Sunday Signal November 22, 2020 by Signal

NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

4 Stepping up to support his brother 5 Shopping local: Black Friday and Small Business Saturday 8 Virtual connections for the Thanksgiving weekend

HOLIDAY 6 6 Forgoing the traditional Thanksgiving meal 7 Thanksgiving flair for the table, fun for the family

FROM THE MAYOR

9 Be involved and give back this holiday season

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 Adams, Close likely to get Oscar nods for ‘Hillbilly Elegy’

FOOD 11 11 Thanksgiving desserts Country Caramel Apples Nanaimo Bars

HEALTH& BEAUTY

12 Tips for restoring sensitive, irritated dry skin

AUTOMOTIVE 13 13 Its Headlight Savings Time

HOME 14 14 Top tips for refinishing your hardwood floors

GARDENING 15 15 Some thanksgiving lessons from the garden

SENIOR LIVING

16 A Second Wind: Easing into seasonal plans

KIDS & FAMILY

17 Donna’s Day: Pavlova is a luscious meringue dessert

PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

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Stepping up to support his brother takes over your whole life, and it’s not fun. … I didn’t want my 19-year-old brother to go through that, so it was important to me to at least get tested and see if I can be of help to him.” Not taking “no” for an answer, Nick began doing his own research using his resources at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, where he currently works. “He did a lot of this on his own,” Clericuzio added. “Maryanne and I never asked him to be tested. … He asked the doctors at the hospital he works at, he asked them what the pros and cons were, he asked the people that he thought would have the answers for him.” Nick finally convinced the doctors to test him, and he ended up being a 98% match for his stepbrother. “It’s really crazy though, considering we’re not related,” Leiby said.

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

augus resident Wyatt Leiby, 19, and his family have known since the day he was born that one day, he’d need a kidney transplant. “Once they (delivered) me, the cord was wrapped around my neck, so that cut off oxygen to my kidneys,” Leiby said. Though he got to run and play like the other kids, as Leiby grew up, his kidneys were getting progressively worse. “When I was younger, I’d go to Children’s Hospital every six months to a year, and they’d just check on (my kidneys), and I’d get my blood drawn,” Leiby said. “Wyatt didn’t even really know why he was going to Children’s Hospital so often until he was older,” his stepfather, Jeff Clericuzio, added. All the same, Leiby led a normal life, even playing volleyball through high school, though he had to work harder to keep up with his teammates. “My stamina is not as great as most people, so it takes me a long time to get to some of my friends’ levels,” Leiby said. It wasn’t until last year, when Leiby entered stage 4 kidney failure, that doctors decided it was finally time to start looking for a donor. “Right now, they’re below 30% functioning, which is stage 4 kidney failure, which sounds pretty bad,” Leiby said. Little did they know that Leiby’s stepbrother, 20-year-old Nick Clericuzio, would be a nearly full kidney match.

How fate intervened

Before Jeff Clericuzio met Heather, his future wife and the mother of their twins, Nick and Kaitlyn, she was already friends with Maryanne Leiby, Wyatt’s mother, and the women remained close friends as they both started their respective families. “Back in 2006, (Heather) got really sick, and she was really worried she wasn’t going to get better,” Clericuzio said, adding that Heather was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. “Over the years, she said, ‘If anything ever hap-

Nick Clericuzio, 20, right, stands beside his stepbrother Wyatt Leiby, 19, left, to whom he intends to donate a kidney. Clericuzio researched the donation process on his own and committed himself to helping when he found out he was a 98% match for Leiby. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

pens, I want you guys to take care of the kids.’” After Heather died, Clericuzio and Maryanne became closer as they helped each other care for the kids and, ultimately, they got married in 2014. “The family dynamic has always been there, I think just because they’ve known each other for so long,” Jeff Clericuzio added. “The kids have all grown really close.”

The search for a match

When Leiby started looking for kidney donors about six months ago, family members stepped up, though unsuccessful. “There weren’t a lot of family members that were blood relatives that were matches or even viable donors,” Clericuzio said. While Leiby was also put on the transplant list, COVID-19 made things difficult.

The road to recovery

“The case manager said, ‘With all the COVID stuff, a lot of the surgeries aren’t happening … and organs are getting lost to COVID,’” Clericuzio added. That’s when Nick stepped in, even though he wasn’t technically old enough to be a donor. “The surgeon didn’t want me to donate to begin with, because I’m 20, not 21,” Nick said. “(But) he’s my brother. I feel like if your family, that’s an automatic thing, you should just donate. If you can and you have the ability to, it should be a no-brainer in my opinion.” As an EMT, Nick had worked on an ambulance and saw firsthand what Leiby’s life could be like if he didn’t get the transplant and needed dialysis. “I would transport patients from dialysis centers, and they’re insanely depressing,” Nick added. “It basically

The boys went into surgery on Wednesday and the kidney transplant was successful. Now, they’ll be home: Nick for eight weeks and Leiby for 90 days on immunosuppressants. “It’s not his kidney, so his body will fight it,” Nick explained. “So the immunosuppressants make sure that the body’s not trying to kill his kidney while it’s still healing.” As the surgery approached, Clericuzio reflected on his son’s attitude through it all, which he said has been very pragmatic. “I’m very proud of him doing it, and I’m very glad he’s doing it on his own, … but as a parent, I’m also nervous about surgery,” Clericuzio added. For Nick, it was never a question, and he was confident going into the surgery. “It feels great,” Nick added. “It’s amazing. I don’t have to worry about him not having any energy, and I’m going to be perfectly fine. I’m 20 years old. I’ve got two healthy kidneys, I’ll take care of myself like I usually do, so it’s not really a big deal.” 

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Shopping local for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday

home or on-the-go. Soapish in Newhall, which offers handcrafted bar soaps, oils, lip balms and lotions, has the aesthetic and au naturale fenailed down in each item, perfect for gifts. “Everybody needs soaps, especially these days,” said Soapish owner Tania Vivian. “We have holiday bath bombs, holiday soaps, towels and several things to decorate homes.” Some items already listed online include soy wax candles with scents such as bourbon vanilla, cinnamon roll and coastal pine, as well as bar soaps with plant-based oils and butter that give off hints of cinnamon chai, black amber and vanilla. For those that are not sure what to give someone, Vivian recommends Soapish’s custom or pre-made gift boxes. Much like Hill, Vivian said supporting local businesses is especially crucial. “I don’t know of any small business that isn’t struggling,” she said. “The holidays will be a determining factor for many so it’s important and really special when customers stop by.” Soapish is located at 24353 Main St. For additional information, visit soapish.com or call (661) 753-3540.

