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Celebrate California this Fourth of July
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
The Santa Clarita Valley offers a true “old time Fourth of July celebration” with a pancake breakfast, parade and fireworks, but if you are looking for Fourth of July fun outside of the SCV check out some of these Fourth of July celebrations.
Independence Day in Big Bear Lake www.bigbear.com/events/annual/4th-of-july/
Imagine an evening on Big Bear Lake, floating on the water and watching spectacular fireworks explode overhead. Or, maybe watch the pyrotechnics from a great vantage point on the trails.
The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in Big Bear Lake is visible from the water, shoreline and some trail vantage points. It starts between 8:45-9:15 p.m. and runs approximately 30-40 minutes.
Local radio station KBHR airs a
musical accompaniment to the show on 93.3 FM and 102.5 FM.
If you want a unique fireworks experience head to Above The Boom at Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. The event runs 7 - 10 p.m.
Tickets: Ages 13+ $95, ages 5-12 $55 and ages 4 and under $25.
The Above the Boom fireworks viewing party includes a round-trip Scenic Sky Chair ride, one glass of champagne (21+) or 1 hot chocolate, BBQ dinner, live entertainers, kids’ activities (face painting, petting zoo and more) and panoramic views of Southern California’s largest fireworks show from the top of Snow Summit.
For Above The Boom tickets visit www.bigbearmountainresort.com/ above-the-boom.
Ventura Street Fair, Parade, Fireworks
www.cityofventura.ca.gov /1737/4th-of-July-Street-Fair-Pushem-Pullem-Pa
The city of Ventura’s 47th annual Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade will be held on Thursday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District. Enjoy the artisan street fair, car exhibit, live entertainment, kids’ activity area, corn hole zone and more.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continues into Downtown Ventura, leading into the Street Fair.
The Classic Car Exhibit will feature 40 vehicles displayed on South Oak
See FOURTH, page 6
Lights on the Lake is one of many spectacular Fourth of July Celebrations in the Lake Tahoe area. PHOTO VISIT LAKE TAHOE
The Fourth of July in Big Bear Lake includes fireworks over the water. PHOTO VISIT BIG BEAR
Fun in the SoCal Summer Sun!
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
It’s summer! Longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of summer fun can be had throughout Southern California. Nothing says summer like outdoor music under the summer sky, day or night, sports, wine tasting and more.
Off the 405
The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
July 20, July 27, Aug. 24
Off The 405 is the Getty Center’s annual outdoor free summer concert series, bringing some of today’s most exciting bands to the stage for a memorable experience amid stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. These Saturday night concerts begin at 6 p.m. with a DJ set followed by the main performance at 7:30 p.m.
The remaining three concerts this summer includes Helado Negro on July 20, Julia Holter on July 27 and Woods on Aug. 24.
The concerts, held in the museum courtyard are free, but do required tickets to attend.
To get tickets visit www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/offthe405.html
Avoid the traffic and the crowds and arrive early, preferably after 3 p.m. when the parking price drops to $15. You’ll can also visit the exhibits, which stay open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
Summer X-Games Return to Ventura June 28-30
Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 E. Harbor Boulevard Ventura, CA www.xgames.com/events/x-games-ventura-2024/ tickets
The Summer X Games in Ventura proved to be so successful the X Games will return June 28-30. Watch world-class athletes soar over your head, setting even more extreme sports records this year, all backed by Ventura’s sun-soaked coastline. Experience the thrill of the world’s best skateboarding, BMX biking and Moto X. Also discover where to find great food, stellar music and parking all near downtown Ventura.
Event schedule:
Day 1, June 28 includes Women’s Skateboard Park and Street eliminations, Men’s Skateboard Street elimination and final, Women’s BMX Park final, BMX dirt elimination, Men’s Skateboard Vert final, Men’s BMX Street final, Moto X Best Whip.
Day 2, June 29 features Women’s Skateboard Street final, Men’s Skateboard Park final, Men’s Skateboard Street Best Trick, BMX Dirt final,
Women’s Skateboard Street Best Trick, Women’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick, Men’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick, Men’s BMX Park Final, Moto X Best Trick.
Day 3, June 30 includes Women’s Skateboard Park and Vert Finals, Dave Mirra BMX Park Best Trick, Men’s Skateboard Street Final, Moto X Quarterpipe High Air, BMX Dirt Best Trick.
The X Games Ventura music festival will be held each evening after the day’s games are finished.
On Friday see multi-platinum selling recording artist Wiz Khalifa, AG Club and Oxymorrons. Saturday features Grammy-nominated Kaskade, Devault, Mija and Emo Nite. Sunday closes out the weekend with Fever 333, Blame My Youth and Metalachi. All music is included in the price of admission.
California Wine Festival Carlsbad
June 28-29
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club and Spa Resort’s Gardens and Heron Lawn 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011 www.californiawinefestival.com/carlsbad Make it a weekend in Carlsbad.
Friday, June 28, 6:30-9 p.m. enjoy the Sunset Rare and Reserve Wine Tasting at this elegant VIP event for true fine wine lovers. A champagne reception is just the prelude to an evening of sampling hard-tofind trophy wines, some already out of circulation and impossible to find.
On Saturday, June 29, noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy the Beachside Wine Festival.
VIP/Early Entrance at noon and General Admission at 1 p.m. The quintessential California wine tasting experience with sun, sea, food, wine and music. Wine oenophiles will find hundreds of fine
wines, regional craft brews and a dizzying variety of foods to sample.
California Wine Festival Santa Barbara
July 19-20
Friday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Plaza del Sol Hilton Santa Barbara 633 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Chase Palm Park, 236 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
www.californiawinefestival.com/santa-barbara
If you need an excuse to travel to Santa Barbara, this is it. Experience the quintessential California wine tasting experience and enjoy hundreds of vintage wines, gourmet foods and lively music.
On Friday, enjoy a romantic evening of romantic evening of rare wine tasting with a champagne reception under the stars at Santa Barbara’s charming old-world Plaza del Sol at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
On Saturday, enjoy an afternoon at the beachside wine festival with wine, food and music, at the biggest wine festival under the sun.
