April 2020 "Making the best of it"

April 2020 Supplement

Happy Easter!

Happy Happy Easter!

Easter!

At Neighbors, we are experiencing something we never thought we would see. As a result of closed businesses, Shelter in Place orders and event cancellations of all kinds, we are unable to produce a publication and distribute it for April 2020.

We have, however, compiled some very timely articles that we think you will find helpful, educational and perhaps even entertaining. We hope to be back next month with a new and exciting issue of Neighbors Newspaper – The Paper People Love to Read.

Meanwhile, have a blessed Easter Celebration!

Warmest Regards, Diane Simones I hope you enjoy these articles offered by people who want to help us all get through this time.

3.

Parenting - 4 Simple Steps: Talking to Kids about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

4. 22 Fun and Useful Skills You Can Teach Your Child During School Break 5. BUGS & HUGS by Professor Kidsbrary 6. The God of all Comfort 7. COVID-19 and Pets: What you need to know and prepare for during the pandemic 8. The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Grilled Cheese Sandwich 9. It is Not Easy Being Green!

10. Time to Escape – Take a Virtual Tour

Your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth.

Isaiah 58:8

4 Simple Steps: Talking to Kids about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By Traci L. Williams There is a lot of fear surrounding the Coronavirus and what it means for families. Some adults think the world is over-reacting and creating an unnecessary panic, while others think we are definitely in harm’s way and need to prepare for the worst. Considering this from a child’s perspective, you have to wonder what kids are thinking and how they feel as we march forward into the unknown.

Often we address the physical needs of our children, but forget to ask about their emotional needs.

Are you talking to your children? If not, they are likely watching the world and internalizing their thoughts and feelings. Right now, they need a safe person to share with; they need you. Here are four simple steps to create that conversation: Step #1. Don’t make assumptions. You don’t know what each of your children has heard, how their brain is processing the information and what fears they may have. Don’t assume they are okay or not okay. Check in and ask questions. Don’t push if they aren’t talking. Remain curious and interested in how they are doing. Knowing you are there will make them feel safe.

Step #2. Listen. Let them share everything they are feeling and thinking. Do not interrupt. Do not correct them. You are not clarifying details in this moment. You are simply finding out what is going on inside of them.

Step #3. Validate their feelings. Let them know you don’t blame them for being scared or angry or confused or sad; a lot of people are feeling that way. Thank them for sharing. Give them a big hug and hold them. Whatever they are feeling, validate it. Whatever they are needing from you, give it to them.

Each person experiences crisis differently. You don’t want your child feeling alone or afraid to talk. You want them leaning on you. This is one of your most important roles as a parent.

Step #4. Reassure your child. Share how you and the community are taking steps to keep everyone safe.

Be honest. Share only information your child is already thinking about. (That’s why you ask for their thoughts first.) Find out what causes them anxiety, and ease that fear. Let them know you understand how they feel, things are being handled, and they are in good hands.

Remember: • Talk often. These are not one-time conversations.

• This too shall pass. This is temporary. Be kind in the process.

• Focus on love. We all have a choice right now to focus on the fear or enjoy the time at home with family. Take care of preparations and then focus on your family. Catch up on activities and projects you may not otherwise have time to do.

• Limit outside information. For younger children, limit their news exposure on TV, radio and internet.

For older children who are online and connecting with friends, ask them to keep you updated on what they hear. This will create opportunities for conversations and allows you to process the information with them.

• Hugs and physical touch are reassuring.

• Be available regardless of what you’re doing (sleeping, working, etc.).

• Pray together. Prayer is powerful.

Before we know it, life will be calling us back to a fast and busy pace. Do you want that life again? Take the lessons that come from this event and incorporate them into your family’s lifestyle going forward.

What has your family been missing? What do you need to change? That is the silver lining. That is turning lemons into lemonade. Don’t miss the opportunity to use this for good. You can’t always control what happens, but you can absolutely control what you do with it.

Be safe. Be healthy. Be kind. Be patient. Be loving. Be there for your kids.