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

hile supporting local businesses is an important facet of any community, this holiday season in particular, SCV merchants will be looking to rebound from a difficult year for sales in most industries, which usually see a boost this time of year. From Black Friday to Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, local shops in the Santa Clarita Valley are already rolling out deals or specialty items to gift to those on your shopping list this year. And one way to double down on your support for small businesses is to post a shoutout on social media, which can ultimately attract more shoppers their way. “We know 88% of U.S. consumers feel a personal commitment to support small businesses in the wake of the pandemic,” Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer of American Express said in a prepared statement. “Whether online, curbside, or safely in store, we’re reminding consumers that they can help make an impact by shopping small and sharing their favorite small businesses on social media all holiday season long.” A “shop-small” impact study by American Express released Nov. 17 showed that endorsements of small businesses on social media could equate to about $197 billion for the nation’s economy. “Beyond that, perceived value, positive social media mentions can go even further this year, as 89% of consumers say they are more likely to shop at a small business that friends or peers have recommended,” read a news release from American Express, which created Small Business Saturday as a campaign in 2010 to help small merchants get more customers.

Custom cookies

Take Sprinkled, for example. Santa Clarita resident and owner Hannah Hall creates handmade, custom sugar cookies. This Thanksgiving, she’s taking presale orders with local pick-up options. Her cookies range from personalized pumpkin plaques and wreaths

The Open Book Canyon Country Hannah Hall, owner of Sprinkled, offers a variety of handmade, custom sugar cookies for any occasion, including Thanksgiving. PHOTO COURTESY HANNAH HALL

and DIY kits, which have become one of her bestsellers, as they’re fitting for both children and adults. “I thought about the DIY cookie kits prior to COVID and now with the pandemic, I thought, ‘I have to launch them.’” she said, adding that including the kits on her menu has helped, as she’s had to cancel some services. “I started my business in February of 2019, and it started out of my childhood passion for baking. I saw a real potential for selling them after I decided to whip up a dozen cookies for my family two years ago and I realized I had re-sparked that passion,” said Hall. “I’ve been able to grow my local customer base and had even extended to having cookie classes and

popups at other small businesses, but now with COVID, I can’t.” Support from local shoppers this holiday will go a long way, she said. “You can always go to the big brand names, they’re never really going to go away,” said Hall. “But they’re not going through the same effects small businesses have experienced and when you shop local you get something more unique. It’s special and valuable because a lot of time goes into whatever it is that you’re buying.” Sprinkled is offering local pickups Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23 from 2-3 p.m. To order and receive the pickup location, visit sprinkledcookies.com.

Soapish

Amid the pandemic, you can’t have enough soap and washes available at

Another local shop encouraging customers to consider small businesses during their holiday shopping sprees is The Open Book Canyon Country, according to Jenna Golden, assistant manager. “Supporting small businesses, especially this year, is a way to show your love for the community,” she said. “We support other small businesses, too. If we don’t carry something in our store we are constantly referring them to other local businesses.” The book store, which has implemented health measures such as limiting capacity, conducting temperature checks and offering gloves, is set to offer 50% off deals storewide on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, in addition to discounts it has been offering on featured sections, said Golden. For additional information, visit https://theopenbook.biz or call (661) 255-1400. 

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H O L I D AY

Forgoing the traditional meal on Thanksgiving Day

ow in fat, high in protein and an inexpensive source of iron, zinc, potassium and B vitamins, turkey makes a healthy addition to a person’s diet. Turkey also tends to be the star of the show on Thanksgiving and other holidays. Even though turkey can be a delicious addition to any holiday table, some people prefer to buck Thanksgiving tradition from time to time and divert focus from the golden gobbler. Even though turkey may be synonymous with Thanksgiving, hosts and hostesses should not shy away from serving something different. In fact, turkey may not even have been on the menu for the first Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving dates back to New England in November 1621, when newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered for an autumn harvest celebration. It’s reported that pilgrims went on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the three-day feast. Although wild turkey was plentiful in the region, ducks, geese, passenger pigeons, and swans were commonly consumed. Historians at Smithsonian say documents refer to wildfowl and venison as foods appearing at the first Thanksgiving, but turkey was not mentioned. Home chefs can take a cue from those first pilgrims and choose less traditional offerings this Thanksgiv-

Some may find turkey too dry. Chicken or goose may be more well-received.

ing. The following are some ideas that are reminiscent of the first Thanksgiving.

methods. Chicken or goose may be more well-received and just as versatile.

flesh of a pumpkin or squash can be turned into casseroles or used to make quiche.

• If the flavor is more palatable, don’t hesitate to select another bird to grace the Thanksgiving table, such as a goose or even a chicken. Some people find turkey meat to be too dry, despite all of the different preparation

• Don’t overlook the possibility of serving fish and other seafood. Colonists and the Wampanoag probably ate eel, lobster, clams and mussels. Fish can be dried, smoked and preserved.

• A traditional Thanksgiving meal for the early settlers would not have included potatoes. White potatoes originated in South America and sweet potatoes in the Caribbean.

• Replace wheat-based recipes with those made from cornmeal, as maize was more likely available during colonial time than wheat. • Forests provided chestnuts, beechnuts and walnuts, so a platter of nuts paired with cheese or fruit also can make a welcome addition to the table. Nuts also can be ground and used in baked goods or flavoring for Thanksgiving desserts. • Pumpkin and squash were plentiful in colonial times, and this is why these gourds are often included in Thanksgiving meals and decor. The

Don’t overlook the possibility of serving fish and other seafood.

• At the time of the first Thanksgiving, these would not yet have been introduced, as white potato patches in North America were not established in the region until 1719, according to the potato resource Potato Goodness. • Because colonists did not have wheat flour and butter to make flaky tart crusts, pumpkin pie was not on the first Thanksgiving menu. In lieu of pumpkin pie, hosts can experiment with moist loaf breads or muffins made with pumpkin. The average Thanksgiving dinner table today looks quite different from the one the Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims gathered around centuries ago. Families can stick closer to history and tailor their meals for a touch of something different this year. (MC) 

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Thanksgiving flair for the table … fun for the family By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

hen I was a child, Thanksgiving was a huge production. It was always held at my grandparents’ home and included a vast array of extended family, including second and third cousins. Beyond the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, there was the atmosphere and family fun.

Thanksgiving décor

The colors of fall are the perfect palette for Thanksgiving décor. Use tons of soft orange, warm yellow, cranberry red and earthy brown to decorate your home. I usually craft my own centerpiece to grace my Thanksgiving table. Because this display is made mostly from fresh food, you will need to put it together as close to dinnertime as possible.