The 43rd Annual Lotus Festival in Echo Park
July 13-14
Echo Park 751 Echo Park Ave/, Los Angeles, CA 90026 www.laparks.org/lotusfestival
The city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will celebrate Echo Park Lake’s floating lotus flowers with the 43rd Annual Lotus Festival on Saturday, July 13 noon to 9 p.m.
The Santa Barbara Wine festival July 19-20 is one of the largest wine festivals in the state and will be held oceanside at Chase Palm Park.. PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVALS
FOURTH
Continued from page 4
Street from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Rotary Club of Ventura produces the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic on the fields at Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Food trucks, bounce houses, games and live music. Fireworks show begins at approximately 9 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.venturafireworks. com.
Paso Robles’ Fourth of July www.travelpaso.com/events/annualevents-and-festivals/4th-of-july-inpaso/
Held at Barney Schwartz Park, Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA 93446, this celebration is hosted by the city of Paso Robles and Travel Paso.
Not only can you enjoy Paso wine country but the event includes fireworks, live music and activities for all ages.
Family fun zone, food truck zone and more. Festivities begin around 2 p.m. followed by live music and fireworks.
Folsom Pro Rodeo
July 3-5
https://folsomprorodeo.com
For more than 60 years, the Folsom Pro Rodeo has been a beloved Fourth of July tradition, bringing together rodeo enthusiasts, families and the Folsom community for unforgettable experiences. The rodeo began with a deep love for the rich western heritage of Folsom and as a way to honor the family cattle ranches which created the community.
This Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event includes Grand Entry welcome, Sheriff’s Stampede, rodeo entertainer, Pro-Am team roping, mutton busting, breakaway roping, wild ride, barrel racing, hide race, bull riding, Toro Totter, Flying Cowboyz, fireworks and concert.
Dan Russell Rodeo Arena, Stafford Street, Folsom, CA 95630.
A Lake Tahoe Fourth
https://yourtahoeguide.com/2024/06/ tahoes-independence-day-celebrations/
A dazzling celebration of America’s independence around the scenic Lake Tahoe includes:
Incline Village Fireworks
After a five-year pause, Incline Village Fireworks are back in 2024. Enjoy massive fireworks display on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. in the sky above Lake Tahoe.
The annual Folsom Pro Rodeo will be held July 3-5. Watch professional rodeo performers and the American flag arrive in the stadium by skydiver. Rodeo, fireworks and concert. PHOTO FOLSOM PRO RODEO Drone it Up Downtown Grand Park, 210 W Temple St., Los Angeles CA 90012 4-9 p.m. Free. grandparkla.org/event/gloria-molinagrand-parks-4th-of-july-block-party/ If you’re on the hunt for a lively way to celebrate Uncle Sam, head over to Grand Park, and watch Downtown Los Angeles light up for free. This year, the park has swapped out fireworks for drones. On Fourth of July, Grand Park hosts a unique block
Downtown Tahoe City hosts a significant Independence Day celebration. The evening starts with DJ sets and vendors on the streets of Tahoe City. Take a blanket and a picnic to relax on the grass and watch breathtaking drone shows.
Truckee hosts one of the largest 4th of July celebrations, parade, and drone shows in the region. Tickets for the show are sold by Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District. In addition to drones and fireworks, the event includes a Summer Concert on the Green with performances by top tribute bands.
South Lake Tahoe features the Lights on the Lake fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. The display can be viewed from Nevada Beach State Park’s shoreline, which has a picnic and barbecue area as well as Edgewood Tahoe’s Beach Event Lawn. Baldwin, Regan and El Dorado Beaches offer seating. Experienced hikers can watch the fireworks from the top of Mount Tallac for a one-of-a-kind experience.
party, featuring festive food truck fare, a Ferris wheel and two stages of live music. The tunes begin while the sun is still high in the sky, so bring yourself an all-day picnic, no booze allowed, only empty water bottles and relax. Best of all, the event is Metro accessible via the Civic Center/ Grand Park station but $10 parking is also available at the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Watch the drone show, a flurry of some 800 illuminated drones above the Music Center, around 9 p.m.
The city of Ventura will host the annual Ventura Street Fair on July 4 PHOTO CITY OF VENTURA
There’s something about summertime that ushers in an easygoing spirit. The long, hot summer months are often celebrated with backyard barbecues, beach days and spending time with friends and family. It’s a time to fire up the grill, slow down and roll with the punches.
So, when you’re thinking about what to feed your family off the grill, it should be a breeze, and you shouldn’t have to choose between good and good for you. Next time you turn on your grill, consider these tips for creating healthier, flavorful meals you can feel confident serving.
Keep it simple
Skip the complicated recipes that call for a wide variety of ingredients, a multitude of steps and long cook times. Instead, seek out products and dishes that are made with ingredients you recognize and have just a handful of instructions. This will ensure less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
Focus on seasonal, clean ingredients
Get inspired by your local farmer’s market. One of the best parts about summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that can add flavor and nutrients to your plate. Plant-based meat, like the burgers, ground and sausages from Lightlife, are also a healthier swap for traditional animal meat products.
The pea protein-based product line features only simple ingredients, like pea protein, beet powder and red bell pepper, and are non-GMO, gluten-free and soy-free, perfect for use in recipes like this Burger with Grilled Pineapple and Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce.
“I know how hard it can be to create fast and flavorful meals that the entire family will love,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods. “That’s why we’re focused on making delicious food with the cleanest ingredients possible. The fact that they’re all plant-based is just a bonus.”
Don’t forget the sides
Food should be a source of confidence, with everything enjoyed in moderation. To balance your spread of burgers and hot dogs, consider serving fresh asparagus or sweet corn in place of other salty, processed options. Fruits like peaches and pineapple work well on the grill, too, but remember to group produce by similar cooking times.
Aim for a quick and fun cleanup. Perhaps one of
the most overlooked secrets to a stress-free meal is to cut down on cleanup. A backyard barbecue can be one of the easiest messes to maintain as most of the prep is done outside on the grill. Try setting up a buffet line on your deck or patio where your family can build their burgers with customized top-
pings, like cheese, veggies and sauces. Then add a little bit of fun by putting on your favorite music playlist to help make a simple, everyday meal feel even more special.