Traci L. Williams is the Founder of A Loving Way to Parent. She can be reached directly at 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com. www.alovingway.com

22 Fun and Useful Skills You Can Teach Your Child During School Break

by Nellie V. Hathorn Accipiter Marketing

Do you ever think about things that you would like to teach your child(ren) but you never really have the time to slow down the process, to break it down and teach them? Well, right now many of us happen to have a little more time at home than usual because of current quarantine and "distancing" restrictions, so I decided to come up with a "Life Skills List" which would be productive for my kids. They can carry these handy skills into adulthood. I happen to have a teenager in high school, a sixth grader in middle school and a fourth grader in elementary school and they found the list fun and it was great bonding time. Great conversations stem from our learning time together. I'm sharing this list with you in hopes that you may find it useful and entertaining too. Have fun with it and come up with your own "Skills List."

Stay Healthy Friends and Have a Great Day!

BUGS & HUGS

by Professor Kidsbrary

I went into my bathroom To run water in the tub, But looking down I saw a Spider, sitting on the plug!

He was scared I could tell Because he did not flinch, Even when I got too close He did not move an inch!

I tried to reassure him As I bent down on one knee, “I promise not to hurt you I just want to set you free!”

The spider started crawling Onto my waiting hand, “I bet you’d love our garden” He seemed to understand.

I gently set him down At last he could now roam, He spun a web, then took a nap I think he felt at home.

When I turned to walk away A worm looked up at me!

“It’s very hot on this cement, He said I’m not happy.”

“If I could feel the cool earth And roll from side to side, Like by a rock or under leaves In case I have to hide.”

And so, I took the little worm And sat him in the shade, With big plants for protection What a lovely house they made!

I suddenly noticed on my shoe And the bottom of my pants, Making their way up my leg Was a giant school of ants!

“We’re very sorry” said the ants “It’s just water that we need.”

“Well” I said “If you’re that thirsty, I will rush now, with great speed!”

Running through our sprinkler I giggled at the scene Not only did the ants get drinks, But a shower, made them clean!

Then laying down on the grass So, the sun could get me dry, Relaxed, I almost fell asleep Till a Bumble Bee flew by!

Trying to get some nectar From a flower next to me, She asked if I would help her For she was royalty!

She said “I am the Queen Bee And as head of the hive, I must bring back the pollen, To help the others thrive.”

So, if a cricket needs you Or an egg falls from its nest, Try to lend a helping hand And to always do your best!

WOW words Comprehension What does the word “flinch” mean?

Antonym Name a word that means the opposite of “asleep”

Rhyming Name a word that rhymes with “hand”

So, I picked a large bouquet Of every flower I could see, “Please take my gift” I bowed “There for you, your majesty!”

Synonym

There is an old wise saying That is meant for one and all, “Respect all forms of life No matter large… or small!”

Vocabulary

What is another word that means “giggled?”

What does the word “roam” mean?

WOW wisdom Being bigger than something else is very powerful thing.

But with it comes great responsibility too.

Responsibility means, to help someone or something. if we can help any living thing…we should! As we grow up, we are taught to help others in many ways. In our story, the bugs and insects, were very small and needed help from a child. The “hero” of this story comes to their rescue (helps) all the little creatures he meets. Have you ever helped a little bug? Or perhaps brought home a little kitten or puppy, that was lost? Did you ever water a plant that looked thirsty? Yes, they are “living” things too!

The God of All Comfort

By Pastor John Stewart 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Difficult seasons, difficult problems and difficult circumstances come into all of our lives at one time or another. But, in the lives of believers in Jesus Christ, perils and problems can serve as great motivations to pray and seek the Lord in a faith led and fueled by God’s Word and by His Spirit into finding steadfast hope in God’s promises! The Apostle Paul dives right into the faithfulness and strength of God in the face of life’s tribulations as he begins his second letter to the Corinthians. Corinth, a center for commerce and culture and a very strategic city in ancient Greece; like most cities then and now was in great need of God’s help and strength to rise above the ravages of sin and ungodly living which ruins lives and families, destroying communities. So, the Apostle begins by recounting to his readers in Corinth, the Glorious character, the unfailing promises and Almighty abilities of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”

Paul begins with the truth that, “God is blessed”. Part of the language of Christendom is this word blessed, a word we use in many ways. All believers are quick to acknowledge the blessings of God when our circumstances seem favorable.

