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Santa Clarita’s Local HauntEd Houses and Events
Witch City
By Maya Morales Signal Staff Writer
Halloween is the one night out of the year that people can face their fears head-on. Many local residents have turned their homes into nightmare realms, but they may not be as scary as they seem.
Local resident Alan Baxter is the creator of the “Bar Harbor Scares” home haunt. Baxter said this is his fifth year putting on the elaborate home haunt and it all started with his daughter, Grace Baxter.
Several years ago, his daughter brought up how she wanted to go through a Halloween haunted maze, but she was nervous about getting too scared. She wanted to experience the fun of going through a maze and getting spooked. So, Baxter decided to create a home haunt that would be entertaining and chilling for families.
“I know Halloween sometimes the haunts can focus on things that are either gory or violent or too intense for young kids,” said Baxter. “And so for me, I wanted to have something where the kids can actually walk through and not just look at it from a distance and experience it and have their first haunted house walk-through experience.”
His goal was for the visitors of “Bar Harbor Scares” to have a positive association with Halloween and build up their confidence when going through mazes.
Throughout his five years of transforming his front yard, he said he constantly sees the same families coming back to enjoy it. This year the theme focuses on old-school haunted house elements. Baxter said as an ’80s kid, he wanted to recreate his
The Cuestport Haunt BAR HARBOR
childhood experience with Halloween for this generation.
Baxter has his display up for the remainder of October and Nov. 1.
Newhall resident Chad Nix is another creator of a home haunt. Nix has also been hosting an immersive walk-through for five years. This year his walk-through is called “Wildwood Ghost Town” and centers around a wild West theme.
Nix said recently there has been more attention on his haunted walk-through.
“Last Halloween, we had a huge line down the driveway and into the dirt road, and just seeing people excited about coming. It was great energy and an atmosphere for a street that’s normally pretty quiet for Halloween stuff,” said Nix.
His walk-through maze features live actors who take guests through the abandoned ghost town. Nix said a newly added feature this year is interactive special effects.
“It’s supposed to be a ghost town from the California gold rush, and it’s called Wildwood because we’re located back in Wildwood Canyon,” said Nix. “The old West theme is really fun to do because of the history of Newhall and where our city came from.”
Nix got started building walk-through mazes when he moved to Wildwood Canyon. He said his house had the ideal setup for a maze and he had a passion for building.
“I love building and creating stuff, and our walkthrough is built out of mostly recycled and found materials,” said Nix. “So old fences, stuff I find on the side of the road, it’s a fun, creative outlet to make a fun, family-friendly experience for our community.”
Other local residents have put together intricate
yard displays featuring animatronics and decorative lights.
Mark Hartman, creator of the “Witch City” yard display, said he has been building different parts of his display and adding them together since 2019. Hartman used to work in special effects and does lighting for the film industry. He said has a huge love for Halloween and wanted to join the two together.
“I thought it’d be fun just to do an over-the-top decoration weeks before Halloween. So every night, parents and their kids could go for a walk and just kind of enjoy it,” said Hartman.
He added that he felt that during the pandemic Halloween was “cancelled” and diminished. In the recent years, Hartman has wanted to build a display that gives people the Halloween spirit.
“I built a 20-foot Reaper back in 2019 that was kind of fun. And then in 2020 I built a giant pumpkin-headed Reaper thing. And then around 2020, I started purchasing animatronics and making it more of an interactive sort of thing where there’s press pads and you can trigger various animatronics as you walk through it,” said Hartman.
Witch City sits on Hartman’s walkway and is an intricate display featuring animatronics, lights and characters Hartman has made.
Hartman said it is rewarding to see families every year enjoy the hard work that goes into making the displays. With such a busy schedule and limited days off, Hartman said any chance he got on his days off he would spend between eight to 10 hours setting up the display to be ready for October.
“The imagination and the thrill of confronting our fears, because I feel like kids and adults alike,
when you confront your fears, we get a little bit stronger. We get a little bit braver,” said Hartman. “And to me, that’s kind of what Halloween is all about. It’s about enjoying the things that scare you
in a safe environment and knowing that that you can conquer your fears.”
Hartman said he hopes more people get into the Halloween spirit and decorate their houses in an
elaborate way. If you would like to submit a haunt to be added to the list, please email the information to citydesk@signalscv.com. NAME
Walk-Through Haunted Houses
Bar Harbor Scares 23935 Bar Harbor Ct., Valencia 91355 Oct. 18-20, 25, 27, Nov. 1 (7-9 p.m.) Free
Beware the Dark Realm 28621 Sugar Pine Way, Canyon Country 91390 Oct. 26 and 31 (7-10 p.m.) Free
Coffinwood Cemetery 27159 Waterford Dr., Valencia 91354 Oct 18-19, 25-26, 31 (7-10 p.m.) Free Damian's "Not-So-Haunted" House 24709 Airville Ave., Newhall 91321 Oct. 18-19, 24-26, 28-31, Nov. 1 ( 5-8 p.m.) Free
Dangling Carrot’s Grisly Garden 27420 Avenue Scott, Valencia 91355 Oct. 10 to Nov. 2 (5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
The Haunt at Wisterly Manor 21620 Wisterly Ct., Saugus 91350 Oct. 26 and 31 (7-10 p.m.)
$20-$60
Free Wildwood Ghost Town 24133 Cross St., Newhall 91321 Oct. 19, 25, 26, 31 (6-10 p.m. No actors: 6-7 p.m.) Free Yard Displays
Crazy Clown$ 21147 Winterset Dr., Canyon Country 91350 Oct. 12 to 31 (6:45-9:45 p.m.)
Cuestport Haunt 23235 Cuestport Dr., Valencia 91354 Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 (7-10 p.m.)
Free, Donations Acccepted for St. Jude's, tinyurl. com/45ajep8n
Nightmare on Linda Vista St 28343 Linda Vista St., Canyon Country 91387 Oct. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-31 (6:30-10 p.m.) Free
Pumpkin Hallow Haunt
Saw
22702 Pear Ct., Canyon Country 91390 Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 (6-10 p.m.)
Free
24044 Via Vizcaya, Valencia 91354 Oct. 25-27, Oct. 30-31 (beginning at sundown) Free
Shiver: Tender is the Flesh 26154 Montolla Ln., Valencia 91355 Oct. 19 to 31 (7:30-10 p.m.) Free
Sombras Cemetery
Witch City
26041 Sombras Ct., Valencia 91355
Oct. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 31; Weekdays/Sundays lights only (7-10 p.m.) Free
25420 Vía Jardin, Valencia 91355 Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 (7-11 p.m.)
Free, Donations Accepted, tinyurl.com/55jvdvmb
Woodlark Swamp 26326 Woodlark Ln., Valencia 91355 Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, Nov. 1 and 2 Free Events
Bob Baker Marionettes Spooktacular 24607 Walnut St., Newhall 91321 Oct. 19 (11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
$5 Community Hike 20303 Newhall Ave., Newhall 91321 Oct. 26 (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
Floating Pumpkin Patch 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita Oct. 26 (4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
Halloween Fiesta 22421 Market St., Newhall 91321 Oct. 25 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Haunted Hike: The Forbidden Trail 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic 91384 Oct. 25, 26 (6:45-9:30 p.m.); Oct. 27 (6:45-9 p.m.)