Visit lightlife.com to discover more plant-based recipes and solutions. (Family Features)
Burger with Grilled Pineapple and Honey Garlic Barbecue Sauce
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
2 rings freshly cored pineapple
2 Lightlife Plant-Based Burger patties, thawed salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup baby arugula
2 sesame seed burger buns, lightly toasted 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
2 tablespoons honey garlic barbecue sauce
Heat grill to medium heat. Grill pineapple slices 4-5 minutes per side until grill-marked and slightly caramelized. Cut slices in half
and set aside. Wipe down grill to cook burger patties.
Season burger patties with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill 4-5 minutes per side until burgers are evenly browned with internal temperature of 165 F.
To assemble, layer handful of baby arugula leaves on toasted bottom buns, top each with burger and two cut slices each of grilled pineapple. Sprinkle on crispy fried onions, drizzle with honey garlic barbecue sauce and place toasted sesame seed bun on top.
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Our Community
“Government’s first duty and highest obligation is public safety.” – Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
As a City Manager, father and community member—the safety of Santa Clarita residents will always be my top priority, especially on the roads. In 2022, the City of Santa Clarita worked with Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Mike Garcia in securing $1.5 million in federal funding to address traffic and pedestrian circulation and safety improvements within our community.
fications is also part of a fire safety route which has been used for evacuation during wildfires in the past. These improvement locations include McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road, Valley Center Drive and Golden Valley Road, Soledad Canyon Road and Golden Oak Road, Copper Hill Drive and Rio Norte Drive, and Copper Hill Drive and Newhall Ranch Road.
In order to better our community, staff works diligently to observe traffic patterns throughout the City and analyze our traffic volumes, which ultimately led to the selection of these improvements and locations. This project will not only affect our residents on a daily basis, but it also directly supports the Sustaining Public Infrastructure theme in the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
gressman Mike Garcia join the Santa Clarita City Council for a momentous occasion, to officially cut the ribbon and mark the beginning of the Traffic and Pedestrian Circulation and Safety Improvements Project. The event was held at Copper Hill Drive and Rio Norte Drive, where modifications will directly help improve traffic congestion for the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and local junior high school.
Now known as the Traffic and Pedestrian Circulation and Safety Improvements Project, this initiative will improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, flow and congestion at five signalized locations and roadways in the City. Modifications include raised center medians to accommodate triple-left turn lane pockets, bus stop relocation, right-turn lane extensions and early access to left-turn lanes. Notably, one of the intersections chosen for modi-
As more businesses and families choose to move to Santa Clarita, traffic congestion is a natural result. To help alleviate known chokepoints during peak hours, this project will help reduce delays for motorists and improve pedestrian safety along our roads. Beyond traffic improvements, these enhancements will also support commercial, retail and residential activities throughout the community.
Earlier this month, we were proud to have Con-
This project not only represents a vital step in enhancing the safety, efficiency and accessibility for our residents on the road and in our community, but also showcases our commitment to creating a City that continuously seeks new and innovative ways to protect and improve our urban environment. To learn more about this project, please visit SantaClarita.gov or follow the City’s social media platforms for updates.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
Sweet Summer Treats that Beat the Heat
Whether your family’s ideal summer day consists of swimming, hiking, biking or simply enjoying the sunshine, all that time in the heat calls for a sweet way to cool off. It’s hard to beat a homemade treat loaded with favorite summertime flavors that’s as cold and creamy as it is sweet and delicious.
For a lighter, better-for-you solution, this Watermelon Gelato has about half the fat and fewer calories than traditional ice cream but with equally mouthwatering flavor.
When a summer weekend offers opportunities for morning kitchen lessons with the kiddos, they can help measure ingredients for Watermelon Ice Cream Bars and watch the magic happen as you mix up a watermelon curd, homemade crust and whipped cream. Once your creation freezes completely throughout the day, turn out and cut into bars for a cold afternoon treat following all that fun in the sun. While sweet and tasty, these desserts also provide a bite of hydration with the power of watermelon, which is 92% water for a delicious way to rehydrate. Find more sweet summer recipe ideas at Watermelon.org. (Family Features)
Watermelon Ice Cream Bars
Servings: 8
Watermelon Curd
3/4 cup watermelon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 cup honey
1 pinch salt
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small cubes
Crust
8 graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons honey
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled basil leaves, for garnish
Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
To make watermelon curd In medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine watermelon juice, lime juice, honey and salt. Stir to combine then add eggs.
Place pan over medium heat and cook, adding cubed butter to pan and stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats back of wooden spoon. Immediately remove from heat and carefully pour through fine mesh sieve. Cool completely in refrigerator.
To make crust Preheat oven to 350 F. In food processor, pulse graham crackers until rough crumbs form. Add honey, salt and melted
butter; pulse until mixture resembles wet sand.
Line 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper then press graham cracker mixture into bottom of pan in even layer. Bake crust about 10 minutes, or until just beginning to brown. Allow crust to cool completely.
Watermelon Gelato
Servings: 8
2 cups pureed watermelon
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup fat-free half-and-half
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup whipping cream
In blender, blend watermelon, sugar, cornstarch, half-and-half, lemon juice and whipping cream until smooth.
Using ice cream maker, process gelato according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To make whipped cream: When crust and curd are completely cooled, in large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently push cream to one side of bowl and pour in watermelon curd. Using spatula, gently fold cream and watermelon curd together until no streaks are visible.
Pour creamy watermelon mixture over graham cracker crust. Freeze dessert completely, 4-6 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, loosen sides with small spatula or butter knife. Turn out onto cutting board and use large spatula to flip so graham cracker crust is on bottom. Cut into eight bars and top each with basil leaf.
Watermelon Ice Cream Bars
ENTERTAINMENT
The Brat Pack Stigma That Touched a Cord with Many
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
‘Brats’
(out of four)
ABC News Studios presents a documentary directed by Andrew McCarthy. Available on Hulu.
When Vulture magazine did a whole thing on “Nepo Babies” in December of 2022, it caused quite the splash and ripple effect, with dozens of other media outlets chiming in on the trend (which has been around since the dawn of entertainment and for that matter just about every other profession), and second-generation entertainers such as Maya Hawke, Zoe Kravitz, Lily-Rose Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow weighing in.
