Sunday Signal April 26, 2020

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What you should know about telehealth

APRIL 26, 2020

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A P R I L 26, 2020

NEWS FEATURES 3 Homecare kit: survival gear for a COVID-19 diagnosis 4 Finding those silver linings in a quarantine 5 Telehealth: the experts discuss virtual appointments 6 81 ways to keep kids busy at home BEAUTY 8 The latest trends in women’s eyebrows How to stay fit while quarantined at home TECHNOLOGY 9 Recycle your tech: clever uses for an old iPad FROM THE MAYOR 10 Supporting our essential workers KIDS & FAMILY 11 Donna’s Day: Crepes for meals and snacktime Enhance staycations with themed fun days FOOD 12 Unleash your inner chef HEALTH 13 The mental challenges of social distancing HOME 14 A nod to retro, vintage home decor SENIOR LIVING 15 Stopping illnesses from spreading in nursing homes GARDENING 16 Pollinators are an important part of gardening OPINION PUZZLES

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A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Homecare kit: survival gear for a COVID-19 diagnosis

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita residents are no strangers to earthquake and wildfire kits — the essential items set aside and stored in an easy-to-grab bag in the event of a natural disaster.

But what of a COVID-19 homecare kit?

In March, California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that more than half of his residents would become infected with the virus, with each case differing in severity. And while you and your family may be taking every precaution — masks in public, washing hands when getting home and staying mostly in quarantine outside of essential trips — there is still a chance that you or someone in your home may become infected and asked to isolate.

So what do you need in your home to make sure that you and your loved ones are prepared? What can you do to prepare yourself in the event that there is a positive diagnosis in your home.

There are a number of simple things that, if prepared ahead of time, will not only help keep you safe, but might make the quarantine with the sickness a little bit more bearable, according to Dr. Bud Lawrence, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s director of emergency services.

An finger pulse oximeter measures oxygen levels in the blood.

Experts recommend that a coronavirus homecare kit include items such as Tylenol or Motrin, drinks containing electrolytes, a cold pack and an oximeter to check oxygen levels. COURTESY PHOTOS

Homecare kit

According to experts, homecare kits should include a thermometer, gloves, masks and disinfectants.

Two essential items that any homecare kit would require are found at your local drug store: Tylenol and Motrin, according to Lawrence.

“You want to be taking that for fevers and any discomfort you might have,” said Lawrence.

Additionally, what comes with the flu or fever is dehydration, so having electrolyte solutions around, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, can help you stave off a lack of internal fluids.

Keeping these two things handy would in fact ensure the bottom line, which is making sure you get enough rest and sleep while sick and in isolation.

In addition to the fever and other flu-like symptoms people will experience when diagnosed with COVID-19, Lawrence said a cough can oftentimes be a symptom.

“Perhaps some cough suppressants might be helpful, over-the-counter cough lozenges,” said Lawrence, adding that Dayquil and Nyquil can be helpful, but should be used with caution. “You want to be careful because those do have Tylenol in them, so you don’t want to overdose on Tylenol.”

Cold packs, a washcloth or heating pads might also not be a bad idea to include, Lawrence said.

If the Tylenol and Motrin are not working “certainly cold packs can be useful, a wet washcloth can be very helpful to bring down your tempera-

ture by evaporative cooling,” said Lawrence. “There are many methods to bring down your fever, and a cold pack may be helpful for some muscle aches and things like that.”

Lawrence added that your muscles could also respond positively to a warm bath or heating pad.

Another critical aspect to recovery involves food, and knowing before the virus makes you fatigued or distracted, where you will be getting your food for a 14-day quarantine.

“If you’re under quarantine, you might have challenges getting to the store and getting food,” said Lawrence. “Many stores offer delivery service, there are many restaurants now that deliver food, either primarily through the restaurant itself or through a third party vendor.”

The last final thing to keep, not necessarily in your homecare kit, but in the back of your mind, is the knowledge that if at any point you do need to call 9-1-1, you should be ready to provide first responders with medical information, particularly if you are COVID-19 positive.

“When they respond to your home, you should let them know that you’re positive for COVID-19 and that you make that clear from the very beginning,” said Lawrence, “so that they can be already taking proper precautions in terms of personal protective equipment.”

What to do if diagnosed?

If someone within your home has been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive, anyone living with that person is

considered to have been in direct contact with them, and should be under quarantine for 14 days, Lawrence said.

“Many people who are COVID-19 positive may have caregivers at home or may have family members that are acting as caregivers,” said Lawrence.

“It’s important for those people to know that they should also be quarantined because of the high likelihood or potential for transfer from one patient to another.”

Lawrence said that it’s situationally based, but your family should have a plan in place for if one of you are diagnosed and someone within the home is immunocompromised.

“It depends on if (the immunocompromised person) she has a place to leave to, so (they have) somewhere else to stay with someone else, it’s probably best that (they) leave because it’s safer to be in another environment,” said Lawrence. “Or if you had a place for you to go to and you are not exposing anyone else that might make sense.”

This would mean having bags packed ahead of time with a certain amount of clothes and important materials you would need should you have to leave.

Lawrence said though that it is very important to remember that if you have already been living together with someone that has been diagnosed, it is likely that you have been shedding the virus prior to you getting a positive test. You will most likely need to go into quarantine, and would be unable to leave unless you could go somewhere without risking exposure to other people.

Lawrence also stressed the importance that being at home in quarantine with a homecare kit does not mean you cannot get sunshine or enjoy the outdoors in your backyard or balcony.

“You know obviously if you’re going outside your house I would wear a mask,” said Lawrence. “But not that you should be walking around in the community. But if you’re just outside of your house, that kind of thing, just get some fresh air and maintain a sense of sanity in this process.”

“It can be a little rough being cooped up for that long,” said Lawrence.

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A P R I L 26, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Finding those silver linings in a quarantine

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

A

s the Santa Clarita Valley goes into week seven of the “Safer at Home” directive amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s only logical that cabin fever is also widespread.

While not many are particularly happy about being stuck at home, there are numerous benefits.

For Newhall resident Quinten Samuels, who was quite used to living a hectic lifestyle, the past month has given him time to stop and smell the roses, he said.

“In a world where we’re always, ‘Go, go, go,’ this is a blessing in disguise,” Samuels said. “Having time to just sit with my thoughts has been doing wonders for my mental health. It’s something I didn’t even know I needed.”