SCV Sheriff's Station Carnival & Haunted Jailhouse 26201 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita Oct. 27 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Spooktacular Kids Festival 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic 91384 Oct. 26 (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Trunk or Treat
$15 General Adm. $25 VIP
$5 donation for SCV Boys and Girls Club
27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country 91351 Oct. 25 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Valencia High School's Haunted Hallway 27801 N. Dickason Dr., Valencia Oct. 29 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Free, Donations accepted for American Cancer Society
New Survey Predicts 2025 Siding Color of the Year
Planning to update your home siding this year? If you’re like many Americans, you’ll likely stick to neutral hues.
In the third annual national survey recently conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Alside, a leader in exterior building products, American homeowners reaffirmed off-white/cream as the most popular siding color (18%) if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025 — extending its reign for three consecutive years.
Understated elegance continues to dominate the market, with 42% of American homeowners saying they would go for a timeless, neutral look if choosing an exterior home color in 2025.
“The persistent preference for neutral and classic aesthetics like off-white and cream speaks to the palette’s versatility and its ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home,” said Ryan Gibson, business director, Vinyl & Composite Cladding.
Conversely, bold colors are the least likely to be chosen by homeowners. In fact, 33% of American homeowners say one of the colors they would most likely avoid if updating their home exterior in 2025 is red.
“There is certainly a place for bolder colors. They are often used more prominently in certain architec-
Ytural styles and can add a vibrant, eye-catching element when used thoughtfully. The key is to balance it with neutral tones and consider the overall style of the home and neighborhood,” added Gibson.
Exterior Color Preference
After off-white/cream, white (16%), light brown (13%), light gray (11%) and medium blue (8%)
Your Guide to Replacing Home Siding
our siding gives your home character and curb appeal while protecting it from the elements. To help you make sensible, stylish decisions, here are some fast facts about three popular varieties of siding.
Board and batten The use of board and batten vertical siding originated hundreds of years ago as a practical solution for covering the spaces between the boards on the exterior of a home or barn. Today, it portrays a rustic farmhouse style and handmade quality, but its strong vertical lines have modern appeal that can enhance many architectural styles, from popular Craftsman to timeless Victorian. New materials are blending this classic look with the modern engineering of high-performance super polymer vinyl siding. ProVia’s board and batten siding, for example, is low maintenance with a built-in weather barrier so you never have to paint, stain or caulk your home’s exterior. It’s also available in a range of colors.
Shake and staggered shingle Featured in American homebuilding since the 1600s, there are few other cladding options as distinctive and traditional as cedar shake and staggered shingle siding. If you love this look but are concerned about
maintaining this kind of siding, you’re in luck. These days, certain manufacturers are preserving the authenticity of this look using engineered vinyl materials. The result? Greater durability and far superior moisture resistance.
Insulated siding If you’d like additional protection from extreme temperatures, impacts and even noises for greater peace of mind and comfort, insulated siding may be the right choice for you. Showcasing an authentic cedar woodgrain texture, CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding from ProVia is an example of siding providing a combination of beauty, durability and energy efficiency. It combines rigid foam EPS insulation with the manufacturer’s Super Polymer vinyl siding.
When you begin the process of shopping for house siding, it can feel overwhelming to identify which styles or colors you might want for your home. Get inspired by how other homeowners have styled their siding by visiting provia.com/ siding/gallery.
Thankfully, it’s possible to make home exterior updates that add to both the beauty and functionality of your home. When replacing home siding, do a little research to get the style and color you want using materials that keep your home, and your household, safe and comfortable. (SPT)
rounded out the top five color choices among American homeowners, if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025.
Color choice doesn’t stop at siding though. When adding complementary colors to accent home exteriors, about 62% of American homeowners typically match the trim with their siding color. Other answers include:
• Shutters (43%)
• Porches and decks (38%)
• Roofing (32%)
When asked how they would choose the exterior color, homeowners cite several key factors. In addition to going for a timeless, neutral look (42%), top answers include:
• Cost (36%)
• Availability (25%)
• Their spouse or significant other will pick (22%)
• Based on something they saw in a magazine/ home improvement show (20%)
• Meets HOA/local guidelines (20%)
Siding Material Preference
American homeowners are likely incorporating the trend of embracing warm neutrals into their specific siding material choices. Stone (25%) was the leading material preference they would choose when planning to purchase new siding. Mixed materials were a close second, with 22% of homeowners saying they would choose to mix stone, stucco or siding, perhaps for a balanced home exterior aesthetic. Vinyl (14%), vertical board and batten composite cladding (12%) and engineered wood (12%) rounded out the rest of the top five material choices. For more home exterior inspiration and trends, visit alside.com.
If your 2025 plans include home exterior updates, consider how your selections will impact your home’s long-term curb appeal and value. (SPT)
Neutral and classic aesthetics, such as off-white and cream, speaks to the palette’s versatility and its ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home.
Tips to Be Prepared for Cooler Weather
Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. In fact, understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care.
Despite the old adage that “you’ll catch your death of cold,” the cold itself doesn’t cause illness. More accurately, the cold is more hospitable to viruses, making it easier for them to spread. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your health when temperatures drop.
Protect Your Immune System
A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to ward off intrusive germs. If you’re otherwise healthy, protecting your immune system can be as simple as stepping up typical healthy habits, like eating plenty of nutrient-rich produce, getting enough sleep and exercising. Managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful in managing your body’s immune response.
If your immune system is compromised by an underlying condition, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what you can do to add an extra layer of protection during the cooler months, including any vaccines that may help boost immunity.
Combat Congestion
Cool, dry conditions can wreak havoc on your nasal passages, drying them out and reducing the protective layer of mucus that helps fight infection. Sinus pressure and congestion are often some of the first warning signs you’re coming down with something.
To treat your congestion symptoms, you can use a non-medicated option like Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray. This is the first-ever saline product with a nozzle that lets you switch between two spray pressures. The “gentle mist” helps clear everyday congestion and soothes the nose while the “power jet” helps clear tough nasal congestion often associated with colds. An added benefit is that the product can be used for children 2 years of age and older on the gentle mist setting and children 6 years of age and older on the power jet mode.