But there is a greater blessedness, when we learn to appreciate that God is good all the time and His Goodness is an ever-present help even in troubling times! As Job declared: "... the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Interestingly Job’s declaration came after God had allowed his family to suffer greatly and all of his wealth had been taken away! It’s easy to say God is good, when things in our lives are humanly favorable, but God is good all the time, and our circumstances one way or another do not change this truth! God alone is able to cause all things to work together for good in the lives of those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Our hope is in God, not in how He chooses to show His goodness and faithfulness!

Secondly, Paul states that The God of the Bible is the "Father of mercies." The truth declared here is that true mercy proceeds from God, as He is the source of it in the lives of His children! It is His nature to impart mercy and compassion, as He originated it; or He is the source and fountain of it! God is the Father of true peace and true joy from which flows His abundance of mercy and consolation that cannot be enjoyed from any other source. This word "mercies" always in the plural, declares that God is the true source of all mercy and that He provides all types of mercies to His redeemed children. Therefore, in all of life’s difficulties, trials and troubles, God supplies tender mercies providing His comfort and caring for each of His redeemed children! Paul here intends believers to know and trust that God is the “originator” or the wellspring of all mercies.

Thirdly, Paul speaks of the “God of all comfort, Who, comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The Bible does not say God’s redeemed children will not have troubles. But God’s Word does promise that there is no test, trial, trouble or tribulation that is beyond the knowledge, caring and abilities of our Almighty Savior. God is neither sadistic or capricious; He doesn’t delight in the hardships His children face, but is their greatest source of comfort and help. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. As Isaiah declared “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” (Isaiah 59:1) Our Savior is never indifferent to His children’s cries for help nor is He ever overmatched by this fallen world’s trials and tribulations. “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Therefore, we can know and trust that God’s comfort is not just any kind of comfort! His comfort is not a worldly comfort or relief, but it is the highest and most effective Comfort there is. This is the comfort God alone supplies to His suffering, persecuted or similarly afflicted people. It is a comfort that is so powerful, that it not only comforts the souls of the troubled, but it makes comforters out of those once troubled souls. “God comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” God makes comforters out of the severely afflicted! His comfort is more powerful then human weakness, the world’s fallenness, and even the devil’s greatest opposition. God’s promised comfort doesn’t mean our lives will be without tests and trials, but it means that in Christ we can enjoy the same source of hope, peace and confidence enjoyed by Paul and his companions, and available to all God’s people who suffer for faithfully trusting, following and serving Jesus Christ.

Pastor Stewart is the Executive Pastor at Revival Christian Fellowship on Scott Rd. in Menifee. For more information about the church or to listen to messages online go to Revival.TV

PAWS Pet Advocacy, Welfare & Safety COVID-19 and Pets: What you need to know and prepare for during the pandemic

By Lauri JulianAs we face uncertain times, there is a lot of information as it pertains to people, but what do we need to know about how to prepare for the welfare of our pets?

First, it’s important to note that both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have advised that there is NO evidence at this time that companion animals can spread the virus, nor have they received any reports of pets or other animals becoming ill from COVID-19.

However, the CDC recommends restricting contact with pets if a person is sick with COVID-19 until more is known about the virus -- this includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. If someone is having severe symptoms and they are petting their dog, this can act like a contaminated surface for other people to get sick. If possible, have another person in the house who is not sick care for the animals. If that is not possible or you have a service animal, make sure to wash your hands before and after interacting with pets and wear a face mask. If you are ill, you should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.

There have been reports out of Hong Kong about a couple of dogs, belonging to people who tested positive for COVID-19, testing positive themselves. What does this really mean? In the first case, a 17- year old Pomeranian tested “weak positive” but had no symptoms or sickness related to the virus. The city’s agricultural and fisheries department has yet to determine whether the dog really got the virus, or it was just “a result of environmental contamination of its mouth and nose” (being in close contact with its owner). Sadly, after the Pom tested negative for the virus and finished its quarantine, it died two days after returning home. Some animal-welfare experts have suggested the dog’s death could have been caused by the stress of being quarantined and separated from its owner (especially with its advanced age).

