Sunday Signal 060224

Building Friendships and Strengthening Bonds

Volunteering has always been a big part of Shelley Brosnan’s life, whether she was serving in her children’s school or in their Fairfax, Va., community. When Brosnan retired, increasing her volunteer efforts was a natural next step. Serving with Volunteer Fairfax, an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program, she spends about 10 hours a week teaching new volunteers about helping older adults age in place, providing food for those in need and extending the capacity of local nonprofits.

“There’s so much to love about volunteering,” Brosnan said. “Providing purpose and serving the community are obvious reasons, but the connections I make with others are one of the greatest benefits. I just really love helping people and I’ve made friends through volunteering.”

Brosnan’s experience with volunteering is backed by science. According to the Mayo Clinic, having a solid social network improves both physical and mental health as it can boost happiness, increase your sense of belonging and improve self-confidence. As people age, many social avenues from earlier phases of life, such as school and work, no longer exist and making friends can be difficult. The Mayo Clinic suggests volunteering as a beneficial way to make friends and improve social well-being.

“Volunteering fosters more connected and less isolated older adults,” said Atalaya Sergi, director at AmeriCorps Seniors. “Our research, focused on the impact of our programs, finds volunteering can provide positive health and well-being outcomes. In our study, 84% of participants reported stable or improving health and 88% had lower feelings of isolation within one year of volunteering. Each year, we match more than 143,000 Americans with volunteer opportunities, helping build connections and

address societal issues, nurturing real relationships that help people become both happier and more fulfilled.”

Adults ages 55 and up, like Brosnan, can be matched with local volunteer organizations fitting their interests, skills and availability through AmeriCorps Seniors, the nation’s largest national service program for older adults, which offers three signature programs. Brosnan and other volunteers nationwide play crucial roles in community resilience and connectedness.

“RSVP volunteers, such as Shelley, take on diverse activities based on community need such as delivering meals, supporting veterans and military families, cleaning parks or helping with tax prep and financial literacy,” Sergi said. “Our Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteers with youth, in mentoring and tutoring relationships. Lastly, the Senior Companion Program is a way to give a helping hand to other older adults and those with disabilities,

assisting them with day-to-day tasks, such as grocery shopping and transportation to appointments. They also support caregivers through respite services.”

The time commitment for all programs is flexible, ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week.

Research studies like the Harvard University Study of Adult Development, found that older adults who invest in, care for and develop the next generation are three times as likely to be happy as those who did not. Volunteers Francois Mwabi and Jerome Menyo, based in Kentwood, Mich., are two more examples of the difference it can make to serve.

Mwabi and Menyo attest to the joy of impacting youth by passing on their wisdom and sharing their culture and language with students, many of whom are refugees from different parts of Africa just as Mwabi and Menyo themselves were several years ago. The two volunteers are so popular among the students and

staff that teachers had to work out a schedule for all their students to be able to spend time with them.

One of the reasons the program has such a positive impact is the intergenerational connections it helps establish. Benefits abound not only for the young, but particularly for the volunteers.

“We love being here because of the environment and the students who study here,” Menyo said. “The teachers like us. I help students who speak my language. I enjoy it and they enjoy it, too.”

Intragenerational pairings are fruitful and fulfilling, as well.

Masa Hunley of Philadelphia eagerly anticipates the time she spends with Deborah Washington, a Senior Companion Program volunteer. Washington, a retired mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, was active before retirement and saw no reason to slow down after leaving full-time work. She was paired with Hunley three years ago.

Washington thinks of Hunley warmly, “almost as a grandma.” She spends a few hours twice a week with Hunley, helping her with meal prep, getting to appointments, watching television or playing cards together.

Serving as a companion to Hunley is “just something that I enjoy doing, as if it was my mom or my grandmom, who have both passed,” Washington said. “It’s like serving them and praying that, if it was my mom or my grandmom, someone would be doing the same thing. It has to be in your heart.”

Washington is also thankful for the opportunity Hunley provides for “loving up on her” and feels fortunate to be able to soak up the wisdom that Hunley has learned and earned.

To be matched to rewarding volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/YourMoment. (Family Features) 

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

The calendar may tell us Summer doesn’t arrive until Thursday, June 20, but everyone in the Santa Clarita Valley knows that Memorial Day Weekend is the “unofficial, official” start of the summer season.

Pool parties, backyard barbecues, outdoor movies and concerts under the stars, camping, travel and summer fun await.

Cinemas in the Park

Vasquez Rocks Hikes

‘Celebrate’

Hollywood Bowl

The SCV spring brought more rain and cooler temps than expected but SCV summer is approaching fast with temps in the high 80s on the way. Here’s some fun places to go and things to do this summer.

Join the city of Santa Clarita on the fourth Friday of every month from July to October for an outdoor movie experience at City Cinemas in the Park. Settle in with your chairs and blankets to secure the perfect viewing spot under the twinkling stars. Whether you bring a picnic basket filled with your favorite snacks or opt to indulge in the delicious options from the food trucks make sure to arrive early as the food trucks open an hour before the movie begins.

Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m. “Barbie” (PG-13), 2023, Central Park

Friday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. “Toy Story” (PG), 1995, Bridgeport Park

Friday, Sept, 27 at 7 p.m. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (PG-13), 2017, The Centre Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. “The Super Mario Bros Movie” (PG-13), 2023, The Centre santaclarita.gov/arts-and-culture/events/city-cinemas-in-the-park

Explore Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center during the magical twilight and early evening full moon hours. These fun, collaborative, interpretive hikes are led by trained staff and volunteers and will highlight the park’s natural and human history. Themes will vary and include Vasquez Rocks history, geology, cultural history, plants and animals. All ages are welcome however trails are not currently stroller-accessible.

These hikes fill up quickly so register as soon as possible after registration opens.

June 20 Registration opens May 20 • July 19 Registration opens June 19 • Aug. 17 Registration opens July 17 • Sept. 15 Registration opens Aug. 15 • Oct. 15 Registration opens Sept. 15 anc.apm.activecommunities.com/losangelescounty

A unique cultural experience, “Celebrate” brings the history and traditions of people and places from around the world to the SCV, at the Canyon Country Community Center.