Spend Time Outdoors
People naturally spend more time indoors when temperatures drop, but there are some benefits to getting outdoors. One is the natural exposure to vitamin D. Sunlight is a natural source of this important vitamin, which plays a pivotal role in immunity. Sunlight also triggers the body to produce serotonin, which boosts your mood, and multiple studies show a strong correlation between mental and physical health.
Fresh air and exercise are also good for your overall health, and exposure to daylight can help keep your circadian rhythms regulated, which in
turn promotes better sleep. What’s more, acute exposure to cold can trigger your body to produce infection-fighting cells, so you’re less prone to illness.
Practice Good Hygiene
It may seem overly simple, but the everyday act of washing your hands can play a big role in preventing illness, especially after you spend time in public places. While out and about, you likely come in contact with many surfaces others may have touched, including door handles, shopping carts, touch screens and menus.
Washing your hands frequently can help prevent you from transferring germs to your body when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Also make a habit of wiping down surfaces you touch frequently, such as your keyboard and phone, with disinfectant wipes.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body well-hydrated throughout the day can help ensure all your body’s systems are functioning as they should. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t use the nutrients you consume properly, which affects your immunity. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body before they can cause an infection.
Find more practical tips and products to help manage your health during the colder months at Mucinex.com. (Family Features)
How to Relieve Nasal Congestion
Normally your sinuses are empty except for a thin layer of mucus. When you’re exposed to irritating triggers, like bacteria, a cold or flu virus, allergies or environmental triggers like tobacco smoke and dry air, your body responds by mounting an immune response.
The delicate tissues lining your sinuses start to swell, and this, in turn, puts pressure on the underlying tissues in your face, causing painful sinus pressure.
You can relieve sinus pressure symptoms in several different ways, including:
• Using a humidifier or vaporizer.
• Taking a long, hot shower; it may have the same effect as using a humidifier if one is not available.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Using a warm compress on your face; resting a warm towel over your sinuses may provide relief.
• Irrigating your sinuses. Using a neti pot; saline nasal spray, such as Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray; or syringe with salt water may help flush debris from your sinuses to relieve sinus congestion.
• Sleeping with your head elevated. If these steps don’t work, the next approach is typically over-the-counter medicine. When trying to relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion, look for a decongestant. A decongestant can help shrink mucus membranes that have swollen in your sinuses, allowing the trapped mucus to drain. (Family Features)
By Ken Striplin
Santa Clartia City Manager
Vote Santa Clarita
“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this world and the future.” — Sharon Salzberg
Voting for open Santa Clarita City Council seats will look different this year. As we prepare for the upcoming elections on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, make sure you know how redistricting has changed our local voting landscape - before you cast your ballot.
Following a settlement agreement, the City of Santa Clarita has transitioned to district-based elections for its City Council seats, starting with this year’s 2024 City Council election. In this new system, the City is divided into five districts, allowing voters within each district to cast one vote for a candidate residing in that same area. Santa Clarita has always operated staggered elections, meaning two out of the five seats will be contested in November 2024. Prior to this settlement, all residents had the opportunity to vote for all open Council seats, and all eligible residents had the opportunity
to run for any open City Council seat. With our staggered elections, two seats will be open this November – in District 1 and District 3. Given that current Councilmember Jason Gibbs was the sole candidate to file for District 3, the City Council held a special meeting on August 19, and appointed Councilmember Gibbs to the seat for a new four-year term. As a result, voters in District 3 will not see City Council candidate names on their ballot in November, leaving only District 1 voters electing a new Councilmember to represent their district. District 1 encompasses Old Town Newhall and extends eastward to the central part of Canyon Country along Soledad Canyon Road.
Residents in Districts 2, 4 and 5 will get to vote for a City Council candidate who lives in their district during the November 2026 election. You can find out more information about the settlement process by visiting SantaClarita.gov/District-Elections.
This shift to district-based elections not only changes the way we vote but also highlights the significance of civic engagement at the local level. Voting is more than just a right; it is a civic duty and an essential part of our commitment to one another, our community and our future. As citizens of Santa Clarita, the decisions we make at the ballot box have a direct impact on the issues that affect
our daily lives, from local infrastructure and public safety to community development and environmental policies. As we prepare for the upcoming election, let’s remember the importance of participation. Your vote matters. It is the most direct way to influence change, ensure accountability and help shape the direction of our City, County, State and Country. Each vote represents a voice in our collective future.
For more information about voting, election procedures or to determine which district you live in, visit SantaClarita.gov/City-Clerk/Elections. Let’s make sure that every eligible voter is prepared and empowered to cast their ballot this November.
Ken Striplin is Santa Clarita’s City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
GET BACK TO CANCER SCREENING
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.
A Creepy Halloween Dinner and Dessert
By Rian Handler Delish.com
Dinner on Halloween can be anything but regular — it’s gotta be spooky!
Our classics have been Jack-’o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers and Ghost Pizza Bagels, but now we’re obsessed with turning ordinary meatballs into scary works of art by making them look like monster eyeballs. All you need is some mozzarella (fresh works best since it’s thicker) and black olives.
Eyeball Pasta
Yields 4 serving(s)
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. Panko bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, beaten Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. spaghetti
1 1/2 c. marinara, warmed Ciliegine, cut into rounds
Black olives, sliced crosswise into rounds
Directions
Preheat oven to 400° and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
In a large bowl, add beef, onion, Panko, garlic, parsley, and egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix ingredients together with a rubber spatula or your hands until well combined, then shape into 1” balls. Place onto baking sheet.
Bake until meatballs for 13 minutes, then to each meatball, add a piece of cheese and olive to create “eyeballs.” Bake until cheese is melty, 2 minutes more.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to platter. Pour warm marinara sauce over spaghetti, then scatter with meatballs.
Witch Finger Cookies
By Brooke Caison Delish.com
Awitch finger cookie is exactly what it sounds like: a shortbread cookie dyed green, shaped into a severed finger, and adorned with an almond nail and perfectly drippy bit of blood-red jam. For a little added texture and flavor, I added chopped pistachios. Believe it or not, pistachio chunks make for frighteningly accurate witch warts. Who knew?!
Ingredients
Yields 50
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 1 hr 50 mins
Ingredients
1 1/4 c. (145 g.) confectioners’ sugar
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
5 to 6 drops green food coloring
2 3/4 c. (330 g.) all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 c. finely chopped pistachios (about 70 g.), plus more for decorating
3/4 c. sliced almonds (about 85 g.)
1/2 c. (135 g.) cherry, strawberry, or raspberry jam
Directions
In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl using a handheld mixer), beat confectioners’ sugar and butter on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and continue to beat until incorporated and fluffy, about 1 minute more. Add almond extract, vanilla extract, and food coloring and beat until combined.