Almost instant centerpiece

First, I take a 9-inch oval glass dish (you can choose any kind of clear container) and lay down a bed of crispy kale leaves. I like to use kale because the leaves have such “character.” Next, I nestle small orange and white pumpkins randomly throughout the display. Then, I add seasonal vegetables, such as apples, radishes and eggplants. I like to include interesting looking items like whole, unshelled walnuts and Brazil nuts, as well as fresh cranberries. Sometimes I will use little “mounds” of rolledup paper towels under the bed of kale to create “levels” and more visual interest in my display. Use bundles of fresh herbs, such as rosemary

and sage, to fill in any gaps. Surround with more pumpkins and small yellow and orange votive candles. Voila! Instant centerpiece. Other decorating ideas include the use of colorful and unique gourds in different size baskets and the use of candles in fall colors and scents — pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie and cranberry. Items to handcraft your own wreaths, table runners, basket displays and other fall décor items can be found throughout the Santa Clarita Valley at various craft and fabric stores. In addition, it is holiday boutique season. Many of the holiday boutiques in the Santa Clarita area offer handcrafted items for your seasonal decorating needs.

Thanksgiving fun

Thanksgiving is family fun time. Instead of let-

H O L I D AY

ting the kids sit around and stare at a screen, why not suggest a few of these family fun activities. Take a hike at Vasquez Rocks. The autumn lighting is beautiful on the rocks this time of year. Take some time between Thanksgiving preparations or Black Friday madness and enjoy some time with nature. Vasquez Rocks is located at 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, 91350. While you slave away preparing your annual Thanksgiving meal, why not get the kids together and have them each pick out 10 items from your pantry or the store to donate to the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry. This all reinforces the “reason for the season” and reminds everyone of the abundance we all have. Food donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. There also is a drop box located at the rear of the pantry in the alley between 4th and 5th streets. The pantry is located at 24133 Railroad Ave., Newhall, (661) 255-5001. Go to your nearest park and play touch football, soccer, tag, hide-and-seek or Frisbee catch. Just get outside with the kids and do something that involves running around and taking in some fresh air. Create a family Thanksgiving journal. Buy a sturdy, thick notebook and have everyone write down what they are thankful for this year. Keep the notebook where you can find it and do the same thing next year, and the year after. It creates a book of thanks that will become a family heirloom. Have the kids interview their grandparents and extended family members to learn more about theirs — and yours — family history. Find out how your grandparents celebrated Thanksgiving, and what they did for fun before all the mobile electronics we have. Learn more about the family tree. Have the kids help decorate the Thanksgiving table. They can make names cards and colorful placemats. Whatever you chose to do, do it as a family and make some memories for next year. 

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Virtual connections for the Thanksgiving weekend By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

s the holidays quickly approach, the things we have become accustomed to, such as turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, are set to be made just as usual. However, one of the things that might change is if a family decides to socially distance during their Thanksgiving and/or Christmas holiday celebrations. Or, they may decide to meet virtually with family members. Centers for Disease Control officials have already stated millions of Americans will make the choice to stay home, and celebrate virtually, as that would pose the lowest risk of spread, especially for at-risk groups. “In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk,” noted a CDC press release about the upcoming holiday season. “Organizers and attendees of larger events should consider the risk of virus spread based on event size (number of attendees and other factors) and take steps to reduce the possibility of infection.” That might be all well and good in

Virtual plans

Survey reveals half of California families are planning a Thanksgiving takeout or meal kit feast this year. • 1-in-5 plan to video call family members rather than risk seeing them in person. • 70% say their culinary skills have improved this year. • 1-in-10 say they are likely to experiment with their meals this Thanksgiving. • 43% will consider hosting their Thanksgiving outdoors to reduce the risk of viral transmission.

Arranging a virtual get-together may not be the same, but at least it’s easier than ever with the technology out there. (MC) There will be lots of virtual celebrations this year in California, as more than 40% plan to, according to a recent survey.

terms of keeping people physically healthy, however, what of grandparents and parents’ mental health? How can one overcome the lack of fulfillment one might be brought from joining together with those they hold most dear. A number of technology and app companies have emerged that offer a solution: From being able to watch your grandkids’ favorite shows to playing fun, family-friendly games, some apps are giving distanced families the proximity they need. But what are they and how easy are they to use?

Caribu

One of the recent technological stars to have arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caribu is an easy to use app that allows kids and their families to have what the company has described as “magical” interactive, educational and entertaining calls with one another. The app allows families, especially grandparents and grandkids, to have face-to-face call time while reading books, completing fun activities/ games and coloring sheets. Additionally, the “magical Caribu call” as the company describes it, is easy to navigate with family being addable through a touch of the button, and it’s free for them. Various sets of books and activities are available for purchase, with a number of holiday specials also being made available for families.

For more information, visit caribu. com.

Zoom

Zoom has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a household name nearly overnight. And while the technological curve was quick then, a number of resources have become available to help you engage with your virtual community. For those unaware, Zoom is a free service that allows two individuals or large groups of people to use either their phones or laptops to interact with one another via face-to-face digitally. The process of downloading the program and setting up is easy, but can be also aided with a number of online guides that can be followed. The service also allows for those without access to computers or smart phones to call in from landlines and non-smart phones, to interact with the group through audio-only. For more information about Zoom, visit zoom.us.

Other apps

Other apps that can be used for free or depending on what product you own, include Google Hangouts, Messenger and Skype. “Together Family Video Chat” is also a handy app available on the Apple Store which not only provides face calls in between parties, but also allows grandparents and kids to play games and complete activities with each other.

Facetime if both parties have iPhones or Apple products can also be used, whether it’s over a meal, to share a fun story about your day, or even play a board game with one another.

Telephone

“Many, many seniors don’t know how to do Zoom, or are not technologically knowledgeable, myself included,” joked Suzanne Nelson, the Chief Program Officer for the SCV Senior Center. “But there’s still the good old telephone.” “There are apps out there that can assist people so they can see their family during a meal, but just picking up the phone and wishing grandpa and grandma a happy holidays” can be helpful in battling the holiday blues, Nelson added. “During the holidays, it’s especially difficult for people not to be able to be with their families, and just since this whole COVID-19 thing has started our calls requesting counseling regarding depression have more than doubled,” Nelson said. If meeting with family over the holidays is not an option, whether virtually or in-person, the SCV Center is offering drive thru meals on Thanksgiving and is reachable during the day via telephone to speak with those in need. In order to pick-up a drive thru meal, make a reservation with the SCV Senior Center by calling them at (661) 259-9444. 