June 14 – Sweden

July 12 – Cuba

Aug. 9, – Japan

Sept. 13 – Germany santaclarita.gov/arts-and-culture/events/celebrate-series

Grab a bite to eat from the on-site food trucks, gather around the outdoor stage to watch performers share their culture through music and dance. Get to know other places, and countries, a little better through arts, crafts and activities.

The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheatre that has been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played the venue in 1922. This summer it will offer a stellar summer and a BYOB policy that lets you bring wine and beer to nearly every performance.

This year’s theme is “Forever Summer at the Hollywood Bowl.” First month of the 2024 season concerts include:

June 15-16 — Enjoy Father’s Day weekend at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival.

June 23 — Opening Night at the Bowl: Henry Mancini 100th Celebration. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and special guests raise the curtain on the Bowl’s 2024 season with a 100th birthday celebration for the great Henry Mancini. The 20-time Grammy winning composer of favorite songs and scores ranging from “Moon River” and the score for The Pink Panther appeared regularly on the Bowl’s stage, conducting 29 times.

July 2-4 — July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Harry Connick, Jr. The Grammy and Emmy winner and his band lead three nights of songs, fireworks and fun, featuring Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil.

July 12-14: — Maestro of the Movies: John Williams with the LA Phil. Three nights of film score favorites with John Williams.

July 19-20 — Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert. Highlighting songs and clips from the iconic Disney films of the 1980s and 1990s, special guest singers join up with orchestra for unforgettable favorites from “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Mulan” and more. You can bring your own picnic (as long as your tote fits under your seat or order a basket on site. There are also 14 picnic areas around the bowl if you want to stretch out.

To preorder a picnic box visit https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/visit/when-youre-here/food-wine/picnic-boxes. www.hollywoodbowl.com 

Screening for Signs of Cognitive Impairment

By Dorsey Griffith Brandpoint

In a cruel irony, one of the most significant health challenges facing older Americans is also one of the least diagnosed, especially in the early stages when steps can be taken to slow or better manage decline.

Cognitive decline, a condition that can progress to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, is on the rise. An estimated 8 million Americans have mild cognitive decline, and 90% of them don’t know it.

As the population of older adults surges, rates of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. are expected to skyrocket as well, nearly tripling to 14 million by 2060.

In a busy rural Alabama primary care clinic, Rick Kilgore, a physician associate/assistant (PA), is addressing the disparity by screening every patient over age 50 for signs of cognitive decline or dementia. He’s using a recently developed cognitive assessment screening tool designed for healthcare providers across practice settings.

The goal is to improve cognitive screening rates to catch early signs of dementia so that patients can make lifestyle changes to optimize brain health, get referrals to specialists and engage family members or caregivers for support.

“I would estimate that less than 10% of people who go on to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s as older adults are diagnosed with cognitive decline in their 50s or early 60s,” he said.

“Usually by the time a family member comes in and says their loved one is having problems, it’s gone beyond losing car keys or forgetting where they parked their car — like forgetting to take their medications. These patients need to be identified earlier so they can take appropriate action, which might include additional tests, lifestyle changes or medications.”

American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) CEO Lisa M. Gables, CPA, says clinicians across the healthcare team, including PAs, are essential to early detection.

“PAs are often one of the first healthcare providers a patient will en-

‘Usually by the time a family member comes in and says their loved one is having problems, it’s gone beyond losing car keys’ … it has now gone to lapses ‘like forgetting to take their medications.’

counter and are skilled in identifying signs of early cognitive decline in patients and refer them for more testing and treatment,” Gables said. “Just like with other diseases, early detection is critical.”

The cognitive assessment toolkit was developed by the AAPA and Cleveland Clinic with funding from a Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) grant, an initiative of the DAC Healthcare System Preparedness Project. The project aims to advance how healthcare systems worldwide detect, diagnose, treat and care for people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.

In addition to the patient screening test, the toolkit also allows providers to interpret the findings and differentiate among signs of normal aging, cognitive impairment and dementia. Providers can also discuss abnormal screening results with patients and their caregivers, address any concerns they might have, as well as help them with modifiable risk factors for dementia.

The toolkit also includes resources for patients with information on supporting brain health and wellness.

“The reality is not everyone has

to deteriorate,” said Kilgore. “You can slow it down by taking steps like moderate drinking, a healthy diet and daily exercise. My approach is to recommend patients don’t smoke, take walks, read books — don’t be a couch

potato. Having good heart function and being mentally sharp are tied closely together.”

The cognitive assessment toolkit was tested at five rural practice sites in Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Oregon and Tennessee, along with several urban Cleveland Clinic locations. During initial testing, patients 65 and older who were offered a cognitive screening during a yearly wellness exam increased to 100% and those offered a cognitive screening during any type of primary care medical visit increased from 30% to 39%. Eightytwo percent of providers who tested the toolkit said they planned to change their screening practices. The toolkit was officially launched in Fall 2023.

“If patients or their caregivers feel that an individual is showing signs of forgetfulness such as not taking medications, being unable to balance their checkbook or asking repetitive questions, they should alert their provider that the patient may have early signs of cognitive decline,” Kilgore said.

“Early screening is important. Even in their 50s, an individual may begin to show subtle changes that can be documented and followed with the screening tools that we have launched within the PA community.” 

This Father’s Day Go Beyond the Tie

Father’s Day is just around the corner and if you’ve given Dad one too many ties in previous years, let this cool and creative gift guide inspire you to think a bit differently this time around:

Better Coffee

Is Dad’s coffee or tea always either too hot or too cold? Give him a perpetual Goldilocks “just right” effect with Nextmug, a temperature-controlled, self-heating mug that he can use at home or in the workplace. Perfect for busy people, it maintains the contents of the 14-ounce mug to the user’s specified temperature setting, whether that’s warm, (130 degrees F) hot, (140 degrees F) or piping, (150 degrees F). The Nextmug comes with a docking coaster for easy charging and a spill-resistant lid. The stylish and ergonomically-designed mug is available in colors ranging from burgundy to sage to black, so you’ll be sure to find an option that suits your dad’s style. Visit https://nextmug.com for more information.

