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Bringing the creativity to kids and parents
LOCAL NEWS Bringing the creativity to kids and parents
By Vivianna Shields SIgnal Staff Writer W hen children and their parents visit the ARTree Community Arts Center’s free monthly art workshop, they only have to bring one thing: Their creativity. “Everyone has creativity,” said Michael Powell, chair and instructor of the program. “It is a passion of mine to create and ARTree gives me the opportunity to do that and share.” On the first Saturday of each month, ARTree hosts the free art workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving children and their parents an opportunity to participate in different art projects. Every month, the center creates three new art projects in their “Flutterby Art Studio,” so the community can explore art, said Sheri Carlson, education chair of the center. “Parents can sit next to their children and make something,” said Carlson.
“It’s a chance to do something together.”
Carlson said Powell is the “father of the program” and has been with the program since its start.
Powell was first drawn to ARTree after observing teachers with their students at the center and Powell said the teachers looked like they were having fun with the students.
Saturday’s workshop had a Valentine’s Day theme where guests could paint Valentine’s cards along with other love-related projects. Parents helped their children with their projects, and others were seen completing ones of their own.
Washable markers, Sharpies, paints and other art supplies covered the workshop as children utilized each one in their projects. Children worked diligently on their crafts, and once they completed them, they were sure to share their art with the group. “Eventually, we would like to expand the program on another night to be more geared towards adults,” said Carlson. “People don’t get enough chances to just create something.”
ARTree volunteers helped at the event by guiding children through their crafts while others greeted families into the workshop.
“Creativity is No. 1 in my life,” said ARTree volunteer Rick Rickson. “I think (this workshop) is wonderful for everyone and it doesn’t matter what age you are.”
The Flutterby open art studio is appropriate for all ages and is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the city of Santa Clarita.
“I think art is vital for the community because it gives people the opportunity to be creative,” said Carlson.
For more information, email Michael Powell at michael@theartree.org. The next session is scheduled \ Above: ARTree volunteer Emma Winter, left, leads a sponge art activity Saturday as Sage Coleman, 7, right, listens eagerly and her mother, Jessica, looks on. Below: Residents complete craft activities at the ARTree Community Arts Center. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL City council honors a century of The Signal
Signal Owner/Publisher Richard Budman (top center) and his wife, Signal Vice President of Operations Chris Budman, accept recognition Tuesday from the Santa Clarita City Council honoring the 100th anniversary of the newspaper. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL
Five tips to extend your computer’s life
By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer I f you have an older desktop, save a few hundred dollars and just fix it up like new. Here are a half-dozen tips to maintain your computer: 1. Pay attention Just as your appearance is a reflection of your health, the same is true of your computer. If your screen, keyboard and ports are dusty and coated with fingerprints or debris, chances are your system isn’t in great shape. When tidying up hardware, it is essential to use proper computer cleaning products to protect your equipment from damage.
For the cleanup of your screen or camera lens, turn to Windex Electronics Wipes. The anti-static cloths safely remove dust, smudges and
fingerprints from a host of electronics — including computer screens, TVs and mobile devices. 2. Clear the clutter The first thing you notice about a computer after its hardware is the desktop. Is yours filled with a countless number of thumbnails? While this makes it convenient to locate files, it can result in a mountain of clutter if you don’t practice some organization skills.
If you have several files and programs you rarely or never use on your desktop, delete them. Simply rightclick on the application or file and select Delete. This will not delete the program from your computer, but it will remove the shortcut from your desktop.
Now it’s time to organize the icons. Don’t waste time dragging icons around your screen. Right-click the screen (not an icon) and select Name, Size, File or Date modified under the Sort by option.
3. Leave no crumbs behind Cache and cookies, which track your internet activity, are temporary files your system creates every time you visit a website, regardless of which browser you use. Routinely cleaning up these files will help ensure your system runs efficiently and is protected. 4. Out with the old It’s easy to clog up your computer with files. Old downloads, numerous documents and thousands of photos can significantly slow down your system.
Keeping your files tidy is the key. Go through those documents and photos, and delete everything you don’t need.
If you have a bunch of unused files to delete from your Windows PC, CCleaner is an award-winning tool that can quickly clean up those extras. CCleaner is available in two versions: Free and Professional ($19.95), which has a free trial.
If your system is a Mac, the easy drag and drop program Files Shredder ($19.99) will not only delete files from your system, but it will remove them permanently to make them unrecoverable. 5. Check all the nooks and crannies In addition to maintaining your files and folders, it is crucial you perform a yearly cleanup. For Windows users, Microsoft’s Total PC Cleaner (free) can clear up disk space, plus clean and optimize the system and memory. This tool will delete junk files, speed up your PC and boost its performance. 5.A CleanMyMac X subscription ($34.95/yr.) is a deep-cleaning tool that scrubs your Mac system squeaky clean. The software can uninstall unwanted apps, free up gigabytes of space and speed up your desktop. For information on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit Kim Komando at Komando.com. \
Healthcare Reaches New Heights
Our new patient tower is helping us elevate the care we provide throughout the entire Henry Mayo campus. The tower has all private rooms, a new Center for Women and Newborns, and two new surgical suites. We’ve expanded our Robert M. and Andi Parker Diagnostic Laboratory and Blood Bank, and installed a new, larger kitchen to upgrade our dining options. It all adds up to a whole new level of care at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
