beach Volleyball

The sport was established in 1922 when the San ta Monica Beach Club was founded and by 1927 five more clubs were established in California. As a result, Southern California was designated as the origin of beach volleyball.

If you are interested in taking up the sport, or want to try a friendly game, volleyball courts can be found on the following Los Angeles County Beaches:

• Dockweiler Beach

• Hermosa Beach

• Malibu Surfrider Beach

• Manhattan Beach

• Redondo Beach

• Torrance Beach

• Venice Beach

• Will Rogers Beach

• Zuma Beach

For information on reservations and rules and regulations visit beaches.lacounty.gov/la-countybeaches-volleyball-courts.

For information on professional and team beach volleyball matches, visit the California Beach Vol leyball Association at https://cbva.com.

World Waveski Surfing Titles

Nov. 7-13 Ventura

The event is expected to attract more than 100 competitors to the U.S. from waveski hotbeds of Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Portugal and Peru.

The last time the event was held in the United States was in 1986 in Hawaii.

Waveskis are a type of surfboard that allows the rider to sit on top of the surfboard. Waveski surfing is a unique combination of paddle power with the

performance of a surfboard.

This event will showcase the world’s best waves ki surfers who will descend on California Street’s Surfers Point in Ventura.

For more information, visit visitventuraca.com.

Rugby

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in popularity in the world. California has two profes sional Major League Rugby teams, the Los Angeles Giltinis and the San Diego Legion.

The L.A. Giltinis play at the Los Angeles Memo rial Coliseum and the San Diego Legion play at the new Snapdragon Stadium on the campus of San Diego State University at SDSU Mission Valley.

For more information on either team, visit giltinis.com orsdlegion.com.

Amateur Rugby

There are several amateur rugby teams in South ern California including the Los Angeles Rugby Club and the Santa Monica Rugby Club.

The Santa Monica Rugby Club fields nearly 20 rugby teams for men, women and youth. For infor mation, visit santamonicarugby.com.

The Los Angeles Rugby Club fields several teams for men and youth. For information, visit www. larugby.com.

Rugby is also played on many college campuses including men’s and women’s rugby teams at Cal ifornia State University, Northridge, UCLA and USC.

Extreme Running Events

Western States Endurance Run

The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. The run starts in Olympic Valley, near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ends 100.2 miles later at Placer High School in Auburn.

In the decades since its inception in 1974, West ern States has come to represent one of the ultimate endurance tests in the world.

The trail runners traverse climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet and in cludes a crossing of the ice-cold waters of the Mid dle Fork of the American River. Demand is so high to participate in this race that runners are chosen

by lottery.

Spectators can cheer on participants at several venues along the race course including the finish line at the Placer High School track, 275 Orange St, Auburn 95603 and the Forest Hill Aid Station, at mile 62 of the run, in the small town of Forest Hill.

This ultimate test of endurance highlights the rugged beauty of Placer County. Held annually on the last full weekend in June, the next run will be held June 24-25, 2023. For information, visit www. wser.org.

The Avalon Benefit 50-Mile/50K Run

This is the oldest Ultra Trail Run in California with the 50-mile run entering its 42nd year. The run begins and ends in Avalon and in between runners traverse the entire length of the island and back. This race offers beautiful vistas, tremendous views of the Pacific Ocean and a glimpse of a bison or two. The next run is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2023. For information, visit www.avalon50.com.

Oceanside Hosts Year-Round Sports

Oceanside is home to a year-round calendar of impressive athletic events that attract both partici pants and spectators. For information, visit Visit Oceanside.com.

Nov. 5 Bike the Coast caters to cyclists of all levels with varying distances from seven to 100 miles. Apr. 1, 2023 The Ironman 70.3 Oceanside is a highlight for triathletes.

June 2023 Oceanside is also the starting location for Race Across America, an annual 3,000-mile transcontinental bicycle race from the west to the east coast.

Paragliding, Hang Gliding

With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Tor rey Pines Gliderport, 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla 92037, is the most historic aviation site in North America and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding and sailplanes. The Gliderport provides flight les sons, tandem flights and more. Bring a lunch and watch all the action from the Gliderport or nearby clifftop. A free, fun family trip. For information, visit www.flytorrey.com. 

Rugby has come to America and the LA Giltinis, who play at the Coliseum, won the 2021 Major League Rugby championship. PHOTO COURTESY L.A GILTINIS.

Most Unusual Sports

2023. Minimum 5-night stay at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. $50 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Mexico, Hawai‘i, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations: USA (excluding Hawai‘i), Canada – $25 savings; Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands – $50 savings. Rate is for check-in on November 1, 2022 in partial ocean view room accommodations at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel on O‘ahu. 4Rate is for check-in on November 1, 2022 in ocean tower Aina view room accommodations at Westin Maui Resort and Spa on Maui. Rate is for check-in on November 1, 2022 in standard room accommodations at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort All-Inclusive in Playa del Carmen. Environmental Sanitation Tax of $27 Pesos per room per night will be collected by the hotel at check-out. Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel on O‘ahu and Westin Maui Resort and Spa on Maui. Occupancy limits apply.

AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19-related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The State Department is a good resource for updated information. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-air-inclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees and, except for air-inclusive offers, for supplierimposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed change/cancellation fees up to & including the price of the fare plus any applicable fare differential (which may involve pre-notification deadlines). Air component of packaged offers may be nonrefundable; refunds are subject to supplier & airline terms & conditions. Supplier & airline fees & policies may vary. Contact your supplier & ticketing airline for more information; for baggage fees & other details, see iflybags.com. Rates involving round trip air transportation for travel dates or from gateways other than those advertised may differ. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Southern California acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. Copyright © 2022 Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Haunts and Spooky Fun This Halloween

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Pumpkins, scarecrows and other fall dé cor can be seen on door steps throughout the valley, which can only mean one thing — it’s Halloween time once again in the City of Santa Clarita.

