Sunday Signal 043023

Bust out your big hair and gnarliest outf it for a totally rad evening of fun!

Multiple local and regional breweries and wineries will be on hand for sampling, plus enjoy awesome food trucks, sick spins by DJ Richie Rich, and live music by new wave ‘80s cover band The Spazmatics.

SATURDAY, MAY 6 / Palmdale Amphitheater

VIP Admission: 6-10 pm / General Admission: 7-10 pm

For ticket information and additional details, visit cityofpalmdale.org/visitpalmdale

NEWS FEATURE

Make it a Memorable Mother’s Day

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. This year’s celebration of mothers and motherhood will be on Sunday, May 14.

It’s time to start planning for a memorable Mother’s Day. As COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted more and more people are venturing out to restaurants and other venues.

Taking mom out for Mother’s Day brunch or dinner has long been a favorite tradition for many Santa Clarita Valley families.

However, not everything has returned to normal, some of my favorite Mother’s Day venues have closed, like the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant in Van Nuys which closed in 2022.

Other venues have experienced ongoing staff shortages which may impact special dining days, like Mother’s Day.

One option is to find a Mother’s Day brunch that takes reservations and get your name on the list early. Many restaurants are moving to online reservations, so check the restaurant website for options.

A few places in the SCV to try for Mother’s Day brunch, breakfast, lunch or dinner include:

Salt Creek Grille

24415 Town Center Drive #115, Valencia 91355

Info saltcreekgrille.com/valencia; (661) 222-9999

Wolf Creek Restaurant

27746 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91354

Info wolfcreekbrewingco.com; (661) 263-9653

Le Chene French Cuisine

12625 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91390 Info lechene.com; (661) 251-4315

Old Town Junction

24275 Main St., Old Town Newhall 91321

Info theoldtownjunction.com; (661) 702-4888

Egg Plantation

24415 Walnut St., Newhall 91321 Info www.eggplantation.com; (661) 255-8222

Smokehouse on Main

24255 Main St., Old Town Newhall 91321

Info smokehouseonmain.com; (661) 888-4585

Marston’s 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 91355

Info marstonsrestaurant.com/marstons-valencia; (661) 253-9910

Halfway House Cafe

15564 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91390

Info www.thehalfwayhousecafe.com; (661) 2510102

Tea Elle C Garden Café

26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd. #A6/7, Saugus 91350

Info theteagardens.com; (661) 255-9832

Mother’s Day Matinee

Another fun way to entertain mom on Mother’s Day is to enjoy an afternoon at the theater.

Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90028

Info broadwayinhollywood.com

“Six” is the perfect Mother’s Day musical. From

Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the “six” wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power. 1 p.m. matinee. Tickets are limited, from $61 to $209.

Dolby Theatre

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 90028

The home of the annual Academy Awards will present “Hairspray,” Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy at 1 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Tickets are $45 to $169.

Something Different

Make it a truly memorable Mother’s Day by scheduling a “special event” Mother’s Day for your special mom.

Horse Racing at Santa Anita Park

285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia 91007

Info santaanita.com

One of the best Mother’s Day memories I have is celebrating the day watching horse racing at Santa Anita. Have a special Mother’s Day at the Trackside Dining Mother’s Day Buffet. Enjoy the Santa Anita Buffet from noon to 2 p.m. at your reserved trackside dining table. Tickets also include admission, program and general parking. Tickets are $70 a person, $40 per child. Tickets are available online.

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge 91011 Info www.descansogardens.org; (818) 949-4200

Descanso Gardens in La Canada is a beautiful place to take mom in the spring. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

One of the most picturesque spots for Mother’s Day brunch is Le Chene French Cuisine on Sierra Highway.

PHOTO COURTESY LE CHENE

Take mom for a stroll among the beautiful blooms at Descanso Gardens, one of the most exquisite venues to explore in the spring. Dine at The Kitchen at Descanso Café. Visit the Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Free with admission. The current exhibit, on loan from Scripps College is “SHIKI: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art.” The exhibit features poetry, artwork and artifacts that illustrating the importance of nature in the everyday lives of the Japanese.

Tickets to view the gardens are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and $5 for children.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum

1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga 90290

Info theatricum.com

Enjoy “MOMentum Place,” the “annual Mother’s Day extravaganza” at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. “MOMentum Place” brings together modern dance, aerial acts, juggling and performance art. Mother’s Day Brunch is noon to 1:30 p.m. followed by the performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $20 for students with ID and $15 for children 12 and under.

Dodgers Home Game

1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90012

Info Dodgers.com

If mom is a Dodgers fan, take her out to the ballgame. The Dodgers will be playing the San Diego Padres at 1 p.m. on Mother’s Day. In addition, Kids Run the Bases after the game. A special giveaway, a Mother’s Day picture frame, will also be given to attendees. Tickets are from $51 to $400.

The Original Renaissance Pleasure

Faire

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale 91706

Info renfair.com/socal

On Mother’s Day take mom to visit a reenactment of a 1580s English market faire. Wander through Port Deptford, a waterfront town from Elizabethan-era England, and meet Queen Elizabeth I. Enjoying jousting tournaments and roasted meat. Enjoy comedians, music and other stage shows. Watch ladies dance around the maypole. Hours: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Tickets are $42 for adults and $37 for seniors 62+ (Box Office only). Children 5-12 are $21. There is a $12 entry fee to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area.

