Sunday Signal 111322

Thanksgiving DINNER

Last year the average household spent al most $450 to host a Thanksgiving dinner, and according to USDA grocery prices in 2022 have increased by 9.5-10.5%. So it’s no surprise that Google searches for “easy things to make for Thanksgiving” are up 250%.

One of the main reasons Thanksgiving is so de licious is the various food options, many of which we only eat once a year. But this variety requires se lect ingredients that are not typically kept on hand and can raise your grocery bill exponentially.

No one wants to forgo the celebration that kicks off the holiday season, how do you have a wonder ful feast without draining your bank accounts?

Share the Responsibility and Plan Ahead

Potlucks have become increasingly popular over the last few years because it takes much of the burden from the party host and gets everyone involved. Depending on the number of guests in attendance, each family or person can take on 1-2 dishes.

A good option is to have the host do the turkey or main dish since it’s a hard dish to transport, then other guests can be in charge of sides or desserts.

Also, plan ahead! Create a menu ahead of time so you and your guests can plan accordingly, and get an

accurate headcount early on. Our expert says one of the most common ways people waste money is by preparing too much food for the size of their party.

Buy Groceries Early and Look for Discounts

There are a few key ways to save on groceries while preparing a holiday meal. Looking for sales and checking coupons is an excellent option, as grocery stores frequently have sales around the hol iday season. Many grocers will even offer discount ed or free turkeys if you utilize store points, get flu shots or download their apps, so check out what your local stores are offering.

You can also buy nonperishables in advance. Certain costs tend to increase as demand increas es, so buying them early on can help you get them at a lower price. Foods like green, beans, corn and even rolls can be frozen until ready to use. Canned cranberries are an easy option, and potatoes, yams, onions and garlic have a great shelf life if they are stored in a cool/dry location.

Also, check your inventory before buying ingre dients, make sure you have taken proper kitchen inventory first. The spices you purchased the previ ous year are likely still in your cupboard.

Get Creative with Your Leftovers

Even if you are trying to prepare for only the size of your group, you will still have leftovers. Don’t let them go to waste!

After Thanksgiving, there are so many creative ways you can use your leftovers, and the Internet will be full of recipes to utilize them in fun and de licious ways.”

Forgo the Tradition

You don’t have to make the traditional dish that is always there, and no one likes. Focus on the foods that everyone loves, and don’t waste your time on the others.

Don’t be afraid to look for cheaper ingredients too. If there is a generic store version of a brand name ingredient, chances are no one will ever know the difference.

Summary

You can affordably create a wonderful Thanks giving if you follow these key recommendations:

• Have a potluck-style celebration.

• Clip coupons and buy early.

• Utilize the things that are already in your pan try.

• Use up leftovers in creative ways.

• Choose your dishes wisely, and don’t be afraid to cut out foods that aren’t as popular.

Don’t ‘Fowl’ Up Your Thanksgiving Turkey!

By Beau Harper Signal Staff Writer

Whether purchasing a fresh or fro zen turkey, consumers can be con fident they are buying a quality product. The decision of which to purchase is based on personal preference in price and convenience.

Oven-ready fresh and frozen birds are tucked into snug, air and water resistant plastic wraps im mediately following processing. Air is removed as bags are sealed and shrunk so they fit the turkey almost as tightly as its own skin.

Frozen turkeys are flash-frozen immediately after processing to 0 degrees F or below and held at that temperature until packaged. The meat, once de frosted, is virtually at the same freshness as the day it was processed.

Fresh turkeys are deep chilled after packaging. They have a shorter shelf life and are, therefore, usually more expensive.

Whether you buy a fresh or frozen turkey, proper cooking and handling of the bird will ensure a deli cious holiday meal.

Frozen Turkey

• Stored at O degrees F or below.

• Purchase during special value sales and store the bird in the freezer until the thawing time begins.

• Thaw under refrigeration, in cold water or the microwave.

Refrigeration: Allow approximately 24 hours per

five pounds to thaw in the refrigerator.

Cold Water Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound to thaw in cold water , which is changed ev ery 30 minutes. Do not use warm or hot water and be sure to change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave Follow the microwave manufacturer’s directions and begin to roast the turkey immedi ately following the microwave process.

Fresh Turkey

• Stored at 26 degrees F and above.

• Purchase for convenience because thawing is not required. Cost may be slightly more due to spe cial handling required by the store.

• Order in advance to be assured of availability.

• Place fresh, raw poultry in a refrigerator that maintains 40 degrees F and use it within the time frame on the package label, or freeze the poultry at O degrees F.

Hard Chilled/Previously Hard-Chilled Turkey

• Stored at temperatures between O and 26 degrees F. In late 1997, new regulations created a separate category for turkeys in this temperature range, which had previously been labeled fresh. Cooks should treat this bird with the same care as a fresh bird and recognize this product has a short er shelf life than a frozen product.

Other Tips

• Processors may add convenience or value-added features to whole turkeys, including pop-up tim

ers, net bags for easy carrying and self-basting solutions injected into the bird for added flavor. Consumers can choose which of these options best suit their needs.

• Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served. This formula allows for the holiday meal plus a little left over for the prized turkey sand wich.

• Ensure that the packaging is intact and avoid purchasing a bird with packaging that has rips or tears.

• Save on supermarket specials by purchasing more than one turkey. A whole frozen tur key may be stored in your freezer for up to 12 months.

• Select the size of turkey based on number of servings needed.

There is no appreciable difference between fe male (hen) and male (tom) turkeys in tenderness, white/dark meat ratio or other eating qualities. Hens typically weigh between 14 to 16 pounds and toms 15 pounds on up, so choose the size which best fits the number of dinner guests you expect. Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small gathering for the holiday. Other turkey products that are readily available include a turkey breast, tenderloins, cutlets, drumsticks or thighs. Or, ask your butcher to cut a whole fresh bird in two halves, roast one half and freeze the other half for a later occasion. 