Sunday-Thursday, June 23-27, 2024
Multiply that buzz by 100 and you'll have an idea of the kind of frenzy that surrounded the June 10, 1985, cover story in New York Magazine by
Lyons Ave.
David Blum titled “Hollywood's Brat Pack,” with the subhead, “They're Rob, Emilio, Sean, Tom, Judd and the rest — the young movie stars you can't quite keep straight.” With one clever turn of phrase and a cynical
NEWHALL
the Finest in Film to the SC V!
B Sun: 10:10 1:10 7:20
I AM: CELINE DION gives us a raw and honest behind-the -scenes look at the iconic superstar ’s struggle with a lifealtering illness
T H E B I K E R I D E R S E Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20 THE BIKERIDERS, starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy and Norman Reedus, follows the rise of a midwestern motorc ycle club, the Vandals
T H E L M A C Sun: 10:30 1:30 4:30 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:10
When 93-year- old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her
F I R E B R A N D E Sun: 10:10 4:10; Mon to Thu: 4:10 PM Queen of England, Katherine Parr, struggles to sur vive the perilous last months in the life of her ailing and abusive husband, Henr y VIII
I N S I D E O U T 2 B Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon: 1:00 4:00 7:00; Tue: 10:30 1:00 4:00 7:00; Wed & Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
Return to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquar ters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpec ted: new Emotions!
T R E A S U R E E Sun: 4:10 PM; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
A father- daughter road trip set in 1990s Poland
T U E S DAY E 4:00 PM
A mother and her teenage daughter must confront Death when it arrives in the form of an astonishing talking bird
BA D B OYS R I D E O R D I E E Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20
The world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge - of-your seat ac tion and outrageous comedy
T H E FA L L G U Y C Sun: 10:00 1:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 7:00
He s a stuntman, and like ever yone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our enter tainment
albeit entertaining feature article, Blum pinned a label that stuck like Velcro on a generation of actors who had starred in zeitgeist films such as “Class,” “Sixteen Candles,” “St. Elmo's Fire,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink” and “The Outsiders,” creating the impression they were so busy partying and living the hipster life that they didn't take the work seriously.
Now, some 40 years later, actor/ filmmaker Andrew McCarthy examines the phenomenon and tries to figure out why he's still impacted by the “Brat Pack” stigma in the emotionally authentic and nostalgia-tinged Hulu original documentary “Brats,” which was produced by Neon and Network Entertainment for ABC News Studios.
We see a bounty of film clips as well as snippets of the impossibly young actors appearing on shows hosted by the likes of Charlie Rose, Arsenio Hall, Merv Griffin and Phil Donahue, all of whom invoke the term “Brat Pack,” while in present day, the now 61-year-old McCarthy says, “If you were coming of age in the 1980s, then the Brat Pack was at or near the center of your cultural awareness. I mean, we were who you wanted to hang with, who you emulated, or envied, who you wanted to party with; but for those of us experiencing the Brat Pack from the inside, it was something very different.”
With McCarthy the director relying a bit too heavily on a raw, indie-style approach, McCarthy the intrepid narrator attempts to track down and set up interviews with his former colleagues, and it's a surprise to learn he hasn't talked to most of them in decades — not because of any feuds, but because after the article came out, they all took great pains to distance themselves, personally and professionally, so as not to participate as a punchline in their own lives.
Catching up with Emilio Estevez in Estevez's Malibu home, McCarthy notes they haven't seen each other since the premiere night of “St. Elmo's Fire,” while Estevez recalls how the two were supposed to do a film called “Young Man With Unlimited Capital,” but it didn't happen after the article came out. Visiting Ally Sheedy, McCarthy says, “I had a crush on
you,” to which Sheedy responds, “You did not, Andrew.” McCarthy also talks to “Brat Pack Adjacent” actors Jon Cryer and Lea Thompson, as well as cultural commentator Malcolm Gladwell, who tries to help McCarthy comes to grips with his legacy.
The journey continues, with stops at the respective homes of Rob Lowe and Timothy Hutton and Demi Moore. (All of these actors have clearly done quite well for themselves, whether they're living in oceanside palaces or rustic country homes.)
It becomes clear that while many of them share McCarthy's view that the article was unfair, none has been affected by it nearly as much as McCarthy. Moore says that while she felt the piece was unjust, “Why did we take it as an offense? Because we were young …” Lowe makes the case that those early 1980s movies paved the way for youth-oriented fare such as “Glee” and even “Friends.” We're also reminded of how so many of those films have become beloved, generational touchstones.
We keep wondering if McCarthy will have a face-to-face with Blum, and sure enough, Blum welcomes McCarthy to his apartment. (They've never met before.) It's a cordial, respectful exchange, even ending with a hug, though we can sense the underlying tension, with McCarthy trying to get Blum to acknowledge the harm the article caused, and Blum saying that yes, in retrospect it seems scathing, but, “I actually feel more redeemed than ever. … You were all adults. … It wasn't meant to destroy or hurt anyone.”
As for disappointments … Judd Nelson wasn't available for the documentary, while Molly Ringwald declined to participate. Perhaps she's learned to let it go. One hopes McCarthy will be able to do the same after making this film, but we get the distinct impression the best he can hope for is to learn to live with it and realize it doesn't define him.
Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times
PHOTO CREDIT IMDB
SENIOR LIVING
The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement
Retirement is a milestone that is often the byproduct of decades of hard work. Though a growing number of working professionals have no intention of ever retiring, the vast majority of adults look forward to the day when they can call it a career.
The prospect of early retirement is enticing to millions of people. Though retiring early may seem like a no brainer for individuals in position to do so, a careful consideration of the pros and cons of early retirement can ensure people make the best decision.
Benefits of Early Retirement
For many people, early retirement is less about finding a beach to relax on and more about pivoting to a second career. In fact, a recent report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute indicated that 74% of workers plan to get a new job after they retire.
In such instances, early retirement is often about turning a long-time passion into a second career. That can help adults achieve a lifelong dream, making it one of the better reasons to retire early.
Another advantage to retiring early is the chance to spend more quality time with family. One study from the American Psychological Association found that more than half of working professionals now check work emails after work hours, including on weekends.