Here are some of the other unsung benefits to staying at home:

Increased family time

For starters, many families have been given newfound time to bond with their loved ones.

“I’ve got five kids, all ranging in ages from 4 to 20,” Saugus resident Jenny Staples said. “My oldest is usually away at college and my youngest is only now old enough to really start participating in family activities — so this is the first time other than a holiday or birthday that we’ve all been together.”

Time for the forgotten

Now that we’ve got all this free time, it gives us newfound time to pursue passions that we otherwise would be too busy for — like dusting off that book, taking up a new hobby or learning how to cook.

It also gives us more time to tackle that to do list that’s been only growing longer, never shorter.

Low gas prices

While the stay-at-home order means that many are driving much less than they normally would, they can now do so at a much cheaper price, as gas

Practical ways to cope and relax • Relax your body often by doing things that work for you — take deep breaths, stretch, meditate or pray, or engage in activities.

• Pace yourself between stressful activities, and do something fun after a hard task.

• Talk about your experiences and feelings to loved ones and friends, if you find it helpful.

• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking; consider keeping a journal.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The blue of the wild lupine growing wild in a field in Santa Clarita match the blue skies and billowing overhead after a recent rain. Taking a moment to stop and smell the roses is one positive that some have found amid the gloom that a pandemic has wrought for many. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

prices have continued to drop since the start of the outbreak.

Unleaded gas prices have dropped below the $3 mark at most of SCV’s gas stations, with prices ranging from $2.39 to $2.99 on Tuesday, while nationwide, gas prices are headed to lows last seen during the Great Recession, according to Gas Buddy.

In Los Angeles County, the average gas price has dropped to $2.85, down nearly 40 cents from this time last month and $1.18 from a year ago — the first time it’s dropped below $3 since August 2017.

Less traffic

Though gas prices are low, there’s not many places to drive, meaning that there’s also less cars on the road, and therefore, less traffic, a plus for essential workers still making their normal commutes.

Castaic resident and registered nurse Melissa Antolin is used to commuting to work at West Hills Hospital each day.

“The thing is, because everybody’s been at home, the traffic has been great,” she said. “Usually my commute would be anywhere between 50 minutes to an hour to get down to the valley, but because everybody’s been home my commute is more like 35 to 40 minutes.”

Less air pollution

Less traffic on the road seems to have had a domino effect, according to Dr. Charanjit Saroa, a pulmonologist at Valencia Pulmonary Medical Group.

“The air quality is better because there is less exhaust, less smog and less cars on the road,” Saroa said in a previous Signal interview.

Though Saroa said he has not yet seen a study linking pollution/air quality, the air quality index shows that pollution rates in the SCV have improved since the stay-at-home order was put in place, as are also evident by the clear blue skies we’ve been seeing daily.

When combined with ammonia and moisture, two things prevalent in the air, nitrogen oxide creates harmful particulates that damage sensitive lung tissue.

The levels of nitrogen oxide have been steadily decreasing from the beginning of the year, according to recent data collected by the California Air Resources Board. This time last year, the highest levels of nitrogen oxide parts per million in April was 0.014, while this year it has decreased to 0.009.

This isn’t just true for the SCV, as waterways in Venice, Italy, have gone crystal clear for the first time in decades, while China has begun to see blue skies instead of smog since the start of the outbreak.

Nature is back

While spring has sprung, wildlife everywhere has also seemed to be making a comeback during this pandemic.

Dolphins have been seen returning to beaches in multiple places all over the world, goats are taking over empty Welsh streets and wild animals have reclaimed national parks across the nation.

Even here in the SCV, coyotes have been spotted more frequently roaming and wildflowers have turned the hills green, yellow and purple.

A P R I L 26, 2020

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N E W S F E AT U R E S

Telehealth: the experts discuss virtual appointments

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

T

he novel coronavirus outbreak has affected, in one way or the other, just about everything in daily lives, including visits to the doctor. As developments in the COVID-19 crisis continue, more patients are turning to telehealth.

Some may need a prescription refill, others raise questions about a skin rash, and of course there are those who might be wondering if the symptoms they’re presenting are coronavirus-related. There’s a little bit of everything in telehealth, much like an in-person visit, local health experts said.

But in the midst of a pandemic that has no clear end sign, there’s high anxiety about visiting a clinic or hospital.

“If people are scared to go to the grocery store, you can just imagine the fear they may have to go into a health care setting,” said Dr. Brian Wilbur, chief medical officer of Exer Urgent Care, which has locations in the Santa Clarita Valley.

While doctors in and around the Santa Clarita Valley remind the public that it is safe to stop by for an in-person visit, especially in an emergency, virtual visits are encouraged as medical professionals continue the fight against the coronavirus.

“Allowing people to stay home and still get great care will also help address the community spread of COVID-19 and ease the global shortage of personal protective equipment — masks, gowns and gloves,” said Dr. Chris Raigosa, a physician in charge of Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita medical offices.

Whether coronavirus-related or not, doctors broke down how telehealth works and how to get the most out of your virtual visit:

How to get started

Every service provider operates its telehealth services differently, but generally, the process is fairly straightforward.

At Exer, with its recent launch of the online urgent care service VirtualCare, patients need only go online at exerurgentcare.com to request a virtual visit by using a cellphone, computer or tablet.

Individuals can receive an “immediate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan,” according to its website.

Similarly at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, patients need only visit henrymayourgentcare.com to schedule a remote appointment or access the patient portal to view electronic medical records or pay a bill.

Individuals are first prescreened via an in-person appointment “to make sure that the patient is appropriate for a telehealth visit because some medical conditions are more difficult to address int that regard. We then discuss a treatment plan, according to what we’ve discussed and observed. In

Physician’s assistant Gunbir Rana is part of the urgent care team at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, which uses a telehealth system more frequently now to help with patient anxiety over hospital visits. PHOTO COURTESY BRYANT WIECZOREK

most regards, it’s very similar to normal visits,” said Dr. Jordan Michelena from Henry Mayo Urgent Care.

Kaiser Permanente members can also access telecommunication services, as well as phone and email options, by using the My Health Manager function on kp.org or the KP mobile app.

What to expect during your virtual visit

As you would with an in-person visit, patients should come prepared before the start of their virtual call.

“Make sure you have a list of medications available (and) a list of medical problems, just like you would prepare for a regular visit,” said Michelena, adding that for those who might not be comfortable with using technology in setting up the virtual call to “have someone available to help you.”