N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

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F R O M T H E M AY O R

Be involved and give back this holiday season By Cameron Smyth Santa Clarita City Mayor

f 2020 has taught us anything, it has reinforced the importance of giving back to our community and ensuring our family, friends, neighbors and fellow residents have access to the support and services they need. This includes everything from senior citizens receiving meals in the middle of a pandemic, to teens and young adults having positive outlets and opportunities for their physical and mental well-being.

Finding opportunities

With the holidays near, now is the perfect time to find organizations and causes to support. No matter what cause is nearest and dearest to your heart, there is an organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that can instantly benefit from your time, as well as physical or financial contributions. Bridge to Home and Family Promise are just two non-profits working to provide services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness in Santa Clarita. Donations of supplies go a long way toward ensuring that not only individuals, but families as well, can be more confident in where their next meal will come from and where they can safely get a good night’s sleep. Both of these crucial organizations are working to expand their shelter offerings with enhanced facilities, and financial donations are needed more now, than ever.

Veterans

Additionally, the Santa Clarita Valley is home to dozens of veterans’ organizations that help with everything from sending care packages to soldiers during the holidays, to developing affordable housing for veterans, to providing assistance to military families in need. Reach out to your local veterans’ group to ask what items are most needed, including clothing and holiday presents.

Toy collections

Local first responders collect toys

to donate to children during the holidays as well. The California Highway Patrol’s CHiPS for Kids toy drive is a popular way to ensure new, unopened and unwrapped toys make it into the hands of children in need. The Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department also hold annual toy drives as a way to give back to residents in their communities. Please check with each organization to confirm dates and times for donations.

Local nonprofits

Numerous Santa Clarita nonprofits work to strengthen the mental and physical health of our residents. Addiction counseling and other services support those in need and these organizations rely on financial contributions to continue their operations. When you are looking for ways to get involved this holiday season, you will be sure to find an organization that can use your assistance. By making the choice to give back to our community, you are helping to not only make a direct impact on someone’s life, but also spread hope and positivity.

$2,250,000

15740 Iron Canyon, Canyon Country 91387 This is the one of a kind you have been waiting for. This lavish home is nestled in the highly desirable, Prestigious Sand Canyon & has it all. The home features 5 BR & 7 BRs w/approximately 6400 sq. ft. of living space & rests on 2.26 acres. Beautiful fountains greet you at the double door open foyer with views to pool/spa & lily pond and gardens. You will then see one of the most stunning living rooms with large windows, fireplace and views of the pool. The floors are Turkish marble and rich carpet. The elegant & bright DR flows to the butler’s pantry. The vast chef’s kitchen boosts two islands with breakfast bar, prep sink, stainless steel appliances, eating area, and is open to the great room with beamed ceilings, fireplace, and 3 sets of French doors that lead to patio & pool area. The West wing leads you to two of the BRs each with en-suite baths plus the magnificent master with its openness, sitting area, French doors to patio/pool area & wood burning fireplace. The master bath offers a spacious walk-in shower, relaxing jetted tub, separate vanities, and restroom areas and 2 walk-in closets. Down the East wing are 2 more BRs, each with en-suite baths, one of the BRs is being used as an office. There is also an additional powder room, ¾ bath, spacious laundry area with access to the 4-car garage. The outside gardens you will want to enjoy every day, with ancient oak tree, a bridge, and tea garden. There is also the detached RV garage. Minutes from FWY & shopping.

Your City starting point

A great starting point is the Community Links page on our City website, santa-clarita.com, under the Residents tab. I encourage each of you to find a new way to get involved with a community organization and I look forward to the bright year ahead of us in Santa Clarita! Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

Bob Kellar 661.510.0987 16670 Soledad Cyn Rd kellar@earthlink.net CalBRE#01030351

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Adams, Close likely to get Oscar nods for ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ Close and Adams carry this film, but we also get outstanding work from Owen Asztalos and Gabriel Basso as the young and college-age J.D., respectively; the veteran character actor Bo Hopkins as Mamaw’s husband (yes, everyone calls him Papaw); Haley Bennett as J.D.’s older sister, Lindsay, and Freida Pinto as J.D.’s supportive girlfriend, Usha, who is the best thing that has ever happened to him and he knows it. Director Howard isn’t one for flashy tricks and gimmicks, but he displays his usual deft touch for the material, whether we see a montage of the various generations of the Vance family, dating back more than a hundred years, or when a funeral procession through town results in every single bystander stopping, doffing hat and standing silently. “Why do they do that, Mamaw?” asks young J.D. “Because we’re hill people, honey,” comes the reply. “We respect our dead.”

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Hillbilly Elegy’

 

(out of four) Netflix presents a film directed by Ron Howard. Written by Vanessa Taylor, based on the book by J.D. Vance. Rated R (for language throughout, drug content and some violence). Running time: 115 minutes. Opens Nov. 11 in theaters and Nov. 24 on Netflix.

ou hear the term “Oscar bait” thrown around in conjunction with movies such as Ron Howard’s “Hillbilly Elegy,” and the phrase seems to carry with it an air of cynicism, as if to imply the filmmakers deliberately set out to make the kind of movies that attract the interest of the Motion Picture Academy. First, why is that such a bad thing? It’s the equivalent of an NFL team deliberately building a team with an eye toward getting to the Super Bowl, or an author striving to create a Pulitzer Prize-winning book. There are worse motives one can rely on to launch a project. So, yes, “Hillbilly Elegy” IS the kind of movie that will get Oscar’s attention, and it’s possible Glenn Close will win best supporting actress after seven acting nominations without a victory and Amy Adams will win best actress after six nominations but no wins. At the very least, they’re near locks to be nominated for their great work, as is the movie itself. Based on J.D. Vance’s best-selling memoir of the same name from 2016, “Hillbilly Elegy” is a beautifully constructed, unforgiving, heart-tugging family epic about three generations of the Vance family, who have relocated to Middletown, Ohio, but have deep roots in the Appalachian hill country of Jackson, Kentucky. They’re the kind of family that will cuss and holler and do physical and emotional damage to one another without a second thought, but if an outsider refers to them as “rednecks,” well, that outsider will be lucky to escape with only a cold stare and a dressing-down. “[The hills are] where my people come from,” says J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso), who has made it all the way to Yale Law School by 2011, but can never truly break free from the hold of his family, in particular his mother, Bev (Amy Adams), who was once a promising student herself but had to give up her dreams to raise her children as she battled addiction and psychological troubles. “Hillbilly Elegy” toggles back and forth from the early 2010s to the mid-1990s, where young J.D. (Owen Asztalos) is trying his best to have a normal childhood, with friends and baseball cards and schoolwork, but that’s impossible with a mother who experiences drastic and sometimes violent