In a small bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add to butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Fold in pistachios. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment. Remove one-quarter of dough from refrigerator and portion into 12 to 13 (1-Tbsp.) balls. Roll each ball between your palms until it starts to form a finger shape, about 3” x 1/2”, or the length of your pinky finger but slightly thinner. Arrange logs on prepared sheet and press an almond slice into each, where the nail would be on a finger. Carefully pinch dough just below almond and halfway down log to create a knuckle. Using a sharp knife, carve horizontal lines of varying lengths into knuckle. Place 1 or 2 pistachio pieces in finger to make warts. Repeat with remaining dough. Freeze 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°. Bake cookies, rotating trays front to back halfway through, until edges are firm and tops are dry, 7 to 9 minutes, Let cool slightly. Gently lift off almond fingernail. Add a tiny dab of jam to tip of finger, then replace almond fingernail, pressing down to make jam ooze out. Spread jam onto bottom of each finger. Let cool completely.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Disclaimer’ May Not Satisfy Everyone, ‘But It’s Intriguing’
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
‘Disclaimer’
(out of four) Fridays on Apple TV+.
After two episodes of the lurid and twisted psychological thriller “Disclaimer” on Apple TV+, I was thinking: Boy, they’re really making us work to keep up with all this back and forth — but it’s intriguing! After six episodes, I was poised to call this one of the best TV offerings of 2024.
After the seventh and final episode, which was jam-packed with more wild twists than the Raging Bull roller coaster at Six Flags Great America, I settled on a positive review, with some reservations. Is it worth the time investment? Thanks to the cinematic direction and haymaker of a script from the brilliant Alfonso Cuaron (“Children
of Men,” “Gravity,” “Roma”) and the dynamic performances from a stellar cast led by Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, absolutely. Will some viewers feel as if they’ve been plot-catfished by some of the hoary tropes and
whiplash reveals in that series finale? No doubt.
As we noted in our review of the recent Netflix series “The Perfect Couple,” the surefire recipe for glossy, prestige-project limited series thrillers about privileged people in hot water includes the key ingredient of a bestselling page-turner from the 2010s, and “Disclaimer” stays true to the formula with creator-writer-director Cuaron adapting Renee Knight’s 2015 novel of the same name. (For those who have read the book, I’ll refrain from revealing whether it adheres to the plot.)
Blanchett’s Catherine Ravenscroft is an acclaimed documentarian who lives in a beautifully appointed London rowhouse with her adoring and wealthy husband, Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen, playing it straight and playing it well), and as they return from a gala honoring Catherine’s work and a couple of glasses of vintage red wine, all seems well and nearly perfect in their lives.
featured in period-piece films such as “The Sting,” the series toggles back and forth between present-day London and a seaside summer resort in Italy some 20 years earlier. (The gold-hued cinematography in the flashback sequences perfectly captures the hazy, almost dreamlike feelings of a somewhat faded memory.) Leila George is stunning and strikingly memorable as the younger Catherine, who engages in a passionate affair with Stephen’s son Jonathan (Louis Partridge) while her husband is away on business. The first erotic encounter between Catherine and Jonathan is equal parts steamy and ridiculous (Kylie Minogue’s name is invoked multiple times, I kid you not), while the scene in which Jonathan drowns is so harrowing and terrifying, you find yourself holding your breath.
Tarrell’s path to success is derailed by an unexpec ted visit from his estranged father, a recovering addic
desperate to reconcile the past
S M I L E 2 E Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events
TO M P E T T Y: H E A R T B R E A K E R S B E AC H PA R T Y Sun: 7:30 PM
The classic ‘80s documentar y captures Tom Petty and the band in 1982-1983 as they finish, promote, and tour around the “Long After Dark ” album
P I E C E BY P I E C E B Sun to Tue: 12:50 3:05 5:15 7:30; Wed: 12:50 3:05 5:15; Thu: 12:50 3:05 5:15 7:30
Told through the lens of LEGO animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music ’s most innovative minds
S AT U R DAY N I G H T E Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20
At 11:30pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television and culture forever
T H E A P P R E N T I C E E Sun: 1:10 4:10; Mon: 1:10 4:00; Tue & Wed: 1:10 4:10 7:10; Thu: 1:10 4:10
Eager to make his name as a hungr y scion of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, a young Donald Trump comes under the spell of attorney Roy Cohn
LO O K BAC K Sun: 10:20 AM
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper
W H I T E B I R D C Sun: 10:00 4:00; Mon to Thu: 4:00 PM Julian is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic stor y of her attempts to escape Nazi- occupied France during WWII
P L AC E B O: T H I S S E A RC H F O R M E A N I N G Wed: 7:30 PM
T H E W I L D RO B OT B Sun: 10:30 1:30 4:30 7:30; Mon to Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:30
A robot is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings
T H E S U B S TA N C E E Sun: 10:00 AM
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You Only better in ever y way You’ve got to tr y this new produc t It changed my life
T E A R S F O R F E A R S L I V E C Thu: 7:00 PM Tears For Fears Live (A Tipping Point Film) was captured during The Tipping Point Tour Par t 2 in 2023
Hold that thought. The premiere episode also introduces us to one Stephen Brigstocke (the great Kevin Kline, with a British accent that sounds like an accomplished American actor doing a British accent), a rumpled and eccentric former teacher who is convinced Catherine was directly responsible for the death of his college-age son some 20 years ago and was at least partially responsible for the passing of his wife, Nancy (Lesley Manville), many years after that.
When Catherine receives a package from an unknown sender containing a novel titled “The Perfect Stranger,” her reaction quickly shifts from mildly curious to horrified, as the book is a thinly veiled expose accusing Catherine of hideous misdeeds two decades ago from a chapter in her life that she thought she had escaped. It’s no spoiler to reveal the novel was written by Nancy as she was dying from cancer, and that Stephen has had the book published as part of an intricate and depraved master plan to destroy Catherine. With the use of the “iris in, iris out” transition technique that dates back to the silent era and has been
(We also see Kline and Manville in the flashback sequences, and the digital de-aging is so flawless that if you clicked across one of those scenes in “Disclaimer” and didn’t know it was a 2024 release, you’d think you were watching a movie from 2004 starring Kevin Kline and Lesley Manville. It’s uncanny.)
In present day, the formerly icycool Catherine begins to unravel as her husband, her sullen and troubled 25-year-old son (Kodi SmitMcPhee) and her colleagues read the book and in some cases are provided with further evidence the affair really happened, and that Catherine is indeed responsible for Jonathan’s death. But as “Disclaimer” establishes at the outset, the truth depends on who’s shaping the narrative (the series has more than one character doing voice-overs), and it’s not until that quite mad final episode that all comes into focus.
At the core of it, “Disclaimer” is elegant trash. It’s the TV series equivalent of that juicy beach novel you bought at the beginning of last summer, the one that plunged you into a world filled with complicated and deeply flawed people caught up in a web of intrigue. It’s best enjoyed if you don’t check the Logic Meter readings too many times.