Campfires On-the-Go

If Dad loves the great outdoors, ghost stories or s’mores, a Portable Campfire may be just the thing for him. This totable firepit is made from recycled soy wax and paper for sustainability, and is easy to light and put out. Involving a lot less mess and smoke than a traditional campfire, it’s a great addition to any tailgate, backpacking trip or beach or backyard sing-a-long.

Pampering

It’s not always acknowledged, but men deserve to be pampered, too. Consider gifting Dad a personal

care kit full of top-notch beard oils, colognes and shaving cream. Not sure where to start? Opt for a subscription box this year. This will allow him to try out different brands and products over time. Then, next year, you can craft a gift basket based on his favorite selections.

Just for Fun

If you opt for an entirely useless object, make sure that it’s one-of-a-kind. Upload your favorite picture of your dad to mycustombobbleheads.com and they’ll deliver a pint-sized, bobblehead version of him to your doorstep. Making hilarious décor for a bookshelf or desk, your dad will be both flattered and amused by this quirky gift.

Lifelong Learning

Is Dad a lifelong learner? Support his quest for knowledge with membership to an online education subscription platform. From soft skills like leadership and poetic thinking to hard skills like web development and photography, your dad will have a world of information straight from the experts in the palm of his hands.

Something for the Workspace

When home projects abound, the right tools can help dad work smarter, solve problems and get more done easier and faster. With unprecedented adaptability and flexibility, the IQ Vise System by Work IQ Tools features a ball and socket design that allows articulation and 360-degree rotation at any angle for optimal work positioning while complementing task-specific jaws create the perfect grip for an extensive range of shapes and materials. Plus, IQ Connect plug-and-play accessories pro-

vide hands-free assistance on the vise and around your work area via three additional mounting options. Find more Father’s Day gift ideas to help dad work smarter at workiqtools.com.

The Gift of a Great Workout

If your dad is looking to get (or stay) in shape, skip the gym membership and give him the equipment he needs to complete his workouts at home. From strength training equipment like dumbbells to cardio equipment such as running shoes, a jump rope and more, plus essentials like a yoga mat and resistance bands, there are plenty of options available to help your dad create a fitness center in the comforts of home.

Listen in Peace

The right set of wireless, noise-canceling headphones can be a gamechanger when it comes to listening to music or podcasts. Replacing those old, wired headphones with a pair of in-ear or over-ear Bluetooth-connected ones - whichever style he typically prefers — with an extended battery life can serve as an upgrade whether your dad is hitting the gym, walking the dog, taking a phone call on the go or just watching his favorite show on his phone while lounging at home. This Father’s Day, bring a smile to Dad’s face with gifts that will make his life easier, and more relaxed, interesting and fun. (SPT and Family Features) 

Preparing for a Fire-Safe Summer

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Tinvaluable resources and guidance.

here’s nothing quite like the sight of the Santa Clarita Valley during the spring season. Flowers, brush and native vegetation come to life on our hillsides, creating a blanket of green surrounding our City. As we transition into the summer months, the oncegreen vegetation begins to dry out, creating the perfect scenario for a devastating wildfire. The combination of dry brush and hot temperatures pose a significant risk to our community’s safety and requires everyone to have heightened awareness and preparedness.

Addressing the increased threat of wildfires requires a collective effort. As residents, we must take proactive steps to prevent ignition sources and minimize fire hazards. The Los Angeles County Fire Department stands ready to assist the community with their

The Ready! Set! Go! personal wildfire action plan empowers us to assess our wildfire risk, prepare our homes and families and stay informed about wildfire activity in our area.

The “Ready” phase emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a defensible space around homes, which is essential to wildfire prevention. This involves creating a buffer zone by removing flammable vegetation and debris from the immediate vicinity of structures. By implementing fire-resistant landscaping practices and maintaining adequate spacing between trees and shrubs, residents can significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading to their homes.

In addition to creating defensible space, residents should take steps to fortify their homes. This may include installing ember-resistant vents, using fire-retardant building materials and enclosing eaves to prevent ember intrusion. By fortifying their homes, residents can increase the likelihood

of their properties surviving a wildfire and minimize the need for firefighters to risk their lives defending vulnerable structures.

The “Set” phase highlights evacuation preparedness as another critical aspect of wildfire readiness and requires careful planning and organization. Families should develop a comprehensive evacuation plan that outlines escape routes, designated meeting points and communication strategies. It’s essential to involve all household members in the planning process and practice evacuation drills regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Assembling an emergency supply kit is another essential step in the “Set” phase. This kit should include necessities such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, clothing and important documents such as identification, insurance policies and medical records. By having these items readily available, families can streamline the evacuation process and ensure

they have everything they need to stay safe and comfortable during an emergency.

In the event that the “Go” phase is activated, timely evacuation is essential to ensure the safety of residents and first responders. It’s critical to stay informed about wildfire activity in your area and follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities. You can stay informed about fire conditions by following the City’s social media platforms and checking the City’s Emergency Blog at SantaClaritaEmergency. com. If evacuation becomes necessary, follow designated evacuation routes. By prioritizing preparedness, prevention and cooperation, we can collectively reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our community from their devastating effects. For more in-depth information about building your Ready! Set! Go! action plan, please visit fire.LaCounty.gov/RSG.

Ken Striplin is Santa Clarita’s City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov. 

Over the last three years many of us have put off important routine medical screenings. Please discuss with your physician what screenings you may be due for. These routine medical tests can be life-saving.

For more information, call 661.200.1332 or visit henrymayo.com/screenings.

Power Up Your Family Mealtimes with Peanuts

Between juggling work, family, friends and social activities, powering through busy day-to-day schedules requires a lot of energy. Building meals around recipes packed with a plant-based protein such as peanuts or peanut butter can help your family come together to refuel.