Mini review ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ PHOTO CREDIT IMDB

personality swings, one minute smiling and singing and showering her children with affection, the next smashing things and hitting and screaming at the top of her lungs. It’s a toxic, abusive environment. In Adams’ tour de force performance, we can see the flicker of pain in Bev’s eyes anytime she’s hurt or disappointed, and we know what’s coming: She’ll hurt someone else in a tragically misguided effort to mitigate her own pain. When Bev tells her son, “When I get out of [rehab], I’m going to make a real home for us,” we can tell not even Bev believes that lie anymore. On occasion, Bev’s outbursts can be comical, as when her daughter Lindsay (Haley Bennett) wants to talk to her boyfriend on Easter and says to her mom, “It’s Kevin,” and Mom replies, “I don’t care if it’s the Baby Jesus. It’s Easter, goddammit, get your ass in here!” Much more often, Bev’s horrific lapses in judgment and her serial relapsing are deadly serious business. She’s her own worst enemy, as she gets fired from her job as a nurse, becomes involved in a series of questionable relationships and alienates young J.D. to the point where the boy goes to live with Bev’s mother. Mamaw Vance is played by an almost unrecognizable Glenn Close in a masterful, screen-commanding, pitch-perfect performance. Mamaw’s a tough old bird — her favorite movie is “Terminator 2” and she’ll casually flip you a double bird and invite you to “perch and swivel” — but she’s determined to help J.D. break the generational cycle of abuse and disappointment in the family. J.D. has what it takes to really make something of himself, if his mother doesn’t drag him down with her first.

1/2 

Netflix presents a film written and directed by David E. Talbert. Rated PG (for some thematic elements and peril). Running time: 119 minutes. Available Nov. 13 on Netflix. Musical fantasy, PG 119, minutes.

agical. “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” has the power to fill your spirit with joy and make you want to burst into applause — not once, not twice, but at least three times, thanks to rousing, infectious, exquisitely choreographed production numbers worthy of a hit Broadway musical. And in fact, writer-director David E. Talbert originally conceived this work as a stage production, but it works beautifully as a colorful, creative, groundbreaking musical film with the principally Black cast turning in outstanding work in what will surely become perennial holiday viewing. This is an impressively staged steampunk fantasy with elements of “The Princess Bride,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “A Christmas Carol” and even “Wall-E,” but it has its own signature look and sound, with memorably catchy musical numbers composed by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan and Michael Diskint, plus one number from John Legend. Though it’s occasionally stuffed with too many trimmings and bells and whistles, like that one house in your neighborhood that goes over the top with the decorations every year, this is the kind of film that will have your kids saying, “Let’s watch it AGAIN” as soon as the end credits commence. And you’ll be OK with that, because you loved it, too.  Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Dessert

Country Caramel Apples

hen it comes to fall, certain foods become an iconic representation of the season. Sweet treats are certainly part of the seasonal traditions for many families, especially when they call for the versatile flavor of apples or chocolate. You’ve finished your Thanksgiving feast. Now, you’ve saved the best for last. Check out these chocolate and graham cracker Nanaimo Bars, which are a favorite of our friends up north, or try the crunchy, caramelized delight that is filled with the rich taste of apples. Either way, you can’t miss. Or, make both and give your family a choice. (Family Features). 

ountry Caramel Apples, are a simple take on a classic fall treat that calls for just three ingredients. Just carve out round pieces of apple, insert toothpicks into each bite then let little ones help roll on the caramel dip and crushed pecans. An option like the Envy apple, which has been referred to as “the ultimate apple experience” for its consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch, adds just the right texture. Plus, the apples’ bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced, so they stay fresher longer.

Yields:16 servings Total time:1 hour 45 mins

Layer 3 The easiest layer of all—pure chocolate! (Plus some butter for good measure/silky texture.) Though it’s untraditional, we topped ours with flaky sea salt to contrast all those sweet layers. Heaven.

Ingredients

3 Envy Apples crushed pecans caramel dip Using melon ball scoop, carve out round apple pieces by starting at skin and rotating inward. Insert one toothpick into each apple piece. Place crushed pecans in small bowl. Roll round apple pieces in caramel dip then crushed pecans. Place coated apple bites on serving tray and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Family Features) 

3. Remove bowl from heat and fold in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, pecans, and salt. Transfer mixture to prepared pan and press into an even layer. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm.

his easy but surprisingly addictive layered dessert bar hails from Canada, and we can’t get enough of it! Let’s break it down:

Layer 2 The buttercream layer! This is basically your typical buttercream frosting, with the addition of custard powder. If you, like us, can’t find custard powder to save your life (where ARE you, custard powder?!), then instant pudding mix is an a-ok substitute.

Find more fall recipe ideas at EnvyApple.com.

until smooth. Continue whisking until mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Nanaimo Bars

Layer 1 (AKA our favorite layer.) Graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and toasted pecans are bound together with a mixture of butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs. Not a fan of pecans? Any nut will do here! Toasting isn’t totally necessary but we think it adds an extra depth of flavor you’d miss if it wasn’t there.

FOOD

Ingredients For base: Cooking spray, for pan 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into tablespoons 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder 1 large egg, beaten 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 cup (1½ sleeves, crushed) graham cracker crumbs 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans 1/4 tsp. kosher salt For buttercream layer: 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature 2 tbsp. custard powder or instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 3 tbsp. heavy cream For chocolate topping: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips 2 tbsp. butter Flakey sea salt

Directions 1. Line an 8”-x-8” pan with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. 2. Set a large heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to create a double-boiler. Add butter and stir until melted, then whisk in sugar, cocoa powder, egg, and vanilla

4. Meanwhile, make the buttercream layer: in a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, cream butter and custard powder or pudding mix together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until well-mixed and mixture is like coarse sand, then add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Spread buttercream mixture over crust and refrigerate until firm, 25 to 30 minutes. 5. Make chocolate layer: combine chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 30 second increments, stirring between each round, until chocolate and butter are completely combined and smooth. Pour mixture over chilled bars smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and refrigerate until chocolate layer is smooth, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into squares when ready to serve. (Delish) 

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Tips for restoring sensitive, irritated, dry skin

eautiful, healthy-looking skin is a reflection of overall good health. But it’s not just a question of how your skin looks — how it feels is just as important. If your skin is sensitive, you may experience symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable. How do you know if you have sensitive skin? • Your skin flushes or turns red easily • You have itchiness or dryness • Beauty products or fragrances irritate your skin • You’re sensitive to sun or wind • You have broken capillaries on your face Because your skin is affected by your internal health and your external environment, there are many potential causes for skin sensitivity — and many possible treatments. Whether your sensitive skin is on your face, body or both, it helps to identify common triggers.

you can take in your everyday life to safeguard your skin against possible triggers.