By Michele E. Buttelman Staff Writer

Your Thanksgiving table might look slightly differ ent this year. The cost of a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner has increased significantly from 2021.

The cost of the turkey itself has increased by an average of 23% over fourth quarter prices in 2021.

Supplies of turkeys have been af fected due to impacts of the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

In addition, Thanksgiving staples such as potatoes and cranberries will be in low supply and high demand.

According to a recent Wells Fargo report, “Is This the Year to Dine Out for Thanksgiving?” the cost of staples from poultry to fruits will outpace the Consumer Price Index.

Some economists suggest that eat ing out might make more sense eco nomically for Thanksgiving 2022.

2022 Thanksgiving Tips

What’s a Thanksgiving tradition alist to do? Chose a budget-friendly frozen turkey instead of fresh.

Most people enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers and many think that day-af ter turkey sandwiches are the best part of Thanksgiving. For most fam ilies the Thanksgiving tradition of a bountiful table of wonderful food also leaves a plethora of leftovers. Howev er, you don’t need so many leftovers your family won’t consume the food.

To avoid wasted food make sure your guests go home with leftovers.

Consider buying a smaller turkey. Try a 14lb. turkey instead of a 20 lb turkey.

Try a new side dish this year if you can’t find some items you regularly serve. For example, try a side dish us ing sweet potatoes, which are in sur plus this year.

Thanksgiving Sides

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A perfect fall dish and a star at the Thanksgiving table.

4 cups of peeled, chopped sweet pota toes.

1 sweet onion cut into wedges

2 cloves thinly sliced fresh garlic

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

The Thanksgiving Table

Toss sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic in olive oil and roast in a shal low roasting pan, turning frequently. When the sweet potatoes are soft and golden brown, remove them from the oven and drizzle with olive oil. Bake 30 minutes or until fork tender. Removed from oven.

Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper.

The First Thanksgiving

If you are looking for a recipe that harkens back to the very first Thanks giving which most likely featured venison, seafood and seasonal squash and corn, try this interpretation of corn porridge.

Corn Porridge

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 onion, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups coconut milk

1 3-inch piece fresh ginger, halved

2 15-ounce cans white hominy corn, drained

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 cup chicken stock

Salt and pepper

In a large sauté pan over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Add onion and caramelize for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and ginger and simmer for five min utes. Remove ginger and add hominy. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Add nutmeg and chicken stock and cook for 10 minutes.

Thanksgiving Signature Cocktails

Every family has a “bartender.” Task your home bartender with crafting a “signature” Thanksgiving cocktail. Don’t forget to make a mocktail ver sion available for those under 21.

Have everyone give a Thanksgiving “toast” to those who have made an impact on their life in the past year.

For inspiration try a Pecan Pie Martini

6 oz. rumchata 6 oz. creme de cocoa 3 oz. bourbon Ice

Combine rumchata, creme de cocoa, and bourbon in a large cocktail shak er. Fill with ice and shake until cold, 30 seconds. Pour into martini glasses and top with a dollop of whipped cream, a whole pecan, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For an extra festive touch, melt a few caramels and dip the rim of the glass into the caramel and then into finely crushed pecans.

Thanksgiving Recipe Book

Make sure your Thanksgiving traditions are preserved and can be handed down to future generations by creating a Thanksgiving recipe book. Ask relatives who always bring their favorite side dish for a copy of the recipe in advance. Compile all the recipes into a “book” that can be emailed, or printed out, for every family member to take home.

Tablescapes

Tablecloths of rich autumn col ors with cloth napkins of contrasting shades of gold, orange, sable or deep brown will make for a striking table. Add a tablescape of white candles in silver candlesticks and some casual ly placed fresh pears for a stunning Thanksgiving Day table.

Crumpled silver and white tis sue paper with fall gourds and mini pumpkins make for a casually ele gant Thanksgiving tablescape, leaving plenty of space for the star attraction, the turkey and sides.

Don’t Forget the Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for everything we have. Af ter the last few years gratitude has a deeper and more intense meaning.

Consider starting a new Thanks giving tradition by donating food, or volunteering, at a Santa Clarita Valley food bank.

SCV Food Pantry

24133 Railroad Ave., Newhall 91321 (661) 255-2001; SCVFoodPantry.org

The Church of Hope

17866 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 91351; (661) 298-3890; thechurchof hope.org

Help the Children

25030 Ave Tibbitts, Valencia 91355 (661) 542-7048; helpthechildren.org 

Herb-Roasted Turkey to Dazzle Your Guests

While there are no laws govern ing which dishes must appear on Thanksgiving dinner tables, for many the fourth Thursday of No vember simply would not be complete without turkey. Turkey can be cooked in various ways, but roasting might be the most popular method used by Thanksgiving celebrants.

This recipe for “Herb-Roasted Turkey” from Yolanda Banks” “Cooking for Your Man” (Broadway Books) produces a mouth-watering bird that”s sure to make a lasting impression this Thanksgiving.

Herb-Roasted Turkey

Serves 10

12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, plus 4 whole sprigs

1 large sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, plus 2 whole sprigs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 4 whole sprigs

15 leaves fresh sage, chopped, plus 3 whole leaves

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the turkey

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the turkey

1 15-pound turkey

1 lemon, quartered

8 shallots, peeled and halved

1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock 2/3 cup dry white wine

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

2. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven

and preheat the oven to 450 F. Sprinkle the main cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the whole sprigs of parsley, rosemary and thyme and the sage leaves into the cavity. Add the lem on, 4 shallot halves and half of the garlic cloves.

