Sunday Signal April 4, 2021

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde

APRIL 4, 2021

Surviving and Thriving at Henry Mayo Page 7

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

10

GETTING READY FOR EASTER

16

HANDY HELP FOR THE HOUSEHOLD

21

HEALTH ADDITIONS TO SPRING MEAL PREP

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

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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A P R I L 4, 2021

A High Quality, Family Friendly

E X P E R I E N C E

Since the early stages of the project, our most important consideration was on how we could provide our guests the best experience when visiting the Sand Canyon Resort. Within a mere forty-minute drive from Los Angeles, our visitors will be able to see spectacular scenery and relax amidst serene mountains vistas. Although I have had the opportunity to travel to many famous resorts, I believe this place offers more due to the extraordinary natural beauty of Canyon Country. It’s difficult to describe with words, but tranquility, serenity, peace and joy come to mind.

Our design process for the resort facilities and amenities was guided by the desire to offer a wonderful guest experience. The three guiding principles of our design process were: 1) Maximize the views towards the natural surroundings Sitting within 400 acres of a lush golf course surrounded by oak trees and beautiful neighboring homes, the buildings were oriented on the site to facilitate the visual relationship with this natural setting. Once built, our guests will be able to enjoy all-around views to the beautiful native and golf course landscapes, the Canyon Country hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains beyond. The intention is for these natural vistas and landscapes to be the highlight of our guests’ visit while at the Sand Canyon Resort.

The resort’s best feature, its natural setting, is further adorned most years by amazingly colorful wildflower blooms. Thanks to the sufficient rain we had for the past few years, even rare wildflowers that have not been seen in a long time have flourished in abundance and splendor. We are preserving a significant portion of the resort as native landscape to foster these spectacular blooms and super blooms.

2) Elegant interpretation of California Rustic We took inspiration from the past and developed a palette of elements, materials, and colors that complement the natural setting of the project. The architectural vocabulary was kept subtle and low key, more focused on the details that enhance the guest experience and less on being ostentatious. We wanted to elevate the design and not simply be a rote imitation of historical styles.

3) Reduce the overall mass of the buildings, simplify their forms, and be sustainable The intention was to create buildings that do not call attention to themselves but instead allow for a better appreciation of the beautiful setting. Our aim was for the resort to blend seamlessly with the landscape, in particular, keeping the height of the hotel building as low as possible.

Simplifying the overall massing of the buildings also allows us to take advantage of the latest construction techniques. For example, prefabricated steel stud framing not only shortens the construction time but minimizes construction noise. The structural panels that arrive on site are assembled without the use of loud nail guns or hammering.

Additionally, the resort will be 100% solar powered and will use a grey water system to reduce water consumption. We continue to explore other sustainable building materials and products to help create environmental-friendly facilities.

We believe that excellent customer service and attention to detail is what will ultimately distinguish the Sand Canyon Resort. Our mission will be to provide a high-quality, family-friendly resort environment with the purpose of creating memorable moments.

An enhanced experience We want our guests to experience something special which they may not encounter at other resorts.

Upon arrival, our hosts will promptly offer the guests complimentary refreshments and encourage them to relax in the spacious lobby lounge with views of the mountains while live piano music plays in the background. Meanwhile, the latest technology is used to expedite the check-in process and their luggage is sent to their room. Our goal is for our guests to quickly start enjoying the resort’s amenities.

Since resort guests typically do not leave the property during their stay, we will be providing an array of dining options that go beyond their expectations.

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

The 3-meal buffet restaurant will offer a wide variety of international cuisines so guests can explore and discover different dishes every day. There will also be a restaurant dedicated to regional Italian meals with daily, weekly and seasonal menus; a café with an espresso bar and a great assortment of freshly-baked goods and sandwiches; a small bar & grill for less formal meals in the hotel’s upper lounge; and lastly, a cozy pub with a classic “pub menu” and the ability to watch one’s favorite sporting event.

Guests will be able to enjoy many resort amenities such as the beautifully landscaped family pool & sundeck, the fully-equipped gym and yoga studio, as well as different outdoor recreation options that include more than two miles of walking trails, a tennis court, two pickleball courts, and a 9-hole pitch & putt course. The spa will have carefully selected options for relaxation and treatments such as body scrubs and oriental massages, as well as mudrooms, saunas, jacuzzi and a swimming pool. All of these special experiences are offered so guests can revitalize themselves during their stay.

A family-friendly experience Our goal was to create a family-friendly resort where parents could relax knowing that their children are happily enjoying programs tailored to their interests and age. We will be offering them art classes, including drawing, painting, ceramics, collages and jewelry-making; fun and educational science experiment activities; and cooking classes using vegetables grown in our own organic garden. Outdoor activities will include nature hikes, treasure hunts and horseback riding. The intention is to provide the kids enriching activities instead of spending more time looking at their smartphones.

Parents can enjoy time with their kids at the playground, the miniature golf course, or the family pool which will have a waterslide, a splash pad and a separate toddler’s pool. For those guests with four-legged family members, our resort is pet-friendly and will offer a dog park where they can run freely.

A high-quality experience I have wondered many times, “What can we do to create the best resort experience in Southern California?” We realize that it means paying attention to details. Whenever my wife and I have had the opportunity to visit some of the more popular golf resorts, such as Pebble Beach, Pelican Hill, Aviara and La Costa, we checked the size, height, and finish of the room. We carefully touched the mattresses, beddings and furniture. We carried a laser measuring instrument and sized everything, including ceiling heights, and the floor areas of the lobbies, lounges, dining and ballrooms. Unlike previous trips in the past, we are now interested in all aspects of the resorts, and are implementing the best things in our project.

We will elegantly decorate the lobby, lounge and guest rooms with high quality finishes so that as soon as guests enter the hotel they would be “wowed.” The resort will provide very comfortable accommodations during their stay. While new hotel rooms have shrunken in size to 300 square feet or less, our typical guestroom will be over 470 square

Sand Canyon RESORT AND SPA

feet and include a spacious balcony, all appointed with high quality furnishings. The bathroom will be luxuriously fitted with a freestanding bathtub, separate glass-enclosed shower, a smart toilet, double sink vanity, and ample countertop space.

I never thought of resort development when I first took over the golf course. Once I started, it was a new venture. It’s very challenging and something I discover every day. It is a complex process as if we are painting on a white canvas and trying to create a timeless beautiful art piece. We hope the Sand Canyon Resort (www.sandcanyonresort.com) will become a recognized destination cherished for its natural setting, architecture and 6-star services.

www.sandcanyonresort.com Thank you very much, Steve Kim, CEO Sand Canyon Resort and Spa

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SignalSCV.com Presents Podcasts

A P R I L 4, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

7 A look back on 20 years at Henry Mayo 9 Outdoor activities coming back in time for summer

4

TRAVEL 8 8 Plan your escape for that future vacation

EASTER 10

SCV Leadership and Business Solutions with Lisa and Paul Raggio

1 0 Finding Easter events as things begin to open up 11 Ways to keep Santa Clarita a safe city

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

12 Wrapping up Santa Clarita 2020

12

BEAUTY 13

Helpful advice on life and business

13 Dermatologist recommendations for nighttime body care

ENTERTAINMENT 14 14 At the theatre: Odenkirk is impressive in ‘Nobody’

FOOD 15 1 5 Better-for-you family breakfast Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Quiche Banana Breakfast Shake

HOME 16

Selina Thomas SCV’s HR Guru “She makes your business her business.”