The most common remote visits at Henry Mayo revolve around medical refill requests, help with stress and anxiety and other chronic medical problems, added Michelena.

Ready to start your virtual visit? Patients are advised to call from a quiet place to ensure a focused one-on-one meeting with your provider, as some calls have had dogs parking or kids running around in the background, said Wilbur.

Telehealth has its benefits and that has played a role in diagnosis and general medical attention.

“People are much more relaxed (at home). They don’t have to get dressed and they don’t have that white-coat syndrome of having their blood pressure checked and the experience has been incredibly positive. People really appreciate having a connection by video and knowing they are safe,” said Wilbur.

Despite the benefits of virtual care, “in-person visits are still an important part of care,” and necessary for a more thorough examination if needed, he added.

For one SCV resident’s daughter, telehealth with Henry Mayo was a great transition in knowing if an in-person visit was necessary.

“It was great. We could see (the doctor) well enough and he could see us that he even asked (my daughter) to open her mouth so he could see her throat,” said Suzanne DeCuir. “Based on that conversation, he was able to decide about bringing her in.”

Telehealth is here to stay

In less than a year ago, an estimated 10% of consumers used telehealth over in-person doctor’s office visits but usage could exceed 1 billion by this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Forrester Research.

In the SCV, doctors are already heavily relying on telecommunications and believe many more will as medical professionals aid patients who would rather stay home amid the pandemic.

“Typically we would have focused more on face-to-face visits in urgent care but now we are trying to protect the general public by offering that additional service if they’re afraid of being exposed or if they’re of a high-risk population or just need to refill their medication,” said Michelena.

At Kaiser Permanente, more than 80% of care visits systemwide are now completed virtually by video visit or phone, which includes 14,000 video calls per day, according to Raigosa.

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A P R I L 26, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

81 ways to keep kids busy at home Outdoor fun

By Lauren Budman Signal Contributing Writer

15. Build a fort: Use pillows, chairs, blankets or other items around the house.

ith seemingly endless days passing by during L.A. County’s stay-at-home order, we’ve put together a convenient list of 81 activities to keep kids occupied at home.

Whether you’re trying to pry them away from screens or keep them busy while working from home, these ideas are sure to keep them entertained and happy:

16.

Play “I spy.”

38. Partake in some outdoor yoga.

17.

Play dress up.

39. Camp out in the backyard.

W

Indoor Activities Create your own drive-in theater: Have the kids design their own “cars” out of cardboard boxes and pull up to the screen.

1.

Create a pretend newspaper: your family’s own version of The Signal!

2.

3.

Come up with a scavenger hunt.

4. Play card games: Uno, go fish, war, poker, hearts, bridge, gin or solitaire, if you’re alone.

5. Have a family “theme day”: Have a Talk Like a Pirate Day, an Opposite Day or a Royal Family Day. If you’re craving some quiet time in the midst of quarantine madness, try a No-Talking Day challenge.

You can thank me later.

6.

Build a house of cards.

7.

Play classic board games like Operation, Candyland or Monopoly — or if you have it, Santa Clarita-opoly.

Play “freeze dance” — when the music stops, each player must freeze immediately and hold that position until the music begins again, or have to do 10 jumping jacks.

8.

Partake in a game of “Head’s up” or charades.

9.

Play “The Floor is Lava — put some older pillows on the floor and have them jump around avoiding the floor.

10.

11.

Work on a jigsaw puzzle.

Create a family history: Conduct family interviews by calling family members and asking them about stories from their past.

12.

Tell ghost stories — next to the fireplace for that “campfire” effect.

18.

Art Projects 19.

Make a dreamcatcher.

Create and decorate paper airplanes — then have a race.

20.

Make bath bombs using recipes online, like one with citric acid and baking soda for a little self-care.

21.

22.

Create a vision board.

23. Make a Scrapbook — bonus points if it’s about the quarantine.

24.

Tie-dye a shirt.

25.

Create a magazine collage.

Make a sunlit mural — use washable paints or water colors on windows or glass doors.

26.

27. Make some home-made playdough — 2 ½ cups of flour; ½ cup of salt; 2 packages of Kool-Aid; 2 cups boiling water; 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and mix them all together.

28. Make thank you cards and send them to essential workers.

29.

Paint rocks.

30.

Learn origami design.

31.

Create friendship bracelets.

Paint each other’s faces, or play around with temporary tattoos.

32.

33. Gather old photos and put them in an album.

34. Design sock puppets — be sure to have a puppet show after.

35. Have some slimy fun — Elmer’s glue, contact lens solution, baking soda, glitter mixed together.

36. Press flowers by putting them in books for a week and making crafts with them.

13.

Learn how to write and perform a

37. Make a birdhouse — check out nestwatch.org for some tips.

14.

Write a story or poetry.

For those who would prefer to play outside, there’s a separate list:

play.

40.

Have a water balloon fight.

41.

Have a picnic outside.

42.

Make a backyard obstacle course.

Make a bird feeder out of a toilet paper roll, peanut butter and birdseed.

43.

44.

Create a flower arrangement.

Play hide and seek — remember to pretend you can’t see the little ones.

45.

46. Partake in some kickball or dodge ball — underrated classics.

47. Play jump rope games: Do you remember double-dutch?

A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

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48. Compete in freeze tag — a classic with a twist, now you’re it.

Play “Marco Polo,” which can be fun with or without a pool.

49.

50.

Create chalk murals.

59. Conduct an egg-drop experiment.

60. Make a volcano erupt: Add vinegar, water and a small amount of food coloring together in an empty soda bottle — then add baking soda and run for cover.

51.

Looking for a pastime with all that newfound free time?

Run through the sprinklers — especially on those hot SCV days.

61. Teach your dog some tricks: fetch, sit, play dead — you get the idea.

53. Play hopscotch and remember: Don’t

62.

Play “Red light, green light” — ah, the nostalgia!

52.

get too competitive with the kids.

54.

Blow bubbles! Everyone loves bubbles.

55. Take a family bike ride — and don’t forget masks and gloves for everyone.

Pick up some magic tricks- or 52-card pickup (it’s a little mean, but it may tire out a small child after a couple hundred times).

63. Fly a kite! Make your own kite using

57. Roller hockey: Use broom sticks, if you don’t have hockey sticks.

straws string and paper. A copy of The Signal works after reading it — which also happens to be a benefit of home deliveryTo subscribe, call (661) 259-1000.

58. Soccer: Make your own goal posts from buckets and pool noodles.

64. Plant a garden and earn a green thumb growing flowers and vegetables.

56.