Murder Mystery Mother’s Day Dinner

Saturday, May 13 at Le Chene French Cuisine

6:30 p.m. Cocktails and Registration

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner and Show

Enjoy dinner and a murder for Mother’s Day. Tickets are $100 per person.

Reservations and info: https://lechene.com/ event/mothers-day-2023-murder-mystery-dinnertheater-at-le-chene or call (661) 251-4315. 

The national touring company of ‘Six’ will perform a Mother’s Day matinee at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. ORIGINAL BROADWAY PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS.

Santa Anita Park offers a special Mother’s Day trackside buffet with reserved seating. PHOTO COURTESY SANTA ANITA PARK.

The Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens hosts an exhibit on loan from Scripps College, ‘SHIKI: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art.’ PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

The GRUNION are RUNNING!

By Doña Uhrig Sunday Signal Editor

Growing up in Southern California, you may remember the summer evening cry of “The grunion are running!” It was always later in the evening, but on my block, families loaded up their cars to head to Bolsa Chica State Beach. The parents would hang out at the fire pits and the kids would play in the water and let the grunion run among their feet.

Well guess what? To no surprise, the grunion still run and fun at the beach is still to be had.

Grunion are small silver fish that are about the size of a sardine. They belong to the New World silversides family, which is one of the few fish species that come ashore to lay their eggs. They arrive after the high tide and around a new or full moon.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, grunion leave the water at night to spawn on beaches during the spring and summer months. For four consecutive nights, beginning on the nights of the full and new moons, grunion swim up with the incoming tide and females lay their eggs in “nests” they create with their tails.

Then, as many as eight males may fertilize the nests.

After spawning, males immediately return to the ocean and the females return with the next wave.

Spawning takes place from March through August and occasionally in February and September. The peak season is from late March to early June. However, the grunion are protected from April through June. During these times, you can watch the run but not catch them.

July through August is considered open season. During this time a California fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older to catch the grunion. They may be taken by hand only and no holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. The

Expected Run Schedules

daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish.

Grunion and the Tides

According to Fish and Wildlife, grunion have adapted to tidal cycles in a precise manner. They spawn only on higher tides, and after the tide has started to recede. Since waves tend to erode sand from the beach as the tide rises and deposit sand as the tide falls, it is obvious that if grunion spawn on a rising tide the succeeding waves would wash the eggs out. This danger is eliminated since spawning usually is confined to the falling tide.

Mature grunion may spawn during successive runs, with females spawning up to six times each season. Females lay between 1,600 and 3,600 eggs during one spawn, with larger females producing more eggs.

Grunion Run Event

Cabrillo State Beach

3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro 90731 Info cabrillomarineaquarium.org/education/programs-individual-family/meet-the-grunion.asp Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro is hosting three guided observations this summer — May 21, June 5 and June 19. The aquarium opens at 8 p.m. and the events stop at 11:55 p.m.

Tickets are $7 adults ($3 seniors, students, children).

Where to See the Grunion

According to grunion.pepperdine.org, there is no “best spot” to see the run. However, they said, grunion prefer flat, sandy beaches where there isn’t a lot of flashing light, noise and activity.

The largest runs occur in Southern California and get smaller as you head north. The key thing to remember is that many of the beaches have a curfew, which likely starts before the peak of the run. So, check out your local beach before heading out. If your local beach doesn’t have a curfew, grab the kids and watch the grunion run!

PHOTO COURTESY CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM

Make it Memorable …

Dinner and Dessert

olate Cake, Carrot Cake and some flavor of Cheesecake. Everything else rotates. We have eight choices on weekdays and 12 on weekends. Outside of the staples, Meghan has free rein, and she is always developing delicious variations.”

Syond the ordinary. While there are myriad options for sweets in the SCV, including ice cream and cookie shops, for the above-mentioned dinner and dessert, your choices are reduced a bit. Sure, most restaurants offer some desserts, but, here, we are talking about the kind of entrees and decadent sweets you’ll be fondly remembering for days. With those criteria, we bring you a few local establishments that won’t disappoint.

Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. is in a unique position to not only offer an extensive selection of craft beers on tap, accompanying an innovative and wide-ranging menu, it also offers multiple decadent desserts, with the sweets menu changing daily.

On the weekday of this writing, the “rotating” dessert items included Fruit Crisp à la Mode, Walnut Crunch Brownie, Chocolate Cream Pie, Tres Leches, and individual Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cakes.

Owner Laina McFerren said, “Meghan Launier has been our pastry chef since we opened, more than 26 years. She’s amazing. We do everything in-house, and have some staples, which are always available, such as the Choc-

Wolf Creek, 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia, 91354; (661) 263-9653, www.wolfcreekbrewingco. com.

Cheesecake Factory

When you think of combining a great dinner and dessert, it’s quite likely that the Cheesecake Factory comes to mind. The menu items are delicious and varied — and, true to its name, CCF offers a large selection of tasty cheesecake types, including Fresh Strawberry, Oreo Dream Extreme, Caramel Apple, Cinnabon Cinnamon Swirl, and many others.

You can also get a Hot Fudge Sundae, Chocolate Brownie Sundae and more.

Alethea Rowe, Cheesecake Factory senior director of public relations and global branding, said, “In 1978, our founder and CEO David Overton opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills to showcase his mother Evelyn’s cheesecakes. On opening day, there was a line out the door when the restaurant opened, and it was full in ten minutes. Forty-five years later, Evelyn’s cheesecakes remain just as popular as they were back then – in fact, her Original Cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries, is still our most popular flavor!”