16 Safety first with do-it-yourself electrical work

SENIOR LIVING

17 Three major benefits of the Extra Help program

GARDENING 18 1 8 Gardening from a wheelchair How ergonomic tools can help gardeners

PETS 20 2 0 Natural tick repellents to protect pooches Did You Know: Cats can get ticks too

KIDS & FAMILY

2 1 Donna’s Day: Add roasted vegetables to spring meal planning Junior Whirl • Science Fact

Cary Quashen’s The Real Deal Substance abuse stories and advice

Signal News Podcast

With Aron Bender Discussions with newsmakers, journalists, analysts and others about what’s happening in the Santa Clarita Valley.

New podcasts will be added weekly

SignalSCV.com

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21

PUZZLES 22 OPINION 23 SPORTS

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CANYON COUNTRY | NEWHALL | SAUGUS | VALENCIA | STEVENSON RANCH | CASTAIC | VAL VERDE | AGUA DULCE

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2021 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

A look back on 20 years at Henry Mayo

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

A

lot can change in 20 years.

In the last two decades, the vista from a drive up Interstate 5, for example, has changed from fields of cattle and orchards to what you see now, signs of commerce, development and bustling communities.

Similarly, the Santa Clarita Valley’s only community hospital, which is now less than a handful of years away from its 50th birthday, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, has seen tremendous progress in the last 20 years.

Roger Seaver, president and CEO of Henry Mayo, reflected on his 20-year milestone with the hospital on April 1 — “April fool’s,” he quipped — and his plans for how the hospital will continue to benefit from financial stability and community trust, regardless of the health care challenges the future could hold.

Those who work closest with him spoke highly of his passion, humility and focus, which have all put the hospital in the position it’s in today as a community leader for health care.

“Henry Mayo today is a reflection of Roger’s focused business and philanthropic vision, and his compassionate heart,” said Marlee Lauffer, president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and vice president of marketing and communications for the hospital. “His leadership is evident in our growing campus, our service line expansions and in our patient care programs.”

Time to shake things up

When Seaver arrived in April 2001, the conditions surrounding Henry Mayo, and the SCV, were quite different than they are today, the CEO noted.

In addition to challenges that come to an area preparing for massive growth and development (The city of Santa Clarita’s population grew from approximately 150,000 people in 2000 to more than 225,000 today — a massive 50% growth spurt), the Santa Clarita Valley was also still recovering from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. There had been community concerns with respect to several previous contracts and services at the hospital — whether fair or unfair, he noted, it was still part of an uphill struggle Henry Mayo would need to overcome. “(In 2001), the ability to trust this hospital, by the community, was in jeopardy,” he said.

In the years following, a number of ambitious campaigns, dedicated staff members and community supporters not only erased concerns, but helped transform the hospital, adding news features and resources just about every year since.

“His strategic long-term vision … has really transformed this hospital from this rural hospital to a medical center,” said Mark Puleo, the director of human resources at Henry Mayo. “So you know, this has been a long 20-year vision of his — to get

Roger Seaver, president and CEO of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, looks out over the Patient Tower and Pavilion.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

from where we once were until where we are now and where we’ll continue to be.”

The first of many additions

Seaver saw his initial goals as created financial stability for the hospital, which was needed to build the trust for employees and position, and then to address community needs.

“You know, to a great extent, the success of health care is, ‘Are you really meeting the needs of the people that you serve?’ And there’s always new gaps or new opportunities to meet those needs,” Seaver said.

The hospital’s ability to focus on the community’s need and fulfill those demands started with one of the first of many additions Seaver helped bring to the hospital, as well as with tremendous help from the generosity, support and philanthropy from the SCV. “When I first got here, the need for breast imaging center and a focus on early detection and cancer was very much present here — (there was a) high desire, small group of clinical staff and then members of the community that understood the need also started raising money for the development of the facility in the service,” he said of the effort that eventually became the Sheila R. Veloz

Breast Imaging Center.

The facility, which has since been Designated by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, has offered SCV residents a state-of-the-art resource for early detection since 2002.

Synergy and support

Seaver mentioned staff and community synergy, in addition to philanthropic support, as keys to the hospital getting to where it is now, with a number of distinguished and award-winning resources, but board members credit Seaver with coalescing those efforts with the example he sets for the board.

“He inspires others to aim higher and hold themselves to high standards, also,” said Judy Fish, the immediate past chair of the hospital’s governing board and former Saugus Union School District superintendent, who praised Seaver’s humility and his passion for the hospital.

“I think his passionate leadership sets the example for others to dream big with him,” she added.

“All things are possible if you work together, and he shows that through his leadership and his passion, whether it’s partnering with the community, with See SEAVER, page 19

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A P R I L 4, 2021

T R AV E L

A

Plan Your Escape for that future vacation

fter a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to.

Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these tips for planning a future trip — even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it.

Research travel restrictions

For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan.

Early last month, the three pharmaceutical companies behind the vaccines that had been approved up to that point, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, updated their projections regarding the availability of vaccines. Estimates suggested the three companies would be capable of providing hundreds of millions of vaccines by the end of July.

That would seem to suggest that travel should be considerably safer by mid- to late-summer 2021 than it was a year ago. However, those were just projections.

Travelers concerned about COVID-19 can monitor how many vaccines have been distributed by visiting the CDC website at covid.cdc.gov/ covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations.

Prospective vacationers can even use the CDC’s interactive map to determine how many vaccines have been distributed in the areas they hope to visit. Such knowledge can help you make the most informed decisions as they ponder whether or not to travel this summer.

Account for high demand

Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may

already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. In fact, travelers are locking in private Vrbo vacation homes at top summer destinations earlier in 2021.

Less than half of vacation homes in some locations are still available for July, which is a more than 25% increase in demand year-over-year. To better your odds of securing your desired travel dates, accommodations and activities, booking earlier can help off-set the increased demand.

“In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become more limited.”

Take advantage of deals with longer stays

Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or month-long stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time.

Opt for flexible booking

If you’re eager to plan a vacation right away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties.

For example, when booking a vacation rental through Vrbo, where hosts set their cancellation

terms, you can use the “free cancellation” filter to search for properties with flexible policies, some of which allow cancellations up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund.

Make sure you read the fine print before signing on the dotted line with any booking. In 2020, many people learned the hard way why its so important to read the fine print on vacation contracts. Pay particular attention to cancellation policies and whether or not they’re flexible. Travelers have every right to be concerned about traveling during a pandemic, but they may have no right to refunds if they signed contracts with inflexible cancellation policies.

Travelers who suspect they may travel this summer but aren’t entirely sure about safety should only sign contracts that allow them to cancel trips without paying any penalties. In addition, before booking hotel rooms, ask which amenities will be available to guests. Chances are you will spend more time at the hotel than normal, so access to pools, restaurants and other amenities takes on heightened importance.

Start saving now

While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase excitement for your upcoming adventure.

Traveling in the summer of 2021 will be unique.

Would-be vacationers should do their homework and consider a host of factors prior to booking a trip.

Find more tips and start planning your next getaway at Vrbo.com. (Family Features/MC) 

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

N E W S F E AT U R E

Outdoor activities coming back in time for summer

Thomason also suggested fewer restrictions will allow for restaurants to serve more people, host them on their patios and/or offer them an open-air experience. Picnics are also a possibility and Reyes Winery, Agua Dulce Winery and the various wine rooms in the Old Town Newhall area allow for wine tasting.

Castaic Lake and the city’s 20,000plus acres of open space will allow for outdoor adventures, said Thomason, and information about them, as well as dozens of other options that should be on families/visitors itineraries can be found at https://visitsantaclarita. com/.

“Get out there,” said Thomason, “and enjoy the outdoors.”

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

T

here’s plenty to do now that you’ve been out of practice for a year in terms of finding spring activities for you and your family.

Even if you’re still dealing with COVID-19 without a vaccine, but curious about what activities are permitted — with safety adjustments, Santa Clarita has a number of options for the whole family.