Play a game of HORSE.

65. Pick up juggling — coordination required.

66.

Learn to braid hair.

Practice photography and have a family photo shoot.

67.

Listen to the music Name that tune: Play songs for one another and guess the artist for a twist“My Sharona” or “My Corona”?

68.

69. Throw a themed dance party — dress and dance from your favorite era (‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and so on).

70.

Conduct a class on the classics: Teach

kids about one classical composer each day and play music from that composer.

Fun in the kitchen 71. Bake some bread (Ednote: Banana is my favorite.)

72. Make some cookies and, for an extra challenge, try not to eat them all in one day (harder than it sounds).

73. Make some soup. It’s fun to make and keeps them healthy!

74.

part.

Bake a cake. Decorating is the best

75. Have a pizza night — homemade or ordered in, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite either way.

Bedtime 76.

Have a “spa day” before bed.

77. Roast marshmallows, and you can use a candle if you don’t have a campfire handy.

78. Stargaze and identify the constellations, or make your own.

79. Put on a shadow puppet show. Coauthor a bedtime story by taking turns making up a new chapter each night.

80. Reminisce and look forward — peruse yearbooks or old photo albums and remind everyone that this, too, shall pass.

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A P R I L 26, 2020

BEAUTY

The latest trends in women’s eyebrows

T

rends involving eyebrow shaping and shading are ever-changing. Sometimes it’s de rigueur to have thin eyebrows, while other times trends call for much thicker eyebrows.

Bold brows

The thinned-out eyebrows that were popular in the 1990s probably will not make an appearance any time soon, despite the throwback fashion trends showing up in many different stores. Bold brows continue to dominate magazine beauty spreads.

What Brooke Shield did for brows 40 years ago, Cara Delevingne has done for modern bold brow lovers.

Thick, full brows continue to make waves.

Shadowed brows

The bold brows of 2020 aim to look less perfect than in years past. Rather than appearing painted or stamped on, celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes says a soft, fluffy brow is popular and can be achieved using a brow pencil in an upward motion, slightly angled towards the temple of your head.

Natural brow texture is on display with a shadow effect that uses a buffed-in base of brow powder to follow the curves and contours of the natural brows. A setting gel can keep hairs in place.

Dewy brows

Soap brows

Soap brows refer to a technique and not exactly the shape. These brows are brushed up and fluffy in appearance.

Rather than using eyebrow gel to keep brows in place, a time-tested method relies on soap instead. Simply drag a wet, spooled brush (like that for mascara) across a bar of

clear soap and use to brush brows into place.

A wet, glossy finish is the hallmark of this style. A wax pencil and clear setting gel help the brows to look slightly wet and shiny.

Makeup artists advise that even though women may see several different brow trends in magazines and on social media, the latest trend is not the best shape and shade for everyone. It also may help to schedule a shaping with a brow professional. (MC)

How to stay fit while quarantined at home

L

ife changed overnight for millions of people across the globe in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which shuttered businesses and forced many people to follow stay-at-home measures issued by their local governments. These measures not only affected the overall health of those infected with the virus, but also those who experienced no symptoms and even tested negative for COVID-19.

In recognition of the mental toll that social distancing and stay-athome measures can take, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised people to exercise regularly.

But opportunities to exercise seemingly dried up when stay-at-home guidelines were issued and gyms were shuttered.

People without exercise equipment at home suddenly found themselves wondering how they could stay fit and keep their bodies in the best possible condition to fight a virus that has claimed thousands of lives.

Thankfully, there are ways to stay fit and keep immune systems strong without violating stay-at-home measures.

• Access online exercise programs.

Many gyms that were forced to close to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus began offering ex-

The CDC advises regular exercises to stay healthy. Go for a run or pull out the jump rope.

ercise tutorials and classes via social media or websites such as YouTube.

These videos can be invaluable resources, teaching people how to stay fit at home even if they don’t have weights or other equipment on hand.

In addition to gym-sponsored exercise tutorials, the internet is loaded with free exercise videos and advice that can help people without access to a gym get fit or maintain their fitness routines.

• Go back to the basics. Many people no doubt recall gym class from their school days. Such classes teach youngsters the basics of physical fitness without employing dumbbells or advanced exercise machines. Those

same basic exercises that work for youngsters, including push-ups, situps and lunges, can be effective for adults as well. If it’s been awhile since you’ve done your most recent pushup, access an online tutorial so you can be certain your form is correct.

• Do some yard work. It might not feel as high-intensity as a spinning class or a Pilates session, but yard work can be a great workout. Dust off the push mower the next time the grass needs to be cut, and get to work on pulling weeds in garden beds. The added benefit to yard work is it provides a great opportunity to get some fresh air without violating social distancing guidelines.

• Go for a jog. Perhaps the simplest way to exercise during the pandemic is to go for a daily jog. According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise repeatedly moves large muscles in the arms, legs and hips while engaging the immune system and helping it to ward off minor viral illnesses. That makes an early morning jog an especially valuable, not to mention easily accessible, way to exercise during the pandemic.

Exercise can help people maintain their immune systems in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and there are many simple ways to fit in a little physical activity even while social distancing. (MC)

A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

TECHNOLOGY

Recycle your tech: clever uses for an old iPad

By Ruben Circelli Signal Contributing Writer

N

ow that we’re all spending more time stuck at home, you’re going to want to add at least one to your arsenal of entertainment options. That old iPad is a great opportunity, and here are a few extra uses.

1. Stay connected while social distancing Many Americans are staying home more than ever as we ride out this coronavirus pandemic with social distancing. That doesn’t mean you have to end all communications with people in your life, you just have to keep a safe distance.

The best way to stay in touch with family and friends during these troubled times is to video chat with them.

You can either use the FaceTime app or you can download a video conferencing app like Zoom or Skype.

2. Digital photo frame Within the Photos app, Apple allows you to generate and play slideshows of any photo album, local or on the cloud. By changing certain settings on your iPad, you can turn your device into however much of a dedicated digital photo viewer as you’d like.

First, turn on Do Not Disturb mode: From Settings, tap Do Not Disturb and toggle it on. This will silence any calls or notifications that would otherwise distract from photo-viewing.

The next step is to turn Auto-Lock off. Here’s how: From Settings tap Display & Brightness, then set Auto-Lock to Never. This will make it so your screen never goes to sleep.