Cheesecake Factory, 24250 Town Center Drive, #110, Valencia 91355; (661) 286-1232, www.thecheesecakefactory.com.

Piccola Trattoria

Family owned and operated, Piccola Trattoria has been serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine for decades — and the desserts are equally as impressive. These include such classics as traditional Italian Tiramisu. You can also order Cannoli Siciliani, or Crostata di More, Flan al Cioccolato, Panna Cotta, or a Brown Butter Blackberry Tart served with vanilla bean ice cream.

Carmelo Terranova said, “I think we have a number of desserts that people keep coming back for, especially the staples, such as the Cannolis and Tiramisu. But they also love our Chocolate Molten Cake, which is a little more decadent.

For our Sicilian Cannoli, the shells are imported from Sicily, and the cheese inside has just the right amount of sweetness. All our desserts are made fresh daily. We’ve been doing that for more than 15 years.”

Piccola Trattoria, 18302 Sierra Highway, #107, Santa Clarita 91351; (661) 299-6952, www.piccola trattoria.com/.

Le Chene

Known for its romantic setting and fine French cuisine, Le Chene excels in the dessert arena, as well. It offers one of the most expansive and unique dessert selections in the SCV, and, as you’d expect, with a French “flavor.” These include such enticing items as Chocolate Souffle, Grand Marnier Souffle, Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brulee, Crème Caramel, Pears Belle Helene and Strawberry Feuillette.

Le Chene, 12625 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, 91390; (661) 251-4315, lechene.com/.

BJ’s

Restaurant

and Brewhouse

Offering salads, pizzas, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and more imaginative entrees, beyond the beer and food, BJ’s is known for its unforgettable Pizookie combos. These feature a huge cookie in a pan, topped by nearly anything you can think of. Just a few versions include: Strawberry Shortcake Pizookie, Hot Fudge Brownie Pizookie, Cookies ‘n’ Cream Pizookie, Salted Caramel Pizookie, Peanut Butter Pizookie, and Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Pizookie. You can also choose from several types of floats.

BJ’s Brewhouse, 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia 91355; (661) 288-1299, www.bjsrestaurants. com.

OREO DESSERT EXTREME. PHOTO COURTESY CHEESECAKE FACTORY

FRESH STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE. PHOTO COURTESY CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Lemon Tart. PHOTO COURESY WOLF CREEK

CALIFORNIA IS RICH IN MILITARY HISTORY

Jets on aircraft carriers, battleships, tanks and an army garrison awaits you.

By Doña Uhrig Sunday Signal Editor

The state of California has the most active duty personnel, according to Statista, a provider of market and consumer data.

In 2021, there were more than 157,600 active duty personnel in the state. This makes the third largest state per number of bases, followed by Texas and Virginia. What does this mean? It means there are several military museums to visit.

If you’re a military history buff, Visit California has laid out a 4-6 day trip with 13 stops over 638 miles. The road trip starts with the USS Midway

Museum in San Diego and ends with the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in Concord.

If you don’t have time, here are a just a few stops that you can do and maybe one day make the whole trip. For a complete roadmap, visit www.visitcalifornia.com/road-trips/californias-militaryhistory. For now, here are a few bases located within easy-driving distance.

USS Midway Museum

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego 92101

Info www.midway.org

The museum boosts more than 30 restored aircraft and nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays. You’ll be able to tour this massive carrier which is the longest serving vessel of its kind. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m. Admission ranges from $0 to $31, with discounts for veterans with proof of service.

The aircraft carrier was named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, according to the museum. It was built in only 17 months, but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on Sept. 10, 1945. It was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes.

Port of Long Beach

In Long Beach and nearby San Pedro, you can board and tour two remarkable ships that date to World War II. This includes the Battleship Iowa Museum and the S.S. Lane Victory.

Battleship Iowa

250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles 90731

Info pacificbattleship.com/experiences

The battleship USS Iowa served in WWII, Korea and the Cold War. During your visit, you will be able to follow in the “footsteps of sailors and our mischievous mascot Vicky the Dog,” their site says. This battleship has carried the names of “Battleship of Presidents,” “The Grey Ghost,” and “The Big Stick.”

The general access pass includes a top-level overview of the ship and its history, free access to the mobile application, Vicky the Dog Scavenger Hunt and a variety of museum exhibits including Lost at Sea with Dr. Bob Ballard. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The general access pass is $25.95, which can be purchased in advance.

S.S. Lane Victory Merchant Ship

Berth 52, 2400 Miner Street, San Pedro 90731

Info lanevictory.org

The S.S. Lane Victory is a nationally recognized historic landmark that serves as a museum and memorial to the service and sacrifices of Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen. The ship is an American Victory-class cargo ship that was used in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. It was preserved in 1989 to serve as a museum in the San Pedro area. It is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission runs from $0 to $15.

American Military Museum

1918 Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte 91733

Info tankland.com

If you love tanks, this is the place to visit. Lo-

Company

G of the 2nd Infantry Regiment was first organized in San Francisco and ordered to Fort Tejon, arriving on Jan. 16, 1864. PHOTO COURTESY FORT TEJON HISTORICAL ASSOCATION

This M47 Patton Medium Tank, which is on display at Tankland in South El Monte, was the Army and Marine Corps’ primary tank and was the only Patton series tank to see combat. PHOTO COURTESY THE AMERICAN MILITARY MUSEUM

cated just off of the 60 freeway in South El Monte, the the American Military Museum is home to the West Coast’s largest collection of tanks, jeeps and ambulances. The museum’s 170 military vehicles include a number from World War II, such as a scout car built in 1941 and an amphibious truck designed for landings and river crossings. Appropriately, it has been dubbed Tankland.