In fact, at 7 grams per serving, a nutrient-rich powerhouse like peanuts delivers the most protein of any nut and contains six essential vitamins – vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6 – and seven essential minerals – phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and calcium.

As a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or part of a variety of recipes from morning to night, peanuts can take center stage at the family table when it’s time to recharge at the end of long days. Start with an appetizer like Broccoli and Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing, which can be on the table in 10 minutes, to hold over hunger ahead of a protein-packed main course like Chicken with Peanut Sauce in Lettuce Wraps.

Find more delicious ideas for keeping your family energized at gapeanuts. com. (Family Features) 

Broccoli and Edamame Salad with Peanut

Dressing

Recipe courtesy of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Servings 4

Dressing

1/2 fresh lime, juice only

1/4 cup toasted sesame seed oil

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons tahini

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon chili oil

1 garlic clove, grated

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated kosher salt, to taste

1 tablespoon hot water, plus additional for thinner consistency (optional)

Salad

2 cups broccoli slaw

1 cup shelled edamame, cooked

1 1/2 cups chopped raw broccoli

1/2 cup English cucumber, quartered and chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

To make dressing In bowl, whisk lime juice, toasted sesame seed oil, honey, tahini, peanut butter, chili oil, garlic, ginger and salt, to taste. Add hot water, adding additional, if necessary, until dressing reaches desired consistency. Set aside.

To make salad In large bowl, combine broccoli slaw, edamame, broccoli, cucumber, mint, cilantro and peanuts. Toss with dressing to combine and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. 

Chicken with Peanut Sauce in Lettuce Wraps

Recipe courtesy of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Servings 4

2 pounds ground chicken

2 tablespoons sesame oil

3/4 cup diced shiitake mushrooms

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced

3 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped

2 garlic cloves, grated

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish

1/4 cup crushed peanuts, for garnish iceberg or butter lettuce, for wraps

Peanut Sauce

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon soy sauce

In pan, saute ground chicken in sesame oil until cooked through. Drain if mixture is watery.

Add shiitake mushrooms and onion; saute until mushrooms have softened and appear caramel colored.

Add garlic, ginger, hoisin, water chestnuts and green onions. Let chicken mixture simmer on low.

To make peanut sauce: In saucepan over medium-low heat, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, ginger and soy sauce until smooth, warm and thinned slightly.

Fold into chicken mixture. Stir until combined and simmer on low until peanut sauce is evenly distributed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. Serve in lettuce wraps. 

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Hit Man’ is Offbeat, Darkly Funny and Quite Charming

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Hit Man’

 (out of four)

Netflix presents a film directed by Richard Linklater and written by Linklater and Glen Powell. In theaters and streaming on Netflix starting June 7.

The majority of trained assassins we see in the movies fall into one of three categories:

1. Veteran operatives near the end of their careers, e.g., Pierce Brosnan in "Fast Charlie," Michael Fassbender in "The Killer," Michael Keaton in "Knox Goes Away," Liam Neeson in "Memory," George Clooney in "The American."

Sunday-Thursday, June 2-6,

2. Former assassins who are out of the game and trying to live a normal, quiet life — until they're pulled back in! Keanu Reeves in "John Wick," Bob Odenkirk in "Nobody," Mark Wahl-

berg in "The Family Plan," et al.

3. Apprentice killers who are just learning the ropes, a la Jennifer Lawrence in "Red Sparrow," Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill: Volume 2," Saoirse Ronan in "Hanna," Anne Parillaud

in "La Femme Nikita," Eva Nguyen Thorsen in "The Protege," and yes, it's curious how the women seem to dominate in this category. Here's a fresh take for ya. In Richard Linklater's offbeat and darkly funny and quite charming "Hit Man," Glen Powell's Gary Johnson is a mild-mannered college professor who has an alter ego as a trained assassin for hire — but the twist here is that Gary isn't an actual killer, he just plays one for the PD. The New Orleans PD. (OK, Warren Beatty played a killer who wasn't really a killer in "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" in 1971. Different kind of movie. Great movie. But … different kind of movie.)

Powell, who co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater (and has had roles in previous Linklater films including "Fast Food Nation," "Everybody Wants Some!" and "Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood"), solidifies his bona fide movie-star standing and delivers some of his best work yet. "Hit Man" is loosely based on the life and times of the real Gary Johnson as told by Skip Hollandsworth in a 2001 article for Texas Monthly. (Another Texas Monthly article by Hollandsworth was the basis for Linklater's 2011 "Bernie.")

(Austin Amelio) poses as a hit man to get the goods on a seemingly endless string of locals who want somebody killed. When Jasper is handed a fourmonth suspension for inappropriate behavior, Gary is pressed into fake hit man duty by his colleagues (Retta and Sanjay Rao, both very funny) — and it turns out he's a natural. Cue the montage of Gary creating a variety of disguises and alter egos, including a Brit killer who looks and sounds like Tilda Swinton doing one of her chameleonic roles, as he nails one suspect after another. Powell might not be in the Mike Myers/Eddie Murphy class when it comes to adopting various personas, but he's more than up to the task.