Finally, turn on Guided Access: From Settings, tap Accessibility then Guided Access, which you can toggle on.

This allows you to lock your iPad to the current app.

3. A nice big remote iPads can be easily used to control other devices across the Apple ecosystem. Controlling your other Apple products, like an Apple TV or your iTunes library, can be done by

way of downloading the appropriate app from the App Store (in this case, the Apple TV app or Apple’s Remote app).

Many streaming services like Netflix and Hulu support casting content from your iPad to a streaming device, smart TV or computer. This makes it easy to start watching something on your iPad and smoothly transition to another screen when needed.

4. Music server While it may seem a little obvious, iPads of all ages and models make fantastic music-streaming hubs.

Whether you choose to store your music locally or use a streaming service, iPads can transmit music to various devices both over Bluetooth and using AirPlay. Chances are if you have a relatively modern speaker system, your iPad can stream music to it.

5. Kitchen recipe and videos Leaving an iPad in the kitchen as a dedicated recipe-station is surprisingly useful. Fitness apps like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt allow users to store recipes, as well as track the nutritional makeup of their creations. There are also endless numbers of apps built around the idea of discovering new recipes, like Tasty. Or apps all about cooking simple, healthy meals, like Fork Over Knives.

The easiest method of all is to store recipes on Apple’s Notes app. Notes can be opened side-by-side with YouTube or the web browser of your choice as you search for the best recipes while taking whatever notes you might like.

For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com.

Please download and decorate your own heart, then display it on your front lawn, door, window or car. Let’s fill the City of Santa Clarita with these visual symbols of support and gratitude! Please take a photo of yourself with your finished heart and post it on social media using #HeartsForHeroes Download your own heart at:

santa-clarita.com/HeartsForHeroes

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 26, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Supporting our Santa Clarita Valley essential workers

By Mayor Cameron Smyth “We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up … discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt “You Learn by Living”

A

pandemic hasn’t had this kind of impact on the global community since the Spanish Flu of 1918.

Being that more than a century has passed, most of us have never taken the time even to contemplate the kind of complete upheaval COVID-19 has had on our lives.

Therefore, workers in a variety of essential businesses never considered that they would become the heroes on the frontlines of this pandemic.

Yet each and every day, our bus drivers, grocery workers, mail carriers, trash collectors and so many more essential workers are now serv-

ing and protecting our community by continuing to do their jobs. Meanwhile, our more traditionally thought of as heroes — the Sheriff ’s deputies, firefighters, doctors and nurses — are earning that title even more during this time of uncertainty.

I encourage the entire Santa Clarita community to help support our heroes through the #HeartsForHeroes campaign. This is a visual campaign that can be seen on doors, windows and sidewalks throughout the City but also filling our social media feeds.

To take part, you can either design your own heart or download the template at santa-clarita.com/ heartsforheroes.

Decorate your heart, snap a photo of it and then display it on your home for the community to see. Also, make sure to post the photo on social media using #HeartsForHeroes. The online posts and photos are then collected and shared with the medical workers at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, our

Sheriff ’s deputies, firefighters and posted on signs and screens throughout the City.

These hearts will show love and support for our essential heroes as they continue the daunting tasks they face every day. Join the City of Santa Clarita in showing your gratitude.

It is also heartening to see the other ways our community has come together to support our heroes. I see social media posts on a daily basis of local restaurants and organizations bringing food and much-needed supplies to our essential workers.

Last week I joined my fellow councilmembers to donate 1,000 N95 masks, water, barricades and other personal protective equipment to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. I want to thank Wolf Creek for helping us provide lunch, as well as one of the newer local businesses, Illumination Dynamics, for providing the hospital with a generator.

The City has also partnered with

Chick Fil A, Crazy Ottos, Jersey Mikes and Sgt. Pepper’s Wood Fired Pizza to provide meals for our hardworking Sheriff ’s deputies and Los Angeles County firefighters. I thank all of our community partners for coming together to support one another during this time.

We still have several weeks left on the health order requiring social distancing, and I thank all of you for doing your part to keep Santa Clarita safe. Together we will make it through this crisis by showing love, compassion, gratitude and support.

Thank you to all the essential workers and first responders.

Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s day: creative family fun

Make delicious crepes for meals and snacktime

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

tem with fresh air, exercise, laughter and play.

quick trip to the grocery store has taken on new meaning these days. You never know what will be in stock. Hopefully you can get the basics of milk, flour, eggs and butter for this recipe, so you and your kids can enjoy cooking up this easy, fancylooking recipe of French crepes.

Crepes are so versatile — they are tasty and nutritious for breakfast or a snack, or roll them up and heat briefly with leftovers or other items in your refrigerator and pantry such as goat cheese and honey, or salsa and grated Cheddar cheese.

You might want to double the batch of 12 crepes and refrigerate or freeze with wax paper between them for additional snacking and meals. Or, think dessert, and coax a tantalizing stack into a divine "crepe cake" to brighten spirits. Stack a dozen or more with whipped cream and sliced strawberries in between the layers.

Top with candles and sing if there is a birthday in the house.

French Crepes

A

1 1/4 1/4 1 1/2 3 2

Note: Spread joy and creativity!

During this hunkered-down time, as we rethink how we work, parent, grandparent, learn, play, create and eat, you may be looking for inspiring and trusted resources. Check my website, www.donnaerickson.com, and follow me on Instagram (@donnaerickson_donnasday) and on Facebook.

I'll continue to post my easy-toprepare recipes using basic ingredients, crafts you can create together using stuff you have around the house, games and reading activities to keep minds sharp, and creative outdoor fun to bolster the immune sys-

cups all-purpose flour teaspoon salt cups milk eggs tablespoons butter, melted plus more for cooking

To Make Batter In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, milk, eggs and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.

Or, place in a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

To Cook Crepes Remove batter from refrigerator. Stir. Lightly butter flat large skillet or crepe pan. Heat over medium-high heat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup batter in center of skillet and swirl batter around to form an 8-inch round crepe. Cook until underside is golden brown. (Note: Lift up corner to check color.) Using a narrow spatula, flip crepe. Cook until other side is lightly brown, about 30 seconds.

To Serve Set on a plate. Roll up with fruit or applesauce inside. Or,

fold in half or quarters. Add favorite toppings or simply squeeze some fresh lemon juice and dust with confectioners' sugar. Makes 12 eight-inch crepes.

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.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Enhance staycations with themed fun days

T

urn your quarantine time into staycation fun with themed days. Any themed day can be inspired by an active imagination, these ideas can get the creativity flowing.