Adult & Youth Sports

Last year, the return to spring sports was short-lived, but this year, after months of people being kept inside, officials around the Santa Clarita Valley have announced plans to start-up youth and adult sports once again.

And the response from the returning athletes, both young and old, has been overwhelming.

“People in the community are just ready to get back out there, from the social side and the competition side, and it’s the love of sports and activity outdoors,” said Lance O’Keefe, the city’s recreation and community services manager.

Giving just one example of what he means, within five days of opening up registration for the city’s adult softball leagues that started at the end of March, 120 adult teams had signed up already and, with 10-12 players per team — more than 1,000 people committed to playing.

A normal spring season will have approximately 160 teams sign up, but given the ongoing concern over COVID-19 and social distancing, O’Keefe said it was exciting to see the spring numbers.

“People are just interested in getting back out and doing something because they’ll have the opportunity to interact with others, socialize and have friendly competition that wasn’t there for a year,” said O’Keefe. “The activities happening at Central Park, and every inch of every other park, is filled up on the evenings, both from people doing something organized or something on their own.”

In addition to adult league softball, the city is offering youth volleyball, tee ball and coach-pitch baseball to

Gardening

Matthew Maurisi practices making a play at first base while Logan Dosh works on base running during a practice at the Hart Baseball Pony League fields. PHOTO BY PERRY SMITH / THE SIGNAL

families, with city staff functioning as the coaches for the leagues. Adults will also have available to them virtual pickleball, disk golf and ultimate frisbee available to them.

Additionally, the aquatic facilities in Santa Clarita have announced their plans to reintroduce the competitive stroke class for kids age to 17 to learn different competitive swimming strokes.

We’ve got a waitlist that we’re forming and we’ll be taking people off the waitlist as we can,” said O’Keefe. “And I’m looking for every possible way to expand our programming that’s being offered on the sports side, because people are looking to get back out into those activities the interest and demand is there.”

For more information about city and/or local sports, visit santaclarita.com/city-hall/departments/ recreation-community-services-andopen-space/recreation.

Arts & Entertainment

Springtime allows for people to experience the sunlight later in the day,

a fact that gives families and individuals more time to experience activities they normally wouldn’t have time for during the winter, but also activities they weren’t allowed to participate in this whole past year.

“I’m really happy that we’re in daylight savings now and it’s lighter longer, so you know going on an evening walk, you know after dinner or a hike or exploring the bike trails,” said Evan Thomason, an economic development associate with the city of Santa Clarita. “We’re transitioning to spring (right now), but there’s definitely been some people days out there (already).”

Coming this spring to the SCV and probably the most exciting offering this year’s second season has to offer, Magic Mountain is set to open its gates once again to park visitors, Thomason said.

“I think it’s been a long time coming and (Magic Mountain) has good systems in place,” said Thomason. “It looks like it’s going to be really nice to have that one again.”

Whether wanting to make your house aesthetically pleasing or to make a garden that can help feed you, Tim Wheeler, a horticulture consultant with Santa Clarita Valley water, said there’s no time like spring to cultivate your own patch of land.

“It’s the perfect time to put down a Spring application of fertilizer, then people don’t have to worry about that until probably late fall or early fall to do another little one,” said Wheeler.

“And that’ll benefit their vegetables, it’ll benefit their flowering plants, it’ll benefit basically everything because right now, we’re in the beginning of the growing season.”

The pandemic allowed people to rethink their interest in certain unexplored hobbies or to return to ones they had previously lost in their busy lives.

Wheeler said there’s a chance now to pursue your garden growing dreams, and even have a chance to head to a nursery and purchase seeds and/or mature plants.

Wheeler suggested a knowledgeable place to start, if not consulting with the experts at local nurseries or in the SCV Water gardening classes, is to purchase well-regarded education materials, such as the “Sunset Western Garden” book.

For more information about gardening courses or free resources being offered to local residents regarding gardening and landscape, visit https:// yourscvwater.com. 

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A P R I L 4, 2021

EASTER

Finding Easter events as things begin to open up

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

A

t this time last year, Easter, Easter egg hunts and even an Easter Sunday brunch plans were all largely being scuttled due to holiday cancellations because of COVID-19.

However, this year, with confidence in the vaccine growing and the case numbers slowly declining, Easter and Easter events are being resurrected in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Although some of the events remain canceled or altered, local officials have said they plan to use the knowledge they had acquired over the last year to help plan safer local Easter events.

For example, due to the uncertainty leading up to the holiday with respect to Public Health restrictions, the city won’t be hosting its popular annual Easter egg hunt.

However, for those looking to celebrate the holidays, there’s a gamut from services in-person or online, visitors sharing candy in their drive-thru free meal, the Santa Clarita Valley has said they are working to ensure a sense of normalcy this holiday.

Religious services

Much like how the members of the Santa Clarita Jewish community saw this year’s Passover celebration as having a number of parallels to the time period their spring holiday commemorates, leaders of the local Christian faith have said they see the parallels in Easter, as well.

Easter has historically been celebrated, in the Christian and Catholic faiths, as a time to reflect on the first four books of the new Testament, when Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave three days later.

“This year we’re the theme that we’re running with is ‘United in Hope,’” said Crossroads Pastor Todd Smith. “And coming out of COVID, there’s two things we want to communicate that the resurrection of Christ does for us: It’s what unites us in a divided world — we believe the gospel the cross and the resurrection is what unites humanity together. And then the second thing that we believe is the

The Easter bunny waves as decorated cars line up at the Bethlehem SCV church in Canyon Country to celebrate Easter at a safe social distance Sunday morning. There are plans and events going on for Easter this weekend as businesses and locations are starting to reopen. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

resurrection does give us great hope.”

Smith said a primary driving message for his sermon this Sunday is set to revolve around the idea that if Christ can rise from the dead, he said, then the community can survive COVID-19.

“The most discouraging, depressing and disparaging words that anybody can say is, ‘Things will never change,’ or they’ve lost all hope,” said Smith.

“But the resurrection, the empty tomb, is what tells us things will change, things can change.”

On Resurrection Sunday, David Hegg, senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church said he would be asking his congregants, as it relates to the Empty Tomb, to reflect on who they are, where they come from, why they’re here and where they’re going.

“And those are the things, that if you can answer those questions properly, that’s really what gives you peace of mind,” said Hegg, “and, you know, a sense of refuge and safety in an increasingly broken and divided world.”

Bob Seigler, a deacon at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, said the celebration of Easter, and the Catholic Church uses Lent, Good Friday and Palm Sunday as a time to reflect on self-sacrifice.

“It’s a different time compared to the rest of the year,” Seigler said during Lent. “It’s a time of self-sacrifice, and we ask those who participate that whatever they decide to do during this time will benefit others.”

Crossroads, like many other churches in the Santa Clarita Valley this coming Easter, are set to hold a COVID-19 sensitive slate of events, from holding their traditional Easter day service in their parking lot — as opposed to at COC as it normally is — with the usual continental breakfast being pre-packaged, to holding online services for their 9 a.m. celebration.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha officials said they would be holding similar programs this week, with various masses being held for Easter at Saint Kateri Church at 10 a.m. and noon, which can be viewed online or in person following COVID-19 health guidelines.

For more information about the plans being made at your respective parish or church, visit their individual websites to learn more on how to join in on this year’s celebrations.

To learn more about the services being offered, visit the church’s respective websites: Crossroads, lifeatcrossroads.

org; Grace Baptist, gracebaptist.org; and Saint Kateri, saintkateriparish. org.Crossroads is located at 25300 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia. Grace Baptist is located at 22833 Copper Hill Drive.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is located at 22508 Copper Hill Drive, Saugus.

Community events

While Santa Clarita is not hosting the aforementioned popular egg hunt, there are a number of community organizations holding events that are family-appropriate.