Whether you are taking your lit tle one to pick out a first Halloween costume, want to enjoy a night of frights with your friends or just enjoy the sights — and more importantly, flavors — of the season, you can get your fill of spooky fun with a num ber of activities happening in the next few weeks.

On Sunday, October 16, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station will welcome back the popular Haunt ed Jailhouse. This is the first time that the Haunted Jailhouse event will be held at the brand-new station on Golden Valley Road, and it promises to be a delightful time for the whole family.

In addition to getting a chance to see the new station up close, residents of all ages can try to conquer mazes, play games, enter a costume contest and much more. Please connect with the SCV Sheriff’s Station on Face book for more details on this unique event.

Next Thursday, October 20, the fi nal SENSES Block Party of the year will be held on Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The perfect kickoff to a haunting holiday, this month’s theme is “Fright Night.”

Different scary zones will be set up on the street, testing your bravery as you play sinister carnival games, nav

igate a shadowy maze and participate in other activities at this event, which is geared toward adults. You can learn more by visiting the City of Santa Clarita Events page on Facebook.

At the end of the month, you can enjoy an all-time cult classic by at tending one of two screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Centre (20880 Centre Pointe Parkway). Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and may purchase a prop bag at the door for $5. There will be two shows — Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 — both beginning at 11:30 p.m. This enor mously entertaining event is becom ing a yearly tradition in Santa Clari ta, and tickets are extremely limited. Check availability and purchase your ticket in advance by visiting rocky horror2022.eventbrite.com.

Of course, there is a wide range of fall- and Halloween-inspired activi ties throughout Santa Clarita to put on your list this year. If you have not gone already, there is still time to vis it a local pumpkin patch so you can carve a jack-o’-lantern in time for Oc tober 31.

Be sure to visit local bakeries, cof feehouses and other establishments to try their fall specialties as well.

When Halloween night comes, I wish you and your family an evening of thrills, chills and most of all, fun!

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

From watching scary movies to dressing up as ghouls and goblins, spooky season means it’s time to pop up your loved ones’ favorite snacks for a ghostly good time. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, gather your minions in the kitchen for some family-friendly fun crafting these haunting yet tasty treats.

Throughout October, you can honor National Popcorn Poppin’ Month with eerie, delicious eats such as Green Halloween Zombies and Witchy Popcorn Balls that add festive fun to the Halloween excitement.

As a perfect ingredient in treats of all types, pop corn is beloved for its seed-to-snack simplicity as a non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free snack that’s naturally low in fat and calories. Add in its ir resistible smell, taste and versatility, and it’s easy to see why it pairs so well with spooky celebrations.

Find more Halloween treats at popcorn.org.

Witchy Popcorn Balls

Yield 8 popcorn balls

16 chocolate wafer cookies

nonstick cooking spray

3 quarts popped popcorn

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

3 cups miniature marshmallows

3 tablespoons (1/2 of 3-ounce box) lime gelatin dessert mix

green food color (optional)

3/4 cup chocolate chips licorice strings

8 chocolate ice cream cones

orange sugar sprinkles, placed in small dish jelly beans candy corns

Spread sheet of waxed or parchment paper over work surface and place wafer cookies on it.

Spray large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.

In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.

Adjust color with 1-2 drops food color, if desired. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated.

Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and press firmly to form into eight balls. Place balls on eight wafer cookies. Press candy decorations into pop corn balls to form “eyes,” “nose” and “mouth.”

In small, microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips, covered, 10 seconds. Stir to aid melting. Repeat as needed until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate on top of each popcorn ball. Press licorice strings into chocolate to form “hair.”

Dip cone edges into melted chocolate then or ange sugar sprinkles. Place on remaining wafer cookies to form “witches’ hats.” Place hats on popcorn balls. Allow chocolate to set about 45 minutes before serving.

Serve or seal individually in plastic wrap.

Green Halloween Zombies

Yield about 7 pieces

2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn

6 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 cups mini marshmallows

4 tablespoons lime gelatin powder red gum balls

candy corn

flat green candy strips or fruit leather green sugar sprinkles

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt but ter. Stir marshmallows into butter until melted. Stir in gelatin powder until evenly colored.

Pour melted mixture over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. With buttered hands, shape popcorn into seven ovals.

Flatten one oval slightly and squeeze one end to form “skull” shape. Place on parchment-lined bak ing sheet. Repeat with remaining ovals.

To decorate: Press two gumballs into each skull to form “eyes.” Press candy corn into skull to form “teeth.” Use scissors to trim candy strips and press into top for “hair.” Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles. Allow “zombies” to set about 20 minutes before wrapping individually in plastic wrap or serve immediately. (Family Features) 

Witchy Popcorn Balls

Green Halloween Zombies

On My Mind — Donavon Frankenreiter at The Canyon

For nearly four decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer, and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16.

These days instead of surf compe titions, it’s concert halls that bring Frankenreiter to town, where he en

tertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philo sophical lyrics and soulful delivery.

You can find him touring the world with his three-piece band and still catching waves anytime he can.

You can see Donavon Frankenreiter live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on December 30.

Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 6455006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more in

formation, visit www.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com.