For a meeting with Adria Arjona's Madison, who is trapped in a dead marriage to an entitled and controlling creep named Ray (Evan Holtzman) and wants him dead, Gary creates the character of Ron, who is steely eyed, well-dressed, smooth and charming, i.e., he looks like Glen Powell. Finding himself instantly attracted to this scorching-hot femme fatale, Gary talks her out of her plans before she can incriminate herself — and the next thing you know, we're in a rom-com.

begrudgingly and

F

R I

S A: A M A D M AX S AG A E Sun: 9:50 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00 As the world fel , young Fur osa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and fal s into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the War ord Dementus

S I G H T C Sun: 10:00 4:00; Mon to Thu: 4:00 PM

SIGHT is the inspiring true stor y that looks at what t means to see beyond one’s se f

T H E G A R F I E L D M OV I E B Sun: 10:15 1:20 4:20 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:10

After an unexpec ted reun on w th his ong-lost father - scruffy street cat V c (vo ced by Samue L Jackson) - Gar field and his canine friend Od e are forced from their per fec t y pampered ife nto o n ng Vic n a h larious, h gh-stakes he st

BAC K TO B L AC K E Sun: 10:10 AM

The ex traordinar y stor y of Amy Winehouse s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to g obal fame

I F B Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:20 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:20 7:10 f is about a gir who d scovers that she can see ever yone s maginar y fr ends - and what she does with that

Powell's Gary is a lonely, sad-sack philosophy professor who asks his students to consider questions such as, "What if your [identity] is a role you keep playing?" and that's some foreshadowing right there. Gary drives a Honda Civic (a point of derision, but let me just say I once had a Honda Civic and it lasted FOREVER), has two cats named Id and Ego, and seems to have only one friend: his ex-wife (Molly Bernard), who left Gary because he just didn't have much passion. (It's kind of hilarious that everyone considers Gary to be such a dweeb; he gets the matted-down hair, nerd glasses, ill-fitting clothes treatment, as if he's in the "before" stages of an ingenue in a 1990s rom-com, but we can see that's clearly the stunningly handsome and chiseled bro from "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Anyone But You.")

Gary does have a pretty cool side gig: For the police, he provides technical support on wiretap stings in which the rules-flaunting Jasper

Powell and Arjona have enough explosive chemistry together to reboot "Breaking Bad," with Madison turned on by the idea of a forbidden romance with a killer, and Gary finding the lines blurred between his real self and Ron. It's all quite ridiculous and played mostly for laughs, until Madison's jealous estranged husband and Gary's resentful colleague Jasper complicate matters on a parallel path, and we'll leave it at that.

Austin Amelio as Jasper and Evan Holtzman as Ray both play their characters as if they're in a hardcore action film; they don't know they're in a comedy, which adds to the genuine suspense, as we wonder if our fake hit man might have to resort to real violence to extricate himself from this mess.

With Powell and Arjona sizzling as the most electric romantic pairing of the year so far, "Hit Man" is pure escapist early summer fun. 

CREDIT NETFLIX

SENIOR LIVING

Questions to Ask Before a New Fitness Regimen

Exercise is widely recognized as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Despite that, a recent analysis of data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey found that more than two-thirds of individuals are not getting enough exercise.

Though the survey was conducted amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests the overall figures might be somewhat lower than they might have been had the data been collected in a more typical year, just 28% of respondents were meeting the physical activity guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Routine exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, and seniors are no exception. Aging adults who want to be more physically active but think they are among the 72% of individuals who aren’t meeting CDC exercise guidelines can speak with their physicians and ask these three questions to ensure the transition to a less sedentary lifestyle goes smoothly.

1. Should I get a heart checkup?

Doctors may already be monitoring aging individuals’ hearts even if they have not exhibited symptoms of heart problems in the past. However, it’s best to discuss heart health in greater detail prior to beginning a new fitness regimen.

In an interview with Penn Medicine, Neel Chokshi, MD, MBA, medical director of Penn Sports Cardiology and Fitness Program, noted the risk of heart attack or cardiac complications slightly increases when individuals begin to participate in a moderate or intense activity. So a physician might want to conduct a heart checkup in order to determine if a patient has an underlying heart condition.

2. Which types of activities should I look to?

A physician also can recommend certain activities depending on a person’s age and medical background. Though exercise is beneficial for everyone, certain activities may not be. For example, AdventHealth notes that

high-impact activities like jogging and jump rope may not be suited for individuals with arthritis.

In addition, aging individuals with physical limitations that require them to use a wheelchair should not write off their ability to exercise, as physicians can recommend exercises for patients with mobility issues as well.

3. Should I take extra caution while on medication?

Prescription medication use is another variable that must be taken into consideration before beginning a new exercise regimen. The CDC notes that roughly 84% of adults between the ages of 60 and 79 use one or more prescription medications. Each medication produces different effects, and a 2016 study published in the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal noted that certain medications evoke an acute drop in blood pressure, which can disturb balance and increase fall risk, while others actually facilitate greater improvements in health outcomes. That means the dynamic between medications and exercise is unique to each medication, which underscores the importance of speaking with a physician whenever a fitness regimen is started or tweaked and/or a new medication is prescribed.

These are just three of the questions seniors can ask when discussing exercise with their physicians. Seniors are urged to ask any additional questions they might have during such discussions. (MC) 

• I hear fine as long as I turn the sound up

• Wearing a hearing aid will make me look old

• I don’t have time to check my hearing

• If you relate to any of these CALL US!

CELEBRITY NEWS

QWhen is “Yellowstone” coming back for its final season? I don’t watch any of the spin-offs. I’m just waiting for the original show to return.

— A.W.

AThe wait is almost over for the second half of the final season of “Yellowstone,” which last graced our screens in January 2023. The delay can mostly be attributed to the writers’ and actors’ strikes, but there was also a major dispute between the show’s creator Taylor Sheridan and star Kevin Costner that most certainly was a factor. Fortunately, the Paramount Network has announced that production on the remainder of the season has begun and that you should expect to see those some time in November of this year. There is a spin-off in the works that

will continue to tell the Dutton family saga with current cast members Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser and none other than Academy-Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”). The yet-to-be-named spin-off is expected to premiere on the Paramount channel in December and start streaming on Paramount+ soon after.

As for Costner, he knows who his audience is. He starred and directed

the Oscar-winning film “Dances with Wolves” and has done the same for the upcoming two-part western film “Horizon: An American Saga,” which recently earned a 7-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

QSince Steve Carell has said he won’t appear in the upcoming new version of “The Office,” is he going to keep acting in movies instead? — J.S.