Kevin MacDonald, the executive director of the SCV Senior Center, said the Senior Center would be closed on Easter Sunday but had provided a drive-thru lunch on Friday that would be decorated in an Easter theme with a piano player present.

In addition to the drive-thru food, the 800 Meal on Wheels deliveries made Friday included Easter candy.

Gilchrist Farm is hosting an all-day Spring Fling and Egg Hunt that starts Saturday morning but will continue until 5 p.m. with a host of events.

Gilchrist Farm is located at 30116 Bouquet Canyon Road, in Santa Clarita. The Senior Center is located at 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita. 

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Easter

E

Traditions & Symbols

aster is the most important day of the year on the Christian calendar. A celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter commemorates the very core of the Christian faith. So it comes as no surprise that such an important day is steeped in tradition.

Easter traditions such as Easter Sunday Mass are widely known. But there are many unique Easter traditions across the globe that, while they may not be as widely known, illustrate the power of this very special day in the Christian community.

India

India may not be the first nation to come to mind when thinking of countries in which Christianity has a strong foothold. And while only a small percentage of people in India identify as Christian, Easter celebrations in the country are elaborate.

For example, in the small state of Goa, Easter celebrants host carnivals and exchange gifts with fellow Christians. Those gifts include the Holy Cross, which is exchanged after Easter church services have ended. Such services are then followed

by Easter parties, where families and friends gather and break bread together, much like Christian celebrants do in other parts of the world.

Italy

Residents of Florence celebrate Easter Sunday with a genuine flash. In a tradition that dates back several centuries, Florentines load a cart with fireworks before exploding it outside the famed Florence Cathedral.

Europe

EASTER

Many European Christian communities burn an effigy of Judas Iscariot as part of their Easter celebrations. Christians believe the apostle Judas betrayed Jesus Christ, a betrayal that led to Christ’s crucifixion. Despite some groups denouncing the burning of Judas as anti-Semitic, the practice continues in many countries.

Spain

Holy Week commemorates the entire week preceding Easter Sunday, including Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

In the Spanish town of Verges, Christians commemorate Holy Thursday by reenacting scenes from the Passion, which refers to the short period at the end of Christ’s life. The “Dansa de la Mort (Death Dance)” is part of that commemoration, and during this dance, participants dress up like skeletons.

Easter celebrations across the globe are steeped in tradition, including some that might surprise even the most devout Christians.

Symbols

Tradition plays an important role in Easter celebrations for many families. Cherished traditions and symbols of Easter may include anything from egg hunts to lilies to lambs. Understanding the importance behind these symbols can make sharing the miracle of Easter that much more special.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the more recognizable symbols of Easter. For Easter egg hunts, eggs are hard-boiled and decorated in bright hues. It’s believed that the origins of Easter eggs are both secular and religious.

From the secular (once pagan) perspective, the egg is an ancient symbol of new life, according to The History Channel, and has been associated with pagan festivals that celebrate spring. Some Christians feel that Easter eggs represent Christ’s emergence from the tomb and his subsequent resurrection. Eggs were once a food not consumed during Lent, therefore painting and decorating them to mark the end of fasting and penance became a way to celebrate Easter.

Crucifix

The crucifix is one of the central symbols of Easter and Christianity. The cross is a symbol of

Christ’s crucifixion and sacrifice. The crucifix also highlights the ability of God to give new life to people after death.

In addition to wearing and displaying the cross during Easter, some people bake “hot cross buns” as another symbol of the season.

Rabbit

The Easter bunny is very much a secular symbol of the holiday, but one that has become so ingrained with the season that many people ascribe to it a Christian meaning. Pagan celebrations of spring often linked rabbits or hares with the season because of their fertility and ability to bring forth new life. According to the Christian living resource Crosswalk, believers associate the rabbit coming out of its underground home as a symbol of Christ emerging from the tomb.

Lilies

Lilies are often exchanged during Easter celebrations or presented as hostess gifts for those sharing the holiday meal with others.

The American Bible Society says lilies grow in the spring around the time when Easter is typically celebrated. Also, because they look like trumpets, they can be a symbol that heralds Christ’s resurrection.

Lamb

The lamb is another symbol associated with Easter. Lambs were originally associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover, when lambs were sacrificed and their blood was used to mark which houses contained those faithful to God. As a result of his crucifixion, Christ became the symbolic lamb for all — the ultimate sacrifice. In fact, Christ is often referred to as “The Lamb of God.” Easter is replete with many recognized symbols.

Unearthing their meanings can be a learning experience and a way to further immerse oneself in this holy holiday. (MC) 

1 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 4, 2021

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Wrapping up the strategic Santa Clarita 2020 plan

By Ken Striplin City Manager

I

n 2015, the City of Santa Clarita took on an aggressive strategic planning process with a goal of effectively prioritizing resources, achieving milestones and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the Santa Clarita community to offer the best services and facilities now and into the future. Dubbed Santa Clarita 2020, or SC2020 for short, the first step in the process was to reach out to you, our residents, to see what action items you wanted to see in SC2020.

The City launched the bi-annual Public Opinion Poll in 2014 with 44 questions covering a wide range of topics residents could weigh in on, such as why they chose Santa Clarita as their home; what new retail/restaurant opportunities they would like to

see; did the City need more playgrounds, dog parks, parking spaces, teen activities, public transit, etc.; and much more. In addition, information was also gathered through the Community Development Block Grant community needs assessment survey and outreach through the Parks and Recreation Workplan, the Arts Master Plan and our City’s General Plan, just to name a few. The results showed residents desired additional youth activities, road/traffic enhancements, public safety facilities, more parks/sports fields and additional open space. All in all, the plan called for more than $150 million to be invested back into the community.

The City then got to work, and here are a few examples of the completed projects from SC2020.

Under the Public Safety theme, work continued on the new $68 million Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, Fire Station 104 was completed and more than 27,000 students took part in the proactive Drug Free

Youth in Santa Clarita (DFY in SCV) program. The Building and Creating Community theme contained some of the milestone projects in SC2020, including the new $85 million Canyon Country Community Center, two major bridge widening projects, the Arts Master Plan, major progress toward community collaboration to address homelessness and support of the beautiful new SCV Senior Center.

A significant accomplishment within the theme of Enhancing Economic Vitality was the completion of the redevelopment block in Old Town Newhall, which now includes a Cityowned parking structure, mixeduse retail/residential buildings and a new Laemmle Theatre. Some of the items under Community Beautification include adding to the green belt that surrounds Santa Clarita, which has now reached more than 11,000 acres; beautifying more than 11 miles of median; and removing well over 70,000 graffiti tags. Under Sustaining Public Infrastructure, the

City acquired and converted 16,522 streetlights to LED fixtures, diverted 10.6 percent more material tonnage from landfills and completed 3,500 sidewalk repairs. For the theme of Proactive, Transparent and Responsive Government, Santa Clarita saw the two-decade-long battle over the CEMEX mega-mine come to a close with all mining contracts expiring (no mining ever occurred).

Under the guidance and leadership of our City Council, we were able to successfully complete the Santa Clarita 2020 strategic plan, which can be reviewed at santa-clarita.com /santa-clarita-2020. Work is already underway on the recently developed Santa Clarita 2025 (SC2025). You can review the action items in SC2025 online at santa-clarita.com/SC2025.

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. 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

BEAUTY

Dermatologist recommendations for nighttime body care

D

id you know your body repairs itself while you sleep? How much quality sleep you get each night, and how you prepare yourself for sleep, can make a difference in the look and feel of your body’s skin.

“While many people have developed healthy routines to care for the skin on their face, it’s just as important to develop a nighttime body care routine too,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang.

Farhang offers tips on how you can help your skin be at its best — while you’re getting your beauty sleep.