3. Starting at the neck end, carefully slide a hand between the skin and the breast meat to loos en the skin. Spread 3 tablespoons of the herb butter over the breast meat under the skin. Tuck the wing tips under the skin, and tie the legs together to hold the shape. Season the turkey generously all over with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey on a wire rack set in a large roasting pan. Rub 4 tablespoons of the herb butter over the turkey. Roast about 30 min utes, until golden brown, and reduce the heat

Start with a tasty soup

Vichyssoise can be traced to a French man employed as a cook at a Ritz-Carl ton hotel in the United States. Because the soup is served cold, there’s no need to worry about coordinating its completion with the arrival of Thanksgiving guests.

Vichyssoise

From Sara Woodward’s “The Food of France”

4 large leeks

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 medium-sized potatoes, around 1-1/2 pounds when peeled and roughly chopped

5 cups mild vegetable or chicken stock

Salt

White pepper (optional)

4 teaspoons cr me fra”che or sour cream

2 teaspoons chopped chives

Chop the white parts of the leeks only (ideally you will already have used the green parts to make your stock, together with a white onion, a carrot or two,

some sprigs of parsley and leaves of celery, and perhaps a few chicken wings). Melt the butter in a heavy casserole and gently stew the leeks until soft, 15 minutes. Now add the chopped potatoes and stir well. Meanwhile heat the stock in another pan. Af ter a further 10 minutes, add the stock to the leek and potato mixture, bring to the boil, turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook, 40 minutes.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool to tepid before liquidizing. The soup should be complete ly smooth. When you have achieved this, check the seasoning and salt to taste, depending upon whether or not the stock was salty. Traditionally, pepper is not added to vichyssoise, although, if you like, you can add a pinch of white pepper. Chill very well and, just before serving, swirl in the cr me fra”che or sour cream (if the cr me fra”che is very thick, whisk in a little whole milk to loosen it) and sprinkle with the chives. (MC) 

to 350 F. Baste the turkey with 1/2 cup of the broth. Cover only the breast area with a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Scatter the remain ing shallots and garlic cloves in the pan around the turkey.

5. Continue to roast the turkey for about 1-1/2 hours, basting with 1/2 cup of broth every 30 minutes. Remove the foil from the turkey breast. Continue to roast the turkey, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, about 1 hour longer, until it”s golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reg isters 165 F. Transfer the turkey to a platter and brush with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots and garlic from the roasting pan to a plate. Transfer the pan juices to a medium bowl, then skim off and discard the fat. Set the pan over two burners on medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with the wine and 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until it”s reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large measuring glass. Add the degreased pan juices, and broth, if necessary, to equal 3 cups of liquid.

7. Blend the flour into the remaining herb butter until combined. Pour the broth mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the herb-butter mixture. Add any accu mulated juices from the turkey platter and boil until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon, whisking occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add the remaining shallots and garlic to the gravy and simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Serve the turkey with the gravy. (MC) 

A Holiday Tradition Like No Other in Santa Clarita

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

The holidays are fast approaching, and in Santa Clarita, that means one thing — Light Up Main Street is almost here. Join thousands of residents in Old Town Newhall for a fun and festive night as the City of Santa Clarita kicks off the season in style.

Light Up Main Street is a one-of-a-kind event that is more than just an opportunity to see deco rations and watch as thousands of lights illuminate a giant Christmas tree. It is an immersive experi ence that is sure to put your whole family into the holiday spirit. With live music and performances, pictures with Santa and more, Light Up Main Street unites thousands of residents each year for a night of festive fun.

Light Up Main Street will take place this year on Saturday, November 19, from 5-8 p.m. As in years past, the event will stretch from the Santa Clari ta Public Library Old Town Newhall Branch at the north end of Main Street all the way south to the roundabout. Please be aware that Lyons Avenue will be closed between Walnut Street and Railroad

Avenue, but drivers will be able to use Newhall Avenue and Walnut Street as a detour around the event site.

At the Main Stage, located in front of the library at the intersection of Lyons Avenue and Main Street, the Santa Clarita City Council will official ly flip the switch and Light Up Main Street at 6:00 p.m. You’ll want to get there early to secure a spot that gives you a view of all of the lights and decora tions!

Prior to and after the tree lighting, the Main

Stage will feature live music from Michael Physick. In front of The MAIN, which is located on Main Street between Market Street and 6th Street, the Community Stage will feature local performing arts groups that will have you feeling merry and bright. Maker’s Marketplace, which will be set up near Lyons Avenue, will feature local artisans selling unique, handmade gifts for the holidays.

Of course, Light Up Main Street wouldn’t be complete without a range of winter activities for you and your children to enjoy. Stop by the snow zone to play in real snow, make your own arts and crafts, write a letter to Santa and try your hand at games in the Candy Cane Carnival. Don’t forget to visit sponsor booths for great giveaways, and be sure to stop by the food truck areas and Old Town Newhall eateries for dinner and a sweet treat for dessert.

Light Up Main Street will once again be a mag ical time unlike any other in Santa Clarita. I look forward to seeing you and your family there on Saturday!

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. 

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Aftersun’ Vibrantly Captures a Slice of Real Life

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Aftersun’ (out of four)

A24 presents a film written and di rected by Charlotte Wells. Rated R. In theaters.

The Scottish writer-director Charlotte Wells’ minimal ist masterpiece “Aftersun” draws us into the lives of a father and daughter on a summer vacation in such a natural and grad ual way that we feel like we truly know them as the days and nights go by, and we care deeply about them. And yet it still comes as something of a jolt when the final moments of this movie hit us SO hard, like a sledgehammer to the heart. We will not give away what happens (or doesn’t happen) in those last scenes, other than to say it solidifies our feeling this is one of the best films of 2022.