Forty-four percent even check their email while on vacation. Early retirement enables individuals to escape that round-the-clock career commitment, affording retirees a chance to spend more unfiltered quality time with the people they love most. Retiring early also provides an opportunity to escape a daily grind that many people have indicated has become increasingly burdensome in recent years. The 2021 Work and Well-Being Survey from the American Psychological Association found that 79% of the roughly 1,500 adults surveyed had experienced work-related stress in the month prior to participating.
Work is a leading cause of stress for many people, and stress has been linked to a host of health problems. Individuals who can retire early can benefit from less stress in their lives.
Disadvantages to Retiring Early
Retiring early can seem like a dream, but it could turn into a nightmare for people whose finances aren’t as robust as they need to be to support a lengthy retirement. One report from the Boston College Center for Retirement Research found that around 50% of working families face a significant decline in their standard of living during retirement. Life expectancy has been on the rise in developed countries since 1900, so retiring too early carries some significant financial risk for people who have saved but not necessarily saved enough.
Retiring early also could make people more vulnerable to cognitive decline than they would be if they keep working. One study from researchers at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews found that people who wait until age 67 to retire experience less cognitive decline than people who retire prior to turning 67.
Out-of-pocket medical costs are another significant disadvantage to retiring early. Employer-sponsored medical insurance tends to cost individuals less than private plans, which is a significant consideration for individuals at a point in their lives when they may need to visit doctors more often.
Early retirement has its advantages and disadvantages. Individuals must consider both to make the best decision for them. (MC)
ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN SANTA CLARITA
Report illegal fireworks anonymously by calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 260-4000.
All fireworks are illegal including those labeled “safe and sane.”
If you light off fireworks you could suffer significant burns and injuries, spark a devastating wildfire, be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.
If you witness someone lighting off fireworks please call the Sheriff’s Station; you could get a $500 reward. Report Fireworks Use (661) 260-4000
CELEBRITY NEWS
QNow that Katy Perry is leaving “American Idol” as a judge, who will take her place? — N.N.
ASinger Katy Perry recently announced that she was leaving “American Idol” as a judge after seven seasons to focus on her own music career. She says that the show opened her heart and has given her an education that she couldn’t have found anywhere else. Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are reportedly staying put for now, but the guesses are already rolling in regarding Perry’s replacement.
One superstar who won’t be taking the job is Kelly Clarkson. Known as the winner of the competition’s first season, Clarkson lives in New York and now hosts her own daytime talk show. In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” she said she had to quit as a judge on “The Voice” because the show films in Los Angeles. Clarkson wants to spend more time with her kids, and “Idol” would take her away from New York and her children.
QDo you know if there is going to be a season two of “Tulsa King” on Paramount+? — J.S.
A“Tulsa King,” starring Sylvester Stallone as a mafia capo newly released from prison, was a huge hit for Paramount+; therefore, it was quickly renewed for a second season. While the setting of the show isn’t changing, production of the show has moved from Tulsa to Atlanta, which probably isn’t surprising after Stallone tweeted two hot summers ago that being in Oklahoma has definitely prepared him for a lifetime in hell if he ever got sent there.
According to Deadline.com, joining the cast in the upcoming season are Rich Ting (“Warrior”) as Jackie Ming, a quiet but ruthless man with his own ambitions in Tulsa. The charismatic Neal McDonough (“Suits”) will play Cal Thresher, a powerful and extremely territorial businessman.
The show was created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the smash-hit series “Yellowstone” and its spin-offs. There’s talk that “Tulsa” could also spawn a spin-off someday if it continues its upward trajectory of success. Paramount’s Tanya Giles said, “The huge success we’ve had with ‘Tulsa King’ and Sylvester Stallone opens up possibilities with Taylor Sheridan. ... His mind works in terms of universes and backstories, so I think there’s always a possibility that there’s more to that universe and more to that story.”
With production on season two currently in progress, expect to see the new episodes premiering on Paramount+ as early as the fall or as late as the beginning of 2025. In the meantime, non-subscribers will be able to watch the first season on CBS later this summer.
QHave they released the Emmy nominations yet? Isn’t the ceremony usually in September? — G.S.
AThe Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 15, this year. The lucky and talented nominees will be announced on Wednesday, July 17. A host hasn’t been announced yet, but Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) was behind the mic last time. Be sure to visit www.Emmys.com for the latest news.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Singer/television personality Katy Perry
Photo Courtesy Depositphotos
Brought to you by Mayor Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Miranda, Councilmember Jason Gibbs, Councilwoman Marsha McLean and Councilmember Laurene Weste.
Continued from page 5
and Sunday, July 14 noon to 8 p.m.
Food, music, dragon boat races, lantern launches and more. The historic event founded in 1972 celebrates the contributions of Asian-Americans to Los Angeles and this year will celebrate the Philippines.
The Lights of Dream Lantern launches will be held Saturday and Sunday at 1:30-5:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Valley Vibes Market Sunday, July 17
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Autry Museum of the American West, Autry Lawn 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
https://theautry.org/events/family-activities/valley-vibes-market
A new market experience featuring
60+ vendors, food trucks, music, fully stocked bar and good vibes. Explore a diverse range of artisanal products, from handmade jewelry and crafts to vintage finds and unique gifts.
Ferrari Day Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Autry in Griffith Park 4700 Western Heritage Way,
Exceptional Breast Cancer Care in Santa Clarita
The new Breast Multidisciplinary Clinic simplifies breast cancer care by combining your specialist appointments into one visit.
Scan or call 661-615-8613 to learn more or request an appointment
Los Angeles, CA 90027
https://theautry.org/events/community-partner-events/ferrari-day-autry Free admission. Ferrari Day by the Southwest Region of the Ferrari Car Club will be held at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park with up to 40 Ferrari’s onsite for a mini car Show.
GARDENING
Turn your backyard garden into
By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer
Living in this part of the country rewards us with a climate that makes it perfect to use the garden after dark.
Most other areas of the country have too much inclement weather or too many aggressive nighttime bugs to regularly relax outdoors after the sun goes down. And since so many of our summer days chase us indoors with excessive heat, the garden becomes even more tempting when temperatures cool at the end of the day.