1. Practice good sleep hygiene. To give your skin’s cells optimal renewal time each night, make sure you get the best quality sleep you can — and enough of it. Try the following: • Be consistent about sleep and wake times, even on weekends and days off.

• Sleep in a dark, cool room to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep.

• Minimize noise with a white noise

machine or fan.

• Practice a soothing bedtime routine, like turning off gadgets early and enjoying a warm, relaxing shower.

2. Use products that work overnight.

Choose products that work overnight to moisturize to revitalize skin, renew your skin’s surface, and restore dry skin while you sleep. “If your skin sounds squeaky or feels tight after a shower, it has likely been stripped of its natural moisture,” said Farhang.

She recommends Olay Body Wash with Retinol. Supercharged with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex, this body wash supports your skin’s natural pH and deeply hydrates to replenish skin’s moisture barrier.

3. Elevate your nighttime body care routine with a rinse-off conditioner. Simply applying lotion after you shower may provide only temporary relief, leaving you reapplying frequently. Instead, Farhang recommends a proactive approach.

“You condition your hair, so why

4. Moisturize inside and out. “Hydration is key!” added Farhang. “In addition to using products with formulas supercharged with high quality skincare ingredients like Retinol, it’s also important to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.”

Most health care professionals recommend drinking at least eight ounces of water per day.

In addition to sleep, body conditioners help your skin be at its best.

not condition your skin?” asked Farhang. “Consider adding an in-shower moisturizer such as Olay’s Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Retinol for an added dose of moisture to help stop dry skin before it starts.”

5. Moisturize your environment Especially if you live in a dry climate, or if you are heating your home with dry air while the outside temps are still chilly, consider an in-home humidifier to help keep the air in your home more skin-friendly. Using a humidifier will help keep the air from drying out whether you’re just relaxing, working from home — or sleeping.

Following these dermatologist recommendations will contribute to a good night’s sleep and help your body’s skin stay healthy year round.

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A P R I L 4, 2021

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

At the theatre: Odenkirk is impressive in ‘Nobody’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Nobody’



(out of four) Universal Pictures presents a film directed by Ilya Naishuller. Written by Derek Kolstad. Rated R (for strong violence and bloody images, language throughout and brief drug use).

T

he brilliant prequel series “Better Call Saul” is set in the years leading up to the events of “Breaking Bad,” but the pilot episode of the former show actually kicks off with Bob Odenkirk’s Jimmy McGill/Saul having fled his Albuquerque past and living a safe, boring existence as the manager of a Cinnabon in Omaha.

Nobody would ever guess this unassuming, balding guy in wire-rimmed glasses and a bad mustache was once at the center of one wild s---storm.

We find Odenkirk in a similar situation at the outset of the crackling and violent and wickedly funny “Nobody,” this time playing an extraordinarily ordinary guy named Hutch Mansell, who works as an accountant at his father-in-law’s tool-anddie shop (where his macho brotherin-law delights in bullying him) and lives in a modest house with his wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen), and their two children. The mundane nature of Hutch’s life is hammered home in an early “Groundhog Day” sequence showing him going through the same routine day after day after day, including hauling out the garbage about 30 seconds too late once a week.

This guy is so unremarkable he’s almost invisible.

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

Little wonder, then, that Hutch doesn’t exactly spring into action when a couple of amateur burglars break into the house in the middle of the night, grabbing a few loose dollars from Hutch and quickly realizing there isn’t much else to steal. Hutch gets the drop on one of the burglars with a golf club but then backs down, leading everyone from his wife to his teenage son to the cops to his toughtalking next-door neighbor to express disappointment in him.

Hutch is ready to shrug it off and live with the humiliation, until he learns the thieves made off with his daughter’s kitty cat bracelet. That won’t do. Hutch is going to get that bracelet back — and the next thing you know, we’re knee-deep in a brutally violent, utterly implausible and

thoroughly entertaining revenge flick with elements of the “Taken” and “John Wick” and “Equalizer” franchises, only in a somewhat lighter key.

Turns out Hutch once worked for a certain government organization as the guy you call when there’s no more talking or negotiating to be done, and that home burglary triggered something in him, and there will be no turning back. As happenstance and screenplay would have it, Hutch finds himself on a bus in the middle of the night with a half-dozen Russian thugs who are taunting a young woman, and he announces, “I hope these a-----s like hospital food” before beating the living daylights out of the whole lot, while taking some pretty serious blows himself.

Now Hutch is REALLY back in

the game, as one of his victims is the brother of a psychopath Russian mobster named Yulian (Aleksey Serebryakov, hamming it up to great effect), who will stop at nothing and will use all of his resources and all of his henchmen to track down and kill this, this … accountant.

Director Ilya Naishuller has an audacious style reminiscent of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, as elaborately choreographed gun battles and car chases play out to an eclectic soundtrack featuring everything from the music of Pat Benatar to Gerry & the Pacemakers’ version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical “Carousel.” Adding to the offbeat fun: Christopher Lloyd, cast against type, is great as Hutch’s father, a former FBI agent living in a retirement home who’s not nearly as docile as one might initially believe, and RZA as a mostly unseen voice in the night who acts as a kind of conscience and tour guide as Hutch navigates the moral and practical implications of getting involved in an all-out war with Russian mobsters. Serebryakov’s Yulian makes for a spectacular villain, with Serebryakov going fantastically over the top like a character in an opera, which is simultaneously terrifying and hilarious.

Most impressive of all is Odenkirk, who looks and sounds nothing like an action star until it’s time for Hutch to become an action star, and we totally believe this physically unimpressive, normally mild-mannered guy as a simmering cauldron of rage who could take that teapot over there and kill ya with it.

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A P R I L 4, 2021

M

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Better-for-y f a ak re b

st y l i ou fam

aking sure your family members get a nutritious start to the day is an important job, and by focusing on a few wholesome ingredients, such as real milk, simple and healthful dishes can quickly become family favorites.

Each day should begin with a balanced breakfast, so when mornings get hectic and meal prepping isn’t possible, you can still start strong with a convenient, iconic pairing — cereal and real milk.

In fact, dairy milk is the top food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium, and cereal is the top food source of fiber — which are four nutrients of public health concern identified by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This nutritious breakfast combination costs only around 50 cents per serving — so parents can give their children nutrients they need without breaking the bank.

Another delicious breakfast option is a Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Quiche, which offers 11 grams of protein per serving while introducing picky eaters to veggies in an appetizing way. If a busy schedule calls for an on-the-go option, real milk provides essential nutrients and can be blended into a Banana Breakfast Shake for a tasty and portable way to start the day.

About 90% of the U.S. population does not meet dairy recommendations outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most individuals would benefit by increasing intake of nutrient-dense, calcium-rich dairy milk. One 8-ounce glass of dairy milk contains almost as much calcium as six cups of kale and the same amount of protein found in 1 1/2 medium eggs, making real milk an easy and delicious way for your little ones to get important nutrients they need.

Visit milklife.com for more health-focused, simple and delicious family meal inspiration. (Family Features) 

Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Quiche Servings: 6 1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli with cheese sauce 3 slices turkey bacon, chopped 1/2 cup white mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup green onions, chopped 1 frozen prepared pie shell (9 inches) 4 eggs 1 cup fat free or low fat dairy milk 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 350 F. In microwave, prepare broccoli and cheese sauce according to package directions; set aside to cool slightly.

In nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, mushrooms and green onions until bacon is

Banana Breakfast Shake Servings: 2 (6 ounces milk per serving) 1 1/2 cups fat free or low fat dairy milk 1 frozen medium banana, peeled and sliced 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

cinnamon, for garnish (optional) In blender container, combine dairy milk, banana, vanilla extract and almond extract. Blend until

FOOD

cooked through and mushrooms are tender. Scatter bacon mixture in bottom of pie shell; place pie shell on baking sheet.