©IMDB
Motivation, Growth Mindset, and Aging
By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer
Currently, I have the good fortune of teaching an online professional development course for university professors in Taiwan. What is even more exciting is that I will be visiting Taiwan for 2 weeks. I am working with professors who are preparing to teach their courses in English with student-centered learning strategies.
Before I retired, my professional development focused on active and collaborative learning. The research on how we learn and what motivates us is fascinating. But since I retired, I have not had the opportunity to apply these approaches. It’s been inspiring to read new research and review the strategies that I compiled.
Granted, it has been an overwhelming project to re-learn technology and write curriculum. It’s been exhausting and time-consuming. So why do I feel eager and stimulated?
What motivates people is a thought-provoking
question. We discuss this frequently in the context of an optimal learning environment, but it’s also a concept that relates to us as we retire and face the blank slate of unencumbered time. What will motivate us and sustain us as we age? What goals do we have and how much time and energy do we want to invest?
Motivation has been defined as Value x Expectancy. If I value something, it is meaningful and I want to pursue it. It gives me a sense of self-worth, competence, joy, or belonging. It presents a challenge that is personally interesting.
But that’s only half of it. Expectancy is the belief that, with commitment and sufficient effort, I can achieve the goal. If I value something like being a ballet dancer, but I feel that even with hard work and dedication I will never achieve it, this dampens my motivation. To be motivated, I have to want the goal and believe that with reasonable commitment I can accomplish it.
As educators we try to help students be mindful of these factors that foster intrinsic motivation. The more students value an education, for example, the more motivated they are to achieve it, and the more willing they are to experience inconvenience, frustration, and effort.
One facet of motivation is having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence is defined from birth and cannot change or develop. If effort is needed, the difficulty confirms that a person is not intelligent. This perspective prevents people from taking on challenges for fear of failure and the accompanying shame. A growth mindset is the belief that basic qualities can be developed. Effort and challenge lead to growth; we change and evolve through reflecting on how we learn.
In order to be life-long learners as we age, we can nurture this self-awareness about what goals we value and how we might achieve them. We can set realistic goals. We can reflect on our response to challenges and mistakes. Having a growth mindset allows us to push out of our comfort zone, take a risk, and learn more about ourselves.
Whatever our dreams, they provide motivating energy and inner fire. We nurture the spark with self-awareness, knowledge, and belief in ourselves.
Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 35-year SCV resident, and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecond wind.signal@gmail.com
One Renovation Project With Huge Potential Returns
Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property can increase the value of your home, become a source of rental income, or help you expand your living space for your adult children or parents.
If you don’t know what an ADU is, you’re in good company. A 2023 Freddie Mac survey found that 71% of respondents were unfamiliar with the concept.
ADUs are often known as in-law apartments, granny flats, carriage houses or secondary suites. According to Freddie Mac, here’s why investing in adding an ADU may be worth it:
The basics An ADU is a smaller, independent residential structure built on the same lot as a single-family home.
To qualify as an ADU, the additional living area needs to include a kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance. Common examples include a
dwelling over a detached or attached garage, a suite above the main floor of the home, a basement apartment or a detached structure such as a guesthouse or backyard cottage.
The benefits Building an ADU on
your property may contribute to the supply of affordable housing in your area, but it also has a wealth of benefits for you, the homeowner. It can boost the value of your home by as much as 35%, and become a potential source of extra income if you rent your ADU to a tenant.
cies vary by location and change frequently.
Make sure you understand any federal, state or local laws involved with renting your ADU. Discussing this with an attorney is one option. To find your zoning code, check your local government’s website or reach out to your local zoning or building code office.
Financing You should create a construction budget and consider how you will pay for a new ADU or renovations to an existing ADU.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to pay the expenses upfront. There are loans designed to help you pay for improvements to your home.
For example, Freddie Mac CHOICE Renovation is a financing solution that can provide you with funding to add an ADU on your property. Speak with your lender about the financing options available to you and which may best suit your needs.
To learn more about home equity and renovating your home, visit My Home by Freddie Mac.
An ADU can also make for a great home office, guest house or workshop, or be a good solution if your adult children are returning to live with you, or you are the caretaker to aging or disabled relatives.
Eligibility Before adding an ADU to your home, you will need to learn about the zoning codes that apply to your property. Ordinances and poli-
Whether you’re looking for a way to increase your property value or create a living space for a loved one, adding an ADU can be a rewarding investment. While navigating zoning laws, renovation budgets and landlord responsibilities may seem daunting, there are many resources available to guide you through the process. (SPT)
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Room Addition
room addition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but the experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000.
The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition.
An online calculator can provide some basic estimates about the final cost of a room addition,
but homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be to add a room to their homes.
Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it’s worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale.
In fact, the “Cost vs. Value Report 2021” from Remodeling magazine found that a midrange primary suite addition with an initial cost of $156,741 had a resale value of nearly $86,000. (MC)
An ADU can be a guest house, workshop or a home office. ©ADOBE STOCK
A Germination Troubleshooting Guide
Sowing seeds is an act of faith. The rewards — sweet carrots, beautiful baby beets, delicious salad greens, and more — create a powerful incentive to do it again, and again, year after year. But, every so often, the results are disappointing.
What is a gardener to do? For one thing, don’t give up! As you build experience, your garden will flourish, and you will gain the confidence and knowledge that you need to get it right — every time.
Carrot seeds can take time to germinate. Keep seedbeds moist by laying moist burlap or row cover fabric over the soil. Remove it when seedlings appear.
Germination Solutions
Problem Seeds do not germinate.
Solutions There are a few possible reasons for poor germination, each with its own solution. The most common are:
Poor seed quality. Buy from a reputable seed company. Home Garden Seed Association member companies (www.ezfromseed.org/shop.htm) share information about seed quality issues, and are vigilant about good germination rates and seed freshness. Some seed types can be saved for a couple years but others — onions, parsley and spinach — should be bought fresh every year.
Incorrect planting depth. Most, but not all, seeds germinate in either light or darkness. But some — such as lettuce, impatiens and coleus — require light to germinate. Plant them too
Soil is too cold, or hot. Most seeds will germinate well when the days lengthen and the soil warms. Keep in mind, however, that the ground heats up more slowly than the air. Generally speaking, seeds germinate well when nights are consistently above 50°F, but there are exceptions. Spinach, for example, needs cool soil; and eggplants, peppers, and melons prefer warm soil. Time your planting accordingly or germinate seeds indoors, where you can control the temperature.
Starting seeds indoors will give you more control over variables that can cause poor germination.
Problem Garden germination is spotty.