Also on display is an M-47 Patton Medium Tank from the Korean War and a M551 Sheridan Airborne Tank from the Vietnam War. The Sheridan’s historic significance is that it was light enough to be dropped into war zones by aircraft.

According to the County of Los Angeles, this museum has been collecting, preserving, restoring and sharing the largest inter-service collection of military equipment in the Western United States for more than 57 years.

The museum is open Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last admission is at 4:20 p.m. Adults are $5, Vets and Seniors ate $4, Children range from free to $3.

Fort Tejon State Park

4201 Fort Tejon Rd, Lebec

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=585

Amid stately, centuries-old oaks, Fort Tejon State Historic Park preserves original adobe military buildings that date to 1854, says Visit California. “A U.S. Army garrison, Fort Tejon only remained in operation for about 10 years but it has a rich history, and this park in Grapevine Canyon on Interstate 5 brings alive the world of the California frontier. Fort Tejon also tells the story of one of the American military’s more unusual experiments: the Army’s long-defunct camel corps was briefly based here.”

Run by the California Department of Parks and

Recreation, day-use fees are $6 per vehicle, $5 per vehicle with a senior discount and $3 for vehicles with a disabled discount pass.

Frontier Days cost $3-$5.

The historical group has reenactments off- and on-site. Here are a couple of the upcoming events.

June 3-4

Fort Tejon Historical Society Annual Civil War Reenactment

August 5 and September 2 Frontier Army Days at Fort Tejon Dragoons Living History 

The Kissing Sailor statue in front of the USS Midway.

PHOTO COURTESY USS MIDWAY

Manning a radarscope. PHOTO COURTESY USS MIDWAY

Sit inside a North American T-2 Buckeye on display at the Midway Museum. This aircraft was an entry-level Navy training craft. PHOTO COURTESY USS MIDWAY MUSEUM.

Find Your Perfect Venue in Santa Clarita

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

With spring officially here and sum-

mer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to host your wedding, birthday party, retirement or any celebration at one of the City venues scattered across Santa Clarita.

One of our newest, and most picturesque venues is the historic Mitchell River House located in the Vista Canyon development in Canyon Country. Designed to look like the original Mitchell Family Home from the 1800s, this charming space welcomes its attendees with wood floors, vaulted ceilings, barn house lights strung across the room, as well as two walls with floor-to-ceiling photos of the original historic home. This beautiful facility opens onto a shaded ve-

randa, and straight onto the luscious green grass, perfect for an outside or inside celebration. Included in this location are a full-size catering kitchen, a bridal room and bathroom, outdoor restrooms and room for 60 guests. The Mitchell River House is perfect for a rustic-themed wedding, romantic vow renewal or a beautiful night out under the stars.

Just a few miles away is the Canyon Country Community Center. Designed to welcome larger celebrations, this facility offers residents and visitors several unique spaces. Our Grand Room is the ideal location for corporate meetings, galas, weddings, trade shows, launch parties and more. This versatile space can hold up to approximately 500 guests and offers a room partition, a full professional catering kitchen, as well as an outdoor patio that looks onto the trellis, spacious grass areas and the beautiful mural wall. The Canyon Country Community Centers’ outdoor space has become a favorite for weddings,

with the couple getting married underneath the trellis, while their guests sit on the expansive grass area, with beautiful white fences.

Across town, residents can also rent out a variety of rooms at The Centre, located in the George Caravalho Sports Complex. Most recently, this site was used to host the City’s Big I Do event where six couples were simultaneously married by our own City Clerk, with their beautiful reception located just down the hall in the Sycamore Room. Not only is this space great for a wedding, but can also transform into a space for a conference, banquet, fundraiser or corporate meeting. Located in The Centre are four separate rooms available for rent, each varying in size and seating capacity. Restrooms are onsite, with plenty of parking available for attendees.

If you would like to take your party onto the ice, check out the rooms and packages available at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, powered

by FivePoint Valencia. Whether you are looking to host a meeting in one of the conference rooms or book a birthday party with ice time, The Cube is the place to be.

Another historic spot and our newest venue is the Tesoro Adobe Park. Offering water features, wandering trails, historic structures, film history and a beautiful view looking out onto a pond. This location is ideal for a wedding, outdoor gathering and much more. . If you would like to view a list of venues or submit your facility application, please visit santa-clarita. com/facilities, email venues@santaclarita.com or call (661) 250-3703.

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. 

Via Princessa (661) 299-2208

Mario the Mechanic 27266 Camp Plenty Rd. (661) 252-2740

Mini of Valencia 24135 Creekside Rd. (661) 286-2600

Mountain View Tire 23440 Lyons Ave. (877) 872-0132

Napa Auto Parts 20541 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 252-8011 Oil Stop, Inc. 23500 Valencia Blvd. (661) 288-2500

O’Reilly Auto Parts 26850 Sierra Hwy. (661) 299-9270

O’Reilly Auto Parts 23323 Lyons Ave. (661) 222-7367

Parkway Cadillac Buick GMC 24055 Creekside Rd. (661) 253-4441

Parkway Hyundai 24050 Creekside Rd. (661) 731-4524

Pep Boys 20600 Golden Triangle Rd. (661) 251-8004

R & S Automotive 24773 Valley St. (661) 254-4589

Valencia Auto Care Center 24233 Creekside Rd. (661) 255-3448

Break Out Brunch Favorites for Spring Celebrations

Deck your kitchen, dining room or patio with bright decor and fun, festive springtime frills — brunch season is here. Whether your weekend morning meal is shared with that special someone or friends, family and neighbors, warm, sunny days can bring out the best of brunch.