A second pet dog in Hong Kong has tested positive after its owner was confirmed as being infected, but the dog showed no signs of disease. The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong said being infected is NOT the same as being infectious (capable of spreading the virus). Basically, if a person can transmit the virus to a dog, the dog may not get sick at all. And, there is NO evidence that any person has been infected by a dog. However, a dog who is pet by an infected person could act as a surface for transmitting the virus (which is different than infecting pet to person). Make sense?

Hong Kong’s department of agriculture urges pet owners NOT to be overly concerned and under NO circumstances should they abandon their pets. And The World Organisation for Animal Health, based in France also emphasized there was no evidence pets spread the disease, or even get sick themselves. “There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare,” it said.

How to prepare: Have a plan in place for your pets Develop a strategy in case you may not be able to care for your pets due to severe illness or hospitalization.

Contact a neighbor, your vet clinic and/or a local boarding facility to secure temporary housing in your time of need. If your pet requires routine care while you are sick, reschedule to a later date. If your pet requires immediate or emergency care, alert your vet clinic that you have been ill so they can take effective measures to protect themselves from exposure.

If you need to quarantine or shelter-in-place, make sure you have the following items for your pets that will last 2-4 weeks: • Food and water • Prescriptions and preventative medications (including flea, tick, etc.)

• Emergency and hygiene supplies You should always have a plan in place for your pets in case of any disaster. Here are a few tips: 1) Make sure family, friends, or neighbors who are willing to assist you have access to pet carriers and emergency kits as well as written permission to act on your behalf.

2) Keep vaccinations and preventative care up to date and give medical records and veterinary contact information to your pet's designated caregiver. Include microchip information and recent photos of you with your pet for identification.

3) Make a list of medications you give your pet(s) and how/when to administer.

4) If your pet or service animal becomes ill after being around someone with COVID-19, talk with the public health official working with the person -- they can consult with a public health veterinarian who can provide assistance to your veterinarian to ensure they are appropriately evaluated.

During the COVID-19 crisis and anytime, it is a good idea to practice healthy habits around your pets. They are part of the family and a source of joy and companionship in these trying times!

Recipe compliments of Temecula Olive Oil Order online at TemeculaOliveOIl.com

IN HER SHOES By Heidi Simmons

IT’ S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! HUMORIST HEIDI SIMMONS SHARES SOME “WACKY” WAYS TO GO GREEN… In 1976 Kermit The Frog, sang his little heart out with the song “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” Little did he know that the title… would define our 21 century!

Truth be known, I do my part “spending” the green, however (sadly) that is not what “Going Green” means. It’s about saving our planets resources and that my friend takes awareness.

The other day, I was having lunch with a dear friend at Panera Bread in Temecula. As I finished off my half of tuna sandwich and small cup of Butternut squash soup, I leaned back feeling very satisfied. Being told that the staff no longer clears the tables, I proceeded to get up and throw away my trash.

Big mistake…huge! In the old days (last year?) you would just dump your trash into one container, stack your tray and leave. Not anymore. This “ritual” has now become harder than knowing when Starbucks won’t be crowded. There I stood, like “a deer in headlights.” Before me were now, three places to toss my trash. All individually designated. The first one read “Recycle” the second, “Compost” and the third “Landfill.”

There I stood frozen in confusion. Finally composing myself (not composting) I thought, ok I can do this.

Let’s see now…my plastic cup and spoon, could go into the recycle bin. The leftover food was maybe compost.

I looked around to see if anyone was watching…then (like a hot potato) I flung it. Now the napkin…was it recyclable? Was it landfill? Just then an employee walked by, I asked her what goes into landfill? She replied smiling, “Things like pens, or things you can’t recycle!” Well, since I had no pens on my tray, (what?) I still didn’t get it. If nothing I had went into landfill…why was it there…taunting me?

Returning to the booth where my friend was waiting, I now looked down on my half empty tray and said in a low voice, “grab your purse… and let’s get out of here!”

Later at home feeling guilty, for not doing my part to go green, I went online to see if there were other things, I could do to save our planet. Believe it or not, I found five most unusual ways to go green.

1.

Save water, Take a sink bath. Ok, you climb up on the bathroom countertop and you stick your feet into the sink that’s filled with warm water. You wash your feet. I get it. But how do you do the rest of your body?