So why not design your landscape to include nighttime use? After all, a garden can look amazingly magical after dark!
When planning out your garden, keep in mind all the different ways you can use it when daytime is done. Think of extending your living space outdoors for rest and relaxation, entertainment and nighttime sports. There are many ways you can turn your ordinary landscape into a special place that is quite different than the daytime garden you are used to seeing.
Relax
Add comfy chairs, a water feature to provide the calming sound of trickling water and plant night-scented plants for a bit of aroma therapy. You can make your garden into a sensory experience after dark with scented flowers. There is something truly delightful about sitting in a garden aglow with warm nighttime lighting and the fragrance of night-blooming flowers filling the air.
By planting scented flowers in your garden, you can create a romantic experience or stress-healing retreat to enjoy and share after dark. Look for white or light pastel-colored flowers to add visual contrast in the dark.
Scented flowers
Some good night-scented white flowering vines are jasmines like Trachelospermum jasminoides known as Star Jasmine (best planted with some daytime dappled shade), and the pink and white Jasminium polyanthum for full sun.
Moonflowers are another good vine for partial- or full-shade garden areas. But, only use Ipomoea alba. Other other varieties can be poisonous.
For low-growing flowers, try a ground cover of white Alyssum, flowering Tobacco or the Four O’Clock Alba. The Tufted Evening Primrose and the Chocolate flower are two good choices for native, water-wise scented flowers.
Fill a larger space with the shrubby California native Mock Orange (Philadelphus lesisii) for full sun or part shade. Or, try the frost-shy Cestrum nocturnum, the Night-Blooming Jasmine, to permeate the air with a powerful perfume in a protected area.
Casa Blanca Lily or the diminutive Zephranthes drummondii (Rain Lily) are some good bulb choices. They are good to grow in mild sun or part shade, and are not fussy about soil.
There are whites and other colors of Brugmansia, Angle Trumpet (all parts toxic if eaten), Centauria and Tobacco flower that will add color to your garden during the day yet still flood your garden with a gentle nighttime perfume.
You can even design in some of these fragrant flowers near a doorway or window where the scent can filter into your home and soothe you to sleep. Nighttime fun and comfort
Other ways to make your garden inviting at night involve building and furnishing spaces that are comfortable and practical. Design in permanent features like a cozy patio, add tables and chairs, build an outdoor fireplace
or fire pit and maybe a built-in barbecue so you can celebrate the outdoors at night with friends and family.
If you like to entertain, set your backyard up so it is comfortable for evening parties in the garden. Look into some of the decorative and useful furniture being made for outdoor use.
Lighting
Add a lighted sport court, a small hiking path dotted with low voltage or solar lighting or consider a dramatically lit water feature for powerful effects in the evening hours.
Lighting is an art of its own, transforming the same location into something entirely different with light and shadow. Use it in your night garden to pick out focal points, provide safety and transform a dark garden into a magical playground.
With outdoor LED lights embedded in flexible cords, you can even
line walkways or draw outlines in your nighttime scene. There have never been so many choices in lighting effects. Most are energy efficient so they shouldn’t have much impact on your electricity bill. Choose warmer yellows or cooler whites and accent a special area with colored lights for special effects.
Think about all the ways you can make your garden work for you after the sun goes down. Nighttime gardens can be a haven for the inland landscape. Create your own magical garden. You can extend the useful part of your house and lifestyle not only into your garden, but deep into the night.
For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s.
SANTA CLARITA
Signs a Home Exterior Needs Updating
Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.
Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But
curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who aren’t putting their homes on the market. A well-maintained, aesthetically appealing home is a source of pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.
Curling shingles The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the
home. Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water damage when water gets in through the affected shingles.
Dated entry door Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts
Keep Your Home Looking ALLBRiGHT
Alittle extra maintenance today can save you from big repair bills — not to mention headaches! — tomorrow.
Protect your surfaces, repair cracks and wood rot, prevent paint failure, go longer between full repaints and keep your home looking ALLBRiGHT by scheduling your paint project of any size today.
Take advantage of immediate openings — and beat the end-of-summer rush — with Santa Clarita’s favorite locally-owned and operated painting contractor.
ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING has joyfully and skillfully served the SCV for over 35 years — and they’re ready to roll on your home, HOA or business painting job. With ALLBRiGHT’s Painting Happiness™ Guarantee, you can be confident that your paint project experience will be marked by extraordinary customer
service, job-site cleanliness and superior results.
And, because ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING never uses subcontractors, you can also be sure that your painting and repair job will be completed using ALLBRiGHT’s triedand-true methods for a long lasting, gorgeous look that will make you feel ALLBRiGHT!
Right now, ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING can finish your project sooner than you think — no matter the size and scope of your project. From one-room upgrades to whole-community exterior paint and repairs, the award-winning ALLBRiGHT team is ready to save you money, time and stress.
Call ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING today to schedule your complimentary consultation and experience the ALLBRiGHT Painting Happiness™ Guarantee for yourself! 661294-1159.
Green Thumb Garden Center
A Gorgeous Home, Indoors and Out from LA’s Most Beautiful Store!
For more than half a century, Aldik Home has been a go-to source for anyone in Los Angeles looking to beautify their homes. For those looking to create their perfect backyard paradise with high-quality patio furniture, Aldik Home’s collection of Summer Classics patio furniture hits every note.
breathtaking collection of realistic silk flowers, lush silk plants, and one-of-a-kind artificial trees awaits your visit.
Citrus Trees Plant
Citrus Trees Plant
lemons, limes, tangerines, grapefruits and more!
Green Thumb will be closed for annual inventory on Monday July 1, 2024
Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the refined elegance of the yacht-grade Palma collection. When it comes to luxury patio furniture, there’s nothing on the market like Summer Classics and nowhere like Aldik Home to experience the difference. For those looking to beautify the inside of their homes, Aldik Home has you covered in spades. Not only does the store have gorgeous accessories and stunning coffee table books strewn all over, the most
If your whole home needs to be taken to the next level, Aldik Home has you covered inside and out. Stop in today to see why there’s no place like Aldik Home. 7651 Sepulveda Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91405 818-988-5970 ww.AldikHome.com
Custom silk trees with real trunks
Brooke’s Garage Doors, Painting & General Contracting Sophisticated Stone
With just over 22 years of experience backing us up, Brooke’s Garage Doors, Painting & General Contracting has been serving the families of the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Santa Barbara and South Kern Valleys.