The Acting, Filming and Dialogue Make ‘To Leslie’ a Hit

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘To Leslie’ (out of four)

Momentum Pictures presents a film directed by Michael Morris and writ ten by Ryan Binaco. Rated R (for lan guage throughout and some drug use). Running time: 119 minutes. In the aters and on demand.

Leslie has reached that point in her alcoholism where she has no more bleeps to give. She knows she’s a drunk and she knows YOU know she’s a drunk, and you can deal with it or not, be cause she’s too busy telling the bar tender she needs another round.

She’s loud and she’s having trouble putting together a coherent sentence, and her lipstick is smeared and there’s a legit chance she’ll fall over right in the middle of dancing to that coun try song — and when she wakes up tomorrow morning feeling like a car toon character who’s been smashed in the head with an anvil, she’ll spend the day shaking off the pain so she can spend the night doing it all over again.

The British actress Andrea Risebor ough plays the title character in Mi chael Morris’ miniature masterpiece “To Leslie,” and her richly layered, utterly authentic and heartbreaking ly effective performance ranks with the work of Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick in “Days of Wine and Roses,” Nicolas Cage in “Leaving Las Vegas” and Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart.” With director Morris filming “To Leslie” in beautiful and stark 35mm that gives the present-day Texas set ting a 1970s vibe, and screenwriter Ryan Binaco providing some of the most genuine and quietly powerful dialogue in any movie this year, Rise borough hits a wide range of notes, from the most subtle of expressions to the loudest of explosions, and nev er misses the mark. We believe every day, every hour, every moment of Leslie’s life — and it has not been an easy road.

In a short but telling prologue, we see Leslie whooping it up after win ning $190,000 in the Texas state lot tery, and there’s something so intense and edgy about her celebration, in the

way she screams, “DRINKS ARE ON ME!” thats when the story picks up six years later, we’re not surprised to learn Leslie apparently never stopped buying all the drinks, mostly for her self.

Broke and broken down, Leslie gets tossed out of the seedy motel where she’s been staying, and just when we think she’s hit rock bottom, she buries herself even deeper when she goes to stay with her young son, James (Owen Teague), and quickly breaks her promise not to drink.

James loves his mother, even though she essentially abandoned him as a young teenager after she won the lottery, but he doesn’t have the strength to take care of her, so he sends Leslie back to their small hometown in West Texas, where Leslie’s estranged best friends Dutch (Stephen Root) and Nancy (Allison Janney) reluctantly take her in, only because they care about James.

The hard-bitten, casually cruel Nancy doesn’t even try to hide her hostility toward Leslie, while the more even-keeled Dutch is willing to give her another chance, but warns her, “No one’s taking your s--- a sec ond time.”

Spoiler alert: Dutch wasn’t bluffing. After getting plastered one too many times, Leslie is literally locked out of Dutch and Nancy’s house, and now it’s just Leslie and her pink suitcase on the streets, or more specifical ly, the grounds of a modest motel on the outskirts of town, run by a couple

of eccentric buddies called Swee ney (Marc Maron) and Royal (Andre Royo). Against his better judgment, Sweeney offers Leslie a job (“It pays 10 an hour — you know, let’s make it seven, seven an hour, room and board”), and the metaphor is obvious here: While cleaning up motel rooms, Leslie has what might be her last chance to clean up her own act. Leslie and Sweeney enter into a beautifully awkward and halting friendship that could develop into something more, with Sweeney offer ing to share TV dinners with Leslie every night and keep her company so she won’t go out drinking. Gradually, naturally, we learn Sweeney’s back story, and we find out why Nancy is filled with such rage at Leslie that she goes out of her way to be cruel to her. We’re also waiting for that moment when Leslie will fall off the wagon, and we’re hoping her son James re surfaces at some point.

“lived-in.” Every scene rings true, sometimes in surprising ways. (Leslie has two encounters with handsome strangers at the local bar; neither goes the way you’d see it go in a lesser film.)

The production design and cine matography perfectly match the tone of the film, and the music is perfect, from “Here I Am” by Dolly Parton to “Highwayman” by The Highwaymen to “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” by George Jones to “Are You Sure” by Willie Nelson to a number of songs written and performed by Linda Per ry.

October 16-20, 2022

Leslie’s life is like a country western ballad, and not in a good way. To be sure, Leslie is her own worst enemy, but she has a disease, and there’s still time, maybe just enough time, for her to find the path to recovery. We hold deep hope for that redemption.

Every character in “To Leslie” feels

E, LYL E, C R O CO D

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

R O S E

M I L E

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Circle of Hope. Raising

among patients,

SENIOR LIVING

Hobbies for Those in Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living facilities are a vital resource for aging individuals. The Ameri can Health Care Associ ation® and the National Center for Assisted Living® data indicates that more than 811,000 people reside in U.S. assisted living facilities.

These facilities have changed dra matically over the years, making them ideal options for adults who may need varying degrees of help with daily activities.

Such can help with activities like bathing and preparing meals, but they also can help residents find and ex plore new or existing hobbies. As indi viduals adjust to life in assisted living facilities, finding new hobbies or re discovering old passions can be a great way to connect with fellow residents. Reading Reading is a rewarding ac tivity that can greatly benefit seniors and provide an engaging pastime for those with limited mobility.

Many facilities offer activities that are designed to foster communication between residents and a book club can do just that. What’s more, reading every day may be especially valuable for people age 65 and older.

A 2018 study published in the jour nal JAMA Psychiatry found that de mentia risk was considerably lower among men and women 65 and older who participated in intellectual activ ities like reading than it was among seniors who did not engage in such pursuits.