Impress your loved one with these Mini Banana Rice Pancakes for two, a healthy and satisfying meal made with Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. This recipe allows for more moments together at the table because the whole-grain combination is ready in just 1 minute and prep time is minimal.

If you need a dish that feeds a crowd, put this Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast on the menu. Ready in 35 minutes, it can satisfy brunch cravings for a group of up to 12 as a main course that easily pairs with other morning favorites.

As an ideal complement to the eggs, bacon and cheese, Minute Rice & Quinoa can make this family-style recipe a breeze. In just 10 minutes, the tasty blend of brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa cooks up light and fluffy for a slightly chewy, nutty flavor.

Find more brunch inspiration for spring celebrations at MinuteRice.com. (Family Features)

Mini Banana Rice Pancakes

1 cup Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 bananas, divided

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided

4 teaspoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Heat rice and quinoa according to package directions.

In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In medium bowl, whisk milk and lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes.

Mash 1/2 banana. Transfer to milk mixture. Add egg and 1 teaspoon maple syrup; stir to combine. Stir in melted butter.

Pour milk mixture over flour mixture. Whisk just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in rice and quinoa. Let batter rest 10-15 minutes.

Preheat large nonstick skillet over medium heat; brush with 1 teaspoon

oil. Once skillet is hot, reduce heat to medium-low. In batches, adding oil as necessary, scoop 1 tablespoon batter per pancake into skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, or until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes until golden on bottom.

Slice remaining half and full bananas. Serve pancakes with remaining maple syrup, banana slices and cinnamon.

Hearty Bacon and Egg

Breakfast

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 bags Minute Rice & Quinoa

9 eggs, lightly beaten

5 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions.

In medium bowl, combine rice and quinoa, eggs, bacon, cheese, salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide batter between prepared cups and bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are just set.

ENTERTAINMENT

Metcalf and Romano are ‘Magnificent Together’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Diplomat’

 1/2 (out of four)

An eight-episode series available Thursdays on Netflix.

We’re only a minute or two into the first scene between Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as her husband, Hal, in the Netflix limited series “The Diplomat” when we’re sure of it: These two are magnetic together. They could be the anchors for a multi-season run of an instantly engrossing, beautifully filmed, sharply written and wonderfully acted political drama.

Over the course of the eight-episode first season, which ends on a huge reveal/cliffhanger, our initial instincts are confirmed, with showrunner Debora Cahn (“The West Wing,” “Homeland”) creating a rich, textured

and sometimes dense and labyrinthine high-stakes thriller featuring outstanding performances by Russell and Sewell, and fine work from the

expansive supporting cast.

Admittedly, there are times when one feels the urge to hit pause on the proceedings just to sort out the identity of a few of the minor and yet key players in the drama, as there are at least a dozen recurring characters. Still, thanks to the fine writing and the obligatory scenes in which someone lays out what’s happening just for our benefit, we can keep up with the dizzying array of dramatic developments.

This is also one great-looking series, with beautiful establishing shots of Washington, D.C., and London, lovely exteriors in the English countryside, and interior sets that replicate the expansive and impressively adorned halls, corridors and countless rooms of Winfield House, the residence of the ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom.

starts, not butter a crumpet.”

Actually, it’s a little of each. Amidst all the political negotiations and secret meetings and instances of intrigue and subterfuge, “The Diplomat” has a generous sprinkling of humor, much of it involving Kate’s utter disdain for the “Cinderella” aspect of the job, e.g., photo shoots for glossy magazines and the wearing of actual dresses to cocktail soirees and high-end dinners. She hates that stuff, whereas the sophisticated and amiable Hal looks like he rolled out of bed wearing an ascot. The banter between Kate and Hal is like something out of a 1930s screwball comedy, though there’s an undercurrent of deep melancholy as well; their marriage might not be as solid as we’d like it to be.

A beloved and best-selling classic comes to the b g screen with Lionsgate’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It s Me, Margaret This timeless and utterly relatable stor y has transcended decades and spoken to generat on over generation of women

Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Stor y of the Once and Future Heav y weight Champion of the World†is based on the remarkable true stor y of one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformat onal power of second chances

N U C L E A R N OW Mon: 7:30 PM

With unprecedented access to the nuclear industr y in France Russia, and the U S , Nuclear Now explores the possibil ty for the g obal community to overcome the challenges of climate change and energy pover ty to reach a brighter future through the power of nuclear energy

P O L I T E S O C I E T Y C 1:30 4:30 7:30

RIA KHAN s a bolshy school girl and mar tial ar tist-in-training who dreams of becoming a world renowned stunt woman When Ria w tnesses her b g sister LENA give up on her dreams by dropping out of ar t school and getting engaged, Ria s world is shaken

B E AU I S A F R A I D E 6:40 PM

A parano d man embarks on an ep c odyssey to get home to his mother n this bold and ingeniously depraved new film from writer/direc tor Ari Aster

C H E VA L I E R C 1:00 PM

Inspired by the incredible true stor y of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne rises to improbable heights in French soc ety as a celebrated viol nist- composer and fencer