Some movies are so artificial, it feels as if nobody would ever say or do most of the things the characters say and do throughout the journey. With “Aftersun,” every moment, ev ery snippet of dialogue, every detail

down to the smallest role or the tini est detail in the background feels like a vibrant slice of real life. From the opening scene that is filtered through the hazy, grainy lens of a camcord er (remember camcorders?) to the closing credits, this feels real -- and yet somewhat dreamlike throughout, like an extended memory.

With the exception of a few flash-forwards, “Aftersun” takes place over the course of several days late in the summer of 1999, with 11-yearold Sophie (Frankie Corio) joining her father, Calum (Paul Mescal), for a holiday in a downscale Turkish re sort populated mostly by vacationing Brits. Sophie lives with her mother in Scotland, and Calum lives in En gland, and it’s clear her parents have been divorced for quite some time. Calum’s time with Sophie is limited, so they’re determined to make the most of it.

(Calum also has a cast on his arm, and we’re not sure what happened; let’s just say it’s not the only part of Calum that seems fractured and in need of healing.)

Director Wells and cinematogra pher Gregory Oke shoot the story in a casual, handheld kind of way, and there are scenes shown from the viewpoint of Sophie’s video camera, yet there’s never that irritating, overly jumpy element to the visuals. It just feels like we’re there with Calum and Sophie.

Calum is in his early 30s, but he and Sophie are sometimes mistaken for siblings — and Calum’s parent ing choices reflect his young age. He’s not a bad parent; he’s just a little lax, even as he expresses concerns about Sophie making the right choices as a tween. The resort they’re staying at doesn’t have much to offer beyond a crowded pool and some cheesy late-night entertainment, and we see glimpses of Calum’s chagrin over being financially strapped, but the precocious and inquisitive and sweet Sophie couldn’t care less about such things. She’s having the time of her life: hanging out with some “cool” teenagers, staying up late with her pops, making friends with a boy her age at the arcade.

Still, Sophie is a very smart girl, and there are times when she sees

(though doesn’t fully understand) that her father is not in a good place. Calum has brought along a stack of books about self-improvement and meditation, and he often practices his tai chi moves, as if he’s seeking some kind of higher truth and enlighten ment, some sense of inner peace. But when we see Calum nervously smoking a cigarette on the balcony of their tiny room while Sophie sleeps inside, or when Calum refuses to join Sophie for a karaoke number and abandons her as she sings “Losing My Religion” in a voice that aches for her father to join her, to see her, to be with her, we understand Calum is in great pain. As much as he loves his daughter, as much as they both wish this holiday wouldn’t end, Calum already knows it’s probably best that he’s not in Sophie’s life every single day, and Sophie is beginning to see that as well.

“Aftersun” is peppered with neat little period-piece references; re member when the “Macarena” was a cringe-inducing thing? This makes for an even greater impact when the story rockets forward some 20 years for just a glimmer of a moment or two, when Sophie (played by Ce lia Rowlson-Hall in the flash-for wards) is roughly the age her father was during that vacation and has a partner and a newborn baby. (We see a few totems from that holiday in Sophie’s apartment, including one item that just kills us.) Two decades after that outwardly idyllic, sun-dap pled getaway, it appears as if Sophie remembers it as one of the most beautiful and yet one of the most heartbreaking chapters in her entire life.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

A Better-for-You Twist on Treasured Family Recipes

Many holiday hosts tend to pull out their most treasured family recipes when entertaining loved ones. After all, taste is the most important as pect of most holiday spreads, particularly when it comes to favorite baked goods and desserts.

Put a better-for-you twist on your baked classics this holiday season by swapping out less healthy cooking fats like butter, canola oil and vegetable oil with an option like Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil. Ideal for baking desserts like this Lemon Cake or Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze, as well as frying, this light tasting olive oil provides a health ier take on your holiday recipes without impacting the taste you and your guests love. This olive oil is high-quality and authentic, backed by a brand that has been perfecting the craft of olive oil since 1906.

Find more better-for-you holiday recipe inspira tion at Pompeian.com/recipes. (Family Features)

Lemon Cake

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Servings: 30

1 1/3 cups Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil, plus additional for oiling pan

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/4 cups whole milk

3 large eggs

1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, plus additional for garnish (optional)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup limoncello powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) dried sweetened lemon rings, for garnish (optional)

Heat oven to 350 F. Oil 8-by-12-by-2-inch pan with olive oil and line bottom with parchment paper.

In bowl, whisk flour, sugars, salt, baking soda and powder. In another bowl, whisk 1 1/3 cups olive oil, milk, eggs, lemon zest, juice and limoncello. Add dry ingredients; whisk until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 60-75 minutes until top is golden and cake tester comes out clean. Transfer cake to rack and let cool 30 minutes.

Run knife around edge of pan, invert cake onto rack and let cool completely, 2 hours.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, lemon zest and lem on rings right before serving, if desired.

Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 36

Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cake sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2-3 tablespoons unsweetened milk of choice

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional if needed, for thicken ing

2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/8 teaspoon salt orange slices or blood orange slices, for topping sugar, for topping

To make cookies Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease baking sheet.

In large bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, bak ing soda and salt to combine.

Add olive oil, vanilla extract and almond extract. Stir until crumbly dough forms.

Add 2 tablespoons milk; stir until soft dough ball forms, adding more milk if needed.

Place dough ball on lightly floured surface. Roll out dough until 1/4-inch thick. Using jar lid or other circular object, cut out cookies; place on baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is used.

Bake 8-10 minutes; do not overbake. Set aside to cool.