ALike many versatile and talented actors in Hollywood today, Steve Carell seems to enjoy acting in a mix of series and films. Unfortunately, his last series with Greg Daniels, “Space Force,” just didn’t gel with audiences, and it was canceled after two seasons. Now Daniels is creating a new version of his hit series “The Office” with an all-new cast. This leaves Carell available for more series work. First up, he’s reteaming with his “Date Night” co-star Tina Fey in the upcoming Netflix series “The Four Seasons.” He also just inked a deal to star in an upcoming HBO comedy series created by Bill Lawrence (“Scrubs”), which is “set on a college campus, centering on an

author’s [presumably Carell’s character] complicated relationship with his daughter.”

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO & Max comedy programming, excitedly released the following statement: “The combination of Steve Carell and Bill Lawrence promises to be full of great laughs, warmth and charm. We’re thrilled to be the home for this long overdue collaboration.”

QWho is the actress playing Amy Winehouse in the new movie about her? Also, did she do her own singing, or did she lip-sync over Amy’s vocals?

— K.S.

AMarisa Abela (“Industry”) stars in the new Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black,” directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”), and yes, she did her own singing. The actress took singing lessons daily for four months in order to sound like the bluesy Brit.

“Back to Black” was released in theaters on May 17 and will be available for streaming at a later date. 

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Writers of the Future Volume 40

By L. Ron Hubbard

Spine-tingling. Breathtaking. Mind-blowing.

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities. Twelve captivating short stories from the best new science fiction and fantasy writers of the year, selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges. Each story has a full-color illustration. Three bonus stories and art and writing tips.

“This is where the next stars are born.” — Hugh Howey

“These are the people who are going to be creating trends.” — Brandon Sanderson

“One of the best anthologies of the year.” — Tangent

“Some of the most excellent speculative fiction that you can find any-

where. They’re cutting-edge. They’re new.” — Nnedi Okorafor

“See the best of the best culled for you, curated and selected in a single volume every year.” — Robert J. Sawyer

“The stories are wonderful.” — Orson Scott Card Volk

By D. Werkmeister

FBI agent Terri Watson is working on the biggest case of her career. But as she tracks the flow of dirty money around the world and aims to take down a powerful Russian money

launderer, her work collides with a series of horrific murders. Something is out there, stalking the streets of Philadelphia. When Terri comes face to face with the beast, she discovers an explosive secret — one that powerful men will kill to keep hidden.

Her investigation reveals there is more to this predator than meets the eye. Much more.

Volk is a supernatural werewolf thriller. If you like fast-paced novels with a twist, then you will love this book, written by a former Marine and retired FBI Special Agent. Says

one Amazon reviewer, “Extremely realistic portrayals of detective work, wiretapping methodology, and weapons handling contrast nicely with the supernatural elements.”

Dear God, Why Is It So Hard to Forgive

By Imani

Is love ever too good to be true?

That is a question Lydia struggles to answer in this romantic novel. She seemingly meets the perfect man and tries to make it work. However, haunted by the pain of past and present betrayals, she worries that her struggles will drive him away. Is there such a thing as too much baggage? Can she use her faith to untangle the webs of pain and forge a path of forgiveness with those who have hurt her before her pain and anger rob her of her future? Find out in this recently released Book 2 in the “Dear God” series. 

BookBites is presented by Book Trib.com.

Academy-Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. Depositphotos

Understanding and Preventing Stroke

Stroke can happen to anyone — it happens to more than 800,000 people every year in the United States. Knowing the signs of stroke and how to prevent it can help protect you or your loved ones from disabilities caused by stroke.

That’s why the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, created the “Know Stroke” campaign to disrupt stroke and help people in your community who might be at risk of stroke through prevention, treatment and research.

“Seconds are critical when someone is having a stroke,” said Dr. Clinton Wright, vascular neurologist and director of the Division of Clinical Research at NINDS. “It’s important to know the signs.”

Know Stroke

Most strokes happen when the brain stops getting the blood supply it needs to work properly. Without enough blood flow, the brain starts to lose function. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, which is why stroke prevention is important.

Preventing stroke protects you from developing

disabilities that stroke may cause like speech problems, limited movement and memory loss.

Know the Signs of Stroke

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and can be easily missed. Treating stroke by getting to a hospital quickly is critical to prevent brain damage. If you see these signs, act F.A.S.T.:

Face drooping One side of the face droops when smiling

Arm weakness If both arms are raised, one drifts down

Speech difficulty Slurred or strange speech

Time to call 911 Do not drive yourself or your loved one — call an ambulance immediately if you notice one or more of these signs

Know How to Prevent Stroke

Some medical conditions and lifestyle considerations can put you at higher risk for stroke. For example, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. Stroke can be prevented by effectively treating high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, smoking and obesity.

Doing your best to prevent stroke from happen-

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE BY PLANNING YOUR ESTATE TODAY

ing is the No. 1 way to lower your risk of disabilities caused by stroke. Even if you have had a stroke before, you can still take steps to reduce your risk of more strokes. Treating these risk factors may also reduce the chance of developing age-related dementia. For more information on the connection between stroke risk factors and dementia, visit mindyourrisks.nih.gov.

How to Recover from Stroke

As much as prevention helps lower the chances of having a stroke, it can still happen. Rehabilitation therapy is usually started in the hospital within 48 hours after a stroke. Health care workers help stroke patients relearn skills that were lost from the stroke or teach them new ways to compensate for remaining disabilities. Researchers continue to investigate how patients can restore blood flow to the brain and how to protect brain cells after stroke to improve recovery.

Know More

When you know the signs of stroke, you can help prevent a life-changing disability for yourself or someone you care about. You could even save a life. Visit stroke.nih.gov to learn more about stroke risks, prevention and research. (FF) 

HOME

Considerations if Offering Property as a Vacation Rental

Vacations have changed dramatically over the last several decades. Social media has opened doors to new places, as millions of people are inspired to visit locales they first caught sight of via platforms like Instagram. But it’s not just where people are going that has changed, but where they’re laying their heads when they arrive at their destinations.

The online marketplace for vacation rentals has no shortage of inventory, as popular websites such as Vrbo and Airbnb continue to attract property owners and renters alike.

Property owners may want to consider using a home or apartment to generate some extra money.