2.

Spread sawdust on your floor so the dirt won’t stick. How many trees will this save? Can you imagine your whole house filled with sawdust? Your family, pets, furniture, guest…food? Obviously, this person did not think this one through.

3.

After you wash your clothes, instead of using the dryer, air dry them outside on an “old fashioned” clothesline. Watch the birds come. See the bird droppings. Grab your clothes, wash off the bird stuff.

Repeat this process, again and again. why? because the individual (who thought this up) is married to the “sawdust” person.

4.

Save everything you have… so you can use it again! Junk mail for instance, use it to line your kitchen shelves, old spools of thread, remove the thread, boil them in hot water, then use it for dental floss!

5.

As we all know, batteries are very bad even for landfill. So, when using your T.V. remote control, don’t channel surf. Because every time you do, you take “juice” from the battery, which means replacing them sooner. The solution? Simple. Just keep your television on one station only. I strongly suggest the Home Shopping Network. And if you’re tempted to buy something, don’t feel guilty. You will eventually get bored with your new item and donate or re-gift it…doing your part to recycle once more!

About Heidi Simmons: With a background in women’s humor columns (A Single Thought / Her Say and Chic-Chat) she is now debuting a new one with Neighbor’s Newspaper, called In Her Shoes.

Time to Escape –

Take a Virtual Tour

By Taylor Pentz

During this uncertain pandemic, we find ourselves with a large amount of unrestricted time to spend planning our next adventures. And boy do I foresee a lot of travel plans in the near future. For now, I have researched other things to do to pass the time. My current intention is to brighten your days spent at home cooped up with loved ones with some ideas of how to feed your growing wanderlust while sitting at home in quarantine. After you get sick of board games, watched all the movies and shows on Netflix, or are just ready to spend some time experiencing something new, gather around your computer screen and get ready to be transported.

I never knew how easy it would be to travel until I was stuck at home. Do not worry, there’s no risk to the kind of travel I am telling you about. As long as you have an internet connection, your world is limitless! I discovered a new method of exploring destinations with ease and sparkling clear beauty. The first can be accessed through typing in virtualtours.city to your web browser. This will take you to a colorful page with destinations listed and a search bar above to set you free on a search of any location your heart has ever wanted to explore. All it takes is a few clicks and you will be on your very own at-home real experience of the world. I explored the streets of Mexico and France at my own leisure and actually felt that I experienced a real clear view of what physically travelling to those countries would look like. I experienced some day to day living; cars on the road, people walking by, grocery shopping, business as usual. I simply clicked through and got lost on the streets of France with no risk taken!

If you get tired of clicking your Airpano.com is the place to look panorama views of over 300 earth since 2006. The beautiful, to do a little clicking left and right earth. The 360 videos are even full scope of the sights and website. Visit beaches of Brazil, so much more.

mouse over and over and want to see more, next. Airpano boasts about over 4,000 places of interest through the corners of the detailed, and bright 360 aerial photos are great to explore the magnificence that is planet better! You can click all corners to take in the natural beauty available to experience on this landmarks of Russia, lakes of Portugal, among

Now that you have explored faraway landmarks and street corners from the comfort of your couch, maybe you are hoping for a closer look at some of the places you found to be the most interesting. Google Arts and Culture is your next online destination. To get there, type artsandculture.google.com and click on the explore tab up at the top right-hand corner. Here you have many choices of 360 videos to watch, view artworks close up, explore collections google has to offer, and even places to visit and some of earth’s most interesting sights up close and personal. Click around this wonderful section of google to find what suits you. You can tour art museums in Brazil, France, Italy, and Mexico. Click through the virtual tours of MoMa or the Louvre and see artworks and historical artifacts without leaving the comfort of your homes. I never knew how much of the world we could access with only a few taps of the keyboard and a few clicks of the mouse.

With a tool as vast as the internet and sites such as Virtualtours, Airpano, and Google our options are limitless and boundaries do not exist. Discover new and exciting places to explore and set goals for future physical travels. If we use our time well, we may all come out of this quarantine having learned something new and expanded our minds. Enjoy exploring our global community.

Hope to see you all next month!