In bowl, whisk eggs and dairy milk then stir in broccoli and cheese sauce along with cheddar cheese. Pour custard into pie shell and bake 35-45 minutes, or until center is just set and knife blade comes out clean when inserted into center of quiche.

Let cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories; 16 g fat; 6 g saturated fat; 160 mg cholesterol; 11 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 510 mg sodium; 150 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk. 

smooth, about 20 seconds.

Pour into two glasses and garnish with sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g protein; 23 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 100 mg sodium; 190 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk. 

1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 4, 2021

HOME

Safety first with do-it-yourself electrical work

H

ome improvement projects can help homeowners transform their homes. Such projects are costly, but many homeowners save money by doing some, if not all, of the work themselves.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety, recommends that homeowners leave electrical work to the professionals. Licensed electricians are well-trained, whereas homeowners may not be skilled enough to avoid accidents or injuries, which can prove fatal when working with electricity.

Homeowners, who take the do-ityourself route with electrical work, should consider these safety tips, courtesy of the ESFI, before beginning a home electrical project.

• Learn your home electrical system. Home electrical systems may include power lines, electric meters, service panels, subpanels, wiring, and

more. These systems are complex, and homeowners who intend to do some DIY electrical work should familiarize themselves with their home electrical systems prior to beginning any work. The ESFI notes that knowledge of their home electrical systems can help homeowners more safely navigate them and make maintenance easier.

• Honestly assess your skills. An honest assessment of skills is absolutely necessary prior to working on an electrical system. According to the National Safety Council, injuries relating to electrical incidents typically fall into one of four categories: electrical shock, electrocution, falls, and burns. Each of these injuries is significant. For example, electric shock, which occurs when electrical current passes over or through a person’s body, involves burns, abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness.

Given the potential for serious injury, the ESFI urges homeowners to make

an honest assessment of their skills before they begin working on their home’s electrical systems. Little or no experience working with electrical systems should be considered a significant hurdle to any DIY project.

• Turn the power off. It’s essential that the power to the circuit that will be worked on be turned off prior to starting any work. This can be accomplished by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel. Similarly, when working on

appliances or lamps, make sure the products are unplugged prior to working on them.

• Do not touch plumbing or gas pipes when doing electrical work. The experts at the Indiana Electric Cooperative note that the risk for electrocution is significant when water comes in contact with electricity. It’s imperative that homeowners do not touch plumbing and gas pipes when performing a DIY electrical project. Professionals know how to work around such pipes while minimizing their risk for electric shock or worse, and homeowners must familiarize themselves with the techniques professionals rely on to stay safe if they intend to begin DIY electrical projects.

Homeowners are best served by leaving electrical work to the professionals. However, those who insist on doing such work themselves should do their homework and get to know their systems and safety protocols prior to beginning a project. (MC) 

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SENIORLIVING

Three major benefits of the Extra Help program

M

aintaining your quality of life can become more challenging as you age. In addition to routine living expenses, your medical bills may begin to pile up, consuming more of your limited income.

This can be worrisome for Medicare beneficiaries, who remain the only insured population without a cap on out-of-pocket spending. Older adults are more likely to require medications for multiple conditions, which means multiple co-pays. The good news is that you may qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help program, which could help lower your medication costs by 85% or more.

What is the Extra Help program?

Run by the Social Security Administration, the Extra Help program — also known as the Low-Income Subsidy program — helps qualified Medicare beneficiaries afford the costs related to their prescription drugs, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays.

There is a full and a partial coverage version of the plan available, depending on your income level and assets, but both versions have huge potential for savings. For example, if a medication would normally cost $12,000 a year out of pocket, through the Extra Help partial program, your payment could be reduced to about $1,900. With full Extra Help, you would pay $0.

Most people who qualify for the full program are automatically enrolled, because they are already enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, or another support program. But many people are eligible for the partial program and don’t realize it, missing out on big savings. An individual might be eligible for the program if they have an annual income under $20,000 and less than $15,000 in assets, but there are some exceptions, and the limits are higher for couples. Want to check your eligibility? Start with this free, interactive quiz.

How does this program cover the costs?

The Extra Help program can help

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save money, but there is a lot more to it than that. Here are a few other benefits it can provide: It pays for Part-D premiums: Most Medicare recipients have to pay a monthly fee as part of their premium.

These premiums can be expensive depending on the prescription. Fortunately, the Extra Help program pays a portion of this premium. However, how much the program pays for can vary, as different states have different amounts they’re willing to set aside.

It gives qualified patients a special enrollment period: Most Medicare recipients can only enroll in prescription drug coverage during open enrollment between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. But with the Extra Help program, participants have a Special Open Enrollment period that runs through the first nine months of the year.

It eliminates late enrollment penalties: If you’ve enrolled late for Part-D Medicare benefits before, you’ve probably paid a penalty fee. The fee is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium, which was $32.74 in 2020.

But for those who are part of the Extra Help program, these fees usually get eliminated.

There is a path to affordable treatment

With all the valuable benefits the Extra Help program can provide, qualifying requires getting your financial documents in order and filling out an application. This can seem overwhelming at first, but the PAN Foundation’s education hub can help.

It includes videos that explain the process, an eligibility checker and an interactive check list to get you ready to apply. And if you get approved, the benefits can help you save a lot of money over the years. (BPT) 

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A P R I L 4, 2021

GARDENING

Gardening from a wheelchair can be done

G

ardening is a wonderful activity that people from all walks of life enjoy. A garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables and/or beautiful blooms can instill a sense of pride in gardeners and turn their backyards into colorful, peaceful respites.

Anyone with the will to do so can plant their own garden, and that includes people who are confined to wheelchairs. Gardening from a wheelchair may present some unique challenges, but such obstacles are no reason for wheelchair-bound gardening enthusiasts to steer clear of this rewarding activity.

In recognition of the challenges of gardening from a wheelchair, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation offers the following tips to wheelchair-bound gardening enthusiasts.

Match the garden to your abilities

The Reeve Foundation notes that trying to push beyond your limits can affect how much you enjoy gardening. Address issues that may impair how you can function in the garden, such as accessibility. For example, if the garden is far away from the physical structure of your home, you may feel exhausted by the time you get to the garden, which can affect your productivity and progress. Prior to starting a garden, consider the potential that such issues may arise and then try to build a garden that makes it easy to overcome them.

Consider raised beds

The Reeve Foundation highly recommends raised beds for anyone gardening from a wheelchair. When designing such beds, make sure they’re narrow so they can be conveniently accessed from your wheelchair.

Consider hanging baskets

Hanging baskets also can be a great option for anyone gardening from a wheelchair. Hanging baskets can provide aesthetic appeal inside and outside of a home, and such baskets can be accessed with a pulley system that makes it easy for gardeners to prune and water plants.

Use specialized tools

The online medical resource Verywell Health notes that various manufacturers have recognized there’s a market for adaptive gardening tools. Such tools make it easier for people in wheelchairs to indulge their passion for planting. Adaptive tools like trowels, cultivators and hoes can make it easier for gardeners to perform all the standard gardening tasks. Ergonomic adaptive gardening tools can help gardeners avoid the joint pain that can arise from using more traditional, non-ergonomic tools.

Make it a team effort

Gardening with a loved one can make the hobby even more enjoyable for anyone, including people

gardening from their wheelchairs. Seniors can garden alongside their grandchildren and/or friends who also have mobility issues, ensuring no one gets too tired or falls behind.

Anyone can enjoy gardening, and that includes people in wheelchairs.