Superhero day Embrace your favorite superhero by dressing up in his or her colors, donning a superhero T-shirt or watching an action-packed superhero movie.

Alma mater day Parents and children can pull out their trusted college T-shirts, sweatshirts or other school attire. Bake up some tasty treats in school colors and then find some old photos or look for highlights of your alma mater’s sports teams online.

Throwback day Take a step back in time by playing games or engaging in activities from your youth. Teach youngsters about the toys you enjoyed or watch movies from the era in which you grew up.

Crazy hair day Embrace bed head, plug in the curling iron, double down on hair gel or pomade, or put those wacky coiffures into full effect.

Cultural day Tap into your personal heritage by researching your family tree and then preparing a meal that coordinates with your heritage.

Push these staycations to the next level with entertaining days based on certain themes. (MC)

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 26, 2020

FOOD

Unleash your inner chef while at home

W

ith many Americans staying home, the pressure is on to maintain fun and variety in the kitchen, so family meals don’t get boring. However, cranking out three meals a day can be a burden.

In fact, the average American can only prepare five meals without a recipe, according to a OnePoll survey. Consider these fun tips to add a little diversity to your family’s daily menu.

Build a taco bar

This is an easy way to use leftovers from the week. Pull out tortillas or make rice, add any leftover proteins and sides then mix in taco seasonings.

Make a family classic

Think back to your childhood and the one or two dishes that became family favorites. Bust out those family cookbooks and recreate classics by having the kids help with age-appropriate tasks.

Try a microwave-friendly meal

For those nights when no one can decide what to eat, or when you’re simply tired of cooking, turn to the microwave. One healthy option is Aqua Star’s MicroSteam Seafood Meals, which combine sustainable seafood, including salmon, shrimp, tilapia and cod, with on-trend ingredients like mafalda pasta, sriracha, red quinoa and yellow carrots.

In the microwave, the film expands and locks in steam to cook food evenly in just 6 minutes without a “fishy” smell.

Pull out the slow cooker

Being at home all day makes it even easier to prepare a good meal. Choose a recipe, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy the delicious aromas as you wait for a meal that’s ready just in time for dinner.

Try a meal kit

Meal kits are a fun way to switch up your regular repertoire. They’re tasty, easy to make with kids and many of them come frozen so you can stock up. Take, for example, Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, which come with all the ingredients required to prepare and clean up a high-quality and nutritious meal in 30 minutes or less. With flavors such as Cuban-style wild rockfish, crispy fish street tacos and sweet & spicy BBQ chicken flatbread, there’s plenty of options for family dinners.

Have breakfast for dinner

Seemingly always a kid-friendly favorite, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon and get creative with pancakes, French toast or waffles by adding fruit, spices or chocolate chips.

If you learn new cooking methods, develop a larger menu and add some new dishes, eating at home can be fun and adventurous. Find more solutions at aquastar.com. (Family Features)

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Busting common cooking myths

Myth No. 1 Frozen is not as good as fresh. When it comes to nutritional value, frozen foods are packed and frozen at the food’s peak freshness, meaning they’re still full of nutrients.

Myth No. 2 Cooking seafood is hard. Seafood is a healthy source of protein that can be steamed, baked, grilled or fried. Start with one technique and master it. An easy way to start is to saute shrimp or fish fillets in a bit of oil. Use the same technique as when you fry an egg and don’t overcook it.

Myth No. 3 Fish should never be microwaved. Microwaving seafood can actually help preserve nutrients that are typically broken down when heated using other cooking methods. The key is to use steam: Place the fish in a microwaveable bag or choose one of the many ready-to-microwave selections in your grocer’s freezer section. Steaming fish in the microwave cooks fish evenly and preserves texture and taste.

Comfort foods made fast and healthy

By Healthy Exchanges

Easy Banana Bread

I

don’t know about you, but I don’t think you can ever have too many banana bread recipes.

And this one is about as easy as they get.

1/2 cup fat-free sour cream Sugar substitute to equal 1/2 cup, suitable for baking 1 cup mashed ripe bananas 1 egg or equivalent in egg substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat biscuit baking mix 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter-flavored cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, sugar substitute, mashed bananas, egg and vanilla ex-

tract. Add baking mix and walnuts. Mix well to combine.

Spread batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

3. Place pan on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes, Remove bread from pan and continue cooling on wire rack. Cut into 8 thick slices.

Serves 8. Freezes well.

Each serving equals: 148 calories, 4g fat, 4g protein, 24g carb., 290mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat. ©2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

H E A LT H

How to handle the mental challenges of social distancing people to cope and stay in touch with their loved ones. More information

about social distancing is available at www.apa.org. (MC)

LUE QUALITY & VA

YOU CAN

T

he concept of “social distancing” was no doubt a mystery to millions of people prior to 2020.

But in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, social distancing has become a household term.

Social distancing refers to actions deliberately designed to increase the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness.

The American Psychological Association notes that social distancing typically requires that people stay at least six feet apart from each other while also avoiding gathering spaces such as schools, churches, concert halls and public transportation.

In an effort to prevent community spread, many state and provincial governments mandated the closure of all businesses deemed “nonessential,” forcing many working professionals to work from home full-time and temporarily putting millions of additional workers out of work.

Social distancing measures are designed to serve the greater good, and these efforts can be effective at stopping the spread of harmful viruses like COVID-19.

But social distancing also can produce unwanted side effects. The APA notes that research has shown that people who are social distancing may be vulnerable to fear and anxiety; depression and boredom; anger, frustration or irritability; and stigmatization.

However, the APA also notes that research has uncovered successful ways to cope with social distancing.

Make time for fun activities

Psychologists recommend balanc-

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ing time spent on news and social media with other activities unrelated to social distancing or quarantine.

Make a conscious effort each day to read a book, listen to music or even learn a new language.

Get news from reliable sources

Inaccurate information about COVID-19 can spread fear, making it even more difficult for people to cope with social distancing. The APA recommends people get their information from news outlets that rely on trusted organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Maintain virtual connections with others Face-to-face interactions may not be possible, but the APA notes the value of phone calls, text messages, video chat, and social media. These channels of communication provide an opportunity to stay connected with loved ones and express emotions.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

The APA advises everyone to get enough sleep, eat well and exercise while social distancing. Do not cope with the issues that result from social distancing by using alcohol or drugs, which may only exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. People also can consider their telehealth options so they can access psychotherapists to help them through.