E V I L D E A D R I S E E 1:20 4:20 7:00

“Evil Dead Rise” tells a tw sted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut shor t by the rise of flesh-possessing demons thrusting them into a primal battle for sur viva as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable

S O M E W H E R E I N Q U E E N S E 4:00 PM

When his son’s chance at a life - chang ng basketball scholarship is jeopardized, Leo risks ever ything, including ties with his overbearing Ital an-Amer can family, to g ve his son a shot at a different life

A I R E Sun: 1:10 4:10 7:20; Mon: 1:10 4:10; Tue & Wed: 1:10 4:10 7:20; Thu: 1:10 PM

AIR reveals the unbelievable game - changing par tnership between a then rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgl ng basketball division which revolutionized the world of spor ts and contemporar y culture w th the Air Jordan brand

T

O B RO S. M OV I E B 12:50 3:00 5:15 7:30

Five years after the finale of the period-piece espionage drama “The Americans,” which featured Russell’s career-best work, she returns to the international thriller game in fine fashion in this series set in the present day, delivering a knockout performance as a no-nonsense and seasoned diplomat who is about to take a post in Kabul when she learns she’s been assigned to the role of ambassador to the United Kingdom, which is normally a ceremonial role, handed out to wealthy donors. As the aging but still feisty President William Rayburn (Michael McKean) and his chief of staff Billie Appiah (Nana Mensah) explain it to Kate, she’s needed in London immediately to offer sympathy and support to the British government and its people following a horrific attack on a British aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf that has claimed the lives of dozens of men and women.

For the

And with that, Kate is on a government plane to London, accompanied by the suave and dashing Hal, who has been an ambassador himself and has either charmed or pissed off virtually every major diplomatic figure and government official with whom he’s crossed paths through the years. As Kate grouses about being assigned the role of “an emotional support dog,” Hal counters, “The president is sending you to stop a war before it

As the death toll mounts, the volatile British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear, fantastic) is ready to retaliate against Iran, the presumed aggressor — but then it appears the attack was the work of the Russians, or maybe it was somebody else? We’re introduced to a bevy of intriguing characters along the way, including David Gyasi’s Austin Dennison, the British foreign secretary; Ato Essando’s Stuart Hayford, Kate’s deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in London, and Ali Ahn’s Eidra Park, chief of the CIA station in London. (And that’s just for starters.) With each passing episode, we gain insights into the personalities and motivations of Kate and Hal — but also the supporting players. Trowbridge, for example, is initially portrayed as something of a fool and a puppet, but in the skilled hands of Kinnear and with the scripts packed with nuance, we come to see him as something … more. Maybe less. We’ll see. Either way, every time the PM is in a scene, something intriguing is sure to happen.

The same can be said of Austin, who becomes Kate’s prime ally and maybe even something more in her life, and Eidra, who is a badass CIA operative but also deadpan hilarious. The only major complaint we have is the eight episodes go by too fast, leaving us wanting more, now. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

mission that could qu te possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Dating Later in Life

People are living longer, a reality that can be traced to a number of factors, including advancements in medicine and greater dissemination of information regarding preventive health care. According to data from the United Nations Population Division, the average life expectancy in the United States is 81.65 for women and 76.61 for men.

Canada has even higher life expectancies, at 84.74 for women and 81.15 for men.

As people live longer, some may outlive their significant others and ultimately find themselves once again interested in sharing experiences with a special someone. Seniors ready to re-enter the dating pool may find that things are quite different from what they experienced as naive teenagers or young adults.

Dating used to be about hanging out with friends and meeting people at shared events, such as school dances or work parties or even while enjoying a night out with friends. Nowadays, dating often begins in cyberspace.

This can be confusing and anxiety-inducing for adults who didn’t grow up with technology guiding their every move.

According to a report in The Atlantic, more than one-third of baby boomers are not currently married, and this generation has had higher rates of separation and divorce and lower rates of marriage than the generations that preceded them. Many boomers have years ahead of them to devote to new relationships. Here’s what they may want to know before

navigating twenty-first century dating waters.

You’re not in this alone.

While online dating may be portrayed as a young person’s game, plenty of older adults are now finding connections online. In fact, many different dating apps are geared toward the senior set, including SeniorMatch, eHarmony, Singles50, OKCupid, and Silver Singles, among others.

You have more time for fun.

As a senior, you may have more time to devote to recreation and leisure. This can be a great opportunity to get out and meet someone who shares your passions and interests.

Online dating has its advantages.

While online dating apps and websites may have certain things working against them, particularly if their algorithms for pairing people are not fine-tuned, they also can be helpful. Online dating can expand social circles beyond local neighborhoods or even states, provinces or countries.

You’re casting your net over a much larger body of water. Furthermore, dating app profiles typically spell out exactly what another person is seeking, which can save seniors from having to revisit awkward dating moments from years past.

Seniors may have to navigate new waters in modern dating. But with a good mindset and a little persistence, it is possible for seniors to find a special someone in cyberspace.

(MC) 

GARDENING

Seven Steps to Start Growing Produce at Home

Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.

Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your athome garden:

Select a perfect spot.

You’ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.

Choose between ground and containers.

There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground

garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to

grow just a few plants. Understand the importance of quality soil.

You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage.

Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.

Keep water close.

Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.

Plan for plenty of sun.

A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.

Consider what you’ll grow.

Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste.

You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

Plant according to a calendar.

Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

The Benefits of EnergyEfficient Homes

Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83% desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81% wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80% preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

Save Money

Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5% increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3% in 2022.

Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of

Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30%.

Improve Resale Value

As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3% more on average than homes without such ratings.

Live Healthier

The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect in dividuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change.

The ACEEE notes that weatheriza tion can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

Energy-efficient products and prac tices pay numerous dividends, mak ing them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes. (MC) 

The

Symptoms That Can Be Suggestive of Cataracts

The eyes are amazing organs that utilize various parts working in conjunction with one another. When working correctly, eyes enable crisp vision and process a vast array of vivid hues. When the eyes are compromised by illness or other conditions, various impairments may be the culprit.

Cataracts often affect aging individuals. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a cataract forms when the natural lens in the eye, which is responsible for refracting light rays that come in the eye to help a person see, becomes cloudy.

As a result, vision can be compromised and seem like a person is looking through a foggy or dirty car windshield, says the AAO.

The National Eye Institute advises that cataracts are common as people get older. More than half of Americans age 80 years or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts. Cataracts may initial-

ly produce mild symptoms of blurry or hazy vision, or surroundings may seem less colorful.

Over time, cataracts can lead to vision loss if not treated. The follow-

ing are some common symptoms of cataracts:

• Cloudy or blurry vision that still occurs despite the usage of corrective prescription glasses or contact lenses

• Colors look faded

• Compromised night vision

• Halos appearing around lights

• Oncoming headlights, lamps, or sunlight seem too bright

• Double vision

• Frequent changes to visit prescriptions

Researchers have identified certain things that may contribute to the changes that occur in the lenses that lead to the formation of cataracts. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or other sources is a main risk factor. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and other factors come into play as well.

All About Vision says cataracts can be broken down into various types, and some are much more common than others.

Nuclear These cataracts are the most common and form in the center of the lens, gradually worsening. Cortical Cortical cataracts generally start as spoke-like opaque areas at the edges of the lens that grow inward. They tend to be responsible for more night glare.

Even though cataracts primarily affect aging individuals, children are not immune to them. Cataracts in children may be present at birth, and doctors will determine if children have congenital cataracts, advises the American Academy of Ophthalmology. But cataracts also can be acquired as an infant or young child.

There are several causes for pediatric cataracts, and they may include an eye injury, diabetes, complications from eye problems, steroid use, and radiation treatment.

The only treatment for cataracts is to remove them. Identifying pediatric cataracts early on can help children enjoy healthy vision. (MC) 

Congenital Some people are born with cataracts.

Trauma-induced These cataracts form anywhere and often develop into a rosette shape.

Post subcapsular cataracts Initially developing at the central back surface of the lens, these cataracts often develop faster than other types. Vision around bright light and colors is affected.

Eye doctors generally diagnose cataracts during dilated eye exams.

The NEI says anyone age 60 or older should get dilated eye exams every one to two years. Surgery may be recommended only at the point when cataracts start to severely interfere with daily activities.

Until then, people can mitigate cataracts by updating eyeglass prescriptions, turning lights up when possible and wearing anti-glare sunglasses. (MC) 

Five Interviewing Tips to Help You Land a New Job

With so many job openings these days, you may think you’ll have an easy time sliding into a new role. Not so fast. Because of the huge number of options available and plenty of workers contemplating changes, you’re likely to encounter some competition to land the job you want. A solid interview can help you close the deal.

Consider these five tips to help you make a great impression and land the job of your dreams:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Avoid thinking of the interview as your first step toward a new job. Once you set the appointment, it’s time to take a deeper dive to learn as much as you can about the company and position. Ideally, you did some of this legwork when you created a custom resume and cover letter, but for the interview, you need to know more. After arming yourself with all the information you can, practice answers to questions you expect the interviewer to ask.

2. Decide what the interviewer should know about you.

Using the job description as a guide, create a list of points you want to communicate to show how your experience and knowledge fit the role. During the interview, pay attention to opportunities for sharing these details about your skillset.

Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to add information you

haven’t covered; use this time to deliver a succinct summary of how you can succeed in the position.

3. Create your own list of questions. An interview isn’t just about determining whether you’re a fit for a job; you also need to decide whether the job is a fit for you. Think about what you need to know in order to feel confident accepting an offer. You might organize your thoughts by considering what is essential in a new job and what aspects are “nice to have.”

4. Present yourself as a winning candidate.

Impressions are everything when it comes to interviews. Dress to impress with well-fitted clothing appropriate

Well-Edited Resumes are Important

Awell-edited resume can go a long way toward helping job candidates make a strong first impression with hiring managers.

A recent survey of hiring managers and human resource professionals across companies of various sizes and in an assortment of industries conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder found that certain mistakes were deal breakers for a large percentage of individuals tasked with helping to find new hires.

Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers indicated typos or bad grammar on a resume were enough

to disqualify a candidate from consideration.

An unprofessional email address (35%) and a resume with long paragraphs of text (25%) are some additional mistakes that hiring managers consider deal breakers.

This information can prove useful for job seekers, who should know that 39% of hiring managers indicated they spend less than a minute looking at a resume. That brief chance to make an impression should not be undermined by preventable blunders like typos and poor grammar.

(MC) 

for the job and practice good grooming habits, including details like trimming your nails and minimizing distractions like pet hair. Arrive early enough that you’re not rushed

or flustered when you check in for your appointment. Use good posture, a firm handshake and a clear, confident voice. Speak authoritatively but respectfully and try to make the interview a comfortable, conversational exchange.