Our goal at Brooke’s Garage Doors, Painting & General Contracting is to ensure that our customers feel safe and protected even when they are away. Our customers are our first priority. We are licensed, bonded and insured for your protection.
Jimmy Steedman, the owner and founder, has been in the construction business since he was a teenager. He started with his father-in-law who owned a garage door company. It was at that time Jimmy found his passion for garage doors and serving people
which led him to opening his own garage door business. This soon developed into more when Jimmy found his interest in Painting & General Contracting. This includes, Interior and Exterior Painting, Full Remodels, Stucco Patch and Repair, Cabinet Staining, Patio Covers, Windows and Doors, Kitchen Revamping and much more!
Recently, we had the opportunity to install the Pink Garage Doors for the Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge show on HGTV. This was definitely a fun experience for our team.
No job is too big or too small for us and we love a good challenge. Over the years we have grown and added more and more under our belt. We are thankful to be in business for 22 Years and we plan on continuing to help our customers for as long as possible.
At Sophisticated Stone, we are dedicated to enhancing the beauty of your surroundings. With over 35 years of experience in the surface industry, we have established ourselves as leaders in importing high-quality materials from more than 27 countries worldwide. Our extensive knowledge and expertise enable us to deliver exceptional products that meet the highest standards of excellence.
We take great pride in our commitment to outstanding customer service. Our team is devoted to providing personalized attention and guidance throughout your remodeling journey. We understand that each project is unique, and we strive to ensure that your experience with us is seamless and enjoyable.
We warmly invite you to visit our showroom, designed in a boutique style to offer a distinctive and inspiring atmosphere. Here, you can explore our diverse selection of premium surfaces, from luxurious marbles and granites to innovative quartz and porcelain options. Our carefully curated collection is tailored to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that you find the perfect materials to bring your vision to life.
We believe that remodeling should be a pleasant and rewarding experience. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you every step of the way, from selecting the ideal materials to offering expert advice on design and installation. Let us help you transform your space with elegance and sophistication, making your remodeling dreams a reality. Visit us today and discover the difference that over three decades of passion and dedication can make.
UPDATES
Continued from page 15
can likely benefit from an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a statement and real estate experts note how popular updated front doors are among buyers. Unsightly landscaping It’s not only the physical components of the home that may suggest an update is necessary. Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then consider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-main-
tenance plants or hardscaping. These alternatives to more needy plants can create curb appeal without requiring any extra work for homeowners. Cracked driveways/walkways If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are that’s adversely affecting the impression people have of your home. In addition, cracked walkways indicate a need for renovations, as these areas are front and center when welcoming guests.
Updating a home’s exterior can restore curb appeal and help homeowners feel better about their properties.
(MC)
The Chimney Experts
The Chimney Experts, a family-owned business, is dedicated to helping families stay safe with their fireplaces and chimneys by inspecting, repairing and cleaning them. We work closely with Real Estate agents, homeowners and contractors to inspect structural issues and the integrity of the fire lining to create fire safety.
place and flue, rebuilding and replacing old rusty prefabricated fireplaces. We hold certifications in direct vent gas fireplaces, as well as Fire Investigation Research and Education (F.I.R.E).
My mission is safety for families and their homes when it comes to their fireplaces/chimneys.
We provide quality service at a fair price in the Los Angeles area with unmatched qualification and experience for the following services:
My name is Greg Butler, owner of The Chimney Experts. Personally, I have 36 years of experience working on and inspecting chimneys and fireplaces. Since 1988, I have built a great reputation with troubleshooting, sweeping, restoring and rebuilding fireplaces and chimneys. I have performed literally every kind of repair imaginable on both fireplaces and chimneys.
I make sure jobs are done correctly and aesthetically. My technicians and I specialize in safety inspections on fireplaces and chimneys, restoring the fire lining on the inside of the fire-
• Chimney Inspections (for buyers or sellers)
• Repairs On Chimneys—small and large
• Rebuilds
• Installation Of New Fireplaces
• Changeover from Woodburning to Gas Fireplaces
Please call us at 800-897-8295 so we can help you with our services to keep your family and home safe.
We look forward to personally meeting you!
www.TheChimneyExperts.com
AccountsManager@TheChimneyExperts.com
Homeowners should give due consideration to whether or not plants are considered invasive species before introducing new plants on their properties. According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, invasive species of plants can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals. Invasive plant species also can reduce biodiversity and cause significant fundamental disruptions to local ecosystems. Though non-native plants are often cherished for their unique looks, homeowners planting new gardens or supplementing existing gardens with new plants are urged to plant only native species. Such an approach benefits plants and also local wildlife that depends on native plant species for food and cover. (MC)
Healthy Habits for Pets and Their Owners
Pets are the lights of their owners’ lives. And keeping pets healthy is key to extending the warmth and love for years. Dr. Ernie Ward, nationally renowned veterinarian, pet author and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, offers his ‘Top 5 Healthy Habits’ for pet owners to help ensure pets stay happy and healthy throughout the year:
Healthy Eats and Treats
The most important decision you make each day regarding your pet’s health is what you feed it. When choosing pet food, look for meat as one of the first few ingredients and avoid by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives whenever possible.
When it comes to treats, look for low-cal options. Treats that help maintain healthy joints, clean teeth or ensure pills are taken are recommended. The Greenies Brand specializes in great-tasting treats
these benefits. If you’re going to give treats, make them count!
Brain Boosters
Most people love puzzles — and so does your pet! One of the best ways to feed and treat pets is with a food puzzle. These clever devices hide your pet’s food or treats until they unlock the secret and get their goodies. These tools engage your pet’s brain and bust boredom while you’re away.
Power Play
both ends of the leash. For cats, two or three five-minute play periods are plenty. Walking with your pet can be fun! Try programs like Greenies Wag & Walk 4 Life, and get active with your pet.
Paws Together
It’s more fun to play with other dogs! Socialized dogs are simply better behaved and more fun. Visit a dog park or enroll in training classes. There are endless ways to get you and your dog to interact with other pet lovers.