According to Alltherooms.com, the average annual host earnings on Airbnb in North America exceeded $41,000 in 2021. That income is notable, and it’s undoubtedly one reason why Airbnb reported adding more than one million active list -

ings in 2023.

Property owners must ponder the pros and cons to listing homes via a vacation rental service. Those that decide to go forward can take the following steps as they prepare to offer their properties as vacation rentals.

Hire a Home Inspector

A certified home inspector is typically hired when individuals enter a contract to purchase a home, but these skilled professionals can be just as useful when preparing to offer a property as a rental.

Certified, experienced professionals can identify any potential problems or safety issues with a home that could cause trouble when renting a home down the road. Address any safety or structural issues with a property prior to offering it through a rental service.

Install New Safety Devices

New smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, locks on exterior doors, and other safety features should be upgraded prior to renting a property.

A new security system with external cameras also can reassure prospective renters that a property is safe. Remote locks that allow for keyless entry to a home is another upgrade that can make it more convenient for hosts and renters to access a property.

Do Your Insurance Homework

•

In between each rental, test batteries in alarms and detectors to ensure each device is operating at peak capacity.

Existing homeowners insurance coverage likely will not apply when renting a home as a vacation property. Prior to listing a property for rent, confirm with your homeowners insurance company the coverage you need to ensure you are protected when renting a home or apartment. Liability and accidental damage coverage are two of the many variables prospective hosts must consider.

Keep Emergency Supplies On Site

A fully stocked first aid kit, functioning fire extinguishers (more than one) and a listing of local emergency responder contact information (i.e., police department, fire department, nearest hospital, etc.) should be made readily available to renters. Check supplies before each new group of renters gains access to the property, and restock when necessary. Renting a property as a vacation home is a great way to generate extra revenue. But prospective hosts must take steps to protect themselves and their guests before renting a home or apartment. (MC) 

Clean, Mulch and Enjoy Your Garden this Summer

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

June is the month to prepare your landscape for a long, hot summer. Like any project, the more efficient you are with preparation, the more successful the project will be. Here are some things you can do to make your garden successful this year — starting in June.

Start with a good garden clean up. Remove all left over brown material, cutting back to healthy plant material and raking out litter that could harbor insect pests or ignite if a cinder from a local wildfire should pass your way. Consider mulching empty areas with a light colored decomposed granite, compost, wood chips or gravel. Avoid dark colors when possible since they absorb heat and can become foot-scorchingly hot!

No non-living material is perfect; stone retains heat, compost is most efficient when moistened with our precious and expensive water, and wood chips are flammable. But you might find it artistic and practical to use different materials in different areas.

Other spaces may do well planted with attractive low water flowers or shrubs. (Most planting will be easiest when the weather cools in the autumn.)

Whatever you decide, using mulch is a good way to hold moisture in the soil and cool plant roots. It can be an attractive addition and a water-saving device for creating an artistic statement as well as making a landscape safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain when varied materials are thoughtfully designed into the garden.

Take another look at irrigation. Set irrigation systems for the most efficient watering. Make sure water is penetrating the soil and not washing away.

Regularly check for leaks and breaks.

Adjust your controllers to deal with the longer, warmer and drier days. Set watering systems to irrigate early in the morning and look into an automatically adjusting system that will save you time and energy.

Put together soaker hoses and drip systems to keep your garden plants strong and healthy while reducing your water bills.

Most gardens will benefit from more than one type of irrigation system. Trees will like slow, deep watering, lawns need broad sprinklers, drought-tolerant gardens will do well with drip irrigation, and so on. A well-designed garden will make efficient use of space and materials. Good irrigation plans will build in the best ways to apply water to assure minimal waste and expense while delivering your plants the water they need.

Got compost? Dig it into the soil now. Our lean soil will appreciate any additional organic matter and their much-needed nutrients.

If you don’t have a compost heap this is a great time to start one as you clean up the blown leaves and winter die-off from the garden. Use compost over the surface of flower and vegetable beds alike. If you don’t have compost of your own, buy it in bags or try another mulch material like bark chips that will slowly break down but still offer up much-needed organic matter.

A top dressing of mulch will help keep moisture in the soil as we head into the long dry season. It will also insulate underground roots from baking sun.

Move from seeding and planting to maintaining and supporting. Plant seeds and starter plants of summer vegetables. Seeds of bush beans, carrots, radishes and beets can be planted every few weeks for quick, successive crops. Otherwise, keep all your other vegetables, fruits and flowers inspected

for insect invasions, properly pruned and well-watered and fed. Make sure your soil has been turned and organic amendments are dug in. Don’t let newly planted additions or transplants dry out and give them some temporary shade for a day or two if hot sun is forecast.

Keep plants looking neat by supporting them with trellises, pruning, and tying. Extend flowering by deadheading — snipping off spent flowers to redirect energy from forming seeds to creating more blooms. And remove weeds as they sprout before the roots go deep and the job becomes harder.

Keep lawns cut and properly irrigated. If you don’t have a drought-tolerant, well established lawn area, it probably will not fare well in the summer without excessive watering and time consuming fussing. June is still a good time to replace your grass with a more water efficient variety or take out lawn areas that are not vital and replant them with an attractive water-wise garden. The city is once again offering rebates for lawn removal, so consider many of the many alternatives you could try that would look great, reduce water bills and maintenance as well as add more useful and productive space to your outdoor space.

Look for ideas in books, online, in magazines, visit local public gardens or call a local garden designer for customized, creative garden solutions to fit into your lifestyle.

Consider making the best of your garden space. Small spaces can benefit from container gardens and larger spaces can be beautiful and easily maintained with native gardens. For larger yards consider cooling water features and shade covers to make for a more comfortable outdoor summer. And don’t forget to add a cools spot for the kids and pets! Do it in June before July heat makes you hide indoors. 

PHOTOS CREDITS ADOBE STOCK

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(no photocopies). 2. All ballots must have a minimum of 5 categories completed.

3. Employees and families of The Signal are ineligible to participate.

4. The Signal will not enter into a written or oral discussion regarding the contest results, and all entries become the property of The Signal.