For more information about living with paralysis, visit the Christoper & Dana Reeve Foundation at christopherreeve.org. (MC) 

How ergonomic tools can help gardeners

G

ardening is a rewarding activity that has been found to provide a host of benefits beyond ensuring readily available access to fresh fruits, vegetables and awe-inspiring blooms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many gardening tasks qualify as light to moderate exercise, which means raking the leaves

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and cutting the grass can be just as beneficial as cardiovascular activities like brisk walking or jogging. In addition, a 2017 study published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports found that gardening can help aging men and women offset age-related weight gain. And the health benefits of gardening go beyond the physical.

Gardeners have a host of tools at their disposal to help turn their lawns and gardens into awe-inspiring landscapes. Among those options are ergonomic tools. Ergonomic tools can benefit gardeners of all ages, but they may prove especially valuable for aging men and women.

How ergonomic tools differ from traditional gardening tools

Ergonomic gardening tools are designed to ensure that using them has as little effect on the body as possible. Ergonomic tools align with how a person naturally moves his or her body, which can reduce the likelihood that gardeners will suffer any strains

or sprains while gardening or experience any aches and pains after a day spent tending to their landscapes.

Choosing the right tools

The West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities notes that gardeners will know they have chosen the right ergonomic gardening tool for the job when they do not have to adapt the tool. Ergonomic tools should match gardeners’ heights, fit their grip and feel comfortable when in use.

Specific benefits of ergonomic tools

Ergonomic gardening tools are designed in a way that can reduce stress on the body while performing various tasks. Gardeners know that aches and pains can add up after a day spent kneeling in the garden, raking soil and carrying supplies from a shed or garage around the property.

But the WVUCED notes that ergonomic tools do more than just reduce gardeners’ risk of injury.

• Ergonomic tools increase efficiency.

Wasted motions are less likely when using ergonomic tools. That can improve efficiency in the garden, allowing gardeners to get more done in the same amount of time. And because ergonomic tools are designed to work with the body, gardeners likely won’t need to take breaks due to aches and pains, which also makes it easier to be more efficient when working in the garden.

• Ergonomic tools increase gardeners’ capabilities. The WVUCED notes that principles behind ergonomics keep gardeners using the tools in natural positions. That means gardeners won’t lose power to bending and twisting, enabling them to do more in the garden than they might be able to do when using non-ergonomic tools.

Gardening is a rewarding and beneficial activity. The right ergonomic tools for the job can enhance those benefits and make gardening even more enjoyable. (MC) 

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

N E W S F E AT U R E

SEAVER

Timeline

20 YEARS AT HMNH

Continued from page 7

2003 Wound Care Services 2008 New central power plant

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Auxiliary President Mimi Baum, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation President Marlee Lauffer and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital president and CEO Roger Seaver pose for presentation of the $80,000 check that was presented to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation as part of the auxiliary’s pledged support for the hospital’s new patient tower. PHOTO COURTESY HENRY MAYO NEWHALL HOSPITAL

the doctors and various groups, with the employees, with the patients, with the other leaders in the community,” she said. “It takes everyone working together — but if you don’t have that passionate, driven leadership at the top that makes it happen and brings people together, you won’t advance the way this hospital has.”

Future plans

As life often moves in cycles, a disaster is once again challenging the entire spectrum of health care today in the SCV as well as the rest of the world, due to a global pandemic.

The financial challenges in providing COVID-19 community care regardless of hospital cost have prompted Henry Mayo to once again refocus its efforts, Seaver said.

“We’ve got some recovery to do that has to keep us very focused,” he said, noting a $35 million pandemic cost in the hospital’s “long-term financial picture” makes it difficult to lay out the future plans with any certainty, at the moment.

Although hospital supporters will be glad to hear its steady leadership will not be going anywhere any time soon.

“Well, I have enjoyed the ride, so to speak, here, still enjoy it, and hope to

be at it for a few more years,” he said, while discussing the future, and he plans to continue to stay involved in supporting community success, not just for the hospital, but for the greater SCV, as well.

Holly Schroeder, president and CEO of the SCVEDC and a board member for the hospital, praised Seaver’s holistic approach to trying to make the SCV a healthier place in all respects.

“He understands the value of a strong health care support system as being a vital component to the economic development and has been an incredible partner to the SCVEDC,” Schroeder said “There’s a connection to people that go to work, stay healthy, because they want to go to work, and healthy communities,” Seaver said, mentioning his support for organizations like the SCV Economic Development Corp., for which he is co-chair of the Executive Committee.

“So, to me, equally important to anything that we do at our hospital is that this community needs to stay as a beacon of opportunity for businesses to locate here,” Seaver added, “and that will be very valuable over the long term.” 

2010 New Wayne & Connie Spears Intensive Care Unit Expanded Emergency Department New Advanced Primary Stroke Center designation 2012 New Kim & Steve Ullman Neonatal ICU Expanded cardiovascular services 2014 Henry Mayo Center, Education Center & Simulation Lab Name changes to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital New logo introduced 2016 Henry Mayo Health & Fitness Center 2019 New patient tower opened

Since becoming CEO of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in 2001, Roger Seaver has guided the community’s hospital through significant growth and change 2002 New Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center 2007 New connecting corridor joins main building/pavilion 2009 Roberta G. Veloz Cardiac Catheterization Lab Expanded Imaging services 2011 OR expansion GI lab renovation New spine surgery & joint replacement service MedSurg remodeling Parking structure & helipad 2013 Akbar Hasan Infusion Ctr. Hospital implements electronic health records STEMI Heart Attack Receiving Center designation 2015 New underground parking structure Construction begins on $150 million patient tower 2017 DaVinci robot activated Wound Care Clinic with hyperbaric chambers opened

Graphic: The Signal/signalscv.com

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A P R I L 4, 2021

PETS

Natural tick repellents to protect pooches

L

yme disease is a significant concern for people across the country. According to an analysis of insurance records by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease.

But Lyme disease is not the only tick-borne problem. Data from the CDC says instances of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anaplasmosis grew by 244 and 396%, respectively, between 2009 and 2017.

Blacklegged ticks are typically the culprits in disease transmission.

When this tick latches on to a host, bacteria that causes Lyme and other diseases can be transmitted if the tick remains attached for 36 to 48 hours or more. Ticks will attach themselves to any moving living target, including people. But individuals who own dogs may be at increased risk because dogs often bring ticks indoors. Dogs as well as humans can be susceptible

to the same tick-borne illnesses.

Pet parents are urged to use some sort of flea and tick preventative medication for their companion animals.

But it’s important that pet owners recognize that many such products will defend against ticks only after they’ve latched onto a host. According to the Hills company, a pet food manufacturer, oral and topical tick medications work by killing ticks through doses of certain compounds that are not potent enough to harm most pets, but are effective at terminating ticks.

Many flea and tick products do not repel parasites. Therefore, pet owners may want to take added measures to keep ticks off of their pets. While it is best to discuss all-natural tick repellents for dogs with a vet, these methods are generally considered safe.

Turmeric oil

A 2018 study published in Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases indicated turmeric oil was effective in keeping ticks from hanging onto a dog’s coat.

The percentage of dogs with ticks attached to the legs or belly who were sprayed with turmeric oil suspension was significantly lower than that of unsprayed dogs and dogs sprayed with an orange oil suspension.

Geranium oil

Gardeners have long relied on geraniums as natural repellents against many pests. The plant has a woodsy, musky fragrance. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found the oil has repellent activity against nymphs of the Lone Star tick.

Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids

These are a group of botanical insecticides that work by altering the

20 0 2

T

hought they might be most often associated with dogs, ticks can affect cats as well.

According to Blue Cross for Pets, cats are most likely to encounter ticks if they live near areas with wildlife, such as coyotes and rabbits.

While ticks are active throughout the year, cats are most likely to encounter them between spring and autumn.