Gardening AARP notes that garden ing provides a host of health benefits that go beyond ensuring fresh fruits and vegetables will be on the dinner

table. For example, vitamin D is vital to bone health, which is important for aging men and women who are vulnerable to osteoporosis.

A 2014 study from researchers in Italy found that exposure to sunlight can help older adults get adequate amounts of vitamin D.

Signing up for a gardening club can be a great way for seniors to get some exercise, enjoy time outside the assist ed living facility and promote strong bones.

Art Therapy According to the Chi cago Methodist Senior Services, art therapy is a creative form of thera py designed to help older adults with memory loss or those experiencing mental or physical stress.

The Harvard Medical School notes that recent research has indicated that engaging in creative activities may be more effective at delaying cognitive decline than merely appreciating cre ative works.

A 2014 study from researchers in Germany found that retirees who painted and sculpted had greater im provements in spatial reasoning and emotional resilience than a similar group who attended art appreciation classes.

Many assisted living facilities offer art therapy or similar programs to residents, and enrolling in such pro grams can promote social interaction and provide numerous benefits to men and women over 65.

Assisted living facilities offer an ar ray of programs designed to help resi dents develop rewarding hobbies that can benefit their long-term health.

HOME

Electric

Are you looking for ways to enhance your home and boost its value? The best kinds of home improve ment projects provide wow-worthy results without much effort.

With modern designs and numer ous benefits, electric fireplaces are one of these projects, enhancing the aesthetic of any room without the ex tensive construction and cost of tra ditional gas or wood fireplaces.

Many people are surprised to learn that installing a wall-mounted elec tric fireplace doesn’t require any structural modifications. In fact, it’s similar to hanging a wall-mounted TV, shelving or large piece of artwork.

You’ll need common household tools such as a level, stud finder and drill, and the fireplace will come with a wall mounting kit (including brackets and hardware) and detailed instructions.

“In any existing room where you would like to add an electric fireplace, it’s very easy to add one,” said Heat & Glo Brand Manager Kathy Rogers. “It’s a lot easier to install than a gas fireplace and you don’t need an ex pert for installation.

With just a few tools, a well-placed electrical outlet, and the revolution ary wall-mount SimpliFire Format electric fireplace, you can bring the comfort of a fireplace to any room in your home.”

Modern electric fireplaces are avail able in multiple sizes to fit your space and have no mesh screens or visible heat vents. You can zone heat through out the year with optional heat, bring ing comfort where you need it.

Dynamic flames and an LED ember bed create ambiance and warmth — if desired — on demand. You can also safely place a TV or artwork direct ly above the fireplace, which is a plus

for many people.

This project is typically straightfor ward and simple to complete, making it the ideal solution for people look ing for a home improvement proj ect they can do themselves or hire a handyman or contractor to do in as little as one day.

While electric fireplaces can go in virtually any room, here are some tips for easy installation and the best result:

Select Location

Windows and furniture placement often help dictate where an electric fireplace should go. Keep in mind, choosing a wall that doesn’t receive direct sunlight reduces glare. Notice sunlight throughout the day to help determine the best location for instal lation.

Electricity Access

Make sure that you have access to electricity to power your new fire place. You can choose to either simply plug in your fireplace to a standard outlet or hire a professional to hardwire it directly.

Check Codes

As with any home improvement project, you’ll need to ensure compli ance with local building codes. Con tact your city or township to get the most recent regulations. Verify codes and read all fireplace installation in structions before you start your proj ect so you avoid any issues.

Whether it’s in a family room, base ment, bedroom, bathroom or another space, a wall-mounted electric fire place brings function and fashion to your home.

Visit HeatnGlo.com to learn more about electric fireplaces and get addi tional expert advice on installation. (BPT)

TECHNOLOGY

Mobile Phone Etiquette For Modern Times

Though it may seem hard to believe giv en their current status in most people’s lives, mobile phones were a relative rar ity as recently as 20 years ago. But those days are a distant memory, as forecasts from Er icssson & The Radicati Group indicate that there are 6.64 billion smartphones in use as of 2022.

Simply put, mobile phones are everywhere, even if proper mobile phone etiquette is not always so commonplace.

Mobile phone etiquette is even more important given the increase in mobile phone usage. Brush ing up on mobile phone etiquette for modern times can ensure users aren’t overstepping boundaries or making enemies when spending time on their smartphones.

Avoid round-the-clock texting Text messages are how many people now keep in touch with family and friends. In fact, data from the wireless commu nications trade association CTIA indicates that 2.1 trillion text messages were exchanged in 2020, an increase of 52 billion messages from the year prior.

The popularity and convenience of texting is undeniable, but individuals should avoid texting when in the company of other people. Doing so makes others uncomfortable and can adversely af

fect the quality of discourse between smartphone users and the people with whom they’re engaging in in-person conversation.

When in others’ company, resist the temptation to check and reply to text messages.

Avoid using speakerphone in public Every one has been there and undoubtedly wished they weren’t. Whether it’s been at a grocery store, restau rant, park, or another public setting, hearing some one else carry on a conversation on speakerphone is a less than enjoyable experience.

In fact, a survey from Expedia found that 53% of respondents felt making calls on speakerphone while in public was the most annoying mobile

phone habit. Speakerphone should only be used in private and only among people who are involved in the call.

Turn notifications off in public and when spend ing time with others Notifications have become a difficult-to-ignore component of smartphone us age. Researchers at Duke University found that the average person received between 65 and 80 notifi cations per day. That means 80 potential interrup tions each day, and 80 times those around users, including coworkers, family and friends, may grow upset by being interrupted by a notification.