To make glaze In small bowl, stir powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice and salt until thick glaze forms. Add more juice, if needed, to thin out glaze or add more powdered sugar to thicken.

When cookies are cooled, glaze them. Top with orange slices or blood orange slices and pinch of sugar. 

Take Our Breath Away — Berlin at The Canyon ENTERTAINMENT

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

Berlin will forever be recognized as the Amer ican progenitor of electro-pop artistry with sen sually appealing lyrics. Few bands emerging from the era of Berlin have achieved as far-reaching and long-lasting an impact and, rarely, such a timeless

array of musical grooves.

The Los Angeles-based band made its first na tional impression with the provocative single “Sex (I’m A…)” from the platinum-selling debut EP Pleasure Victim in 1982. “The Metro” and “No More Words” were also chart toppers, but it was the unforgettable, intimate, and strikingly beauti ful love song “Take My Breath Away” that took the band to another level.

The ballad’s defining role in the Tom Cruise film Top Gun helped solidify Berlin’s everlasting place

in American pop culture. The song was a #1 inter national hit and received both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for “Best Original Song” in 1986.

You can see Berlin live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on December 3. 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.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com. 

SENIOR LIVING

It’s not uncommon for aging individuals to feel less comfort able driving as they approach their golden years. Whether it’s glare from LED lights, aches and pains that often accompany aging or age-related vision issues, older driv ers’ comfort behind the wheel can be compromised by a host of variables.

Though older drivers cannot re verse the aging process, they can try various strategies to make themselves more comfortable behind the wheel.

Share driving duties on long

trips.

The National Institute on Aging notes that stiffening joints and weak ened muscles are a common byprod uct of aging. In addition, the Arthri tis Foundation™ notes that more than one in two men and two in three women over age 65 have arthritis, which also can make driving less comfortable.

Age-related aches and pains and arthritis can make it very uncom fortable to drive for lengthy periods of time when drivers are sitting in roughly the same position for the du ration of their trip. In such instanc es, drivers can share driving duties to make long trips more manageable.

Upgrade to a vehicle with modern amenities.

Various amenities in modern vehi cles make driving more comfortable for everyone, especially individu als with age-related aches and pains. Heated seats and in-car climate con trol can help reduce the discomfort

caused by aches and pains and ensure drivers and passengers can tailor the temperature in the vehicle to their own preferences.

Protect your eyesight.

Much of the discomfort older driv ers experience behind the wheel has to do with eyesight. The NIA urges individuals 65 and older to see their eye doctor every year. Such visits can ensure prescriptions are current and that can make drivers more confident in their ability to see everything on the road.

Drivers also can speak to their eye doctors about night driving glasses, which are designed to help nighttime drivers overcome glare from head lights and street lamps.

Drive more defensively.

A greater emphasis on defensive driving also can help aging drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. The NIA notes that reflexes naturally slow down as a person ages, which adversely affects older drivers’ reaction times.

Drivers can counter this by leaving more space between their vehicles and the one in front of them. Braking earlier and avoiding driving during times marked by heavy traffic, such as rush hour, also can help drivers feel more comfortable.

It’s natural for aging drivers to feel less comfortable behind the wheel than they did when they were young. But drivers can take various steps to increase their comfort levels so they can stay on the road. (MC) 

Steps to Properly Manage Blood Pressure

Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, about 75% don’t have it under control, and many may not even realize they have it unless they ex perience other complications.

In fact, high blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as other issues such as kidney fail ure, vision loss and sexual problems. However, the American Heart Association recommends taking these simple steps to help control your levels and manage risks.

Know Your Numbers

In most cases, normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm HG or less. Readings consistently higher than 130/80 are considered high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year by a health care professional and regularly moni tor it at home with a validated monitor then dis cuss the readings with your doctor. Getting accu rate readings can help ensure the most appropriate treatment should any problems arise.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re at increased

risk of high blood pressure. Losing just 3-5% of your body weight can help improve your numbers. There are an abundance of plans and programs available that can assist with weight loss, and taking positive steps with a friend or family member may help with motivation.

Get Active

To maximize health benefits and help keep blood pressure in the normal range, the American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of the two.

Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, bicy cling or dancing.

Eat Well

Making small, simple changes to your eating habits can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, can lower blood pressure over time. Other smart choic es include nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean pro teins and fish.

Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Usage

Smoking compounds risk factors for heart dis ease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and the chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Similarly, consuming al cohol excessively (more than two drinks per day) is associated with high blood pressure. Limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking — or avoiding secondhand smoke — can help reduce your risk.

If you develop high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to manage it, and visit heart.org/hbpcontrol to find local blood pressure resources, step-by-step self-monitoring videos and more. (Family Features) 

Cool-Weather Gardening for a Homegrown Harvest

Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean gardeners everywhere can flex their green thumb that much longer to squeeze every last moment out of the growing season.

Cooler temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden. You’ll spend less time caring for crops because of the favorable cool weath er growing conditions. Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won’t be as numer ous, and weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer weather.

Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in precipitation, reducing anoth er time-consuming chore — watering. eteran or novice gardener, if you’re not ready to give up your garden, here’s how to get growing:

Use Transplants

For the timeliest results, buy quality transplants that are already started, so the germination process is complete. You’ll harvest six weeks sooner than growing from seed, with time to spare before the cold weather sets in.

Location, Location, Location

lowing for some afternoon shade. Spend time not ing the sunniest spots and plant accordingly.

Prep the Perfect Soil

Just like humans, plants need their own brand of nutrition to thrive. Working in some compost can be beneficial, as well as removing spent plants, and weeds.

Freshen Your Garden

Freshen garden soil by removing any mulch, then replace it. Straw makes an excellent c over; it’s easily scattered and is also a favorite home for spi ders that control pests naturally.