Social distancing has proven challenging for millions of people across the globe. As difficult as social distancing can be, there are ways for

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A P R I L 26, 2020

HOME

A nod to retro and vintage home décor for 2020 draped in heavy fabrics with thick headboards. The canopy bed of 2020 is made with sleek metal frames and light, airy material. Think “minimalist” canopy bed. You don’t even need a headboard for modern canopy beds.

The best part of the canopy bed is that the beds add height, geometry and interest to even the smallest of rooms.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

nterior designers report that the latest style trend for home décor is a “nod” to vintage and retro furnishings — styles reminiscent of the 1800s and early 1900s.

Think spooled legs, spindles and retro wallpaper.

The retro and vintage trend also applies to styles from nearly every decade up to the 1970s and 80s.

However, designers are using retro and vintage as “statement” pieces and accents, not as “whole-room” installations.

If you want to join the trend of using retro and vintage furniture and other décor, remember to use these looks in moderation.

Want to join the trend? Here are a few ideas:

Antique art

Floral wallpaper

Floral wallpaper might be the biggest “vintage” statement you can make in 2020.

Pretty, florals are nearly everywhere and are a great choice for “powder rooms” and foyers.

Choose bold, colorful wallpapers with large scale prints or metallics.

If the thought of committing to such an extreme look — a look that might be out of style sooner rather than later — gives you pause, many new wallpaper options include “stickon” options that are easy to remove.

High-contrast décor

High-contrast designs are currently the most popular “retro” look having a moment in 2020.

The recent movement of white, on

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A high contract kitchen look is now on trend in 2020. COURTESY PHOTOS

white, on white, has been the “go-to” look for a while. The white trend is clean and bright, but can leave living spaces with a “flat” and uninteresting appearance.

All white is giving way to extreme pairings of black and white, or dark and light.

Try a chair with black or bold jewel tone fabric and a white frame.

Get a console table with dark stained wood and replace the hardware with light-colored options.

Don’t limit yourself to solids. Use patterns that mix light and dark, as well.

High-contrast can also apply to different kinds of fabric. Mix rough and smooth textures to add interest.

One of the hottest design trends for 2020 is a combination of high contrast and floral wallpaper. Dramatic, large-scale dark floral wallpaper is inspired by the still life paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.

Non-white kitchens

The all-white kitchen is so 2010s.

The new decade brings with it new ideas in kitchen décor. One example is a return to the use of color in the kitchen. Expect to see more natural wood cabinets, islands and shelves.

If you want to take the new color

trend further in 2020 add color-pop cabinets. Choose daring colors like dark red, bright yellow, intense green or navy blue. Classic blue is the Pantone Color of the Year and is a perfect choice to add interest to a modern kitchen.

Canopy beds

There is something very fairy-tale and romantic about a canopy bed.

But forget the idea of canopy beds

Antique art, as well as retro and vintage accent pieces, is a current home decorating trend. Just be careful not to use too many pieces. Think “statement” piece, not just pieces of art or furniture.

Antiques are making a comeback in décor throughout the house, but antique art is perhaps the hottest trend of 2020. Antique art that looks aged, and has a story to it, are the most sought-after pieces.

Start your hunt at thrift stores and estate sales. If you decide to be a “serious” collector you can move to art auctions to find pieces for your collection.

Art doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Art is also very subjective, if you like it, if it makes you happy, it’s not important if the piece has value to others, or to experts.

Buy it and hang it. Your friends and family will be fascinated to hear the story of how you found your favorite piece in a thrift store while on vacation, or on a weekend “art hunt.”

Don’t forget to add hanging art, or pieces to open shelves in the kitchen.

Use any chance, or available space, you can to add art to add interest, or to make a statement in your home.

A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

SENIORLIVING

How illnesses are stopped from spreading in nursing homes

Nursing homes aim to keep residents safe and healthy, and in order to do so important precautions need to be taken not only by staff members, but by friends and family who visit their loved ones in nursing home facilities.

M

illions of elderly and incapacitated individuals find long-term care facilities are the safest places to reside and receive both medical care and assistance with daily living requirements.

Nursing homes aim to keep residents safe and healthy, and in order to do so important precautions need to be taken not only by staff members, but by friends and family who visit their loved ones in nursing home facilities.

Infectious diseases can spread easily through nursing homes if visitors are not careful. Age and compromised immune systems which are common among many people who live in long-term care facilities, elevate residents’ risk for disease.

In many nursing homes, residents share rooms, and common areas are small, making residents vulnerable to infections that are transmitted from person to person, advises the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

And the open-door policy of many facilities can make it easy for diseases to find their way in.

These pointers can help reduce the risk for disease transmission.

• Visitors should not come into the facility if they have symptoms of respiratory infections or other illnesses that are easily transmissible.

• Good infection prevention and

control techniques always should be implemented. These include cleaning hands before and after touching another resident. Cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces, removing soiled items, and wearing personal protective equipment is advised.

Especially now, family time is precious.

Senior isolation is one of our worries during this time as everyone stays home, but we are here for you and we are still taking calls and emails. If you or a loved one needs help with their hearing aids please reach out.

• Employees should stay home if they are sick.

• Residents, workers and visitors should practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette by coughing and sneezing into the crooks of their elbows rather than into their hands.

• The CDC says alcohol-based hand rub should be available in every resident’s room.

• Restrict residents with any contagious illnesses to their rooms. If they need to be moved for testing or other reasons, have them wear correct safety items, like facemasks.

• Healthcare personnel who may work other jobs, such as those in other facilities, should exercise extreme caution after caring for an individual with an infectious disease.

• Guests should wear gowns when visiting someone who has a virus or type of bacteria that can be transmitted through direct contact.

Infectious diseases can be problematic in nursing home settings since residents are vulnerable due to their proximity to others, ages and potentially compromised immune systems. (MC)

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A P R I L 26, 2020

GARDENING

Pollinators are an important part of gardens

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thriving backyard garden requires homeowners to take steps to ensure the garden has the best environment in which to grow and thrive. The right tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amendments, and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beautiful spaces.

It’s also important that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden.

The United States Department of Agriculture reports that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators. The USDA notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. Pollinators also are essential for maintaining habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter.

The U.S. Forest Service says that, without pollinators, the human race and all of the earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Pollination done the natural way often yields large, flavorful fruits.