Turn off notifications when spending time with others and when visiting public places that tend to attract crowds, including movie theaters and restaurants.

Avoid watching videos or listening to music in public Unless your earbuds or headphones are with you at all times, resist the temptation to watch videos or play music on your phone when in pub lic. Doing so disrupts those around you and could lead to confrontations.

Mobile phones are everywhere, which only un derscores the importance of practicing proper mo bile phone etiquette, particularly in public settings. (MC) 

GARDENING

Get Back to ROOTS

Carrots, radishes, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, cele riac, onions, beets, salsify … the list goes on. Tech nically the foods we call roots are not all roots. Carrots, beets, turnips and parsnips are roots, but potatoes are tubers (thickened underground stems) and onions are bulbs — a bo tanical distinction, though not one that we think about when eating a soul-nourishing winter stew.

All of these food crops are stor age units for the nutrients that give the plant the energy it needs to grow and produce seeds. In most cases this happens in year two of the plant’s life cycle. Because roots absorb the soil’s nutrients, they offer considerable health benefits. They are laden with vitamins and fiber, antioxidants and essential minerals.

Farmers’ markets are loaded with root options when weather gets cool. Pick some up and try one or more of these simple preparation methods.

Next year, you’ll be tempted to grow your own!

• Peel and trim a variety of root veg etables and toss them with olive oil in a large baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and herbs of your choos ing and bake in a 400° oven for about 45 minutes.

• Sauté an onion and a couple of celery stalks in butter until tender. Add two or three garlic cloves and cook for a minute or two more, then add peeled and cubed root vegeta bles (such as turnips, celeriac, carrots and parsnip) and cover with water. Simmer until the roots are tender and puree to make a creamy soup. Add liquid to thin if necessary and season with herbs, salt and pepper and lem on juice.

• Slice peeled parsnips (or carrots, or rutabagas) into thin pieces and sau té in butter or oil until they begin to brown. Season with salt and pepper and toss with parsley.

• Grate beets coarsely, then toss them in melted butter with salt and pepper to taste. Add a small amount of water (just enough to add steam) and cover the pan. Cook for about five minutes until tender and season with fresh herbs and balsamic vinegar.

Five Easy-From-Seed Roots Carrots

The trick with carrots is to spend time on soil preparation. Loosen soil to about 10 inches in depth, remov ing clods and rocks. Seeds can be sown from spring through midsum mer in most regions, directly on the soil about an inch apart. Cover them with vermiculite, sifted compost or another loose medium and keep the seedbed consistently moist until they germinate. Thin seedlings to 2 to 4 inches apart when they are a couple inches tall.

Beets

Beets are happiest in sandy or loamy soil. Loosen the soil, as for carrots, and sow seeds at least an inch apart. Beet seeds are actually dried fruit husks, with each containing several true seeds. Thinning is essential for good growth, so snip off all but the strongest seedling at the soil level after germina tion. Follow this up in a couple weeks by thinning plants to stand about two inches apart. Repeat two weeks later so your beets will be four inches apart. Eat your thinnings; young roots and greens are delectable!

Onions

The easiest onions to grow from seed are bunching onions, or scal lions. In fact, these are ideal for con tainers, where they won’t need to compete with weeds. In a large con tainer, scallions can co-exist nicely with another edible, such as a kale plant. To do this spring-planted com bination, center a kale seedling in a container that is at least 18 inches in diameter and broadcast the onion seeds along the perimeter so that the seeds fall about an inch apart. No

thinning is necessary; just harvest the green onions throughout the summer as they become large enough to suit your purposes.

Parsnips

Buy parsnip seed every year, as it does not keep well. The fresher your seed is, the better the results. Seeds can take as long as a month to germi nate, so if your seed is past its prime, you’ll miss out on the window to plant! Loosen the soil to a depth of at least a foot for parsnips and time your sowing in spring or early summer so that roots will reach maturity at about the time of the first fall frost. In mild winter areas, plant seeds in fall. Keep soil evenly moist and then wait. When seedlings reach about 6 inches in height, thin them to about 4 inches and mulch to suppress weeds. Pars nips get sweeter with frost and can even be dug in spring before the roots sprout new leaves.

Turnips

Turnips are in the cabbage family and, like other family members, they like it cool. Sow seed in mid spring and again in late summer where sum mers get hot. If summers are not too hot, seed can be sown in succession throughout the summer. Some types, particularly the small salad turnips that are best when harvested at about 2 inches in diameter, don’t even need thinning if you take care to sow seeds about an inch apart. Larger turnips should be thinned to stand about 4 inches apart. Eat the greens, they’re delicious! As with parsnips, they can be harvested throughout the fall. But … don’t stop with the common roots!

Try celeriac, rutabaga and the oth ers that have been discovered by chefs around the country for tastes and textures that make satisfying winter treats.

For more information, visit ezfrom seed.org

Bill Cooper for

The Role of Staging When Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Acancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and peo ple who receive such news may be flooded with a wide range of emotions. When de livering such a diagnosis, doctors share vital information about their patients’ disease. Those details can go a long way toward easing patients’ concerns.

Staging is an important component of cancer treatment. The Nation al Cancer Institute notes that stage refers to the extent of the cancer, in cluding how large the tumor is and whether or not it has spread, or me tastasized.

Learning the stage of the cancer, which is typically expressed on a scale of 0 through IV, helps doctors under stand how serious the cancer is and the patient’s chances of survival.