Solution If some seed germinates well, but parts of a row come up empty, suspect seed- or seedling- eating insects or animals. Slugs, snails, and crickets dine on seeds and seedlings, cucumber beetles can make squash seedlings disappear overnight and ants will carry your seeds away to their underground stash. What to do? Try a second sowing and cover it with row cover or burlap to exclude such pests as crickets and cucumber beetles. Iron phosphate baits such as “Sluggo” and “Escar-Go!” deter slugs and snails, and are harmless to pets and people.
Solution Thin! Yes, it is difficult to snip a living plant off at its base, but you must if you want to grow beets, carrots, radishes or turnips of any size.
Wait until seedlings have two sets of leaves and, very carefully, remove weaker seedlings — use scissors to avoid disturbing the neighboring plants. This can be done in two stages. Refer to seed packets for specifics on final spacing.
Problem Seeds germinate and growth is good, but young plants disappear overnight.
Solution Suspect rabbits or, worse, groundhogs. A good fence, with a wire barrier buried at least 6 inches underground, will keep them out. Sometimes, however, all it takes to deter critters (assuming they’re not too hungry) is covering plants with floating row covers.
If beet or chard germination is a problem, try setting mousetraps. For ant problems, rimming your row with baking soda or a string soaked with citrus oil may help. Or, rearrange your plantings so that direct-sown seeds are in areas with minimal ant activity.
Mice can sniff out beet seeds, hollow them out and reduce germination to almost nothing.
Problem Seeds germinate, but plants fail to thrive.
Solution This is more than likely a soil problem. The soil is too wet, too dry, too compacted, too deficient in necessary nutrients, or the pH is too extreme. Start by checking the drainage of your soil with a simple drainage test: dig a 12-inch hole and fill it with water, if it doesn’t drain in 30 minutes, raised beds are your answer. Good soil preparation, and the addition of generous amount of compost, will solve many soil problems. A soil test will give you a complete picture of the structure and quality of your soil.
It’s important to thin seedlings of root vegetables, such as beets, so roots can develop properly.
Problem Seeds germinate well but root vegetables do not develop properly.
Groundhogs and rabbits will chew kale seedling down to a nub overnight, given the chance.
Visit these Seed Company links for information on successful seed starting, indoors and out.
Botanical Interests www.botanicalinterests.com/articles/view/18/ Getting-the-Best-Germination
High Mowing Seeds www. highmowingseeds.com/sb-factors-affecting-germination-of-organic-seeds.html
Renees Garden www.reneesgarden. com/articles/start_seeds.html
Burpee http://www.burpee.com/ seed-starting/seed-starting-basics-article10018.html. (Home Garden Seed Association)
Carrot seeds can take time to germinate. Keep seedbeds moist by laying moist burlap or row cover fabric over the soil. Remove it when seedlings appear
CELEBRITY NEWS
QMy wife and I really enjoyed the premiere of the new “Matlock” with Kathy Bates, but there have been no subsequent episodes. Did it change nights?
— K.L.
AThe new “Matlock” reboot recently debuted on CBS on a Sunday night at 8 p.m., but the next episode wasn’t slated to be broadcast until Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 p.m. ET. It was a huge ratings hit, becoming CBS’s best premiere in over five years. It continues to generate big numbers on the streamer Paramount+ as well. The question is, will fans follow the show to Thursday nights three weeks after the pilot episode aired? Granted, CBS will re-air the pilot on Oct. 10 in the new time slot, so this should reignite interest in the show. I personally think they should keep
BOOK REVIEW
“Matlock” on Sunday nights, as older audiences will likely stay tuned to CBS after “60 Minutes” is over. However, the Justin Hartley drama “Tracker” will air in this slot instead, but if Hartley doesn’t bring in the numbers that Kathy Bates did, I wouldn’t be surprised if “Matlock” is back on Sundays.
Interestingly, it was recently reported that Bates said “Matlock” will be
BookTrib’s Bites
Recalibrating Gravity
By Mary Keating
Welcome to the world of Mary Keating, a quick-witted, fun-loving paraplegic. (Note, however, that she cringes at being labeled.) Fifty years ago, Mary’s wide-open world instantly contracted at age fifteen when a teenager drove her into an oak tree at maximum speed. With a wheelchair as a permanent accessory, she was no longer seen as “hot” or one of the “in” crowd. She found herself transported into an alternate reality — defined now by her disability.
When life becomes overwhelming, Mary jokingly pretends she’s trapped in a bad B movie waiting for a new director. Her poetry collection reminds us that no matter how hard life may seem, grace, love, and humor will save us from despair and allow us
her last hurrah and that she plans to retire, but CBS has said she’s changed her mind. In fact, her co-star Skye P. Marshall, who plays attorney Olympia Lawrence, said that she would “drag [Bates] out of her house kicking and screaming if she thinks America or the world is going to let her retire.”
QI was so sad to hear about the death of Drake Hogestyn. Did he film any more episodes as John on “Days of Our Lives” that haven’t aired yet?
—R.W.
ADrake Hogestyn, a fan favorite as John Black on “Days of Our Lives” for a total of 38 years, passed away on Sept. 28 at the age of 71. His family says that he put up an “unbelievable fight” in his battle against pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, his appearance on “Days” had already aired on Sept. 9, as the show films six to seven months in advance of the airdate.
“Days” airs exclusively on NBC’s streaming service Peacock, so you
to live our best life under any circumstances.
Between Islands
By Robert Coburn
Detective Joe Cheo comes from a family with a history of crime and corruption. Though he has never taken part in any criminal activity, the reputation has been a burden to carry throughout his life. And never heavier than now as a member of the Honolulu Police Department, where he is forced to walk a fine line.
But events conspire to present a crossroads of right and wrong. And the decision of which one to take be-
can easily find the episode, as they are listed in date order. Also, according to TVLine, if you’re looking for Hogestyn’s final scene with Deidre Hall, who plays John’s soulmate Marlena, you’ll find it on the Sept. 5 episode.
QIs “Silo” coming back to Apple TV+ for another season? What about “Bad Sisters”?
— K.S.
AYes, both “Silo” and “Bad Sisters” will return to Apple TV+ for their second seasons. The dystopian sci-fi drama “Silo” returns on Nov. 15 with one episode. Subsequent episodes will drop weekly on Fridays through Jan. 17, 2025. Steve Zahn (“The White Lotus”) joins the cast. “Bad Sisters,” a dark murder-mystery series, will be back beginning Nov. 13 with a two-episode premiere. The rest of the new episodes will air each Wednesday with eight episodes in total.
©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
comes even more difficult for him. Set in Hawaii during the 1980s, join Detective Joe Cheo on a journey through his past and the present as he searches for the answer, only to be surprised at its conclusion. Says one reviewer, “Terrific characters and a riveting storyline … couldn’t put it down.”