5. The Signal reserves the right to publish the results of the reader survey, delete questions, or restructure, and to refuse questionable or duplicate entries.

SOLUTIONS

Opinion

READER LETTERS

Time Ranger and Memories

Re: The Time Ranger by John Boston, May 25.

Geez, Mr. Boston. Went to Placerita Junior High School with both Jack Uhey and Bob Walk. Tried out for the baseball team in ninth grade. Had to bail due to the Feb. 9, 1971, Sylmar Earthquake.

Jack Uhey’s claim to fame: He appeared in the back pages of Sports Illustrated in the faces in the crowd section. He threw like a couple of no hitters in a row in Little League, or something along those lines. Bob Walk was the one you were most likely referring to. His family was here in Newhall since early times. They owned that old gas station on Sierra Highway on the L.A. city line. Later I pumped gas with Bob at Jim McDaniel’s Chevron next to Tip’s on Pico and Interstate 5. He would pitch to me when things got slow, which was often due to the fact that the price of gas there was the highest in the Santa Clarita Valley: 63 cents a gallon!

When I was reading your article on Saturday, so help me God, I was watching Bob announcing the Pirates game on TV. Don’t think Jack Uhey ever made the majors, could be wrong. Look forward to your column every week, couldn’t let this one go by.

Jon Rebol Newhall

Double Standards Abound

FBI Director James Comey said in 2016 that “no reasonable prosecutor” would bring a case against Hillary Clinton over her massive mishandling of classified material and her obvious attempts to cover up her crimes. And yet the Bad Orange Man is being prosecuted — right now — for far less.

Meanwhile Joe Biden is known to have removed hundreds of boxes containing classified material long before he gained the ability to determine classification issues when he became president.

And yet no charges have been, or will be, brought against him.

Rob Kerchner Santa Clarita

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone. Anonymous letters aren’t published. E-mail: letters@ signalscv.com. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

ETHICALLY

Rights, Responsibilities, Privileges

By David Hegg

Since the beginning of our great nation, a fundamental conviction has been that our Creator endowed us with the essential “rights” of all humanity. Further, the preamble to the Declaration of Independence declared them to be “unalienable,” that is, they are “impossible to be taken away," according to Merriam-Webster. And while the framers of this foundational document chose not to enumerate the whole armor of “rights” endowed by our Creator, they did specify these three: the right to life, the right to liberty, and the right to pursue happiness. It is crucial to understand the phrase “the pursuit of happiness” as the framers intended. If you research it, you’ll discover they weren’t envisioning an individual chase for happiness but a collective endeavor to promote and enjoy it. After all, they founded a nation, not a collection of independent, self-seeking individuals. Their passionate declaration of independence from England arose from a more excellent vision. It spoke of a nation of individuals united in their “dependence” on one another.

There are several examples of this ideological battle. One position sees “free speech” as the freedom to destroy public and private property, disturb the daily lives of fellow citizens, and generally endanger the welfare of their community. Another position believes rights prescribe specific responsibilities, such as obeying the laws and regulations, protecting private and public property, and promoting the general welfare of the community. This position is also adamant that those who do not fulfill their responsibilities should, through due process, lose their rights and the privileges that go along with them.

The “pursuit of happiness” was meant to foster community welfare. This “unalienable right” was every citizen’s charge to think and act so as to see the “happiness” and well-being of all as the foundation of the nation’s prosperity. Simply put, “the pursuit of happiness” was “loving your neighbor.” From the outset, the American experiment in democracy was rooted in the conviction that, since all are created equal with the same rights, the welfare of all must be the goal. To make this a reality, the government would be held accountable for using the power invested in it by the people to strive consistently to maintain life and liberty and seek the best for the nation.

Yet, the framers also rightly understood that sin and selfishness would be a barrier to the collective welfare of the people. The remedy was the rule of law. That is, given every person had the obligation to pursue the welfare of all, everyone would be held responsible for how they went about it. Behavior that harmed corporate welfare was deemed illegal, and those who failed in their responsibility to the common good were to be arrested, tried, and sentenced. In this way, those who abrogated their right to pursue corporate “happiness,” and so failed to act responsibly as citizens, were deprived of the privileges of life and liberty temporarily, for a season, or in the most severe cases, forever,

So, what is my point? The experiment we call a democratic republic only works when those governing and those being governed subscribe to the same story and its shared fundamental ideology as presented in our nation’s founding documents. But what we see today is a radical revolution that pits competing ideologies against one another in – excuse my having to use an over-used phrase – a literal battle for the soul of America.

Another example is the subjective use of executive orders by governors and presidents. In the past, this means of top-down power exercised to further an ideological narrative has been used to unilaterally raise fuel prices, increase regulatory fees, forgive billions in student loans, and generally increase everyday living expenses. All of this and much more has been accomplished without due regard for the welfare of the many. Instead, it has been used to maintain and grow political power while decimating the economy, weakening national defense, even as it has created division and deep-seated anger in the hearts of too many.

Today, we have front-row seats to this clash of ideologies. And it boils down to some simple questions: Do rights prescribe certain responsibilities or not? Are we a nation of laws or not? Are our elected officials duty-bound to consider the welfare of every citizen, or are they free to enact orders and regulations without regard for the health and welfare of the people who elected them?

Joseph de Maistre, the late 18th-century Savoyard philosopher, writer, lawyer, and diplomat, is credited with saying, “Every nation gets the government it deserves.” In a democracy, it simply means we get the government that most voters want. And if most people are fooled by political promises and rhetoric, we will get a government that continues to fool the people. But if most people are wise and research the propositions and referendums, as well as the ideology and integrity of the candidates, we will get a government that understands its accountability to the people.

And if we do, maybe we can recover lost ground and once again become a people who celebrate human life rather than promote a culture of death, who understand liberty demands responsibility, and most of all, realize the pursuit of happiness is a team sport. Pursuing personal well-being at my neighbor’s expense is not only wrong, it is also foreign to what it means to be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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

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