Staging also is used to plan treat ments and potentially identify clini cal trials that may serve as treatment options.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer oversees the breast can cer staging system and uses the TNM system. Breastcancer.org notes that three clinical characteristics — re ferred to as “T, N, and M” — are used to calculate the stage of the cancer: T the size of the tumor and whether or not is has grown into nearby tissue N whether the cancer is in the lymph nodes

M whether the cancer has spread, or metastasized, into other parts of the body beyond the breast

Additional characteristics were added to the AJCC’s TNM breast can

cer staging system in 2018. Though this has made determining the stage of breast cancer more complex, Breastcancer.org notes that it’s also made staging more accurate.

That improved accuracy increas es the likelihood that doctors will choose the most effective treatment plan for their patients, which should ease those patients’ concerns as they begin treatment.

Staging is complex, and patients should know that staging alone does not dictate prognosis. The following breakdown, courtesy of the NCI, is a brief description of the five stages of cancer (stages O through IV).

A more detailed description of breast cancer stages can be found at www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/ diagnosis/staging.

Stage 0

This is diagnosed when abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissue. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ, or CIS. CIS is not cancer, but it may become cancer.

Stages I through III

Cancer is present in these stages. The higher the number, the larger the tumor is and the more it has spread into nearby tissues.

Stage IV

The cancer has spread into distant parts of the body.

Staging plays an important role in treating cancer. Recognizing the role of staging can help patients better understand their disease and the di rection of their treatments. More in formation about staging is available at www.cancer.gov. (MC) 

How

Charitable giving grew in 2021. Accord ing to Blackbaud Institute, a social good innovator, giving not only increased af ter COVID-19, but actually rebounded more than it had in a decade — increasing in the United States by 9% overall.

Annual private philanthropy as a percentage of GDP is about 1.44% in the United States. People tend to give the most to charity at the end of the year.

While legitimate organizations may step up their solicitation of donations at this time, scammers also realize the months of November and Decem ber is prime giving season. So many scammers in crease their deceptive tactics to cheat unsuspecting individuals at this time of year.

Here are four common charity scams that every prospective donor should be aware of.

Impersonating Another Charity

Most philanthropic groups have an online pres ence in some shape or form. Scammers will rep licate the look of the charitable group’s website or social media account, or may contact you through email or text to solicit funds. Thinking it is a legiti mate charity, you may follow a link to enter dona tion information.

To avoid this scam, do not click on any links. Rather, enter the exact email address of a charity, if you know it, or use a trusted resource like Charity Navigator for contact information.

If you’re still leery about online transactions, call the charity and ask to be sent a donation statement in the mail, which you should be able to mail back postage-paid.

The Hard Sell

A legitimate charity is happy to welcome a do nation any time you’re able to give it. A scam op eration may employ a hard sell or a deadline by which the donation must be made. In addition, a fraudulent “charity” might ask for payment only by cash, gift card or wire transfer (because it is difficult to trace), and this should raise a red flag

that something is amiss.

A Thank-You For Your Donation

AARP warns that some scammers will send you a thank-you for a donation that you supposedly al ready made to entice you to give again. This is de signed to lower your inhibitions about a soliciting charity. It’s always a good idea to keep records of charitable giving, especially for tax-related report ing, so you can easily verify if you gave to a group in the past.

Cryptocurrency Wallet

As methods of making payments change, scam groups often ride the wave. The Federal Trade Commission learned that when the government of Ukraine announced it would be accepting dona tions to support their efforts via a cryptocurrency wallet, scammers started getting in on the action. But instead of the funds getting sent to the gov ernment’s wallet, the donations headed to a private wallet.

Always conduct an online search of the wallet address to confirm that money is being sent to the right place. Typically you can’t reverse cryptocur rency payments, so due diligence is required.

Individuals need to be extra cautious with chari table giving to avoid common scams. (MC) 

BookTrib’s Bites Hollywood, Adulting, Atypical Sci-Fi, Action Saga

‘Deception: A Hollywood Mystery’

By Britt Lind

Blood and dreams run red through the magical land of Hollywood, and rarely do kind souls win the spoils of war …. When singer/songwriter Josh Sibley gets the opportunity to write songs for a multimillion-dollar feature film, he’s all in. Then he meets Lila Levy, the sexy singer/actress married to the movie’s producer. She attempts to use her sexuality to hook Josh into a secret love affair. But in Hollywood, dark souls are clothed in glamour and secrets. When Lila’s husband is murdered, Lila disappears, leaving Josh to deal with the woman determined to track her down — Police Sergeant Rosemaria Baker. When the cops finally bring Lila in, she declares herself innocent and builds her case around disturbing childhood trau ma that will twist Josh’s soul.

‘The Happy Clam’

By Rosemary Schmidt

If the author’s “Go Forward, Support!” was all about staying a child as long as possible, this book is all about being

an adult. “The Happy Clam” scales the realms of happiness — physical, intel lectual, emotional, relational, spiritu al — bringing together findings from the fields of psychology and philosophy with practical advice on how to apply them. There are 1,000 things we can do to invite more happiness into our lives but only a few things that really make a difference. Just as clams are filter feeders, taking in nourishment from what’s in the passing current, the author has tak en in all the bits and bytes of daily news, research, and experience, and stitched them together to create a delicately craft ed mosaic rich in hope and inspiration.

‘Terms of Service’

By Craig W. Stanfill

This is not your typical sci-fi novel. Start with “1984,” add in a healthy dose of “Brave New World” and “Fahrenheit 451,” stir in a bit of “The Matrix” and “Blade Runner,” and you have “Terms of Service.” It is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound conse quences to society as the digital world and the all-powerful corporations that rule it play a greater role in our lives, leaving readers to wonder where it will all end. This is a work of literary sci ence fiction, surreal in places, heavily laced with satire, mystical realism and even a bit of absurdism. In terms of subject matter, it lies squarely within

the boundaries of the cyberpunk genre. A slow burn with an explosive finish.