The Poisoned Fruit
By Julia Colacchio
For centuries, Mages have been imprisoned by America. Now, America Needs Magic.
When Topaz Tenkiller is finally released, the Cold War is escalat-
ing, Prince is singing “When Doves Cry,” and addiction is destroying her brother. The gifted Mage is assigned to a UN security detail. Topaz flourishes with freedom, food, and friends. She enjoys security work and sends money home to help her brother. Topaz finds a secret lab with mutilated Mage corpses and discovers that scientists are harvesting magic. Will she stay silent and save her brother or expose America’s brutality to save her people?
Says author Alison Levy, “Colacchio’s book is a rich, emotional journey … alternately gut-wrenching and empowering. Once you take a step into this story, you’ll feel compelled to finish it in one sitting!”
BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.
Kathy Bates in the CBS series “Matlock” ©Gaye Ann Bruno & Gail Schulman
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HEALTH
Guard Against COPD at Every Stage of Life
Take a deep breath. Now ask yourself: When was the last time you thought about breathing? For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breathing is often front of mind because it can be difficult, and it gets worse over time. There is no cure yet for COPD, but experts from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommend these strategies to protect your lung health at every age.
Younger Adults
Prevention is Key COPD is less common in younger adults, but it’s never too early to protect your lungs. The most important way to prevent COPD is to not smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 75% of people with COPD have a history of smoking. Smoking isn’t the only risk factor for COPD.
Secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace can also increase your risk. If you breathe in lung irritants at work, talk to your employer about how to limit exposure.
People with a genetic condition called AAT (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin) deficiency, sometimes known as Alpha-1, may have COPD-like symptoms as early as age 20. If you have symptoms or a family history of COPD, talk to your health care provider about being tested for AAT deficiency.
Middle-Aged Adults
Know the Symptoms and Seek Help
Most people are 40 or older when COPD symptoms start. Symptoms in-
clude shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and fatigue. These are not just signs of getting older, and they’re not the same as seasonal allergies.
If you have symptoms, ask your health care provider if you should be tested for COPD. Discuss your smoking habits, family history of COPD and long-term exposure to lung irritants. Your health care provider may recommend lung function tests or imaging to diagnose COPD.
If you smoke, get help to quit. You don’t have to go it alone. Family, friends, your health care provider and support groups can all lend a hand.
Older Adults
Take Steps to Manage COPD
Older adults are at greater risk of COPD. If you’ve been diagnosed, follow your treatment plan and take medicines as prescribed.
Lifestyle changes can help people with COPD breathe better. Talk to your health care provider about pulmonary rehabilitation, a personalized treatment program that teaches COPD management strategies. Ask about an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs and what types of physical activity you can safely do. Stay up to date with flu, pneumonia and COVID vaccinations.
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to slow the progression of COPD and is an important part of COPD treatment plans. Ask your provider about options for quitting.
At any age, taking care of your lungs is crucial. Learn about COPD from Learn More Breathe Better(r) at copd.nhlbi.nih.gov. (Family Features)
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
“Absolutely
“I absolutely love my
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
MobileHelp® allows you to summon emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you.
MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range.
No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located.
If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.
Choosing Between Pets and Personal Safety PETS
Purple Leash Project assuring that domestic abuse shelters are pet friendly.
The physical and emotional benefits of having a pet are well documented, yet for those facing trauma and abuse, making the decision to escape abuse is more complicated when a pet is involved. For many survivors, seeking safety for themselves may mean deciding whether to leave their pet behind with an abuser because there is simply no safe place to go together.
Sadly, it is a decision that many survivors of domestic violence must make.
As many as one in three women and one in four men experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. Because few domestic violence shelters accept pets, 48% of survivors delay leaving their homes because they can’t take their pets with them, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. And 71% of survivors entering domestic violence shelters report that an abuser had threatened, injured or killed family pets.
Purina’s vision is to have a world where no one is trapped in abuse because they can’t take their whole family with them, including pets. Pets can be critical to the healing and well-being of survivors. That’s why Purina has partnered with RedRover to create the Purple Leash Project.
The goal is to help ensure that 25% of U.S. domestic violence shelters are pet friendly by the end of 2025 so that survivors and their pets can escape together and heal together.
Purina is helping to create more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters by providing grants and resourc-
es to shelters across the country. Since 2019, Purina has provided 53 grants totaling $1.6 million as part of the Purple Leash Project, helping to move the number of shelters who accept pets from only 3% a decade ago to 19% today. And the momentum continues to build.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October is a reminder there are many opportunities to get involved and help survivors. Purple Thursday is a national day of action that was on Oct. 17 this year. However, here are some ways you can show your support for survivors of domestic abuse anytime:
• Wear purple
• Donate wish list items to local domestic violence shelters
• Light your home or business with purple lights
• Donate to RedRover in support of the Purple Leash Project
Throughout October, Purina will help its factories and sales offices across the U.S. create activations in their own communities to help broaden the Purple Leash Project’s impact. Besides raising funds and awareness, Purina associates also volunteer their time and have helped renovate domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.
The Purple Leash Project has the potential to change society and challenge the way that pets and domestic abuse survivors are treated when they need each other most.
Visit PurpleLeashProject.com for more ways to get involved, stay informed or to donate to RedRover to support this important work. (BPT)
Want to simplify your life,
boost your productivity and work smarter?
Incorporating some of the latest tech developments into your routine may be the answer.
According to Authority Hacker, 77% of devices use some sort of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and 50% of consumers are becoming more optimistic about using the technology. Check out some of the coolest technology upgrades you can make right now:
S24+ for free or up to $1,000 off any in the series with an eligible trade-in on the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans. Learn more atwww.t-mobile. com/devices/new-samsung-phoneupdates.
Boost Your Productivity With so many distractions, it can be difficult to stay focused and productive in your personal and professional life. Cue AI to the rescue!
The app RescueTime works silently on your computer or mobile device, recording how much time you spend on different programs or websites, and then creating a report providing insights into your productive time and distractions.
If you struggle with organizing your email inbox, try SaneBox. It sorts messages for you and over time, evolves to improve your productivity. Apps like IFTT (If This, Than That) allow you to create automated commands to store files and things you need.
Must-Have Technology Upgrades TECHNOLOGY Who Will They Be?
Upgrade Your Smartphone Upgrading your smartphone will enhance security features, battery life, performance and the latest 5G network. Samsung just unveiled its latest S24 series and the new lineup is the first to leverage T-Mobile’s uplink carrier aggregation. This means customers can get up to 90% faster uplink speeds than the previous Samsung lineup, making things like video uploads nearly twice as fast.
The Samsung S24 series introduces Galaxy AI, with easy, real-time live language translations of voice and text, Circle to Search with Google, to help streamline your internet searches, and Generative Edit to perfect your photos.