Create restorative spaces

Everyday sensitive skin triggers

While some people are genetically predisposed to sensitive skin, others can be sensitized by their environment and lifestyle. Some factors that may trigger sensitive skin reactions include temperature or humidity changes, pollution or smoking, plus use of soaps, household or cosmetic products — especially those containing high concentration of fragrances. The good news is, there are steps

We’ve been spending a lot more time at home, so it’s worth evaluating your living space. Making small changes can create a more restorative environment to improve your overall well-being, including the health of your skin. Humans are attracted to nature for a reason. Being in or around nature offers restorative benefits to your physical and emotional well-being. Here are four tips for bringing positive, natural elements into your environment and daily routine. Grow plants Bring more plants into your home, as they can improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and increasing moisture levels — which helps nourish dry, sensitive skin. Stock up on gentle skincare Use

products specially created for sensitive skin. For example, Aveeno offers gentle cleansing and moisturizing products made from naturally derived ingredients — like oat — formulated to nourish, calm and restore skin so it looks and feels healthier. Oats have been used in skincare since ancient times for their ability to soothe and nourish skin, because they help: Get choosy about fabrics Select clothing and linens — including face masks — made from gentle, natural materials (like cotton or bamboo). Amp up your lighting Increase natural lighting to boost vitamin D intake. For National Healthy Skin Month this year, find new ways to improve your skin’s health and appearance. Visit Aveeno.com to find the right products for the health of your skin. (BPT) 

N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

AUTOMOTIVE

Headlight savings time: Switch today, see better tonight

though the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased overall road traffic, those still on the road are engaging in riskier driving behaviors, like speeding and forgoing seatbelts. According to the CDC, nearly 150,000 bicyclists and pedestrians are hit by cars each year, and more than

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aylight saving time has come to an end, and that means that Headlight Savings Time is starting. Headlight Savings Time is an annual campaign sponsored by Sylvania, a leading aftermarket automotive brand with more than 100 years of industry experience, to remind drivers that headlights, just like brakes, tires and other automotive systems, wear down before they burn out. As one of the longest-standing leaders in the industry, Sylvania knows that dimming headlight bulbs may present roadway dangers and is working to educate consumers on the importance of proactive headlight bulb maintenance. As part of the campaign, Sylvania conducted research to determine how consumers feel about replacing their headlights and found that nearly eight in 10 drivers are unaware that headlights can dim considerably over time and wait until burnout to replace theirs. Furthermore, this gradual dimming of headlights can lead to a loss of up to 50 feet of visibility even before headlights reach total burnout — an amount approximately equal to the same length as a semi-truck. With days getting shorter and nights getting longer, many drivers will find themselves on dark roads more often in the coming months. According to the National Safety Council and Geico, fatal accidents are three times more likely to happen at night. And that’s not all — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported that even

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crosswalks safe. One way to increase your safety while driving in the dark is to ensure that your headlights are properly lit. Greg Bibbo, director of aftermarket sales and marketing at Sylvania, recommends that drivers replace their headlights regularly and in pairs to avoid uneven illumination. “If you’ve never changed your headlight bulbs and feel that your nighttime visibility is declining, this Headlight Savings Time is a great opportunity to switch your headlights out with a new set of bulbs and make changing your headlights part of your vehicle’s overall maintenance.” This Headlight Savings Time, Sylvania encourages all drivers to consider replacing your headlight bulbs before they burn out to ensure nighttime visibility for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road around you. For more information, visit Head lightSavingsTime.com. (BPT) 

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

HOME

Top tips for refinishing your hardwood floors

ince spending more time at home, you’ve probably started eyeing projects that need attention. If so, you’re not alone — Houzz home renovation website reported a 58% increase in leads for home improvement professionals this past summer. One project that can make an impact on the look and value of your home is refinishing your hardwood floors. It may seem like a big project to tackle, but refinishing can not only improve the look and value of your home but will extend the lifespan of your floors. Here are a few tips to get the job done right:

Choose carefully

Do your research. Since floors comprise one of the largest surfaces in your home, you want them to look great and wear well for years to come. Consider the room’s overall aesthetic such as color palette and light. A darker space could benefit from light-

er colored floors, while darker floors can add rich contrast. In addition to color, pay attention to the variety of floor finish sheens, which can range from extra glossy to super matte. Don’t forget to account for other room changes you’re planning such as wall color, window treatments or furnishings.

Use a professional

While you may be handy around the house, this is one area where you don’t want to make costly mistakes. Hiring a qualified professional flooring craftsman will save time and could also save you money. DIY floor refinishing mistakes are difficult to repair and may mean replacing the flooring surface all together. Consult an expert such as a Bona Certified Craftsman to ensure your floors are refinished with the best products and tools to safeguard the health of your home.

Think eco-friendly

When it comes to a hardwood floor

finish, the best choice for keeping your home free of toxins is a waterbased or waterborne finish. The three most common hardwood floor finish choices are — acid cured (also called Swedish finish), oil-based polyurethane or waterborne. Acid cured is high in volatile organic compounds and is even outlawed in some regions. Because of its toxic nature, homeowners, pets, food, houseplants and even fish tanks must be removed from the home during the refinishing process to keep them safe. Even after the homeowner’s return, this floor finish will continue to release toxins into the home. Finally, ask your flooring craftsman to use a dust containment system to further protect your home from potentially harmful dust, while also making clean-up a breeze.Let the floors unify your space Designers often select the same flooring throughout several rooms,

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especially on one level of a home, to connect the spaces visually. If you have other rooms on the same level that aren’t hardwood, see if there is hardwood under those other surfaces that could be refinished to create a unified look, or consider if installing hardwood floors would be worth the investment.

Keep them clean

Once the floors are refinished, cleaning and protecting your hardwood floors is essential. Ask your flooring craftsman to recommend products that will keep your newly refinished floors in great condition. The right floor care after refinishing will help keep your home looking beautiful for years. Follow these tips to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Consult a Bona Certified Craftsman at bona.com/bcc for expert advice on achieving beautiful floors that will last a lifetime. (BPT) 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Some thanksgiving lessons from the garden “My garden exists in accordance with the

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

s so many of us worry about national or global issues and so much more, our stress levels increase. Add in pressure from holiday plans and family dynamics, and this year’s holiday season could be a lot less fun than we’d like. Here’s where Thanksgiving can bring us relief. Shifting our focus can lift our spirits. Counting the blessings in our lives can actually overwhelm bleakness, worry and fear.