‘The Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice’

By Fred Yu

In ancient China, spoiled and over confident 18-year-old Mu Feng relish es life as the son of an honored general. But when his sister is abducted and his friends are slaughtered, he flees from home. He soon discovers the mystical birthmark on his body has put an enor mous price on his head. Pursued across the Middle Kingdom, Feng finds allies in two fierce warriors and a beautiful as sassin. When he learns his enemy plans an incursion with advanced weapon ry, he must call on his friends and his own budding military genius to defend his country. Can Feng fulfill a duty he didn’t know he had and unite the em pire against a terrifying force? If you like flashing swords, martial arts mayhem and inescapable fates, then you’ll love this pulse-pounding saga.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.

PETS

Five

Costumes and candy make Halloween a highly antic ipated event for children and adults alike, but the holiday can be particularly spooky for pets. Some of the same things that bring humans joy on All Hal lows Eve can lead to poisoning, stress or anxiety, which may cause four-legged family members to run away or react aggressively.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween

best to leave your pet at home.

Pets can be thrown off by extra people on the street or at the door in frightening costumes, which could lead to uncommon reactions such as growling or biting if threatened.

from strangers in costumes may insti gate a fearful or aggressive reaction.

Pet Costumes

dogs. Plus, cellophane or foil wrap pers can cause problems if swallowed.

To help ensure Halloween is fun for every member of the family, take note of these safety tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4.5 million pets last year. Talk to your veterinarian if you need assis tance dealing with pet anxiety.

A Safe Place

Create a safe space for your pet at home. If your neighborhood is par ticularly busy on Halloween and the sidewalks are overflowing with ex uberant trick-or-treaters, it may be

Even if your pets are mellow and enjoy greeting guests, consider keep ing them inside as you sit by your self near the door or outside to greet trick-or-treaters as they knock or ring the doorbell.

Otherwise, consider keeping your pet in a room away from the frenzy with a TV, radio or white noise ma chine to dull the sounds.

Taking Your Pet Along

Be cautious when taking your pet trick-or-treating. If you do decide to venture out with your pet, make sure he or she is always close to you on a secure leash (not a retractable).

Observe your surroundings and assess people — especially friendly, excited children — approaching you and your pet, because physical contact

Consider skipping the costume. It’s best not to dress up your pets for Halloween, but if you choose to, it’s important for pets to wear safe, com fortable costumes. They should be loose enough to provide freedom of movement but not loose enough to be a tripping hazard.

On the other hand, costumes that are too tight can restrict breathing and make movement difficult. Make sure your pet’s costume does not in terfere with vision or hearing. Also beware of small parts, like buttons or loose strings, that could be chewed off and swallowed.

Halloween Treats

Keep treats away from pets. Resist the temptation to share Halloween candy with your pet. In fact, keep all candy safely out of reach. Chocolate, candy or gum artificially sweetened with xylitol can be dangerous for

Even natural treats like caramel apples should be off limits as eating items not normally on the menu can cause upset stomachs.

Decorations

Decorate with safety in mind. Fes tive decorations help set the mood, but they can also create health risks for your pet. While non-toxic, pump kin and pumpkin seeds can upset stomachs, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Lit candles in Jack-O-Lanterns may pose fire hazards if toppled by a cu rious four-legged friend. Decorative lights can brighten your porch but should be kept out of your pet’s reach as nibbling on electrical cords can cause electrocution.

To learn more, visit vcahospitals. com, where you can search for addi tional tips to make Halloween safe and fun for your furry friends. (Fami ly Features)

KIDS &FAMILY

Eight Activities to Keep Kids Entertained

What parent hasn’t heard their child utter the familiar phrase “I’m bored” at some point? Despite a seeming ly vast array of toys, electronics and other items at their disposal, chil dren can be quick to sulk and say there’s nothing to do.

Parents can counter “I’m bored” with these eight boredom-busting activities that are certain to help pass the time in entertaining and some times educational ways.

Craft ime Pick a theme and gath er the materials for the project. For example, kids can evoke a trip to the ocean by creating handmade sea crea tures. Paint a paper plate and hang brightly colored yarn underneath it to create the “tentacles” of a jelly fish. Kids can use salt dough clay to fashion seashells, sea snails or crusta ceans.

Painting Shaving cream is a great sensory material that is relatively easy

to clean up. Kids can whip up a batch of shaving cream paint and use it to finger paint on a table or even in the bathtub. Simply mix shaving cream with food coloring in a bowl, or use a muffin tin to separate the colors.

Build a Birdhouse Birdhouses or bird feeders can be made from scraps of material found around the house. Scavenge for spare lumber or oth

er supplies in the shed or garage. An adult or older sibling can help cut the wood into pieces. Young children may enjoy painting the house. Wood adhe sive or screws can be used to assemble the project.

Plan a Garden Kids can help to de sign a garden the entire family will maintain and even be responsible for a special parcel that’s all their own.

Gardens can grow food, flowers and more. Add a touch of whimsy with figurines for a fairy garden or even small superhero figures for a spot for boys to tend.

Box Makeovers Tissue boxes or ce real boxes can be made into many different creations with paint or con struction paper. Use a few craft sup plies like pom-poms or wiggly eyes to turn boxes into “monsters.”

Boat Races Build a small sailboat for each member of the family. Fill up a long, shallow container and take turns racing the boats by blowing on the sails.