New and existing T-Mobile customers can get a Samsung Galaxy
Smarten Your Home From automatic door locks to smart plugs, thermostats and appliances, you can give your home a much-needed tech upgrade. Use smart plugs to control lighting in your home from an app, and a smart door lock with features like remote access and fingerprint ID so you can go key-free.
Enhance Your Network Experience
The network your phone relies on to access the latest technology may need an upgrade, and now there’s a way to test out another wireless provider’s network before making the switch.
T-Mobile’s Network Pass allows you and your family to keep your current wireless provider, phones and phone numbers and try out T-Mobile’s network free for three months. You’ll get access to T-Mobile’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network and the ability to compare your network performance to pick the best wireless provider for you. The best part, it all can be done online via an app, without having to go into a store.
Give Visual Search a Try Google, Amazon and Pinterest now allow you to use images to search for similar items or products online. You can even use this feature to translate text in different languages.
Ever feel like you’re treading water? With so many apps, devices and features designed to streamline tasks and to-dos, adapting the latest tech can help you create a more productive life. (SPT)
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
Sharing a ‘Startle Story’
Picture this: Minnesota in the fall, where the trees are dressed better than I am on my best day. We went biking, and I looked fabulous! I was basically a moving piece of art — except my masterpiece nearly caused a bike pile-up. Good God, these startle responses! It’s like my reactions to a “jump-scare” horror movie. Why do I even have this? Seriously, I don’t want it anymore! Can I return it? It’s not a habit — it’s more like an unwanted house guest who refuses to leave.
Startling is an involuntary response to a sudden change that works as a provocation. As a yoga and meditation practitioner for many years, you’d think I’d be cured, but alas! When walking alone I look over my shoulders and at times scare myself. Learning that this startle response is a lovely quirk that can be inherited is a real surprise — who knew? It’s like finding out your favorite snack is actually full of sugar.
My son startles easily, too. If my response to bike jump scare is a flight, his is certainly a fight. Knowing this I knock on his bedroom door or door frame if it is open — as should anyone to everyone else for privacy reasons — before entering his room. Most often parents forget and simply barge in. It’s to save myself from getting entangled in a Krav Maga self-defense move technique.
Have you ever heard a golfer yell “Fore”? It’s meant to warn you of a rogue ball heading your way. But to me, it sounds like a personal attack. So, when someone shouted, “On your left!” while I was biking, I thought I was about to be ambushed! Off the bike seat I went, and my husband followed suit like we were part of an acrobatic routine gone wrong.
The unfortunate solo rider was just being courteous when he suddenly found himself in the middle of a comedy show. A simple phrase can trigger a full-blown reaction. Luckily, mine led to an unexpected comedy.
And then there’s the family history — my dad warned me not to turn out like Mom. But guess what? I’m basically her with a few extra gray hairs and an increased tendency to jump at shadows. It’s a family tradition at this point.
Ever find yourself in wakening from deep sleep to find someone peering down at you? Unnerving, right? On one such occasion my dad did it to my mom. Now, my mom’s convinced that Dad is plotting her demise, which is just a tad dramatic. Meanwhile, I’m on the bike path thinking that every “On your left!” is a near-death experience.
This happens. The degree to which each of us experience it varies. Some more than others. When that happens we experience shame. A question that arises for me is, “Why do those of us with anxiety and conditions like borderline personality disorder have this startle response?” I feel annoyed and embarrassed.
Can someone please send a memo to my brain to chill out? Thankfully, Yes! You can start a habituation process to become exposed to unexpected stimuli and begin to be desensitized to the sound (e.g. popping open the Pillsbury Biscuits dough can), knowing it is not a threat to you.
My husband continues over the years to tease me about the unfortunate biker who experienced my over-the-top startle response. We find humor in my personality trait. Truth is I can reduce the occurrences my startle but can’t return this quirk. I am embracing it more and more daily.
It is being human. We each have different baseline levels of how much we startle.
Smita Barua Castaic
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Foundations of Democracy
By David Hegg
Icontinue to be stunned at how rapidly moral fractures occur in our precious democracy. In the past few years, we have seen wholesale redefinitions of marriage, sexuality, gender and the extent of governmental power. We went to sleep for a few months and awoke to a new kind of democracy presided over by those with no historical, moral, or ethical moorings. Somehow, a cadre of rebellious children have taken control of our country and are running around breaking things.
equate to the government of any other.” Power in the hands of the citizenry will only be suitable for all when there remains some moral curbing of the natural desires of the human heart to obliterate all restraint.
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For example, in the past year, we have seen judges and members of the executive branch mandate monumental changes that have brought down a cascade of expensive requirements for businesses, schools and citizens alike. Add to that the chaos of the present political season with its inane drivel, inflammatory accusations, and enough duplicity to fill Lake Erie, and you have every right to question whether someone snuck in and stole our national brain. Unfortunately, if we brainstormed together for a few minutes, we could list many more examples that were equally horrendous in their absurdity.
All this got me thinking about what our founding fathers would advise if they could speak from the grave. But since they remain silent, I will take a shot at suggesting what it takes to maintain a properly functioning democracy. Here are my five top suggestions. For a democracy to flourish, you must have:
An educated citizenry: If laws are made and ruling positions are filled via the people’s votes, it is only reasonable that those people have sufficient intellectual ability and enough general education to make their choices coherent. Further, they must be discerning enough to sift through the tsunami of political spin and outright lies aimed at shaping their decisions. If most voters cannot understand the issues, discern truth from error, or recognize the long-term consequences of their votes, all is lost.
A shared morality: Our second president – John Adams – put it simply: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inad-
An undergirding unity: One of the significant fractures in our democracy is the rise of radical tribalism. In almost every area, opposing “tribes” refuse to grant any credibility to one another lest their tribe’s power be lessened. Whether it is a political party or a moral ideology, what we are losing is a resolute understanding that we are all neighbors whose shared loyalty to life, liberty and the greatness of America must remain stronger than any of our differences.
A societal humility: Pride often leads to an abuse of power and an authoritarian mode of operation. We are seeing a kind of super arrogance today that gives birth to a mean-spirited, vitriolic hatred for those with whom we disagree. This arrogance is fueling a harsh, oppressive and even tyrannical way of governing. For America to be great, we must remain a humble people.
A conversational civility: It all comes down to the ability to listen well to those with whom we disagree, to seek first to understand and only then to oppose. Opposition must be civil. We must understand that problems are only genuinely solved through collaboration rather than competition.
Indeed, we all agree that our democracy would be a terrible thing to waste. After fighting so hard and enduring so much to have come this far, we dare not allow the great hope of our American experiment to be overwhelmed by a cacophony of partisan arrogance and outrage. We must work to regain the foundation stones on which our union was built lest we end up proving what so many have predicted: that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people must ultimately wither from within.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