Consider Containers

Container gardening is a quick, easy and cost-ef fective way to grow your own food at home, plus

Pick Your Plants

From showy lettuces to hearty cole crops, fall provides a cornucopia of choices. Some good, cool weather choices are Georgia collards, spinach, art work broccoli or Bonnie hybrid cabbage.

Fertilize Faithfully

Plants need an extra boost of nutrition for proper growth in the form of a high-quality fertilizer. Al ways follow manufacturer label directions for rates and intervals since too much fertilizer can be detri mental to plants.

Prepare for Harvesting

Once your plants start yielding results, have a plan in place for either eating fresh, or preserv ing. Who knows, this may be the perfect time to try your hand at canning or freezing to maximize freshness and time. Bonnie’s website has some fab ulous recipes by variety, which can expand your culinary horizon!

All it takes is proper prep and planning and soon your garden will yield a delicious garden-to-table feast before the first frost hits the ground. For more information on fall gardening and varieties, visit www.bonnieplants.com. (NEWUSA)

Owning a home is a dream shared by millions of people. Investing in property that can be owned within 15 to 30 years of clos ing on the home makes more finan cial sense to many than continuing to rent and having little to show for it over time.

The first step to take when plan ning to enter the real estate market is to ensure that your finances are in order. Various factors will influence individuals’ ability to secure a mort gage, and these are some ways to make yourself more attractive to pro spective lenders.

Check your credit report.

Lenders will check your credit re port before deciding if you are a risk or a safe bet for a mortgage. So it makes sense to check your credit re port prior to speaking with a lend er. The Federal Trade Commission says everyone can get one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. If you split it up, you can get a credit report every four months so you are aware of any thing that may adversely affect your ability to get a mortgage loan. A cred it (FICO) score that’s too low may disqualify you from a mortgage. Each lender sets its own thresholds when they price and approve loans, but the higher your credit score, the better.

Improve credit standing.

One way to improve your status in the eyes of lenders is to pay down

credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization ratio. A high utili zation occurs when there is a high balance in relation to the credit limit, says Business Insider. Also, it may be wise to avoid any credit inquiries through new credit card applications for several months before applying for a loan, as these inquiries can af fect your score.

Be realistic about what you can afford.

Do your homework and determine your target interest rate and monthly payment as well as what down pay ment you can afford. It will help you research potential lenders and pro vide an idea of what may be offered to you.

Pay bills on time.

Paying bills promptly not only helps you avoid late fees, but also pos itively affects your credit. The finan cial resource The Mortgage Reports urges diligence when paying rent, as late rent payments can bar you from getting a mortgage. Lenders look at rent history as the biggest indicator of whether you’ll make mortgage pay ments on time.

These are some of the ways to make a prospective home buyer look better in the eyes of mortgage lenders. Indi viduals can speak with financial pro fessionals about what else they can do to improve the possibility of securing mortgages at the best rates possible.

Loyal, loving, quirky and kind — a dog brings so much joy to life. It comes as no surprise that pet parents take ample pictures of furry family members. Dogs are a favorite sub ject matter for amateur and profes sional photographers, and countless framed photographs and slews of social media images prove it.

From capturing those split-sec ond cute poses to setting up the ideal seasonal image, dog photography is a big trend. A recent survey found that most dog owners (65%) admit to taking more photos of their dog than their significant other. However, get ting the ultimate shot can be trickier than it seems.

No matter your experience with pet photography, there are some tips and tricks that can help you get the ideal pictures of your canine counterparts. The photography experts at Adobe share some methods for taking pet pictures that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Balance lighting

Good lighting is essential for any type of photography. If too much light is coming from behind, your dog will appear darker. If too much light is in front, it may wash out your pup.

Keep in mind, fur absorbs light dif ferently than skin, so experiment to see how changes in lighting impact the photograph. Natural light is typ ically best, not only for the resulting image, but also because many pets are sensitive to flash.

Use a fast shutter speed

No matter your pup’s personality, they’ll probably be moving in some manner as you try to photograph. If you’re using a tablet or smartphone, switch the settings for an action shot.

If you’re using a camera, opt for a faster shutter speed. This will help ensure that your pup’s excitement doesn’t turn into a disappointing pho to when you review the image and it’s a big blur.

Know the dog’s personality

Some dogs adore affection and will melt for back scratches and belly rubs. Some pets go gaga for a game of fetch. Some just can’t resist their favorite treat.

Whatever the dog’s preferred ways to feel loved, use them to your advan tage during your photo session. This will help make them feel comfortable, encourage cooperation and keep their attention.

Make some quick edits

A few simple edits after you take a picture can elevate the image signifi cantly. When on the go, Lightroom presets allow you to seamlessly edit your photos in one click from your mobile device. Lightroom offers thousands of presets to choose from, and even more can be found in Light room Discover.

Trust the process

You may have an idea of what you want to create, but in the end it’s the pets who determine the context of the photo, which is part of the magic. Remember to mix candid and posed

photography to get a nice variety and just keep clicking. You never know what might be captured and the beau

ty of digital photography is that there is no limit to how many photos you can take. (BPT) 

CELEBRITY NEWS

By Dana Jackson

QDo the People’s Choice Awards still exist? As a kid, I remember them being on TV. I always wanted to take a survey to vote for my favorites, but never got the chance.

— H.L.

AYes, the People’s Choice Awards are still a thing and are still broadcast on network television. This year, they’ll be hosted by Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) and air on NBC and the E! channel on Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Voting was done online.