Leaf Art Gather leaves and twigs from around the yard and then com bine pieces to make them look like various animals.

Spray Park Create an at-home spray park with a garden hose and a pool noodle. Poke several small holes into the pool noodle on all sides. Stick a garden hose into the end of the pool noodle and hot-glue a wine cork into the hole at the other end. Turn on the water and let kids run through. Head off kids’ boredom by hav ing plenty of ideas at the ready. (MC)

Unit

CA 91351

CROSSWORD TIMEPUZZLES

READER LETTERS

An Easy Decision for Voters

Local voters have an easy decision to make on Nov. 8. If you are satisfied with:

The highest increase in food prices, 13%, since 2002.

The highest mortgage rates since 2008.

A 9.1% increase in the Consumer Price Index, the highest in 40 years.

The highest number of illegal border crossings (1.7 million), since at least 1960.

The highest inflation in 30 years.

Record-high gas prices.

The worst September close for the stock market since 2002.

An explosion in the nationwide crime rate (Christy Smith marched to de fund the police).

Then vote for Christy Smith and give Joe Biden another vote in the House of Representatives.

Max Morgan Valencia

Consider Gun Control

As you consider how you will vote in November for the person who will represent you in the House of Representatives, I ask you to consider the issue of gun control. Everytown Research indicates that 110 Americans are killed with guns every day. U.S. gun homicide is 26 times higher than that of other high-in come countries.

Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children. Guns are killing us. Yet Rep. Mike Garcia voted against the Kids Act that would raise the age to purchase semiautomatic weapons from 18 to 21, ban the sale of large-ca pacity magazines, and outlaw ghost guns — the kind used in the Saugus High School shooting.

In 2021 he also voted against enhanced background checks for those apply ing for gun ownership. On the other hand, Christy Smith supports uniform background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and supports “red line” laws that take guns away from domestic abusers and those who pose danger to themselves and others.

If you value your life and the lives of those you love, vote for Democrat Chris ty Smith in November. She is not funded by the NRA, and through her service to this community she has demonstrated that she cares about us.

Diane Duarte Babko Valencia

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

What Are You For?

Haveyou noticed that it is in creasingly easy to become a negative person? Is it just me or has criticism and disdain become our national pastime here in Amer ica? What is it about us that longs to both rec ognize and report all the things we see or experience that are bad or broken, at least in our opinion?

Long ago I made the decision that I didn’t want to be known for what I was against. And that’s not easy given that I live in the world of theology and religious practice. It is fair to say that a large percentage of Americans consider religion nothing more than the fear that someone, somewhere, might be having fun. We religious types have too often lived down to the myth that we exist to make sure all the “don’ts” are scrupulously monitored. Of course I would argue long that a life spent loving and serving the God of the Bible is actually one of freedom from bondage to selfishness and sin, but my arguments would only hold water if my life demonstrated it, even in the hard times.

pervasive critical spirit that is spreading through our offices, homes and relationships. We are becoming a nation of gripes and groans and Facebook rants. We actu ally like to get in groups with our friends to run down this and wag our tongues at that, belittling this person and ridiculing that idea. For too many of us, if we don’t have something neg ative and biting to say about someone or thing, we end up speechless.

Remember when Mom told us, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?” The value of that advice didn’t just pertain to what you said. It also spoke to the fact that when you engage in negativity, you become negative. Now don’t hear me suggesting that we jump on the positive thinking train. That’s not my aim. What I am saying is that an in tentional preoccupation with ridicule, disdain and contempt can stain the soul, making it intrinsically bitter.

Win Some, Lose Some

Your opinion may differ from mine or we may agree on how the state of Cal ifornia is governed. We are pretty much a one-party-run outfit. I suspect that if Gov. Gavin Newsom runs for president, California will elect another Democrat and nothing much will change. So, you win some and you lose Newsom.

Michael Dempsey Newhall

There are many things that we should be against, and I don’t have the mind or the time to go into that list here. What I want to consider is how easy it is to become infatuated with what we’re against, and to find a kind of life energy flowing out of finding more and more things to oppose. In short, we’re becoming a nation that loves to pick on things, on people, on products, on ideas, and on whatever there is that we might find lacking.

It is far better to be known for what you support, what you believe is right and good. And it is even better to be a billboard for your values by the way you live your life. The proof of a worldview is the way it allows you to live with joy in the midst of trials and uncertainty. What our friends, rela tives, neighbors and colleagues need isn’t one more gripe session.

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@ signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

This is particularly evident during election season. As I watch and listen to the statements of politicians and pundits I have personally gone through the stages of interest and shock all the way to fatigue and incre dulity. The constant tide of negative pronouncements that flows from the candidates and commentators on both sides of the aisle is nothing short of nauseating. But much worse is the

We’re well-stocked in that area. What we all need is to focus on solu tions, on light rather than darkness, and work together to put confidence, love and joy back into the center of our lives. And for me, that means looking at life through the lens of an eternity that is, and has always been, in the hands of Almighty God.

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

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

COUNCIL

Critical Issues That are Important to Me

Public Safety

Voted to Fund a Strong Sheriff Presence in the SCV, Leading the Fight Against D.A. Gascon’s Failure to Prosecute Criminals

Our Local Economy

Voted for Numerous Job Creation Programs, Voted to Support Local Business, especially during Covid

Fiscal Responsibility Control city spending & maintain our 20% emergency fund

Quality of Life

Voted for new parks, roads, hiking trails, the Canyon Country Community Center, and much more to Keep Santa Clarita a Great Place to Live, Work, Play & Raise a Family