Lessons

My garden has become my mentor, illustrating over and over what a miracle it is to be alive. Gardens aren’t concerned with the small view of life. They don’t obsess about what they don’t have. They simply can’t. My garden exists in accordance with the bigger laws of nature and is fueled by the reality that nothing is forever and everything is interdependent and always changing. We humans claim to want change, but change is inevitable.

bigger laws of nature and is fueled by the reality that nothing is forever and everything is interdependent and always changing.” So, maybe lesson one from the garden is to celebrate the present and focus on what we have rather than what we don’t. When the dry, windy heat seems to steal the life out of some plants in my garden, I can still be surprised at how resilient others can be. Any gardener knows how hard it can be to get rid of weeds. No matter how much you pull and dig, at least a few survive to taunt you. I figure if these simple life forms can take this kind of bashing, maybe I shouldn’t give up so easily every time life throws me a challenge. My garden will keep growing so it will always be a work in progress. It will never be perfect. (Maybe it’s the same for me, too?) But sometimes, it’s the smallest seedling that grows the strongest, the least likely plant that blooms the best and the nastiest wind gust that delivers an airborne seed-treasure to root in my soil.

GARDENING

Thankfulness

Our gardens teach us to appreciate what we have and embrace the new. New varieties of plants continue show up both in the wild and in nurseries. Moisture-loving plants sprout near hose bib leaks or other areas where water collects. I’ve even seen a shade loving flower unfurling proudly under the umbrella of a gnarled old native shrub in the hot summer sun. Diversity expands the power of growth. Just like in the garden, we thrive when we support each other. I guess what I love about landscaping and gardening is that nature offers an alternative to the insatiable hunger imposed by superficial values. It seems society has us focused on equating having bigger and better with being more worthy to live. The garden refutes this. People who have more may certainly be more comfortable, but some of the happiest human cultures on the planet have little material wealth. Instead, like the denizens of my garden, these people feel rich in heart and soul, knowing they work together with all life — plant, animal and human — to make the quality of each life better. There is no greater sense of power, worthiness See GARDENING, page 17

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Easing into seasonal plans

Look what we’re up to now! By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

y two year old grandson and his dad planted a gar-

den this summer. His dad built wooden boxes to house the herbs and veggies on their balcony. My little guy’s eyes light up every time he sees a bell pepper or a zucchini bud emerge. He wants to pick the green strawberries, but his mother instructs him that they’re still growing like he is. When they planted potatoes (he calls them spuds) and blanketed the segments with a thick layer of soil, he said, “The spuds are sleeping.” The thought occurred to me that his observation is a great metaphor for how we’re all feeling right now. Can we just go to sleep and wake up as vibrant green seedlings enthusiastically bursting into life, ready to grow vigorously and confidently into our destiny? As we leave a scorching summer behind, we are weatherworn, our leaves wilted or crisped to brown. When we ventured into the sun it was masked with smoke and ash so we retreated inside. Many of us are ready for the transition that fall brings but still face autumn with uncertainty and fatigue. Fall provides the opportunity, if not to sleep metaphorically, to slow down. As perennial plants take ad-

vantage of a much-needed period of rest, we also need rest from the fatigue we have been experiencing. In fall, the cooler, milder weath-

er encourages rejuvenating stillness and introspection. The slower pace of nature with shorter days and earli-

er dusk provides more time for quiet solitude. Paradoxically, fall is the start of the harried holiday season, a time of hectic activity at a frenzied pace. Once upon a time, this meant planning dinner menus, buying gifts and throwing parties. For some it meant Christmas caroling, photo ops with Santa, and walking through decorated malls. This year it’s hard to predict what we will be doing. Holiday arrangements that we once eased into routinely are now layered with anxiety, and plans require intentional scrutiny. Preparations will no doubt include modifying traditions to stay safe while celebrating family. Each holiday presents us with problems to solve, considerations to deliberate, and loved one’s needs to bear in mind. Although it might seem appealing to close our eyes, drift through fall and winter, and wake up in spring, we don’t want to slumber through these unprecedented times. The adaptations we make now are the stories we tell in years to come. We are faced with the challenge to be flexible and adapt to change with ease, to maintain emotional equilibrium at a time when we sometimes feel frantic, unfocused and vulnerable. But monitoring our health and the health of others doesn’t mean foregoing important holiday traditions. It just means creatively rethinking them. This season I hope to balance the need for rest with the need to honor traditional celebrations, albeit the 2020 version. We can slow down, enjoy the fall and winter holidays with gratitude, and (fingers crossed) return to life in spring refreshed and invigorated. Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Pavlova is a luscious meringue dessert for special events By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

t was autumn a few years ago when Lisa and Gareth Hedges and their two children moved to America from New Zealand. Sure, they had heard about Thanksgiving through movies and books, but they hadn’t experienced it firsthand until they were invited by new American friends to celebrate together. Now in its fifth year, the gathering has become a meaningful tradition for both families. Lisa recalled the first year when, thankful to be included around the table, she offered to contribute something to the menu. Lisa humbly admitted she didn’t know how to make the green bean and mushroom soup vegetable dish, or how to bake a pecan, apple or pumpkin pie. “But I could make a dessert from New Zealand,” she said to the hosts. “It’s called Pavlova.” “Pavlova is a favorite for special events and holidays,” she said. “It begins as a big blob of meringue — crunchy on the outside, and soft and smooth in the middle. When slathered with whipped cream and garnished with berries and fruit such as

GARDENING

Continued from page 15

or fulfillment than living in harmony with life. Ironically, when I look at history, I can’t help notice how much more discord invades the social order the further we get from the land. Consumerism and technology gives us unparalleled comfort, but it doesn’t fill us with joy. I think life is about balance. It seems to be more about finding a reason to be alive and enjoying sharing that reason with other lives. Year after year, my garden offers a myriad of life forms. After 20 years in Santa Clarita, I discovered we have geckos — the Western Banded Gecko — and I saw my first brilliantly striped king snake (a gardener’s friend that eats both rattlesnakes and rodents)! Year after year I am sur-

kiwi slices or passion fruit, it’s transformed into something beautiful and delicious.” When Lisa shared her Pavlova with me, I immediately understood why it’s a hit at their Thanksgiving dessert table. It would be a great addition to festivities any time of year.

With a spatula, gently fold in cornstarch, vinegar and vanilla to combine. Mound the meringue in the center of the 9-inch circle. Using a spatula, spread out evenly to form a disk. Bake 1 hour. Turn off oven and let meringue cool completely in the oven before removing, about one hour.