5. Leave a lasting impression.

Before you end the interview, ask for clear insight on the next steps in the process. Within 24 hours, send follow-up messages to each person you met with. Thank them for their time and include references specific to your conversation, such as elaborating on a question or reiterating a key point. This shouldn’t be a copy-paste message, but rather a tailored one to each individual. Close by reiterating your interest and how your skills are a fit.

Find more advice for handling personal and professional challenges at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features)

SOLUTIONS

SCV Gems

My son and I were walking along Del Monte Drive near Kohl’s on our glorious Easter Sunday morning. As we approached the corner of El Paseo, standing near the Valencia North Valley stone monument, was a young man from the city’s graffiti removal department.

As we talked, he said he was awakened by an early-morning call to remove the graffiti on the monument and adjacent utility boxes. Some dumbass had printed vile words in bright red paint, just in time for families to turn their kids’ eyes away on the way to Easter activities.

What kind of sick, perverted mind does this?

Fortunately for us, the city’s graffiti removal team is truly a Santa Clarita Valley gem. I have called numerous times at 252-5326 to report graffiti. They get right on it and the graffiti is gone, usually the next day.

Graffiti is a horrible stain on any community and there is a special place in hell for those who willfully want to destroy our beautiful city.

By the way, the young man from the graffiti removal team cleaned up the vandalism so well, you can’t tell it was once there. He is a true hero and one of the reasons we have such a vibrant, safe community.

Larry Moore Valencia

Friday Is the Favorite

The Friday edition of The Signal is my favorite. Why? Because it contains John Boston’s column. The way John’s mind works and his choice of words are truly amazing. Unique would be another good adjective. It is very entertaining!

Thank you, Signal, for publishing’s John’s column. Thank you, John Boston, for writing it. May you write for many more years. We appreciate you!

Bill Hanna Valencia

A Town Center Makeover Idea

Here’s an idea for consideration for Santa Clarita’s Town Center/mall makeover: Use the large flat real estate in this area for a City Center park, with a small lake at its center, with kayaking, paddle boarding, and similar water sports. It could be a Santa Clarita version of New York City’s Central Park. Concert amphitheaters and additional townhomes could ring it, with many of the current mall restaurants within walking distance.

Rick Rezabek Canyon Country

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Advice and Grit for Grads

By David Hegg

It’s college graduation season and once again we turn our eyes, our hearts and our hopes to the next generation. Whether it is graduation from high school, or the garnering of some higher degree, it will mean a whole new flock of talented men and women are about to burst into the marketplace of ideas and industry. And yet, the stark reality is that many will fail in their desire to build a career and make an honorable contribution to society. Why? The reasons are myriad but one thing is for sure. Those with character, discipline, good hearts and good old-fashioned grit stand a much better chance of finding success on the road to achievement.

And so, in hopes that I can help others achieve success, I offer a few thoughts on running the race to win.

Learn to get more done in less time. A well-known maxim suggests that a task will normally expand to fill the time allotted to it. But successful people compete against such a view by planning their day well, preparing their minds for the tasks ahead, and working diligently and efficiently to accomplish more tasks in less and less time.

And here’s the important point. Invest the accumulated “extra” time, not in more tasks, but in personal growth and life-giving relationships. Simply put, get home earlier, watch more sunsets with the one you love, read more intelligence-building books, and continue honing your efficiencies on the way to even greater achievement.

Plan your future, but don’t live there. It is easy to find yourself “living for the future.” We all do it. And preparing for the next season of life, the next promotion, or the next adventure is certainly necessary. But be careful! As great as your dreams may be, today will only be here once, and what you accomplish today is a step toward what you may be able to accomplish tomorrow. As someone somewhere has said, “Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, but today is cash, so spend it wisely.”

You can’t hurry experience. This goes along with the previous maxim about making sure today gets your full attention simply because each day has its own full share of experience. And, as talented, bright, industrious, and

good-looking as you may be, experience is the real currency of achievement, and experience can’t be rushed. However, if you can find an experienced, successful, older mentor you might just be able to get ahead in the competitive race of life by borrowing some of what their experience has taught them. Be patient. Be learning. And most of all, use what you learned yesterday to make today and tomorrow better for yourself and all those around you.

Be more generous than you think you can afford. First, understand that generosity –giving to, and helping others with no strings attached – isn’t really about money. It’s about loving other people, seeing their needs, and being compelled to help them in any way you can. Generous people have generous hearts that drive them to realize how helping a fellow human being is one of the greatest privileges we have been given by our Creator. And don’t wait! Be generous with what you have, and who knows, God just may increase your ability to be even more generous in the future.

Give credit to others as often as you can. Today’s world is awash in self-centered, glory-hogging grandstanders. Don’t be one of those! Don’t be the hero of all your own stories. Don’t dominate all the conversations, and for sure, don’t take all the credit for the successes that come your way. In fact, go out of your way every day to turn the spotlight on others. Thank them for their contribution, and advertise their competencies while letting the watching world know how much they contributed to the win. Look, life has always been a team sport. Be a team player, and you’ll find the team gets stronger and stronger, wins more, and has more fun doing it together.

So, here’s to our grads! Congratulations on your success but remember, the effort that got you this far must now be doubled in order to gain the perseverance, character and knowledge needed to win in the future. We’re all proud of you, and pray that your talents, wisdom, determination and grace will help make our society one where honesty, integrity and accomplishment reign. Now … go get em.’

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