The awards first aired in 1975, and up until 2005, the winners were de termined through a Gallup poll. The first winners included Barbra Strei sand as Favorite Film Actress and John Wayne as Favorite Film Actor. Ellen DeGeneres has won the most awards since its inception. This year, Ryan Reynolds (“The Adam Project”) will be honored with the “People’s Icon Award” for the bulk of his work. Each category for the stars, shows and movies consist of eight nominees each and include recent films like “Halloween Ends” and “Black Adam.”

QDid they ever find a permanent host for “Jeopardy!” or will they continue to rotate the two they have now?

— A.A.

AIn July 2022, it was officially announced that Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik would remain hosts of the hit syndicated game show “Jeopardy!” When Alex Trebek passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020, there was a long rotation of hosts, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and fan favorite LeVar Burton (“Reading Rainbow”), until it was announced the search had ended because producer Mike Richards had landed the coveted job. He was soon fired after past sexist and racist com ments of his resurfaced.

In the meantime, the show called upon past “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings and sitcom star Mayim Bial ik (“The Big Bang Theory”) to rotate

Kenan Thompson, host of the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. ©Photo Credit Depositphotos

hosting duties. It was such a ratings success that they were offered con tracts, and the rest is history.

QI read that former Bachelorette Emily had another baby. How many children does she have, and how old is her daughter, Ricki, now?

— B.C.

AEmily Maynard was chosen as the star of ABC’s “The Bache lorette” 10 years ago. She was a young mother who had lost her fiance, NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick, in a plane crash in 2004. She found love briefly with contestant Jef Holm, who proposed to her at the conclusion of the reality show, but it wasn’t meant to be.

After the show, she stayed un der the radar, living a normal life in Charlotte, North Carolina, raising daughter Ricki, when she started dat ing a man she met at church named Tyler Johnson. They eventually mar ried and had five more children, in cluding a new baby boy named Jones, who was born in August of this year.

Ricki, the little girl Maynard was pregnant with when she tragically lost her fiance, is now 17 years old.

Send me your questions at NewCe lebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlan do, FL 32803. 

© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

FINANCE

How to Account for a Rising Cost of Living

Cost of living is a significant component of financial planning. The cost of living may dictate where people live and work, and a high cost of living can influence how individuals spend their free time.

A 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47% of Americans feel that cost of living is the big gest threat to their financial security and long-term investments. It’s worth noting that the survey was conducted prior to the pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic, cost of living has increased con siderably.

Though the fight against a rising cost of living can feel like an uphill battle, individuals can take steps to prepare for such increases.

• Apply lessons learned during the pandemic.

A recent Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. gov ernment and Eurostat data found that roughly 9.6 million workers in the United States lost their jobs in the first three quarters of 2020. That period coin cides with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When forced to confront sudden and unexpected job losses, millions of individuals learned how to get by on less income. Cost-saving measures adopt ed during the pandemic can be continued or reim plemented, helping individuals to combat higher

energy costs and other rising expenses.

• Look for a new job or fresh income streams.

A rising cost of living is a concern for people from all walks of life, but it may be especially con cerning for retirees or individuals with costs like childcare that can be hard to pare back. In such in stances, individuals can look for new a job or fresh income streams.

According to the Q3 2021 CNBC | Momentive Small Business Survey, 50% of small business owners say it’s gotten harder to find qualified people to hire compared to a year ago. And nearly one-third of sur

vey respondents indicate they have open roles they have not been able to fill for at least three months. Individuals can explore local employment opportu nities in an effort to find a new, more lucrative job that can help them combat a rising cost of living. Others who want to remain in their jobs can look for part-time work to supplement their existing income.

• Consider relocating.

The pandemic forced many companies to tran sition from in office working to remote working overnight. That trial by fire could have lasting re sults. A 2020 survey of 317 chief financial officers and leaders in the finance industry found that 74% will move at least 5% of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions after the pandemic ends.

The survey, conducted by Gartner, Inc., also found that nearly one-quarter of respondents will move at least 20% of their on-site workers to per manently remote positions. That could make it possible for millions of working professionals to relocate to regions with a lower cost of living than their current towns or cities.

The cost of living might be on the rise. But indi viduals can combat that increase in various ways. (MC) 

KIDS &FAMILY CROSSWORD TIME

Kids and Holiday Decorating Activities

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

Ask me for a few memories of Christmases past, and I instantly recall my dad on a ladder stapling multi color strings of lights to the eaves of our house.

Mom festooned the interior with swags of evergreen and fresh eucalyp tus (we lived in Northern California) with gilded angels and shiny orna ments. Although my brothers and I decorated cookies and set up the manger scene, it was my folks who primarily created the holiday magic around our place.

In today’s more relaxed style, why not bring the kids into the center of holiday decorating with you, and make the coming month a do-togeth er season of creativity, entertaining and giving?

To get kids started, here’s a whimsi cal centerpiece that combines a vari ety of objects to tell a story or suggest a holiday wintry theme to adorn a dining-room table or mantel.

Look for a clear glass hurricane or a clear glass wide vase you may have tucked away in your storage closet. Then choose small holiday items and images that express the way you cel ebrate the season, along with nature finds. Then bring out stored orna ments, mini strings of battery-operat ed lights or candles.

What you need:

‰ one tall and wide (about 12 inches by 5 inches) clear glass hurricane shade, a similar size plain, clear glass vase, or a glass chimney tube (available at craft and discount stores)

‰ a tray, a large round plate or a wide, shallow bowl for the base

‰ small keepsake holiday or themed items, toys, artificial greens or na ture finds, such as mini pinecones and moss

Here’s the fun:

Arrange holiday-themed items in the center of the base, then place glass shade, vase or chimney tube over it. Set in the middle of your dining-

room table. Add greens or other dec orative items around the outside of the base.