Pollinators are make-or-break components of large-scale agriculture, and they’re just as important in private home gardens. The Pollinator Partnership, an organization that works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America,

says pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and bats. These animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies. The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats.

• Consider the soil and types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant. Fix drainage issues and plant with sunlight in mind.

• Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollinators. Plant flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators.

• Group plants together when planting to more effectively attract pollinators.

• Select plants that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available yearround.

• Whenever possible, choose native plants.

• Avoid the use of pesticides.

• Provide a water source for pollinators, such as a shallow dish with stones half-submerged for perching.

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A P R I L 26, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 7

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

Make America Golf Again!

Calling all golfers! You must be tired of doing the things you wouldn’t normally be doing.

Have you straightened your closet? I have, and I can now hang up all of my shirts. I’ve cleaned up my outdoor shed and discovered I have six different bottles and boxes of rose food plus an array of other plant foods and soil additives.

I put in a new drip system and moved six of my roses to a sunnier location. (I don’t even like gardening.) I discovered there were 10 years’ worth of dried leaves hiding behind the shed.

What fun it was to sweep them up.

Oh yeah, of course there is television, but I’ve had way too much and certainly the news is too repetitive. I even read a book.

In the morning I’ll tackle my wife’s storage area, the garage. From the day we moved into our lovely home, there was never a thought of rolling a car into the garage. No sir. It is a place for worn-out vacuums, old photo albums, old record players and records, things we might be able to fix someday, paintings that don’t go with our wall colors, lamp shades, and on and on.

The good news — it will keep me occupied.

But, I’m tired of all this. I want to play golf and if you’re a golfer I’d like your help.

I’ve come up with the following ideas that could open our golf courses. After you read them, if you have suggestions let them be known so we can soon begin playing again. Of course foursomes can maintain social distancing, so what we need to solve are the problems facing golf course operation. Here are some ideas: Problem No. 1, Reservations: Solution — only by phone or on line.

Problem No. 2, Payment: Non-refundable credit card by phone or online.

Problem No. 3, Golf cart use: Sanitized for one golfer. No. 3a: No carts. Walking only.

Problem No. 4, Tee time management: Players will have a 10-minute window. If the course is for walkers only, late players forfeit their time.

Problem No. 5, Slow pace of play: Monitors (at least two) to roam the course to assist golfers and regulate pace. (If additional employees are needed, green fees could be increased.)

OK, golfers. Pitch in with suggestions and get them heard so we can help golf courses find a way to open. I hope to see you on the first tee.

Richard Myers Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

My COVID Home-School Experience

By David Hegg

O

K, truthfully, I’ve never been home-schooled in the technical sense. But, if your “safer at home” experience has been anything like mine, you’ve learned quite a bit about yourself, your family and life itself this last month. Here’s my personal progress report in no particular order.

Domestic Progress: Being at home 24/7 has been eye-opening. Turns out the saying “a man’s work is from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done” is true. I’ve been amazed at all my stay-at-home wifey does in the course of a day. She’s amazing! And, not wanting to have all the fun herself, my wife has allowed me to see how satisfying it is to do the dishes, clean the kitchen, and actually accomplish something tangible with my own two hands. Thanks hon … I think.

Community Awareness: We’ve all learned how necessary it is to be with people, haven’t we? Do you find yourself slowing down as you drive by people walking, so tempted to smile at strangers or even roll down your window in hopes of saying a word or two? I do, and I’ve also come to look forward to lunch and dinner for different reasons than before COVID-19 invaded our valley.

According to Harvard University’s Family Dinner Project, 70% of our meals are consumed outside the home, about 20% are eaten in the car, and about half of American families almost never have what we used to call a “family dinner.” For those wondering, a family dinner is when the family is together, at home, sitting around the dinner table eating a meal.

My home-school curriculum has taught me to prize meal time as more than food consumption. It is a precious time of fellowship, of life-on-life relationship, and I hope our nation becomes addicted to meal time as the best kind of “social media.”

Garbage Removal: And speaking of social media, I’ve come to realize that sitting in my backyard, surveying the mountains by day and the stars at night, is a better way to find meaning for my soul than is my addiction to email, texts and all the other avenues of “new” that promise much more than they deliver, and steal much more than we realize.

Want to find some joy and refreshment? Turn off your phone, leave your tablet in your room, eliminate all the garbage from external sources, and gift yourself some unscheduled, unplanned, uninterrupted time to gaze, contemplate, reflect, muse and enjoy the world around you.

Acquired Proficiencies: During this season, I’ve

also gained some new proficiencies.

Doing “church” remotely has turned my house into a recording studio, and I can now add grip, lighting director, director of photography, editor, and on-camera talent to my resume. Who knew seminaries should be teaching video production and a basic course on Zoom? Oh, and I’ve also learned to make some killer banana bread!

Self-sufficiency: Lastly, I’ve had a powerful refresher course in what it actually means to find happiness. If you’re like me, you’ve unknowingly become addicted to outside stimuli as a means of bringing excitement into your life. That’s why we’re always checking our phones for messages, hoping something new, something interesting, something remarkable will zing its way into our lives. That’s why we get so excited when we discover those boxes on our front porch, or that pouch in the mailbox. Add to that our belief we need to find that next great TV series or movie or docudrama if we’re going to make it a great evening.

Centuries ago, Aristotle taught self-control as a cardinal virtue. He wasn’t only talking about losing your temper and doing harm to others or yourself.

It was deeper than that. Self-control was the ability to be controlled in thought, word and deed, not by external factors, but internally by one’s strength of character and ethical commitments. To be controlled by one’s educated and ethical self was of utmost importance, both for the person, and the society. And, for me, the educated, ethical self is steeped in biblical faith in Jesus Christ, who lives within all those who entrust their lives to him.

Once again, I’ve realized that, as a society, we have tried and failed to outsource happiness. We’ve ceded over the power to feel good to outside entities who we then hold accountable to provide us with new, interesting, exciting and pleasurable stimulants that have become the stuff of our emotional well-being.

We’ve become a nation of passive, hollow people who depend on a conglomeration of incessant information and entertainment to feel good about life.

And it’s killing us.

So, as I enter my next quarter of home school, I’ve decided that sometimes “old school is the best school.” I hope you’re enrolled and look forward to the day when we can compare notes.

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

BRAINGAMES

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 26, 2020

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

CryptoQuip This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another.

If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle.

The solution is accomplished by trial and error.

A P R I L 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

CROSSWORD TIME

ANSWERS

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