Ticks are most likely to attach themselves to particular areas of a

nerve function in insects, resulting in death of the parasite. Compounds are extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Low toxicity means they can be applied directly to a pet’s coat, according to the pet health resource PetMD. The pet guide Top Dog Tips suggests other natural oils like lavender, peppermint, citrus, rose, basil, cinnamon, and lemongrass can be effective tick repellents for dogs. Dilute these oils in water or a carrier-oil like olive oil before spraying on a pet. While many of these repellents are effective, nothing is 100% foolproof, so individuals should always check pets (and themselves) after being in tick territory. (MC) 

cat’s body. These areas include the head, neck, ears, and feet. Routine brushing, especially whenever cats come inside after time spent outdoors, can help cat owners spot and remove ticks from their cats.

It’s important to recognize that indoor cats are not invulnerable to ticks, as other pets and humans can track ticks indoors.

Periodic inspections and brushing of indoor cats’ can protect them from ticks and the diseases ticks carry.

(MC) 

A P R I L 4, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Add roasted vegetables to spring meal planning

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

A

s a kid growing up in California, most of the vegetables I ate, with the exception of steamed artichokes and corn on the cob in the summer, came from a can.

Mom was a good cook, but even she would later admit, there wasn’t a lot of veggie appeal on our plates.

During college years, stir-fried vegetables were the rage. I bought a wok, took a class on basic Chinese cooking techniques and discovered a new world of tastes. Served over brown rice, topped with cashews or sesame seeds, I prepared plates of deliciousness in no time flat.

While stir-fried meals are still part of our family menus, we love ovenroasted vegetables to balance out a meal. Easy to prepare on a sheet pan, and appetizing to look at in an array of colors, the mostly root vegetables cook up crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, often with a sweet intense flavor.

Here’s my basic recipe that serves 6-8:

Roasted Vegetables

1 medium sweet potato, peeled 2 carrots, peeled 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise

2. Cut sweet potato and carrots into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large bowl with Brussels sprouts and onions. Add oil, salt and pepper, toss well, then place mixture in a single layer on prepared pan.

3. Roast 20-25 minutes or until all vegetables are tender, turning once with a spatula.

1 red onion, cut into wedges 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary or thyme (optional)

Serve sprinkled with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of oil if you wish, or experiment with maple syrup or pomegranate molasses for a dash of sweetness.

Variations Roast a pan of cherry tomatoes to amp up the flavor of a pasta salad.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, two minced fresh

garlic cloves, and salt and pepper on a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool.

Lightly toss into your prepared pasta salad, top with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Most chilled leftovers keep their crunch. Dip in hummus or yogurtbased dressing for a snack. Or, reheat and complement a bowl of greens and delicious grains like quinoa, bulgur and other wonder foods at lunchtime.

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

Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

CROSSWORD TIME

A P R I L 4, 2021

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 4, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 3

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

READERLETTERS

Kids’ Privacy at Risk?

The photo on the front page in The Signal March 30 of campus supervisor Patrick Seidenkranz as he scans in students returning to Placerita Junior High School is one we should all celebrate. It also raises some questions.

Why are cell phones being scanned? What is the Crisis Go app? What is the app costing the school district? With what we learned over the past year about the extremely low risk of spread among students, what is gained using the app? What other features of Crisis Go are being used in our schools? Is the threat assessment program being used?

What information is being gathered on our kids, and from what sources? Who can access that information?

I would suggest every parent with school-age children go to the Crisis Go website and examine it carefully.

From what I see it has all the earmarks of a tech company with the ability to create a permanent database of information on our kids.

Thomas L. Cadman Canyon Country

Is This a Dog Whistle Joke?

I have been tuned into Fox News for years and I now find that I need a little help from fellow viewers.

I recently received my first pair of hearing aids and now when I listen to one of my favorites, Sean Hannity, I hear a whistling sound when he says words with the “S” sound. I have never noticed it before and it’s very annoying.

I don’t hear the whistling from other broadcasters and I’m wondering if it’s a problem with my hearing aids when tuned in, specifically to Hannity. If any of your viewers have a similar problem, I’d like to hear from them.

Richard Myers Valencia

Success, Freedom and Strength?

“Rules for fools.” Those three words sum up the offering from Joe Biden and the Democrats to the American people in his first presidential address to the nation. Success, freedom and strength aren’t on the table. Instead they are all about forced masks and endless vaccines and ridiculous rules and astounding waste for a germ that’s already run its course, and was never a threat to anyone but a statistically tiny few at an average age of 80 who were always at risk for something else anyway. Truly bizarre. And all of it coming with an absolutely astronomical price tag.

Rob Kerchner Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

Forgetting Value of Nobility

By David Hegg

S

everal years ago I officiated a wedding for two young people entering into marriage for the first time. It was a big deal, with a proper venue, pictures, and lots of family and friends in attendance.

But for me it was very different from any ceremony I had done before.

Looking back, I have to consider it my first post-modern wedding in that the bride and groom decided to make their wedding common in every respect. They wanted nothing to do with those ideals and traditions that for generations had made weddings noble events. In fact, they were rebelling against noble, and against any pomp and ceremony. They dressed in casual clothes, had a ceremony that lasted barely 20 minutes, and then made a mad dash to a reception of pizza and cupcakes. Their reason? “We just want to be ourselves and not have any of that high-brow stuff.”

Since then, it is noticeable that many are following suit. We are watching the leveling of society in which there is little difference between the way we address everyday life and our attitude toward those events that are monuments in life.

It shows in the increasingly narrow distinction between formal and casual attire, but the effects are actually far greater. The simple truth is that we as a people have less and less of a stomach for grandeur, for nobility of purpose, or for deep reflection and poignancy in celebration. We’ve opted instead for instant gratification, shallow thinking, and a determination never to be confused with someone who takes history and tradition seriously. We are acting like children who think our generation is the first one that actually matters, and we’re intent on redefining everything.

This desire to downsize the magnificent shows up in other places as well. Take the holiday that many celebrate today. What began as an awefilled remembrance of the greatest miracle in the history of mankind – the bodily resurrection to life of the crucified Jesus – has increasingly been remade into a day for candy, and the absurdity of a rabbit who is somehow connected with eggs. Some churches have actually espoused this tomfoolery in an attempt to attract the egg folks.

Sadly, a compromised message soon becomes no message at all. When you downsize the noble to

the level of triviality, everyone loses.

The same could be said for Christmas, whose original character has drastically been eroded by consumer frenzy and stories of beneficent elves. And it is not just religious holidays that are being drained of their ethos. It is evident Independence Day, Veterans Day and Labor Day, for example, seldom bring out serious reflection in us. Most now think of these not as days set aside for national remembrance, sober thinking, renewed commitment and respectful celebration, but as time to shop the sales, eat and drink too much, and generally veg.

The real question is actually not about how many memories we hold, or how many times we face an occasion in formal wear. It is deeper than that. The big question is whether we think there still are occasions in our lives that deserve a response from us that is higher than our everyday thinking. Are there days and events that are meant to lift us out of our commonness and remind us that life is more than a boring string of 24-hour segments? Does the history of society tell us that we need special and noble celebrations to show us that we were meant for something more, something bigger than our individuality, something grand and epic and magnificent and much, much bigger than ourselves?

I believe the answer is a resounding yes. I believe that formal occasions and events and celebrations are among those ways that God is reminding us of our nobility as those who bear his image. As such, we must never be satisfied with a mind-numbing existence. The quest to level everything in society down to the everyday will have the effect of saying that our lives mean nothing more than whatever fun we can find for the weekend.

Today is Easter. I prefer to think of it as Resurrection Sunday. And I offer you this challenge.

At some point today, turn your thoughts away from your plans and consider this. If the grave really was empty, and Jesus really did come back from death to life, then it means this life is merely a prelude to the next. It also means that how we live this life really matters, and we’d better get it right.

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

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