For example:

1. Set a miniature decorative pine tree with tiny decorations dusted with snow in the middle. Around the outside, create a village scene with mini houses and figurines from your kids’ toy bins or your ornament collection.

2. School-age kids might enjoy dec orating the glass by painting de signs with permanent paint pens or acrylic paint in squeeze bottles.

3. Set a pillar candle inside by itself and let the light sparkle through colorful flat-sided marbles that you glue randomly around the outside of the glass shade. (Use thick, quick-setting glue for best results.) When the candle glows at mealtime, it will remind your child that he or she was the one who placed the marbles just so! 

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

© 2022 Donna Erickson

PUZZLES

Posting Date November 7, 2022

READER LETTERS

Tom Lee’s Influence Shouldn't Be Forgotten

I have read the latest Signal list of the most influential persons of 2022 and would like to express my appreciation of your efforts each year noting those persons who are making our Santa Clarita Valley a most desirable place to live and work.

I would like to recommend that Tom Lee, past chairman and CEO of The Newhall Land and Farming Co., be listed a No. 1 most influential person for many years. His efforts at Newhall Land from 1970 until he retired several years ago has resulted in the wonderful city of Santa Clar ita it is now.

Valencia, the master planned community for those early years, has shaped our present city to be a great city. This early effort headed by Tom Lee at Newhall Land is now being thoughtfully carried out by our city government and elected officials.

The master plan created through the leadership of Newhall Land has created residential communities of high design quality connected by landscaped pedestrian ways (paseos) to parks, shopping and schools (you can walk from each house to these areas without crossing a street). Wonderful parks and quality neighbborhood shopping and a major shopping center are now a reality. Planned industrial centers, Valencia Industrial Center, and the Valencia Commerce Center, along with office areas provides local employment, relieving many of a long commute to work outside of our valley.

Jim Combs Valencia

Social Security Hike Not a Moment Too Soon

An 8.7% increase in Social Security benefits is on the horizon for 2023, and not coming a moment too soon.

Around 70 million Americans will receive this 8.7% increase, and again not coming a moment too soon.

This increase in benefits is the largest in 40 years. The average increase in benefits will be about $144.

Another benefit on the horizon is that Medicare premiums for Part B will drop 3%, “giving seniors more peace of mind and breathing room,” again not coming a moment too soon.

In the past the cost of living benefits have been eaten up by the Medi care premiums.

These new cost of living benefits have come about by the Inflation Reduction Act thanks to the Democrats.

Republicans, the likes of Kevin McCarthy and Lindsey Graham, are hell-bent into ending Social Security and Medicare, and to this I say Democrats, stop them.

We Americans have gone through inflation before and due to our per severance and willpower we have survived them. The present inflation will run its course and adjust itself to a reasonable percentage in time.

Hang in there, America. Help is on its way in 2023 with these new benefits.

Lois Eisenberg Santa Clarita

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

About Religious Freedom

As the leaves start to turn I always get a little bit more light hearted with the holidays in view. This is my favorite season. By that I mean my favorite season is looking forward to the holiday season. At this point it is all anticipation and I find that the looking forward is both filled with the great memories of the past and devoid of the fatigue that so often comes in the package of a busy holiday schedule.

On the horizon just now is Thanksgiv ing with its promise of family, good food, a relaxing couple of days, and some good football. And of course, we will pause to reflect back on the events of the year through which we have seen the hand of God in His providence ruling over the events of history so as to display His glo ry. After all, that was the basis of the very first Thanksgiving even if today’s culture wants to say otherwise.

I find it very interesting that the very first celebration of Thanksgiving was fo cused on God Himself. He was the object of their praise and their giving of thanks. They had come searching for a new land where freedom could be established for all. And they found it in the New World. They came intending to forge a new kind of society.

mit that the founders of our republic did not hold to the idea that religious influence in the public square should be outlawed. Read their papers, their letters, their speeches. While I do not believe that they all held to the same set of beliefs, it is apparent that they believed religious insight had some place in the public discourse. And doesn’t it make sense that a group of intelligent men who studied and labored long to thread religious freedom through the fabric of America would as well con sider that the influence of religion was beneficial to the nation’s public conver sation? Why fight for it only to isolate it away from that part of our nation’s life that affects us all?

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Today we live in that society even though the whole idea of religious free dom is becoming frayed around the edg es. When Muslim students can threaten legal action against the Roman Catholic private school they attend for display ing a crucifix in class it is apparent that something is amiss. When valedictorians in public high schools are suspended for daring to finish a prayer in Jesus’ name it shocks our sensibilities. And when, as a clergyman, I am asked to open a govern ment meeting in prayer but asked not to invoke the name of a deity, things have just gone too far. What we are seeing in America now is not freedom of religion, but a perverted, prejudicial and harmful determination that the public realm must enjoy freedom from religion. Anyone with an open mind must ad

In essence, when religious thought and perspective are drained away from our public discourse, what we are left with is another calculated belief system that now gets to dominate. Make no mistake, a non-religious humanism is every bit as much of a worldview as any of the world’s religions. It has been a very clever ploy on the humanists’ part. By declaring all religious conversation to have no part in our public dialogue they have quickly taken and held the field. Now the only worldview that is tolerated is one that has no god, no absolute moral standard, and sadly, no hope for the future other than personal peace and affluence. One won ders, as they slice the turkey, if it even occurs to them that someone outside of themselves deserves some thanks for all that they enjoy.

And so I look forward to Thanksgiv ing, and not only because of the joys of seeing my children and grandchildren. I look forward to the day because it offers a bit of normalcy as we sit around the table and remember that, no matter how hard some may try to push God out of the circle, He is actually controlling the circle, and everything else. Soli Deo Gloria.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically 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.