Pavlova Meringue:

4 large egg whites, at room temperature Pinch of salt 1 1/4 cups sugar, preferably superfine or ultrafine pure cane baker’s sugar, such as C&H Baker’s Sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

2 cups whipped cream Kiwi slices and fresh berries (such as strawberries and raspberries) or other fruit of your choice To prepare oven and baking sheet: Heat oven to 300 F. Draw a 9-inch circle on a sheet of parchment paper, cut to fit a sheet pan. Turn paper over and lay on pan.

To serve, set meringue on a plate, and top with whipped cream and desired berries and fruit. Makes 6 servings.

Ruby and her mom, Lisa Hedges, add kiwi and berries to their Pavlova — a meringue dessert popular in their home country of New Zealand.

ute. With mixer still on high, slowly add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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To make meringue Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt on high speed until firm, about 1 minprised with unexpected delights. Year after year I remember there is always more to learn and appreciate in this miracle of a planet. So much reason to give thanks. So this Thanksgiving, I take the time to give thanks for the deep sense of rightness and harmony my landscape demonstrates daily, a calmness that transcends all the anger, blame, fear, insecurity and unkindness I see happening in the world at large. And I invite all of you to take a moment to give thanks for the life you’ve been gifted, the life that surrounds and enriches you, and the love and acceptance you have to give and receive. Each one of us, as my garden teaches, is truly a unique work of art worth giving thanks for. For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

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18 Î&#x2021; S U N D AYS I G N A L

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

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N O V E M B E R 22, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Election Up Sides and Down Sides Although Republicans are deeply disappointed in the election results, Donald Trump coming in a close second in the popular vote is actually a good thing for them in some ways. It showed the world that Republicans don’t riot, vandalize, steal and set fire to things when they lose. It clearly illustrated that nearly half of the population does not support the Democrat agenda. It means the House of Representatives will stop its sickening stream of vengeful and wasteful accusations and investigations. “Comedians” will have to try to come up with some real humor and wit (if they can remember how) instead of relying on mocking Trump every single night with cheap, juvenile jeering. Lastly, Joe Biden will have to speak more, which means more opportunities for lapses and gaffes, which will probably give many voters buyer’s remorse. But as gratifying as all of that is, none of it makes up for one of the greatest tragedies of Trump’s loss: Based on figures provided by the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, 59.9 million developing persons have been aborted in the U.S. since 1973, and a Biden administration will do its best to ensure that women will have the right to add to that mountain of death every day. Julie Mason Saugus

Solving the Election Mess We can do better! How about implementing the following voting procedures by the 2024 election: 1. All citizens who plan to vote MUST have an I.D. 2. Allow two full weeks for early voting. 3. Accept NO ballots after election day. 4. Allow NO ballot harvesting. 5. Have poll watchers, Democrats and Republicans. 6. Wait until the majority of votes are in before calling a winner. 7. Establish a staggered opening for three sections of the U.S. so all would close at the same time regardless of time zone. (Now, the eastern states can call victors before people on the West Coast even vote. Example: West Coast open at 6 a.m., Mountain and central at 7 a.m. and East Coast at 8 a.m.). The rules should be same in every state. This year was an absolute mess. Anna Scott Newhall Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

A Return to Being Reasonable By David Hegg

f you have been keeping track of our national conversation over the past few years, you are probably keenly aware of the current drought in reasonable thinking in our country. At the center of this decay is the erroneous belief that differences of opinion amount to bigotry. Recently Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito offered some pointed opinions in a speech before the Federalist Society. As he recounted several areas in which civil liberties such as free speech and the free exercise of religion were being curtailed, he dared to offer statements that go upstream against the current progressive ideology. He observed that, “The pandemic has resulted in previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty.” He went on to say, “It pains me to say this, but in certain quarters, religious liberty is fast becoming a disfavored right.” But the statement that stirred up the most venom was his declaration that, “You can’t say that marriage is the union between one man and one woman. Until very recently, that’s what the vast majority of Americans thought. Now it’s considered bigotry.” Here an honored Supreme Court justice was offering his studied opinions. Yet, in what some have called a display of moral McCarthyism, he was dishonorably condemned by those who disagree with his viewpoint. CNN labeled his speech “ireful” and filled with a “gnashing ideological tone.” Elizabeth Warren called the speech “nakedly partisan” while Esquire declared that the speech was aimed to “hit all the wingnut sweet spots.” All this, and more (you can read the entire speech at reason.com) simply because he dared to hold an opposing view. In the case of marriage, he dared to agree with the predominant view of marriage throughout human history. He presented his opinion and was immediately branded a bigot, and labeled persona non grata, while some have used his honesty as evidence that conservatism is dangerous, and a conservative Supreme Court will mean the end of America. But is that reasonable? Are we really ready to say that differences equal bigotry? Given that tolerance presupposes differences while calling on the parties to “tolerate” one another, are we actually seeing the death of tolerance at the hands of those arguing most loudly for it? What we desperately need is a timeout — a political ceasefire! — and a commitment to recognize what it means to be reasonable.

America, like every great civilization, was founded on the idea that reasonable people could reasonably discuss their differences while still respecting one another as partners in this thing we call humanity. Our founders recognized that, given the human condition, there will always be a desire to dominate and subjugate others. To curb this harmful drive they created checks and balances related to power, while guaranteeing certain rights and privileges to the rank and file. Of primary note were freedom to pursue our different religious passions, and the freedom to express our opinions without fear of reprisal from those with ruling authority. But it is apparent that these freedoms are currently being eaten away by those who no longer want to hear opposing opinions, especially those grounded in religious belief. One of the ways we are seeing this unreasonable way of thinking is in the labels that are being thrown around. For example, those who support traditional marriage are labeled homophobic, which conveniently makes it appear that it is fear (phobos, Greek for “fear”), not reason, that undergirds their opposition. But even the idea of labeling people on the basis of one opinion is overwhelmingly prejudicial and intolerant. If we give someone a pejorative label because they hold to an opposing view, can we really call ourselves tolerant? And if, through the use of pejorative labels, we erode any basis for discussion, can we really continue to say we are reasonable? Over time, I have come to understand that if the view I hold is right and grounded in reasonable truth, then it can withstand every critique and opposing argument. I can’t help but wonder about the strength of someone’s view if an opposing view brings about a scathing, almost childish response. Hmmm. It’s time to remember reasonable thinking is tolerant thinking, and it is always ready to hear and value an opposing view as long as that view comes reasonably, and with a sense of respect for the process. And maybe that’s the problem at the bottom of all this. We are steadily losing the virtue of respect for those with whom we differ. And, unfortunately, many are starting to call that reasonable. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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