Pets and Vets
Walking your dog and playing with your cat each day keeps them trim, healthy and mentally alert. Pets that don’t receive enough physical activity have the highest rates of weight-related diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and suffer from behavioral problems. For dogs, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day benefits
Somehow pet owners started believing that the only time you need a vet is when something is wrong with your pet. The secret to a long and healthy life is vet visits when everything appears fine. A pet owner’s primary goal should be to prevent disease, not only treat it. Changes in diet or lifestyle, giving nutritional supplements and exercising more are straight forward solutions. Sometimes you just need a prod; other times a push. Your veterinarian is your pet’s voice; let them speak for your pet by visiting once a year for young pets and twice yearly for those over age seven.
For more best-care tips for pets, visit www.greenies.com and www. drernieward.com. (NewsUSA)
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.
READER LETTERS
The Meaning of D-Day
Robin and I share a family bond. Both our fathers were wounded World War II veterans.
Her father was on the water, taken to a British hospital unconscious after his ship was bombed in the North Atlantic. My father was in the air, known then as the Army Air Corps, later called the U.S. Air Force. His plane in the South Pacific was hit by artillery fire, causing shrapnel wounds to his leg, which almost led to amputation.
Both survived and returned home to have normal family lives, yet neither talked about their war experiences during their time with us.
We celebrated holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but the most important day was June 6, D-Day. Our fathers honored those who participated and inspired them to keep up their fight.
On the recent 80th D-Day anniversary at the beach in Normandy, those who fought were there again, many in wheelchairs in their 90s, and now some over 100, to honor those who did not make it home.
On those beaches, over 2,500 Americans died on June 6, 1944, giving the Allies a foothold back on the European continent to corral the spreading warpath against democracy. At that time, this invasion inspired others, including our fathers in the North Atlantic and the South Pacific.
The reality is sometimes you have to fight. My father was a pacifist, yet because he was raised on a farm and could fly a crop duster, even in his early 40s, he volunteered to serve his country because of the skills he brought to the Air Corps. He exemplified courage, and was our hero.
On June 6, 1944, this nation and many other allied countries fought against despotic leaders and world domination. It was the duty of our fathers to pick up arms and fight back, and they did not sway from this moral obligation.
Democracy is fragile. What would this country be like if our fathers and thousands of others had not had the character and fortitude to protect our nation?
World leaders at Normandy recently praised those present and those who sacrificed their lives. I know our fathers would have been aghast at the ugly rhetoric of anyone who would say those who died were “losers” and “suckers”!
As a geriatric doctor, I cringe to think there might be nursing home residents, men and women, who contributed to defending this country during World War II and are now forgotten.
American leadership must respect and honor those who have served. How we care for our veterans reflects who we are as a nation.
I know our fathers would want to be remembered with the reverence they, as veterans, deserve.
Dr. Gene Dorio Saugus
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Climb That Mountain!
By David Hegg
For centuries, societies depended almost entirely on agriculture. The recognition that ground had to be cleared and plowed, seeds sown, and plants tended was part and parcel of daily life. It took many labors and many days to reach the reward of harvest. The reality of life was that perseverance was necessary. Hard work, consistently exercised over time, was the daily reminder that good things come at a price and that the things that matter most and ultimately bring the most profound satisfaction and fullest joy require a long perseverance in doing the right, even hard, thing.
self-directed, society-contributing citizen is a very long process. You plant seeds daily, water and fertilize them every day, and wait 20 years to see if they bear good fruit. There are no shortcuts, and those who try them usually wonder where they went wrong.
Some time ago, during a tough time of personal reflection and doubt, I received a text from my adult son. The simplicity of the text was surpassed only by its poignancy:
“Listening to your sermon on acceptance, affection, provision and protection in marriage on my way to work. I love you, Dad.” I read it several times until the mist grew so dense I couldn’t focus.
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Today, it is evident we’ve largely lost the value of perseverance. It once was understood that when the going got tough, the tough got going. Today, we don’t know what to do when things don’t work, or when the WiFi dies, and the apps don’t connect. Technology, while enabling us to accomplish so much that is outstanding and helpful, has also reformatted our appreciation of a long obedience in the same direction. We’ve become intoxicated with immediacy. We look at those still using slower ways of doing things as ignorant, if not foolish. Working on the same thing for a whole year seems outrageous. Surely, something can be done to speed things up! After all, we landed men on the moon, can text worldwide, and cook dinner in four minutes. If success and satisfaction can’t be gained right now in my timetable, then I simply must get the latest upgrade.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the latest speed and power as much as the next guy. But I’m seeing that our impatience is leeching over into other areas of our lives. What we have come to expect from our phones and computers we now demand in our relationships and other fundamental areas of life.
Take parenting, for example. Ask any expert on raising kids, and you’ll hear that the best parenting puts basic standards in place and stays consistent over time in expectations, rewards and discipline. It almost doesn’t matter what the standards are as long as you remain consistent. Parents must be on the same page, stay the course despite the whining, crying and circumstances, and consider that raising a solid, compassionate,
For years, we raised our kids to be leaders, readers, courageous and compassionate. And all along the way, we wondered –sometimes daily! – if they would ever really “get it.” But when, as adults, they demonstrate that they can make their own way well in this world, appreciate their parents’ bedrock values, and express their love to those who sacrificed to give them both a life and a lineage, the joy is truly inexpressible.
Whether parenting, running a business, or simply being a useful, beneficial citizen in your neighborhood and society, being good, doing good and standing for good over evil demands perseverance. Success that contributes to the welfare of others will never be the result of taking shortcuts, walking the easy path, holding grudges, or living for oneself. Things that come easily and quickly are usually also the things that are easily forgotten. But those things that take time and require intentional and consistent perseverance produce the stuff of lasting joy. Anything of lasting value is worth the investment of your life, including your time, energy, creativity and prayer. Like the hard-working farmer, let’s never lose sight of the fact that the reward for harvest comes only after months and months of labor. If success is found at the top of the mountain, perseverance means doing what is best and right regardless of how long and challenging the climb. Here’s hoping the generations that come behind us understand the value of hard work and develop the grit to persevere no matter what.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
